U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced major changes that will affect many people who have pending or already-approved immigration applications. These changes take effect right away.

The new policy puts certain applications on hold, orders USCIS officers to take a second look at already-approved cases, and stops all processing of asylum applications for now. These steps come after the national guard attacks in Washington, DC, and a new presidential policy focused on security.

Here’s what this means.

What USCIS Is Doing

According to the new memorandum, USCIS will now:

1. Pause processing of all asylum applications

USCIS will place a hold on every Form I-589 (asylum and withholding of removal), no matter where the applicant is from, pending a comprehensive review. This hold will remain in place until lifted by the USCIS director. No specific date has been given. 

2. Pause pending applications for people from 19 “high-risk” countries

If someone lists one of these countries as their country of birth or citizenship, USCIS will stop work on their pending case until it is fully reviewed. This applies even if the person entered the U.S. years ago.

3. Re-review certain approved cases

If someone from one of the 19 countries entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021, USCIS will re-review their already approved immigration benefit. Officers may also extend this review to people who entered before that date.

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Which Applications Are Affected?

USCIS says many types of immigration cases could be paused or reviewed again, including:

• Form I-485 (green card applications)
• Form I-90 (green card replacements)
• Form I-131 (travel documents / advance parole)
• Form I-751 (removal of conditions on permanent residence)
• Form N-470 (preserving residence for naturalization)
  

Keep in mind that this list may grow and employer-filed petitions could also be affected if the worker is from one of the listed countries. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as we receive more guidance from the government.

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What the Re-Review Includes

Every affected person will go through a rereview process. As part of this process the policy states USCIS may:

• Schedule an interview;
• Require a second interview, even for applications that normally do not require one;
• Ask for more evidence; and/or
• Delay a decision until all reviews are complete
  

USCIS states that the goal is to identify security or public-safety risks. Officers will look at identity, background information, and possible security-related grounds of ineligibility. USCIS also notes in their policy document that interview waivers will not be permitted for applicants from the 19 countries listed above.

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Who Is Most Likely to Be Affected?

You may be affected if:

• You were born in or are a citizen of one of the 19 listed countries and you have a pending immigration application.
  
• You are from one of those 19 countries and your application was already approved, but you entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021.
  
• You have a pending asylum application (from any country).
  

Please note that because USCIS is using “country of birth or citizenship,” even people who are no longer nationals of a listed country may be affected.

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What This Means for Applicants

If you are affected by this policy change, you should prepare for:

• Longer processing times
• Extra security checks
• Requests for more documents
• Being called in for an interview or re-interview

Unfortunately, this means delays for many people. USCIS says the review process is necessary for national security, even though it will slow down certain cases.

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Possible Future Changes

The administration is also considering expanding the list of countries. If that happens, even more applicants could face paused cases or re-reviews.

We know that changes like this can feel overwhelming and stressful. Please rest assured that SimpleCitizen will continue to monitor these updates and provide clear information as the situation develops. Please reach out to us if you have questions and we will help however we can. And, as always, we’re happy you’re here.

This is legal information. Nothing in this post is legal advice. For legal advice about your personal immigration situation consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

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Get a guided look at how SimpleCitizen supports your immigration journey from start to finish. In this webinar, our team walks through how the platform works, what to expect at each step of the process, and how our pricing and services are structured—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Your immigration journey is personal—and having clear guidance can make all the difference. Now that you’ve seen how the SimpleCitizen process works, you’re one step closer to starting your application. If this webinar helped you better understand your options, we invite you to take the next step: begin your case or reach out to our Live Chat team with any additional questions.

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We're happy you're here!

Understanding the Department of State’s Requirements for Chinese Documents in USCIS Applications

When applying for a green card or other U.S. immigration benefits, Chinese citizens must submit various documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For many applicants, this includes birth and/or death certificates, which must meet specific requirements set by both the Department of State (DOS) and USCIS. In this post, we’ll explain the requirements for submitting Chinese birth and death certificates, including notarization, translations, and what to expect during the application process.

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Chinese Birth Certificates

For Chinese applicants, a Notarial Birth Certificate (Gong Zheng Shu) is typically required. This document is issued by a local Notary Public Office (Gong Zheng Chu) in China. The birth certificate serves as proof of an individual's identity, date of birth, and parentage, and it must meet the following criteria:

1. Issuing Authority and Seal Requirements: The notarial birth certificate should have a watermark, seal, and red stamp to ensure its authenticity. It will typically list the applicant’s full name, gender, date of birth, place of birth, both parents' names, and the applicant's National ID number (for those born after 2012).
2. Translation Requirement: All notarial documents, including the birth certificate, must include an English translation. This translation must be certified and accompanied by a statement confirming that it is accurate and conforms to the original Chinese text. Your notarial birth certificate may already include an English translation. If it does, then you likely do not need to obtain an additional translation for this document.

Chinese Marriage Certificates

If you are submitting a marriage certificate as part of your USCIS application, you’ll most likely need a Notarial Marriage Certificate (Gong Zheng Shu) from a Chinese Notary Public Office. Here’s what to expect:

Types of Notarial Marriage Certificates‍

There are two types of notarial marriage certificates in China:

1. Notarial Certificate for Marriage: This certificate verifies the legality and authenticity of the marriage itself, including the couple’s names, and the date and place of marriage.
2. Notarial Marriage Certificate: This certificate certifies that a copy of the original marriage certificate matches the original document.

Both types of certificates are accepted by USCIS, but the document must meet certain format standards, such as including a watermark, seal, and red stamp.

How to Obtain a Notarial Marriage Certificate

1. Issuing Authority: A local Notarial Office (Gong Zheng Chu) in China is responsible for issuing notarial marriage certificates. These offices are part of the Ministry of Justice and are located in both major cities and rural areas.
2. Required Documents: To obtain the certificate, you will need your National ID, household registration (Hu Kou Bu), and the original marriage certificate. If you live abroad, you may need to submit a copy of your passport. You’ll also need to provide photographs (at least two) and, if applicable, an authorization letter if someone else is requesting the certificate on your behalf.
3. No Certified Copies: Only the original certificate will be accepted by USCIS.‍
4. Translation Requirements
   All Chinese notarial certificates, including marriage certificates, must be translated into English. The translation must be certified and accompanied by a statement confirming that the English translation is accurate and consistent with the original Chinese document.‍‍

Applicants should be aware that same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in China, so applicants from same-sex marriages may face additional documentation challenges.

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Conclusion

Chinese citizens applying for U.S. immigration benefits through USCIS must carefully follow the U.S. Department of State’s guidelines for submitting their vital documents. By ensuring that your documents are properly notarized, translated, and supported by the necessary evidence, you can avoid delays and ensure that your application goes smoothly. Always check the specific requirements for the form you are submitting, and if you are unsure, consider doing your case with SimpleCitizen! SimpleCitizen has helped hundreds of Chinese citizens through this process! Ready to get started? We’re happy you’re here.

