News, updates, and tips on US immigration
If you’re looking for up-to-date, and reliable information on US immigration, you’re in the right place. Read our blog for the latest news and important updates on immigration in the United States.
Marriage-Based Green Cards on ESTA: Why the Visa Waiver Program Carries Hidden Risks
Attorney Andre Matias explains why adjusting status through marriage after entering on ESTA is riskier than many assume — including the right you waive at the border.
Read articleNew Form I-485 Edition: No Grace Period, Public Charge Changes, and Fewer RFEs
USCIS has issued a new edition of Form I-485 with no grace period, updated public charge requirements, and greater officer discretion to deny cases without an RFE. Here's what applicants should know.
Read articleState Department Pauses Immigrant Visa Appointments Worldwide: What It Means for Your Case
The State Department has reportedly paused immigrant visa appointments at consulates worldwide. Here's what that could mean for families and applicants in the pipeline — and practical steps to consider now.
Read articleMarriage Visa Types: K-1, CR-1, IR-1 — Which One Fits? (2026)
The marriage visa types compared — K-1 fiancé(e), CR-1 and IR-1 spouse visas, and the marriage green card from inside the U.S. — and how to pick the right one.
Read articleK-1 Fiancé Visa: Requirements, Process & Timeline (2026)
The K-1 fiancé visa explained: who qualifies, the step-by-step process, the 90-day marriage rule, timeline, cost, and K-1 vs. marriage green card.
Read articleIR-2 Visa: Green Card for the Child of a U.S. Citizen (2026)
IR-2 visa: the green card for an unmarried child (under 21) of a U.S. citizen. Who qualifies, the aging-out / CSPA rule, and how it differs from F2A.
Read articleIR-1 Visa: The Green Card for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (2026)
The IR-1 visa is the green card for the spouse of a U.S. citizen married 2+ years. How it differs from the CR-1, plus the process and timeline.
Read articleFrequently Asked Questions about Immigration in the United States
Answers to the questions people ask before they call an immigration lawyer — how we work, what it costs, which languages we speak — plus the immigration questions we are asked most.
Read articleF2A Visa: Green Card for the Spouse & Children of a Green Card Holder (2026)
F2A visa explained: the green card for the spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of a green card holder — who qualifies, the process, and the wait.
Read articleEB-3 Visa: Green Card for Skilled, Professional & Other Workers (2026)
The EB-3 employment-based green card for skilled workers, professionals, and other (unskilled) workers. Subcategories, PERM, EB-3 vs EB-2, and priority dates.
Read articleEB-2 Visa: The Employment-Based Green Card for Advanced Degrees & Exceptional Ability (2026)
EB-2 green card guide: advanced degree or exceptional ability, the PERM requirement, EB-2 vs EB-3, and the NIW self-petition route. Who qualifies in 2026.
Read articleEB-2 NIW: The National Interest Waiver Green Card (Self-Petition, 2026)
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver: a self-petition green card with no employer or PERM. Who qualifies, the Dhanasar test, and 2026 visa availability.
Read articleCR-1 Visa: The Conditional Green Card for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (2026)
The CR-1 visa is the conditional green card for a spouse of a U.S. citizen married under 2 years. How it differs from the IR-1, plus the I-751 step and process.
Read articleHow to Read the Visa Bulletin (and What It Means for Your Green Card)
A plain-English guide to the State Department's monthly Visa Bulletin: priority dates, the two charts, retrogression, and what it means for your green card.
Read articleEB-2 NIW Requirements: Do You Qualify? (The 3-Prong Test, 2026)
What the EB-2 National Interest Waiver actually requires: the baseline EB-2 categories and the three Dhanasar factors USCIS applies, in plain English.
Read articleHow Long Does the EB-2 NIW Take? (2026 Processing Times)
How long the EB-2 NIW takes in 2026: the stages that make up the timeline, what drives the wait, premium processing, and where to check your current estimate.
Read articleHow Long Does a Marriage Green Card Take? (2026 Processing Times)
How long a marriage green card takes in 2026 — the stages for adjustment of status and consular processing, and what drives the timeline.
Read articleAdjustment of Status Through Marriage: The Stages, in Order
What actually happens between filing and a green card when you adjust status through marriage — the stages in sequence, and what drives how long each one takes.
Read articleYour Green Card or Petition Was Denied: Appeal, Motion, or Refile? (2026)
USCIS denied your green card or petition? Learn how to match your denial reason to the right path — appeal, motion to reopen, motion to reconsider, or refile.
