When a U.S. citizen wants to sponsor a close family member for a green card, the Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) is usually filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States. However, in very limited and exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to file the I-130 directly at...
Category: Green Card
USCIS Strengthens Marriage-Based Green Card Scrutiny: What Couples Need to Know in 2025
On August 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updates to its Policy Manual that significantly change how marriage-based green card cases — and certain other family-based petitions — are reviewed.
While preventing fraud has always been part of the process, these updates increase the level of scrutiny,...
Dignity Act of 2025: A New $20,000 Fast Lane to Green Cards for Long-Waiting Immigrants
A new bipartisan immigration bill introduced in Congress — the Dignity Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393) — could offer relief to immigrants who have been stuck in the green card backlog for over a decade. If passed, the bill would allow certain applicants to pay a $20,000 premium fee to fast-track their green card...
USCIS Updates Interview Criteria for Refugees and Asylees Applying for Green Cards
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...
Understanding When Your Green Card Priority Date Is “Current” — And What It Means for You
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...
Green Card Holders: Important Reminders Before You Travel Abroad
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.
Reentry Risks for Green Card Holders: What to Know Before Traveling Abroad
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...
From J-1 Visa to Green Card: What You Need to Know About the Path to U.S. Permanent Residency
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 in the United States: A Foundational Overview for Employers and Professionals
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...
Major 2025 Updates to the U.S. Marriage-Based Green Card Process: What You Need to Know
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...