Archive for the ‘US Immigration’ Category:

USCIS Updated filing fees from April 1, 2024

Immigration/Visa BenefitCurrent FeeNew Fee (April 2024)Fee Increase
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): H-1 Classification $460$780$320
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): H-2A Classification $460$1,090$630
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): H-2B Classification $460$1,080$620
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): L Classification $460$1,385$925
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): O Classification $460$1,055$595
Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker)$700$715$15
Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing) $2,500$2,805$305

Immigration BenefitCurrent FeeNew Fee (April 2024)Fee Increase
K-1 Fiancé Visa$535$675$140
CR-1 Spousal Visa$535$675$140
Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)
without Work or Travel Permits
$1,225$1,440$215
Adjustment of Status 
Form I-765 Work Permit (Optional)
$0 when filed with an Adjustment of Status$260 when filed with an Adjustment of Status$260
Adjustment of Status
Form I-131 Travel Permit (Optional)
$0 when filed with an Adjustment of Status$630$630
Adjustment of Status
with Form I-130 + Work and Travel Permits
$1,760$3,005$1,245

What Is Naturalization?

naturalization

For many immigrants to the United States, the journey doesn’t end upon arrival on US soil. Instead, it marks the beginning of a path toward citizenship through a process called naturalization. Naturalization is the legal process through which foreign nationals become US citizens. Once you become a naturalized citizen, you are granted all of the rights and privileges afforded to American citizens. What does naturalization mean?

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Can You Accelerate the Adjudication of Your Hardship Waiver Application?

hardship waiver application

The immigration process can be time-consuming, and it can be stressful to deal with the wait time when you are eager to come to the United States. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants to be as fair as possible, so you must have a special reason for skipping ahead of others who applied before you. What should you know about expediting your hardship waiver application?

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Who Is Eligible for a Family-Based Green Card?

Whether you are already in America and hoping to bring your loved ones here too or you’re hoping to take advantage of a family-based green card to immigrate, it’s critical to understand the rules surrounding these tools. Family-based green cards are designed to help reunite families and provide a pathway for close relatives to live together in the United States. Here is what you should know about who is eligible for a family-based green card.

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5 Signs of a Good Immigration Lawyer

Navigating the complex world of immigration law can be a daunting task. Whether you’re looking to obtain a visa, apply for citizenship, or resolve another type of immigration issue, having an experienced and trustworthy immigration lawyer by your side can make a world of difference. How can you choose the right immigration lawyer for your situation?

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Student Visa Reinstatement

As a F1 student on a student visa in the US, the student must always have a valid student visa during the duration of study.

The student can apply for reinstatement if she/he meet certain requirements such as:

  • Failed to maintain the terms of his or her immigration status; therefore, a DSO terminated the record as a result.
  • Will resume full-time study.
  • Can prove eligibility for reinstatement according to F-1 or M-1 regulations.

Reinstatement Eligibility, Regulations and Policy Guidance

In general, to be eligible for reinstatement, the student must:

  • Not be out of status for more than five months at the time of filing or show the exceptional circumstance that prevented filing in that time frame.
  • Not have a record of repeated or willful violations of regulations.
  • Not have worked without authorization.
  • Be pursuing or intend to pursue a full course of study in the immediate future at your school.
  • Not be deportable for any reason other than failing to maintain F-1 or M-1 status.
  • Be able to show that:
    • Circumstances beyond the student’s control caused the status violation.
    • Student fell below a full course load for a reason the DSO could have used to authorize a reduced course load, and the student would experience extreme hardship, if the student fails to get reinstatement.
  • Regulations for Reinstatement can be found on F-1 reinstatement: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(16).

If you need reinstatement, please contact the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence, LLC. on 410.986.0088, 443.352.3201 or email us at infor@elawrencelaw.com for legal help.

What Happens During Your Green Card Interviews?

Many people have the goal of obtaining a green card and remaining a resident of the United States. However, the process of getting one can be stressful and confusing. One of the most anxiety-provoking parts of the process is often the green card interviews. What can you expect to happen during your face-to-face meetings with immigration officials? How can you prepare? Read on to learn more!

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I-601A Provisional Waiver Update

Beginning March 4, 2013, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) instituted a new application procedure, the 1-601A Provisional Waiver, for certain individuals who would be subject to the three- or ten-year bars for having accrued unlawful presence when they depart the U.S. These applicants are able to file a provisional waiver of inadmissibility prior to leaving the U.S. for their consular interviews. The option to apply for the waiver before traveling abroad for a consular interview provides tremendous benefits to applicants. This process allows applicants with legal avenues to immigration status to avoid the risk of long-term family separation and uncertainty. 

The benefit of USCIS adjudicating the waiver in advance through this process, applicants avoid having to wait for adjudication of a waiver while abroad, and it allows them to avoid the risk of getting stuck outside the US if the waiver is denied. The provisional waiver is only a change in the administrative process, not a change in the law. This practice advisory will walk you through steps to determine if your client is eligible for the I-601A provisional waiver.

UPDATE: In August 2016, USCIS updated the I-601A Provisional Waiver process. Now, anyone who is statutorily eligible for a waiver of unlawful presence can use the I-601A process to waive the unlawful presence grounds of inadmissibility found at INA §212(a)(9)(B). The biggest change to the I-601A Provisional Waiver is the expansion to include applications from beneficiaries of all visa categories (not just those with U.S. citizen immediate relatives) who can show hardship 10 an LPR spouse or parent, in addition to U.S. citizen spouse or parent qualifying relatives. The applicant is still required to have an approved immigrant visa petition.

If you have questions regarding a I-601A waiver, please contact the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence, LLC. on 443.352.3201. 

What Happens If You Need to Stay Longer Than Your Visa Allows?

When you visit the United States, it is very important that you know when you are allowed to remain. If you stay longer than your visa for any reason, you can face serious consequences. However, sometimes accidents and emergencies happen and you may be unable to leave in time. What happens if you stay longer than your visa allows?

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What Is Temporary Protected Status?

One of the immigration terms that you may encounter is Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Temporary Protected Status can only be granted through the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and it is given to select foreign-born people who cannot safely go back to their homes for a variety of reasons. What is TPS, and could you be eligible for it?

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