Naturalization

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:

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 them again if you send those in.

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 […]

In a disturbing memo issued by USCIS (PM-602-0163) on July 13, 2018, we were made aware of a new policy which will make it much easier for the Trump Administration to issue denials for legal immigration cases across the board (with the exception of DACA), including fiance visas, spousal visas, green card applications and more.

“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.

New standards are being rolled out that are designed to basically make it harder to immigrate to the US. The process to immigrate has always included a quite extensive vetting process, but these new measures are likely going to make it even harder.

Larissa asks: “How soon after you marry a US citizen can you get citizenship?”  If you obtain your green card based on marriage, you have to wait three years to naturalize.  Timelines for naturalization vary, so make sure you check the processing times for Form N-400 on the USCIS website. The three-year timeline also applies […]