On April 19, 2019, the USCIS issued a policy guidance update in the USCIS Policy Manual. The update clarifies that violations of federal controlled substance law, including violations involving marijuana, are generally a bar to establishing good moral character for naturalization, even where that conduct would not be an offense under state law. So, as […]

Although the USCIS is not overly specific as to what “good character” is, they are very specific as to what it is not. Accordingly, the following conditions are considered disqualifiers when it comes to naturalization eligibility: A person who has been convicted of murder is ineligible for the duration of their lifetime A person who […]

Is a copy of a birth certificate and divorce papers acceptable to USCIS or do I need originals? You should never send original supporting evidence to the USCIS, unless they specifically ask for it. Always send a photocopy. The USCIS won’t return you your original supporting documents back either, so be prepared to never see […]

When applying for US citizenship, you have to show evidence of physical presence in the US for 5 years (for most green card holders) or 3 years (for marriage-based green card holders). This evidence should verify from various sources that you have not been out of the country for extended period(s) of time, and have […]

“I’ve read they passed a bill on where they go into your social media after interview, which would prolong the process, and that’ll effect a lot of K-1 Visas and my fiance is from the Philippines.” The government has always had that authority to investigate pretty much anything. They already do a background check on […]

“What do I have to do to qualify for U.S. citizenship?” The first step is to enter the US and become a permanent resident, or green card holder. There are many different paths to a green card, but most of RapidVisa’s customers fall under the family category, and more specifically, marriage-based. This is usually through […]

This question has been asked by several people, so we’ll wrap it up and say, “How many questions will I have to answer for the U.S. citizenship civics test?” That’s a great question. You have to get a 60%. They’re going to give you up to 10 questions out of a pool of a possible […]

We have noticed that the USCIS as well as the National Visa Center has started scrutinizing affidavit of support documents that list a petitioner or the sponsor as being self-employed and so what they want to see is now at least 6 months of bank statements. They want to see at least three years of […]

How do I qualify for your payment plan? Excellent question. Everybody qualifies. If you have a debit card, or a credit card, you can make the first payment, you qualify. Now, just to set your expectations. We do not write the check for the filing fee until after the third payment is processed, providing there’s […]

Next question comes from Pedro Estevez: “What’s the main benefit or benefits to becoming a citizen rather than just keeping my green card?” You know, that’s an excellent question. One of the biggest benefits that I’m aware of is that as a US citizen, you can get a US passport. With a US passport, you […]