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¿Qué debo hacer si no encuentro mi tarjeta de residencia permanente?

En otro pais

Si su tarjeta se pierde o es robada mientras usted está en los EE.UU., presente una “Solicitud de Tarjeta de reemplazo”, que es en el formulario I-90. Tenga cuidado y envíe el formulario a la dirección correcta, y conserve una fotocopia de cualquier documento que usted envíe. Usted debe enviar toda la correspondencia al Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos por correo certificado y con reporte de recibo. Alternativamente, la solicitud podrá ser presentada electrónicamente, en  www.uscis.gov.

Si su tarjeta se pierde o es robada mientras usted está en los EE.UU., presente una “Solicitud de Tarjeta de reemplazo”, que es en el formulario I-90. Tenga cuidado y envíe el formulario a la dirección correcta, y conserve una fotocopia de cualquier documento que usted envíe. Usted debe enviar toda la correspondencia al Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos por correo certificado y con reporte de recibo. Alternativamente, la solicitud podrá ser presentada electrónicamente, en www.uscis.gov.

En otro pais

Si no está actualmente en los EE.UU. y su tarjeta de residencia ha sido robada o la ha perdido, debe solicitar una carta de transporte que permita su reingreso a los EE.UU., o una dispensa del documento, a menos que usted es capaz de presentar su Formulario I-90 en el aeropuerto.

Los aeropuertos de Dublín y Shannon tienen las instalaciones para que usted presente su solicitud de residencia ahí mismo, siempre y cuando usted llegue al aeropuerto por lo menos cuatro horas antes de la salida programada, y pague la tarifa de presentación aplicable.

Si su viaje será directamente de Shannon o Dublín a los Estados Unidos, sólo tiene que presentar la “Solicitud de Tarjeta de reemplazo” (Formulario I-09) en el aeropuerto. Asegúrese de tener un informe policial, pasaporte válido, y la prueba (por ejemplo, un billete de avión o el pasaporte con un sello de entrada) que su tiempo fuera de los EE.UU. no ha superado un año.

Prepárese para proporcionar una identificación adecuada que justifique su reclamo al oficial de inmigración. Por lo tanto, tiene que ser capaz de mostrar una prueba de la condición de residente permanente legal mantenido. Dicha documentación puede ser difícil de obtener si han pasado seis meses o más tiempo fuera de los EE.UU.. Los inspectores de inmigración también evalúan el propósito de sus viajes, y analizaran si usted mantuvo continuamente intención de regresar a los EE.UU.. Pruebas aplicables incluyen hipotecas, arrendamientos, declaraciones de impuestos de los Estados Unidos, y declaraciones juradas; esté seguro de traerse los documentos al aeropuerto con usted.

Actualmente hay una tarifa de $450 a presentar el formulario I-90; sin embargo, la tarifa puede estar sujeta a cambios, así que por favor verifique la cantidad, así como su preferencia de forma de pago con varios días de antelación para su fecha de salida prevista. Usted será capaz de pagar las tarifas, así como completar el formulario en su fecha de salida en el aeropuerto de Shannon o Dublín, durante la pre-inspección USCBP. Después de llegar a los Estados Unidos, usted debe informar a la Oficina Local de Distrito de USCIS en persona para completar el proceso para obtener una tarjeta de residencia de reemplazo.

Si aún poseen su residencia permanente, pero actualmente no tienen el documento físico (por ejemplo, usted puede tener inadvertidamente dejado su tarjeta en casa cuando usted salió de los EE.UU.) se debe solicitar una carta de transporte, o una renuncia el documento, de modo que usted puede solicitar el reingreso a los Estados Unidos.

La Embajada de Estados Unidos en Dublín no emitirá una carta de transporte, debido a las instalaciones de los Estados Unidos para la inspección previa al vuelo en Irlanda, junto con el hecho de que las cartas de transporte sólo podrán expedirse a partir de la ubicación para la salida final a los Estados Unidos. Se requiere a cualquiera que viaje directamente desde aeropuertos de Shannon o Dublín a los Estados Unidos que presenten una “Solicitud de exención del pasaporte y / o visa” (Formulario I-193). Para esto, hay una tarifa de forma de presentación, que actualmente es $ 195 USD. Sin embargo, esta tarifa está sujeta a cambios, por lo que necesitará verificar la cantidad necesaria. Al salir del país a través de aeropuertos de Shannon o Dublín, usted tendrá la oportunidad de presentar el formulario correspondiente y pagar la cuota durante la pre-inspección USCBP. Si su itinerario le llevará al Reino Unido o cualquier otro país en el camino a los Estados Unidos, entonces usted debe hacer los arreglos para aplicar con la embajada de ese país por una carta de transporte. Asegúrese de llevar una amplia documentación que acredite su reclamo. Es muy útil para obtener una copia por correo electrónico o por fax de su tarjeta de residencia de un amigo o miembro de la familia en los Estados Unidos, si es posible. Si han pasado más de seis meses fuera de los Estados Unidos, puede ser aconsejable hablar con un abogado de inmigración antes de intentar el reingreso.

