Immigration Blog

Introducing the Visa Finder Tool: Making the First Step of the Immigration Process Easier

By |November 18, 2014|


We know that trying to navigate the U.S. immigration process can very complicated. Between the various visa options and specific requirements for each type, even deciding which visa is best for you can be overwhelming. We wanted to make it easier for anybody to get started with the immigration process – which is why we developed Visa Finder.

Visa Finder is our latest step in bringing simplicity to the complicated U.S. immigration process.

 How Does Visa Finder Work?

Using Visa Finder is like an initial consultation with an attorney. However, unlike an initial consultation with an  attorney, it’s free and you can do it without having to leave your home.

All you have to do is answer a few questions about yourself and your situation, and Visa Finder uses your information to provide a custom recommendation about which visa is best for your circumstances.

In many cases you will be able to create an account straight from Visa Finder.

 What If It Turns Out I Need a Different Visa?

The Envoy-affiliated attorneys working on your case are going to build the best possible case for your visa application. If they determine that a different visa is a better option for you, then they will make their recommendation and you will have the option to start the new case instead.

Our ultimate goal is to get your visa approved, and our team will do everything we can to make sure that happens.

Our mission is to improve the legal immigration process from start to finish, and for us, that first step begins with Visa Finder.

So, if you are not sure which visa you need, give Visa Finder a try today!

Read More

How to get a U.S. Passport: What You Need to Know about Applying for a U.S. Passport

By |November 17, 2014|

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally for the first time, you must first apply for a U.S. passport. Here are some quick facts you should know about how to get a U.S. passport.

  1. What is a U.S. passport?

A U.S. passport is an official document issued by the United States government, verifying an individual’s identity and citizenship while authorizing the individual to travel internationally.

  1. You might have to apply for your U.S. passport in person.

If any of these following criteria apply to you, you must apply for your U.S. passport in person:

  • You are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time; or
  • You are younger than 16 years old; or
  • Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were younger than 16 years old; or
  • Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged; or
  • Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago; or
  • Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change.
  1. Where to apply for a U.S. passport?

You can either apply at a “local authorized passport acceptance facility”, such as a post office, library, or municipal office. Click to find your local passport acceptance facility or you can apply at a passport agency.

  1. What will you need to submit a U.S. passport application in person?
    1. Complete the DS-11 U.S. passport form, either online or manually. You can print out the form here.
    2. Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship:
      • Previously issued, undamaged, and fully valid U.S. passport
      • Certified U.S. birth certificate
      • Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth
      • Naturalization Certificate
      • Certificate of Citizenship
    3. Present ID and Photocopy of ID
    4. Pay Application Fee
      • Check out current application fees here
    5. 1 passport style photo
  1. How long will it take to get a U.S. passport?

The standard processing time is between 4 to 6 weeks. However the U.S. Department of State does offer expedited services for an additional cost.

If you need an expedited passport, it is recommended that you apply at a local passport agency.

  1. Past due child support might prevent you from getting a U.S. passport.

If you are behind on child support payments, you may not be able to get a U.S. passport. Be sure to check out information about overdue child support payments before applying.

  1. Check to see if any special passport requirements apply to you.

If any of the following criteria apply to you, there may be special requirements you have to follow. Be sure to check out the U.S. State Department website for more information about applying or renewing a U.S. passport.

 

If you’d like to discuss your visa options with VISANOW, go ahead and request a free assessment.

 

 

Read More

VISANOW and General Catalyst Announce Partnership

By |November 12, 2014|

We have some extremely exciting news to share with all of you!

VISANOW is proud to announce its partnership with venture capital firm General Catalyst.

“We have spent the last 15 years building VISANOW into the leading provider of online immigration services. General Catalyst is an ideal partner because they share our vision and have the experience and resources to take us to the next levels,” says Bob Meltzer, VISANOW founder and CEO.

Since 1998, all of us at VISANOW have had one goal in mind–to improve the legal services experience for everybody. Our new partner shares our passion for this goal.

General Catalyst

Naturally, you might be wondering about our new partner. As a venture capital firm, General Catalyst has a great track record for teaming up with exciting and innovative companies, including Kayak, Snapchat, The Honest Company, and Airbnb.

As you look through the list of partners, you may notice a theme. General Catalyst invests in businesses with groundbreaking ideas that transform industries across multiple platforms with the customer always at heart.

This is certainly in line with our mission and what we do at VISANOW.

VISANOW’s patented online technology has brought the entire legal services experience to the hands of our customers. Our online technology has scaled, streamlined, and simplified the immigration process for anyone in need of immigration assistance.

Thank You

To everybody that has used VISANOW in the last 15 years: thank you for your business. The foundation of VISANOW has been built on your trust in us. We truly appreciate it.