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Knowing which USCIS form to file when your green card is expiring can be confusing but is essential to ensuring that your application is processed as quickly and as smoothly as possible. In this guide, we will clarify the differences between the two primary forms used to address expiring green cards:  

1. Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), and 
2. Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. 

We will outline when each form is used, as well as some of the primary differences between the two processes. Let’s dive in! 

Understanding the Two Primary Green Card Categories:

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First, it's important to understand the two primary green card categories, each of which require a unique “renewal” process when the card is nearing its expiry: 

1. Conditional Permanent Resident Cards/Green Cards, 
   
   1. Valid for 2 years from the date of issue.  
   2. Conditional on the applicant being able to provide additional evidence
   3. Requires the removal of the applicant’s green card / legal permanent residence “conditional status” rather than a formal renewal 
      
2. Permanent Resident Cards, 
   
   1. Valid for 10 years from the date of issue 
   2. Requires a renewal of the applicant's green card / legal permanent residence status 

To know whether you have a standard green card or a conditional green card, simply compare your green card expiration date with your green card issue date.

• If valid for 2 years, you likely have a conditional green card.
• If valid for 10 years, you likely have a standard green card.

Why Conditional Green Cards are Issued: 

Conditional green cards are typically issued when the green card is obtained through marriage, and the marriage was less than two years old at the time of issuance. The idea is that the green card benefit is “conditional” on the applicant being able to provide USCIS with additional evidence of a “bona-fide” / legitimate relationship two years after the green card was issued. This is done by filing Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence and by including extensive relationship evidence at the time of filing. USCIS will evaluate the application and determine if sufficient proof has been provided that the marriage was entered into for legitimate reasons. If the application is approved, USCIS will remove conditions on the permanent resident status and issue a 10-year green card. 

 Applicants who have been married more than 2 years at the date the green card was issued OR who obtained a green card through a different filing category than marriage, generally receive a 10-year green card initially.  

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Key Differences Between the Two Processes 

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Here’s a detailed comparison of the two processes based on the type of green card you hold:

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Key Takeaways

1. Form I-751 is for removing conditions on a 2-year conditional green card.
2. Form I-90 is for replacing an incorrect, damaged, or missing green card as well as renewing a 10-year permanent resident card.
3. Filing on time is critical to avoid legal or logistical complications.

Need Help with Your Application? 

SimpleCitizen helps save you time and money by simplifying the green card renewal and condition removal process. Take our eligibility quiz to get started and use the code TAKE10 at check out to save 10% off your purchase! 

We’re happy you’re here and we can’t wait to work with you! 

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In the world of U.S. immigration, the terms "citizenship" and "naturalization" are often used together, leading to a common question: Are they the same thing? While they are closely related, they are not interchangeable. Understanding the distinction can help you understand your journey within the U.S. immigration system.

Think of it this way: Citizenship is the status, while naturalization is one of the paths to get there.

This article breaks down the precise meanings of each term, who they apply to, and why it’s important to know the difference.

What is U.S. Citizenship?

U.S. citizenship is the highest status a person can hold under U.S. law. It grants a person all the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities protected by the U.S.Constitution.

These rights include:

• The right to vote in federal, state, and local elections.
• The right to run for public office (with some exceptions).
• The ability to travel with a U.S. passport.
• Eligibility for employment by the federal government. 
• Protection from deportation.

How Do You Get Citizenship?

There are two primary ways a person can become a U.S. citizen:

What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the legal process by which a foreign citizen or national, who is a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), can become a U.S. citizen.

This is the path taken by immigrants who were not U.S. citizens at birth. As defined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), naturalization is the way a person voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen.

The naturalization process is a formal application that involves several steps, including:

• Meeting Eligibility Requirements: This includes being at least 18, being a Lawful Permanent Resident for a set period (typically 3 or 5 years), and meeting continuous residence and physical presence requirements.
• Filing Form N-400: This is the official "Application for Naturalization."
• Biometrics: Providing fingerprints.
• Interview: Attending an interview with a USCIS officer to review the application.
• Civics and English Tests: Passing an exam on U.S. history and government. Learn more here!
• Oath of Allegiance: The final step is attending a ceremony and taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

A Note on Dual Citizenship

A common question for those considering the path of naturalization is, "Do I have to give up my current citizenship?"

There are two points to understand:

• The U.S. Position: The United States does allow for dual citizenship. This means that when you apply for naturalization, the U.S. government does not require you to formally give up your home country's passport or citizenship.
• Your Home Country's Position: However, not all countries allow for dual citizenship. Some countries will automatically revoke your original citizenship the moment you voluntarily become a U.S. citizen.

Before deciding to apply for naturalization, it is essential to check your home country’s laws to understand if you will be permitted to hold both citizenships.

Key Differences: Citizenship vs. Naturalization

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The Most Important Takeaway

You cannot have naturalization without citizenship, but you can have citizenship without naturalization.

If you are a citizen because you were born in the U.S. or to U.S. citizen parents, you never need to be "naturalized." You are already a citizen.

If you are an immigrant and a Green Card holder, naturalization is the name of the journey you take to achieve the goal of citizenship. Once you successfully complete the naturalization process and take the Oath, you are officially a U.S. citizen with all the same rights and responsibilities as a person who was a citizen from birth (with the one exception of being eligible to run for President).

If you're feeling unsure about beginning your immigration application or overwhelmed by the news surrounding immigration, you're not alone! Emily Allen, a partner attorney from a leading law firm for global immigration services, joined us for this webinar in July 2025 to walk through the current immigration climate. Leveraging decades of experience, Emily covered actionable information for immigrants and loved ones navigating their immigration journey in 2025.

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Last Updated: January 15, 2020

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Some messes happen in an instant while others are more drawn out over weeks or years. A recent, well publicized incident took place in in 2010, when an oil rig exploded and sank, resulting in the worst oil spill in history. It wreaked havoc on the environment as 210 million gallons of oil drained into the Gulf of Mexico over the course of just 87 days. BP, the company responsible for the mess and subsequent four-year clean up, ended up paying $18.7 billion in fines, not to mention that the environment was substantially damaged and that eleven people went missing and were never found.

If not carefully planned, managed, and executed, large business and government projects can easily become a debacle. Today we’re talking about how the USCIS has struggled to digitize the immigration process through the Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) since 2005. It started with the goal to digitize eight popular types of immigration forms, which would make a 29% dent in the six million immigration forms processed each year. The original budget was $536,000 with the completion date being 2013. Not too complicated, right?

But a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report from May 2015 found that the program is actually going to cost up to $3.1 billion and will be deployed “no later than March 2019.”

What happened?

Let’s start with the most obvious: governments, like large enterprises, are big ships and are difficult to steer. The more moving parts something has (and the USCIS deals with plenty of this; a single green card application has more than 80 pages of paperwork), the more difficult it can be to make impactful changes. The USCIS employs 13,000 full time workers along with 5,000 contractors. This means that in digitizing the immigration process, the USCIS has to effectively train thousands of people on how to navigate and use a new application system, which is a massive, time-consuming undertaking.