Si problemas ocurren en el aeropuerto:

En el caso de que experimente dificultades en el aeropuerto, puede ser aconsejable considerar estos cursos de acción:

Existe la opción de solicitar la “Inspección Diferida”, lo que significa que está la entrada a los EE.UU. autorizado; sin embargo, a las pocas semanas de la llegada se le requiere para reunirse con un oficial de inmigración y de Nuevo aclarar a inmigracion. Esto le proporciona la oportunidad de reunir la documentación y otras pruebas, localizar documentos perdidos, y de ser necesario, contratar a un abogado de inmigración que pueden asistir a la inspección con usted.

Y finalmente…

Por favor, comprenda que si presenta un Formulario I-90, el Servicio de Ciudadana e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos realizara una verificación de antecedentes. Ciertos delitos menores o actos mayores criminales pueden resultar le revoquen su residencia permanente, y pueden ser removidos de la admisión a los EE.UU . Consulte con un abogado de inmigración con experiencia si esto podría ser un problema. Por favor, no intente entrar en los Estados Unidos bajo el programa de exención de visa si usted es el titular de una tarjeta de residencia válida.

No falsifique o fabrique documentos. Si usted sabe que tendrá dificultades para reingresar los EE.UU., póngase en contacto con un abogado de inmigración calificado que sea miembro de la Asociación Americana de Abogados de Inmigración antes de presentar su solicitud de admisión.

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o le gustaría saber más acerca de situaciones y escenarios de casos específicos, por favor póngase en contacto con nosotros por correo electrónico a ckuck@immigration.net o llame a nuestra oficina al 404-816-8611.

Me quiero casar con un extranjero. ¿Cuál sería la mejor opción para la visa?

VISA DE PROMETIDO (K-1) VS. VISA DE ESPOSO O ESPOSA (K-3) VS. VISA DE TURISTA (B-2)

Nuestros clientes suelen pedir información sobre la mejor manera de acelerar el proceso de traer a un ser querido a los Estados Unidos. Las opciones son casarse en el EE.UU. ((Prometido (K-1) o Turista (B-2)) o casarse en el país de origen de su ser querido (visa de cónyuge K-3). Cada caso es único. En la planificación de este importante evento de la vida, asesoramos a nuestros clientes que no se concentren en los aspectos de inmigración. En lugar de ello, se recomienda utilizar las leyes migratorias aplicables a permitir que se case donde desea casarse. Además, por favor entienda que no es posible dar una respuesta general que se aplique en cada situación. Aquí hay un resumen de las opciones que tiene, destacando las ventajas y desventajas de cada una. Tenga en cuenta que el tiempo real de procesamiento de estas visas, particularmente las K-1 y K-3, variará en gran medida dependiendo de la ubicación del ciudadano de EE. UU. en los Estados Unidos y del país de origen del cónyuge extranjero. Sea cual sea la opción que elija, nuestros abogados de inmigración con experiencia estarán encantados de ayudarle.

VISA DE PROMETIDO(A) (K-1)

Las ventajas principales de este tipo de visa incluyen:

  1. No es necesario casarse de inmediato, ya sea en los Estados Unidos o en el país de origen de su prometido(a).
  2. Puede traer a su ser querido a los EE. UU. como su prometido(a), y tiene 90 días para casarse. Esto les permite a ambos conocerse mejor y tomar una decisión acerca de si desean pasar el resto de sus vidas juntos.
  3. Usted interactuará casi exclusivamente con el sistema de inmigración de los EE. UU. y con los funcionarios de inmigración de los EE. UU. aquí en los Estados Unidos.
  4. Usted puede evitar lidiar con las leyes locales y los procedimientos de matrimonio en una nación extranjera con un idioma extranjero.
  5. Su prometido(a) tendrá la oportunidad de ver el país, y familiarizarse con las costumbres y el idioma de los EE. UU. antes del matrimonio. Su prometido(a) necesita hacer un gran esfuerzo para convencer al Oficial de Inmigración de la Embajada o Consulado de EE. UU. de su país de origen, de que ambos están enamorados y que planean casarse a su llegada a los Estados Unidos.

Las desventajas principales de este tipo de visa incluyen:

  1. Su prometido (a) debe hacer un gran esfuerzo para convencer a la oficial de los Estados Unidos Consulado o Embajada de Inmigración que ustedes dos están enamorados y tienen planes de casarse con sinceridad al llegar a los EE.UU..

Los amigos cercanos y miembros de la familia de su prometido(a) no van a poder asistir a la boda en los Estados Unidos a menos que sean capaces de obtener una visa de turista o de otra clasificación de visa, que puede ser bastante difícil.

VISA DE CONYUGE (K-3)

Las ventajas principales de este tipo de visa incluyen:

  1. Usted y su prometido(a) estarán inmediatamente juntos, y su familia podrán asistir a la ceremonia, sin demora, que es muy importante para muchas familias.
  2. Dependiendo de las leyes locales, el matrimonio en un país extranjero puede ser completado en tan sólo diez días, en algunos casos más pronto.
  3. Dependiendo del especifico consulado de Estados Unidos de cada país, todo el proceso potencialmente podría completarse en un tiempo considerablemente menor.

