Plain-English explanations of U.S. immigration law — updated regularly by Attorney Akosua Owusua Kissi and the AB Legal team.
Yes, it is possible to sponsor yourself for a green card in the United States, but only through certain immigration categories. Most green card cases
Marriage laws in the United States generally focus on eligibility requirements set by states rather than immigration status. As a
The marriage-based green card processing time can vary depending on several factors, including the immigration status of the sponsoring spouse
Marriage to a U.S. citizen may provide a pathway to lawful permanent residence through marriage-based immigration. In many cases, the
Green card expiration refers to the situation in which a Permanent Resident Card reaches the end of its validity period.
A green card denial occurs when U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a U.S. consulate determines that an applicant
Consular processing generally takes 12 to 24 months in many cases, although timelines can vary depending on visa availability, government
Adjustment of status processing time generally ranges from 10 to 24 months, although timelines vary by category, visa availability, field
Yes, you may work in the United States while your green card application is pending, but only if proper work
It is generally possible to apply for a green card while in the United States on a visitor visa, but
Green card processing time varies widely depending on the immigration category, visa availability, and whether the applicant applies from inside
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization involves government filing fees and, in some cases, additional related expenses. As of April
There is generally no fixed bank balance required for most U.S. visas. Instead, consular officers assess whether an applicant’s financial