Another obstacle is changing the outdated development and project management techniques the government is all too familiar with: According to the GAO’s report, USCIS failed to implement agile and open source techniques, among other management issues, which contributed to the delayed launch and the increase in budget.

Now, after missing its launch date and going vastly over budget, ELIS only supports one form in limited availability. At one time ELIS supported 3 forms, again in limited availability — just a hair more than 15% of applications processed every year. Notably, in July 2015 an inspector found it actually took twice as long to close a case using ELIS as opposed to the traditional paper application.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Vastly over budget, ELIS only supports one form in limited availability.” quote=”Vastly over budget, ELIS only supports one form in limited availability.”]

The ELIS applications are still only available in English, which severely slows down the process for non-native applicants and increases the likelihood that they’ll make mistakes that get their applications rejected.

Possibly the most frustrating aspect of the whole debacle can be summed up by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

“It looks like ELIS is typical of many of the federal government’s computer systems. It’s never lived up to the expectations to allow executive branch employees to be more efficient and effective for the American taxpayers.”

“The part that’s most heartbreaking, when you think about it, is they are not wasting taxpayer money. They are wasting refugee, asylee and immigrant money. Literally the people on the planet who can least afford it, who are running for their lives.”

This is worth repeating: the $3.1 billion used to build ELIS is coming from refugee, asylee, and immigrant money.

What can be done to fix it?

Luckily, the White House stepped in for two weeks in June 2014 as part of the Smarter IT Agenda. Then came the U.S. Digital Service with some helpful solutions to help ELIS get off the ground.

The USCIS could also take a leaf from other countries’ books. As many European countries were struggling with the applications of Chinese immigrants, these EU Member States looked to technology for a solution. The UK streamlined its process for Chinese immigrants. This year, France shortened the time of the visa application process for Chinese applicants to 48 hours. Germany plans to shorten its visa application process down to 48 hours for Chinese visitors by opening six more application centers in Chinese cities.

One of the most frustrating aspects of the ELIS debacle is the setbacks that are faced by the immigrant families that are stuck with an archaic system of disorganized paperwork. Jerry Marken, a writer for the Washington Post, published a piece focusing on the failures of the system. He put it all into perspective, saying, “The project’s failures already have daily consequences for millions of immigrants who are in the country legally. Immigration lawyers say the current system leads to lost applications, months-long delays and errors that cause further delays. Immigrants miss deadlines for benefits, meaning they lose everything from jobs and mortgages to travel opportunities”.

There are plenty of opportunities to improve the U.S. immigration process. They can start simple, just by making green card applications available in other languages than English. It’s also not always clear where or how to start immigration applications, so they can provide more resources to break down common scenarios.

SimpleCitizen supports streamlining the citizenship and green card application process. We are proud to save applicants 90% of their time and money compared to traditional paper forms or immigration attorneys. We also make all forms available in English, Chinese, and Spanish, as a start.

We can’t ignore that immigrants are core to building the cultural fabric and economy of our nation, so it’s in all our best interests to simplify the immigration process to attract the next generation of Americans. Millions of families every year overcome insurmountable odds to achieve their dreams of a new life in the United States. As the USCIS tries to figure out how best to move forward to bring their technology into the 21st century, they can learn from the determination and resourcefulness of these new Americans.

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Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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Thinking of making the United States your home? You’ll need a green card. Although the process can be rather long and seemingly complex, SimpleCitizen is here to help make the process as smooth and easy as possible. Having a U.S. green card, in this case, is not only necessary but offers many benefits that only lawful permanent residents have access to.

A few examples:

• The freedom to live and work in the U.S. permanently, including many forms of government work.
• Freedom of movement. Once you have a green card, you may travel to and live in any part of the United States, as well as travel outside of the U.S. and return upon will. However, if you remain abroad for six months or more per year, you could risk losing your green card.
• The ability to sponsor relatives. Once you have a green card, you can sponsor your relatives so that they can get their own green card.
• The ability to seek full U.S. citizenship. Once you have had your green card for five years (with a few exceptions – see Step 3 of How to Become a United States Citizen), you may qualify to apply for citizenship, which grants all the rights and privileges of a native U.S. citizen.
• Legal rights and social benefits, such as research and educational grants, insurance coverage, and social security, retirement, and health benefits. You can also own firearms, a house, cars, and other property in the U.S. and secure financing for such purchases.
• Permanent status. You will only need to renew your green card about every 10 years.

Adjustment of status is the process through which temporary visitors to the United States (such as students, tourists, etc.) can become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) without ever having to leave the U.S. (If you are outside of the United States, the only path to immigrate to the country is through consular processing). Below is a basic guide to walk you through each step of the process.

1. Determine if You are Eligible to Apply for a Green Card

To figure out if you can apply for adjustment of status, you must first determine if you are eligible for a green card. There are many ways to apply for a green card under U.S. immigration laws, but to be eligible you must fall under one of the categories listed below:

• Through family
• Through employment
• As a special immigrant
• Through refugee or asylee status
• As a human trafficking or crime victim
• As a victim of abuse
• Through registry
• Through other categories (found in the USCIS link below)

Take this quiz to find out if you are eligible to apply. The eligibility requirements may vary depending on the immigrant category you are applying under, so the first step is to figure out if you fit into one of these categories. Review the USCIS Green Card Eligibility Categories for details on the categories listed above and to determine which one fits your situation/experience. Once you know which category best fits you, in most cases, you will need to have an immigrant petition filed on your behalf. The form that will need to be filed varies depending on which category you are applying under and can also be found on the USCIS page in the hyperlink above.

2. Determine if You are Eligible for Adjustment of Status

Now you can determine if you can also apply for adjustment of status. The requirements, according to Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, are as follows:

• Be physically present in the United States, including when you file the adjustment of status as well as complete the process.
• Have made lawful entry into the United States.
• Already be eligible for a U.S. green card through one of the conditions listed above, such as through a U.S. employer, a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or by having received asylum or refugee status at least one year before.
• If your eligibility is based on family or employment, you must already have filed and had approved a visa petition (Form I-130 or Form I-140), and your priority date, if you have one, must be current. Priority dates apply to immigrants in “preference categories” who, because of annual limits on visas in those categories, must wait until a visa is available before proceeding with their green card application. (There are exceptions to this rule, such as for an “immediate relative,” where the visa petition can be filed concurrently or at the same time as the adjustment of status application).
• If you entered the U.S. on a K-1 fiancé visa, you must have married the person who petitioned for you to receive that visa.
• If your eligibility is based on asylum or refugee status, you must have waited one year since either your asylum was granted or you entered the United States as a recognized refugee.
• You must (with a few exceptions, such as for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens) have a valid and current visa when you start your application to adjust status. To be eligible you also must not have remained in the U.S. past the authorized length of your permitted stay, nor worked without permission from the immigration authorities.

Remember…

This is a complex area of immigration law. If you have any doubts about your eligibility to adjust status, consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that you fully understand the entire process and to obtain a full analysis of your rights and options.

3. File Application to Adjust Status

If you meet the eligibility requirements for adjustment of status, you may file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. For a comprehensive list of situations under which you could file Form I-485, read this article.