Las desventajas pricipales de este tipo de visa incluyen:

  1. Por lo general, un ciudadano estadounidense necesitará una cantidad considerable de documentación para poder casarse en una nación extranjera.
  2. Es un proceso de dos pasos, en lugar de uno. En la primera fase, que tendrá que enviar un bulto completo necesario para el Formulario I-130. En la segunda fase, en la Notificación de Acción del USCIS, usted tendrá que completar y enviar el paquete de I-129. Esto toma mucho tiempo y paciencia de las dos personas.
  3. Se trata de un proceso extremadamente sensible a los documentos, lo que significa que, si le falta un documento, es posible que deba volver a los Estados Unidos para obtener el documento necesario antes de que se complete el proceso.
  4. Usted tendrá que tener todos sus documentos traducidos al idioma nativo del país en el que planea casarse. La traducción debe ser certificada con la apostilla adjunta.
  5. Es posible que termine con más gastos por el matrimonio mismo y los cargos y tarifas de procesamiento de visa de la Embajada.

Es posible que usted podría incurrir en mayores gastos, tanto para el matrimonio real y las tasas de tramitación y cargos a la Embajada.

USANDO UNA VISA DE TURISMO COMO ALTERNATIVO A UNA K-3 O K-2 VISA

El cónsul de la Embajada de los Estados Unidos se rige por las leyes y regulaciones de los Estados Unidos en lugar de las del país de origen de su prometido(a). Por lo tanto, la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad regula la emisión de visas de no inmigrante.

Las leyes de inmigración de los Estados Unidos ponen la carga de la prueba sobre el solicitante de la visa, que debe proporcionar evidencia de que él o ella no tiene planes de utilizar la visa de turista para inmigrar a los EE.UU. Esto significa, el solicitante debe demostrar, a satisfacción del cónsul, que él o ella no va a utilizar la visa de turista para viajar a los Estados Unidos con la intención de establecer residencia permanente. Por lo tanto, cada solicitante debe demostrar que viajará a los EE. UU. SOLAMENTE para una estadía temporal y que tiene fuertes vínculos con su país de origen que lo obligarán a regresar a casa.

Si los oficiales de la Aduana y Protección Fronteriza (CBP) en el puerto de entrada creen que su cónyuge potencial o actual viene como visitante para evitar las demoras asociadas con las visas K-1 o K-3, estos oficiales tienen un poder extraordinario para excluir a su pareja de la entrada a los Estados Unidos por un mínimo de cinco (5) años; y si creen que se trata de fraude o tergiversación, ¡estos oficiales pueden imponer un límite de por vida a la entrada!

En la mayoría de las naciones, proporcionando la documentación de la familia del individuo, económica y / o lazos sociales al país actual, junto con la correspondencia de los socios de negocios o familiares que planean visitar, puede influir en la decisión de la consular.

A continuación, se presentan ejemplos de documentos potencialmente útiles:

  • Cualquier pasaporte antiguo que muestran sellos de entrada anteriores y visas, e indique la fecha de retorno al país de origen.
  • Para aquellos en la industria del entretenimiento, la evidencia de un proyecto o más.
  • Para los estudiantes solicitantes, los documentos que acrediten los estudios en curso.
  • Evidencia de la propiedad de bienes.
  • Documentación de los familiares directos (hijos o cónyuge) que residen en el país de origen.
  • La obtención de declaraciones de otra documentación de los ingresos personales o en ciertos casos, la evidencia de los ingresos del cónyuge.
  • Documentos acreditativos de empleo, como una carta de su empleador.

Por favor, tenga en cuenta que, debido a un mayor escrutinio de visas, es muy difícil para las mujeres jóvenes solteras obtener una visa de visitante.

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta o le gustaría saber más acerca de situaciones y escenarios de casos específicos, por favor póngase en contacto con nosotros por correo electrónico a ckuck@immigration.net o llame a nuestra oficina al 404-816-8611.

 

¿Los turistas o visitantes de negocios tienen que salir del país y volver a entrar después de que se aprobó una petición de visa de no inmigrante?

Esto dependerá de una variedad de factores. En la mayoría de los casos será conveniente que el visitante regrese a su país de origen a esperar la aprobación de la petición de visa, y luego solicitar el sello de visa en un consulado estadounidense local. Si el individuo entró en el “Programa de Exención de Visa” (indicado por una tarjeta de entrada I-94 de color verde), él o ella debe salir de los EE.UU. y volver a entrar en la nueva categoría de visa de trabajo no-inmigrante. Cuando los extranjeros visitan los EE.UU. como turistas o en viajes de negocios, han declarado al gobierno de los Estados Unidos de que sus intenciones son para quedarse temporalmente. Por lo tanto, no es aconsejable solicitar el cambio de estatus poco después de su llegada, ya que sugiere que las declaraciones hechas en el momento de la entrada no eran veraces.

Entradas de Exención de Visa

Los nacionales de ciertos países no necesitan obtener visas para visitas de negocios a los EE.UU. durante 90 días o menos para fines aceptables en la categoría B-1. Pueden entrar sin una visa de conformidad con el Programa de Exención de Visa. Una persona que entra a los EE.UU. a través de este programa NO es elegible para una extensión de la estancia o el cambio a un estatus diferente y debe salir de los EE.UU. dentro de los 90 días de haber ingresado.

