Month: July 2025

Marriage Visa (I‑130 & I‑485) Getting your spouse lawfully by your side in the U.S. can feel like a romance novel crossed with Sudoku. I’ve seen couples laugh, cry, and almost tear up their documents out of frustration—only to celebrate when I‑130 and I‑485 finally clear. Negatives ● Timing: Often…

Adjustment of Status (I‑485) International Student Comprehensive Steps 1. Process Overview & Steps ● Step 1: Approved I‑130 or Qualifying Basis ● Step 2: Complete & File Form I‑485 ● Step 3: Submit I‑864 Affidavit of Support ● Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment ● Step 5: Attend Adjustment Interview 2. Estimated Timeline ● I‑485 Processing: 8–14 months…

Employment Visa (H‑1B & L‑1) 1. Process Overview & Steps ● Step 1: Labor Condition Application (H‑1B) • Filed by employer with DOL ● Step 2: Complete Form I‑129 • Employer petitions USCIS ● Step 3: Compile Education & Experience Docs ● Step 4: Consular Processing or Change of Status ● Step 5: Visa Stamping &…

Student Visa (F‑1) Landing that F‑1 visa is your ticket to “dear diary, I’m studying in America.” But between I‑20 signatures and DS‑160 quizzes, stress can spike faster than your GPA. Negatives ● Consulate Delays: Wait times vary wildly—2–6 weeks or longer. ● DS‑160 Errors: A typo in your SEVIS number…

Religious Worker Visa (R‑1 & EB‑4) Serving your faith abroad is noble—until the mountain of USCIS forms appears. I’ve walked pastors, imams, and monks through this, turning headaches into warm cups of tea. Negatives Proving Tax‑Exempt Status: A missing IRS letter can kill an EB‑4 petition. Narrow Definitions: R‑1 only…