Green Card Services & Tools
Petition a Relative
for a Green Card
Prepare Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to request the availability of an immigrant visa for your family member.
Replace or Renew
a Green Card
Prepare Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, to replace or renew a green card.
Remove Conditions
on Residence
Prepare Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, to remove conditions and get a 10-year green card.
Apply for a
Green Card
Prepare Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, from inside the United States to become a permanent resident in the U.S.
OBTAIN A GREEN CARD
Adjustment of Status
Path for a Green Card
Consular Processing
Path for a Green Card
Adjustment of Status (I-485)
Processing Time Line
Petition for Relative (I-130)
Processing Time Line
MAINTAIN A GREEN CARD
How to Replace/Renew
a Green Card
My Green Card
Was Lost or Stolen
Green Card Renewal/Replacement
(I-90) Processing Time Line
Removal of Conditions (I-751)
Processing Time Line
I-485 Frequently Asked Questions
I-90 Frequently Asked Questions
I-130 Frequently Asked Questions
Green Card & Immigrant Visa Articles
I-485 Checklist for Family-Based Applications
Incomplete I-485 application packages may get denied. Review the I-485 checklist to make sure you properly prepare your adjustment of
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5 Tips to Avoid the Risks of International Green Card Travel
Travel outside the United States exposes permanent residents to some potential risks. Here are five points to consider when traveling
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Overview of the H-1B Green Card Process
Employer sponsorship isn't required for the H-1B green card process. There are other ways to become a permanent resident.…Continue Reading
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Immigration by Marriage: Your Options for a Spouse or Fiancé Visa
Getting married can be an overwhelming process, but determining the best path for immigration by marriage is no easier. This
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Everything You Need to Know about the Green Card Renewal Application Process
We provide a detailed overview of everything you'll need to know about the green card renewal application and filing Form
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Getting Help with the Instructions for I-134 Declaration of Financial Support
USCIS instructions for I-134 are limited on details. Get informative, step-by-step guidance on the requirements for each section.…Continue Reading →
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Expired Green Card Creates 5 Big Problems
You won't lose your permanent resident status due to an expired card, it but it will create some major problems.
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Starting the Family-Based Green Card Process
If you would like to petition (sponsor) a family member for a green card or you are a foreign national
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Obtaining a Waiver for the J-1 Home Residency Requirement
Sometimes a waiver can help certain exchange visitors remove the required 2-year J-1 home residency requirement when there's an opportunity
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What You Need to Know about Health Insurance for Green Card Applicants
Healthcare coverage can actually help certain applicants seeking permanent residence (green card). Plus, receiving government financial assistance for healthcare is
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Form I-130 Checklist for Spouses: Starting the Immigration Process
Filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for a spouse has additional requirements. Our I-130 checklist for spouses helps you
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Get a Work Permit While Waiting for Your Green Card
When adjusting status inside the United States, you may generally apply for employment authorization, also known as a work permit.…Continue
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What You Need to Know About Immigrant Visa Backlog at the NVC
The immigration backlog at the NVC has gotten bad. Here's what happened over the past year and what you can
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How to Upgrade an I-130 Petition After Naturalization
Did you recently naturalized as a U.S. citizen? If you petitioned your spouse and/or children for a green card as
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7 Steps to Apply for a Green Card from Outside the United States
The majority of foreign nationals who apply for a green card do it from outside the United States at a
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DACA Green Card through Marriage
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was meant to be a short-term solution when President Obama introduced it
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Renewing a Green Card After 2 Years
If you’ve obtained a 2-year green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or through a financial investment, you are
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Lost Green Card Abroad and Returning to the U.S.
