tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37035390844830315592024-03-13T07:58:31.341-07:00Help With ImmigrationLearn about how to apply for a green card, U.S. work visa, marriage visa, citizenship and more. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225967522860557311noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703539084483031559.post-85207719951106280582015-05-05T12:40:00.002-07:002015-05-05T12:55:18.814-07:00How to Get a Family Member a Green Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMDxtLU5a34/VUkgGZHMKHI/AAAAAAAAAMY/RoY2kOcXUxY/s1600/green-card-for-family-member.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMDxtLU5a34/VUkgGZHMKHI/AAAAAAAAAMY/RoY2kOcXUxY/s400/green-card-for-family-member.jpg" /></a></div><p>Many green card holders in the United States hope to bring family members to the U.S. from other countries. This is often referred to as “sponsoring” when an employer or close family member files an immigration petition with the U.S. government to get a green card for their employee or family member. </p>
<p>For the most part, green card holders may sponsor a spouse or child to come to live in the U.S. If an individual becomes a U.S. citizen, they may be able to sponsor a parent, spouse, sibling, or child.
To sponsor an individual, the petitioner must show the U.S. government he or she has enough financial resources to take care of the expenses of the family member. </p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 style="color:black">Green Card for Family Member or Immediate Relative</h2>
<p>In the family preference category, eligible relatives to receive a green card include unmarried sons or daughter over the age of 21, married children of any age, and brothers or sisters. </p>
<p>There are typically two different procedures for obtaining a green card for a family member depending upon if the petitioner is currently in the United States or residing outside of the United States. </p>
<p>When the petitioner is residing within the United States, he or she may start by filing the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Once Form I-130 has been filed an approved, the petitioner may file Form I-485 to apply to register permanent resident or adjust status. </p>
<p>When the petitioner is residing outside the United States, he or she may start by pursuing consular processing. According to the USCIS.gov website, “Consular processing is when we work with the U.S. Department of State to issue a visa on an approved Form I-130 petition when a visa is available. In this process the Department of State will issue you a visa. If approved, you may then travel on the visa and will officially become a permanent resident when admitted at a U.S. port of entry.”</p>
<p>For more information, visit - <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/greencard" title="USCIS - Green Card" target="_blank">http://www.uscis.gov/greencard</a></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225967522860557311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703539084483031559.post-17138992869723891302015-04-22T12:19:00.001-07:002015-04-22T12:21:41.280-07:00Should the U.S. Limit EB-5 Investor Visas?<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Should the U.S.
Limit EB-5 Investor Visas?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnoVVCZy8WA/VTf0HULB2EI/AAAAAAAAAKw/-zDtWIgxjU0/s1600/eb-5-investor-visa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LnoVVCZy8WA/VTf0HULB2EI/AAAAAAAAAKw/-zDtWIgxjU0/s1600/eb-5-investor-visa.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The EB-5 Investor Visa typically allows for up to 10,000 foreign
individuals to obtain permanent residency status (or a green card) in the
United States. This type of visa is reserved for individuals who are looking to
invest at least $1 million in a new commercial venture or $500,000 in a
targeted employment area. <o:p></o:p></div><a name='more'></a>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The EB-55 investor visa program has the following key
requirements:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Amount of Capital</li>
<li>Type of Capital</li>
<li>Qualifying Investments</li>
<li>Job Creation</li>
<li>Investor Management</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is some controversy over the EB-5 investor visa
program however, since roughly 85 percent of recipients are Chinese citizens. In
some cases, a Chinese Eb-5 visa applicant may receive a green card in as little
as two years. Some individuals are beginning criticize the EB-5 program as a
way for Chinese citizens to have a fast-track to a U.S. green card. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are caps in place with respect to how many foreign individuals
can receive an EB-5 visa from a particular country. That said, Chinese EB-5
recipients often exceed the cap because the program is fairly unpopular in
other countries. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the flip side, some praise the EB-5 investor visa program
as a way to create jobs and stimulate the U.S. economy. A recent NBCnews.com
article described how the EB-5 program brought money into project including the
Hudson Yards in New York and the Hunters Point Shipyard in San Francisco. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what are your thoughts – should we begin to limit EB-5
