Going for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy can be nerve-racking for many people, but don’t be anxious! Although every experience is slightly different, knowing what to expect is incredibly helpful in managing those feelings. What supporting documents should I bring at the appointment? When you schedule the appointment, you must have the following documents available: ⦁ Your valid passport and your passport number. ⦁Your visa application fee payment receipt number. ⦁ Your DS-160 confirmation page. ⦁ Documents based on the type of visa you are applying for. The Day of Your Interview At the Embassy Thousands of applicants successfully complete their visa interviews every year. You can prepare for your day with a few simple tips. ⦁ Dress nicely. Wearing a suit or formal attire is not necessary, but it is more respectful if you wear neat, clean clothes since first impressions can mean a lot. ⦁ Arrive at the embassy early. The first thing you must remember is that you must be on time for your interview. It is true that you may often have to wait in a queue to attend the interview, thus meeting the consular officer an hour or later than appointed. However, do not risk being there late, even if someone tells you theres a queue at the embassy. Be there at least 15 minutes earlier just in case. ⦁ Be well fed. Because there are sometimes long waits, make sure you eat enough so you are not hungry or hangry during the interview. ⦁ Go alone. This interview is for you, not your family or your friends. Security & Biometrics Verification At the entrance of the embassy, you will go through a security detector, which in most of the cases includes a full-body metal detector scan. After that, you will be given a token for your interview and then you will have to give your fingerprints. An officer will scan your fingerprints , and give you further directions. Enter the Interview After fingerprinting, you will have to wait in a lounge area, where you must wait quietly for your turn. You will hear your name when it is your turn. Have your documents arranged earlier, so you will not have a mess on your hands when you meet the interviewer. The questions the officers will ask you depend on the type of US visa that you have applied for. Some officers will only ask you 1 or 2 questions, while other officers will ask you more questions. Here you can find the questions that the interviewer may ask you during your interview: ⦁ What is the purpose of your visit to the US? ⦁ Have you been to the US before? ⦁ Do you have relatives or friends currently in the US? ⦁ Details on your friends/relatives in the US. ⦁ Where will you be residing in the United States? ⦁ Do you have a spouse or children in your home country? Although every interview is different and you should be prepared to answer all types of questions, this video should help you feel a bit more prepared. It is also a good idea to ask other people in your country who have also done the interview you are applying for. English Language Anticipate that the interview will be in English, not your native language. One suggestion is to practice English conversation with a native speaker before the interview. If you are coming to the United States solely to study intensive English, be prepared to explain how English will be useful for you in your home country. Speak for Yourself Do not bring parents or family members with you to your interview. The consular officer wants to interview you, not your family. A negative impression is created if you are not prepared to speak on your own behalf. If you are a minor applying for a high school program and need your parents there in case there are questions, for example, about funding, they should wait in the waiting room. Be Concise Because of the volume of applications received, all consular officers are under considerable time pressure to conduct a quick and efficient interview. They must make a decision, for the most part, on the impressions they form during the first minute or two of the interview. Consequently, what you say first and the initial impression you create are critical to your success. Therefore, you want to ensure you bring your most helpful responses and arguments first. Be sure to keep your answers to the officers questions short and the point, but complete. At times you may need to expand on a response and feel free to. Maintain a positive attitude Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a US visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring to overcome the refusal, and try to obtain a document that explains why you were denied. I hope you found this video helpful. Subscribe if this content or information helps you in any way, comment below if you want me to talk about something in specific, and share this resource because you never know who needs answers to these questions. If you have any specific questions about your background as they relate to this video, be sure to schedule a consultation . I’ll see you in the next video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jgbX9eUMCA The K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé(e) visa, is a nonimmigrant visa that permits a US citizen’s foreign-born fiancé(e) to enter the United States