A lost green card abroad can be a travel headache. You must have valid proof of your permanent resident status
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The 90-Day Rule and Adjusting Status to Green Card Holder
Under the 90-day rule, there’s a presumption of misrepresentation (fraud) if a person violates their nonimmigrant status or engages in
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33 Great Documents for Proving a Bona Fide Marriage on an I-751 Petition
When filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, a conditional resident and spouse must provide evidence that they
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Reasons for I-130 Denial and How to Avoid Them
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rejects or denies thousands of I-130 petitions each year. The reasons for an I-130
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Form I-130 Instructions for Preparing the Immigrant Petition
Although step-by-step guides through Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, can be helpful, they rarely cover the important or difficult
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Complete Guide to the Green Card Lottery 2024
The Diversity Visa Program, better known as the green card lottery, is a United States lottery system that grants up
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I-864 Affidavit of Support Sample for Green Card Sponsorships
Several years ago, CitizenPath launched an an innovative, online service to help our customers prepare Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
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Adjustment of Status Through a K-1 Visa Entry
The K-1 visa is for the fiancé of a U.S. citizen to come to the United States for the purpose
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Paths to Citizenship as the Widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen
The widow of a U.S. citizen may apply for a green card and even obtain U.S. citizenship. U.S. immigration law
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Pitfalls of Employment or School Abroad as a Green Card Holder
As the name suggests, permanent residence implies that the green card holder will live permanently in the United States. But
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Prove a Good Faith Marriage When Filing I-751
If you or your spouse recently became a conditional permanent resident through marriage, now is the time to begin documenting
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Green Card Process for U.S. Military Spouses
As a U.S. armed forces service member, you sometimes find love in the far corners of the world. There are
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Adjusting Status After Unauthorized Employment in the U.S.
You may be wondering if you can get a green card if you’ve worked in the United States without permission.
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Answers to Your Top 7 Green Card Renewal Questions
Permanent residents use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, to apply for the replacement or renewal of an
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Adjustment of Status Interview Checklist
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will likely require you to attend an interview if you applied to adjust status.
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Common Reasons USCIS May Issue a Family-Based Green Card Application Denial
Each year the U.S. government admits thousands of foreign nationals as permanent residents of the United States. Permanent residence is
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How to Get a Copy of Your Immigration File
The U.S. government’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows people to gain access to information held by the government. This
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Green Card Abandonment: Risks of Travel Abroad
There are several ways that you can lose your status as a lawful permanent resident. One of the most common
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Adjustment of Status Denial Due to Changes in Circumstances
When you’re preparing an adjustment of status application package, it goes without saying that you need to be eligible. However,
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5 Things to Do After Green Card Identity Theft
If your green card is lost or stolen, you may also be wondering about green card identity theft. Identity theft
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Getting a Green Card through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
Getting a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen is one of the fastest ways to obtain permanent residence
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K-3 Visa Process: Just a Mirage for Spouses?
The K-3 visa process was designed to help shorten the physical separation between a foreign citizen and his or her
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How to Write an I-751 Affidavit Letter of Support
When filing Form I-751 to remove the conditions on residence, the conditional permanent resident also needs to submit evidence that
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Do You Have a Valid Marriage for Immigration Purposes?
When immigrating to the United States through a spousal relationship, it’s essential to prove your marriage is real. Thus, it’s
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Common Reasons Form I-751 Gets Denied
Foreign spouses who marry U.S. citizens generally start with a conditional green card. The conditional status lasts for a period
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Fiancé Visa Interview Questions: What K-1 Visa Applicants Can Expect
An interview is an essential part of obtaining virtually any nonimmigrant visa for entry to the United States. But K-1
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How a Virtual Wedding Affects Your Immigration Case
For some couples, the traditional wedding is no longer practical. Virtual weddings are becoming more prevalent. This may be true
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Overcoming a Visa Denial Under INA Section 212(a)(4)
A visa denial under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) means that the immigration officer determined that
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Apply for Citizenship with an Expired Green Card
You’ve decided that it may be time to apply for U.S. citizenship, but you also realize that your green card
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Long-Term Immigration Solutions for Dreamers
Last year, the Biden administration unveiled a plan to provide a pathway to citizenship for approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants.
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Top 9 Questions About Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
Even many immigration lawyers consider Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to be one of the most confusing immigration forms. It’s
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The 5 Biggest Immigration Mistakes Even Smart People Make
The U.S. immigration system, particularly U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has a reputation for quickly denying applications when there
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Form I-130 Affidavit Sample for Spouses
When filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of a spouse, it’s necessary to submit evidence that you
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Green Card Renewal from Outside the United States
You are outside the United States. Perhaps you’re visiting family or traveling on business, and you realize that your green
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How Divorce Can Affect Your Green Card Status and Immigration Standing
Divorce can be a devastating life event. It’s emotionally exhausting, financially costly and can even affect one’s immigration status in
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5 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Spouse’s Visa Petition
If you’re planning to help a spouse immigrate to the United States, you’ll likely need to file Form I-130 (Petition
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Sponsor a Fiancé to Come to the United States for Marriage
There are different ways that a petitioner must sponsor a fiancé during the K-1 immigration process. They include the process
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Proof of Domicile on I-864 Affidavit of Support
U.S. immigration law (INA §213A) requires intending immigrants in family-based visa categories to show that they will not become a
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Special Considerations for TN Professionals Who Adjust Status
TN visa status allows Canadian or Mexican professionals within a certain set of occupations to work in the United States.