Read articleThe Marriage Green Card Interview: What Actually Happens
What the officer is deciding, what they ask, what to bring, and what happens if something goes wrong — without the folklore.
Read articleK-1 Fiancé(e) Visa: What Happens After You Arrive
The K-1 gets you to the United States, not to a green card. The 90-day rule, the work gap nobody plans for, and what filing looks like afterwards.
Read articleGot a Request for Evidence (RFE)? Here's What to Do (2026)
Received a USCIS Request for Evidence (Form I-797E)? An RFE is not a denial. Here's what it means and how to respond fully before your deadline.
Read articleGot a NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny)? Here's How to Respond (2026)
A USCIS Notice of Intent to Deny is not a final denial — but the bar is high and the deadline is short. Here's how to respond.
Read articleF-1 Student to Green Card Through Marriage
Marrying a U.S. citizen while on an F-1 is a common and legitimate route to permanent residence — with two specific issues that decide how smoothly it goes.
Read articleDoes an IR-2 Visa Give a Child U.S. Citizenship Automatically?
For many children the answer is yes — automatically, by operation of law, with no application. The four conditions USCIS applies, and what to do once they are met.
Read articleQuanto Custa o Green Card por Casamento? (Taxas do USCIS em 2026)
As taxas do governo americano (USCIS) para o green card por casamento em 2026, no ajuste de status e no processo consular. Honorários de advogado não incluídos.
Read articleHow Much Does an O-1 Visa Cost? (2026 Government Filing Fees)
A plain-English guide to the U.S. government filing fees for an O-1 extraordinary-ability visa in 2026 — the I-129 petition, premium processing, and the Asylum Program Fee.
Read articleHow Much Does an H-1B Visa Cost? (2026 Government Filing Fees)
A plain-English guide to the 2026 U.S. government filing fees for an employer-sponsored H-1B petition — the I-129, premium processing, and the employer's statutory fees.
Read articleHow Much Does an EB-2 NIW Cost? (2026 USCIS Filing Fees)
The 2026 USCIS government filing fees for an EB-2 NIW self-petition: the I-140, optional premium processing, and the green card stage. Attorney fees not included.
Read articleHow Much Does U.S. Citizenship Cost? (2026 N-400 Filing Fee)
The 2026 government fee to naturalize (Form N-400) is $760 by paper or $710 online, plus reduced-fee and fee-waiver options explained.
Read articleHow Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Cost? (2026 Guide)
What does an immigration lawyer cost in 2026? How attorney fees work, what drives the price, and why a consultation gets you a real quote.
Read articleSpouse Visa USA: CR-1, IR-1 or K-1 — How to Choose
A side-by-side of the three routes for bringing a spouse or fiancé to the United States, and the trade-off nobody explains: speed of entry against how soon you can work.
Read articleH-1B vs. O-1 Visa: Which Work Visa Is Right for You? (2026)
H-1B vs. O-1 compared: specialty occupation vs. extraordinary ability, the cap and lottery, spouse work rules, and green-card paths — and who each fits.
Read articleGreen Card vs. U.S. Citizenship: What's the Difference, and Should You Naturalize? (2026)
Green card vs. U.S. citizenship compared: rights, travel, taxes, and family sponsorship — plus a balanced framework for whether you should naturalize now or wait.
Read articleHow Much Does a Marriage Green Card Cost? (2026 USCIS Filing Fees)
The 2026 USCIS government filing fees for a marriage green card, for both adjustment of status and consular processing. Attorney fees not included.
Read articleHow Much Does a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Cost? (2026 Government Fees)
A plain-English guide to the U.S. government fees for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa in 2026, from the I-129F petition through the green card stage.
Read articleMarriage Visa to the USA: Which One You Actually Need
There is no single "marriage visa". Which route applies depends on whether your spouse is a citizen or a permanent resident, whether you are married yet, and where you are now.
Read articleI Overstayed My Visa — Now What? (2026 Guide to Your Options)
Overstayed your visa? Learn the difference between out of status and unlawful presence, why leaving the U.S. can trigger a bar, and your options.
Read articleEB-1A vs. EB-2 NIW: Which Green Card Path Fits You? (2026)
EB-1A vs. EB-2 NIW compared: both are self-petition green cards. The eligibility standards, visa availability, and premium processing — and who each fits.
Read articleIR-1 vs. CR-1 Visa: The Two Spouse Green Cards Explained (2026)
IR-1 vs. CR-1 spouse visa explained: how long you've been married decides whether you get a 10-year or a 2-year conditional green card.