Where you file your Form I-485 depends on your eligibility category. Go to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status page to see where you should file your application. When filing, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t forget to sign your form! USCIS will reject and return any unsigned form.
• Complete the entire form, and use the most current version.
• USCIS prefers that you download the forms from their website, complete them electronically, them print them to submit. If you handwrite your answers, make sure you use black ink and that they are neat and legible. If you make an error, start over with a clean form. Don’t use correction fluid or tape (i.e. wite-out).

Filing Form I-485 costs $1,140, and an additional biometrics services fee of $85 applies to all applicants between the ages of 14 and 78. However, for children 13 or younger who are filing with at least one parent, there is a reduced $750 fee, and if you are applying as a refugee under section 209(a) of the INA, there is no fee to file Form I-485.

No matter the amount of your fee, you must pay by check or money order and follow these criteria:

• The money must come from a bank or other financial institution in the United States and be payable in U.S. currency.
• The check or money order must be made payable to: U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is important to write it exactly this way, without abbreviating.

How much does it cost to submit Form I-485?

4. Attend Biometrics Appointment

After you file your Form I-485, USCIS will mail you an appointment notification for a biometric screening at a local Application Support Center (ASC). The notice will include the date, time, and location of the appointment. Here you will provide your fingerprints, signature, and a photograph will be taken of you. USCIS uses this data to verify your identity and conduct required background and security checks. Don’t worry – this is all common procedure and an important part of adjusting status. Read this short article for more information on what to expect from your biometrics appointment.

At your ASC appointment, you will also be asked to sign an acknowledgment that you have reviewed all of the information in your application and that it was all complete, true, and correct at the time you filed it. If you do not sign the acknowledgment or you miss your ASC appointment without properly notifying and rescheduling USCIS, your Form I-485 may be denied.

Depending on what immigrant category you filed your adjustment of status under, an interview may be necessary. If USCIS schedules you for an interview, they will send you a notice with the corresponding date, time, and location. This is a fairly quick meeting, usually lasting only 20-30 minutes. If a relative is required to accompany you to the interview (for example, the family member that filed the immigration petition for you), you will likewise be informed in the notice USCIS mails you. Here, a USCIS official will confirm that confirm the information you and your petitioner have provided on the petition and your application for adjustment of status is correct. Make sure you bring originals of all the documents you submitted with your Form I-485, such as passports, official travel documents, and Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, even if they have expired.

The entire adjustment of status process usually takes between 8 and 14 months. For a complete timeline, read What Happens After Filing Form I-485.

5. Receive Your Green Card

After all the paperwork and security checks have been completed, biometrics have been taken, interviews have been conducted (if necessary), and all other eligibility requirements have been reviewed, USCIS is ready to make a decision on your case! Regardless of the outcome, you will receive a written decision notice from USCIS. If your application is approved, you will first receive an approval notice by mail. Then, usually a little bit later, you will receive your green card. Congratulations! You are now a lawful permanent resident of the United States!

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One of the foundational books of the “family education” genre, Harvard Girl Liu Yiting: A Character Training Record maintained a spot on China’s bestseller list for the first 16 months after its publication. It is essentially an in-depth guide for Chinese parents who want their children to study at Ivy League universities, which based on the book’s popularity and sales, represents a group of people in the millions. Not much has changed in the 17 years since the book took middle-class Chinese parents by storm in spring of 2000. For millions of students and parents alike, an American education is still the “dream” for which preparation in terms of both time and money starts early. Yet getting accepted at a respectable university is no longer enough. In order to remain competitive in their field, every student regardless of nationality, will need to fill in the space below the resume section heading titled Work Experience. Whether it’s navigating the technicalities surrounding a student visa or the ever-growing need for cultural intelligence, securing and succeeding in an American internship can be both daunting and complex.

Visas: A Quick How-To

The three most common visas for international students seeking an internship in the United States are J-1, M-1, and F-1 visas. In 2016, the United States issued 482,033 F-1/M-1 visas and 339,712 J-1 visas.

“The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training.” The F-1 student visa is specifically meant for academic students and the M-1 is for “students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.”

Both visas allow students to hold part-time on-campus jobs during the academic school year but only those students with F-1 status can work full-time on-campus during school breaks. Students on the J-1 visa who want to work full-time on-campus during school breaks must first get permission from their appointed Alternate Responsible Officer.

For F-1 students wanting to work off-campus full-time, for example in an internship capacity, they must either apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT internships can be paid but must be directly related to the student’s degree. Typically students will receive some sort of academic credit for a CPT internship. In order to be eligible, students must have completed their first academic school year, must have a written offer of employment, must apply for authorization on their school visa, and receive an updated 1-20 form.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) internships differ from CPT internships in that they do not necessarily have to be a part of the student’s academic curriculum and can be done either while still enrolled (pre-completion OPT) or after the student graduates (post-completion OPT) or both (all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT). OPT is however, unavailable to F-1 students in English language training programs. Authorization for OPT internships does not require an offer of employment but requires an endorsement of the 1-20 form from the student’s designated school official, along with a notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and the filing of a Form 1-765, Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Certain students are eligible for an extension of the OPT period (up to 24 additional months for certain STEM majors). Applications can be submitted at any time prior to the expiration of a current OPT. If a student is offered full-time employment after their internship, they can petition to change their visa status from OPT to H1-B during their 60-day departure preparation periods.

What about entrepreneurs? F-1 students are eligible to start an entrepreneurial endeavor as long as it relates to their program of study and they are approved for OPT, either before or after graduation. Starting a business will rule out a student’s eligibility for the STEM OPT extension, since the applicant cannot be listed as their own employer.

Once an international student accepts an internship offer, the paperwork is fairly simple. First, the student must request a written offer from company headquarters on official letterhead that includes details such as the beginning and end date, the number of hours, pay, position title, supervisor, contact information, etc. The letter must then be brought to the university’s international student affairs office where they will process the necessary documents (usually between 3-5 days) and then present the student with a letter for the Social Security office. The processing of the letter typically takes a couple of hours in-person and then an additional two weeks until the student receives his or her official social security number. A small but important detail is that on-campus or CPT work must begin at least 15 but no more than 30 days from the application date.

Learning from Current International Students

Dandan Zhao, a visiting graduate student from Henan province in midland China found the internship recruiting process to be somewhat more difficult than she had anticipated. First of all, the environment is extremely competitive. Companies tend to already be somewhat hesitant about the possible language and cultural barriers associated with hiring a foreign student, not to mention the fear of investing in a potential hire that could be lost due to the H1-B lottery process. Not only are non U.S. citizen students competing against native-born Americans, but also scores of other internationals, working hard to go above and beyond to get the attention of recruiters. Dandan knew she had to work even “harder” than her American peers so she started to apply….to everything. “I began to interview with different companies 2-3 times a week. It was a lot but I think it made a difference in helping prepare me to better understand these companies and improve my interview skills.” This shotgun approach eventually landed Dandan a product management position with a global medical technology company for the summer.