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How to Help a Parent Get a Green Card
To help a parent get a green card, the eligibility requirements are generally very simple. As the son or daughter
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How to Gather Vital Records and Criminal Records for your U.S. Immigration Application
When filing immigration applications and petitions, the U.S. government often requires you to submit supporting documentation for marriage status, familial
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Tips for Avoiding the I-751 Interview After Conditional Residence
It is possible to avoid the dreaded I-751 interview. No couple wants to visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
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K-1 Visa Interview Checklist: How to Prepare and What to Take to the Appointment
Although the K-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, the interview and requirements are slightly different that typical nonimmigrant visas. A
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Fiancé Visa or Marriage Visa: Which is Better?
When a U.S. citizen marries a foreign citizen, there are fundamentally two different ways for the foreign citizen to immigrate
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Advance Parole Travel with Adjustment of Status
The Advance Parole travel document permits reentry to the United States after travel abroad and preserves a pending I-485 application
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I-751 Waiver After Divorce: Filing without the Ex
Conditional residents that obtained a two-year green card through marriage will typically file a joint petition using Form I-751, Petition
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Sorting Through the Requirements for a K-1 Fiancé Visa
For the typical couple pursuing a fiancé visa (K-1), it’s their first exposure to the U.S. immigration system. It can
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Immigration Papers: Your Proof of Immigration Status
Having immigration papers, documentation or proof of your legal status is essential if you have contact with law enforcement or
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Marriage-Based Green Card: Obtaining Permanent Residence through a Spouse
Marriage green card is a common phrase used to describe a permanent resident card obtained through marriage to a U.S.
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U.S. Visa Appointment Wait Times and What to Expect at the Embassy
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa. The
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Getting Ready for the I-485 Interview
What to Expect at your Adjustment of Status Interview at USCIS First of all, don’t get anxious just because U.S.
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7 Common Questions about Getting a Green Card through Marriage
Marriage is one of the most common ways to qualify for a green card. The spouse of a U.S. citizen
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3 Ways to Petition for an Undocumented Parent
Nationwide, an estimated 16.7 million people are part of mixed-status families, households with at least one undocumented family member. Of
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Reestablish U.S. Domicile When Filing Form I-864
How U.S. Citizens Abroad Prove Domicile in the United States for the I-864 Affidavit U.S. citizens who are living abroad
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Applying for a Green Card After a Visa Overstay
The questions vary from, “Can I apply for a green card after a visa overstay?” to “What happens if my
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Best Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage to Support a Spousal I-130 Petition
To obtain a green card for your spouse, you’ll start the process by filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
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How to Do a Green Card Name Change After Marriage or Divorce
There are various reasons you may want to do a green card name change. Everyday people get married and divorced,
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How to Apply for a Family-Based Green Card
United States immigration laws provide a variety of ways to apply for a green card (permanent resident status). The different
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Financial Sponsor Needed for a Family-Based Green Card
An applicant for a family-based green card will need a financial sponsor in the United States before immigrating. Some new
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Green Card Interview Questions for Spouses
Preparing for your marriage-based immigrant visa consular interview The consular interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate is an important
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Benefits of a Reentry Permit for Permanent Residents
A permanent resident can generally travel outside the United States and return by simply using a permanent resident card (green
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Getting Ready for the Marriage-Based Adjustment of Status Interview
A foreign national spouse of a U.S. citizen who is also inside the United States can generally apply for a
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Adjustment of Status for Visa Waiver Program Entrants
As a general rule, foreign nationals who enter the United States through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may not adjust
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U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 Offers a Path to Citizenship for Undocumented Americans
Yesterday, the Biden administration unveiled a new immigration reform bill that could affect millions of immigrants and their families. Known
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Navigating the DS-260 Online Application for an Immigrant Visa
If you are applying for a green card from outside the United States, you will be preparing the DS-260 online
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Help a Relative Get a Green Card
As a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you can help a relative get a green card. The
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Why Immigration Visa Wait Times Are So Long
The reasons why visa wait times are so long and what President Biden will do to improve the processing of
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What Happens at an Immigration Medical Exam
An immigration medical exam is a necessary part of immigrating to the United States and becoming a permanent resident (green
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Form I-485 Denial from Bars to Adjustment
Immigration law (INA §245) allows certain foreign nationals who are physically present in the United States to adjust status to
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3 Things You Need To Know About Taxes Before Moving To The U.S.
