Form I-130 Petition Guide: Processing Times, Checklist, and Green Card Steps | Green Card Link

Key Facts About Form I-130: Petition for Alien Relative Key Points to Know Form I-130 is required to establish a qualifying family relationship between a U.S. petitioner and the beneficiary relative. Processing times for immediate relatives (spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21) currently average 14.6 months, based on USCIS data. Processing times for relatives […]

Green Card Application Step 4: Adjustment of Status (I-485) vs. Consular Processing

Family-Based Green Card Eligibility and Application Process If you have a qualifying family relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for a family-based green card and obtain permanent residency in the United States. Both you and your sponsor must complete specific steps, which vary depending on your […]

Family-Based Green Card Process 2025: Categories, Requirements & Processing Times

Key Facts About Family-Based Green Cards Key Points to Know Immediate relative (IR) immigrants benefit from faster processing than family preference applicants. Average processing time for immediate relatives (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens) filing from within the U.S. is about 9.5 months. The Visa Bulletin provides timelines for family preference […]

How to Qualify for an O-1 Visa Without a Ph.D.

How to Qualify for an O-1 Visa Without a Ph.D. When it comes to U.S. immigration options for highly talented individuals, the O-1 visa stands out as one of the most prestigious pathways. Often called the “visa for extraordinary ability” or “genius visa,” this category is reserved for those who have reached the top of […]

Sibling Green Card (F4 Visa) Guide: Requirements, Forms, and Interview Process

F4 Visa (Sibling Green Card) Guide – How to Sponsor Your Brother or Sister Growing up, your siblings may have been your closest companions—playing with you, teasing you, protecting you, and sharing life’s milestones. While you may view them as immediate family, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) classifies sibling green cards differently. A sibling […]

USCIS Certified Translation Requirements Explained

When submitting any immigration documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must include a certified English translation for every document written in a foreign language. These typically include birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, academic degrees, police records, bank statements, affidavits, and passports. According to 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3) of the Code of […]

Marriage Green Card Success Story: From F-1 Student Visa to Residency Approval

From F1 to Green Card: Approved Just in Time for Medical Residency Background Our client, Fiona, was a Canadian medical student who first entered the United States in 2017 on an F-1 student visa. She was accepted into a competitive medical school in the Midwest, dedicating countless hours to her studies and clinical rotations. During […]

F-1 Visa to Marriage Green Card: Step-by-Step Guide for International Students

Change Status from F-1 Visa to Marriage-Based Green Card Key Points to Know Many international students mistakenly file for adjustment of status at the wrong time, which can make their intentions appear suspicious to USCIS. If you fall out of status, it is considered unlawful to remain in the U.S., and penalties can follow. Contacting […]

F-1 to H-1B Transfer Guide: Graduation Requirements, Filing Fees, and Common Mistakes

Transfer F-1 Status to H-1B – Without OPT or Graduation Guide Must-Know Facts About F-1 to H-1B Transition Breaking Update: The Trump administration has introduced a $100,000 filing fee for new H-1B petitions. While this new measure is significant, certain exemptions apply. To fully understand how this may affect you or your employer—and the best […]

F-1 to Green Card Process: PERM, Priority Dates, and Adjustment of Status Explained

Understanding the F-1 Visa and Processing Time One of the most appealing aspects of U.S. immigration law is its openness to international students seeking world-class education opportunities. The F-1 student visa offers a direct path to studying in the United States and can also serve as a valuable stepping stone to other immigration options. But […]