Immigration Checklist: What our law office generally recommends

Franchesco Fickey Martinez • June 10, 2024

Documents! Documents! Documents!


US Immigration Filings REQUIRE documentation to establish eligibility and confirm the information provided and what resulted in a background check. Without documents, nothing is believed. Without documents, an immigration filing can be Rejected, RFE-ed/Delayed, or Denied.


This post will break the Immigration Process down into 3 main time periods: Filings generally before a Green Card, Filings to get a Green Card, and what comes after a Green Card is in hand.


Below please find numerous recommended Checklist:

Prior to Green Card or other filings:

  • DACA Renewal or Other EAD Checklist

    1. Your 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo
    2. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
    3. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
    4. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
    5. [ID] I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
    6. [ID] Any past Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
    7. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
    8. [Name] Your Birth Certificate [ Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/ ]
    9. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation )
    10. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
    11. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
    12. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    13. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
    14. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    15. [Criminal Screening] Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes by the Immigrating Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    16. Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    17. Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    18. Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    19. Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    20. Any Deportation Court Records
    21. [Employment] Your 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
    22. [Employment] Your W-2/1099 for most recent tax year

  • Military PIP Checklist

    1. Service Member or Veteran’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo
    2. Your Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo
    3. Your Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent’s Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
    4. All Birth Certificates (Mandatory)
    5. Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation ) Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/
    6. Service Member or Veteran’s Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    7. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    8. Service Member or Veteran’s Divorce Decrees, if any
    9. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Divorce Decrees, if any
    10. Service Member or Veteran’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    11. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    12. Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes by the Immigrating Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    13. -- Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    14. -- Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    15. -- Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    16. -- Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    17. Any Deportation Court Records
    18. Service Member or Veteran’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
    19. Service Member or Veteran’s US Passport, if any
    20. Any US Social Security Cards
    21. Any US Visas, if any
    22. I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
    23. Foreign Military Records, if any
    24. Any previously Provided Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
    25. Any I-9 Form (If you ever worked illegally or without authorization. If you have an Illegal employment history, notify the law firm immediately since this can cause a bar on eligibility and make you deportable)
    26. Service Member or Veteran’s Military ID, if any
    27. Any Military Dependent ID, if any
    28. Service Member’s Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
    29. Service Member’s RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
    30. Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
    31. Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled
    32. Service Member or Veteran’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
    33. Service Member or Veteran’s IRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: /immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
    34. Service Member or Veteran’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year (Mandatory)
    35. Service Member or Veteran’s LES/ Paystubs for the past 12 months (Mandatory)
    36. Veteran – If receiving VA Disability, Military Retirement, or any retirement, then please provide 12 months of Paystubs/Proof of Income and/or the statements of the Bank Account receiving the Direct Deposits

  • Military DA Checklist

    1. Service Member or Veteran’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo
    2. Your Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo
    3. Your Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent’s Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
    4. All Birth Certificates (Mandatory)
    5. Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation ) Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/
    6. Service Member or Veteran’s Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    7. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    8. Service Member or Veteran’s Divorce Decrees, if any
    9. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Divorce Decrees, if any
    10. Service Member or Veteran’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    11. (If filing for a Parent) Parent’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    12. Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes by the Immigrating Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    13. -- Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    14. -- Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    15. -- Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    16. -- Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    17. Any Deportation Court Records
    18. Service Member or Veteran’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
    19. Service Member or Veteran’s US Passport, if any
    20. Any US Social Security Cards
    21. Any US Visas, if any
    22. I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
    23. Foreign Military Records, if any
    24. Any previously Provided Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
    25. Any I-9 Form (If you ever worked illegally or without authorization. If you have an Illegal employment history, notify the law firm immediately since this can cause a bar on eligibility and make you deportable)
    26. Service Member or Veteran’s Military ID, if any
    27. Any Military Dependent ID, if any
    28. Service Member’s Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
    29. Service Member’s RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
    30. Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
    31. Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled
    32. Service Member or Veteran’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
    33. Service Member or Veteran’s IRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
    34. Service Member or Veteran’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year (Mandatory)
    35. Service Member or Veteran’s LES/ Paystubs for the past 12 months (Mandatory)
    36. Veteran – If receiving VA Disability, Military Retirement, or any retirement, then please provide 12 months of Paystubs/Proof of Income and/or the statements of the Bank Account receiving the Direct Deposits

  • Military IMMVI Checklist

    A little more information on IMMVI can be found here: 


    www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/2022-military-immigration-option-immigrant-military-members-and-veterans-initiative-immvi/


    NOTE: IF HIRING OUR OFFICE, IT IS RECOMMENDED TO HAVE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ON HAND AND ABLE TO PROVIDE IT TO OUR OFFICE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF HIRING. FILINGS WITH ALL DOCUMENTS PROVIDED CAN BE SUBMITTED WITHIN 3-7 BUSINESS DAYS (PAYMENT CLEARING IS A BIG FACTOR).


    Every supporting documents plays a roll in the IMMVI Filing. Any Foreign Document not in English MUST be Translated to English. Our Office recommends Military One Source or Montesino Translation.


    Documents are segregated by their intended purpose.