Now at the half-way point of her internship, Dandan has found that the challenges for internationals don’t end with recruiting. While her coworkers are all very nice and helpful whenever she has questions, Dandan finds the nuances of American comedy to be the most tricky cultural hurdle in her daily routine. “I work on a very small, close team and I am the only intern. I’ve realized that there are some jokes that you just cannot understand, maybe about Star Wars or things you aren’t familiar with so you won’t get that sense of humor. Sometimes you just won’t be able to laugh at those jokes with your team and I find that very hard.” One way in which Dandan combats this potentially isolating situation is by being “really active”. “I try to be approachable and participate in all the activities. People are always asking me, ‘do you want to come to this activity?’ or ‘do you want to join this meeting?’ and I just automatically say yes.”

Prakash Singh moved to the U.S. from Bihar, India in the midst of the hot-button immigration issues of the 2016 election. He believes that this political climate had a direct effect on his internship recruiting efforts. “It was tricky, especially with the change of the new government and how the Trump administration is going to affect policies moving forward for those wanting to stay here and get a job. It was hard, harder than in years past.” Prakash learned quickly that he had a better chance of getting recruited to a company with an international presence, in the case that he got a job offer but not a work visa, he could be transferred to another location. Prakash eventually settled on Equinix, Inc., an American multinational interconnection company where he now works as a business analyst intern in San Francisco.

Whether company culture or American culture, he’s not sure, but Prakash noticed right away that the atmosphere was much different than his previous work as a software engineer analyst at Accenture, back home in India. “There don’t seem to be as many work deadlines – it seems a little more relaxed here. People have a lot of time to talk with their colleagues.” While it may not be what he’s used to, it’s clear Prakash has followed his own advice to, “Be receptive to a new culture and ideas. Don’t oppose the new things that you see. Be quick to learn and be confident to use what you learn and adapt to those changes. I have more and more interactions with people on my floor and around my cubicle, which is really good because I can create good relationships and learn a lot about the company.” Prakash is quick to add that it takes more than just passively accepting new practices from the people around you to succeed as an international student. “You have to make a good impression. Show them that you can do more than what they are expecting. If not, the company will say, ‘anybody can do that’. You really have to do something more, something out of the box, something they have not thought of or done before. Don’t be afraid to bring your unique experiences to the organization.”

When Lei Wang left hometown city of Yantai, China (population of over 6.5 million), she probably didn’t envision herself switching universities halfway through her graduate program or ending up working as the human resource talent acquisition intern at an outdoor gear company in Farmington, Utah (population of 22,159). When Lei talks about her experiences with recruiting, however, it is clear that flexibility and open-mindedness have been the keys to her success. Like most international students, Lei started by making a list of companies that are known to sponsor non-U.S. citizens for internships and jobs but unlike many of her peers, Lei chose to not limit herself. Companies like Dell, have repeatedly said that they do not offer sponsorships for human resources interns but Lei continued to network with the on-campus recruiters and student alumni and decided to go through with the application process anyway. “Make yourself necessary, and they’ll pick you,” she said, and they did just that. While she didn’t end up accepting that offer, Lei still learned a lot from the experience. “Be open to all opportunities! Some students give up because they see a company doesn’t offer sponsorship. A company may close the door but might open up a window for a sneak peak. If you want to stay in the U.S. you need to be very flexible in order to get a job. You don’t know which person could bring you the right resources or refer you to another company that does offer sponsorship.”

It is this same flexibility that has allowed Lei to explore several different options and discover that what she really enjoys doing is not necessarily what she came to America thinking she would pursue. Lately she has even considered returning to China to start her own business. “It’s quite common to not know what you really want when you first come to study in the U.S. Be flexible and don’t be afraid when there is something you want to change. Most students are still young and it doesn’t matter if they take some time to discover themselves.”

Roli Shukla is a self-declared introvert but hails from Delhi, one of the largest metropolitan areas in northern India. In terms of recruiting, Roli’s biggest struggle was answering the ambiguous question, “What makes you a good fit for this company?” “It’s not easy to know whether you fit with the company’s profile or not or to know how to demonstrate whether you’re a good fit – it’s a different culture – it was confusing… I don’t know anything about U.S. work culture and obviously the interviewer knows that I won’t know anything about it.” Roli figured that the best way she could prepare herself for these sorts of “culture evaluations” was to get as much information as she possibly could about the company. She read up on websites like Glassdoor and talked to everyone she could find who had interned there previously and also called current employees to ask more in-depth questions about the company values and overall work atmosphere.

This approach wasn’t meant to help Roli ‘trick’ the interviewer into thinking she was a good fit – it primarily helped Roli assess whether or not she herself would be happy at the company. According to Roli, being genuine with both the recruiters and yourself is essential. “Just be honest. During my interview, I think my honesty is what really helped me – I think it’s really valued. Just be open and frank and tell them if you have genuine questions. I think when you are honest, people are more willing and able to help you.”

In true introvert fashion, information gathering is one of Roli’s preferred tools. Not only has it helped her land a corporate strategy internship position with Fortune 500 company, Meritor Inc., it has also helped her adapt to the same cultural subtleties that she felt nervous discussing throughout the interview process.

Indian culture tends to have a reputation of hierarchy and a strong top-down structure throughout its society and organizations. In the corporate world Roli was used to, there is a large power distance between employees and their supervisors, that is workers are very much dependent on the boss for direction. To Roli, it seemed natural on her first day to ask what time she should be expected at work the next day. “Sometime between 7 – 9 am, he said. It was a shock to me that he gave me a range and not a particular time. But I realized that’s just how it must work here. For the first whole week I would ask for his permission to leave at the end of the day and I could see that he thought ‘Okay, why is she doing that?’ I realized that’s not something that happens a lot here so I started watching my coworkers and following them. That’s why observation is really great – it’s not specific to American culture but can help you adapt from one corporate culture to another.”

So while navigating the world of American internships may not always be simple, it is certainly not impossible. From the undecided Chinese explorer to the shy Indian observer, there is room for all personality types and backgrounds in the American workplace, so long as they are able to pick up on expectations, be versatile, and above all else, work hard.

‍

Para inglés, haga clic aquí.

Estados Unidos tiene un largo y orgulloso historial de acogimiento e integración de inmigrantes. El número de personas que han obtenido la residencia legal permanente en los Estados Unidos anualmente se ha mantenido en alrededor de 1 millón, durante los últimos años, según el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional la Oficina de Estadísticas de Inmigración. Si quiere ser uno de ellos, esta guía es para usted. Lo guiaremos por todo el proceso de la Green Card de principio a fin.

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¿Qué es una “Green Card”?

Cuando a un inmigrante se le concede la condición de residente permanente legal en los Estados Unidos, esto también es conocido como “obtener una Green Card.” Esto significa que ha sido autorizado a vivir y trabajar en este país de manera permanente.

Como prueba de ello, el gobierno de los EE.UU. requiere que lleve consigo su tarjeta de residente permanente, comúnmente conocida como green card (o la tarjeta verde, cuando se emitió inicialmente hace años y desde entonces ha pasado por numerosos rediseños y cambios de color, y actualemte son de color verde nuevamente).

