Frequently Asked Questions

We handle a comprehensive range of immigration matters including family-based petitions, employment-based visas, naturalization and citizenship applications, adjustment of status, visa extensions, and consular processing. Our practice focuses on helping clients navigate federal immigration law and achieve their goals for legal permanent residence and citizenship.

Processing times vary significantly depending on the type of case, USCIS workload, immigration quotas, caps, whether a case is for a nonimmigrant status such as an H1b or immigrant status, aka Legal Permanent Residence, whether a case is to obtain a visa through consular processing or the applicant is already in the United States, and individual circumstances. Family-based petitions can take anywhere from 8 months to several years, while employment-based cases may take 6 months to 2+ years. We provide realistic timelines during your consultation and keep you updated throughout the process.

Processing times have become significantly less predictable due to recent policy changes. As of January 2026, USCIS has placed adjudication holds on cases involving nationals from countries covered by the expanded travel ban (39 countries as of January 1, 2026), and is conducting re-reviews of immigration benefits approved since January 20, 2021 for affected nationals. Clients should plan for substantial additional delays and consult with us directly about how these holds may affect their specific situation.

You have the legal right to represent yourself in immigration matters. However, immigration law is extremely complex with frequent changes in policies and procedures, and a single mistake can result in delays, denials, or even deportation proceedings. Our experience helps navigate these complexities and significantly improves your chances of success. The immigration landscape has changed more in the past 12 months than in most prior decades, with sweeping changes to fees, vetting standards, processing holds, social media monitoring, and enforcement priorities — making experienced legal guidance more essential than ever.

Several legal options are available after a denial, including filing an appeal, motion to reopen, motion to reconsider, or refiling with additional evidence. The specific options depend on the type of case and reason for denial. We analyze each denial carefully to determine the best strategy moving forward.

An important 2025 development: USCIS has significantly expanded its issuance of Notices to Appear (NTAs) — the documents that initiate removal proceedings. Since January 2025, USCIS has issued nearly 200,000 NTAs. If your case is denied and you no longer hold valid status, you are now at substantially higher risk of being placed in removal proceedings. Early consultation after any denial is more urgent than ever.

We focus our practice on family-based immigration, employment-based petitions, naturalization, and related matters. We serve clients in both North Carolina and Dallas, Texas areas. For deportation defense or asylum cases, we can provide referrals to qualified attorneys who specialize in those areas of immigration law.

We charge a consultation fee to review your case and provide legal advice. However, if we accept your case and you retain our services, this consultation fee will be credited toward your total legal fees. This ensures you receive quality legal assessment while making our services accessible to clients who proceed with representation.

Please bring all relevant documents including passports, visas, I-94 records, previous immigration filings, correspondence from USCIS or immigration courts, employment authorization documents, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and any other immigration-related paperwork. The more documentation you provide, the better we can assess your situation.

Our fee structure depends on the complexity and type of case. We offer flat fees for most standard immigration matters, which provides predictability and transparency. For complex cases or those requiring extensive litigation, we may work on an hourly basis. All fees are discussed and agreed upon before we begin work on your case.

We carefully evaluate each potential case to ensure we can provide effective representation. Factors we consider include the strength of your case, available legal remedies, likelihood of success, and our capacity to dedicate appropriate resources. We only accept cases where we believe we can add significant value to your immigration goals.

We believe in keeping our clients informed throughout the process. You'll receive updates on significant developments, filing confirmations, receipt notices, and any requests for additional evidence. We're also available to answer questions as they arise and provide strategic guidance when needed.

Our focus is exclusively on immigration law, allowing us to stay current with rapidly changing policies and procedures. We combine thorough case preparation with personalized attention, ensuring each client receives strategy tailored to their unique circumstances. Our track record of successful outcomes reflects our commitment to excellence in immigration representation.

U.S. citizens can file Form I-130 for their spouse, followed by adjustment of status (if the spouse is in the U.S.) or consular processing (if abroad). The process includes proving the validity of your marriage, meeting financial requirements through Form I-864, and completing medical examinations and background checks.

A green card grants lawful permanent residence, allowing you to live and work permanently in the U.S. Citizenship provides additional benefits including the right to vote, eligibility for federal jobs, protection from deportation, and the ability to petition for certain family members with shorter wait times.

This depends on your current status and the type of case filed — but planning ahead is now more critical than ever. As of October 30, 2025, USCIS eliminated the automatic 540-day extension for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Previously, filing your EAD renewal on time automatically extended your work authorization for up to 540 days while USCIS processed your application. That protection no longer exists. You must file renewals as early as possible to avoid gaps in work authorization. We will advise you on work authorization eligibility and help you obtain documentation — please do not wait until your EAD is close to expiring.

Unlawful entry can complicate but doesn't necessarily prevent certain immigration benefits. Options may include adjustment of status with a waiver and consular processing, depending on your specific circumstances and eligibility for family-based or employment-based relief. Each situation requires careful analysis of available legal remedies within our practice areas.

USCIS provides online case status tools, and we monitor all our clients' cases regularly. We'll provide you with receipt numbers and guide you through checking your case status. More importantly, we interpret status updates and advise you on any required actions or responses. Note: As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for any paper-filed immigration forms. All payments must be made electronically via credit card, debit card, or ACH bank transfer.

Yes. A Presidential Proclamation effective September 21, 2025 requires a $100,000 payment for any new H-1B petition filed from outside the United States. This applies to the FY2027 lottery and any new H-1B petition submitted after that date. It does NOT apply to renewals, extensions, or changes of status filed from within the US. Additionally, the H-1B lottery is being replaced for FY2027 with a weighted selection system (effective February 27, 2026) that favors higher-skilled, higher-paid applicants. The registration fee has also increased from $10 to $215 per beneficiary.

Yes. The State Department and USCIS are now monitoring social media for all immigration applicants — including green card, naturalization, H-1B, H-4, and student visa applicants. Content that could be interpreted as anti-American or inconsistent with your visa intent may negatively affect your case. You should review your online presence carefully and be prepared to set all profiles to public during your application period. Consult with us before filing if you have concerns about your online history.

Significantly. As of January 1, 2026, the travel ban expanded to cover 39 countries with full or partial entry restrictions. USCIS has placed adjudication holds on all pending benefit requests — including I-485, I-140, I-765, N-400, and others — filed by nationals of these countries, regardless of when they entered the US. USCIS is also re-reviewing benefits previously approved since January 20, 2021. If you are from one of the listed countries, contact us immediately to understand your options and protect your status.

Yes. For N-400 applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, USCIS now uses the 2025 Civics Test: up to 20 questions from a bank of 128, with a passing score of 12. This replaces the prior 2008 test (10 questions from 100, 6 to pass). If you filed before October 20, 2025, you will take the older version. USCIS has released official free study materials for the new test — older guides and YouTube videos based on the 100-question list are now outdated.

USCIS has proposed expanding biometric collection (fingerprints, photos, and potentially DNA) to virtually all individuals associated with an immigration benefit application — including US citizen petitioners and sponsors, and applicants of any age. This proposal is not yet finalized, but we are monitoring it closely and will proactively advise clients as it develops.