    Passport-Style Photos: [NOTE: Passport-Style Photos are selfies with a white background, no hat, no glasses, hair behind the ear, and matching the following US Government Guidance: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html ]


    Service Member or Veteran’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo [MANDATORY]

    Your Spouse Minor Child’s 2in x 2in – Passport-Styled Photo [MANDATORY]

    Identification Cards, and Proof of Name and Nationality:


    Your Spouse or Minor Child’s Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport [MANDATORY]

    All Birth Certificates [MANDATORY]

    Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation ) [MANDATORY]

    Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: /immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/

    Any Proof of Legal Name Change [MANDATORY]

    Service Member or Veteran’s Naturalization Certificate, if any [MANDATORY]

    Service Member or Veteran’s US Passport, if any [MANDATORY]

    Any US Social Security Cards

    Any US IDs (e.g. State ID, Driver’s License, etc.)

    Any US Visas, if any

    I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any

    Any Previously Provided Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)

    Any I-9 Form (If you ever worked illegally or without authorization. If you have an Illegal employment history, notify the law firm immediately since this can cause a bar on eligibility and make you deportable)

    Civil Status [MANDATORY]: If a prior Marriage ever existed, the marriage to the prior spouse MUST have a divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate. If currently married with prior marriages, the ONLY way the current marriage can be recognized is by PROVING each and every prior marriage is “terminated.”


    Service Member or Veteran’s Current Marriage Certificate, if any [MANDATORY]

    Service Member or Veteran’s Divorce Decrees, if any [MANDATORY]

    Service Member or Veteran’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage [MANDATORY]

    Beneficiary’s Divorce Decree(s), if any [MANDATORY]

    Beneficiary’s Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage [MANDATORY]

    Criminal Check:


    Police Clearance for EVERY COUNTRY ever lived in for more than 6 months AFTER THE AGE OF 16: Immigration Guidance found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html [Note: if the police certificate is not in English, it should be translated to English: Military One Source or Montesino Translation ] Note: No Police Record Certificate Requests can take a few weeks or months, depending on country, and such certificates CAN BE TAKEN TO THE CONSULATE/EMBASSY.

    Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes by the Immigrating Spouse, Minor Child, or Parent, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed [MANDATORY if Criminal History]

    Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any

    Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any

    Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any

    Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search and/or Fingerprint Card [MANDATORY IF BENEFICIARY HAS EVER BEEN IN THE US ILLEGALY]

    Any Deportation Court Records [MANDATORY if deported or ever in deportation court]

    Military Records:


    Service Member or Veteran’s Military ID, if any [MANDATORY]

    Any Military Dependent ID, if any [MANDATORY]

    Service Member’s Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB) [MANDATORY]

    Service Member’s RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)

    Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214 [MANDATORY]

    Foreign Military Records, if any (uncommon, but possible for Naturalized Service Member from Mandatory Conscription Countries)

    Financial Records for I-134:


    Service Member or Veteran’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years. If you haven’t filed your 1040 for the most recent year, then see the next item. [MANDATORY]

    Service Member or Veteran’s IRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: /immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ ) If you haven’t filed your 1040, the IRS will have a Record of “non-filing” for the past 4 years available for download. [MANDATORY]

    Service Member or Veteran’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year (Mandatory) [MANDATORY]

    Service Member or Veteran’s LES/ Paystubs for the past 12 months (Mandatory) [MANDATORY]

    VA Records for “Urgent Humanitarian” or “Significant Public Interest” Requirement [MANDATORY]:


    If Disabled Veteran, VA Disability (monthly) Award Letter. Electronic Copy located at: https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=ebenefits [MANDATORY]

    If Disabled Veteran, VA disability rating letter or screenshot of rating located at: https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=ebenefits [MANDATORY]

    If Disabled Veteran, VA medical records download it from: https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-medical-records/ [MANDATORY]

    If Veteran receiving VA Disability and/or Military Retirement , then please provide 12 months of Paystubs/Proof of Income and/or the statements of the Bank Account receiving the Direct Deposits [MANDATORY]

    If veteran with other (non-VA) medical-related issues, medical record from civilian doctor and a letter from the doctor’s office summarizing medical issues [MANDATORY]

    Note: VA Records are used to establish proof for the “Urgent Humanitarian” or “Significant Public Interest” Requirement. More Information can be seen here: /immigration/immvi/immvi-how-to-prove-urgent-humanitarian-reason-or-significant-public-benefit/ [MANDATORY]

    [MANDATORY]  Items are items that are required in order to submit the IMMVI Request. You CANNOT submit now and send later. Failure to provide Mandatory Items leads to Rejection (Delay), Denial (Loss of Money and Delay), or Request for the items by USCIS (Delay).

  • Colombian J1 NOS Checklist

    1. Birth Certificates for the J1, any children, and spouse [ Note: If  Colombian , Birth Certificate MUST be Front and Back, from the Civil Registry. More Guidance found here:  https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/consular-processing/us-immigration-requirements- colombia -birth-marriage-divorce-and-police-certificates/ ]
    2. Translation of Foreign Birth/Marriage/Divorce Certificates, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation )
    3. Your Marriage Certificate, if married
    4. Your Divorce Certificate, if divorced
    5. Prior Spouse’s Death Certificate, if prior spouse died during marriage
    6. Any Foreign Passport
    7. Any US Visas
    8. Any US Passport
    9. Any US Driver’s License
    10. I-94 Lawful Entry Record (Found on CBP Website)
    11. ALL DS-2019 (for J1/J2)
    12. Any Cedula/Matricula Cards