and marry their partner. To get a K-1 visa, the U.S. citizen fiancé must file a Form I-129F in addition to other steps that we will discuss later. Your U.S. citizen fiancé is the petitioner (person filing the petition) and you (the person getting the K-1 visa) are the beneficiary (person benefiting from the petition). Getting a K-1 visa can be a complicated process. You must meet specific eligibility requirements, and you must follow precise steps. If you fail to file paperwork correctly or complete the necessary steps, your case may face huge delays or, even worse, be denied. K-1 Visa Eligibility Criteria To get the K-1 visa, you must fulfill the following criteria: ⦁ Be engaged to a US citizen. ⦁ Have the intention to marry within 90 days of entering the US. ⦁ Have proof of your relationship before the engagement. ⦁ Get married according to US laws while you are in the United States on the K-1 visa. ⦁ You and the US citizen must have met in person at least once in the past two years. ⦁ Exceptions to this requirement will be granted if you can prove that the US citizen faced extreme hardship to come and visit the foreign citizen’s fiancé. Extreme hardship can be proved to conditions of culture, customs, or other factors. ⦁ Any previous marriages that either of you have had are legally terminated. What Are the Documents Required for a K-1 Visa Application? Here are the documents that you should submit when applying for a K-1 visa: ⦁ Valid passport for more than 6 months after your intended stay in the US. ⦁ Two recent US visa photographs. ⦁ Form DS-160 confirmation page and confirmation code. ⦁ Interview schedule letter. ⦁ Approved Form I-129F. ⦁ Criminal background documents. ⦁ Divorce or death certificates in case of a previous marriage. ⦁ Evidence of the relationship with the US citizen. ⦁ Medical examination documents. ⦁ Proof of payments of fees. How to Apply for the K-1 Visa? The fiancé visa application has a few steps that both fiancés must follow. The US citizen must first obtain permission from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS ) to bring and sponsor their foreign citizen fiancé to the US. If USCIS grants this permission, the foreign citizen’s fiancé must apply for the K-1 visa stamp at an embassy or consulate abroad . To get a petition approved from USCIS, you must go through these steps: 1.File Form I-129F. The US citizen will first need permission from USCIS for the foreign citizen’s fiancé to visit the US. This permission is obtained by filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, to USCIS. 2.Process through USCIS. When the petition arrives at USCIS, the officials will go through it and review the evidence of the relationship, whether the parties intend to get married, and whether they fulfill the eligibility criteria. If both the US citizen and the foreign citizen’s fiancé fulfill the requirements, then USCIS will approve the petition and send it to the National Visa Center (NVC). 3.Wait for an answer from the NVC. The NVC will then inform the couple and forward the documents to the US Embassy or Consulate where the foreign national will apply for the K-1 visa. It is important to note that the foreign national cannot apply for the K-1 visa without obtaining the approval of Form I-129F. K-1 Visa Application Process After the approval of Form I-129F, you can start your K-1 visa application process. This portion must be completed by the foreign citizen at a US Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, by following these steps: 1.Complete Form DS-160. 2. Schedule the visa interview. 3. Complete medical examinations. 4. Compile your document file. 5. Attend visa interview. Complete Form DS-160 Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is used for US nonimmigrant visas and, in this case, for the K-1 visa. The form will inquire about your personal information and why you plan to go to the US. When you submit it, you will get a confirmation page and code. Schedule the US Fiancé visa interview Your visa interview will be conducted if you are between 14 and 79 years old. You will receive an interview appointment confirmation once you schedule the appointment. Complete medical examinations If you are traveling to the US, and especially planning to apply for a US immigrant visa in the future, you must have a licensed physician conduct the necessary medical examination. The doctor must write a report stating your current health conditions. Since the fiancé will get married soon and apply for permanent residence, it is also advisable to get the necessary US required vaccination to complete those requirements in advance. Compile your document file When you go in for your interview at the US Embassy, you must present the required K-1 visa documents. Attend visa interview During the interview, you will have to show your documents and answer any questions the interview officials will have regarding your case. The interviewer will ask questions about your relationship with the US citizen and other details about your background. Why Does a K-1 Visa Application Get Rejected? There are various reasons that this could happen, and some of them might be: ⦁ Involvement in criminal activities in the past (ex. drug trafficking). ⦁ You have submitted falsified documents. ⦁ You have overstayed in the US on a previous visa or broken other visa rules. K-1 Visa Processing Time The overall time it will take for your K-1 visa to process will depend on many factors, including current USCIS processing times and how busy the consulate or embassy is. It will most likely take several months, so plan ahead for any delays if you are planning the wedding in the US. What are the Documents Required to get a
