10 Frequently Asked Questions about immigration [Part 2]

10 Frequently Asked Questions about immigration [Part 2]

If you have any questions related to immigration, call us today at (619) 746-8879

A few weeks ago, we shared with you a list of 10 frequently asked questions about immigration and since we thought there may be many more you may be asking yourself about this complex process, we decided today to create a new list with ten more questions and answers that you will surely find useful.

However, we know that it is impossible to answer each and every question about immigrating to the United States, and we understand that every situation is unique. This is why we encourage you to contact Kannan Law if you are in San Diego, California and need guidance throughout this process.

1. What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is a document that will allow you to live and work anywhere in the United States. Most of them need to be renewed every ten years and conditional Green Cards based on marriage or investment must be replaced after the first two years.

Read more about what public benefits a Green Card holder can receive.

2. What is the USCIS?

USCIS stands for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and it is part of the US Department of Homeland Security. It is a government agency that oversees legal immigration to the United States, it approves Green Cards, naturalization, work permits, travel permits and other benefits related to immigration.

3. What is a lawful permanent resident?

A lawful permanent resident is also known as a “Green Card holder” and it is a foreign national authorized to live and work in the country. They can also sponsor certain relatives for their own Green Cards and ultimately apply for US Citizenship.

4. What is a conditional permanent resident?

A conditional permanent resident holds a Green Card which is only valid for two years. Before their card expires they will need to file Form I-751 to remove the conditions on their Green Card and obtain a permanent one. This is the type of document that is issued to a spouse who has been married for less than two years at the time the first Green Card was approved.

Read more about how conditional permanent residents can now adjust their status on a new basis.

5. Can I work in the US while I wait for my Green Card?

If you have a valid work visa, such as H-1B or L-1 visa can usually continue working in the United States while applying for a US Green Card. If you don’t have a visa of this kind you will not be allowed to work until you obtain a work permit by filing Form I-765.

6. What is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is issued every month by the US Department of State and it shows which Green Card applications have gone forward in the process.

7. How long after my marriage can I apply for a Green Card?

Marriage-based Green Cards can take between 10 and 38 months to process. The time depends on whether your new spouse is already a US Citizen or a Green Card holder and where you are currently living.

Read more on how to obtain citizenship through marriage.

8. What is a fiancé visa?

A fiancé visa, also known as a K1 visa, allows the fiancé of a current US Citizen to enter the United States and remain in the country under the condition that they get married within 90 days upon arrival. After they get married, the spouse may request a Green Card based on marriage.

9. How much does it cost to get a Green Card?

The total cost of applying for a Green Card may vary, but “EFFECTIVE 2020” government fees for marriage-based Green Cards are $1,760 if the person seeking to immigrate is living in the United States and $1,200 if the spouse lives abroad. There are also additional fees that can add to the cost. 

10.  What are the reasons a Green Card could be denied?

There are several reasons for the US government to deny a Green Card. Some are related to mistakes on the required forms, missing documents, insufficient financial resources, or failure to demonstrate eligibility. 

This is why hiring an immigration attorney to help and guide you through the process is crucial, so that you do not waste time and money to reapply and to know exactly what documents you need to file.