Además del derecho a vivir y trabajar en los Estados Unidos permanentemente, hay muchos otros beneficios de obtener una tarjeta verde:

• Patrocinar a familiars directos para que soliciten sus propias Green Cards.
  
• Viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos y regresar sin alterar su estado migratorio.
• Una vez que usted haya tenido su Green Card por cinco años, puede solicitar la ciudadanía estadounidense.
• Ser elegible para recibir los beneficios de la Seguridad Social después de 10 años de trabajo.
• Calificar para el descuento estatal en estudios universitarios.

¿Cómo convertirse en un residente permanente (portador de Green
Card)?

Are you eligible to apply for a Green Card?

Take the Quiz

Hay algunas maneras diferentes en que puede convertirse en portador de una Green Card:

• Ser patrocinado por un familiar que sea ciudadano o residente permanente de los Estados Unidos.
• El patrocinio recibido por una oferta de empleo permanente en los Estados Unidos o a través de la creación de su propia empresa.
• Mediante la obtención del estado de refugiado o asilo, o a través de algún otro programa humanitario.

Además, en algunos casos, usted puede aplicar por usted mismo, proceso también conocido como solicitar una Green Card a través de la auto-petición.

Averigüe si usted es elegible para aplicar

Para calificar para una Green Card, debe cumplir los siguientes requisitos:

1. Debe pertenecer a una de las categorías de inmigrantes establecidos por la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA)
2. Usted debe tener una petición de inmigración calificable y aprobada (con pocas excepciones)
3. Debe haber una visa de inmigrante inmediatamente disponible para usted
4. Usted debe ser admisible en los Estados Unidos

1. Categorías de Inmigrante Disponibles

• a. Basadas en familia
• b. Trabajo o empleo
• c. Estatus de refugiado o de asilo político

Importante: algunos solicitantes pueden aplicar a través de varias categorías a la vez. Conocida como la presentación simultánea del formulario I-485, Solicitud para registrar residencia permanente o ajuste de estatus, visite el sitio web de USCIS para ver si usted califica para presentar simultáneamente.

a. ¿Quién es elegible para la categoría basada en la familia?

Usted puede calificar para una Green Card si su(s) familar(es)son:

• Un pariente inmediato de un ciudadano americano: Esto incluye a los cónyuges, hijos solteros menores de 21 años, y padres de ciudadanos estadounidenses de 21 años o mayores.
• Otro miembro de la familia de un ciudadano de los EE.UU.:
  Esto incluye a los hijos solteros mayores de 21 años, hijo(s) casados de cualquier edad, y los hermanos y hermanas de ciudadanos estadounidenses de 21 años o mayores.
• Un miembro de la familia de un residente permanente legal: Esto incluye a los cónyuges e hijos solteros del patrocinador residente permanente legal.

Además de las categorías anteriores, siendo un miembro de otra categoría especial puede calificar para obtener una tarjeta verde basada en la familia. Estos incluyen a:

• Esposo(a) o niño(a) maltratados
• Un no-inmigrante de visa K
• Una persona nacida de un diplomático extranjero en los Estados Unidos
• Un no-inmigrante de visa V
• Viudo(a) de un ciudadano norteamericano

Nota importante: hay un orden de preferencia para las personas que desean inmigrar a los Estados Unidos basadas en la familia. Primera Preferencia va a la primera de las categorías mencionadas anteriormente, familiares inmediatos de un ciudadano estadounidense. Para ver completo el orden de preferencia para los miembros de la familia, visite el sitio web de USCIS.

b. ¿Quién es elegible para la categoría basada en empleo?

Usted puede calificar para un green card en base a una oferta de trabajo o sus planes de invertir en la economía de los Estados Unidos y crear puestos de trabajo. La categoría basada en empleo incluye:

Green Card a través de una oferta de trabajo: Esto también se conoce como el patrocinio a través de un empleador – en otras palabras, cuando un empleador patrocina una
Green Card a través de la inversión o emprendimiento. Los inversores inmigrantes/empresarios que están invirtiendo en un negocio basado en EE.UU. – que crea nuevos empleos en Estados Unidos pueden ser elegibles para recibir una Green Card.

Green Card a través de categorías especiales de trabajos: Usted puede ser capaz de obtener una tarjeta de residencia por trabajar o haber trabajado en una de las siguientes categorías especiales establecidos por el gobierno de los EE.UU.:

• Traductor de Afgano/Iraquí
• Miembro de las fuerzas armadas
• Radiodifusor
• Empleado de una organización internacional
• Ciudadano Iraquí que brindó ayuda al gobierno de los Estados Unidos
• Ciudadano Afgano que brindó ayuda al gobierno de los Estados Unidos
• OTAN-6 no-inmigrante
• Empleado del canal de Panamá
• Médico de categoría NIW
• Trabajador religioso

Nota importante: también hay un orden de preferencia para las personas que desean inmigrar a los Estados Unidos por empleo. Primera Preferencia va a “trabajadores prioritarios”, incluyendo profesores e investigadores excepcionales y otras personas con habilidades extraordinarias. Para ver completo el orden de preferencia para los trabajadores, visite el sitio web de USCIS.

c. ¿Quién es elegible para la categoría de refugiados o solicitantes de asilo?

Usted puede ser capaz de obtener una Green Card a través de su condición de refugiado o asilado. .

• Si es un refugiado, la ley requiere que usted solicite su Green Card dentro de un año de haber ingresado a los EE.UU.
• Si se le ha concedido asilo político en los Estados Unidos, la ley requiere que usted solicite su Green Card dentro de 1 año de haber obtenido el asilo

2. ¿Quién es elegible para la petición de inmigrante?

Si usted pertenece a una de las categorías antes mencionadas, su petición deberá ser presentada en su nombre (usted como beneficiario). La petición establece el fundamento para la inmigración y la clasificación o categoría a la que pertenece.

• Para las personas que inmigran en base a la familia, el peticionario deberá presentar
  el Formulario I-130, Petición Para Familiar Extranjero
• Para las personas que inmigran por empleo, el peticionario deberá presentarel Formulario I-140, Petición de Inmigrante Para Trabajador Extranjero

Hay dos excepciones al requisito de petición:

• Como se mencionó anteriormente, un número limitado de inmigrantes pueden aplicar a la auto-petición
• La mayoría de las personas que inmigran basándose en estado de refugiados o solicitantes de asilo, están exentos del requisito de petición

3. Disponibilidad de visas

El tercer factor es la elegibilidad: debe existir una visa de inmigrante disponible para usted. Con la excepción de familiares inmediatos de ciudadanos estadounidenses – para quienes siempre están disponibles, existen límites en el número de visas de inmigrantes que el Congreso otorga cada año.

Además, hay prioridades y preferencias para conceder los visados. Visite el sitio web del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos para informarse sobre el orden de preferencia de las visas de inmigrantes basadas en la familia y el número de visas que se otorgarán en cada categoría para este año fiscal.