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfhTFeoodUo The K-3 visa is for the foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen. It was designed to shorten the physical separation between the foreign national and his or her U.S. citizen spouse. Specifically, it allows foreign nationals to enter the United States to await approval of the immigrant visa petition. K-3 visa recipients subsequently apply to adjust status to a permanent resident (green card holder) so that he or she may live permanently in the U.S. with their spouse. However, for most applicants, the K-3 visa isn’t worth it. In 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued only five K-3 visas. Since the K-3 visa processing can take a while, it sometimes takes just as long as it would to directly get your marriage green card. Suppose you and your spouse are already married with a pending Form I-130. In that case, you should probably directly apply for a green card via consular processing, which takes the same time. Once you arrive in the United States with an approved green card, you can work immediately as a permanent resident without having to file additional applications. Other Types of US Spouse visas Depending on the couple’s situation, there are different types of spousal visas for the US. Which one fits your family better depends on the requirements and whether you can fulfill them. The visas below are the US spouse visas: ⦁ K3 Visa – Spouse of a US Citizen awaiting approval of an I-130 immigrant petition ⦁ Conditional Resident (CR-1) Visa (Green Card) – means that you have been married for less than 2 years, so you must maintain conditional status for 2 years. This prevents marriages from happening only for obtaining permanent residence in the US. ⦁ Immediate Relative (IR-1) Visa (Green Card) – after you have been married for 2 years, you will gain permanent status without the conditions of the CR-1 visa. Who is eligible for a K3 Spouse Visa? If you are a foreign national married to a US citizen, you might be eligible for a K3 Spouse Visa if you meet the following requirements: ⦁ You and your US partner are officially married ⦁ You meet the requirements outlined by the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 ⦁ Your US spouse is able to support you financially after you join them in the US ⦁ Your US spouse filed a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative for you ⦁ You intend to enter the US to await the approval of Form I-130. Both heterosexual and homosexual couples can apply for the K3 Spouse Visa. In addition to these requirements, you also need to meet the general entry requirements. These include not having an extensive criminal record and not having previously violated the conditions of your US visa. How to apply for the K3 Visa? If you want to apply for the K3 Visa , you have to complete the following steps: ⦁ Your spouse, who is a US citizen, has to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on your behalf. To do so, they will need to submit proof of their US citizenship and a marriage certificate or another document proving that your marriage is authentic. As a foreign citizen, you will also need to include a birth certificate and a copy of a valid passport. ⦁ Then, after receiving a receipt notice for the first form, your US spouse also has to file Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Again they will need to provide evidence of their US citizenship and a legal marriage certificate. If the foreign spouse has previously been to the US, you will also need to include Form I-94. ⦁ After receiving the approval of Form I-129F, you have to submit Form DS-160 electronically. To do so, you must create a user account on the US Department of State website. Once you have submitted it, retain the barcode shown on the confirmation page. ⦁ After successfully submitting all the Forms, you have to pay the visa processing fee. You can do it online or during the interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. ⦁ Then you have to schedule an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country, prepare for it and attend it. While waiting for your interview appointment, you must undergo a medical examination and get all the required vaccinations. These differ depending on where you are coming from, so make sure to check country-specific information. What is the processing time of the K3 Spouse Visa? Obtaining a K3 Spouse Visa can be a lengthy process. After you submit Form I-129F, USCIS will issue the receipt notice for it. The receipt indicates that your petition has been received, and your visa application has been processed. The processing of the K3 Spouse Visa can take 6 to 9 months at minimum. As for the interview, it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, at