It is not uncommon for foreign nationals visiting the United States to decide to remain to pursue studies. However, a visitor (B-1 or B-2 visa holder) generally cannot attend school before changing to student status. The recommended process for changing from B to F or...
Topic: Immigration Articles
Sponsoring a Spouse or Fiancé(e) for a Green Card or K Visa
Foreign spouses of U.S. citizens are eligible for permanent residence (green card) based on a valid marriage without being subject to a quota category. The only delay they face in obtaining permanent resident status is due to processing times. By contrast,...
Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility
Under INA Section 212(a)(4), an individual seeking admission to the United States or seeking to adjust status to that of an individual lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card) is inadmissible if the individual, “at the time of application for admission...
How to Avoid Abandoning Your Green Card
You have many rights and obligations as a permanent resident (green card holder) that are important to remember and to understand. Not following the guidance below can result in the loss of your green card through abandonment. You have the right to: Live permanently...
Information for New Permanent Residents
Congratulations! Now that you are a legal permanent resident (“LPR”) or conditional permanent resident (“CPR”), or green card holder, you may have questions regarding your new immigration status. This article aims to provide you with answers to some common questions....
Green Card Strategies for Physicians
The permanent resident (green card) process for physicians consists of two basic steps: an immigrant visa petition, either Form I-140 for employment-based petitions or Form I-130 for family-based petitions; and an adjustment of status application, Form I-485. For a...
The PERM Labor Certification Process Explained
PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) is an electronic process for filing labor certification applications for permanent employment-based immigration. Under the PERM system, the labor certification filings are almost entirely filed electronically and directly...
O-1B Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability in the Arts
O-1 visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in several different categories, including the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, and motion pictures and television. The O-1B visa category is specifically reserved for...
Nonimmigrant Visas for Travel and Re-entry to the U.S.
This memo outlines the general process for obtaining a visa for travel and re-entry into the United States after receipt of a nonimmigrant visa petition approval. Nonimmigrant Visa (“NIV”) issuance generally requires an application and in-person interview at a U.S....
Employing Physicians of National or International Renown
Clinical physicians seeking H-1B nonimmigrant visas typically must show that they have earned an MD or foreign medical degree; passing USMLE scores; ECFMG certification or English language competency; and a medical license in the state of intended employment....
