Resources

  • Is Permanent Residence Really Permanent?

    A legal permanent resident (LPR) of the United States (US) has permission to stay in the US on a permanent basis with almost unrestricted work authorization. However, unlike a US citizen, an LPR can lose his or her immigration status, intentionally or unintentionally. Below is a discussion of common ways that an LPR can lose his or her immigration status: Becoming a US citizen Relinquishing permanent residence Finding of abandonment Finding of inadmissibility or removability 1. US Citizens…

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  • Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions and Changes

    Changes in US immigration law during the late 1990s significantly increased the negative immigration consequences of criminal convictions and conduct for foreign nationals. As result of these changes, a foreign national criminal defendant may now face the possibility of being placed in immigration detention and removed from the United States for even relatively minor criminal offenses, often without any prospects for a waiver or any other relief. Additionally, with increased government resources…

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  • Immigration Tips

    Documents Foreign nationals, including green card holders, should always carry identification and proof of permission to be in the US. The following documents should be carried on your person or should be easily accessible: Green card – for permanent residents I-94, Record of Admission for nonimmigrant or temporary visa holders Approval Notices for immigration applications Passport It would be wise to make extra copies of the above documents and keep them in a safe place. Filing Fees Mos…

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  • B Visitors

    The non-immigrant visitor category may be used by foreign nationals who would like to make a short-term visit to the US. This category requires the foreign national to have a foreign residence abroad that he has no intention of abandoning and to show that he will not work or study in the US. There are four basic visitors classifications: B-1 visitors for business, B-2 tourists or visitors for pleasure, WB waiver for business, and WT waiver for tourist. B-1 and B-2 visitors must typically ha…

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  • Timing Your OPT Application

    For international students, working in the US under the Optional Training Program (“OPT”) can be a valuable experience. Students who plan to apply for OPT should carefully keep track of filing deadlines so as to avoid a denial. In particular, students should keep the following two deadlines in mind when filing for OPT. There is a 150-day window in which to file an application for OPT with their Designated School Official (DSO). The application must be filed:a. Up to 90 days before the end-date …

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