minimum, to receive the date for the interview. How to prepare for the K3 Spouse Visa interview? When preparing for your K3 Spouse Visa interview, make sure to gather the following documentation: ⦁ An original birth certificate ⦁ The confirmation page shows that you have submitted the DS-160 Form ⦁ Your valid foreign passport ⦁ The confirmation proving that you have attended the medical examination ⦁ Two colored passport size photographs ⦁ Evidence showing that any prior marriages have been officially terminated (if applicable). Your spouse doesn’t need to accompany you during the interview. The goal of the appointment is to ensure that the visa is granted to you for legitimate reasons and that your marriage is authentic. There is no specific list of K3 Spouse Visa interview questions, but you are likely to be asked questions about your background and relationship with the US citizen. You might also have to answer questions about how you see the future in the US with your partner. After the interview, you can expect to receive the decision on the same day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QgL7r1V1EI An M1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for non-academic or vocational studies. The U.S. Department of State issues the visa after being accepted to study at a prospective school. First, you must apply and get accepted to a Student, and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP) certified school. You must then receive a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-20 form from the school to eventually gain admission into the United States. What are the benefits of the M1 Visa? 1. You can study and live in the United States. ⦁ M1 visas grant the ability to live and study in the United States. 2. Extensions are possible. Extensions can be granted under some circumstances. The maximum amount of time allowed to complete a program is three years. You can extend that time if the following conditions are met: ⦁ You are a bona fide student. ⦁ Educational or medical reasons caused the delay. Academic probation and suspension are not permitted as reasons for an extension. ⦁ You can maintain the status for the period the extension is granted. 3. Immigration benefits for your family ⦁ You are eligible to bring your spouse and minor children into the United States under M2 status. They may not work in the United States. ⦁ Your M2 child may go to any school from kindergarten-12th grade. ⦁ Each M2 dependent needs an issued SEVIS Form I-20 issued by the institution. 4. No annual limit on the number of M1 visas issued. ⦁ It is possible to issue an M1 visa without limitation, unlike many other types of visas. What are the M1 Visa Requirements? The M1 Visa has five key requirements: 1. Acceptance at an approved school, which will issue you Form I-20 2. Your intention to depart the U.S. once you complete your course of study 3. Sufficient funds for your financial needs 4. Sufficient preparation for the course of study 5. Maintaining a full course of study 1. Acceptance at an approved school, which will issue you Form I-20 ⦁ To qualify for an M1 visa, you must be accepted to a SEVP school. Form I-20 must be filled out properly with all relevant details included. 2. Your intention to depart the U.S. once you complete your course of study ⦁ You must present evidence of your ties to your home country to ensure you will not overstay your Visa. ⦁ You can prove these ties can be shown through leases, property ownership, bank accounts, family ties, and more. 3. Sufficient funds for your financial needs ⦁ You must have enough funding to pay for your tuition and support yourself for the duration of the program since you will not be allowed to work. ⦁ Providing evidence of sufficient funds can be shown through bank statements, investments, dividends, scholarships, grants, and other financial proof of self-sufficiency. 4. Sufficient preparation for the course of study ⦁ You must be qualified to take the courses you wish to complete. ⦁ Qualifications may be demonstrated through standardized test scores, certificates, diplomas, and other evidence of sufficient education. 5. Maintaining a full course of study ⦁ You must maintain a course load of at least twelve semester or quarter hours per academic term at a community or junior college. The key exception is when you do not need twelve semester, trimester, or quarter hours to complete the course of study during the term. ⦁ At alternative institutions that offer associate or other degree programs, you must maintain the full course load required for their program. ⦁ You can request a lower course load if there is a clear medical or psychological reason for doing so M1 Visa Process There are several steps toward obtaining an M1 Visa. Here is a summary of the steps, along with a more detailed explanation: ⦁ Apply to the school and obtain the I-20 approval form ⦁ Complete Form DS-160 ⦁ Document Gathering for Interview ⦁ Interview ⦁ Presenting self at Port of Entry Apply to the school and obtain the I-20 approval form You must receive a SEVIS I-20 form with your full name, basic biographical information, information about the school, a program of study, and expenses to apply for the M1 Visa. Any