FAQ: What Are the Steps in Consular Processing?
There’s something great about lists. Here is a list to answer a frequently-asked question: what are the steps in Consular Processing? Here we’ll provide the steps in a case that goes fairly smoothly. The steps in a case with complications, or the steps in a poorly-constructed or poorly-managed case, can be quite different. Petitioner Submits […]
Deportation: What Happened to Jean Louis After He Got Bad Advice From Non-Lawyer
The story of Jean Louis is a sad, to be sure. Sad, but not uncommon, which in itself is sad. Jean Louis, a native of Haiti, entered the United States illegally. He later applied for asylum. While that application was pending, Jean Louis married a US citizen. Then, he sought permanent residence, by way of […]
The Dummies’ Brief Guide to Supporting Evidence in EB-2 National Interest Waiver Petitions
Below you’ll find a list of evidence commonly included with EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions. A word of caution: This list is not exhaustive. And, let’s not forget: not every NIW petition will need all this evidence. The truth is what documents you will or should include with your petition will depend […]
What Happens When USCIS Approves Your I-140 Self-Petition for the EB-2 Preference Category?
When USCIS approves your self-petition, USCIS will tell you of the approval, using Form I-797. If your petition indicated that you would apply for an immigrant visa abroad, USCIS will tell you of the approval and tell you that the approved petition has been sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC receives all […]
What Happens If USCIS Denies Your I-140 Self-Petition for the EB-2 Preference Category?
Can you appeal the decision? If USCIS denies your petition, you can appeal the denial. You can appeal by filing the Notice of Appeal. You must file the notice of appeal within 33 days of the date marked on the decision. The AAO will decide the appeal. The fee is $675 for filing the notice. […]
FAQ: I Married and Changed My Name. Do I Need a New Passport and Visa?
This is a common question from people who have recently married. Questions related to name changes are more important than many people initially recognize. We’ll briefly answer the question and then explain why the question and the corresponding answer are significant. So, do you need a new passport? The short answer to this question is […]
5 Fundamental Reasons People Sabotage their Own Immigration Goals Through Procrastination
In yesterday’s blog post, we noted that even though some individuals or organizations will receive the most persuasive reasons to start their immigration case, some of them will continue to say “I will do it tomorrow.” It’s as if they have a mental block, something akin to writer’s block for a writer or putting yips for […]
Why Your Immigration Procrastination Should Make You Question Everything
So many of us expect that opportunities or conditions available to us or our business now will be available in the future. Things can wait, we tell ourselves. I will still qualify for an EB-2 visa a year from now, you may say. Or maybe you say, I can still get a waiver after I finish […]
Visa Bulletin for February 2019
The Department of State released the visa numbers for February.[1] Final Action Dates for Family-Based Preference Cases The first preference category for all chargeability areas, China, and India all advanced one month to 22SEP11. The Philippines gained two weeks, to 15MAR07. The 2A preference category for all chargeability areas, China, India, and the Philippines […]
Why the Shutdown Makes You Wish for 1951–And Two Immigration Effects You May Expect
How long will the shutdown go on? There is good reason to think the shutdown could last for several months or longer. Probably a long time, for many more weeks or months. Why? Let’s go back to 1951. There was a shocking scene that year in Madison Square Garden, the famous New York City arena. […]