Frequently Asked Questions

A family-based petition allows a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (LPR) to sponsor certain family members to obtain lawful permanent residency in the U.S., which is often referred to as getting a green card.

U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children (married or unmarried, and of any age), parents (if the sponsoring citizen is at least 21 years old), and siblings. Legal permanent residents can sponsor spouses and unmarried children of any age.

Processing times vary based on the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary, the country of origin, and the current backlog of applications. It is best to consult with our firm for up-to-date timelines.

Naturalization is the process by which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as a certain period of residency and physical presence in the U.S., good moral character, and proficiency in English and U.S. government knowledge, among others.

Generally, applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for naturalization. There are exceptions for certain military members.

Yes. The United States recognizes the immigration rights of same-sex couples. A U.S. citizen or LPR in a same-sex marriage can sponsor their spouse for immigration benefits, just as opposite-sex couples can.

SIJS stands for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. It provides certain undocumented minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent with a path to lawful permanent residency.

As of my last update in September 2021, DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a policy that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to eligible undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as children. The status and specifics of DACA may have changed after 2021, so it is advisable to check with an immigration attorney or official sources for current updates.

As of 2021, DACA recipients are generally required to renew their status every two years. However, policies may change, so always check the current requirements.

While both provide relief for individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children, DACA offers temporary protection from deportation, while SIJS provides a path to permanent residency for those who have faced specific hardships.

Yes. Victims of domestic violence, abuse, or certain other crimes might be eligible for immigration benefits through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) or the U-Visa program.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens and LPRs who have been abused to file a petition for themselves without the abuser's knowledge. This can allow the victim to seek both safety and independence.

The U-Visa is a non-immigrant visa for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of those crimes. It provides legal status and work eligibility in the U.S. for up to four years. Some recipients may be eligible to adjust their status to become LPRs.

It depends on the type of application. For some immigration benefits, like certain family-based petitions and U-Visas, applicants may be eligible to apply for and receive work authorization while their main application is pending. However, each case is unique, so it is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for specifics related to your situation.

Traveling while an application is pending can be risky and might result in denial of re-entry. It's essential to consult with our firm before making any travel plans.

If an application is denied, there may be options to appeal the decision or refile the application. It's crucial to seek guidance from our firm in such situations.

Application statuses can typically be checked online using the receipt number provided after the application submission.