dependents must also obtain a SEVIS I-20 form. Apply for the DS-160 You must complete form DS-160 and typically must also upload a picture of yourself. You may also have to pay a visa issuance fee if your visa application is approved. Document Gathering for Interview You will need the following documents: ⦁ Proof of payment of your visa application fees ⦁ DS-160 confirmation page ⦁ Passport valid for travel for at least six months ⦁ Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you previously attended ⦁ Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school ⦁ Documents proving your intent to leave the United States upon completion of the course of study ⦁ Proof of funding for all educational, living, and travel expenses Interview ⦁ A consular officer will decide whether you are eligible for the M1 Visa. You will have your fingerprints scanned at a biometrics appointment, usually a day or two before the interview. The consular officer will inform you if they need additional information or documents. You may pay a visa issuance fee if your Visa is approved. Presenting self at Port of Entry ⦁ You will go to a Port of Entry (airport, border crossing, etc.) and request permission from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official to enter the United States. ⦁ By presenting your passport, Visa, and Form I-20, the CBP official will determine if you should be allowed entry to the United States. ⦁ They will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Working on an M1 Visa If you are on an M1 visa, you are not permitted to work during your
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-RZ-KriKus Today, I’m going to talk about the P visa. The P Visa is used for outstanding athletes, athletic teams, and entertainment companies who have a job offer from a U.S. employer. There are several categories that fall under the P visa. ⦁ P-1 visa for athletes and entertainers; ⦁ P-2 visa for artists and entertainers in exchange programs; ⦁ P-3 visa for culturally unique artists and entertainers; ⦁ P-4 visa are for dependents (spouse and unmarried children under the age for 21) of the primary P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder; and ⦁ P visa for essential support personnel for the aforementioned individuals. Who qualifies for a P-1 Visa? An internationally recognized artist, entertainer, or athlete may enter into the U.S. to participate in a performance for a U.S. employer or an international employer working through a U.S. agent. One of the requirements is that the performer must be of international acclaim. Who qualifies for a P-2 Visa? P-2 visas are available to artists or entertainers, either individually or as part of a group, who come to the U.S. to perform under a reciprocal exchange program between the U.S. and one or more other countries. The applicant will need to prove the program’s legitimacy by presenting a formal, written exchange agreement. Who qualifies for a P-3 Visa? P-3 visas are available to artists or entertainers who come to the U.S., either individually or as part of a group, to develop, interpret, represent, teach, or coach in a program that is considered culturally unique. The program may be of either a commercial or noncommercial nature. What are the benefits of applying under this visa category? The P visa holder can work legally in the U.S. for the P visa sponsor. As the P visa is employer specific, if the individual would like to change jobs, then the worker will need to obtain a new visa. These visas can be issued relatively quickly compared to other visas, and are generally granted for the length of time needed to complete a particular event, tour, or season, up to a maximum of one year. However, certain P-1 athletes may be admitted for up to five years with one extension up to another five years, totaling 10. P visa holders may also be allowed extra time for vacation or promotional appearances outside of the U.S., depending on the circumstances. Consequently, P visa holders may travel in and out of the U.S. or stay continuously for as long as the P visa stamp and status are valid. It is important to note that, spouses and unmarried children under age 21 in P-4 visa status may accompany the main P visa holder and can study full time or part time, but they may not accept employment in the United States. What are the requirements for the P visa? Each category under the P visa program has slightly different requirements. Furthermore, athletes and entertainers have different eligibility grounds. My team and I can help you determine if a P visa is right for you. For everyone seeking a P visa, the following conditions must be satisfied: ⦁ You must have nonimmigrant intent. ⦁ Your work must not adversely affect American workers. For athletes seeking the P-1 visa, the following conditions must also be satisfied: 1. The beneficiary must be coming to the U.S. solely to participate in a competition, performance, tour, or event. The event should occur over a finite period and should not be of permanent duration. The start and end dates should be explicitly stated in the petition. 