Consular visa interviews
The date of your visa interview is now just around the corner. As the culmination of a process that has lasted many months, this is a big day. If you are like most of my clients, you are going to…
Marriage and fiancé(e) visas versus adjustment of status
For couples just beginning to research the immigration process, they often ask themselves if they have a choice between pursuing a visa (whether fiancée or marriage bases) and adjustment of status. In fact, the decision is usually not theirs to…
Form I-864 issues 101 – Materials for NW conference, Amer. Immigration Lawyers Association
I prepared this material for a presentation this week at the Northwest Regional Conference for the American Immigration Lawyers' Association. I don't find it very helpful when speakers put this much detail in slides, so I thought it would make…
Can I apply for a K-3 visa to speed things up?
If only I had a dollar for every time a client was confused about K-3 visas. But the confusion is understandable. Basically, Congress created the K-3 visa category as a way to get married couple reunited without having to wait…
California appeals court: “Form I-864 is enforceable, and there is no duty to seek work.
The California Court of Appeals (First District) has handed down an extremely important decision affirming rights under the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. The case decided is Kumar v. Kumar, A145181 (Cal. App. Div. II, July 28, 2017), available here. First, I…
How do I enforce my rights under the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support?
The Form I-864, Affidavit of Support is signed in virtually all family-based immigration cases. If you became a lawful permanent resident (LPR) through a spouse, parent or child, chances are the Form I-864 was signed. By signing the Form I-864,…
Social media for lawyers – 26 questions and answers
Thanks to the 1,372 lawyers who attended this week's social media ethics Legal Lunchbox talk. We understand it was the largest program ever hosted by the Washington State Bar Association, which speaks to the interest and angst that many of…
CLE materials – Tools for Streamlining and Automating Your Law Practice
Thanks to the Washington State Bar Association's Solo & Small Practice Section - I appreciate having the opportunity to speak today at the annual CLE with legal-tech futurist, and workers comp attorney Jordan Couch. This post houses materials for today's…
Extra material – AILA National Podcast on the Form I-864
This morning we are recording a podcast for the American Immigration Lawyer's Association, covering ethical issues on the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This post provides two additional items referenced in the podcast recording. Sample language for legal service agreements. I…
How do I withdraw the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support?
The Form I-864, Affidavit of Support imposes serious financial obligations on a sponsor who signs the form. If you have signed and filed a Form I-864, can you withdraw the form if you change your mind? Under some circumstances, yes…