I-751 Joint Filing vs. Waiver: What If Your Marriage Ends Before Removing Conditions?

For many conditional permanent residents, filing Form I-751 to remove conditions on a green card is a critical step in maintaining lawful status in the United States. While most applicants file jointly with their spouse, not all marriages continue through the two-year conditional period.

When a relationship breaks down,...

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Traveling Outside the U.S. as a Green Card Holder: How Long Is Too Long?

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) often travel abroad for personal, professional, or family reasons. However, extended time outside the United States can raise serious concerns about whether permanent residence has been abandoned.

Understanding how long you can remain outside the U.S.—and what risks may arise—is critical to maintaining...

Traveling Outside the U.S. as a Green Card Holder: How Long Is Too Long? Continue reading…

I-751 Joint Petition vs. Waiver: How Conditional Residents Can Remove Conditions on Their Green Card

Many individuals who obtain permanent residence through marriage receive a two-year conditional green card. Before that card expires, the conditional resident must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, in order to receive a permanent ten-year green card.

In most cases, the petition is filed jointly with...

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USCIS Updates Policy on Family-Based Conditional Permanent Residency

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its Policy Manual guidelines on family-based conditional permanent residence. The update clarifies the process and requirements for Form I-751, which is used to remove conditions on residence, especially in cases involving waivers for battery or extreme cruelty. It also notes that noncitizens can...

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Filing for Citizenship While Your Application for Removal of Conditions is Pending: What You Should Know

One of the most commonly asked questions we encounter is, "Can I file for citizenship while my application for Removal of Conditions is still pending?" This query generally comes from those who have a two-year conditional green card. Let's delve deeper into this question to provide a clear understanding.

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U.S. CONSULATE PROCESSING UPDATE: Consular Returns From U.S. Consular Offices Abroad to the Vermont Service Center.

Under the NAFTA treaty, Canadians (as well as Mexicans) who practice certain professional occupations and who have a job offer from a U.S. employer may apply for TN status. It lasts for up to three years, and can be renewed...

U.S. CONSULATE PROCESSING UPDATE: Consular Returns From U.S. Consular Offices Abroad to the Vermont Service Center. Continue reading…

TN vs. H-1B Visas

Coming to the United States can be notoriously difficult, and the current political climate does not appear to be making it easier anytime soon.  For individuals who are interested in coming to the US for business purposes there are still many options available, and knowing the differences between them is critically important...

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USCIS Issues Clarifying Guidance on NAFTA TN Status Eligibility for Economists


On June 22nd, President Trump issued Proclamation suspending entry of aliens who present a risk to the U.S. Labor Market following the coronavirus outbreak. The Proclamation bans entry of certain nonimmigrant workers including H-1B, H-2B, J-1 and L-1 until the end of the year.

This Proclamation will not affect TN visa holders from...
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TN Employment Status and Work Permit for Canadian and Mexican Citizens in the US.


The Systems Enforcement Analysis and Review (SEAR) office of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed on January 31st, 2022, that it was applying new admission codes to identify the spouses of E and L principals for work authorization documentation. This decision was made in light of the litigation settlement (Settlement) on November...
TN Employment Status and Work Permit for Canadian and Mexican Citizens in the US. Continue reading…