La posibilidad de visitar los EE.UU. sin una visa está disponible actualmente a los ciudadanos de los siguientes países: Alemania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bélgica, Brunei, Dinamarca, Finlandia, Francia, Alemania, Islandia, Irlanda, Italia, Japón, Liechtenstein, Luxemburgo, Mónaco, Países Bajos, Nueva Zelanda, Noruega, Portugal, San Marino, Singapur, Eslovenia, España, Suecia, Suiza, Reino Unido y Uruguay.

Do tourists or business visitors have to leave the country and re-enter after a non-immigrant visa petition is approved?

This will depend on a variety of factors. In most cases it will be advisable for the visitor to return home to wait for the visa petition approval, then apply for the visa stamp at a local U.S. Consulate. If the individual entered on the “Visa Waiver Program” (indicated by a green-colored I-94 entry card), he or she MUST leave the U.S. and re-enter in the new non-immigrant work visa category. When foreign nationals visit the U.S. as tourists or on business trips, they have stated to the U.S. government that their intentions are to stay temporarily. Therefore, it is not advisable to request to change status shortly after arrival as it suggests that the statements made at the time of entry were not truthful.

How do I obtain a visa stamp in my passport?

An initial visa stamp for a given non-immigrant classification must be applied for at a U.S. consulate in your home country. Some U.S. consulates may accept non-immigrant visa applications by third-country nationals (individuals who are not citizens of the country in which the consulate is located) as a courtesy to visitors to those countries. U.S. Consulates are not required to accept applications by third-country nationals, and visa issuance is at the sole discretion of the consular officers at the post. You should contact the appropriate American Consulate or Embassy in advance to determine its application process and the current application fee. You may also check the Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/links.html. Most consulates have instructive web pages.

 

Requirements vary for each Consulate but typically include:
  • The original Notice of Action approving your employer’s non-immigrant visa petition on your behalf
  • A copy of the petition filed with USCIS
  • Completed and signed Department of State form DS 156 (Non-immigrant Visa Application) which is available at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate or on its website.
  • Completed form DS-157 by male visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45. Some consulates require all applicants to complete this form.
  • Completed form DS-158 for all applicants for an F, M or J visa.
  • A valid passport
  • One passport-style photograph
  • Appropriate filing fees

Reciprocity agreements between the U.S. and your country of nationality will determine (1) the length of time your non-immigrant visa stamp will be valid, (2) the number of times you may enter the U.S. on the visa, and (3) the fees charged for issuance of the visa.

Note that your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the validity period of the non-immigrant visa petition. If it is valid for less than that amount of time, you may not be admitted for the full period indicated on the Notice of Action (Form I-797).

What does my spouse or child need to apply for a dependent visa stamp?

Your spouse or unmarried child(ren) under the age of 21 years may accompany you in a dependent visa category (e.g., H-4 if you are in H-1B status, or L-2 if you are in L-1 status) by making their own visa applications at a U.S. Consulate. If your family members are applying with you, required documentation typically includes:

 

  • Marriage Certificate (to show relationship of you and your spouse)
  • Birth Certificate (for a dependent child)
  • Completed and signed Optional Form 156 (Non-immigrant Visa Application) which is available at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
  • Valid passport
  • One passport-style photograph
  • Appropriate filing fees for the U.S. Consulate. (This fee differs for each consulate.)
If your family members are NOT applying with you, required documentation additionally includes:
  • A copy of the visa stamp in your passport; or other documentation of your valid non-immigrant status.

If I wish to visit a U.S. Consulate in Canada or Mexico to obtain a U.S. visa in my passport, how can I schedule an interview appointment?

Call the following number to schedule an interview appointment with any U.S. Consulate in Canada or Mexico: 900-443-3131 (this is a toll call). Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment through the Internet by going to: http://www.nvars.com which also shows an updated list of necessary documents for the visa application. General information about applying for a visa in Canada or Mexico is available at http://travel.state.gov/tcn.html.

Please note that Canadian and Mexican consulates accept non-immigrant visa applications by third-country nationals (individuals who are not citizens of Canada or Mexico) as a courtesy. They are not required to accept or process applications by third-country nationals, and visa issuance is at the sole discretion of the consular officers at the post. In addition, note that as a third country national you may need a visa to enter Canada or Mexico.

If I have a valid non-immigrant visa in my passport, what do I need in order to re-enter the U.S. after traveling internationally?

Your valid visa stamp in your passport should be sufficient, but you may wish to also carry a copy of the Notice of Action (Form I-797). The visa stamp shows that the U.S. State Department has determined that you may be admitted to the U.S. in a particular visa status, and the USCIS approval notice (Form I-797) is evidence of the maximum period for which you may be admitted.

All foreign nationals are issued a new I-94 card at each entry to the United States (with the exception of entries after visits to Canada or Mexico for periods of less than 30 days or for Canadian nationals entering the U.S.) The USCIS officer who admits you to the U.S. will stamp your I-94 card with entry and expiration dates. Please take a moment to check the dates on the I-94 card issued to you upon each readmission to the U.S. The expiration date on the I-94 card will govern your valid period of stay and employment authorization in the United States.

