Is It Necessary to Be Sponsored by an Employer?

An individual does not necessarily have to be sponsored by an employer if he or she qualifies for the national interest waiver or has an extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim.

If I’m a foreign national studying in the U.S., can I stay within the country following graduation?

To stay in the country following graduation, a student will need to obtain an H-1B temporary worker visa. Typically, graduates who work in a specialty field (such as a medical professional or engineer) will be able to obtain this visa with ease. To ensure that this process moves smoothly, it is recommended that students apply for this visa as early as possible to avoid penalties.

If I become a citizen, what are the privileges that I will experience?

There are three primary privileges that citizens can experience. These include being able to vote in local, state and national elections; having the ability to obtain a passport; and sponsoring relatives in their efforts to become a permanent resident.

Why Would a Green Card Application Be Denied?

In some cases, a green card application will be denied due to mistakes on important forms, a lack of sufficient evidence of eligibility, missing documents, or a variety of other reasons.

How Much Does a Green Card Cost?

The total cost of a green card application will vary depending on the specifics of the case. An attorney can give you a more exact estimate of what your case will entail.

How do You Apply For Asylum?

You must submit an I-589 form to apply for asylum. If you are in removal proceedings, meaning that you have a hearing with an Immigration Judge scheduled, your asylum application must be submitted to the Immigration Court. If you are not in removal proceedings the application must be submitted to USCIS. In most cases, an asylum application must be filed within one year of your date of entry to the United States. A successful application must show the applicant fears persecution in their home country due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Asylum cases tend to be very complex and require extensive evidence. It is recommended to contact an attorney before filing an application due to how complicated these cases are.

Can You Work While Waiting on a Green Card?

If you have a valid H-1B or L-1 visa, you can continue working in the U.S. even while waiting on approval for a green card. Green card applicants are not able to start working in the United States without one of those Visas until they obtain a work permit by filing an I-765.

What Should You Do if Your Visa Expires?

There are a number of visas available to foreign nationals wishing to permanently immigrate to the United States depending on their current status. If you are a foreign national engaged to a U.S. citizen there is a fiancé visa, if you are related to a U.S. citizen and wish to immigrate there are family visas, a work visa if you are experienced in a particular field or industry, and more.

What Type of Visa do You Need to Become a Permanent Resident of the US?

There are a number of visas available to foreign nationals wishing to permanently immigrate to the United States depending on their current status. If you are a foreign national engaged to a U.S. citizen there is a fiancé visa, if you are related to a U.S. citizen and wish to immigrate there are family visas, a work visa if you are experienced in a particular field or industry, and more.