  • Jamaican J1 NOS Checklist

    It is important to note that Jamaica requires all ID, Certificates, and Government documents sent to the Jamaican Government to be Notarized/Notarised True Copies. The following is a list of documents normally required:

    1. Updated Resume of the J1
    2. Birth Certificates for the J1, any children, and spouse
    3. Your Marriage Certificate, if married
    4. Any Foreign Passport
    5. J1 and J2 Visas
    6. Any US Passport
    7. I-94 Lawful Entry Record (Found on CBP Website)
    8. ALL DS-2019 (for J1/J2)
    9. TRN Card and/or Jamaican Driver's License

    The DOS may also request:


    1. Your Divorce Certificate, if divorced
    2. Prior Spouse’s Death Certificate, if prior spouse died during marriage
    3. Any US Driver’s License
    4. Any/All US Visas

  • Brazilian J1 NOS Checklist

    1. No Objection Statement or Repayment Confirmation letter for any Government or Organization Funds received with regards to receiving the J1 Visa
    2. Birth Certificates for the J1, any children, and spouse
    3. Translation of Foreign Birth/Marriage/Divorce Certificates, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation )
    4. Your Marriage Certificate, if married
    5. Any Foreign Passport
    6. Any US Visas
    7. Any US Passport
    8. I-94 Lawful Entry Record (Found on CBP Website)
    9. ALL DS-2019 (for J1/J2)
    10. Any Cedula/Matricula Cards

    The DOS may also request:


    1. Your Divorce Certificate, if divorced
    2. Prior Spouse’s Death Certificate, if prior spouse died during marriage
    3. Any US Driver’s License
    4. Any/All US Visas

  • Costa Rican J1 NOS Checklist

    1. Birth Certificates for the J1, any children, and spouse
    2. Translation of Foreign Birth/Marriage/Divorce Certificates, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation )
    3. Your Marriage Certificate, if married
    4. Your Divorce Certificate, if divorced
    5. Prior Spouse’s Death Certificate, if prior spouse died during marriage
    6. Any Foreign Passport
    7. Any US Visas
    8. Any US Passport
    9. Any US Driver’s License
    10. I-94 Lawful Entry Record (Found on CBP Website)
    11. ALL DS-2019 (for J1/J2)
    12. Any Cedula/Matricula Cards

  • Venezuelan J1 NOS Checklist

    1. Birth Certificates for the J1, any children, and spouse
    2. Translation of Foreign Birth/Marriage/Divorce Certificates, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation )
    3. Your Marriage Certificate, if married
    4. Your Divorce Certificate, if divorced
    5. Prior Spouse’s Death Certificate, if prior spouse died during marriage
    6. Any Foreign Passport
    7. Any US Visas
    8. Any US Passport
    9. Any US Driver’s License
    10. I-94 Lawful Entry Record (Found on CBP Website)
    11. ALL DS-2019 (for J1/J2)
    12. Any Cedula/Matricula Cards

    Button

  • J1 Exceptional Hardship Checklist (Common for Philippines and Honduras)

    First, it may be beneficial to understand the Hardship Waiver more thoroughly, before reviewing the checklist: /immigration/the-j1-exceptional-hardship-waiver-form-i-612-brief-summary/


    1. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
    2. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
    3. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
    4. [ID] I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
    5. [ID] Any past Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
    6. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
    7. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
    8. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
    9. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
    10. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
    11. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation ) Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: /immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/
    12. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
    13. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
    14. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    15. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
    16. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    17. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
    18. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
    19. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
    20. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled
    21. [Financial] Your Spouse’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
    22. [Financial] Your Spouse’sIRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: /immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
    23. [Financial] Your Spouse’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year
    24. [Financial] Your Spouse’s LES/ Paystubs for the past 12 months 
    25. [Financial] Veteran – If receiving VA Disability, Military Retirement, or any retirement, then please provide 12 months of Paystubs/Proof of Income and/or the statements of the Bank Account receiving the Direct Deposits
    26. The Hardship will need to be explained and backed up by evidence. For instance, if pursuing a Medical-related or Psychological-related hardship, the Civilian or VA Hospital Records would be required.

  • I-129F K1 Fiance Petition

    1. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
    2. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
    3. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
    4. [ID] I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
    5. [ID] Any past Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
    6. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
    7. [US Citizen Document] US Passport (Mandatory IF physical meeting with Fiance occurred abroad)
    8. [US Citizen Document] Naturalization Certificate, if any
    9. [Name] Both Fiance Birth Certificates and any minor children that are using K2 Dependent Visa
    10. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation ) - Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/
    11. [Name] Any Name Change Court Record
    12. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
    13. [Civil Status] Divorce Decrees, if any
    14. [Civil Status] Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    15. [Filipino/a Civil Status] CENOMAR
    16. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
    17. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
    18. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
    19. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled
    20. Mandatory K1 Intent Letter for US Citizen
    21. Mandatory K1 Intent Letter for Foreign Fiance

    Template for K1 Intent Letter can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/k-1-fiance-visa/fiance-letter-of-intent-template



    Mandatory Relationship Proving Documents, a Guide can be seen here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/k-1-fiance-visa/i-129f-fiance-visa-how-to-prove-your-relationship-to-uscis

Filings to get a Green Card:

Adjustment of Status (AOS)

