At Chodorow Law Offices, we put families first. If immigration is mission critical for your family, we understand. We have the legal expertise you need. And we are sensitive to the time pressures you may face.
Did you know, that unlike many immigration lawyers, we focus on visa processing at U.S embassies and consulates? We help clients at consulates worldwide. And if your relative is in China, we have unparalleled experience and resources on the ground for representing clients before the international USCIS offices, U.S. Embassy Beijing, and the U.S. Consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, and Hong Kong. We make it our business to know each consulate’s policies, practices, and procedures.
Highlights
Utah Virtual Marriage Is Valid for U.S. Immigration Purposes Once Consummated
ContentsIs a Utah Virtual Wedding a “Proxy” Marriage?The Consummation RequirementConcluding ThoughtsFurther Reading Generally speaking, a proxy marriage is a wedding in which one or both of the individuals being united are not in the physical presence of the officiant. An absent party may be represented by another person (“proxy”). Historically, some reasons for proxy marriage have included separation…
Applying for a B1/B2 (Visitor) Visa as the Spouse of a U.S. Expat
I’ve been asked several times today about how the spouse of a U.S. citizen expat can apply for a B1/B2 (visitor for business or pleasure) visa. The question typically goes something like this: I am a U.S. citizen. I have lived in China for 5 years. My wife has been denied a U.S. tourist visa…
Guide to Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
A spouse who immigrates based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident will be granted conditional resident (CR) status if, at the time of admission as an immigrant, the marriage is less than two years old.
Help Center for Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
Welcome to our law firm’s Help Center for the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. You are not alone if you find the form’s requirements and procedures confusing. Technical errors with the Form I-864 are among the most common reasons for denial of permanent residence applications.
K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Guide
This article covers the requirements and procedures to apply for a K-1 visa, as well as the terms and conditions of K-1 status. Also covered are the rules for the fiancé(e)’s unmarried children under age 21 to apply for K-2 visas.
Choosing the Best Visa Strategy for a Fiancée or Spouse: K-1, K-3, or CR1/IR1 Immigrant Visa?
A U.S. citizen planning to file a visa petition for a foreign fiancée or spouse who is outside the U.S. may have various strategies to choose from. The most common options are the K-1 fiancée visa, the K-3 visa, and the CR1/IR1 immigrant visa. This article analyzes the factors to be considered in choosing among…
Guide to Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
Contents1. Introduction1.1 Scope of This Guide1.2 Derivative BeneficiariesWhat is a Derivative Beneficiary?Should an LPR File a Separate I-130 for a Child?1.3 Conditional Resident Status1.4 Preference Categories, State Department and USCIS Classifications2. Requirements: I-130 for Spouse2.1 The Petitioner Must Be a U.S. Citizen or LPR2.2 The Petitioner Must Not Have Been Convicted of Specified Offenses against…
How to Read the State Department Visa Bulletin
Under U.S. immigration law, there is an annual quota on the number of persons who may be granted lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in any category. The monthly Visa Bulletin explains to whom an immigrant visa number is immediately available.
Quick Reference to Family Immigration
Both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (also known as LPRs or green card holders) can petition for family members to immigrate.
Recent Articles on Family Immigration
Communist Party Membership or Affiliation: Ineligibility for Permanent Residence and Naturalization, Exceptions and Waivers
Contents1. Introduction2. Brief History3. Ineligibility for Permanent ResidenceA. Scope of InadmissibilityParty MembershipMembership in Affiliated OrganizationsAffiliation with the Party or Other Proscribed OrganizationStatute and RegulationsForeign Affairs ManualUse of a Diplomatic, Special, or Service PassportUSCIS Policy ManualB. Exceptions to InadmissibilityTermination of MembershipInvoluntary AssociationNon-Meaningful AssociationC. Waiver of Inadmissibility4. Ineligibility for Citizenship 1. Introduction The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)…
Updated USCIS Processing Times for I-130s and I-129Fs
This article focuses on processing times for Forms I-130 (Petitions for Alien Relatives) on behalf of immediate relatives (i.e., spouses, parents, and children under age 21) and Forms I-129F (Petitions for Alien Fiancé(e)s) who will apply for their visas at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad.
State Dep’t Pauses Immigrant Visas for Nationals of 75 Countries “At High Risk of Public Charge Usage”
In Dec. 2015, at a campaign rally in South Carolina, Trump called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States” until representatives could “figure out what the hell is going on”. Now, President Trump has repeated the same play with respect to the “public charge” ground of inadmissibility. The State Department announced…
How to Prove a China Birth Certificate Is Unobtainable for U.S. Immigration Purposes
This article discusses what to do if a China notarial birth certificate (NBC) is unobtainable, in that an application for the NBC has been denied for reasons that cannot be overcome.
Why Expert Opinions Matter in Immigration Cases
ContentsWhy Expert Legal Opinions Matter in Immigration CasesWhat Is an Expert Opinion?Why Expert Opinions Carry Special Weight1. Immigration Officers Are Not Experts in Foreign Law or Specialized Fields2. Expert Opinions Translate Facts Into Legal Relevance3. Expert Evidence Enhances Credibility and Reduces SubjectivityExamplesAttorneys Qualified to Opine on Foreign Family LawForeign Criminal Law Expert Analyzing a Prior…
Following National Guard Shooting, Immigration Restrictions Imposed on Nationals from 19 “Countries of Concern” (Dec. 3 Update)
Under a new policy, USICS officers adjudicating benefit applications will consider as a "significant negative factor" that the applicant's country shares insufficient vetting and screening information with the United States.