Latest Articles
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Can a Non-Citizen Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?
Posted on January 18, 2021If you are living and working in the U.S. as an immigrant, you’ve probably wondered if you’re able to open a bank account to keep your money safe. The short answer is yes; you can open a bank account as a green card holder. Opening A Bank Account As A Green Card Holder While the requirements from bank to bank may differ, typically, you need a few things in order to open a bank account: An identification number such as a Taxpayer Identification Number or Social Security Number Proof of your physical address like a utility bill, lease, current driver’s…
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Are You Checking USCIS Case Status and Processing Times Accurately?
Posted on January 14, 2021You've filled out the forms, paid the fees, have your USCIS receipt number, and now the waiting game begins. With backlogs, government interruptions, and changing policies, waiting can be stressful, but the best way to help ease that stress is by checking USCIS case status. Checking USCIS processing times is not only used to see how long certain cases are taking but to help predict how long your petition will take even before you submit an application. With so many ways to check your USCIS case status, it is essential to know how to accurately verify your status to avoid…
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DHS Announces Final H-1B Rule to End Lottery
Posted on January 11, 2021The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final H-1B Rule on January 8, 2021, to end the H-1B lottery as a final rule. Essentially, this rule relegates the decision to the Biden administration as well as modifies the H-1B cap selection process to prioritize and choose H-1B cap-subject applicants according to the highest wage levels. The purpose of the new rule is to give priority selection to H1-B registrations based on salary for the geographic area of intended employment and skills needed for the offered position instead of the lottery process that is currently in place. Learn what other…
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How to Get a U.S. Passport | What You Need to Know
Posted on January 08, 2021One of the most valuable documents in the world is the U.S. passport. With it, there are only a few places you can't travel to, and, when you're abroad, it can sometimes protect you. If you don't have one, this post will help you learn what you need to get a U.S. passport. Table of Contents How to Get a U.S. Passport DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport Documents Required for a U.S. Passport U.S. Passport Fees How to Get a U.S. Passport for a Child Where to Submit U.S. Passport Application U.S. Passport Application Processing Time How to Check…
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January 2021 Visa Bulletin
Posted on December 26, 2020One of the biggest parts of getting a green card in the U.S. is waiting for your priority date to be current. For those that have invested the time, effort, and money into an immigrant visa, questions arise such as "How long will it take for my date to be current?" and "Can I speed this process up?". To help answer these questions, this post will provide regular monthly updates on the most recent visa bulletin, an analysis of the date movements, and what predictions are made about the coming months. This month, we’ll go over the January 2021 visa…
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How to Apply for Dual Citizenship in the U.S. – The Definitive Guide (2020)
Posted on December 22, 2020Almost everything is possible in the U.S., including simultaneously being a citizen of another country. While possible, it's important to consider pitfalls, obstacles, and disadvantages when you apply for dual citizenship. This complete guide will help you apply for dual citizenship and learn whether you should go through the process depending on your situation. (more…)
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Do I Need an Immigration Reference Letter for A Family Member?
Posted on December 18, 2020Have you been asked to write an immigration reference letter for a family member or wondering if you need one to help your relative’s case? This question comes up sometimes, and it can be challenging to know how to best craft this letter so an immigration judge will rule favorably on your family member’s case. Basically, an immigration reference letter or character reference letter for immigration is a recommendation letter supporting someone’s immigration application or case. Since judges have discretion in deciding the outcome of someone’s case, it can be beneficial in getting approval by demonstrating that your relative has…
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Public Charge Rule Defeated Again Nationwide
Posted on November 04, 2020The Trump Administration's public charge rule has been shut down again nationwide by a U.S. District Court judge after a previous judge limited the injunction of the rule to only three states. Although it can still be brought up to and reversed by the Supreme Court, at the moment USCIS may not implement any of the administration's new public charge changes including Form I-944. (more…)