How do I revalidate my multiple-entry visa in my passport if it is expired or about to expire?

You can revalidate your multiple-entry visa by traveling outside the U.S. Under rules in effect as a result of the events of September 11, 2001, you must apply for revalidation at an American Consulate or Embassy prior to your return (see application process discussed above).

What happens if my non-immigrant status expires (as evidenced by my I-94 card)?

Unless a request for extension or change of your status is pending, you will be out of status and should leave the U.S.

If you are not eligible for further extensions of your current non-immigrant visa status, are not eligible for a different non-immigrant classification, and have not yet reached the final stage (Form I-485) of the green card process, then you will no longer be authorized to remain in the U.S.

If you overstay the period noted on your I-94 card by even one day, you could be subject to a requirement to return to your home country to obtain all future non-immigrant visas (i.e., you may not obtain any future non-immigrant visa in any U.S. consulate other than the one in your home country, and may not file for reissuance of a visa stamp by mail through the Department of State.) In addition, if you overstay your I-94 card by 180 days or more, then leave the U.S., you could be subject to a three-year bar to re-entering the U.S.; an overstay of more than one year could subject you to a ten-year bar to reentry. Thus, it is absolutely critical that you monitor the expiration date of the I-94 cards for yourself and your family members.

What is Premium Processing and how do I use it?

Premium Processing Service allows U.S. businesses to pay a $1,000 fee in exchange for the 15-business day processing of their petitions and applications. USCIS guarantees that within 15 days USCIS will issue either an approval notice, a notice of intent to deny, a request for evidence or a notice of investigation for fraud or misrepresentation. If the USCIS fails to process the petition within 15 days, it will refund the $1,000 to the company and continue to process the petition as part of the Premium processing Service. In addition to expedited processing, companies who participate in the program may use a dedicated phone number and e-mail address to check on the status of their petition or ask any other questions they may have concerning their petition.USCIS has designated various forms for Premium Processing. Classifications, including the Form I-129 and the Form I-140. The category of non-immigrant and immigrant visas eligible for premium processing include:

Non-immigrant Visas

  • E-1 Treaty Trader
  • E-2 Treaty Investor
  • H-1B Temporary Worker in Specialty Occupation
  • H-2A Agricultural Worker
  • H-2B Temporary Worker
  • H-3 Trainee
  • L-1 Intra-company Transferee
  • O-1 and O-2 Aliens of Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
  • P-1, P-2 and P-3 Athletes and Entertainers
  • Q-1 International Cultural Exchange Aliens
  • R-1 Temporary Worker in Religious Occupations
  • TN NAFTA Professional

Immigrant Visas

Employment-Based First, Second and Third preference categories.USCIS will continue to review the program and assess its ability to incorporate other employment-based petitions and applications into the program.

I just returned from the United States and discovered that I did not turn in my I-94W Departure Record (usually a green form stapled inside the passport) before departure. What should I do?

If you returned home with your Department of Homeland Security (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)) departure record Form I-94 (white) or Form I-94W (green) in your passport, it means that your departure was not recorded properly. It is your responsibility to correct this record. You must provide the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sufficient information so we can record your timely departure from the United States. This will close out your earlier record of arrival to this country.

 

If you do not validate a timely departure from the United States, or if you cannot reasonably prove otherwise when you next apply for admission to the United States, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may conclude you remained in the United States beyond your authorized stay. If this happens, the next time you apply to enter the United States, your visa may be subject to cancellation or you may be returned immediately to your foreign point of origin.

In particular, visitors who remain beyond their permitted stay in the United States under the Visa Waiver Program cannot re-enter the United States in the future without obtaining a visa from a United States Consulate. If this occurs and you arrive at a United States port-of-entry seeking admission under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa, United States immigration officers may order your immediate return to a foreign point of origin.

To validate departure, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will consider a variety of information, including, but not limited to:

  • Original boarding passes you used to depart the United States
  • Photocopies of entry or departure stamps in your passport indicating entry to another country after you departed the United States (you should copy all passport pages that are not completely blank, and include the biographical page containing your photograph.), and
  • Photocopies of other supporting evidence, such as:
  • Dated pay slips or vouchers from your employer to indicate you worked in another country after you departed the United States
  • Dated bank records showing transactions to indicate you were in another country after you left the United States
  • School records showing attendance at a school outside the United States to indicate you were in another country after you left the United States
  • Dated credit card receipts, showing your name, but, the credit card number deleted, for purchases made after you left the United States to indicate you were in another country after leaving the United States

Your statement will not be acceptable without supporting evidence such as noted above.You must mail legible copies or original materials where possible. If you send original materials, you should retain a copy. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cannot return original materials after processing. To help us understand the situation and correct your records quickly, please include an explanation letter in English. You must send your letter and enclosed information only to the following address:

ACS – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) SBU
P.O. Box 7125
London, KY 40742-7125
USA

Do not mail your departure Form I-94 or supporting information to any United States Consular Section or Embassy, to any other United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in the United States, or to any address other than the one above. Only at this location are we able to make the necessary corrections to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records to prevent inconvenience to you in the future.

What is the U.S. permanent residency process and how long does it take?