Manager of Customer Support, Jenny Terlinden, says it best: “Without our clients, we wouldn’t be here. It’s because of them that we’ve found this level of success, and it will be because of them that we are able to revolutionize the legal services industry. I want to say a huge “thank you” to all of our clients—we love working with you guys!”

And this is just the beginning, as Bob promises: “Since day one our goal has been to provide our clients with the ultimate client experience and to improve the immigration services process. This partnership with General Catalyst will allow us the opportunity to go from helping thousands of people to helping millions.”

We look forward to continuing to provide our customers with the best possible legal services experience for many years to come!

 

Check out our press page for more information on this exciting news.

 

Read More

What is the Difference Between a Passport and a Visa?

By |November 11, 2014|

Traveling soon and need to know the difference between a passport and a visa? Before traveling, be sure you know the differences between a passport and a visa because you may need both.

What is a Passport?

A passport is issued to a country’s citizens for international travel and identification. It is used to verify one’s country of citizenship. If traveling outside your country, it is used to regain entry into your country of citizenship.

  • A passport includes a photo of you, your name, birthdate, gender, and physical characteristics.
  • For U.S. citizens, some countries only require a passport for re-entry. Other countries may require a visa before entry. You should confirm if a country-specific visa is required before traveling.
  • Diplomats and government officials are granted different passports than what’s given to regular travelers.

What is a Visa?

  • A visa is an endorsement placed on a passport granting the holder official permission to enter, leave or stay in a country for a specified time period.
  • The most common visa types are tourist, student, work and transit visas.
  • Depending on where you are traveling, a visa can be valid for single or multiple visits.
  • Some visas require an application to be filed prior to entering the country and other visas are granted upon entering the country.
  • Certain countries require an interview or medical screening prior to applying for a visa.

Have questions about how to obtain an international travel visa? Contact us today to discuss how VISANOW can help.

Read More

DACA Renewal

By |November 3, 2014|

If you were approved for deferred action, it may be time to apply for DACA renewal.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an initiative that was announced by President Obama in June 2012. It offers temporary protected status and work authorization to individuals without legal status in the United States. Deferred action status is offered in two year increments.

For those individuals who were approved for DACA, in order to maintain protected status, it is essential to apply to renew your deferred status. Here is what you need to know about applying for your DACA renewal:

Requirements for DACA Renewal:

  • You did not leave the United States on or after August 15 2012, without advance parole.
  • You have continuously resided in the United States since you received DACA approval.
  • You have not been convicted of a significant misdemeanor, felony, three or more misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to national security.

When to Renew

It is recommended to submit your renewal application at least 120 days, or 4 months, but nor more than 150 days (5 months) before your DACA expiration.

In order to ensure that your renewal application is filed on time, it is recommended that you begin the renewal process 6-7 months before DACA expiration.

Reasons to apply sooner than later

If your DACA expires before you receive your renewed DACA, you may accrue additional unlawful presence in the United States and will not be authorized to work.

If you apply for renewal within the 4 to 5 month period before expiration and USCIS is not able to process your renewal in time, USCIS can attend your status temporarily. However, this will only be an option if your application was filed at least 4 months before expiration.

Cost to Renew

The government filing fee to renew your Deferred Action is $465.

Got more question about renewing your Deferred Action? Call us at 312-935-7400 and complete a free assessment with one of VISANOW’s immigration specialists.

 

Read More

Prevailing Wage: Green Card Recruitment Video

By |October 30, 2014|

Prevailing Wage: The 1st step of the Green Card Recruitment Process

Part of the Green Card recruitment process is proving to the USCIS that the candidate that you are petitioning is not only the best person for the job, but that a qualified US worker is not available.

This part of the Green Card or PERM process is called recruitment and the first step is filing a Prevailing Wage Request with the Department of Labor.

The prevailing wage determines the minimum wage for the Green Card position. In our latest video we give an overview of the documents that are needed for the prevailing wage step of the Green Card recruitment process.

To learn more about the green card recruitment and other immigration topics, check out our YouTube channel.

Read More

The Haitian Family Reunification Program (HFRP)

By |October 29, 2014|

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) will soon implement the Haitian Family Reunification Program (HFRP). The HFRP will give certain Haitian relatives of U.S. citizens the option to apply for parole in the United States to be reunited with their families before their immigrant visas become available. The goal of this program is to promote family unity, as well as safe, legal, and orderly migration from Haiti to the United States. DHS plans to begin the program in early 2015.

Eligibility to Apply for Haitian Family Reunification Program (HFRP):

  • Sponsor of immigrant visa must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must have filed an I-130 and received approval notice.
  • Must have received invitation to apply from the Department of State National Visa Center.
  • The relative must be a Haitian national currently residing in Haiti. Haitian nationals not residing in Haiti will not be eligible.
  • The immigrant visa must be scheduled to be become available in approximately 2 years.