4. Admisibilidad a los Estados Unidos

Todos los que deseen obtener una visa de inmigrante (y solicitar cualquier ajuste de estatus) deben demostrar que son elegibles para la admisión a los Estados Unidos.

¿Qué haría alguien inadmisible? Los motivos de inadmisibilidad son establecidos por el Congreso y son particulares de la categoría bajo la que emigraban. Estos factores incluyen:

• Razones financieras. El familiar que patrocina debe ser capaz de apoyarle financieramente, para asegurar que usted no va a depender de la asistencia pública.
• Razones relacionadas con la salud. No puede tener una enfermedad que lo convierta en un riesgo para la salud pública, ni puede tener un trastorno físico o mental peligroso.
• Historial migratorio. Si alguna vez ha entrado a los Estados Unidos ilegalmente o ha permanecido ilegalmente durante 6 meses o más después de que su visa ha expirado, puede ser considerado inadmisible.
• Antecedentes penales. Los solicitantes que hayan sido acusados o condenados por ciertos delitos, como delitos que involucran violencia, delitos relacionados con drogas y/o terrorismo, pueden ser considerados inadmisibles.

Si usted ha sido considerado inadmisible en los EE.UU., puede solicitar la exención por ciertos motivos de inadmisibilidad. Esta es una renuncia solicitada utilizando el formulario I-601, Solicitud de Renuncia de la Causa de Inadmisibilidad.

¿Existen programas especiales de inmigración?

Aunque la mayoría de los inmigrantes vienen a vivir permanentemente en los EE.UU. a través de un miembro de la familia o el patrocinio del empleador, hay otras maneras de obtener la Green Card. Algunos de estos programas incluyen: inmigrantes especiales:

• El Programa de Diversidad de Visas de Inmigrante. Administrado por el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos y conocido como el “green card lottery”, este programa otorga hasta 50.000 visas de inmigrante al año para personas de países con bajas tasas de inmigración a los EE.UU. Los beneficiarios son seleccionados en un sorteo al azar.
• Viudo(a) de un ciudadano de los EE.UU. (y algunas otras categorías de viudo(a)s). Si están casados con un ciudadano estadounidense en el momento de la muerte del ciudadano, usted puede ser elegible para una Green Card. Además, un viudo(a) con o sin una petición pendiente o aprobado de inmigrante y un viudo(a) de un miembro militar estadounidense también pueden ser elegibles.
• La Acta de Equidad Familiar de inmigración legal (LIFE). Bajo esta ley, ciertas personas que se encuentran en este país en circunstancias que normalmente les impiden obtener una tarjeta verde, puede ser concedida.
• Estados especiales de menores inmigrantes. Este programa ayuda a los niños extranjeros que han sido abusados, abandonados o descuidados, durante su estancia en los EE.UU.
• Green Card para un niño(a) amerasiáticos de un ciudadano estadounidense. En virtud de este programa, las personas engendradas por un ciudadano estadounidense nacido en Corea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea (Camboya), o Tailandia entre el 1 de enero de 1951 y el 21 de octubre de 1982, podrán obtener una tarjeta verde.

Visite el sitio web de USCIS para obtener una lista completa de programas especiales de green card.

¿Qué pasa si no soy elegible para nada? ¿Y ahora qué?

Si desea averiguar para qué opciones puede ser elegible, puede ver esta lista de nuestras organizaciones favoritas sin fines de lucro que pueden ayudarle. . También le ofrecemos la opción de Establecer una consulta con un abogado de inmigración

Llenar y enviar al gobierno (USCIS) los formularios correspondientes a su categoría.

Ahora que usted está familiarizado con los requisitos para obtener una Green Card y las condiciones bajo las cuales puede calificar, el resto de esta guía está dedicado al proceso de aplicación.

A continuación, se muestra una lista de los formularios USCIS relacionados con la Green Card. Encuentre los formularios que coincidan con su categoría y llénelos según las instrucciones. Es muy importante comprobar que haya llenado todos los formularios necesarios correspondientes a su situación particular.

Aspectos importantes a recordar:

• ¡Usted debe firmar los formularios! El USCIS rechazará la solicitud si los formularios se presentan sin su firma.
• Pruebas: Sólo envíe copias de sus documentos (también conocido como evidencia) al enviar los formularios, salvo que el USCIS haya pedido concretamente los documentos originales. Si usted presenta originales cuando no es requerido, sus documentos originales pueden ser destruidos o jamás devueltos.
• Notificación Electrónica: Si envía su aplicación al lockbox en Chicago, Phoenix, o Lewisville, Texas, usted puede solicitar recibir un mensaje por correo electrónico y/o texto cuando su solicitud sea aceptada. Para solicitar este archivo, Formulario G-1145.
• Actualizaciones de estado: Después de enviar la solicitud, asegúrese de mantenerse actualizado acerca de su caso a través de nuestro Checador de estado de USCIS.

Formularios para residencia legal/Green Card

Formulario G-325A | Información biográfica

Formulario I-90 | Solicitud para reemplazar la tarjeta de residente permanente

Formulario I-129F | Petición de para novio(a) extranjero(a)

Formulario I-130 | Petición para Pariente Extranjero

Formulario I-131 | Solicitud de documento de viaje

Formulario I-140 | Petición de inmigrante para trabajador extranjero

Formulario I-191 | Solicitud de medidas cautelares en virtud de la antigua Sección 212(c) de la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA)

Formulario I-360 | Petición de viudo(a) amerasiáticos,

Formulario I-485 de inmigrantes especiales | Solicitud de registro de residencia permanente o ajuste de estatus

Formulario I-485 suplemento A | un suplemento al formulario I-485, Ajuste de Estatus bajo la Sección 245(i)

Formulario I-485 suplemento J | Confirmación de bona fide de oferta de trabajo o solicitud de portabilidad de trabajo bajo INA Sección 204(j) el

Formulario I-508 | Solicitud de renuncia a ciertos derechos, privilegios, exenciones e inmunidades

Formulario I-508F | Solicitud de renuncia de derechos, privilegios, exenciones e inmunidades de los ciudadanos franceses

Formulario I-526 | Petición de Inmigración Empresario Inmigrante

Formulario I-566 | Registro interagencial de Petición – A, G o autorización de empleo dependiente de la OTAN o de cambio/ajuste a/desde un estado de la OTAN, G.