 The permanent residency process will vary in length, depending on which method is appropriate for your case and where you work (which state). In addition, government processing times are extremely inconsistent and subject to change. The entire process has three major steps.

 

Step 1:

Labor Certification: Your employer must demonstrate to the Department of Labor that it is unable to locate qualified or available U.S. workers for your position in the geographic area where you work. This process is currently taking six to twelve months.

Step 2:

I-140 (Immigrant Visa Petition): Your employer must then file a petition with the USCIS and demonstrate that you qualify for the position as described in the labor certification. This may take two to twelve months.

Step 3:

I-485 (Adjustment of Status): This is the application filed by you and your family members to “adjust” your status from temporary worker to permanent resident. This step currently takes six to eighteen months. Some permanent residence categories do not require labor certification (intracompany managers and executives, and “outstanding” researchers, persons of “extraordinary” ability and persons of “exceptional” ability whose work is in the “national interest”).

What is the difference between RIR (fast track) and traditional processing of labor certification applications?

  Reduction in Recruitment (RIR) is a process in which the employer will not have to recruit for your specific position. Instead, the employer must show the Department of Labor that the company has engaged in substantial recruitment for similar positions over a six-month period immediately preceding the application for labor certification. Companies can establish a pattern of recruitment by submitting copies of print advertisements, Internet listings, headhunter information, and other relevant recruitment efforts. RIR is Kuck Casablanca LLC’s preferred labor certification processing method.

What is a preference category?

Congress has designated two groups, family-based and employment-based, which have preference in immigrating to the U.S. Employment-based applications are broken down into five preference categories. Each preference category is subject to an overall numerical limitation of immigrant visas.

 

The first employment-based preferences (EB1) do not require labor certification. EB-1 is set aside for priority workers falling into one of the following categories:

  • Individuals demonstrating “extraordinary ability” in the arts, sciences, education, business, and athletics (EB1-1).
  • “Outstanding researchers” and professors (EB1-2).
  • “Multinational managers” and executives transferred to the U.S. from a foreign affiliate, subsidiary, branch or parent of the U.S. office (EB1-3).

The second employment-based preference (EB2), which usually requires labor certification, is set aside for the following:

  • Individuals who possess “exceptional ability” in the sciences, arts and business who are entering the U.S. to fill a position which requires an individual of exceptional ability.
  • Individuals who possess an advanced degree (defined as any U.S. academic or professional degree above a bachelor’s degree level OR a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of progressive experience) who are entering the U.S. to fill a position that requires an advanced degree.

Labor certification is required for the second employment-based preference category, unless it can be demonstrated that your entry will benefit the U.S. national interest to such a high degree that it is not in the interest of the country to recruit U.S. workers for the position. The standard of proof required to demonstrate “national interest” is difficult to meet.

The third employment-based preference (EB3), which always requires labor certification, is set aside for the following:

  • “Professionals” with a bachelor’s degree (actual U.S. degree or foreign degree equivalent).
  • Skilled workers (filling positions requiring at least 2 years of training and experience).
  • Unskilled workers (filling positions that require less than 2 years of experience).

Which preference category is appropriate for you is dependent upon your qualifications and the position duties.

What are the requirements for the first-preference (EB1) classifications?

1. Qualifications for classification as an individual of extraordinary ability (EB1-1)

To qualify as an individual of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, you must be able to document sustained national or international acclaim and that you are coming to the U.S. to continue work in the area of your extraordinary ability, by providing evidence of:

  1. Receipt of a major internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize; OR
  2. At least three of the following requirements:
    • Documentation of receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor (selection criteria must be provided).
    • Documentation of membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields (selection criteria must be provided).
    • Published material about you in professional or major trade publications or other major trade media, relating to your work.
    • Evidence of your participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in your field or an allied field.
    • Evidence of your original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in your field.
    • Evidence of your authorship of scholarly articles in your field, in professional or major trade publications or other major media.
    • Evidence that you have been employed in a leading or critical role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation.
    • Evidence that you have commanded a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in your field.

The USCIS strongly encourages submission of reference letters from credible sources that evidence how you have risen to the very top of your field. The letters should also describe your abilities and accomplishments in your field. Your employer should also provide a description of the nature and importance of the duties that you are performing and why the position requires the services of an individual possessing extraordinary ability.

2. Qualifications for classification as an outstanding researcher (EB1-2)

In order to establish that you qualify as an outstanding researcher or professor, the USCIS requires evidence of at least two of the following:

  • Documentation of receipt of major prizes or awards for outstanding achievement in the academic field (selection criteria must be provided).
  • Documentation of membership in associations in the academic field which require outstanding achievements of their members (selection criteria must be provided).
  • Published material in professional publications written by others about your work in the academic field. Such material must include the title, date, and author of the material, and any necessary translation.
  • Evidence of your participation, either individually or on a panel, as the judge of the work of others in the same or allied academic field.
  • Evidence of your original scientific or scholarly research contributions to the academic field.
  • Evidence of your authorship of scholarly books or articles (in scholarly journals with international circulation) in the academic field.

In addition, you will need to establish that you possess at least three years of research and/or teaching experience. This experience can include time spent towards an advanced degree so long as you acquired the degree, and if the research conducted while working toward the degree has been recognized within the academic field as “outstanding.” Letters from academic advisors or former employers should be used to confirm your contributions to your field.

