J-1 Visa Documents Checklist Guide
J-1 Visa Documents Checklist Guide Key Facts About the J-1 Visa The J-1 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa designed for individuals who wish to visit the United States to participate in an approved exchange visitor program that promotes cultural exchange, academic development, and professional training. Unlike the H-1B visa, which requires employer sponsorship, J-1 applicants […]
CR1 vs IR1 Visa: The Complete Guide to Spousal Green Cards
CR1 vs IR1 Visa: The Complete Guide to Spousal Green Cards When a U.S. citizen marries a foreign national, the foreign spouse may be eligible for a CR-1 or IR-1 spousal visa, both of which lead to lawful permanent residency (a Green Card). Although these two visa types share many similarities, they differ in eligibility, […]
How to Write an Invitation Letter for a U.S. Visa (+ Examples and Tips)
Key Facts You Should Know Tip from the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link: When writing a visa invitation letter, the sponsor must provide complete and truthful information about their relationship with the visitor. The letter should clearly explain the purpose of the visit, confirm the sponsor’s ability to host the visitor, and include […]
Must-Know Facts About Marriage Certificates for Immigration
Before you begin your marriage-based green card process, it’s important to understand one simple but crucial fact: the marriage license comes first, and the marriage certificate is the official proof of your marriage. To establish that your relationship is genuine and entered into in good faith, you must present proper documentation. Always bring your certified […]
FTC Final Rule on Non-Compete Agreements: What It Means for Immigrant and U.S. Workers
On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule banning most non-compete agreements in the United States. This landmark decision will reshape the employment landscape, especially since nearly one in five American workers—about 30 million people—are currently bound by non-compete clauses. While the rule may initially disrupt many employers, it opens […]
EB-5 Green Card Process, Diversity Visa, and Self-Petition Options Explained

Green Cards Without Sponsorship: How to Self-Petition in the U.S. Key Points to Know You can secure a green card without a family member or employer sponsor through self-petition categories such as the EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability), EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), EB-5 Immigrant Investor, and the Diversity Visa Lottery. Self-petition applicants do not need a […]
How to Get a Green Card in the USA Without Marriage | Employment, Investor & Special Immigrant Options

Green Card Without Marriage: Your Complete Guide Key Points to Know There are several immigration pathways to obtain a U.S. green card without the need for marriage. The process you follow will depend on which employment-based or other eligible route you choose. Speaking with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link is the best […]
Apply for U.S. Citizenship While Your I-751 Is Pending: What You Must Know
Key Facts You Shouldn’t Miss You do not need to wait for your I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) to be approved before applying for U.S. citizenship. Eligible applicants can file Form N-400 while their I-751 is still pending. The three-year residency period for naturalization begins on the date your conditional green card was […]
Green Card vs. Citizenship: Key Differences, Benefits, and How to Apply

Family-Based Green Card Eligibility and Application ProcessaGreen Card vs. U.S. Citizenship: Understanding the Key Differences Many people believe that obtaining a U.S. green card is the ultimate goal in the immigration process—the final destination. While lawful permanent residency certainly comes with valuable rights, it is not the end of the journey for many immigrants. U.S. […]
Must-Know Facts About Conditional Green Cards
A conditional green card is valid for only two years and is typically issued when your marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval. To keep your permanent resident status, you must file to remove the conditions within the 90-day period before your card expires. To remove these conditions, Form I-751 […]