Key Takeaways: All Form I-129 petitions for H-1B workers must be mailed to a USCIS lockbox facility, not a service center. The correct lockbox depends on your company’s primary U.S. office location, not where the H-1B worker will be employed. Filing to the wrong address can result in rejection or
Can You Start Working for a New H-1B Employer Before USCIS Makes a Decision? Key Takeaways: Yes, under H-1B portability rules at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(2)(i)(H), eligible H-1B workers may begin employment with a new employer once a non-frivolous petition is filed with USCIS, or on the requested start date, whichever
Understanding Consular Processing for a Marriage Green Card in 2026 Key Takeaways: Consular processing is the pathway to a marriage-based green card for spouses living outside the United States, requiring an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The process begins when a U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130
Key Takeaways: The I-864 Affidavit of Support is a legally binding contract required for most marriage-based green cards, where the sponsoring spouse pledges financial responsibility for the immigrant. Sponsors must demonstrate household income at or above 125% of the federal poverty level. If a sponsor’s income falls short, household members
How USCIS Evaluates Einstein Visa Petitions Using a Two-Step Framework Key Takeaways: USCIS uses a two-step analysis from the Kazarian v. USCIS decision to evaluate every EB-1A extraordinary ability petition. Step 1 verifies whether evidence meets at least three of ten regulatory criteria. Step 2 assesses whether the individual truly
Understanding Adjustment of Status and Why a Green Card Lawyer Matters Adjustment of status is the process to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card) while physically present in the United States, rather than returning to your home country for visa processing abroad. For many immigrants pursuing permanent