3. Qualifications for classification as a multinational manager or executive (EB1-3)

In order to qualify as a multinational manager or executive, you must have been employed with the petitioning employer or an affiliate company abroad for at least one full year in the three years immediately prior to your employment in the U.S., in a managerial or executive capacity. The permanent position with the U.S. employer must also be at a managerial or executive level. This immigrant visa classification is similar to the L-1A nonimmigrant visa category, except that the immigrant (permanent residence) option requires that the employee have filled a managerial or executive role with the company abroad as well as in the U.S. The USCIS definition of “manager” includes the traditional managerial responsibilities (e.g. supervision of professional personnel, authority over personnel decisions, responsibility for budget and planning aspects of operations, etc.) The USCIS regulations also take into consideration the role of “functional” managers who manage an essential function within the organization and exercise direction over the day-to-day operations of the activities or function for which they have responsibility.

Do I have any travel restrictions while my 'green card' is being processed?

During the first two steps of the immigrant visa process (labor certification and immigrant visa petition) an H or L nonimmigrant may continue to travel on a valid H or L nonimmigrant visa.

 

During “Adjustment of Status” (AOS) processing in the U.S., H-1B or L-1 employees (and their derivative family members) may continue to travel on their valid H or L visa OR may travel pursuant to USCIS travel permission [“advance parole”].

While the AOS is pending, an H-1B or L-1 nonimmigrant may obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to continue to work at their sponsoring employer after the expiration of his or her H or L visa petition, or work at an employer other than the sponsoring employer. (Note, however, that a permanent resident application does not become “portable” to another employer until six months after filing the AOS.) While the AOS is pending, family members may also work after being issued an EAD.

If the principal applicant or a family member works pursuant to an EAD, he or she would no longer be maintaining nonimmigrant (H-1B, H-4, L-1, or L-2) status and thus may not utilize and H or L visa to re-enter the U.S. Individuals who work on an EAD for another employer and any dependent family members in H-4 or L-2 status who works after being issued an EAD must obtain an advance parole for travel outside the U.S. If individuals in this situation leave the U.S. without an advance parole, the USCIS will consider their AOS applications “abandoned.” If you are able to re-enter the U.S. in another status, your must file a new AOS application and supporting documents to re-start the process.

E, TN, or O visa employees (and their derivative family members) who file AOS applications may travel ONLY on advance paroles; they may not travel on their nonimmigrant visas. The advance paroles must have been obtained prior to leaving the U.S. The USCIS considers leaving the U.S. without an advance parole as abandonment of the AOS.

Processing time for advance paroles is approximately three months. Thus, there is a period of approximately three months after filing the AOS application and advance parole during which AOS applicants previously in E, TN, or O status may not travel. While the AOS is pending, the previous E, TN, or O nonimmigrant and their derivative family members (all of them are now considered “adjustment applicants”) may obtain EADs.

Can I include my spouse and dependent children when processing my green card?

 Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included with you. If you have a child 18 years of age or older, you should notify Kuck Casablanca, LLC immediately so that steps may be taken to ensure they will be included in the green card process prior to the child turning 21.

What documents do I need to provide for the Adjustment of Status processing?

 You will need to provide the following for yourself and each family member:

 

  • Birth Certificate: This must be a “long form”, with names of BOTH parents of each applicant, with an English translation. (See additional information in 12 below regarding birth certificates).
  • Marriage certificate, if applicable. PLEASE NOTE: If you are not married at this time, but intend to get married in the next few years, it is in your best interest to be married BEFORE you become a U.S. permanent resident, so that your spouse may immigrate with you. U.S. permanent residents do NOT have the immediate right to immigrate a foreign national spouse (it currently takes approximately five years to immigrate the spouse of a U.S. permanent resident).
  • Divorce decree or death certificate for previous marriages, if applicable.
  • Medical examination documents completed by an USCIS-approved physician, including evidence of certain vaccinations (Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Polio, Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, Pertussis, Influenza type B, Hepatitis B, Varicella (chickenpox), Haemophilus influenza type B, and Pneurnococcal). If you have not previously received these vaccinations or cannot provide evidence of your immunization history, please consult your personal physician at this time.
  • Copies of all previous U.S. immigration documents covering all periods of stay in the U.S. This includes but is not limited to: Forms I-20 if you held F-1 status, EAD cards, Forms IAP-66 if you held J-1 status, previous nonimmigrant petition approval notices, and copies of I-94 cards.
  • Complete copy of your current passport including a copy of your current Form I-94.
  • 8 USCIS-style photographs.
  • Complete criminal records, if applicable. Please contact Kuck Casablanca, LLC immediately if you have ever been arrested, indicted or convicted in any country, as this may have an effect on your eligibility for permanent residence.

What documents do I need for Consular Processing?

You will need to have in your possession the following original documents for yourself and each family member:

 

  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • 4 passport-type color photographs
  • Vaccination record if available
  • Police certificates covering each local area in your home country where you have resided for more than six months since reaching the age of sixteen. In addition, you must have Police Certificates from each country (other than your home country or the U.S.) where you have resided for more than one year since reaching the age of sixteen. Finally, you must have a Police Certificate from ANY country in which you were ever arrested.
  • Marriage certificate (and divorce decree or death certificates for any previous marriages for yourself and your spouse, if applicable)
  • Military record, if applicable.