Formulario I-589 | Solicitud de asilo y para retención de extracción

Formulario I-601 | Solicitud de renuncia de motivos de inadmisibilidad

Formulario I-602 | Solicitud de renuncia de refugiados

Formulario I-612 | Solicitud de dispensa del requisito de residencia de extranjeros (bajo la Sección 212(e) de la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad, en su forma enmendada)

Formulario I-643 | Status de Salud y Servicios Humanos y datos estadísticos de refugiado/asilado/a>

Formulario I-693 | Informe de examen médico y de vacunación

Formulario I-730 | Petición relativa a refugiado/asilado

Formulario I-751 | Petición para Eliminar las Condiciones de Residencia

Formulario I-765 | Solicitud de Autorización de Empleo

Formulario I-824 | Solicitud de acción sobre una aplicación autorizada o Petición

Formulario de petición I-829 | Petición por el empresario para remover las condiciones sobre la condición de residente permanente

Formulario I-854 | testigo extranjero Interinstitucional e Informante Registro

Formulario I-864 | Declaración Jurada de Apoyo Económico Bajo la Sección 213A de la Ley de Inmigración y Naturalización

Formulario I-864A | Contrato Entre el Patrocinador y Miembro del Hogar

Formulario I-864EZ | Declaración Jurada de Apoyo Económico bajo la Sección 213A de la Ley de Inmigración y Naturalización

Formulario I-864P | Guías de Pobreza del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos para Declaración Jurada de Patrocinio Económico

Formulario I-864W | Solicitud de Exención para el Futuro Inmigrante Declaración Jurada de Apoyo Económico bajo la Sección 213A de la Ley de Inmigración y Naturalización

Formulario I-914 | Solicitud de Estatus de no-inmigrante T

Formulario I-918 | Solicitud de Estatus de no-inmigrante U

Formulario I-929 | Petición para la calificación de un miembro de la familia U-1 de No Inmigrante

Wow, esto es confuso, ¿hay otra manera más fácil?

Si todo lo anterior parece confuso, es porque realmente lo es. Sin embargo, nuestra solución no sólo es fácil de usar, sino que también es una fracción del costo de contratar a un abogado de inmigración. Haga clic aquí para construir su propia aplicación de Green Card en línea con SimpleCitizen.

>>Lea el artículo en WIRED: SimpleCitizen, un TurboTax de inmigración, le permite saltar los honorarios legales<<

¿Qué es SimpleCitizen?

SimpleCitizen online es una solución de software que permite a los inmigrantes a alcanzar su sueño americano mientras ahorra millones de dólares en honorarios legales innecesarios.

Cómo funciona: SimpleCitizen es un asistente paso a paso que pide a los solicitantes todas la información necesaria para completar sus trámites de inmigración. Al finalizar, los usuarios imprimen el formulario completado y lo envían por correo a USCIS. Todo esto se hace a través de la plataforma, sin los altos costos de un paralegal o abogado de inmigración.

>>Lea el artículo en TechCrunch: Obtener un Green Card con SimpleCitizen es más sencillo

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Presentar la solicitud por su propia cuenta vs. contratar un abogado vs. utilizar SimpleCitizen.

Cuando se presenta solicitud por cuenta propia. usted puede ir a través de todo el proceso de inmigración sin contratar a un abogado o pagar algo distinto a la presentación de las tarifas del gobierno asociadas con los formularios. Todos los formularios están disponibles de forma gratuita en el sitio web de USCIS, como son las instrucciones. Definitivamente esta es la opción más barata, pero puede no ser la más fácil o la más inteligente.

El Proceso de la Green Card es sumamente complejo y difícil, y a menudo está plagado de dudas por aquellos solicitantes que realizan el proceso solos. ¿Envío todas las formas juntas? ¿ ¿Será la manera correcta de llenarlas? Cuál es la regla para esta situación, o los requisitos? ¿Qué pasa si usted tiene preguntas – ¿a quién preguntar? Si presenta su aplicación al gobierno por su propia cuenta usted puede que no cuente con una ruta directa a una Green Card, especialmente si usted tiene circunstancias que podrían hacer que usted sea inadmisible a los EE.UU.

Cuando usted contrata a un abogado. La contratación de un abogado no es obligatoria por ley, pero pueden ser de gran ayuda, especialmente si usted tiene una situación que es complicada. Es reconfortante tener un abogado profesional de inmigración quien le guiará por el proceso. Todas las conjeturas y dudas que están presentes cuando presente su aplicación no serán problema si contrata un abogado.

La desventaja es que los abogados de inmigración son caros – hasta $300 o más por una hora. Si tiene a un abogado que le guíe a través del proceso de solicitud de Green Card, seguramente esto representa miles de dólares en honorarios legales por encima de los honorarios que tiene que pagar al gobierno por aplicar. Esta es una opción muy costosa para un proceso que no es barato para empezar.

Cuando utiliza SimpleCitizen. . SimpleCitizen es la perfecta solución. No pase horas tratando de descifrar todo el proceso de solicitud de Green Card por su cuenta, y tampoco tiene que gastar miles de dólares en contratar un abogado. Nuestro software le guiará a través de la aplicación en línea, y usted puede incluso tener su papelería revisada por uno de nuestros profesionales abogados de inmigración. Lo guiaremos a través de cada paso de la preparación de su aplicación – y cuando termine, incluso lo imprimimos y enviamos por correo a usted para incluir las firmas y los pagos al gobierno.

Con SimpleCitizen, tiene ayuda para completar todos los formularios y navegar en este proceso largo y confuso, pero sin los altos honorarios de abogado.

Sabe: Si usa SimpleCitizen y USCIS rechaza su solicitud, le reembolsaremos el 100% de las tarifas del gobierno.

Historias de éxito con SimpleCitizen

Ha & Mickey: “El sitio web y la interfaz de usuario hace que sea muy fácil para cualquier persona el llenar sus papeles con éxito. SimpleCitizen se ha diseñado de manera que puede terminar rápidamente todo el papeleo que necesita, comenzando por contestando toda la información en los campos especificados en cuestionarios. ¡Lo que es más importante, SimpleCitizen me envió por correo mi paquete con todos los formularios completados en el orden correcto, dejándome con el paso más fácil de todos – enviarlo a la oficina de la USCIS!”.

Olivia & Nick: “Yo no tenía idea de cómo empezar, pero SimpleCitizen caminó conmigo a través de todo el proceso y una semana más tarde mi aplicación llegó a mi casa con todo listo. Todo lo que tuve que hacer fue firmarlo y enviarlo al gobierno. Tengo un montón de amigos y familiares, y yo siempre recomiendo SimpleCitizen a ellos. ¡Gran servicio!”.

Claudia: “SimpleCitizen hizo el proceso de solicitud de Green Card más fácil y más barato para mí. SimpleCitizen hizo lo que hubiera un sido proceso muy estresante y muy costoso de una manera fácil y rápida. Estoy agradecido por su plataforma única y amable servicio al cliente. Voy a recomendar sus servicios a mis amigos y a mi familia. ¡Gracias SimpleCitizen!”

>> Lea muchas más historias de éxito aquí

Inscríbase para SimpleCitizen hoy y elimine las confusiones y dificultades del proceso de la Green Card.

No tiene que intentar navegar por el proceso green card usted mismo, y no tiene que pagar los excesivos honorarios del abogado. SimpleCitizen es amigable, el software es intuitive y le guiará a través de la aplicación de la Green Card. Solicitar una Green Card en la fracción del costo de utilizar de un abogado – con toda la comodidad de tener una guía en el camino. Su sueño americano le aguarda, y SimpleCitizen puede ayudar a lograrlo.

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