Q1: Who can sponsor a family member for a green card?
A: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can sponsor certain relatives. U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, parents, children, and siblings. Green card holders can sponsor spouses and unmarried children.

Q2: What is the difference between a K-1 fiancé visa and a marriage-based green card?
A: The K-1 visa allows a foreign fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. to marry the petitioner within 90 days. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card. A marriage-based green card petition is for spouses already married.

Q3: How long does it take to process family-based green card petitions?
A: Processing times vary widely depending on the relationship and country of origin. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens usually take 10-14 months, while siblings can take 10+ years due to visa quotas.

Q4: Can I work while my family-based green card application is pending?
A: If you file for adjustment of status within the U.S., you may apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) while waiting for your green card.

Q1: What is the difference between immigrant and non-immigrant visas?
A: Immigrant visas lead to lawful permanent residency (green cards). Non-immigrant visas are temporary and allow travel, work, or study for a specific period.

Q2: What types of non-immigrant work visas do you handle?
A: We assist with H-1B (specialty occupation), L-1 (intra-company transferee), O-1 (extraordinary ability), E-1/E-2 (treaty trader/investor), P visas (performers/athletes), and more.

Q3: Can I extend or change my non-immigrant visa while in the U.S.?
A: Yes, in many cases you can apply to extend your stay or change to a different visa category without leaving the U.S., subject to eligibility.

Q4: What is a visa bulletin and why is it important?
A: The visa bulletin is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State and shows visa availability by category and country. It impacts how long you must wait for a visa number.

Q1: What is the PERM labor certification process?
A: PERM is the first step for many employment-based green cards. It requires the employer to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.

Q2: What employment-based green card categories exist?
A: EB-1 (extraordinary ability/professors), EB-2 (advanced degree/professionals), EB-3 (skilled/unskilled workers), EB-4 (special immigrants), EB-5 (investors).

Q3: How long does the employment green card process take?
A: It varies by category and country. Some categories have backlogs that may add years to the wait.

Q4: Can startups sponsor foreign workers?
A: Yes, but the company must meet certain financial and operational requirements. We advise on structuring your business and petitions.

Q1: Who qualifies for asylum or refugee status?
A: Individuals who face persecution or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Q2: What are T and U visas?
A: T visas protect victims of human trafficking, while U visas protect victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.

Q3: What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
A: SIJS protects children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected, allowing them to apply for lawful permanent residence.

Q4: How does the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protect immigrants?
A: VAWA allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or green card holders to self-petition for status without the abuser's knowledge.

Q1: What happens if I receive a Notice to Appear (NTA)?
A: It means the government intends to start removal proceedings against you. You should immediately seek legal counsel to defend your case.

Q2: What defenses exist against removal?
A: Possible defenses include cancellation of removal, asylum, adjustment of status, withholding of removal, and more.

Q3: Can I apply for bond while in removal proceedings?
A: Yes, depending on your circumstances, you may request bond to be released from detention.

Q1: When do I need a waiver?
A: If you are inadmissible to the U.S. due to prior immigration violations, criminal convictions, health issues, or other grounds, you may need a waiver.

Q2: How do I apply for a waiver?
A: Waiver applications are often filed with USCIS or consular offices; the process requires demonstrating hardship to qualifying relatives or other criteria.