Immigration Checklist: What our law office generally recommends

The National Visa Center (NVC) begins their case processing when the I-130 Petition is approved. The NVC is an extremely efficient agency, extremely efficient. The NVC Goal is to quickly prepare, review, and accept information and documents necessary for the future Immigrant Visa Interview. The "Notice of Visa Case Creation" usually occurs within 24-48 hours, as most I-130 Petitions were Electronically submitted or were an electronically managed filing at USCIS with an "IOE" Case Number. The NVC normally emails their "welcome letter" in the form of the Notice of Visa Case Creation email; however, the NVC can also mail a welcome letter, which is more common for Family Preference filings versus Immediate Relative filings. NVC Focuses: Accept Visa Payments Provide and Review the DS-260 Visa Application Review, Conform to Consular Standards, and Accept the Sponsor's Financial Documents and I-864 Affidavit of Support Review, Conform to Consular Standards, and Accept the Immigrant's Civil Documents, paying close attention to: Police Certificate Marriage, Divorce, and Birth Certificates Bona Fide Marriage or Family Relationship proof (aka Continued Relationship Evidence) Passport Style Photo Prior Military Service Evidence Court and Prison Records, if anything exists NVC Timelines are posted online: The NVC timelines can be located here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/nvc-timeframes.html What Happens AFTER the NVC Processing: The NVC Documentarily Qualified Notice and the Immigrant Visa process are explained separately (in great detail) in the following blog posts: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/consular-processing/nvcs-documentarily-qualified-status-notice-what-happens-next https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/consular-processing/immigrant-visa-interview-scheduled-what-to-focus-on-now-and-in-what-order Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Many J1 Professionals rely on the DS-2019 for determining whether they are subject to the 2-year home residency requirement. However, the DS-2019 can be incorrect or INCOMPLETE. This post will specifically target the common Blank DS-2019 questions/issues. Many look at their MOST RECENT DS-2019 (applicable for the professionals that have received 2-5 DS-2019s, and almost 99% of the time, the "Preliminary Endorsement of Consular or Immigration officer regarding section 212(e)" section is blank . This section, near the bottom left side, has two options: Not subject to the two-year residence requirement Subject to two-year residence requirement For many, when they see that it is blank, they assume that they ARE NOT SUBJECT. However, that would be a mistake. The best indicators are: The FIRST DS-2019, as that is almost always completed and provided to the J1 for Visa Processing overseas The J1 Visa annotates whether subject or not Common DS-2019 ERROR Scenarios The J1 lost/misplaced the prior DS-2019, but would rely on the DS-2019 Extension because it covers the same time period. This is a bad assumption as many subsequent DS-2019s would update the "start date" and the "end date." The "Start Date" is usually updated to the date of Entry into the US versus the first possible date you could have entered for purposes of acquiring the J1 Visa sooner. The J2 DS-2019s NEVER stated subject. So, the J1 must also match them right? No, never assume the dependents status, annotations, or DS-2019 reflect correct information for the J1. The J2 DS-2019s NEVER stated subject, but the J1 is/was subject. This is a common error. If the J1 Professional is/was subject, the J2 100% MUST also be subject. The DS-2019 and J1 Visa state "NOT SUBJECT," but you know another J1 from the same country, same profession, same J1 Sponsoring Agency, and same Subject/Field Code. Errors happen, and "assuming you slipped through the cracks" can be costly. So, how can I be certain in determining whether I am Subject or Not Subject? An Advisory Opinion from the DOS Waiver Review Division is 100% reliable. If that division states you are Subject, then you are Subject. If they state that you are NOT Subject, then you are now and will always be NOT Subject. The Advisory Opinion is a FREE process, it does not "constitute a waiver" (as some J1 Visa Holders are afraid to violate the terms of their employment contract), and it processes in about 1-2 months. How can an Immigration Attorney Help? An Attorney can assist with the Advisory Opinion as that is a service our office provides and an estimate can be found on our J1 Waiver Page ; however, an Attorney can also explain: Timelines Document Requirements Feasibility of a future plan End Goal of either an employment visa or immigration with a Green Card Related Blog Posts: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/when-should-a-j1-j2-perform-a-dos-advisory-opinion https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/can-i-apply-for-a-j1-waiver-simultaneously-with-my-green-card-filing  Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

