On April 1st, 2024 USCIS fee were raised. Here is a table of the new USCIS for commonly filed applications, prepared by Ammar Alo, Esq.
New USCIS Fees on April 1st, 2024
Tag: Immigration
How to fill out your Affidavit of Support
Immigration Pro tip for people filling out an Affidavit of Support Form I-864:
When you get to this section on Page 5, please read the question carefully.
You need to put your “Total Income” if you file an IRS form 1040, like the majority of tax payers.
If you filed your taxes on the lesser used form 1040EZ, you need to put your Adjusted Gross Income “AGI” .
I see this mistake way too often. It leads to RFEs.
Hire an experienced immigration attorney today, to help you reunite with your family.
Should I hire an Immigration Lawyer?
This is a question we hear far too often, and the short answer is “Definitely”!
At the very least, consult with an experienced, highly rated, Immigration Lawyer before starting your journey.
Here is an infographic we put together comparing our firm, Alo Legal, with a popular alternative to lawyers, “Notarios”.
Be aware that “Notarios” come in many different forms and names. They could call themselves “immigration paralegals”, “Immigration Preparers” or “Immigration Form Preparers”, but they all have one thing in common; they are NOT AUTHORIZED to practice Immigration Law.
They should be prosecuted for the Unauthorized Practice of Law. However, they don’t care because they have no license to lose.
Don’t make the mistake of paying a Notario, hire an Immigration Lawyer in the first place. Otherwise, you’ll be hiring a lawyer to clean up the mess created by the Notario.
Contact top rated Immigration Lawyer, Ammar Alo, to help you reunite with your family.
(734) 215-5242 Michigan
(419) 913-1580 Ohio
Contact top rated Detroit immigration Lawyer, Ammar Alo, to help you reunite with your family.
Schedule a consultation today:
Appointments | Alo Legal LLC
Notario vs. Lawyer
Do I need an Immigration Lawyer?
Michigan immigration lawyers are vital advocates in the complex realm of U.S. immigration law. They combine legal expertise with compassion, understanding that each case represents a person’s hope for a better future. These attorneys navigate the intricacies of various immigration pathways, from visas to asylum, impacting lives and the community. Staying abreast of policy changes, they are committed to continuous learning and effective representation. Their work is not just about legalities but also about fostering Michigan’s welcoming spirit, making a profound difference in the lives of immigrants and the state’s cultural fabric.
Michigan is a state that has an abundance of immigrants, from all over the world. Michigan’s industries and businesses attract talent from other countries, and it is vital to have an experienced immigration attorney on your side, to help make that transition as seamless as possible.
Contact top rated Michigan Immigration Lawyer, Ammar Alo, to help you reunite with your family.
(734) 215-5242
Contact top rated Detroit immigration Lawyer, Ammar Alo, to help you reunite with your family.
Schedule a consultation today:
What is Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of Status Through Marriage: A Path to Permanent Residency, by Immigration Attorney Ammar Alo.
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice, only informational.
Adjustment of status is a crucial aspect of U.S. immigration law. It allows foreign nationals who are married to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to apply for permanent residency within the United States. This process enables them to live and work legally in the country.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for adjustment of status through marriage, you must meet certain criteria:
- Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for adjustment of status even if you are out of legal status, as long as you entered the US Legally.
- Marriage to a Permanent Resident: If your spouse is a permanent resident, you must wait for I-130 approval before proceeding. There is an annual limit on green cards for spouses of permanent residents, so there will be a waiting period, and you must maintain a legal status.
Main Steps in the Process
- Form I-130 Petition: The U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse must submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) along with the I-130A Supplemental Information form. If the petitioner is a permanent resident, I-130 approval is necessary before moving forward.
- Form I-485 Application: Submit Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) along with other required forms and documents. Attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprint collection.
- Form I-765: Submit Form I-765 (Application for Work Authorization) along with your applications.
- USCIS Interview: Attend an interview at a USCIS office. Be prepared to answer questions about your marriage and provide evidence of its legitimacy.
Processing Times and Delays
- Spouse of a U.S. Citizen: Processing times range from 10 to 23 months.
