California Immigration Legal Questions

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474 legal [2, *]questions have been posted about immigration by real users in California. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include asylum, green cards, and consular law. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
California Immigration Questions & Legal Answers - Page 18
Do you have any California Immigration questions page 18 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 474 previously answered California Immigration questions.

Recent Legal Answers

If I marry a US citizen who is a convicted felon, will I be able to get a green card?

Answered 9 years and 4 months ago by Francis John Cowhig (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Normally, the criminal history of the U.S. citizen spouse does not play any role in the immigration process, with some exceptions such as the Adam Walsh Act. USCIS is more concerned with the criminal history, if any, of the beneficiary/alien. So unless your spouse falls into one of the exceptions, you should be alright.... Read Answer
Normally, the criminal history of the U.S. citizen spouse does not play any role in the immigration process, with some exceptions such as the Adam... Read Answer

My girlfriend is in process of green card removal for being out of the country for more than 5 years, can she apply for cancelation of removal?

Answered 9 years and 4 months ago by Ronald L. Freeman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
She has options to fight the the cancellation of her green card. A lot will depend on her intentions at the time she left, and if she has ever returned during the 5 years outside of the US. Generally speaking, if a LPR (green card holder) has left the United States for longer that 1 year (without advance parole) the presumption is that they intended to abondon their LPR status. But, the burden is on the government to prove her intentions. If you are able you should hire an attorney as soon as possible.... Read Answer
She has options to fight the the cancellation of her green card. A lot will depend on her intentions at the time she left, and if she has ever... Read Answer

What do I need to fix my fiance papers ?

Answered 9 years and 4 months ago by Ronald L. Freeman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
If he has never entered the U.S. without inspection, and he is currently in Mexico, then you would need to apply for either a K1 Visa (fiance visa) or a K3 Visa after you are married. If you can prove that you two are in a real relationship and have met each other in person, then you should have no problems applying for a K1 visa. You should seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer to help you with your petition.... Read Answer
If he has never entered the U.S. without inspection, and he is currently in Mexico, then you would need to apply for either a K1 Visa (fiance visa)... Read Answer

If I am a US citizen, under 21(20) and I want my mom to have a green card or legal status, what should I do?

Answered 9 years and 4 months ago by Francis John Cowhig (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You can't do anything until you turn 21, at which point you can file a petition for her.
You can't do anything until you turn 21, at which point you can file a petition for her.

What should I do if he wonโ€™t sign the divorce papers unless I vouch for him?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by attorney Alena Shautsova   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You will need to sue him in court for divorce, it will be a contested divorce.
You will need to sue him in court for divorce, it will be a contested divorce.

In what step of the process do we have to do the I-601 Waiver

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Ronald L. Freeman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You should cosider hiring a lawyer as soon as possible. The 601 waiver is very complexed and if it's filed incorreclty your waiver will be denied. In order to file a I-601 waiver you will need to contact the NVC to informed them that the adjustment of status of interview will be conducted outside of the United States. You will need to give them the country and embassy location where you want the AOS interview. You only have one year from the date it was approved to conduct your interview. Second, when filing the 601 waiver you will have to show that both parties will suffer an extreme hardship. USCIS doesn't have a hard rule for what is an extreme hardship but uses a 5 part test.  Last, it is currently expected that President Trump may restict the use of those waivers. So if able you should consult with an attorney and file your waiver as soon as possible.... Read Answer
You should cosider hiring a lawyer as soon as possible. The 601 waiver is very complexed and if it's filed incorreclty your waiver will be denied. In... Read Answer

my fijian visa has expired--

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Ronald L. Freeman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
I dont really understand your question. If you are asking can you travel to Hawaii from California on an expired visa the depends. In order to board any airline inside of the US you will be required to show a valid id. Thus, you could show your valid passport and be allowed to travel to Hawaii. Is it possible that someone at the airport may notice that your visa is expired and notify ICE. Who knows.... Read Answer
I dont really understand your question. If you are asking can you travel to Hawaii from California on an expired visa the depends. In order to board... Read Answer