Category 1: Government Issued Documents

  1. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  2. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  3. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  4. [ID] I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
  5. [ID] Any past Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
  6. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
  7. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  8. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
  9. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  10. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
  11. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation )
  12. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  13. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  14. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  15. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  16. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage

Category 2: Bona Fide Evidence

If filing for a Minor Child or Parent, the following would be helpful to prove a continued relationship:

  1. 50 to 100 family photos
  2. vaccination records that name the parent or show the shared address
  3. school records that name the parent or show the shared address

However, for Marital Evidence, Spouses MUST provide as much as possible. Further guidance/ideas found here:

Category 3: Military Documents

  1. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
  2. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
  3. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
  4. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled

Category 4: Financial Documents

  1. US Citizen’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
  2. US Citizen’s IRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
  3. US Citizen’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year
  4. US Citizen’s LES/ Paystubs for the past 12 months
  5. US Citizen’s 1040 and IRS Tax Return Transcripts for the tax filing 2 years ago and 3 years ago

Further Guidance:

 Category 5: I-693 Immigration Medical

USCIS requires an I-693 Immigration Medical for any Green Card filing. Our recommendations can be seen here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/adjustment-of-status/local-uscis-doctor-in-eastern-north-carolina-our-recommendation/

Consular Processing

Step 1: Government Issued Documents and Relationship Proof:

  1. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
  2. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
  3. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
  4. [ID] I-94 Lawful Entry Record, if any
  5. [ID] Any past Employment Authorization Cards (EAD Cards)
  6. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
  7. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
  8. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
  9. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
  10. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
  11. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation )
  12. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
  13. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
  14. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
  15. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
  16. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
  17. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
  18. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
  19. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
  20. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled

If filing for a Minor Child or Parent, the following would be helpful to prove a continued relationship:

  1. 50 to 100 family photos
  2. vaccination records that name the parent or show the shared address
  3. school records that name the parent or show the shared address

However, for Marital Evidence, Spouses MUST provide as much as possible. Further guidance/ideas found here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/adjustment-of-status/joint-bona-fide-documents-how-to-start-meeting-the-uscis-i-130-evidence-requirement-for-a-marriage/

Step 2: Financial Docum ents, Police Certificates, and other Eligibility Items

  1. US Citizen’s 1040 Tax Returns for the most recent years
  2. US Citizen’s IRS Transcripts for the most recent years (Guidance Found Here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
  3. US Citizen’s W-2 and 1099 for most recent tax year
  4. US Citizen’s LES/ Paystubs for the past 12 months
  5. US Citizen’s 1040 and IRS Tax Return Transcripts for the tax filing 2 years ago and 3 years ago
  6. Police Certificates for every country the immigrant has ever resided in for more than 6 months after the age of 16. Guidance can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html
  7. Foreign Military Records for the Immigrant
  8. Any Court Records for the Immigrant

Further Guidance:

After a Green Card is in hand:

  • I-751 Removal of Conditions

    The focus of any I-751 filing is Marital Evidence after receiving the Green Card. The following takes the highest priority in the I-751 Process:

    1. [Mandatory] FRONT AND BACK COPY OF THE GREEN CARD
    2. joint tax returns
    3. joint bills, such as electric, cell phone, water, etc.
    4. joint bank accounts, whether savings, checking, CDs or the like
    5. joint car insurance
    6. joint debt, such as home loans, car loans, or credit cards
    7. joint deeds to land or title to cars and trailers
    8. joint leases
    9. gym memberships
    10. photos together
    11. plane tickets for trips taken together
    12. wills, power of attorneys, advance directives, and life insurances (if they name the spouse as beneficiary)
    13. communication logs, such as Skype, Whatapp, Viber, calls, and texts
    14. baby’s Birth Certificate or Proof of Pregnancy, like an ultrasound or OBGYN Documents
    15. Amazon Order History for the past 2 years

    USCIS may also request:


    1. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
    2. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
    3. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
    4. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
    5. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
    6. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
    7. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
    8. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
    9. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation )
    10. Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/
    11. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
    12. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
    13. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    14. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
    15. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    16. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
    17. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
    18. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
    19. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled

  • N-400 Naturalization based on: 3 years of Marriage

    1. [Green Card] FRONT AND BACK COPY OF THE GREEN CARD
    2. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
    3. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
    4. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
    5. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
    6. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
    7. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
    8. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
    9. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
    10. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation ) Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/
    11. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
    12. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
    13. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    14. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
    15. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    16. [Civil Status] Your Spouse’s Previous Termination of Marriages (Divorce or Death Certificates)
    17. [Tax History] The Past 3 Years of your Tax History (1040 Tax return Form or IRS Transcript)
    18. [Foreign Military] Your prior foreign military record, if prior foreign military
    19. [Marriage Proof] joint bills, such as electric, cell phone, water, etc.
    20. [Marriage Proof] joint bank accounts, whether savings, checking, CDs or the like
    21. [Marriage Proof] joint car insurance
    22. [Marriage Proof] joint debt, such as home loans, car loans, or credit cards
    23. [Marriage Proof] joint deeds to land or title to cars and trailers
    24. [Marriage Proof] joint leases
    25. [Marriage Proof] baby’s Birth Certificate or Proof of Pregnancy, like an ultrasound or OBGYN Documents
    26. [Marriage Proof] Amazon Order History for the past 2 years
    27. [Criminal Records]  Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    28. -- Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    29. -- Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    30. -- Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    31. -- Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    32. -- Any Deportation Court Records

