Green Card
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Green Card
A Green Card is a common term referring to Lawful Permanent Residency status of a foreign national. Many believe that you can bypass a Green Card and directly apply for US Citizenship. However, just because you marry a US Citizen or have a family member who is a US Citizen, that does not mean you can go directly to US Citizenship.
A Green Card filing demands that certain eligibility and documentary requirements be met in order to file a Green Card filing from USCIS or DOS. Eligibility is very important.
A Green Card can first be received in one of two locations:
- Within the United States through the USCIS Adjustment of Status Process
- Abroad/Outside of the United States through the DOS Consular Processing
A common recipient of a Green Card is:
- A Spouse
- A Parent of a US Citizen over the age of 21
- A Child under the age of 21
There are many other qualifying relationships based on family, and even more options based on employment, family unity, etc.
We at Fickey Martinez Law Firm want to aid you in your immigration journey at a transparent and reasonable price. We act efficiently and effectively in our client’s cases, guiding the client throughout the filing process. Most of our Staff have personally seen or experienced the Immigration process. So, we know the stress and worry, but we also know how to overcome it.
Common Step for a Marriage-based Adjustment of Status (without an I-601 Waiver, PIP, or J1 Waiver)
Common Steps for a Marriage-based Consular Process (without an I-601A Waiver)
Common Questions:
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Can your Office Assist in an Immigration Case in any State?
Contact UsYes, Our office can assist in a US immigration filing in any US State, Territory, and Abroad at any US Embassy or Consulate.
In fact, our office has numerous clients all over the nation and world due to a high volume of our clients being Active Duty Service Members and DOD Contractors at numerous Domestic and Foreign Military Bases.
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What Documentation is required?
Contact UsEvery Immigration filing has a significant document requirement. A checklist based on case type can be seen here:
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Can you help with the Foreign Birth Certificate?
Contact UsNo, but our office does have many guides on how to request many foreign birth certificates and what the US Immigration Standards may be (important for countries where there are numerous versions of birth certificates).
The Common Guides can be seen here:
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How Fast is your Office Turnaround?
Contact UsFast!
If all documents are provided, payment made, info given, and forms signed, electronic filings are usually filed within 1 week and larger immigration filings are usually submitted within 1 month.
For Example: Adjustment of Status requires a Medical and USCIS Doctors can take 1-3 weeks to create the sealed immigrant medical).
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Are there Active Duty Service Member or Veteran Immigration Options?
Click here to call!Yes, quite a few options.
As an immigration law firm located near large military installations, such as:
- Camp Lejeune
- Camp Pendleton
- Fort Bragg / Pope Air Force Base
- MCAS Cherry Point
- MCAS New River
- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
Our office has considerable experience. If you have questions, please feel free to call and speak with one of our staff to get your questions answered and to set up a consultation with the attorney. We will see what military options might be available.
Have a Question? Contact Us!
To further our transparency, below is a General Price Estimate/Fee Schedule
(Last Updated April 2024):
Adjustment of Status: Green Card processing for a Spouse, Minor Child or Parent inside the US:
- Government Fee: Filing Fee is $2065-$2955 (Fee Varies for the I-130, I-485, I-765, and I-131)
- Law Firm Fee: $5000-$6000
Consular Process: Green Card processing for a Spouse, Minor Child or Parent outside the US:
- Government Fee:
- I-130: $625-$675, and
- DS-260, I-864, and Immigrant Fee: $680
- Law Firm Fee:
- Consular Process Step 1: $2700, and
- Consular processing Step 2: $3500
I-751 Removal of Condition: I have a 2-year Green Card and I need a 10-year Green Card
- Government Fee: $750
- Law Firm Fee: $2500-$3000 (Depending on Joint-Filing, Waiver-Filing, or Late Filing)
I-90: I have a 10-year Green Card, but it was Lost, Stolen, Destroyed, Expiring, or needs Updating
- Government Fee: $415-$465
- Law Firm Fee: $2000
Green Card Services for Illegal Entries into the US:
- Military and Veteran Option:
Military PIP and One-step AOS I-130 with I-485: Filing Fee is $2065-$2955 and Attorney Fee is $8500 (More Info can be found here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/practice-areas/military-parole-in-place )
- Civilian Consular Processing:
- Non-Waiver Consular Filing Fee is $1305 and the Attorney Fee without Waivers is $5500
- Waiver (or waivers plural) carry a high filing fee and our Attorney Fee for Waivers is between $6500-$9500 (More Info on possible illegal entry/presence waivers can be found here: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/waivers-unlawful-presence-criminal-acts-deportation-removal )
Recent Blog Posts
J1 Teachers raise this question frequently. The School Administration or the HR Department does a summary review of the sponsorship visa fees, and then they "condition job offers" to the J1 Teacher to pay their own fees in a few different ways. This article will target the following questions: Can the H-1B Employee pay the H-1B Fees for the Employer? Can the H-1B Employer have the Employee sign a promissory note? Can the H-1B Employer have the Employee take out a loan for their own fees? Can the H-1B Employer have the Employee drop the cashier checks for the Immigration Fees to the Employer? Can the H-1B Employer have the Employee pay the Immigration Attorney? Can the H-1B Employer have the Employee agree to a lower pay to compensate/reimburse the Employer for the H-1B Fees? The answer to each and every question is: NO. The U.S. Department of Labor regulations require that employers pay all expenses necessary for H-1B applications. The fees cannot be recouped from employees . The Regulations can be seen here:
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.
