Clear answers before you move forward

Adjustment of status allows eligible applicants to apply for permanent residence while remaining in the United States, usually through USCIS. Consular processing involves applying for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The appropriate process depends on your family relationship, immigration history, manner of entry, and other eligibility requirements. We review these factors before recommending a filing strategy.

Conditional permanent residents generally use Form I-751 to request removal of conditions. A joint petition is normally filed with the spouse during the 90 days before conditional residence expires. Different rules may apply if the marriage has ended, a spouse has died, or you qualify for a waiver of joint filing. A spouse’s refusal to cooperate does not automatically establish waiver eligibility. Seek advice promptly if you are approaching or have missed the filing deadline.

A waiver may allow an applicant to overcome certain legal grounds that would otherwise prevent a visa, admission, or permanent residence. These can include some unlawful-presence, misrepresentation, or criminal grounds. Each waiver has different requirements, and some grounds cannot be waived. Certain waivers require proof of extreme hardship to a qualifying relative. We review your history to determine whether a waiver is needed and what evidence may support it.

For some people, departing after accumulating unlawful presence can trigger a three-year or ten-year bar to returning. The calculation involves exceptions and depends on your immigration history. Before making travel plans or attending an immigrant visa interview abroad, obtain advice about your circumstances. Some eligible applicants can seek a provisional unlawful-presence waiver before departure, but it does not resolve other grounds of inadmissibility or guarantee a visa.

Asylum may be available to people who have experienced persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applicants generally must file within one year of their last arrival in the United States, although exceptions may apply. Other eligibility restrictions can also affect a claim. A case review can help identify deadlines, available protections, and supporting evidence.

VAWA permits certain abused spouses and children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and certain abused parents of adult U.S. citizens, to petition without the abusive relative’s participation. U visas may be available to victims of qualifying crimes who experienced substantial physical or mental abuse and meet law-enforcement cooperation and other requirements. Each option has specific eligibility and evidence rules. We approach these matters with care and discretion. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Most adult naturalization applicants must be at least 18 and have held permanent residence for five years. Some qualify after three years under rules for spouses of U.S. citizens; marriage alone is not enough. Other requirements generally include continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and English and civics knowledge, subject to applicable exceptions. Travel, criminal history, and tax issues can affect eligibility and should be reviewed before filing.

Possibly. Some people acquire citizenship at birth or automatically become citizens later through a U.S. citizen parent. The applicable law depends on when relevant events occurred and may consider birthplace, age, a parent’s citizenship and time in the United States, and the child’s residence and custody. We can review your family history and identify appropriate ways to document citizenship, which may include a U.S. passport or Form N-600.

Contact an immigration attorney promptly and keep the notice and all related documents. Missing a required hearing can result in an order of removal issued in your absence. Check your case through EOIR’s Automated Case Information system, but treat court notices as the official source of hearing information. If information is missing or inconsistent, contact the court or your attorney. Bring your notice and immigration records to your consultation.

Depending on your circumstances, potential options may include asylum or related protection, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or certain waivers. Each has specific requirements, and not every option is available in every case. We review your immigration history, family circumstances, prior filings, and court deadlines to identify possible defenses or relief and explain the next steps.

No. Immigration law is federal, and the firm has represented clients across the United States and abroad. The ability to handle a specific matter depends on the facts and type of proceeding.

Call, email, or use the consultation request link to tell the firm about your situation. The firm will be in touch after receiving your request.

Yes, we offer video consultations via Microsoft Teams.

Bring any immigration notices, prior applications, court documents, passport or visa records, and a short timeline of important events. The intake form may request additional information.

No attorney can guarantee an immigration result. The firm can evaluate the facts, explain possible strategies, prepare the case carefully, and advocate for the client.