Essential Facts About Replacing a Certificate of Naturalization
If you’re a U.S. citizen who has lost, damaged, or needs to update your Certificate of Naturalization, you must file Form N-565 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is only for individuals who are already U.S. citizens and need a replacement document—not for those applying for citizenship for the first time. […]
National Interest Waiver (NIW) for Physicians: How Doctors Can Obtain a U.S. Green Card
Physicians play a vital role in improving public health and saving lives. Recognizing their critical contribution, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a special pathway for doctors to obtain permanent residency through the EB-2 Green Card with a National Interest Waiver (NIW). If you are a medical professional seeking to live and work […]
J-1 Visa Taxes: What You Need to Know
Understanding J-1 Visa Tax Obligations The United States tax system can seem complex and overwhelming, especially for foreign nationals working or studying in the U.S. As a J-1 visa holder, it’s essential to understand your tax responsibilities. If you earn income while in the United States, you are generally required by law to contribute a […]
J-1 Visa to Marriage Green Card (J-1 to Marriage-Based Adjustment)
Overview: From J-1 Exchange Visitor to Marriage Green Card The J-1 visa is a temporary, nonimmigrant status for exchange visitors—such as researchers, scholars, professors, trainees, teachers, physicians, and students—participating in U.S.-designated cultural and educational programs. Many J-1 holders marry U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs) and wish to remain in the United States with […]
-1 to H-1B Visa Transfer: A Complete Guide for 2025
Key Facts You Should Know Breaking Update: The U.S. government has announced a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee. Transitioning from a J-1 visa to an H-1B visa requires starting the H-1B process from the very beginning. The H-1B lottery plays a vital role in this transfer. If your petition is selected, you may begin working […]
J-1 Visa Processing Time and Timeline | Complete Guide
Essential Facts About J-1 Visa Processing The total processing time for a J-1 visa can vary significantly—from just a few weeks to several months—depending on how quickly you find a program sponsor and the availability of interview appointments at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Each step of the process has its own […]
H-1B Lottery FY 2022 Selection Results: Filing Deadlines, RFEs, and Next Steps
USCIS H-1B Selection Results for FY 2022: What You Need to Know In recent H-1B visa updates, USCIS has begun issuing H-1B lottery selection results to registrants for the FY 2022 Cap Season. At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys have already received numerous selection notices and expect more to follow in the coming days. […]
PERM Supervised Recruitment: What It Is and How to Handle It
For most employment-based green card petitions, a U.S. employer must complete the PERM recruitment process before submitting Form ETA-9089 (PERM Labor Certification). However, if the Department of Labor (DOL) raises concerns during an audit about how recruitment was conducted, the Certifying Officer (CO) may require the employer to undergo PERM Supervised Recruitment. Below, the immigration […]
New H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program: What It Means for Foreign Workers in the U.S.
Overview The U.S. Department of State is set to introduce a pilot program allowing certain H-1B and L visa holders to renew their visas within the United States, eliminating the need to travel abroad for visa stamping. This marks a major policy shift benefiting thousands of skilled professionals who currently must leave the country for […]
Police Clearance Certificate for Immigration: Complete Guide for Green Card Applicants
If you’re applying for a family-based green card or marriage green card from outside the United States, one key requirement is obtaining and submitting a police clearance certificate. This document helps U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assess your criminal background history, including any arrests or legal infractions in the countries where you’ve lived. In […]