Read articleE-2 Visa vs. EB-5 Green Card: Which Investor Path Fits You? (2026)
E-2 vs. EB-5 compared: a temporary treaty-investor visa against a permanent green card. Cost, nationality, jobs, family, taxes, and who each fits.
Read articleK-1 Fiancé Visa vs. Marriage Green Card: Which Is Right for You? (2026)
K-1 fiancé visa vs. marriage green card compared: who each fits, timelines, work authorization, where you can marry, and the trade-offs.
Read article30 Marriage-Based Green Card Interview Questions
Preparing for your marriage-based green card interview? Review 30 common questions USCIS officers ask and how to show your marriage is genuine.
Read articleDoes Same-Sex Marriage Qualify for a Green Card?
Learn how same-sex marriage can qualify you for a US green card, including legal requirements, eligibility, and benefits for couples seeking immigration.
Read articleThe EB-2 NIW Visa for Physicians
Explore the EB-2 NIW visa for physicians and discover how this self-petition path could shape your future in the United States.
Read articleThe EB-2 NIW Visa for Pilots
Hovering over the US immigration landscape, the EB-2 NIW visa offers pilots a unique path to permanent residence - but what makes it a game changer?
Read articleMarriage in the United States: How to Legally Marry a U.S. Citizen
Planning to marry a U.S. citizen? Learn the steps — marriage license, documents, fees, officiants, and immigration implications for foreign nationals.
Read articleHow Does Dual Citizenship Between Brazil and the U.S. Work?
Curious how dual citizenship between Brazil and the U.S. works? Learn the eligibility criteria, legal steps, and key implications for dual nationals.
Read articleWhat Are the Requirements for Medical Treatment Visas?
Need a medical treatment visa for the US? Learn the B-2 visa requirements, documents, and application steps so you are prepared for your journey.
Read articleUS-Brazil Dual Citizenship: Advantages and Disadvantages, What It Is, and How It Works
Discover the advantages and disadvantages of US-Brazil dual citizenship: eligibility, the application process, taxes, travel, and military service.
Read articleThe U.S. Green Card Lottery in 2026: Paused — What It Means, and Why Brazilians Need a Different Path
The Diversity Visa lottery is paused: the State Department has stopped issuing all diversity visas while it reviews the program. Here is what that means — and the stronger paths that remain open.
Read articleAdjustment of Status vs Consular Processing in an Era of Visa Suspensions (2026 Guide)
Compare Adjustment of Status vs Consular Processing in 2026. Learn delays, risks, visa bulletin impact, and choose the best green card strategy.
Read articleThe Future of Sports Visas in the United States (2026–2030 Guide for International Athletes)
Explore the future of sports visas in the United States from 2026 to 2030. Learn about O-1 and P-1 visas, eligibility, challenges, and how international athletes can build successful careers in the US.
Read articleInvestor & Startup Immigration in 2026: What Recent Policy Trends Mean for E-2 & EB-5 Applicants
Explore 2026 investor immigration trends, E-2 visa benefits, EB-5 options, processing delays, and smart strategies for startup founders entering the U.S.
Read articleHow New Immigration Visa Freezes and Backlogs Affect Your Green Card Strategy (2026 and Beyond)
Visa freezes and green card backlogs are slowing U.S. immigration. Learn smart strategies to avoid delays and plan your green card path in 2026 and beyond.
Read articleThe Future of H-1B: Beyond the Lottery and What Long-Term Trends Mean for Applicants
Explore the future of the H-1B visa beyond the lottery. Learn long-term trends, policy shifts, and how applicants can prepare for career and green card success.
Read articleO‑1 Visa for Influencers, Creators, and Digital Entrepreneurs: A Complete Guide
Learn how influencers, content creators, and digital entrepreneurs can qualify for O-1A or O-1B visas. Eligibility criteria, examples, and strategy explained.
Read articleFiancé Visa or Marriage Green Card: Which Is Right for You in 2026?
Falling in love across borders is exciting — but choosing the right immigration path can feel confusing. In 2026, U.S. immigration rules continue to evolve,
Read articleHelping Kids Stay Eligible for Green Cards: What Parents Should Know About “Aging Out” in 2026
One of the hardest parts of family-based immigration is watching the clock — especially when children are close to turning 21. Under U.S. immigration law,
Read articleWhat’s Changing for Family-Based Immigration in 2026 — and How It Could Affect Your Case
Family-based immigration continues to evolve — and 2026 is shaping up to be another year of important updates. From changing processing times to new USCIS
Read articleMarriage Green Card Denied? Here’s What to Do Next (2025 Update)
Few things feel more devastating than receiving a marriage green card denial notice. After months (sometimes years) of waiting, you finally hear back from
Read articleWhat to Expect at the Marriage Green Card Interview (and How to Pass It)
Congratulations—you’ve made it to the marriage green card interview. This is the final step before your spouse becomes a permanent resident, and while it’s a huge milestone, it can also feel intimidating.
