Can you apply for a green card this month? Check the April Visa Bulletin!
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category? You can check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for April 2019 to see if your priority date is current this month.
USCIS has determined that in April, the Dates for Filing Chart must be used for family-sponsored green cards, and the Final Action Dates Chart used for employer-sponsored green cards.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
Need help interpreting the Bulletin and preparing and filing your green card application? Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
Why Legal Immigration to the U.S. Has Decreased, and How it Affects You
Legal immigration to the U.S. was significantly down in 2018:
In 2018, approvals of all types of visas and green cards were down. For example, approvals of green cards for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (such as spouses) were down 7%, and fiance visa approvals were down a whopping 29%.
Legal immigration to the U.S. was significantly down in 2018:
https://www.npr.org/2019/03/10/701987091/why-u-s-visa-numbers-are-down
In 2018, approvals of all types of visas and green cards were down. For example, approvals of green cards for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (such as spouses) were down 7%, and fiance visa approvals were down a whopping 29%.
Why is this occurring?
A wide range of incremental changes inside our government bureaucracy are primarily to blame. These changes are often unknown to, or misunderstood by, the public. They are not changes to the law and do not always require a formal legal procedure.
How does the decrease in legal immigration affect you as a prospective immigrant?
-It is more challenging to get any visa or green card application approved
-Green card applications are being denied due to minor errors, without the government providing an opportunity to correct the issues
-It is more likely that someone currently or previously in F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa status will be prohibited from obtaining a green card due to a previous minor (and often unknown to the immigrant) noncompliance issue
-If a visa or green card application is denied, there is a greater risk of being placed into deportation proceedings.
How can we help?
We keep current on government policy changes. We know which questions to ask you, what documentation to provide to the government, and what to expect moving forward.
Contact us today at TheTeam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 for help with your employment visa or family-based green card. We are here to help!
Immigration Forms Update: USCIS Publishes Revised Form I-539
Are you seeking to extend or change your current immigration status?
USCIS has published a new version of form I-539, which is used for someone currently in one immigration status to extend time in that status or change to a new status. USCIS has announced that it will allow use of the old form only until March 21st, 2019.
Are you seeking to extend or change your current immigration status?
USCIS has published a new version of form I-539, which is used for someone currently in one immigration status to extend time in that status or change to a new status. USCIS has announced that it will allow use of the old form only until March 21st, 2019.
Contact us today at TheTeam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 for help in extending or changing your status.
Apply for citizenship online and pay your fee by credit card
Did you know that a naturalization (citizenship) application can now be submitted online?
USCIS has made it possible for a citizenship application, including all supporting documents, to be submitted online. We like this relatively new option because it makes it possible for your citizenship application to be processed a bit more quickly, and monitored through the USCIS website.
Did you know that a naturalization (citizenship) application can now be submitted online?
USCIS has made it possible for a citizenship application, including all supporting documents, to be submitted online. We like this relatively new option because it makes it possible for your citizenship application to be processed a bit more quickly, and monitored through the USCIS website.
https://www.uscis.gov/n-400
Not only that, but the application fee can now be paid by credit card. This is true for citizenship applications, as well as many others, including applications for permanent residency (a “green card”) as well as permission to work and travel abroad. Learn more at:
https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-expands-credit-card-payment-option-fees
For help with your citizenship or green card application, please contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com, or 415-496-9040.
Can you apply for a green card next month? Check the March Visa Bulletin!
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category? You can now check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for March 2019 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
Have you been “waiting in line” for a green card to become available in your preference category? You can now check the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for March 2019 to see if your priority date will be current next month.
USCIS has determined that in March the Dates for Filing Chart must be used for family-sponsored green cards, and the Final Action Dates Chart used for employer-sponsored green cards.
To view the full Bulletin, please visit:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2019/visa-bulletin-for-march-2019.html
Need help interpreting the Bulletin or preparing and filing your green card application? Contact us at theteam@huwelaw.com or 415-496-9040 today.
