Common Questions about the Immigration Process
Answers from an Experienced Immigration Attorney
If you are thinking of applying for U.S. citizenship or visiting the states,
you probably have many questions. Without legal representation, the
immigration process and even the necessary steps required to visit the country can be extremely
challenging. If you don't fill out the application properly or fail
to meet certain requirements, your petition can be denied.
If you are struggling with the immigration process or have any questions,
pick up the phone and call an immigration attorney at The Law Office of
Bruce C. Bridgman. Our combined experience has helped many people who
are struggling with the immigration process. The following are common
questions we have been asked regarding the immigration process. If you
have further questions or are in need of further information, do not hesitate
to consult an attorney from our firm today!
How can I apply for the naturalization process?
To do this, you must first complete and submit the N-400 form to the United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This ten-page form
must be correctly filled out and sent to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox Facility,
which is located at PO Box 21251, Phoenix, AZ 85036. For instructions
on how to correctly complete the form,
click here.
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Is there a way I can become a citizen through a family member? If so, how?
It is possible for you to petition for your green card, a.k.a. permanent
residency, through a family member. If you are a spouse to a U.S. citizen
or a child of that citizen, and under 21 years old, you can petition for
a K-3 or K-4 nonimmigrant visa or a
Fiancé Visa. There are different forms for different types of relatives that must
be completed and sent to the USCIS office.
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What is required of me to qualify as a temporary worker?
To qualify as a temporary worker in the United States, you must have your
employer or prospective employer file for your nonimmigrant residency
status. There are different forms for different occupations. For instance,
if you are going to be temporarily working a seasonal agricultural occupation,
you will receive an H-2A classification. Children and spouses of nonimmigrant
workers may also be allowed to stay in the U.S. during the time of employment.
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How does one qualify for citizenship through their parents?
If at least one of the child's parents lived in the United States before
the child's birth, they may be able to petition for the child's
citizenship. Problems may arise if the parents were not married at the
time of the parent's residency in the states. To learn more, visit this
USCIS website.
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How should I prepare for the naturalization test?
The naturalization test is made up of two central components: Civics and
English. Study materials for both components are provided by the USCIS.
These materials include 100 practice questions and flash cards to help
you prepare for U.S. citizenship.
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If I lose my green card what can I do to replace it?
If you lose your green card or need to renew it, you must complete an application
called the I-90. If your green card has been destroyed or misplaced, you
must file this application online or by paper. There is no guarantee that
this petition will be approved, but you are allowed to file an appeal
if your green card replacement is denied. You can be charged with a misdemeanor
if you are not carrying your green card on your person, so be sure to
file an I-90 if something happens to your card.
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What is the difference between the naturalization process and obtaining
my green card?
Once you have your
green card, you are considered a legal permanent resident. You do not become a citizen
of the United States until you complete the naturalization process.
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What do I need to do if I plan on staying in the United States for more
than three months?
You will need to apply for a temporary visitor's visa which will allow
you to stay in the United States for longer than 90 days. If you plan
on staying less than 90 days, you may not have to apply for a visa. The
U.S. allows residents of certain countries to travel to the U.S. without
a visa. To learn more about visa requirements, contact our firm.
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What will happen if I wind up staying longer than I anticipated?
If you are a non-citizen and you wish to extend your stay, you will need
to request Form I-539 from the USCIS. If you fail to fill out this form,
you may be formally deported and possibly barred from ever returning.
You could even face deportation if you fail to file the form in enough
time. The USCIS recommends filling out this form at least 45 days before
your visit expires.
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