How do you solve these little problems?

How do you solve these little problems?

It's rarely simple enough

Obtaining papers to live and work in the US has become more and more difficult since September 11, but an effort has been made to try to reduce process times and the Internet tool is starting to be used a lot by services immigration and this should improve further.

We've summarized the questions you ask us most often to help you troubleshoot issues.

 

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Remember that for H-1B work visas, investor visas such as E or a green card (except the lottery), it is practically impossible to obtain it without a competent lawyer.

 

But for other, "lighter" processes, you can do it yourself with great care and attention, following their instructions.

You have a lot of information on the government site but it is not always easy to find.

Here is what may help you.

You can also make certain requests (petitions) on-line.

You can also explore more information by going to the (bushy) USCIS website

 

How to extend a B1 / B2 visa?

In principle, you have your return deadline on the date of your I-94 delivered when you cross the border.

It's a maximum of 6 months.

You can, while in the United States, request an extension of your stay by 6 months.

You can read all the instructions and download the Form I-539

 

How to get a work permit?

If you have a dependent visa like the L2 or E2, also the J2 (Internships) and certain categories of F (student) you can obtain a work permit (EAD: Employment Authorization Document). What to do ? Go to this page for instructions and download the I-765 form

 

see also our article on the J2 visa and the L2 and E2 visas

 

How to get a re-entry permit?

If you have a green card and plan to stay outside the US for more than a year or even six months, you must apply for a re-entry permit BEFORE leaving the US.

To do this, download form I-131 with instructions

or better online. But we must admit that it is not super easy. You will have to wait for your fingerprints to be taken and this may take several weeks.

 

Then you can leave without having received it.

You can choose to have this re-entry permit sent to the consulate of your residence abroad or to friends in the us who will forward you.

 

How to obtain an "advance parole"?

If you are waiting for your green card, for example after having submitted your application and being eligible, you must apply for an advance parole if you have to leave the United States.

Be careful, unlike what happens with the re-entry permit, you must have obtained, not just requested, the advance parole, before being able to leave the United States.

To get it same process and form as the re-entry permit (see above).

 

Small reminder: if you got married while being illegal, you CANNOT leave the USA until you have your final green card. It must be part of the "punishment"! see our article on marriage

 

How to know the progress of your file?

You have initiated a visa application and you want to know where your file is.

You can do this on the internet if you have the receipt of your request. It is a 3 letter code (EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC) followed by 10 digits.

 

You can see your "case status" on the BICS website

You will also be able to see the progress dates of the files generally processed according to the different visas

 

How to change your address?

If you are not an American citizen, even if you have a green card, and you are moving, you must (it is the law) notify the immigration services of your change of address.

 

You are strongly advised to do this as otherwise you may be in trouble on your next immigration application.

How to do ?

Just download the AR-11 form for once, it's free. Fill it out and send it to the address indicated on the form.

 

How to renew your green card?

There are many possibilities.

They are different depending on the case.

Either you need to renew your expired green card, or it has been stolen or damaged.

You will need to download Form I-90.

 

You will find all the information by going to the USCIS website

To make your replacement request online, you must use their "e-filing" system and for that you must first create an account on the USCIS site.

Follow the instructions carefully.

 

Also read this RenewGreenCard.pdf file

 

Good luck!

 

How to contact and get information from the US Consulate in Paris

Go to our special Consulate page and you will find everything ... or almost

 

If you leave the US with your I-94 still hanging on

This little paper, hanging on your pass