  • N-400 Naturalization based on: 5 Years

    1. [Green Card] FRONT AND BACK COPY OF THE GREEN CARD
    2. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
    3. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
    4. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
    5. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
    6. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
    7. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
    8. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
    9. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
    10. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation ) Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/
    11. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
    12. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
    13. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    14. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
    15. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    16. [Civil Status] Your Spouse’s Previous Termination of Marriages (Divorce or Death Certificates)
    17. [Tax History] The Past 5 Years of your Tax History (1040 Tax return Form or IRS Transcript)
    18. [Foreign Military] Your prior foreign military record, if prior foreign military
    19. [Criminal Records]  Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    20. -- Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    21. -- Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    22. -- Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    23. -- Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    24. -- Any Deportation Court Records

  • 319(b) Expedited N-400 Naturalization based on Spouse being Active Duty or DOD Contractor and stationed abroad for more than 1 year

    1. [Green Card] FRONT AND BACK COPY OF THE GREEN CARD
    2. [Military] Signed DD-1278
    3. [Military] Accompanying Orders abroad or Support Letter from DOD HR
    4. [Support] A few sentence letter from the Green Card Holder stating the plan to live abroad with the Active Duty or DOD Contractor Spouse
    5. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
    6. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
    7. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
    8. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
    9. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
    10. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
    11. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
    12. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
    13. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation ) Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/
    14. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
    15. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
    16. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    17. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
    18. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    19. [Civil Status] Your Spouse’s Previous Termination of Marriages (Divorce or Death Certificates)
    20. [Tax History] The Past 3 Years of your Tax History (1040 Tax return Form or IRS Transcript)
    21. [Foreign Military] Your prior foreign military record, if prior foreign military
    22. [Criminal Records]  Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    23. -- Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    24. -- Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    25. -- Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    26. -- Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    27. -- Any Deportation Court Records

  • Military N-400 Naturalization

    1. [Green Card] FRONT AND BACK COPY OF THE GREEN CARD
    2. [Military] Signed DD-1278
    3. [Military] Service Member Military Orders (i.e. NAVMC 118.3 Chronological Orders or SRB)
    4. [Military] Service Member RED Report or SGLI or DD-93 (Army)
    5. [Military] Service Member or Veteran’s – All DD-214
    6. [Military] Veteran’s VA Award Letter, if military disabled
    7. [ID] US Driver’s License or State ID
    8. [ID] Your Valid and Unexpired Foreign Passport
    9. [ID] Any US Visas, if any
    10. [ID] Your Spouse’s Miltary or VA ID, if any
    11. [ID] Your Military Dependent ID, if any
    12. [US Citizen Document]  Your Spouse’s US Passport, if any
    13. [US Citizen Document] Your Spouse’s Naturalization Certificate, if any
    14. [Name] Your Birth Certificate
    15. [Name] Translation of Foreign Birth Certificate, if not in English (recommend Military One Source or Montesino Translation ) Our Guidance on Many Frequent Foreign Birth Certificates can be found here: www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/our-guidance-on-many-frequent-foreign-birth-certificates/
    16. [Name] Your Name Change Court Record
    17. [Name] Any US Social Security Cards
    18. [Civil Status] Your Current Marriage Certificate, if any
    19. [Civil Status] Your Divorce Decrees, if any
    20. [Civil Status] Your Death Certificates of Prior Spouses, if terminated Marriage
    21. [Civil Status] Your Spouse’s Previous Termination of Marriages (Divorce or Death Certificates)
    22. [Tax History] The Past 5 Years of your Tax History (1040 Tax return Form or IRS Transcript)
    23. [Foreign Military] Your prior foreign military record, if prior foreign military
    24. [Criminal Records]  Any Court Records or Police Records for any crimes, regardless of the crime being dismissed, expunged, and sealed
    25. -- Beneficiary’s Court Records, if any
    26. -- Beneficiary’s Police Records, if any
    27. -- Beneficiary’s Prison Records, if any
    28. -- Beneficiary’s FBI Record Search, if unknown how many crimes have occurred
    29. -- Any Deportation Court Records

 

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.