Whether you are a temporary nonresident alien in the United States or you’re planning to move to the U.S. permanently,
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Renewing a Green Card after an Arrest
When renewing a green card after an arrest or criminal offense, be aware that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
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How to Get the Spouse Visa for a U.S. Green Card
A “spouse visa” in this article is a term to refer to an immigrant visa (green card) for spouses. The
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Basics of the Employment-Based Green Card Process in the United States
The United States receives more immigrants than any other country in the world. In fact, approximately 17% of the American
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When Your Green Card is Lost or Stolen
The green card (officially known as a permanent resident card) is proof of your right to live and work in
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How the Biden Immigration Plan Affects You
Truly significant comprehensive immigration reform is unlikely to happen during the first few years of a Biden administration. After all,
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LGBTQ Immigrant Rights and Green Card Opportunities for Same-Sex Couples
Over the last several years, LGBTQ immigrant rights in the United States have changed significantly. A progressive cultural environment and
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Biggest Mistakes in the K-1 Visa Process
The K-1 fiancé visa is one of the most requested U.S. visas. The U.S. Department of State issues the K-1
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5 Ways to Lose Permanent Resident Status
As the name suggests, permanent resident status is generally constant. It’s granted to people who intend to live in the
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Permanent Residence vs Citizenship: Does it really make a difference?
There are some significant differences between permanent residence and U.S. citizenship. While sometimes the terms get used interchangeably, they are
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Social Security and Medicare Benefits for Immigrants
Social Security and Medicare are two of the federally provided benefits that American workers look forward to as they retire.
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Form I-751 FAQs: Removing Conditions on a Green Card
If you received a conditional green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, you may have questions about how to
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Entering the U.S. on a Visitor Visa with a Pending I-130 Petition
The process to obtain a family-based green card can be a long road. While some eligible relationships may only take
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Has the Trump Green Card Ban Blocked All Applications?
You may be able to move forward with your application under several categories. Everyday life all over the world has
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National Visa Center Explained
The National Visa Center (NVC) is the part of the U.S. Department of State that performs pre-processing tasks for visas
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Visa Sponsorship and How It Works
In simple terms, visa sponsorship is when a family member or organization advocates for an individual’s visa. As the applicant
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Marrying an Undocumented Immigrant and the Immigration Hurdles
You can’t necessarily control who you fall in love with. If that person happens to be unlawfully present in the
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Unemployment Benefits for Green Card Holders and Other Immigrants
It’s happening to millions of Americans. And immigrants are no different. The COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent stay-at-home orders have shut
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Asylum Status to Green Card after Only One Year
Despite cutbacks by the current administration, the United States remains one of the top destinations for asylees. U.S. immigration law
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Determining if You Need the I-601A Waiver for Unlawful Presence
Many foreign nationals find themselves eligible for a green card but cannot finish the application process due to unlawful presence
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Green Card Renewal Denial Rate Explodes in Recent Years
Your chances of having a green card renewal denied are on the rise. In fact, based on U.S. Citizenship and
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Dual Intent Visas and the Concept of Nonimmigrant Intent Explained
A dual intent visa allows foreign nationals to be temporarily present in the United States with the intention of possibly
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Applying for a Mortgage with an Expired Green Card
Most home lenders won’t accept an expired green card — Here’s the solution. Officially known as a permanent resident card,
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Step-by-Step Form I-485 Instructions
Intending immigrants who want to prepare Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, face a challenge. The
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Green Card for Your Child’s 14th Birthday
When it comes to a 14th birthday, the best gift you can give is a new green card. Perhaps your
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Permanent Resident Card Renewal Instructions
The permanent resident card, commonly known as a green card, is proof that its holder is a lawful permanent resident
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