This Blog Post will cover the topic that receives "mixed reviews" from J1 Physicians: the CONRAD 30 WAIVER PROGRAM. A Physician that has the J1 2-year Home Residency Requirement (aka Restriction) has generally heard about this waiver option. Some Physicians like the program because progresses their career and keeps them in the United States, which can pay higher or have better benefits that abroad. However, other may dislike it because: Rural Living/Placement Lower Pay from current area of employment Less opportunities for J2 Family Members The State they DO WANT TO LIVE IN has already capped out the CONRAD 30 Positions Now, CONRAD 30 is an option, and the reality is: IT IS AN UNDERUSED OPTION. Common medical professionals, such as (not an exhaustive list): Anesthesiologist Cardiologist Family physician Gastroenterologist Neurologist Obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYNs) Oncologist Pediatrician Radiologist Surgeon Urologist May want to reconsider this J1 Waiver Option. The CONRAD 30 does have three (3) main requirements, which give the most concern to Physicians: MUST acquire a NO OBJECTION STATEMENT from their home country (this is something our office has assisted with for nearly a decade), BUT doctors are a prized commodity and the foreign government may really really really want you to return. MUST sign a contract and MUST thereafter complete 3 years under the H-1B Program from the Health Department or Rural Placement. MUST complete the other CONRAD 30 Program Requirements. The Numbers: The Term/Title: UNDERUSED, that was not an exaggeration or play on words. Statistically, of the 1500 Conrad 30 Positions available every year, only 880 to 1167 (statistics taken over a 5 year period). CONRAD 30 is generally unable to place 1/3 of its available positions with Physicians. ( Source ) As an Immigration Law Firm that assists many types of J1 Professionals, I would recommend looking at the less "frequented" states. Colorado , a beautiful state with nearly 6 million people ALMOST NEVER FILLS THEIR CONRAD 30 POSITIONS. If I was a J1 Physician, and I was heavily considering this J1 Waiver, I would go to a place where there is no competition, like Colorado . (Opinion of an immigration attorney). Here is a link to help guide you . In reality, 1/3 of the positions are available/unused. If a J1 physician needs a waiver, maybe consider looking outside of your geographical area because opportunities are available, if you look elsewhere. If you have questions or need assistance with the No objection Statement, please schedule a consultation with our immigration attorney. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

This blog post will cover the two main waiver types common for J1 Public School Teachers: No Objection Statement (NOS) and Exceptional Hardship. What many don't know are the actual statistics for J1 Visa Holders. Some might look at the below DOS Waiver Review Statistics, and think, I have a GREAT chance for success:

With the USCIS Fee Increases that occurred on April 1, 2024, USCIS Filings will be rejected, refused, returned to unknowing filers. The filings will be returned with a template letter stating template-terms such as: Incorrect Fee Payment Incorrect Form Editions Insufficient Funds The fact of the matter would be that the USCIS Filing is rejected and the new fee would be required. The next question is: what should you do next? Should you look online and pay the new fees? Our office would recommend stepping back and reviewing the entire filing. Eligibility must be confirmed. Supporting documents must be confirmed. Form Editions must be confirmed. These topics will be discussed below. Topic: Eligibility Most (Minor) USCIS Filings are now available online at USCIS.GOV. The online system does a great job at screening eligibility and raising red flags when something is amiss. However, the paper filings do not have the same luxury. Over 550,000 applicants file for the (Major) I-485 Adjustment of Status each year. Over 50k spousal filings, 15k fiance filings, 3k child/step-child filings, and 50k parent filings all pursue Adjustment of Status through the USCIS Agency. These filings are riddled with RFEs, experience 1-5 years processing times, denials on eligibility for part or all of the filings and supplemental filings, and straight-up confusion. Some of the most common issues affecting eligibility are as follows: US Citizen has a low taxable income affecting sponsorship Immigrant has a visa violation(s) affecting inadmissibility The underlying relationship ends and US