Law Publications And Articles

Free Legal Updates Sign Up

What Happens If Asylum Case Is Denied After The Interview?

Author: Asylum lawyer Alena Shautsova Under the Immigration laws, an asylum applicant has to first submit his/her application for asylum with the administrative body or Asylum office of USCIS. The form i-589 and supporting documents are being sent to the address specified in the instructions to the form, and then an applicant has to wait for an in ...

Change Of Status V. Adjustment Of Status

Author: New York Immigration attorney Alena Shautsova Change of status occurs one an individual who already is in the United States in a lawful status wishes to change it to a different non-immigrant status. A person is admitted into the U.S. according to the intentions he/she has and depending on activities he/she will be engaging in the U.S. Fo ...

Fighting Allegations Of Marriage Fraud

Author: Green Card Lawyer Alena Shautsova A government’s allegation that a person committed marriage fraud for the purposes of avoiding Immigration laws in the United States, permanently bars the non-citizen from any and all Immigration benefits in the United States. Consider a case, where a non-citizen first tries to obtain a green card through f ...

ESTA Travel Changes

Author: US visa attorney Alena Shautsova Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA allows citizens of certain countries to enter the United States without the need of a formal visa application. Recently, CBP updated its ESTA form to reflect changes to the Visa Waiver Program occurred in connection with the Terrorist Travel Prevention Act ...

240 Day Rule For Work Visas

Author: New York visa attorney Alena Shautsova One is authorized to work in the United States if his status permits him to do so (for example, an Asylee does not need a work authorization to accept employment or to be self-employed), or if he has an approved I-765 application (for example, L2 visa/status holders). A person whose status is pending ...

Don't Be Left In The Dark: Everything You Need To Know About US Immigration Physicals

Just like any other location in the United States, immigration physicals in New York City are conducted by Civil Surgeons designated by the USCIS. These trained physicians must follow the guidelines set by the US government to confirm if a would-be immigrant is medically fit to reside in the country. A lot of applicants are curious as to what to ex ...

U Visa Certification In NYC

Author: New York Immigration lawyer Alena Shautsova A U visa is a non-immigrant status that can be bestowed on a victim of crime who cooperates with the law enforcement in its investigation. A U visa provides a path for the permanent residency, and an authorization to work in the United States. One does not need to be in a legal status to apply fo ...

Changes To Visa Waiver Program

Author: New York Immigration Attorney Alena Shautsova Usually, to come to one country from another, a person would have to obtain a visa, or permission. Citizens of the United States may travel without visas to many countries, but for some countries they do need to obtain visas. Non-U.S. citizens usually have to apply for a visa before coming to t ...

Extending H1B Status After 6 Year Cap

Employment Immigration Attorney Alena Shautsova An H1B worker may stay and work in the U.S. for a total of 6 years only. It means, that upon conclusion of the 6 -year period, the H1B holder has to leave the U.S., and will not be able to qualify for another H1B visa, unless he/she spends 1 year abroad. However, recognizing the need of the U.S. emp ...

Religious Immigration: Qualifications And Requirements

Author: New York Immigration lawyer Alena Shautsova A worker in religious vocation may apply for an R-1 visa after a corresponding petition was filed and granted on his/her behalf. In addition, such a worker may adjust his/her status to one of a permanent resident using Special Immigrant Status Petition, I -360. Religious vocation as per USCIS is ...