09 May 2016

I am a U.S. citizen. My girlfriend is vising me on a B-2 tourist visa and we now wish to get married. Can we apply for adjustment of status, or is she required to leave the U.S. in order to apply for a green card?

Answer There is a procedure for filing the AOS in an immediate relative case for a person who entered on a B-2 visa, but it is not always advisable to take this step. There are potential problems with respect to preconceived intent and even fraud /...

28 Mar 2016

I was sponsored by my husband for a green card in the FB2A category. We have since divorced. Can I still file an I-485 when my priority date becomes current?

Answer In order to be eligible for a family-based green card, the family relationship generally must still exist. Thus, once a divorce is finalized, the case typically cannot continue. (28.Mar.2016)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the...

14 Dec 2015

My U.S. citizen brother is sponsoring me for a green card. My priority date likely won’t be current for many years. In the meantime, am I allowed to travel to the U.S. on my visitor visa?

Answer The beneficiary of an I-130 petition is not automatically prohibited from entry on valid a valid B-1/B-2 visitor visa. That being said, U.S. immigration officers at a port of entry have a great deal of discretion in determining whether or not to admit a foreign...

30 Nov 2015

I understand that I can only file GC for immediate family once I obtain citizenship. But, is there any way I can bring my aunt here by claiming her as a dependent, since I support her financially?

Answer No, the family-based GC categories specify relatives for which one can file. It is not possible to have fact- specific qualification based upon closeness of the relationship (like an aunt / grandmother that raised someone) or financial / other dependence. (30.Nov.2015)In frequent sessions of our...