Should I let my mother over-stay after visitor visa's I-94 expires, so I can apply Green Card for her?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You are asking attorneys to provide guidance about violating this country's immigration laws. Your mom should not overstay. She should depart in compliance with her authorized stay. You can always file an immigrant visa petition on her behalf after you have naturalized. Your mom should not file a request to extend her stay. She would be making a misrepresentation as she has no intention of departing the U.S. You can read more about family immigration at http://myattorneyusa.com/family-immigration.... Read Answer
You are asking attorneys to provide guidance about violating this country's immigration laws. Your mom should not overstay. She should depart in... Read Answer

Changing of status

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
No. You should not file for an extension of status because you have no intention to simply be a visitor and depart within the extended timeframe. You can read more about change of status at http://myattorneyusa.com/changing-to-and-from-f-1-status.
No. You should not file for an extension of status because you have no intention to simply be a visitor and depart within the extended timeframe. You... Read Answer

Is it possible for an illegal immigrant to still get a mexican passport in the us?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You can likely renew your passport while in the U.S. You will need to contact your native country's embassy or consulate to find out the procedure. 
You can likely renew your passport while in the U.S. You will need to contact your native country's embassy or consulate to find out the... Read Answer

want to file asylum i am Indian

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You do not file for asylum in order to work legally in the country. Asylum is for individuals who have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. You have made no mention of an actual fear of returning only that you wish to work here. There are serious consequences for filing a frivolous application. You can read more about asylum at http://myattorneyusa.com/asylum-and-refugee-protection.... Read Answer
You do not file for asylum in order to work legally in the country. Asylum is for individuals who have a well-founded fear of persecution in... Read Answer

Immigration

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
More information is needed. Are you currently in the U.S.? Have you maintained nonimmigrant status? I encourage you to speak an attorney directly. In the interim, you can read more about adjustment of status at http://myattorneyusa.com/adjustment-of-immigration-status.
More information is needed. Are you currently in the U.S.? Have you maintained nonimmigrant status? I encourage you to speak an attorney directly. In... Read Answer
Not necessarily. It will depend upon more information about the H-1B approval. I would encourage you to speak to the attorney who filed the H-1B petition on behalf of the employer. You can read more about H-1B visas at http://myattorneyusa.com/work-visas. 
Not necessarily. It will depend upon more information about the H-1B approval. I would encourage you to speak to the attorney who filed the H-1B... Read Answer

B1 to H1B change of status ( transfer of sponsorship)

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
1. There is always a risk. You entered on a nonimmigrant business visitor visa. Did you disclose your intent to seek employment when entering? USCIS may find that you entered with the intent to change status, which is not allowed.  2. The new employer must file an H-1B petition in your behalf. This petition must be approved. You can then enter the U.S. on a valid H-1B visa. You can read more about H-1B visas at http://myattorneyusa.com/work-visas.... Read Answer
1. There is always a risk. You entered on a nonimmigrant business visitor visa. Did you disclose your intent to seek employment when entering? USCIS... Read Answer

I just got married and I want to fix my wife papers as soon as possible. I would want to know what steps I must follow

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Ronald L. Freeman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Assuming that you are a US citizen and that your wife was admitted into the US with inspection, then you should contact an attorney asap to assit you with filing the adjustment of status paperwork. Immigration laws are constantly changing and the laws are becoming more complex. If your paperwork is not filed correctly and in order you run the risk of your wife being sent back home.... Read Answer
Assuming that you are a US citizen and that your wife was admitted into the US with inspection, then you should contact an attorney asap to assit you... Read Answer

i am on an F1 student visa. I found an employer that can sponsor me. How will i know if the company is qualified to sponsor me

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Ronald L. Freeman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Once the company offers you a postion they will let you know if they are willing and able to sponsor you. If not, they will tell you right away so that you are not wasting each other's time. Good Luck!
Once the company offers you a postion they will let you know if they are willing and able to sponsor you. If not, they will tell you right away so... Read Answer