Read articleMarriage Green Card Timeline in 2025: How Long It Takes & What to Expect
One of the first questions couples ask us is: “How long will it take to get my marriage green card?” The truth is, there’s no single answer—it depends on your unique circumstances, the USCIS service center handling your case, and whether you’re applying inside or outside the U.S.
Read articleDo I Need a Lawyer for a Marriage-Based Green Card? Here’s the Honest Answer
If you’re sponsoring your spouse for a marriage-based green card, you may be wondering: Do I really need a lawyer for this? It’s one of the most common questions we hear at Altius Immigration Law.
Read articleFinding the Right Immigration Attorney Based in Washington DC
Find the right DC immigration law firm. Altiuslaw immigration attorneys in Washington DC guide families, workers, and students with simple legal support.
Read articleHow a Sports Immigration Attorney Helps Athletes Compete
Learn how a sports immigration attorney in Washington helps athletes and coaches secure U.S. visas to compete, train, and work legally across the country.
Read articleHow a Family Immigration Lawyer Based in Washington DC Can Help You
Get trusted guidance on visas, green cards, and reunification from a family immigration lawyer in Washington at Altius Law.
Read articleHow a Family Based Immigration Attorney Helps Your Case Succeed
Learn how a family based immigration attorney helps improve your case success. Discover expert legal support from Altiuslaw in Washington for family visa solutions.
Read articleComplete Guide to Sports Visas Lawyers
Looking to compete in the U.S.? Get expert legal help from a top-rated sports visas lawyer Washington. Altiuslaw guides athletes and coaches through O-1, P-1, and B-1 visa processes.
Read articleHow to Choose the Right Employer-Sponsored Immigration Lawyer
Find the best employer sponsored immigration lawyer in Washington. Altiuslaw offers expert legal help for visas, PERM, green cards & more. Call today.
Read articleI-9 Compliance in 2025: What Employers Must Know to Protect Their Business
We’ve seen time and again employers with the best intentions unknowingly placing their businesses at risk because they didn’t understand the I-9 process. With workplace audits on t
Read articleCan Pro Gamers Get a Visa to Compete in the United States? A Guide to P-1A Visas for Esports Athletes
As the esports industry continues to grow into a billion-dollar global phenomenon, professional gamers, teams, and tournament organizers are increasingly
Read articleUS Visa Options for Athletes: Comprehensive Guide to Competing in the United States
Figuring out US visa options for athletes who want to compete and/or coach in the United States can be intimidating. This guide provides an overview of the
Read articleHow to Bring Your Fiancé(e) to the U.S. on a K-1 Visa
Obtaining a K-1 Fiancé Visa involves a detailed process; learn the necessary steps to bring your partner to the U.S.
Read articleHow to Remove Conditions from Your Green Card and Become a Permanent Resident
Discover how to remove conditions from your green card and secure your permanent residency.
Read articleCan an Australian Citizen Work in the USA on an E-3 Visa?
Dreaming of working in the United States but wondering how to make it a reality? For Australian citizens, the E-3 visa offers a unique pathway to employment in America. Whether you
Read articleWhat are the Different Types of Marriage Visas Available?
Everything you need to know about K1, CR1, and IR1 marriage visas, including eligibility requirements, processing times, and application steps.
Read articleGetting a Green Card Through Marriage: A Complete Guide
Discover how to obtain a green card through marriage with our complete guide. Learn about the marriage green card process, USCIS requirements, and more!
Read articleO Papel da Declaração Juramentada de Apoio no Processo do Green Card nos Estados Unidos
Descubra o papel vital da declaração juramentada de apoio no processo do green card nos Estados Unidos. Saiba mais aqui.
Read articleChallenges and Resources for Asylum Seekers in the USA
Seeking asylum in the United States can be a difficult and challenging process. Many asylum seekers face legal, financial and emotional obstacles on their
Read articleGreen Card for Dentists: Everything you need to know
Dreaming of becoming a dentist in the USA? Find out how to make this dream a reality! Many Brazilian dentists are interested in migrating their talents to the
Read articleImpact of Changes in US Immigration Policies on the Immigrant Community
In recent years, numerous changes to immigration laws have profoundly shaken the migrant community who have built their lives in the United States. Entire
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