Polygamy and US Immigration: Common Issue

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 8, 2025
Polygamy is not recognized in the United States. Polygamy is the historical custom or religious practice of having more than one wife or husband at the same time. It is also called plural marriage. When it is a man having multiple wives, the proper term is: Polygyny . When it is a woman having multiple husbands, the proper term is: Polyandry. Polygamy is illegal and a criminal offense in all fifty states of the US. As a similar note, Bigamy is the crime of being intentionally married to more than one spouse at a time. It is similar to Polygamy, except it focuses on the spouse that connects multiple marriages together. Bigamy is a Crime of Moral Turpitude that may permanently bar an immigrant from ever being able to Naturalize as a US Citizen. Should you apply for a Green Card, if you’ve practiced polygamy? No, if the subsequent marriage is being attempted to be the basis of a marriage-based Green Card filing, and no divorce(s) have occurred. Yes, if all prior marriages have been divorced, AND the marriage that is to be the basis of a marriage-based Green Card filing has been re-married. Should you apply for a Green Card, if you have committed bigamy? No, if the subsequent marriage is being attempted to be the basis of a marriage-based Green Card filing, and no divorce(s) have occurred. No, unless ABSOLUTE FULL DISCLOSURE is completed, zero omissions have occurred, and the adjudicating immigration officer at USCIS or DOS is able to review and decide on eligibility. Should you apply to naturalize if you’ve practiced polygamy? If you had practiced polygamy in the past, prior to coming to the United States, your history of polygamy should not be a barrier to becoming a U.S. citizen. However, if you have practiced polygamy within the U.S., you should not naturalize without first consulting with an immigration attorney. Polygamy is illegal; regardless if you've ever been charged or convicted. Denial is possible; which if there is a denial, deportation is a possibility. Should you apply to naturalize if you have committed bigamy? Depends! If you intentionally committed bigamy and used a bigamous marriage to apply, enter, or immigrate to the US, then NO! If your bigamy was accidental: examples: IF you believed your prior spouse was dead, but they turned out to be alive, or IF you believed that you were divorced, but the divorce filing was never finalized or were forged by the prior spouse THEN you may or may not (heavily depends on the facts) need to wait for five years from the time of the legal divorce to naturalize. You would still need to fully disclose the marital history in the N-400 application. However, the USCIS officer will consider whether you meet the good moral character requirement for naturalizing. 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.

US Citizen’s Guide to Marrying in the Philippines and Immigrating a Philippine (Filipina) Spouse to the United States

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 7, 2025
The Philippines, a beautiful country with polite people, delicious food, and a positive culture. Marrying someone from the Philippines is wonderful! This article will discuss the two common questions: How does a US Citizen marry in the Philippines? How does the Philippine Spouse immigrate to the US? If you are interested in the US K-1 […] The post US Citizen’s Guide to Marrying in the Philippines and Immigrating a Philippine (Filipina) Spouse to the United States appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

Deeper Dive: R-1 Catholic Teacher Positions - How to locate possible Religious/Education Employment

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 2, 2025
This article will cover specifically Catholics that are considering teaching for a Catholic School under the R-1 Visa for Religious Workers. Over the years, the following article has led numerous J1, F1, and H-1B Teachers to R-1 Teaching Positions: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/r1-visa-for-school-teachers-at-religious-private-schools-an-alternative-to-the-h-1b-visa However, the common questions are always raised: How do I locate Openings at a Catholic School? There are many locations in which to find current availabilities. The primary source is the online listing for any given Dioceses. Our main office is located in NC, which the Charlotte and Raleigh Diocese availabilities can be seen here: https://dioceseofraleigh.org/employment https://charlottediocese.org/employment-opportunities/ N ational listings can be seen here: h ttps://www.catholicjobs.com/search/teacher https://jobsforcatholics.com/jobs/?q=teacher&l= https://careers.ncea.org/ What kind of Schools can Sponsor an R-1 Visa? Catholic schools have a very close connection with the local Parish/Catholic Church, and fall within the organizational structure of the local Dioceses. Now, it is important to note, not every Catholic School may be interested in sponsoring an R-1 Visa. If they have never sponsored before in the past, they may not want to begin now. However, as there is generally a teacher shortage in almost every state, Teachers are in high demand. For a Catholic School, the teacher would also have to be a Catholic/of the same denomination (which that is true for any catholic teacher position, whether hiring a US Citizen or for sponsoring a foreign national). What are the Requirements for the Teacher to Qualify? Yes, the Teacher must Generally: Prove belief in the Catholic Faith for at least 2 years prior to any R-1 Employment, which would be evidenced by certificates of Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion/Sacrament. If you do not have a Catholic Record/Certificate, they can be ordered from the local Parish anywhere in the world. Proof of weekly Mass Attendance, evidenced by support letter from the Priest. If attended Mass at multiple Parishes/Catholic Churches over the years, then evidenced by support letters from the respective Priests. Teacher Specific Items: Passing Score in the PRAXIS Credentialing of any and all education, Credentialing explained below Applying for Teacher Licensure in the state of employment Do you recommend any Credentialing Companies? Our clients have had positive experiences working with World Education Services , International Education Evaluations , and Education Credential Evaluators . However, the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) provides a list of qualifying companies: https://www.naces.org/members . USCIS requires applicants to provide evidence of all degrees, certifications, or licenses received, including specifically include: (1) Transcripts, (2) Diplomas, (3) Degrees, and (4) Certificates. How Long is the R-1 Visa good for? 3 0 Months or 2.5 Years, and it can also receive a 30 Month/2.5 Year Extension. So, in total, the R-1 Employment can be as long as 5 years. Can an R-1 Teacher Position lead to a Green Card? Yes, it is very much possible and common, especially since there is always a shortage of teachers, and Catholic Teachers. Can a J1 that is Subject to the 2-Year Home Residency Requirement apply for an R-1? Yes, it is common for J1 Teachers that are subject to the 2-year Home Residency Requirement to pursue a non-disqualified teaching visa. A J-1 waiver can be applied for during the R1 Teaching period. Meaning, an R1 Visa does not have the same restrictions as an H1B Teaching Visa. Alternatively, the teacher can return to the home country every summer and long break, contributing to the 2-year Satisfaction. If a prior J1 spends 2 years back in their home country, a J1 Waiver would no longer be required as the restriction would have been satisfied. Again, if you send 3 months abroad between the J1 and R1 Employment, then 3 months every summer over the next 5 years, you would have about 18 out of 24 months already "satisfied." What Does the School Need to do? To summarize: Be Interested in sponsoring the visa, providing mandetory documentation, and paying the immigration fees. File Form I-129 on behalf of an alien seeking to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant minister, or a religious worker in a religious vocation or occupation. Provide Proof of Tax-Exempt Status/the IRS 5 01(c)(3) letter Documentation that establishes the religious nature and purpose of the organization, including, but not limited to: A copy of the organizing instrument of the organization that specifies the purposes of the organization; Organizational literature describing the religious purpose and nature of the activities of the organization; and A religious denomination certification, included as part of the Form I-129, Supplement R, stating that the petitioning organization is affiliated with the religious denomination. The religious denomination certification should be signed by an organization other than the petitioning organization, and attest that the petitioning organization is part of the same religious denomination as the attesting organization. Provide Proof of Salaried Compensation showing how the school intends to compensate the religious worker/teacher, including specific monetary or in-kind compensation. Provide Proof of Denominational Membership and Evidence Regarding the Prospective Position of the intended Visa Holder. 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.