2. The beneficiary must be considered a professional athlete. ⦁ To be considered a professional athlete, you must meet one of the following requirements: ⦁ Perform like an athlete at an internationally recognized level of performance. This can be at either the individual or team level. ⦁ Be employed as an athlete by a team that is: ⦁ member of an association with 6+ teams whose total revenues exceed 10 million dollars annually and whose association regulates the conduct and performance of the member teams OR ⦁ any minor league team affiliated with this association ⦁ Perform in a theatrical ice-skating production. This may be professional or amateur and either as an individual or a group. 3.The beneficiary must have international recognition. The beneficiary must be renowned in more than one country to meet this requirement. Some evidence of this could include participation in major competitions, significant honors, or written support from an expert in the field. For entertainment groups seeking P-1 visas, the following conditions must also be satisfied: 1. The beneficiary must be involved in the arts. ⦁ The arts include but are not limited to fine arts, visual arts, and performing arts. Circus performers can get P-1 visas, but they have slightly different requirements. 2. The beneficiary must be an integral part of the performance. ⦁ This means that the performer must contribute meaningfully to the performance. The performer must also be considered outstanding in the discipline. This requires the performer to have been a group member for a “substantial” period. This is usually considered to be one year. Entertainers seeking a P-1 visa must be a member of a group. 3.The group must be considered a group. ⦁ Unlike athletes on a P-1 visa who come as individuals or as teams, entertainers must come as a team. ⦁ This requirement is one of the most difficult conditions for many groups. A group is defined as two or more people established as a single entity to perform or provide a service. A group must have been established for at least one year. 4. The group must be internationally recognized ⦁ To be internationally recognized, you must have received significant awards, performed in prestigious events, and/or have support from experts in the field. Only the group, not the individuals, must be internationally recognized. If only a few members of a large group will be performing, only those performers – not the entire group –
So today we’re going to talk about the Roe v. Wade decision that was overturned on June 24, 2022, in a 5-4 decision. Roe v. Wade is one of the most controversial Supreme Court decisions in history. On January 22, 1973, the Court ruled that a woman has a constitutional right to abortion. This decision overturned a Texas law that criminalized abortion. Many believe that reversing Roe v. Wade will create more barriers for immigrants seeking legal status in the United States. State and federal laws that ban or restrict abortion could lead to thousands of people being deported or denied immigration benefits. Roe v. Wade guarantees safe and legal abortion across the United States. Still, state and federal laws that criminalize pregnancy outcomes or restrict abortion access jeopardize this right for everyone—including immigrants. When someone applies for a green card or other immigration benefits, they must go through an “admissibility” test. Many people are found inadmissible based on state criminal convictions or arrests, even if the conviction was a misdemeanor, or the crime was non-violent. The intersection between criminal law and immigration law can often lead to uneven results. What constitutes a crime and the resulting penalties, vary from state to state. Whereas, thousands of people have been deported or denied benefits because of ancient criminal convictions or minor offenses. If Roe v. Wade is overturned or abortion access is further restricted, women who undergo abortions may be disproportionately affected—and subjected to possible deportation—for their pregnancies. These laws not only impact the health and safety of pregnant people but also have devastating consequences for families and communities. Since the 1973 Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade recognizing a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy, abortion has become a common medical procedure in the United States, with more than half a million women getting abortions yearly. Despite Roe v. Wade, abortion is still highly controversial, and state legislatures have tried to chip away at abortion rights for decades. In 2013 and 2014, states enacted a record number of abortion restrictions. These new restrictions could significantly impact immigrant women, who may be denied immigration benefits or deported if they have an abortion. While Roe v. Wade protects the right to abortion nationwide (on a federal level), but immigration law reviews criminal offenses that are governed by state law. This means that if a state criminalizes abortion, immigrants in that state may be subject to different rules than immigrants in other states. For example, if a woman is seeking a green card based on her marriage to a U.S. citizen, she will likely be required to prove that she is of “good moral character.” If she has had an abortion in a state that criminalizes abortion, she may be deemed ineligible for a green card or