visas for Chinese individuals, or open the flood gates?<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225967522860557311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703539084483031559.post-46328396368537142572015-04-08T08:38:00.004-07:002015-04-22T12:32:23.580-07:00Green Card Renewal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxUM4TNPtvQ/VSVNMSmQdnI/AAAAAAAAAKc/ONFtwa6n3qY/s1600/renew-a-green-card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxUM4TNPtvQ/VSVNMSmQdnI/AAAAAAAAAKc/ONFtwa6n3qY/s320/renew-a-green-card.jpg" /></a></div><p>Individuals who have a 10-year green card should consider learning about the <b>green card renewal process</b>, so they can keep their legal right to work and reside in the United States. </p>
<p>When a green card is about to expire, individuals are typically advised to initiate the green card renewal process at least 6 months before the green card’s expiration. This 6 month time window usually provides enough time for the greed card renewal to process to complete before the green card becomes expired. </p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 style="color:black;">How to Begin the Green Card Renewal Process</h2>
<p>There are typically two ways to begin the green card renewal process including by mail or online. </p>
<p><b>Renewing a Green Card by Mail</b> – To renew a green card by mail, individuals must apply by filing a Form I-90 through mail. The Form I-90 is usually referred to as the Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and it may cost a $450 filing fee.</p>
<p>If using the U.S. Postal Service to mail the application, it should be sent to:<br/>
USCIS<br/>
P.O. Box 21262<br/>
Phoenix, AZ 85036<br/>
</p>
<p>If using USPS Express, send to: <br/>
USCIS<br/>
Attention: I-90<br/>
1820 E. Skyharbor, Circle S, Floor 1<br/>
Suite 100<br/>
Phoenix, AZ 85034</p>
<p>Renewing a Green Card Online – To renew a green card online, individuals should visit the USCIS.gov website for information on e-Filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. </p>
<p>Here is the link individuals should visit: <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/uscis-elis/e-filing-form-i-90-using-uscis-elis" title="E-Filing Form I-90">E-Filing Form I-90</a></p>
<p>Individuals are typically required to pay a $450 fee for filing the Form I-90. </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225967522860557311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703539084483031559.post-88069839368739151812015-03-26T12:06:00.000-07:002015-03-26T12:15:34.235-07:00Is Governor Christie Against Immigration Reform?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bePT4pMoghE/VRRadmsXCXI/AAAAAAAAAKA/rT5Y_1aO65w/s1600/chris-christie-image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bePT4pMoghE/VRRadmsXCXI/AAAAAAAAAKA/rT5Y_1aO65w/s400/chris-christie-image.jpeg" /></a></div>
<p>Governor Chris Christie recently joined governors in three other states including Texas, Louisiana, and South Dakota in supporting a lawsuit against President Obama's amnesty program for undocumented immigrants. </p><a name='more'></a>
<p>While Christie did not join the lawsuit, he did argue Obama's policies should not take effect. This marks one of the first time Christie has taken a public position against Obama's immigration policies. </p>
<p>Christie's support of the lawsuit drew some criticism from Ari Rosmarin, the public policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey. </p>
<p>Rosmarin said, "Now, to see Christie enter himself as governor on to this brief with the likes of governors of Texas, Louisiana and North Dakota is really shocking and shameful. These are not New Jersey values."</p>
<p>Christie also received criticism from the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice for supporting the suit. </p>
<p>The group said in statements, “Governor Christie's support of this misguided lawsuit is further proof his political aspirations trump the needs and will of the people of New Jersey. This is a betrayal of our families, our communities, and of all New Jerseyans.”</p>
<p>The lawsuit alleges Obama's amnesty program would cause "irreparable injuries" to the states if the federal government approves the plan. </p>
<p>According to the filing, "The question presented is whether the president can unilaterally legalize the presence of millions of people and unilaterally give them myriad legal benefits, including work permits, Medicare, Social Security and tax credits."</p>
<p>With a presidential-bid possibly in the near future for Christie, it will be interesting to see how his stance on immigration reform progresses.</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225967522860557311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703539084483031559.post-43726131403361359582014-08-04T07:36:00.000-07:002014-08-04T07:49:56.144-07:00Types of U.S. Work Visas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://help-with-immigration.blogspot.com/2014/08/types-of-us-work-visas.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkCxZXmRz0M/U9-cbud4h1I/AAAAAAAAAHk/-jJ2AKMth8U/s320/u.s.-work-visa.jpg" /></a></div>Learning <strong>how to get a U.S. work visa</strong> may help some individuals qualify to live and work legally in the United States. The United States provides over 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas every year<sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3703539084483031559#sup1">[1]</a></sup>.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h2 class="black">
What are the 5 Types of U.S. Work Visas?</h2>