Immigrant Visa Interview Scheduled: What to Focus on Now and In What Order

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 2, 2025
[Publicación en español] Finally, the interview is here!!!! The finish line is within arms reach. However, many things need to get done, and be done ASAP. But but but THEY MUST BE DONE IN ORDER. Please don’t focus on something minor, when other matters must be done since time is of the essence. First: LOCATE […] The post Immigrant Visa Interview Scheduled: What to Focus on Now and In What Order appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

Tarjeta Verde I-551 sin fecha de vencimiento

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 2, 2025
a Tarjeta Verde I-551 es la versión actual de la Tarjeta de Residente Permanente Legal. Sin embargo, existe mucha confusión sobre si las tarjetas verdes “sin fecha de vencimiento” siguen siendo válidas. S i el I551 se emitió entre 1977 y agosto de 1989, la Tarjeta Verde no tendría fecha de vencimiento, pero sigue siendo una Tarjeta Verde válida y aceptable.  Est a Tarjeta Verde vigente fue la edición entre la (1) Tarjeta Verde I-151 que ya no es válida y (2) la Tarjeta Verde I-551 que tiene fecha de vencimiento. Imagen frontal y posterior de la Tarjeta Verde I-551:

Tarjeta verde I-151: cosas que debe saber

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 1, 2025
El antiguo Servicio de Inmigración y Naturalización (INS), ahora USCIS bajo el DHS, emitió el Formulario I-151 (Tarjeta de Recibo de Registro de Extranjero), comúnmente llamado “tarjeta verde”, a extranjeros de Julio de 1946 a 1978 . En 20 de marzo de 1996 , la Tarjeta de Recibo de Registro de Extranjero I-151 dejó de ser válida por ley. El INS (ahora USCIS) recomendó a los titulares de la tarjeta I-151 que solicitaran una nueva tarjeta verde. Aunque no se consideraría que los titulares del I-151 hayan perdido su residencia permanente, han tenido y siempre enfrentarán dificultades para obtener empleo, beneficios y reingresar a los EE. UU. desde el extranjero. Si intenta volver a ingresar a los EE. UU. con la tarjeta I-151, finalmente se le permitirá ingresar a los EE. UU., pero esperará retrasos y complicaciones. Por el contrario, al buscar empleo, la Tarjeta I-151 no es prueba válida de autorización de empleo. Otr a versión de la I-151: 

Me negaron la presentación del formulario I-90 porque tenía una tarjeta de residencia condicional de dos años. ¿Qué debo hacer ahora?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 31, 2025
Si USCIS proporciona un aviso de denegación para la presentación del I90, el aviso también debe indicar que la ley exige que el titular de la tarjeta verde presente el I-751. El I-751 se centra en el matrimonio subyacente que proporcionó la tarjeta de residencia de dos años. USCIS evalúa el período de tiempo después de que se emitió por primera vez la tarjeta verde, generalmente dos o tres años antes del momento de la denegación de la I-90. Ahora bien, hay dos escenarios que pueden ocurrir. ¿Tiene una presentación I-90 denegada porque presentó el formulario incorrecto? Este es un error común para muchos titulares de una Tarjeta Verde. Cuando busca en línea, ve que el formulario I-90 de USCIS es el formulario de renovación para cuando una tarjeta verde está a punto de expirar. Lo que comúnmente se pasa por alto es que una tarjeta verde (condicional) de dos años tiene la condición de que, cuando esté a punto de expirar, se debe presentar el formulario I-751 de USCIS para convertir la tarjeta verde de 2 años en una tarjeta verde de 10 años. En el primer escenario, solo se puede presentar el I-751 ante el USCIS, lo que el resultado sería una tarjeta verde de 10 años recibida entre uno y cuatro años después de la presentación. El proceso I-751 es extremadamente lento y los tiempos de procesamiento se pueden encontrar aquí ( Tiempos de procesamiento de USCIS ). Segundo escenario, si todavía está casado con el ciudadano estadounidense que le brindó patrocinio y solicitó la tarjeta verde, y el matrimonio sigue siendo amoroso y próspero, puede considerar presentar el I-751, recibir la extensión I-751 de 24 meses y luego solicitar la naturalización N-400. Para calificar para la naturalización, el titular de la tarjeta verde debe haber mantenido su tarjeta verde por un período de al menos tres años si la tarjeta verde se recibió debido al matrimonio con un ciudadano estadounidense y el matrimonio aún existe y está prosperando después de tres años. En este escenario, en lugar de esperar muchos años para que se procese el I751, el tiempo de procesamiento depende de la presentación del N400. En algunas jurisdicciones, como en la oficina local de USCIS en Raleigh Durham, la solicitud de naturalización puede realizarse en unos pocos meses. Cuando compara unos pocos meses de tiempo de procesamiento con la posibilidad de esperar de 1 a 4 años, puede ser más beneficioso simplemente convertirse en ciudadano estadounidense y terminar por completo con el proceso de inmigración. Si ha recibido una denegación I-90, no dude en comuníquese con nuestra Firma de Abogados de Inmigración para programar una consulta para determinar la mejor ruta de inmigración.  Descargo de responsabilidad: Este Blog lo pone a disposición el abogado o el editor del bufete de abogados únicamente con fines educativos, así como para brindarle información general y una comprensión general de la ley, no para brindar asesoramiento legal específico. Al utilizar este sitio de blog, usted comprende que no existe una relación de abogado-cliente entre usted y el editor del blog/sitio web. El Blog no debe utilizarse como sustituto del asesoramiento legal competente de un abogado profesional autorizado en su estado. on it

