Immigration

Visas, green cards, citizenship, asylum, and deportation defense

Legal Guides

Immigration

Green Card Application Guide: Pathways to Permanent Residence in 2026

Comprehensive guide to obtaining a U.S. green card through family, employment, investment, or special programs. Learn about eligibility requirements, processing times, costs, and how to avoid common application mistakes that delay approval.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

Green Card Through Family Sponsorship: Eligibility, Wait Times, and Process

U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain relatives for green cards. Understand which family relationships qualify, current wait times for each preference category, income requirements for sponsors, and the step-by-step petition process.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization: Complete Guide to Becoming an American Citizen

Naturalization transforms permanent residents into U.S. citizens with full voting rights and passport privileges. Learn residency requirements, the citizenship test and interview process, dual citizenship considerations, and benefits of becoming a citizen.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

Naturalization Eligibility: Residency, Physical Presence, and Good Moral Character Requirements

To naturalize, green card holders must meet strict residency and physical presence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, and pass English and civics tests. Understand the 5-year vs. 3-year rule, travel limitations, and disqualifying criminal history.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

Family Immigration Sponsorship: How to Bring Relatives to the United States

U.S. citizens and green card holders can petition for certain family members to immigrate. Learn which relationships qualify, the difference between immediate relatives and preference categories, financial sponsorship requirements, and current processing times.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

Immediate Relative Immigration: Sponsoring Spouses, Parents, and Minor Children

Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens face no annual visa caps and have the shortest wait times. Understand who qualifies as an immediate relative, the petition and adjustment process, and why this category offers the fastest path to a green card.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

Work Visa Guide: Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Visas for the United States

Multiple visa categories allow foreign workers to work legally in the U.S. temporarily. Compare H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2, and other options based on your qualifications, understand employer sponsorship requirements, and learn about pathways to permanent residence.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

H-1B Visa for Specialty Occupation Workers: Lottery, Requirements, and Cap Exemptions

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Understand lottery registration, cap-exempt employers, prevailing wage requirements, H-1B transfers, and the path from H-1B to green card.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

Student Visa Guide: F-1, M-1, and J-1 Visas for International Students

International students need proper visa status to study in the United States. Compare F-1 academic visas, M-1 vocational visas, and J-1 exchange programs, understand work restrictions, and learn how to maintain legal status throughout your studies.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

F-1 Student Visa: Application Process, Maintaining Status, and Work Authorization

The F-1 visa is the most common status for international students at U.S. universities and colleges. Learn how to obtain your I-20, prepare for the visa interview, maintain status requirements, and what happens if you fall out of status.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

Asylum Application Guide: Seeking Protection from Persecution in the United States

Asylum protects people who have been persecuted or fear persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Learn eligibility requirements, the one-year filing deadline, and differences between asylum and refugee status.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

Asylum Eligibility: Proving Persecution and Protected Grounds

To win asylum, you must prove past persecution or a well-founded fear of future persecution based on a protected ground. Understand what constitutes persecution, how to establish nexus to a protected ground, and bars to asylum eligibility.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

Deportation Defense Guide: Fighting Removal Proceedings in Immigration Court

Facing deportation is terrifying, but many people have legal defenses that can stop removal. Understand your rights in immigration court, available forms of relief including cancellation of removal and asylum, and why having an experienced attorney dramatically improves outcomes.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

Removal Proceedings: What to Expect in Immigration Court

Removal proceedings determine whether the government can deport you from the United States. Learn about master calendar hearings, individual merits hearings, your right to present evidence and witnesses, and critical deadlines you cannot miss.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

DACA Guide: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Explained

DACA provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as children. Understand current program status, eligibility requirements, renewal procedures, and what DACA does and does not provide.

January 19, 2026
Immigration

DACA Eligibility Requirements: Age, Education, and Continuous Presence Rules

DACA eligibility depends on when you arrived, your age, education or military service, continuous presence, and clean criminal record. Learn the specific date requirements, how to prove continuous residence, and disqualifying criminal offenses.

January 19, 2026