deported if she is already here on a temporary visa. Another item to look at through an immigration lens when applying for a green card, is the review of whether the immigrant would become a public charge. The public charge concept was first established by Congress in 1882 in order to allow the U.S. government to deny a U.S. visa to anyone who “is likely at any time to become a public charge.” Under the former Trump Administration, the public charge rule was interpreted broadly to reduce the number of individuals eligible for green cards by redefining what made them dependent on government benefits or likely to be dependent on government benefits in the future. Now, there are two versions of the regulation: The Department of Homeland Security public charge rule applied to green card applicants within the U.S. and the Department of State public charge policy applied to those outside of the U.S. Though both versions of the rule are no longer in effect, whereas the DHS rule was halted on March 9, 2021, and the DOS policy was paused indefinitely on July 29, 2020, certain states lead by Arizona have sought to revive the Trump era rule in an effort to vacate the March 9th rule. Therefore, with efforts in trying to vacate the March 9th rule and with the overall review of an immigrants ability to support him/herself or to have a sponsor that supports the immigrant, it is important to take a look at the potential ramifications for immigrant women who seek to terminate their pregnancies. Under current law, immigrants are ineligible for green cards if deemed “likely to become a public charge.” If abortion is criminalized, pregnant women who have the procedure could be denied immigration benefits or even deported. This would disproportionately impact low-income women who may be required to continue with the pregnancy, whereas if the fetus is a viable fetus, may be more likely to rely on public benefits. Additionally, many immigrant women already face barriers to reproductive healthcare for reasons such as language barriers and lack of insurance. If abortion is made illegal, it will only exacerbate these problems. Women will be forced to forgo vital healthcare or risk an unlicensed procedure. Either way, their immigration status will be at risk. To conclude, you need to be aware of the laws specific to your state when applying for an immigration benefit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16gL_2ur-v4 As you know, with the K-1 visa you are required to marry within 90 days after entering the U.S. So today we’re here to discuss things you can and cannot do while on a K-1 fiancé visa so that you don’t violate the terms of your visa. As a background, the K-1 visa is for the foreign partner of a citizen of the United States (U.S.). The foreign partner must reside outside of the US, be legally free and able to marry, have met the U.S. citizen partner in person within the previous two years (though some exceptions apply), and have no major criminal convictions in order to submit an application for a K-1 visa. Things You Are Allowed To Do While On K-1 Visa 1. You can work in the United States as a K-1 visa holder only if you apply for and acquire a work permit after entering the country. 2. You can obtain a social security number, which is usually required when applying for a credit card, working, or attending college. 3. It is possible to attend college; however, that will depend on the institution and the type of schooling. 4. You can volunteer. 5. You can file taxes jointly with your U.S. Citizen spouse if you have a Social Security Card or an ITIN. 6. You can travel domestically, within the United States, using the K1 Visa, whether it is within the 90-day term or after. Things You Are Not Allowed To Do on an K-1 Visa 1. The individual on a K-1 visa cannot leave the U.S. during the 90 days of being inside the U.S. If the Fiancé marries the petitioning U.S. Citizen, they must remain in the U.S. and start the Adjustment of Status process. 2. You will be unable to go overseas until you acquire either the Green Card or the Advance Parole Document. Because the fiancé visa is only valid for one entry into the United States, you cannot leave and return on it.
Visa denied? Learn the key steps to take after a visa refusal, common reasons for denial, and how to reapply successfully with confidence and clarity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Wkr_pwyTQ As you know, knowing what you can and cannot do on a U.S. visa can be tricky. So today we’re here to discuss what you can and cannot do while on the R-1 visa so that you don’t violate the terms of your visa. As background, religious workers who fulfill the eligibility requirements and complete the application process are granted an R-1 visa to work in the United States. The R1 visa is intended for religious workers who wish to serve in a religious organization in the United States for up to five years. Furthermore, not all religious employees are permitted to work in these organizations in the United States. Only ministers and people directly involved in religious work are qualified. There are some things that you are allowed to do while on an R-1 visa and some things you are not allowed to do. Things You Are Allowed