POLICY & ANALYSIS
Application guides, policy context and the details behind immigration decisions.
This article addresses how to sign Form I-539A when a child under 14 applies for an extension of status. It explains that a parent or legal guardian must sign the applicant section on the child's behalf and may not leave it blank, offers suggestions on the interpreter and preparer sections, and cites USCIS form instructions stating that an unsigned or invalidly signed application will be rejected.
This article compiles methods reported by readers and an attorney for reaching a live representative after calling the USCIS customer service line at 1-800-375-5283, including responding to specific voice prompts, saying "infopass," and requesting an appointment change. It notes that some methods did not work in testing and mentions alternatives such as sending a message through an online account or by mail.
This article outlines the 60-day grace period for H-1B employees after a layoff, explains that changing to B-1/B-2 visitor status can allow a stay of up to about six months, describes USCIS practice since March 2023 of adjudicating expedited I-129 petitions together with pending I-539 applications, and notes that while job searching is allowed during B status, work may begin only after a new H-1B petition is approved.
This article outlines nine steps from PERM labor certification to I-485, covering job requirements, the prevailing wage determination, recruitment, Form 9089, I-140, priority dates, adjustment of status, biometrics and the interview, with the estimated timeframes stated in the source.
This article outlines common options for O-1 visa holders seeking to move to an immigrant category, including EB1A, employer sponsorship, EB2 national interest waiver, EB1B, EB5, and family or marriage-based sponsorship, noting eligibility requirements, forms, and process points for each.
This Q&A-style article outlines key O-1 visa points, including its purpose, differences from H-1B, the extraordinary-ability standard and supporting evidence, processing and premium processing timelines, dual intent limits, who may file and required documents, stay and extensions, O-3 dependents, fees, restrictions on freelance and additional activities, advisory opinions, early termination and material changes, and consular processing for J visa holders subject to the two-year residence requirement.
This article examines whether startup founders can qualify for the O-1A visa, explaining that it is for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, education, business, or athletics and that funding is not the key eligibility factor. It covers the requirement that an employer or agent file the petition and the need to meet at least three of eight evidentiary criteria, including awards, association membership, published material, judging, original contributions, authorship, high salary or remuneration, and critical roles.
This guide explains how to check your green card application status through online, mail, email, and phone methods, covering different tracking paths for I-485 adjustment of status within the U.S. and DS-260 consular processing abroad, as well as registering for electronic updates and inquiring about delayed applications.
Aimed at new immigrants, this article outlines the main differences between U.S. permanent resident (green card) status and citizenship, covering residence and work, social services, international travel, naturalization requirements, voting, passports and consular protection, eligibility for public office, family immigration, and duties of allegiance. It notes that green cards must be renewed every 10 years and that the residence period for naturalization differs for the general category and spouses of citizens.
This article explains that when applying for a green card through adjustment of status in the United States, Forms I-765 and I-131 are not mandatory, and analyzes the pros and cons of filing them together: the ability to work lawfully and obtain advance travel authorization to avoid termination of the application upon departure, versus the new fees effective April 1, 2024 ($260 for I-765 and $630 for I-131) and the extra paperwork.
This article explains the CSPA frozen age under U.S. immigration law, describing when a child's age can be frozen and how to calculate the CSPA adjusted age, including determining the priority date, approval date, and visa availability date, as well as the rules for using Chart A and Chart B in the calculation.
This guide explains two paths to a marriage-based green card: adjustment of status within the U.S. and consular processing abroad. It outlines each step, required forms, and approximate processing times, noting how factors such as the spouse's status, visa availability, and local offices affect the timeline.