Residence ceases A consult with an immigration attorney can help alleviate this concern. Alternatively, our office has some guides to target eligibility: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/can-i-apply-for-a-j1-waiver-simultaneously-with-my-green-card-filing https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/adjustment-of-status/understanding-adjustment-of-status-movements-around-the-nation-raleigh-durham-processing https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/adjustment-of-status/joint-bona-fide-documents-how-to-start-meeting-the-uscis-i-130-evidence-requirement-for-a-marriage https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/va-disability-and-us-immigration https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-864-self-employment-and-business-ownership https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-864-sponsorship-how-is-ssi-and-ssdi-assessed Topic: Supporting Documents Supporting documents are mandatory with any USCIS Filing. The main documents not normally provided are: valid birth certificates with english translation proof of relationship proof of financials/income/taxes A consult with an immigration attorney can help alleviate this concern. Alternatively, our office has some resources to target eligibility: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/immigration-checklist-what-our-law-office-generally-recommends https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates Topic: Form Editions DO NOT rely on the expiration date on the top right corner of the USCIS Forms. DO NOT! The USCIS Forms almost always state a form is valid for 2 years after creation. However, some forms can update ever 6-12 months. Check the the USCIS Website, regarding the specific form and the edition date information (as it will also state if prior editions are still be accepted).  Where do you verify the USCIS Filing Fee? The G-1055 is the main source to verify USCIS Filing Fees. Conclusion If you have addressed the above three topics, you are ready to re-submit. If you receive a second rejection, it is time to probably consult with an immigration attorney. Just know, USCIS Filing Fees, for instance the $2955 for a full AOS Filing, are expensive. If the AOS is ultimately denied, paying the fees a second time will feel more painful. Our office has frequently assisted with filers that have been denied once, twice, three time in the past. If you'd like to schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney, consider our office. We can assist regardless of state you country you reside in. Our office/attorney Biography can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/team Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Teachers are always in demand. They are needed in the public schools, they are needed in the private and religious schools, and they are needed in Native American schools. J-1 Teachers are highly educated and experienced. However, most J-1s have a 2 year home residency requirement, that prevents them from applying for an H-1B Visa and a Green Card after their J-1 Program expires. A school located on a Native American Land, may be a positive alternative for J-1 Teachers. What is a Native American School? There are 183 Bureau-funded elementary and secondary schools, composed of 53 Bureau of Indian Education schools and and 130 Tribally Controlled Schools. The Schools are located on 64 reservations in 23 states, and serves approximately 46,000 Indian students. Tribally Controlled and Bureau Operated School is a distinction that aids with the J-1 IGA Waiver. What is the benefit of the IGA Waiver? The School that is need of a school teacher is able to assist in the J-1 Waiver as an "Interest Government Agency." The Waiver could allow them to remove the restriction and pursue an H-1B Teacher Visa. The Bureau of Indian Education, as well as possibly the Tribe and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Where can I locate Native American School - Teacher Position Openings? The Bureau of Indian Education posts openings on their website, located here: https://www.bie.edu/current-vacancies If you have questions regarding the J1 Waiver, you can set up a consult with our office. NOTE: Another alternative for J-1 Teachers requiring the waiver may be R-1 Visas for Teachers in Religious Schools. More information found here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/r1-visa-for-school-teachers-at-religious-private-schools-an-alternative-to-the-h-1b-visa  Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