There are typically five different types of <em><a href="http://www.ameritrustlawgroup.com/areas-of-practice/immigration/us-work-visa/" style="color: black;" target="_blank" title="U.S. Work Visas">U.S. work visas</a></em> an individual may choose to apply for. These U.S. visas usually include:<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: green; font-weight: bold;">Priority Workers – First Preference (E1)</span><p>Priority workers usually fall within one of three categories including individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers and multinational managers or executives.</p><p>The extraordinary ability category typically only applies to individuals with skillsets in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.</p><p>The outstanding professors or researchers category typically only applies to individuals who have at least three years’ experience in teaching or research in their respective fields and are internationally recognized.</p>
<p>The multinational managers or executives category typically only applies to individuals who have been employed by the overseas affiliate, parent, subsidiary or branch of the U.S. employer for at least one of the three consecutive preceding years.</p></li>
<li><span style="color: green; font-weight: bold;">Persons of Exceptional Ability and/or Professionals with Advanced Degrees – Second Preference (E2)</span><p>The persons of exceptional ability and/or professionals with advanced degrees typically only applies to individuals who are within one of two subgroups in this category. </p><p>Individuals who have an exceptional ability must have a degree of expertise notably above those ordinarily encountered within the arts, science or business professions. </p><p>Individuals who have advanced degrees much have a degree beyond a baccalaureate degree or a baccalaureate degree with at least five years of professional experience.</p> </li>
<li><span style="color: green; font-weight: bold;">Professionals, Skilled Workers, and Unskilled Workers – Third Preference (E3)</span><p>There are three subgroups within the E3 or third preference group. </p><p>To fall within the skilled worker subgroup, an individual’s job may not be seasonal or temporary and the job must require a minimum of 2 years training or work experience.</p><p>
To fall within the professional subgroup, an individual’s job must require at least a baccalaureate degree from a U.S. university or college or its foreign equivalent degree.</p><p>
The unskilled workers or other workers subgroup applies to any other position which is not seasonal and does not require two years training or experience.</p>
</li>
<li><span style="color: green; font-weight: bold;">Special Circumstances – Fourth Preference (E4)</span><p>The special immigrants category includes a broad range of subgroups which an individual may apply for. </p><p>According the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3703539084483031559#sup2">2</a></sup> website, the EB-4 subgroups include:</p>
<ul>
<li> Religious Workers</li>
<li> Broadcasters</li>
<li> Iraqi/Afghan Translators</li>
<li> Iraqis Who Have Assisted the United States</li>
<li> International Organization Employees</li>
<li> Physicians</li>
<li> Armed Forces Members</li>
<li> Panama Canal Zone Employees</li>
<li> Retired NATO-6 employees</li>
<li> Spouses and Children of Deceased NATO-6 employees</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span style="color: green; font-weight: bold;">Immigrant Investors – Fifth Preference (E5)</span><p>The investor category typically only applies to individuals who want to invest in new commercial enterprises in the United States which promotes job creation.</p> </li></ol>
<br />
<hr />
<h4>Source</h4>
<sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="sup1">1</a></sup><a href="http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/types/employment.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Employment-Based Immigrant Visa">Employment-Based Immigrant Visa</a><br />
<sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="sup2">2</a></sup><a href="http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-fourth-preference-eb-4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Employment-Based Immigration: Fourth Preference EB-4">Employment-Based Immigration: Fourth Preference EB-4</a>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225967522860557311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703539084483031559.post-22978011838546649932014-07-31T13:42:00.000-07:002014-07-31T13:47:33.964-07:00How to Apply for a Marriage Visa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; float: right;">
<a href="http://help-with-immigration.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-to-apply-for-marriage-visa.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="How to Apply for a Marriage Visa"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acwOEn69DBc/U9qpnU_f19I/AAAAAAAAAF0/doUAEJeG6t8/s1600/how-to-apply-for-a-marriage-visa.jpg" title="How to Apply for a Marriage Visa" /></a></div>
A <strong>marriage visa</strong> may be able to offer individuals who are married to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents access to permanent residency status or green cards.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
If you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, there are typically two ways for you to apply for a marriage-based visa:<br />
<ul>
