How do I know if I qualify for asylum in the United States? You may qualify for asylum if you have suffered persecution, or have a well-founded fear of future persecution, in your home country based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. An experienced asylum immigration lawyer can review your situation, help you understand whether you meet the legal standard, and prepare the evidence needed to support your case.

What is the one-year filing deadline for asylum, and are there exceptions? Generally, you must apply for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States. However, exceptions exist for changed circumstances affecting your eligibility or extraordinary circumstances that caused the delay. An immigration attorney can help you determine whether an exception may apply to your case.

What should I do if I receive a Notice to Appear or am placed in removal proceedings? Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible. A deportation defense attorney can review the notice, identify possible defenses, and represent you before the immigration court to protect your ability to remain in the United States.

Can a prior deportation or removal order be reopened? In some cases, yes. A motion to reopen may be available if there is new evidence, a change in circumstances, or if you were not properly notified of your hearing. An attorney experienced in deportation defense can evaluate your case and advise whether reopening a prior order is possible and/or advisable.

How does the marriage-based green card process work? If you are married to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for a green card based on that marriage. The process generally involves filing a petition to establish the relationship, followed by an application for permanent residence and an interview with USCIS or a visa application in your native country and an interview with the embassy there. An immigration lawyer can guide you through each step and help you prepare the required documentation.

Do I need to prove my marriage is “real” for a green card application? Yes. USCIS requires evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not solely for immigration purposes. Some examples can include joint finances, shared housing, photos, and testimony from the couple. An attorney can help you gather and present this evidence effectively.

What is a fiancé(e) visa and who is it for? The K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States to marry within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the foreign spouse can apply to adjust status to a permanent resident. An immigration attorney can help ensure the petition and supporting evidence meet USCIS requirements.

Is it necessary that my fiancé(e) and I have met in person? Yes, you and your fiancé(e) must have met in person in the two years preceding the application. There are some limited exceptions. An immigration attorney can help ensure the petition and supporting evidence meet USCIS requirements.

Can my employer sponsor me for a visa or green card? In many cases, yes. Employers can sponsor foreign workers for various employment-based visas and, in some categories, for permanent residence. Eligibility depends on the job, your qualifications, and the specific visa category. An immigration lawyer can help determine which option fits your situation.

What is an immigration waiver, and when do I need one? A waiver is a request to forgive certain grounds of inadmissibility — such as unlawful presence, prior immigration violations and removal orders, or certain criminal history — that would otherwise prevent you from obtaining a visa or green card. An attorney can assess whether you need a waiver and help build the strongest possible case for approval.

What is consular processing? Consular processing is the process of applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, rather than adjusting status inside the United States, to obtain a green card. It typically involves petition approval with USCIS, a visa application, and an interview at the consulate. An immigration lawyer can help prepare your file and prepare you for the interview.

Who is eligible for a U visa? The U visa is available to victims of certain crimes who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and have been helpful, or are willing to be helpful, to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of that crime. An attorney can help you gather the required certification and evidence to support your petition.

Who is eligible to apply for VAWA? You may qualify for VAWA immigration relief if you were abused by a U.S. citizen or green card holder who is your spouse or who you believed to be your spouse, your parent, or your adult child. Abuse can include physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, controlling behavior, or other serious mistreatment. An immigration lawyer can help you to safely prepare your application.

Can I self-petition for a green card under VAWA? Yes. VAWA allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to self-petition for immigration status without the abuser’s knowledge or involvement. An attorney experienced in VAWA cases can help you file confidentially and safely.

When am I eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship? Generally, lawful permanent residents may apply for naturalization after five years of permanent residence (or three years if based on marriage to a U.S. citizen), provided they meet residency, good moral character, and other requirements. An immigration lawyer can review your record and help you prepare for the application and civics/English exam.