Guide to Reentry Permits
If you are a U.S. lawful permanent resident (LPR), there are at least three situations where applying for a reentry permit may be beneficial: (a) if you will be abroad for one year or more; (b) if you will be abroad for more than six months for two consecutive years; and (c) if you have…
Best Practices for Protecting Your Permanent Resident Status from an Accusation of Abandonment
LPR status can be lost by making a trip abroad that's not "temporary." Learn best practices for keeping your green card and what to do if problems arise.
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…
Expeditious Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens Employed Abroad under Section 319(b)
Are you the spouse of a U.S. citizen employed abroad by a U.S. company, the U.S. government, an international organization, a research institution, or a religious organization? You may be eligible for expeditious naturalization. Chodorow Law Offices can help:
Immigrant Visa Guide
This Guide provides an overview of the requirements and procedures to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa.
Can I Enter the U.S. as a Visitor Then File a Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status?
Can you enter the U.S. as a visitor, then become a lawful permanent resident (LPR), i.e., green card holder, by filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) a Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, instead of waiting abroad for an immigrant visa appointment?
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…
Issues for U.S. Expats Filing a Form I-130, Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative
Here’s a reader’s question: I am a U.S. citizen and have been living outside the U.S. for almost four years for study. I got married a year ago and would like to apply for my husband to immigrate. My question is, can I apply for him while I am outside the U.S.? I have not finished…
Guide to Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship by Birth Abroad
This article discusses the requirements and procedures for a child born abroad to automatically acquire U.S. citizenship at birth. In such cases, the child may apply for a U.S. passport, consular report of birth abroad (CRBA), and/or certificate of citizenship.
Can I Visit the U.S. While Waiting for My Immigrant Visa?
Here’s a question I’m often asked: I am married to a U.S. citizen. He has started the process for me to get a green card by filing a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Once it’s approved by USCIS, I will apply for an immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy in my home country. Can…