An acceptable birth certificate must be issued by a government entity and contain the following information:

  1. Your name
  2. Your birth date
  3. Your place of birth (city and country)
  4. Names of both parents

In cases where a birth certificate is unavailable or contains insufficient information regarding the birth or the parents, a sworn affidavit executed by either the parents, if living, or other close relatives older than the applicant, may be submitted. The affidavit should set forth:

  1. The relationship between the deponent and the applicant
  2. How well the deponent knows the applicant
  3. The date and place of the applicant’s birth
  4. The names of both parents
  5. Any other related facts

The affidavit must be accompanied by a document from a competent governmental authority confirming that the certificate does not exist, or no longer exists. Note that the affidavit alone is not a conclusive record of birth.

When can I receive a Social Security Number?

If you do not already have a social security number, you can apply for one at the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) office. If you hold nonimmigrant visa status that allows you to work in the U.S. (e.g., H-1B), the SSA will issue a social security card which indicates that you are authorized to work with USCIS authorization only. Your dependents will not be issued SSNs, but they can apply for a federal identification number at a local IRS office.

For more information about applying for a social security number and office locations, you can visit the SSA website at www.ssa.gov.

What is the 'green card lottery?'

For the past several years, the Department of State has conducted a “diversity lottery” for nationals of certain countries who wish to become permanent residents. 50,000 immigrant visas are available annually to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The application process occurs in October. The Department of State website will contain information about the process.

When can I apply for U.S. citizenship?

Individuals who satisfy the residence, physical presence and other requirements are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after they have been permanent residents (green card holders) for five years. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you are eligible to apply for citizenship after three years of marriage as long as residence, physical presence and other requirements are met. An applicant for U.S. citizenship must demonstrate good moral character, English literacy, and knowledge of U.S. history. In addition, there are U.S. residence and physical presence requirements which must be met. In brief, the applicant for naturalization must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the qualifying period (5 or 3 years as described above) and must have maintained his or her primary place of abode in the U.S. for the entire qualifying period (e.g. extended absences from the U.S. may interrupt the qualifying period).

If I choose to leave my current employer, will this affect my visa status in process?

The E, H, L, TN and O nonimmigrant visas are employer-specific. Therefore, if you leave your current employer and wish to remain in the U.S., you will need to immediately find another U.S. employer who will sponsor you. The permanent residence process requires that you intend to work with the petitioning employer on a permanent at-will basis. Nonetheless, a permanent resident application can become “portable” to another employer six months after filing the adjustment of status application if any new employment is substantially similar to the labor certification/visa petition employment.

What if I am not married but I have a partner or 'significant other?'

Although not entitled to a derivative nonimmigrant visa, your significant other may be able to obtain a B-2 (“tourist”) visa to accompany you during a temporary stay in the U.S. if you can show that he/she is your dependent. For the permanent resident process, only spouses are eligible for derivative immigrant visas.

After I receive U.S. permanent residence, what happens if I am transferred abroad?

In order to maintain your U.S. permanent residence, you must continuously hold an intent to make your primary residence in the U.S. USCIS examines a number of criteria as evidence of your intention to maintain U.S. permanent residence. To demonstrate the requisite continued maintenance of ties to the U.S., you are strongly advised to maintain a U.S. address (even if it is the home of a relative or friend); property (i.e., a person assigned abroad should consider renting out their U.S. property, rather than selling it); U.S. bank accounts; U.S. credit cards; a current U.S. driver’s license, among others. In addition, you must continue to file U.S. tax returns as a U.S. resident and claim your worldwide income (even if not required to pay income tax based on tax treaties and foreign tax credits); failure to follow this rule can lead to loss of permanent resident status.

What if my spouse/children would like to work in the United States?

 Nonimmigrant Visa Holders

 

All nonimmigrant visa categories will allow your spouse and children (under 21) to enter the United States and to live here lawfully as dependents (derivatives) to your status. For example, an L-1 visa holder may bring his wife and children under L-2 status. An H-1 visa holder may bring her husband and children on H-4 status.

Spouses of L-1 and E nonimmigrant workers are eligible for employment during their valid stay in the U.S. They can apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with USCIS. The process takes about 90 days.

However, other nonimmigrant visa categories do not allow your spouse or children to work in the United States while they are here as dependents. Only the principal visa holder is eligible to work in the U.S. This is true for the most common visa classifications such as H, O, P, and TN.

Your dependents may be eligible to work if they qualify for a nonimmigrant visa category (most typically H-1B), and can locate a U.S. employer willing to act as a sponsor. In this case, the employer can file the appropriate petition with the USCIS to grant your family member the proper nonimmigrant visa category. Upon approval of a change of status, your family member will be authorized to work.

Immigrant Visa Applicants

If you and your family process your permanent residence application through consular processing abroad rather than adjustment of status in the U.S., your spouse and children will not have work authorization until the permanent resident visa is issued by the U.S. consulate and your family members enter the U.S.