<li>If your spouse is a U.S. citizen – They must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust status<sup><a href="#sup1">1</a></sup>. </li>
<li>If your spouse is a green card holder – They must file Form I-130 and wait for a visa to become available. Once a visa is available, you may apply to adjust status to permanent residency using Form I-485. </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="black">Am I Eligible For a Marriage Visa?</h2>
Before <em>applying for a marriage visa</em> it is often important to review the marriage visa eligibility requirements. The three main eligibility requirements for a marriage visa include:<br />
<ol>
<li>You must be legally married to a green card holder or United States citizen<sup><a href="#sup2">2</a></sup></li>
<li>Your spouse must file a Form I-130 to begin your application</li>
<li>You must be at least 18 years of age in order to sign the required Affidavit of Support</li>
</ol>
Individuals should keep in mind there are factors which may cause you to be ineligible for a marriage visa. The factors which may contribute to an individual becoming ineligible for a marriage visa can include but are not limited to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Trafficking of controlled substances</li>
<li>Any involvement with terrorist activity</li>
<li>Currently practicing polygamists</li>
<li>Involvement with international sex trade or child abduction</li>
<li>Previously submitting fraudulent or knowingly false information</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>
Sources:</h4>
<a href="http://www.uscis.gov/family/family-us-citizens/spouse/bringing-spouses-live-united-states-permanent-residents" id="sup1" target="_blank" title="Bringing Spouses to Live in the United States as Permanent Residents">Bringing Spouses to Live in the United States as Permanent </a><br />
<a href="http://www.ameritrustlawgroup.com/areas-of-practice/immigration/marriage-visa/" id="sup2" target="_blank" title="Marriage Visa">Marriage Visa</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225967522860557311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3703539084483031559.post-55615318941493238512014-07-31T07:57:00.004-07:002014-07-31T13:45:24.931-07:00How Can I Get a Green Card?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; float: right;">
<a href="http://help-with-immigration.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-can-i-get-green-card.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="How Can I Get a Green Card?"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SaLaH9lEx6Q/U9padCe2IsI/AAAAAAAAAFo/Bnqz8dR0tQ4/s1600/how-to-get-a-green-card.jpg" title="How Can I Get a Green Card?" /></a></div>
"<em>How can I get a green card</em>," is one of the most common questions people ask about when trying to work in the United States. A green card can offer individuals who want to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis many significant benefits.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Green Card Benefits</h3>
<strong>Green card benefits</strong><sup><a href="#sup1">1</a></sup> typically include:<br />
<ul>
<li>The right to work at any company located in the United States </li>
<li>The right to leave and enter the United States without risk of being denied entry by an Immigration Official</li>
<li>The right to start your own business and/or corporation</li>
<li>The right to legally own property, cars, firearms and other items that any other average American does</li>
<li>The right to apply for Social Security benefits upon retirement</li>
<li>The right to sponsor a spouse and unmarried minor children under 21 to obtain permanent residency status</li>
<li>The right to apply for Federally-funded financial aid for education purposes</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="black">Ways to Get a Green Card</h2>
There may be a number of ways to obtain a green card, but these are the three options are commonly considered the most common <em>ways to get a green card</em><sup><a href="#sup2">2</a></sup>:<br />
<ol>
<li>Apply for a green card through a family member</li>
<li>Apply for a green card through a job</li>
<li>Apply for a green card through refugee or asylum status</li>
</ol>
Some individuals may be able to get a green card through the “green card lottery” or the immigrant visa program, but these are typically severely limited. <br />
<h2 class="black">
Green Card Eligibility</h2>
It is important to note, some individuals may not be eligible to apply for a green card. The United States has eligibility requirements an individual must meet prior to applying for a green card. These requirements include:<br />
<ul>
<li>You must be considered admissible to the United States</li>
<li>You must have an immigrant visa immediately available</li>
<li>Your immigrant petition must be filed and approved</li>
<li>You must examine the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and determine which category you may be eligible to apply under</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>
Sources:</h4>
<sup>1</sup><a href="http://www.immihelp.com/greencard/benefits-of-permanent-resident-card.html" id="sup1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Benefits of a Green Card">Benefits of a Green Card</a><br />
<sup>2</sup><a href="http://www.ameritrustlawgroup.com/areas-of-practice/immigration/american-green-card/" id="sup2" target="_blank" title="American Green Card">American Green Card</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225967522860557311noreply@blogger.com0