[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.
J1 Teachers raise this question frequently. The School Administration or the HR Department does a summary review of the sponsorship visa fees, and then they "condition job offers" to the J1 Teacher to pay their own fees in a few different ways. This article will target the following questions: Can the H-1B Employee pay the H-1B Fees for the Employer? Can the H-1B Employer have the Employee sign a promissory note? Can the H-1B Employer have the Employee take out a loan for their own fees? Can the H-1B Employer have the Employee drop the cashier checks for the Immigration Fees to the Employer? Can the H-1B Employer have the Employee pay the Immigration Attorney? Can the H-1B Employer have the Employee agree to a lower pay to compensate/reimburse the Employer for the H-1B Fees? The answer to each and every question is: NO. The U.S. Department of Labor regulations require that employers pay all expenses necessary for H-1B applications. The fees cannot be recouped from employees . The Regulations can be seen here:
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.
[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.
[Leer Publicación en español] The NVC “Documentarily Qualified Email” is great news, it means progress. Essentially, the NVC states 3 things in the notice: First, the following has been reviewed, approved, and completed: Visa Fee Payments DS-260 Visa Application I-864 Affidavit of Support All Mandatory Petitioner/Sponsor Supporting Documents All Mandatory Beneficiary Supporting Documents The NVC […]
The post NVC’s Documentarily Qualified Status/Notice: What Happens Next? appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.
California brings in many J1 Participants each year under many different types of Cultural Exchange Programs. This post will take a snapshot of 1 fiscal year, 2022-2023. This information may be helpful for J1 Professionals considering placement locations.
Esta publicación cubrirá una de las preguntas más comunes que tiene un J1: ¿la exención J1 permitiría el empleo? En resumen, la respuesta depende de que se exima la visa J1. Un J1 aún puede trabajar durante su Período Autorizado DS-2019, con el mismo empleador y el mismo puesto. Si el Patrocinador NO cancela el Estatus J1 en el Sistema Gubernamental, el empleo aún está autorizado. Por lo tanto, la Exención no detendría el empleo, pero en sí misma no lo permite. Esta es una distinción importante, porque otros podrían ver J1 funcionando y podrían percibir erróneamente la exención que lo autoriza. Si el DS-2019 está por vencer o ya venció, el J1 Waiver NO otorga: autorización de empleo renovación de licencia de conducir viajes internacionales En otras palabras, la Exención J1 NO ES UN ESTADO para permanecer en EE.UU., eso es lo que hace la Visa J1. La Exención, en esencia, es simplemente un proceso para ROMPER un acuerdo previo para regresar al extranjero (país de origen) por un mínimo de dos años. Una vez aprobada la exención, el J1 puede buscar un estatus migratorio diferente, como por ejemplo: Inmigrar a los EE.UU. (adquirir Residencia Permanente Legal o Tarjeta Verde) ya sea a través del proceso de Ajuste de Estatus I-485 o el Proceso Consular DS-260 Visa de prometido K-1 Visa de Empleo H Visa de Empleo L Si trabajan más allá de la Visa J1 y sin autorización de empleo, la mayoría no son elegibles para Visas de Empleo, y las solicitudes de inmigración para la Tarjeta Verde pueden ser prohibidas o consideradas inadmisibles por Fraude I-9. Puede ver más información sobre la exención J1 en nuestro sitio web . Si necesita asistencia de exención J1, no dude en contactarnos. Contacte nuestra oficina para una consulta. Descargo de responsabilidad: El abogado o el editor del bufete de abogados pone a disposición este blog 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.
This post will target how many J1 Teachers are in the US, that come from Mexico. This statistic helps put some things into perspective of how many J1 Teachers are currently in the US, as well as how many J1 Professionals come to the US. Since the J1 Teacher Program can be extended to 5 years, this post will do a 5-year lookback.
This post will target how many J1 Teachers are in the US, that come from Colombia. Since the J1 Teacher Program can be extended to 5 years, this post will do a 5-year lookback.