- Spouse of a Permanent Resident: Longer processing times (36 to 48 months) due to annual limits on green cards.
Conclusion
Adjustment of status through marriage offers a pathway to permanent residency for foreign spouses. While the process can be complex, seeking legal guidance ensures a smoother journey toward living your American dream.
Remember to consult an attorney for personalized advice. Good luck on your immigration journey!
Canton, MI Immigration Lawyer
Top Rated Michigan Immigration Attorney
Ammar Alo is a top rated Immigration Attorney with an office in Canton, Michigan.
Alo Legal LLC is a boutique US based law firm that provides U.S. Immigration Law services. We cater to our client’s needs.
No matter where you are located, around the corner, anywhere in the US or abroad, we can help you. Our convenient local offices are inviting, and accessible. We also offer our services virtually through video meetings and electronic documents. We go out of our way to make sure that you feel comfortable and prepared for whatever immigration situation you may be facing.
We don’t cut corners and give our clients the run around. We put you first!
If you are looking for information or an attorney for:
- Immigration Services
- Permanent Residence
- Green Cards
- Family Sponsorship
- Permanent Residence
- NVC Processing
- Immigrant Visas
Alo Legal serves all of Metro Detroit
Through it’s Canton, Michigan office, Alo Legal is able to service all of the Metro Detroit area. Immigration clients looking for an experienced Immigration Lawyer in the Detroit area should search no further than Alo Legal.
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What is the 30-60-90 day rule for immigration (USCIS)?
After an interesting debate this week, between immigration attorneys on Facebook, I’ve learned that I am a lot more risk-averse than others.
This stems from a question an attorney posted, asking whether it is a good idea to file for Adjustment of Status (Permanent Residence) for parents of a US citizen who arrived in the US as visitors. The problem is not the filing, but the timing of the filing. These clients wanted to file a week after their arrival in the US.
The issue here is whether a USCIS officer deciding their case will assume they had “Immigrant Intent” when they came in as “Visitors”, and whether the officer can charge them with “fraud or misrepresentation”.
For the last 15 years of practice, I have always abided by “30/60/90 day rule”. In essence, we don’t file any Permanent Residence applications within 90 days of a visitor’s arrival in the US, unless there is a VERY good reason, ex. expiring status. This is what most immigration attorneys did.
If a USCIS officer finds “Fraud or Misrepresentation”, the person applying could be permanently barred from entering the US again.
Why risk a finding like this? Why not wait? Why try to fight USCIS, when you could have just waited a few weeks? I believe you are doing clients a disservice when you don’t advise them to wait. Isn’t that our job as attorneys, to give the best advice?
Many of those arguing for not waiting the 90 days cite a case “Matter of Cavazos” from 1980, where the BIA decided that notwithstanding preconceived intent, adjustment of status should ordinarily be granted for immediate relatives absent other negative factors.
While this is true, a USCIS officer could find other “negative factors” when they grill your client at their interview.
My advice to young immigration attorneys out there, wait the 90 days, and don’t get pushed around by eager clients. If they don’t want to wait, and you still take on the case, make it clear in your agreements that they have been advised of the risk, and that you are not responsible if it all goes wrong.
Alo Legal Launches Michigan Location
For over a decade we have been serving immigration clients in Michigan. Due to overwhelming demand, we are proud to announce our newest office location in Canton, MI.
This new location will allow us to serve our Michigan clients more efficiently, and provide better, fast and more personal service.
We look forward to welcoming you in our new location.
Call or visit our website today to schedule a consultation.
Call: (734) 215-5242
Consultation: https://alo-legal-llc.square.site/
Ammar Alo, ranked Top 3 immigration Attorney
https://threebestrated.com/immigration-lawyers-in-toledo-oh
Since 2017, Attorney Ammar Alo, founder of Alo Legal LLC, has been ranked in the Top Three for Immigration Attorneys in Toledo, OH. This ranking is conducted every year by ThreeBestRated.com
Attorney Alo posted on his Facebook page:
“We are happy to announce that for the 9th year in a row, ALO LEGAL has been rated one of the Three Best immigration law firms in the Toledo area.
We thank our clients for continuing to trust us in helping to re-unite their families.”