At Chodorow Law Offices, we put families first. Immigration may be 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 abroad 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
Form I-864, Affidavit of Support: Help Center
Welcome to the Affidavit of Support Help Center. If you feel that you need some help with the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, you are not alone. 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.
Utah Marriage Over Zoom Is Valid for U.S. Immigration Purposes Once Consummated
ContentsIs a Utah Video Conference Wedding Really 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…
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…
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.
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.
Introduction 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.
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…
Recent Articles on Family Immigration
Updated USCIS Processing Times for I-130s and I-129Fs
ContentsSummaryMethodologyTable 1: Processing Times for standalone I-130s for immediate relatives and I-129FsTable 2: Numbers of immediate relative I-130s received, approved, denied, and pending at each service center Summary 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…
Biden’s Parole in Place Announcement: Momentous, or Too Little Too Late?
ContentsEligibility for Parole in PlaceApplication ProcessHow Did We Get Here? From IIRIRA to NowMomentous, or Too Little Too Late? President Biden announced this morning that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will “take action” to allow certain undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply to remain legally in the U.S. with work authorization and, subsequently,…
Beware of Immigration Scams Related to Biden’s Parole in Place Announcement
Despite the excitement about new White House immigration announcement regarding immigration relief for certain undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens, it is more important than ever to seek advice from a qualified immigration attorney or an accredited representative about your specific situation. BE PATIENT and take the time to find the right help. Details…
DHS Fact Sheet on Parole in Place for Certain Undocumented Spouses and Children of U.S. Citizens
President Biden announced this morning that the Department of Homeland Security will “take action” to allow certain undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply to remain legally in the U.S. with work authorization and, subsequently, apply for adjustment of status, becoming lawful permanent residents. DHS has released a Fact Sheet with further details. The full…
President Biden Announces Parole in Place for Certain Undocumented Spouses and Children of U.S. Citizens
President Biden announced this morning that the Department of Homeland Security will “take action” to allow certain undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply to remain legally in the U.S. with work authorization and, subsequently, apply for adjustment of status, becoming lawful permanent residents. The full text of the announcement is reproduced below.…
Getting China Notarial Certificates for Your U.S. Immigration Case
ContentsIntroductionWhat is “Notarization” in China?At Which Notary Office Should You Apply?What Evidence of Identity Do You Need?What Are the Application Procedures?Can Someone Else Get the Certificates for You?What Are the Key Parts of the Notarial Certificate Booklet?The Various Certificates Needed for U.S. ImmigrationBirth CertificateCertificate of No Criminal RecordMarriage CertificateDivorce CertificateDeath Certificate of Prior SpouseMilitary RecordsCustody…