Two days ago, on January 30th, USCIS announced an increase of up to 26% for certain filing fees, especially those associated with family-based immigration benefit applications (e.g., I-130, I-485, I-751, etc.). The fees will be applied to certain forms that are postmarked on or after April 1, 2024. For instance, the filing fee for a […]
USCIS to Increase Filing Fees on April Fools Day! Read More »
PLGPC recently became the Interior’s only Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) authorized to act on behalf of foreign persons applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN via Form W-7 or Employer Identification Number (EIN) via Form SS-4. Foreign nationals, who have a valid tax filing requirement need an ITIN or EIN if they are
Recently, a JBER Soldier and his foreign national wife were found by the DOJ to have engaged in a fraudulent marriage scheme that involved applying and obtaining dependent and immigration benefits from the federal government. The couple fabricated evidence to show they were in a real marriage and misrepresented their relationship in forms submitted to
Marriage Fraud Hurts All Immigrants Read More »
In the past six months, we’ve been successful getting our clients’ cases moved ahead of the pack by asking USCIS for expedited processing and providing strong evidence to support the agency’s approval of this discretionary action. Many immigration lawyers in Alaska and the Lower 48 discourage clients from seeking “expedited adjudication” of their cases arguing that it’s a waste of time because it’s never granted. But, you have nothing to lose by asking!
Don’t be afraid to ask . . . USCIS to expedite your immigration case! Read More »
No problem! USCIS will accept it, for now. Today, USCIS announced it is waiving, temporarily, the requirement that the I-693 be signed by a civil surgeon no earlier than 60 days before filing for an immigration benefit (e.g., I-485 to adjust your status while you are present in the United States). That means if you
I-693 Signed Earlier Than 60 Days Before Applying for an Immigration Benefit? Read More »
Immigration Law practitioners emphasize to their clients, early and often, the need to keep the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) informed within ten days of any address change. Non-U.S. Citizens over the age of 14 in the United States for thirty days or longer are required to register and submit biometrics to the Department
When Updating Your Address with the USCIS Isn’t Enough. Read More »
After the May 2021 departure of USCIS Field Office Interim Director Steven B. Corley, USCIS has named Arvind Ramakrishnan to the post as its permanent head. Director Ramakrishnan has invited Alaska Bar members of the Immigration Law Section to meet in December 2021 for discussions on building positive relationships between and among stakeholders. The Anchorage
USCIS ANCHORAGE FIELD OFFICE WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR Read More »
Recently, we assisted an immigration client in Oklahoma with obtaining identity documents needed to meet the legal requirements to marry his fiancée in another country. The country required each of the documents, which included the U.S. citizen’s birth certificate and divorce decree, be authenticated by an apostille. While the process was not overly burdensome, it
Why Your Immigration Documents May Need An Apostille Read More »
Green Card and other applicants for U.S. immigration benefits must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccinations starting October 1, 2021. On September 14, 2021, USCIS announced a policy update requiring all applicants for immigration benefits and others “deemed necessary” and needing a medical examination as part of their immigration or nonimmigration petition packet “must be
USCIS Updates Guidance to Require COVID-19 Vax for Green Cards Read More »
Like your passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued identification, your I-551 (“Green Card”) will have an expiration date and require renewal. When it comes to the Green Card, however, it’s important to recognize the distinctions between the two types: (1) Conditional, 2-year Green Card; and (2) Permanent, 10-year Green Card. If you’re a conditional resident
“Renewal” versus “Removal” When it Comes to Green Cards Read More »
