Key TakeawaysUSCIS child support requirements: Willful failure to support dependents can lead to naturalization denial.Support duties apply without a court order, including for children living abroad.Document your payments with support orders, agency histories, receipts, and bank records.Address overdue support before filing. Document hardship and repayment efforts. A payment plan does not guarantee approval. USCIS child…
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Becoming a U.S. Citizen, Part 5: Documents You Need
Key Takeaways Documents for USCIS interview appointments include your appointment notice, Green Card, photo ID, and passports. Marriage-based applicants need proof of marriage, their spouse’s U.S. citizenship, and supporting marital records. Additional documents include tax records, court dispositions, travel history, and Selective Service evidence, as applicable. Review Form N-400 and organize your records before your…
Read MoreBecoming a U.S. Citizen, Part 4: The English and Civics Test
Key Takeaways Requirements for American citizenship include passing the English and civics tests unless you qualify for an exemption. 2025 civics test: Answer 12 of 20 questions correctly from a 128-question bank. English test: Demonstrate speaking, reading, and writing skills during the naturalization interview. Age-based exemptions: 50/20, 55/15, and 65/20 rules change how qualifying applicants…
Read MoreBecoming a U.S. Citizen, Part 3: Requirements for American Citizenship
Key Takeaways Requirements for American citizenship include Green Card status, residence, physical presence, good moral character, and testing. Review eligibility first because USCIS may check travel, taxes, criminal history, and prior immigration filings. The 5-year rule applies to many permanent residents, while some spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after 3 years. Legal review helps…
Read MoreBecoming a U.S. Citizen, Part 2: The Benefits of American Citizenship
Key Takeaways: The benefits of American citizenship are the legal rights and practical advantages U.S. citizens receive after naturalization. They include stronger immigration security, broader family petition options, voting rights, a U.S. passport, and access to certain federal jobs. An immigration lawyer can review eligibility before filing. The benefits of becoming an American citizen can…
Read MoreBecoming a U.S. Citizen, Part 1: The Proposed N-400 fee increase
Key Takeaways: The proposed N-400 fee increase may raise naturalization costs by $570 for eligible permanent residents. Applicants considering becoming a U.S. Citizen should review eligibility, travel history, taxes, and filing risks now before the current Form N-400 fee schedule changes. If becoming a U.S. Citizen has been on your mind, the proposed filing fee…
Read MoreK-1 Fiancé Visa vs. Marriage-Based Green Card: Which Is Better for Your Situation?
A K-1 fiancé visa vs. marriage-based green card is a decision based on your relationship status, wedding plans, work needs, travel plans, and children. The K-1 fiancé visa fits engaged couples marrying in the U.S. A marriage-based green card usually fits couples who are already married or plan to marry abroad first. A K-1 visa…
Read MoreDocumenting a Bona Fide Marriage for USCIS
Congratulations! You’ve gotten married! But your spouse is a foreign national and you want to apply for their US legal residency. The first step is to collect the biographic documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, divorce decrees, proof of lawful entry into the US, affidavit of support documents, etc.). The next important step is to provide…
Read MoreMediation v Collaborative Process
I am often approached by clients seeking to divorce or separate from their partner who desire that their separation be amicable and non-litigious. They do not want a court or judge to interfere with their personal matters and, more importantly, they want their personal information and business to remain confidential. I offer them two out-of-court…
Read MoreGreen Card Expiring?
If your green card is expiring or already has expired, you must first assess why it’s expiring and then take action. Permanent Residents Residents with a ten-year green card must submit Form I-90. This is the application to renew or replace a lost or stolen Green Card and can be filed online or by mailing…
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