An "unacceptable" No Objection Statement from the foreign government or foreign Embassy or Consulate used to be a rare occurrence. In 2024, this issue has been appearing more frequently and by many different countries. The following might be prompts bringing you to this blog post: The DOS Waiver Status states "No Objection (Unacceptable)" The Embassy/Consulate emailed a courtesy letter with incorrect data The Embassy/Consulate emailed a courtesy letter with poor print quality What should I do? The DOS Waiver Review Division would receive the letter and mark it as unacceptable. They would automatically notify the appropriate Embassy or Consulate on the error. The Embassy or Consulate can take a few weeks or months to correct their error. Should I email the Waiver Review Division at 212ewaiver@state.gov ? You can, but responses can take 1-2 months and it would not affect the case as DOS would act immediately on their own and the case status would update as soon as the foreign government corrects their error. If you have questions regarding the J1 Waiver and what to expect next, you can set up a consult with our office. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

An Arranged Marriage is very traditional to India. From the US Perspective, it may have a negative connotation, portrayed as an unusual arrangement, portrayed as a relationship devoid of love, and even a forced marriage. Arranged Marriages can be conducted through parents that are familiar with one another, or through the services of a Matchmaker or Sima Taparia. However, arranging a marriage is also not uncommon in the US. Hometowns commonly have parents know one another, and the children are invited to family gatherings and parties. A simple introduction or exchanging children's contact information can lead to dating and a marriage. The term "arranged marriage" might feel foreign in the US, but a good spouse from a good family is a good practice. A dating period of one month or six months or 1 year might be short for some people. However, love is love, and newly webs also desire to be together. The focus of the US Government is to look for: the spark of love and plans/dreams to be together forever the absence of force or coercion between the spouses This blog post will address how this cultural process, the arranging of marriage, is handled by USCIS and the US Immigration process. Focus 1: Proving the Relationship A relationship is reviewed by USCIS in the I-130 Petition of an Alien Relative. The I-130 process asks for copious amounts of evidence (a deep dive into common marital evidence one can provide can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/adjustment-of-status/bona-fide-marriage-evidence-how-many-photos-does-uscis-want-with-an-i-130-filing ). However, for arranged marriages, the common documents that should be provided in the filing are: plane tickets to visit one another (physical presence is important) communication records (talking is important) Photos together (smiles and happiness is important) Items like joint bank accounts, deeds together, leases together, bills together, those items are common for boyfriends and girlfriends in the US, but they can create financial stress to a young relationship. Divorce is high in the US for many factors, financial being a high factor. However, in an arranged marriage, the finances are a little removed, allowing the young couple to focus on: personality, hobbies, and dreaming of a future together. There are perks of focusing the spouses' attentions to what really matters. Evidences, such as those that focus on financial documents, are less important if they do not exist. Focus 2: Timeline A young relationship may only be a few weeks or a few months old at time of the arranged marriage and starting the I-130 petition. The I-130 filing does take a few months to over 1 year to process. During this processing, the relationship grows, it blossoms, love becomes deeper, dreams become reality, and a strong relationship forms. New Marital Evidence can be supplemented and added to an I-130 filing to strengthen it before it is ever reviewed by a USCIS Officer. Focus 3: Marriage in India The US Embassy System does provide the following information regarding marriage in India: https://in.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/marriage/ As long as the marriage is properly recorded, the US Government generally accepts the marriage certificate for immigration purposes. Breakdown of the CR-1/IR-1 Spousal Immigrant Process: A Spousal Immigrant Visa can take 1 of 2 forms: CR-1 or IR-1. The difference is the length of the marriage at the time of the Visa Interview. For marriages under 2 years, a CR-1 is provided. For marriages over 2 years, an IR-1 is provided. A CR-1 creates a 2-year Conditional Green Card, whereas the IR-1 creates a 10-year unconditional Green Card. For arranged marriages, the CR-1 Visa is more common when the I-130 is started shortly after marriage. However, if the process does take too long, the filing would automatically change to IR-1. What happens after a 2-year Green Card? An I-751 filing occurs, which allows USCIS to confirm the marriage was with love and allows USCIS to issue a 10-year Green Card or US Citizenship. There are three agencies involved in the CR-1/IR-1 process: USCIS NVC DOS (Embassy/Consulate Division) All three agencies serve a purpose and have particular requirements. Most consider the process as a 2-step process, but a better Step-by-Step Process can be seen here: Part 1 – Petition to Recognize the Relationship – Submit the I-130 Electronically Part 2 – Waiting Period – I-130 Pending awaiting a USCIS Officer to review the filing and supporting documents Part 3 – NVC Processing – Visa fees are paid online, DS-260 is completed, and supporting documents are uploaded. Part 4 – Consulate Interview – NVC provides Mumbai Interview day and time, Consulate Account Registered, Medical Performed, Documents Organized, and Interview Attended. Part 5 – Arrive in the US – Pay the Immigrant Fee, Fly to the United States, Apply/Receive US Social Security Card, and Receive a Green Card in the mail within 3 months after entry. The Mumbai Consulate (New Dehli does not issue immigrant visas at this time) provides the following instructions for consular interviews: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/BMB-Mumbai.html Foreign (Indian) Documents requirements can be seen here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/India.html and an overall document checklist from our office can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/immigration-checklist-what-our-law-office-generally-recommends/ If you would like a consultation for your immigration filing, please contact our office to set up a consultation with our Immigration Attorney. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

This is a simple breakdown of the amount someone pays on their federal income taxes. Math isn't everyone's strong suit, but income and profit need to be understood at a basic level. For starter, when most hear the term "tax bracket," they immediate thing of percentage of taxes they will owe the IRS at the end of the year. Numbers or percentages like the following fill the imagination: 10% 12% 22% 24% 32% 35% 37% If someone earns $100k a year, they fear the 22% tax bracket because that is $22k of $100k. However, simply put, the tax bracket operates is steps or phases. For example, in 2024, a Married Couple that has a household income of $100k, would see the following tax brackets: The first $23,200 would be taxed at 10% (i.e. $2,320) The next $71,100 of income up to $94300 would be taxed at 12% (i.e. $8,532) The next $5,700 (to make $100k) of income up to $201,050 would be taxed at 22% (i.e. $1254) So, the overall federal income tax would be $12, 106 versus the general belief of $22k at 22%. Another example may be helpful, but this time a married couple that that has a household income in 2024 at $250k. The bracket breakdown would be as follows: The first $23,200 would be taxed at 10% (i.e. $2,320) The next $71,100 of income up to $94,300 would be taxed at 12% (i.e. $8,532) The next $106,750 of income up to $201,050 would be taxed at 22% (i.e. $23,485) The next $48,950 (to make $250k) of income up to $383,900 would be taxed at 24% (i.e. $11,748) So, the overall federal income tax would be $46,085 versus the general belief of $60k at 24%. A visual may help understand the bracket layout: