By

Marriage green card for a Canadian citizen approved in 5 months

As an immigration attorney, I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of couples navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system to achieve their dreams of being together. Each case is unique, but one particular success story stands out. In this blog, I’d like to share how we achieved the approval of a marriage-based green card for a Canadian-American couple in just 5 months, despite the typical 14.5-month processing time. Their love story is a testament to the power of love and efficient legal assistance.

  1. A Whirlwind Romance: The story begins with my clients, a Canadian citizen and an American, who fell in love after a brief period of dating. Their love was undeniable, and they decided to get married, even though their courtship had been relatively short. (This may be a red flag for USCIS). Their love story was truly extraordinary and heartwarming.
  2. Navigating Immigration Challenges: The couple’s challenge was the U.S. immigration process, which can be daunting, especially for couples who wish to avoid prolonged separation. For most marriage-based green card applications, the USCIS processing times can be quite lengthy, averaging 14.5 months. This couple was determined to stay together and not let bureaucratic delays stand in the way of their dreams.
  3. The Role of an Experienced Attorney: Their key to success was enlisting the help of an experienced immigration attorney. I firmly believe that professional legal guidance is crucial when dealing with the intricate immigration system. My commitment to enabling love stories like this one is what drives me every day.
  4. Building a Strong Case: Working closely with the couple, we compiled a comprehensive and compelling green card petition. We gathered evidence of their bona fide relationship, financial stability, and shared life plans. It was essential to present a strong case that demonstrated their genuine commitment to each other.
  5. The Moment of Triumph: In just five months, we received the green card approval. This was a remarkable achievement, considering the typical processing time. The couple’s joy and relief were palpable, and their love story could continue without any more disruptions.

Conclusion: This love story is a testament to the power of love and the importance of skilled legal assistance in the immigration process. Love should not be restricted by bureaucratic hurdles or prolonged separations. When couples have a genuine relationship and the right legal guidance, they can defy the odds and make their dreams a reality. This couple’s journey is a shining example of how love can conquer even the most significant challenges, and I am honored to have been a part of their success story.

If you would like help with your marriage green card case or explore the best visa or green card options for you, schedule a consultation today with an experienced immigration lawyer or contact us at the Juras Law Firm office at 480-425-2009!  We look forward to talking with you and assisting you in obtaining your green card!

 

By

How to qualify for treaty trader (E-1) visa?

Two Mexican citizens established a US company to import fresh produce from Mexico and sell it in the U.S. and Canada. Each member held 50% interest in the US company. Each member invested “substantial” amount of capital and put it “at risk”. The company rented office space and and warehouse, obtained a license for the US Department of Agriculture, a Blue book rating, registered trademark, hired customs broker and incurred marketing and warehouse expenses. The company created job opportunities for US workers – hired a full time sales representative and started interviewing for other positions. During its first season, the company generated very healthy profit and took steps to increase its marketing efforts to increase sales and visibility.

We established that the trade is already in existence, it is “substantial” and principally (more than 50% of total volume of international trade) between the US and Mexico.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law to outline one treaty trader (E-1) visa case study. If you would like to obtain a treaty trader (E-1) visa, call our experienced E-1 visa attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online.

By

Is US-Canada border still closed for non-essential travel?

The land border between the US and Canada remains closed until October 21, 2020 for “non-essential” travel. The travel restrictions do not apply to travel by air, sea and to freight rail. The “essential travel” includes but is not limited to: (i) U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, (ii) international students, (iii) people traveling to receive medical treatment, (iv) emergency responders and public health officials, (v) truck drivers moving cargo or other individuals engaged in international trade, (vi) official government and diplomatic travel, and (vii) members of the U.S. armed forces and their spouses and children.

Most U.S. ports of entry interpret the restrictions that only B1/B2 travel is prohibited, while other ports of entry interpret the restrictions more narrowly and require proof of “essentiality”. The Customs and Border Protection is still performing routine adjudications of TN and L-1 petitions at the land ports of entry, although some land ports are requiring proof that the proposed employment is “essential”.

Canada’s Quarantine Act requires anyone who is permitted to enter Canada to self-isolate for 14 days following entry to Canada (unless they are flag-poling).

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice.  We simplified the law to outline the law. If you to schedule a consultation, call our experienced immigration attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online.

By

Can E-2 investment “count” toward EB-5 investment?

E-2 visa is for investors from treaty countries who invest “substantial” amount of capital into a US business. E-2 visa allows them to manage that business. E-2 visa has to be renewed every few years, depending on the treaty. A major downside of E-2 visa and a significant motivator for converting to the EB-5 green card is the problem of children of E-2 investors who are not eligible for E-2 dependent visas once they turn 21.

While there is no dollar amount for E-2 visa, in order to get EB-5 green card, the investor has to invest at least $900,000 in certain targeted employment areas or $1,800,000 anywhere else. While the E-2 capital investment may be counted towards the EB-5 investment, retained earnings or revenue generated by the E-2 investment may not be counted toward EB-5 investment. The investor must draw funds from the E-2 business and invest personal funds in order to “count” towards EB-5 investment.

In addition, the business must already have created the requisite ten jobs, or demonstrate that it will create the remaining jobs needed to meet the ten-job threshold within two years of the grant of conditional permanent resident status.

Planning and navigating the transition from E-2 to EB-5 can be a complicated process. If you would like to transition from E-2 investment to EB-5 investment and obtain an investment (EB-5) green card, call our experienced EB-5 green card attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law to outline only one aspect of the transition from E-2 visa to EB-5 green card.

By

What does the US Supreme Court latest decision mean for DACA recipients


On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedures Act because the DHS failed to consider important aspects of the problem – whether to continue only the deferred action part of the DACA program. DHS failed to provide a reasoned explanation for its action and also failed to address the considerable reliance interests created by the DACA program, such as the impact on Dreamers and their families, if the agency terminated DACA.
The parties agreed that DHS may rescind DACA. The Court remanded the case for further consideration.

Under the US Supreme Court decision, USCIS must continue to process the following types of DACA requests:

  • Current DACA recipients can file a renewal DACA request.
  • Recipients whose previous DACA expired one year ago or less may still file a renewal DACA request.
  • DACA Recipients whose previous DACA expired more than one year ago cannot file a renewal DACA request but may file an initial DACA request.
  • DACA recipients whose previous DACA was terminated at any point cannot request DACA as a renewal but may file an initial DACA request.

In order to comply with the Court’s order, USCIS will have to publish guidance on processing the applications of applicants who have not previously been granted DACA and advance parole requests that were suspended under prior court orders.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the latest DACA developments.  If you would like to discuss if you may qualify for DACA or the best strategy after the US Supreme Court decision, call our experienced immigration attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced immigration attorney via our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing how we can help you with DACA application.

By

Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain Non-Immigrants

On June 22, 2020, President Trump signed a proclamation suspending and limiting the U.S. entry of foreign nationals on H-1B, H-2B, J (as intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel program) and L visas and any individuals accompanying or following to join them.

The proclamation applies to those who are outside the U.S. on June 24, 2020 and do not have such non-immigrant visa or official travel document that is valid on that day.

The suspension and limitation on entry does not apply to lawful permanent residents, spouses and children of the U.S. citizens, essential workers, individuals whose entry would be in the national interest.

The proclamation shall expire on December 31, 2020, and may be continued.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the Proclamation.  If you would like to discuss how does this Proclamation affect you, call our experienced Immigration Attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced Immigration Attorney via our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to talking with you and helping you analyze the effect of the Proclamation and your alternatives.

By

Irena Juras Gets Dreamer her Green Card

A woman that has been brought to the United States from Mexico when she was 3 years old (let’s call her the “Dreamer”) came to my office with her husband who is a U.S. citizen. They had been married for 2.5 years and have three children born in the United States. We discussed the Dreamer’s options and the Dreamer has decided to request the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”). She had a high school diploma and met the residency and other requirements for DACA approval. DACA was approved and she received her work authorization. Then, we filed a petition with the Dreamer’s husband as the petitioner. The petition was accompanied by supporting documents sufficient to rebut the presumption of marriage fraud. The petition was approved. Meanwhile, the Dreamer’s mother in Mexico was seriously ill and we applied for advance parole to allow the Dreamer to travel to Mexico to visit her mother. The advance parole was approved and the Dreamer traveled to Mexico, visited and helped her mother and entered the United States legally. Once the Dreamer entered the U.S. legally and met all other requirements for legal permanent residency, we filed her green card application. The application processing time in Phoenix is now more than one year. Finally, we attended an interview with the Dreamer and her husband, the application was approved and her green card has arrived. It was nice to see the happiness in her eyes to finally feel relieved that at age of 31 after living in the United States for 28 years illegally in fear, she does not have to worry that she will be deported and taken from her family. She is very appreciative for my help in guiding her through this process!
If you are facing similar circumstances or know someone else facing similar circumstances, call the immigration attorney Irena Juras at 480-425-2009 or reach us via email to schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help you!