The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released an important policy update regarding interview requirements for refugees, asylees, and their derivative family members who are filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Effective immediately, USCIS has reestablished a uniform baseline of screening and vetting...
Each month, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) releases the Visa Bulletin, which determines when individuals can move forward in the Green Card process. For those applying through employment-based immigration, tracking your “Priority Date” is critical. But what exactly does it mean for that date to be “current,” and how does it...
If you’re a U.S. lawful permanent resident planning to travel internationally this summer, it’s more important than ever to prepare carefully. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are asking more questions at ports of entry—and even long-term green card holders may face delays or complications if they aren’t ready.
At NPZ Law Group, we are hearing that other of our colleagues are seeing increased enforcement actions at U.S. ports of entry involving lawful permanent residents (LPRs) returning from extended international travel. If you hold a green card and plan to stay outside the U.S. for six months or more, you could...
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program offers opportunities for international scholars, researchers, trainees, interns, and physicians to come to the United States for temporary, purpose-driven stays. But for many J-1 holders, life and opportunities in the U.S. evolve — and the question becomes: Can I apply for a green card from J-1 status?
Corporate immigration is a vital component of workforce mobility and talent acquisition in the United States. Each year, businesses rely on immigration programs to bring highly skilled professionals, executives, researchers, and investors to the U.S. while navigating a legal system shaped by decades of policy evolution.
This overview introduces...
If you’re planning to file a marriage-based green card application in 2025, you need to be aware of several significant changes that could affect how your case is processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Department of State.
At NPZ Law...
On April 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) introduced two important tools designed to improve transparency and help visa applicants worldwide monitor interview scheduling trends. These tools serve two major categories: Nonimmigrant Visas (NIV) and Immigrant Visas (IV).
Tool 1: Global Visa Wait Times Tool – For...Achieving lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, commonly known as obtaining a green card, is a major milestone. However, keeping that status isn’t automatic — it requires more than simply carrying a green card. U.S. immigration authorities expect LPRs to truly reside in the United States and demonstrate an ongoing intent to make...
In recent weeks, a surge of executive orders has created uncertainty around U.S. immigration policy, leaving many non-citizens wondering: Is it safe to travel internationally right now?
While no broad travel ban has been issued, the landscape is rapidly changing, and increased scrutiny at ports of entry and U.S....
