Category: Green Cards

U.S. employers often assign U.S.-based employees to work in overseas operations as “expatriates.”  Not only can the costs of sending employees on overseas assignments be significant, but managing the process can be time consuming and confusing for employers. Of particular concern is resolving questions

Starting at noon (EDT) on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, the Dept. of State will begin accepting applications for the 2014 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.  The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is administered annually to allow a class of immigrants known as “diversity immigrants” to immigrant to the U.S. The diversity immigrants are ones who otherwise may […]

Wellness programs are all the rage and could be the future of many employers’ benefit programs.  This is especially true given the skyrocketing costs of health care and prescription drugs, the uncertainly created due to health care reform (PPACA), and reported unhealthy behavior trends among adults in the United States. I receive calls every week […]

Q.  Can I prepare an immigration petition by myself? A.  The CIS website contains a wealth of information regarding various nonimmigrant classifications, forms, fees, regulations and policies.  However, to the layperson, navigating and interpreting this information correctly can sometimes prove to be difficult.  In fact, U.S. Immigration regulations are one of the most complex areas […]

While the vast majority of U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents and Conditional Residents (green card holders) reside permanently in the U.S. after obtaining their status, there are instances when an individual may need to spend an extended period of time outside the U.S.   A good rule of thumb to follow is if you plan to be […]

Sample ASC I485 – Click the link to the left to view the document.

An application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485), which has been filed with CIS, requires that the individual applicant (and in some instances, the spouse) be interviewed prior to adjudication. For many people, the prospect of being interviewed by an immigration officer can be stressful.  However, for those who are prepared, an immigration interview should be […]

Many applications which have been filed with CIS require that a comprehensive record check be conducted on the individual applicant prior to adjudication and/or interview.  CIS captures an applicant’s biometrics via electronic fingerprinting and a criminal and immigration records search is then conducted.  For many people, the prospect of being fingerprinted can be stressful.  However, […]

An applicant for an immigrant visa must be interviewed at a U.S. consulate abroad prior to permanent residency (immigrant visa) being issued.  Typically these applications are based on a previously approved family or employment-based petition. For many people, the prospect of being interviewed by a consular officer can be stressful.  However, for those who are […]

Sample ASC Biometrics Appointment Notice – Click on the link to the left ot view the document.