This post will cover one of the most common questions a J1 has, would the J1 Waiver permit employment? In short, the answer depends on the J1 Visa being Waived. A J1 can still work during their DS-2019 Authorized Period, with the same employer, and the same position. If the Sponsor DOES NOT terminate the J1 Status in the Government System, employment is still authorized. So, the Waiver would not stop employment, but it does not in of itself permit the employment. This is an important distinction, because others might see J1 Working, and they might misperceive the waiver authorizing it. If the DS-2019 is expiring or has already expired, the J1 Waiver DOES NOT grant: employment authorization driver's license renewal international travel In other words, the J1 Waiver is NOT A STATUS to remain in the US, that is what the J1 Visa does. The Waiver, at its core, is merely a process to BREAK a previous agreement to return abroad (home country) for a minimum of two years. Once the Waiver is approved, the J1 is able to seek a different immigration status, such as: Immigrate to the US (acquire Lawful Permanent Residence or Green Card) either through the I-485 Adjustment of Status process or the DS-260 Consular Process K-1 Fiance Visa H Employment Visa L Employment Visa If working beyond the J1 Visa and without employment authorization, most are ineligible for Employment Visas, and Green Card immigration filings may be barred or deemed inadmissible for I-9 Fraud. More information about the J1 Waiver can be seen on our website . If you are in need of J1 Waiver Assistance, please feel free to contact our office for a Consultation . Related Blog Posts: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/colombian-j1-no-objection-statement-nos-waiver-explained https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/my-ds-2019-is-blank-how-do-i-know-if-i-am-subject-to-the-j1-212e-2-year-home-residency-requirement https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/j1-waiver-statistics-and-approval-rating 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.
¡Cómo la bancarrota afecta la inmigración y la naturalización! La quiebra puede ser un proceso muy confuso, muy parecido a la inmigración. Las preguntas más comunes son: ¿Tengo que ser ciudadano estadounidense para declararme en quiebra? ¿La bancarrota afectará mi estatus migratorio? ¿Puede un inmigrante indocumentado declararse en quiebra? ¿Puede la quiebra afectar mi solicitud de ciudadanía? En general, una declaración de quiebra no afectaría una declaración de inmigración. La bancarrota está disponible para ciudadanos estadounidenses y no estadounidenses (como residentes permanentes legales, titulares de DACA, titulares de TPS e incluso inmigrantes indocumentados). Para declararse en quiebra, debe decir toda la verdad. La información proporcionada en la presentación debe ser precisa y su número de Seguro Social o ITIN debe ser exacto y suyo. Por lo tanto, cualquier persona que tenga una tarjeta de seguro social legal emitida por el gobierno o un ITIN puede declararse en quiebra. ¿Cuándo puede la quiebra afectar una presentación de inmigración, como el ajuste de estatus o la naturalización? El hecho de declararse en quiebra no afectaría una presentación de inmigración; sin embargo, el fraude, el perjurio y la tergiversación pueden descalificar a un inmigrante para un beneficio de inmigración por motivos de tergiversación o de mal carácter moral. Aquí hay algunos escenarios posibles donde las acciones de quiebra incorrectas pueden dañar una presentación de inmigración: Un declarante de bancarrota inmediatamente solicita una tarjeta de crédito con la completa intención de presentar el Capítulo 7 de Bancarrota para saldar la nueva deuda. En este escenario se puede denegar la quiebra y se puede considerar que el declarante tiene un carácter moral deficiente, lo que puede denegar una solicitud de naturalización o impedir una tarjeta verde en una presentación de ajuste de estatus. Un declarante de quiebra utilizó una tarjeta/número de Seguro Social falso, robado o adquirido de manera fraudulenta. Este acto sería una forma de perjurio, que puede negar una solicitud de naturalización o impedir una Tarjeta Verde en una solicitud de Ajuste de Estatus. [Nota: el hecho de que una Tarjeta de Seguro Social sea real no significa que haya sido adquirida legalmente. El uso de documentos falsos o una presentación de inmigración fraudulenta puede ser tan malo como que la tarjeta de Seguro Social sea falsa o robada. Un declarante de quiebra es indocumentado y utiliza múltiples números sociales, ITIN y otros números del IRS para falsificar presentaciones 1099 y tergiversar los ingresos sujetos a impuestos en una declaración de impuestos. Este perjurio con respecto a los ingresos invalidaría cualquier declaración de quiebra y puede negar una presentación de naturalización o impedir una tarjeta verde en una presentación de ajuste de estatus. Si tengo una inquietud, ¿con quién debo hablar: un abogado de inmigración o un abogado de quiebras? En caso de duda, lo mejor sería hablar con ambos tipos de abogados. Alternativamente, Nuestra oficina maneja tanto Inmigración como Bancarrota . Por lo tanto, seríamos una "ventanilla única" y determinaríamos sus derechos y evaluaríamos sus riesgos. Descargo de responsabilidad: El abogado o el editor del bufete de abogados pone a disposición este blog 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.
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(910) 526-0066
Orange County, CA Office
13252 Garden Grove Blvd.
Suite 204-106
Garden Grove, CA 92843
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