To Do on an R-1 Visa 1. You are permitted to reside and work in the United States for the duration of your visa. 2. You can open bank accounts, obtain a driver’s license, and pursue educational possibilities so long as it is religious study incidental or related to your position. As a result, individuals can study part-time or full-time. 3. You can travel in and out of the United States, and the time spent outside the U.S. does not count toward your total visa time. 4. You can work part-time in religious roles in the United States and may work in other countries while traveling to the United States for a varied period of time to meet your work responsibilities. This means if you have an R-1 visa, you are not obligated to stay in the United States for the duration of your visa’s validity, but you may also work in other countries. 5. The spouse and unmarried children of an R-1 religious worker under the age of 21 may be eligible for R-2 categorization and may study full-time in the United States. 6. A person with R-1 visa status can stay in the United States for up to 5 years. 7. You can apply for green card status if you like. Because the R-1 visa is a dual-intent visa, an R-1 holder can apply for a variety of visas, including immigrant visas. 8. You can apply for non-immigrant visas such as H-1B and F-1, as well as employment-based immigration categories such as EB-2 and EB-3. As a result, the classification can be changed without regard for intent. 9. You can apply for a status extension or readmission under R-1 status for up to 30 months as long as your stay does not exceed 5 years. 10. If you have an R-1 Visa, you can obtain money for services rendered. Things You Are Not Allowed To Do on an R-1 Visa 1. You may only be paid by the religious organization that granted you the status. 2. The spouse and unmarried children of an R-1 religious worker are not permitted to work. The R-1 visa is ideal for people intending to pursue religious vocations or occupations. Religious workers who do not qualify for other visa categories may discover that the R-1 is appropriate for them. As you can tell, you are allowed to do various things while on the R-1 visa.
According to a landmark case unanimously decided by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) on June 21, 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) may no longer prohibit student-athletes from earning money by their name, image and likeness (NIL) for endorsement or marketing opportunities. This verdict effectively means that student-athletes can now monetize their popularity by selling the rights to use their portrait, caricature, or name on products, in advertisements, for sponsorships, or other licensing opportunities. Prior to this decision, college athletes were limited to a scholarship or stipend due to the NCAA’s “principle of amateurism” which required that their sport be pursued for the “love of the fame”, despite college sports being a multibillion-dollar industry generating over $19 billion per year. As time is moving forward, more and more states are enacting NIL legislation, allowing student-athletes to earn money through outside opportunities. There are pros and cons to NIL activity. While the benefits of NIL exceed the drawbacks, students and their families should be aware that cash generated may limit future financial assistance packages available to student-athletes. T hey will also be required to disclose and pay state and federal income taxes on NIL activities. Most importantly, students must avoid neglecting academics by allowing NIL activities to interfere with the time they devote to their studies. On the plus side, students can gain important financial literacy skills such as business management, budgeting, marketing, and brand building. Furthermore, it may enhance the college graduation rate of student-athletes who were previously incentivized to sign lucrative contracts with professional sports teams before graduating from college. Most international student-athletes have F-1 international student status, which their colleges or universities provide. This means that the school is responsible for the student-immigration athlete’s compliance and has the authority to revoke the international student’s F-1 visa if the student-athlete violates F-1 requirements. Working outside U.S. work authorization of permissible activities is a status violation that necessitates the termination of the student’s F-1 visa status by the school’s Designated School Officials (DSOs). International college-athlete stars such as Oscar Tshiebwe were unable to earn money while inside the U.S. Mr. Tshiebwe is a Congolese college basketball player for the Kentucky Wildcats who is on an F-1 student visa in the U.S. However, Mr. Tshiebwe was able to lawfully earn approximately $500,000 in 7 days from autographs, ads, and other promos while briefly outside of the U.S. Overall, the NIL is a major victory for student-athletes because it allows them to earn money for their talents. However, student-athletes on student visas should be careful when determining when and where they are able to earn for their NIL. What do you think about NIL? Let us know in the comments!
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