How to correct a date of birth,when a person makes a mistake

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Ronald L. Freeman (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Your question is vague as to what form, document, or other paperwork that you would need to change. You should consider hiring an attorney to review your documents before filing. 
Your question is vague as to what form, document, or other paperwork that you would need to change. You should consider hiring an attorney to review... Read Answer

Would I be able to apply for US visa again or can I apply for Canadian visa in skill worker category after I overstayed in the US?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Justin Wang (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
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Based on your description, you are subject to the 10 year bar because you overstayed your permission over one year. Whether or not when you apply for US visa your overstay would be discovered is a complete story. If you lie on your visa application and if the consulate discovers the lie you will be barred forever from getting a US visa unless you receive fraud waiver. Please consult with immigration lawyer for advise.... Read Answer
Based on your description, you are subject to the 10 year bar because you overstayed your permission over one year. Whether or not when you apply... Read Answer

Could I use old approved H1B petition or should I file a new H1B application?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Justin Wang (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
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Your h1 expired long time ago. You need to get a new H-1 now.
Your h1 expired long time ago. You need to get a new H-1 now.
I am assuming that you were never fingerprinted and booked, and was released at the scene of the police stop. If you were never arrested or cited, the chances of anything being found are slim. Your name on a police report, most likely as a witness or party at the scene of the stop and investigation, most likely will not be found on a background check.... Read Answer
I am assuming that you were never fingerprinted and booked, and was released at the scene of the police stop. If you were never arrested or cited,... Read Answer

In the year of 2017 my daca ,dream act expires should I renew my days before the new president takes its position

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You can seek renewal but must be prepared to lose the filing fee. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee you will actually have your DACA application renewed. President-elect Trump has said he will end DACA on day one but has changed position on so many issues it is hard to predict what wil be done. ... Read Answer
You can seek renewal but must be prepared to lose the filing fee. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee you will actually have your DACA application... Read Answer

Can I marry a non-citizen?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Francis John Cowhig (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Your question requires an attorney consultation. It is not a simple question that can be answered on this type of forum. There are many factors that would need to be considered and evaluated. What is your status? Are you a U.S. Citizen? Is your fiance in removal proceedings or has he just filed with the Asylum Office? Since we do not have all the facts, it is impossible to give a meaningful answers. I strongly suggest that you or your fiance contact an experienced immigration attorney for a face-to-face consultation and give him/her all of the facts surrounding your fiance s situation. (S)he would then be in a better position to analyze his case and advise you of your options.... Read Answer
Your question requires an attorney consultation. It is not a simple question that can be answered on this type of forum. There are many factors that... Read Answer

Can I travel to Canada if I was deported from the US to Mexico in 1999 for felony?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Francis John Cowhig (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You need to contact a Canadian immigration attorney. Your felony conviction may prevent you from being admitted to Canada.
You need to contact a Canadian immigration attorney. Your felony conviction may prevent you from being admitted to Canada.

If my husband's company sponsored his and my green card - what happens if we later divorce?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
You will no longer be eligible for a green card based upon the immigrant visapetition filedxin behalf of your husband if you divorce prior to the green card application being approved. You will not lose your lawful permanent residence simply because you divorced your husband after receiving your green card. ... Read Answer
You will no longer be eligible for a green card based upon the immigrant visapetition filedxin behalf of your husband if you divorce prior to the... Read Answer

L1 refusal at effect on F1?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by Wendy Barlow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Immigration
Applying for an F-1 visa is not a good idea. First, your F-1 visa will likely be subjected to administrative processing. Second, the consular official will likely suspect that you intend to work without authorization for your U.S. company. You may be seen as someone trying to circumvent the laws. Keep in mind that is your burden to establish eligibility for an F-1 visa. You must satisfy all criteria. Your L-1 visa will likely make it difficult. I would encourage you to speak to an attorney about the L-1 visa as you could develop your business and take classes with such status. You can read more about L-1 visas at http://myattorneyusa.com/work-visas.... Read Answer
Applying for an F-1 visa is not a good idea. First, your F-1 visa will likely be subjected to administrative processing. Second, the consular... Read Answer