Common K1 Visa Question: Who Schedules the K1 Visa Interview?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 30, 2025
Before addressing the Main Question, a few items MUST first be explained regarding timing and expectations: First, the K1 Fiance Visa is 100% Different from a Tourist Visa. It is NOT as fast as a Tourist Visa. It is handled by the Embassy or Consulate’s Immigrant Visa Division, NOT the Nonimmigrant Visa Division. It REQUIRES […] The post Common K1 Visa Question: Who Schedules the K1 Visa Interview? appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

¿Puedo Naturalizarme como Ciudadano Estadounidense con una Tarjeta Verde antigua o vencida?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 28, 2025
Generalmente ¡Sí! Es posible que pueda solicitar la Naturalización N-400 con USCIS aunque tenga una Tarjeta Verde antigua o vencida. ¿Qué constituye una "vieja Tarjeta Verde"? Posiblemente la tarjeta verde "antigua" más común sería una tarjeta I-551 emitida entre 1977 y agosto de 1989. ¿Por qué? Las tarjetas emitidas entre esas fechas no tienen fecha de vencimiento, pero siguen siendo una Tarjeta Verde válida y aceptable. Se puede ver una imagen aquí: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-551-green-card-with-no-expiration-date ¿Qué es una tarjeta verde "antigua" menos común? Esa tendría que ser la Tarjeta Verde I-151, mucho más antigua. Estas Tarjetas Verdes se emitieron entre julio de 1946 y 1978 y tampoco tenían fecha de vencimiento, pero el Congreso forzó/aprobó una expiración en 1996. Se puede ver una imagen aquí: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-151-green-card-things-to-know Para Confirmar, ¿puede una Tarjeta Verde vencida solicitar la Naturalización? ¡Generalmente sí! Sin embargo, la verdadera pregunta sería "¿Por qué" expiró? Si estuvo en el extranjero durante muchos años (solo como ejemplo) y nunca renovó su tarjeta de residencia ni solicitó dicho permiso de viaje, es posible que la tarjeta de residencia haya sido abandonada, lo que hace que alguien no sea elegible para naturalizarse. USCIS también puede solicitar que se presente simultáneamente un I-90 si necesita alguna prueba de residencia permanente legal (también conocida como Tarjeta Verde) mientras el N-400 está pendiente. Si tiene más preguntas o inquietudes, debe hablar con un abogado de inmigración con experiencia. Puede ver más información en nuestra página web de Naturalización: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/practice-areas/naturalization-citizenship

Acabo de recibir la Aprobación de la petición I-129F: ¿Qué esperar a continuación?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 27, 2025
La Petición I-129F aprobada significa el final de (probablemente) un largo proceso de inmigración y el inicio de un proceso consular (generalmente) más confuso. ¡¡¡¡Felicidades!!!! Pero el viaje aún no ha terminado. . . . estás casi en la mitad del camino. Para empezar, recapitulemos. El proceso de visa de prometido se divide en 3 partes: Parte 1: Petición I-129F para reconocer la relación en USCIS Parte 2: Solicitud de la visa DS-160 y la promesa de casarse y apoyo financiero I-134 (el paso real de la visa K1) Parte 3: Ingrese a los EE. UU., cásese dentro de los 90 días, obtenga una tarjeta de Seguro Social durante el período de 60 días en la SSA y ajuste su estatus con USCIS Esta publicación se ENFOCARÁ principalmente en el período de transición entre la Parte 1/Paso 1 y la Parte 2/Paso 2. ¿Qué significa el Aviso de aprobación I-129F? Significa que USCIS “calificó” la relación para recibir una Visa K1. El Centro de Servicio de USCIS (generalmente en California) enviaría por correo el Aviso de Aprobación al Ciudadano Estadounidense (y al Abogado, si se contrata uno). Por último, USCIS indicaría en el aviso de aprobación que están transfiriendo la presentación al NVC para su posterior procesamiento. A continuación se muestra un diagrama del correo/transferencia I-129F: 
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