How HFRP Beneficiaries will be selected

  • Once the U.S. Citizen applies for parole for their Haitian relative, they will not automatically be approved.
  • HFRP approvals will be on a case by case basis.
  • Beneficiaries must meet all eligibility requirements.
  • The qualified relative must pass a security check and background check.
  • The relative must not be inadmissible, according to USCIS.
  • The government anticipates interviewing roughly 5,000 Haitians.

After Approval

  • After approval, the government will issue the Haitian national’s travel documents.
  • Upon entry to the United States, customs and border patrol will review the travel documents.
  • The Haitian national will be able to come to the United States for approximately 2 years while awaiting their visa.
  • HFRP does not lead to legal status.
  • Once the Haitian national enters the U.S., they can apply for work authorization.
  • The relative can apply for an Adjustment of Status as soon as his/her visa becomes available.

Please be informed

  • Parole will not be available for immediate relatives who have current priority dates.
  • Only U.S. citizens that receive a written notice from DOS will qualify.
  • A relative in Haiti cannot initiate this process.
  • USCIS is not currently accepting applications.
Read More

K-1 Fiance Visa Requirements: What To Do If You Have Not Met in Person

By |October 27, 2014|

One of the the K-1 fiance visa requirements is that the U.S. citizen and foreign national fiance meet in person within two years of filing their petition.

While there are two exceptions to the two-year meeting requirement (discussed below), the two year meeting requirement is applicable to most persons.

Every day, VISANOW’s immigration specialists speak with individuals interested in the K-1 fiance visa process who have not yet met in person.

So, what do you do if you want to apply for a K-1 fiance visa, but you and your fiance have not met in within the last two years ?

Here are four options to fulfill the K-1 fiance visa requirement of meeting in person.

  • The U.S. citizen can travel abroad to meet fiance in his/her home country

In most situations, the best option to fulfill the two year meeting requirement is for the U.S. citizen to travel abroad and meet his/her fiance in their home country. U.S. citizens are able to travel to many countries without needing visas. It is also relatively easy for a U.S. citizen to obtain a visa for countries where a visa are required.

  • The fiance can apply for a U.S. B-2 Visitor visa and travel to the U.S.

If the U.S. citizen cannot travel to meet the fiance, the fiance can apply for a B-2 visitor visa. VISANOW has been successful in obtaining B-2 visitor visas for foreign nationals in relationships with U.S. citizens, however, these visa applications can be challenging.

In the B-2 visitor visa application, the fiance will need to present strong evidence of their intent to return home after the visit to the U.S. This evidence can include employment, family, property ownership, and financial interests. The interview wait times vary by Embassy/Consulate, and if approved, most B-2 Visitor visas are issued in about 5-7 days.

The B-2 Visitor visa option may seem like a quick and easy way to satisfy the K-1 fiance visa two year meeting requirement, however B-2 visas are challenging applications. Before applying for a B-2 visa, we encourage you to complete a free B-2 case assessment with a VISANOW immigration specialist to determine if your fiance has a strong B-2 case

  • The U.S. citizen and fiance can meet in a third party country

If the U.S. citizen does not want to travel to the fiance’s home country and the fiance cannot obtain a visa to the U.S., the couple can try to find a third party country where neither the U.S. citizen nor the fiance need a visa to visit. For example, neither a U.S. citizen nor a Russian citizen need a visa for Barbados, so Barbados would be a great country for a U.S. citizen and Russian fiance to meet in person.

  • Apply for a Waiver of the two year meeting requirement

USCIS provides two limited scenarios where it would consider waiving the requirement that the U.S. citizen and fiance have met in person within the last two years.

These scenarios are as follows:

  • The requirement to meet your fiance in person would violate strict and long-established customs of your or your fiance’s foreign culture or social practice; or
  • The requirement to meet your fiance in person would result in extreme hardship to the U.S. citizen; for example, a serious heart condition prevents the U.S. citizen from traveling and the fiance cannot obtain a visa.

Both of the waiver scenarios can be difficult to prove. If you can meet in person, you should do so. If you and your fiance absolutely cannot meet in person, and you believe you qualify for a waiver, you should consider partnering with an immigration attorney so that you have the best chance of getting approved.

Need help with your K-1 fiance visa? Complete a free K-1 fiancé visa case assessment today.

Read More

Green Card Recruitment: Job Postings

By |October 23, 2014|

Part of the Green Card recruitment process is proving to the USCIS that the candidate that you are petitioning is not only the best person for the job, but that it can’t be filled by a U.S. worker.

In order to prove that you did your due diligence in trying to find a U.S. citizen to fill the position you will need to file a recruitment report of the job postings you made of that position.

You will want to include a report of the various places that you have posted the job including newspapers, LinkedIn, internal postings and anywhere else.

Watch out latest video to find out more about what goes into the Green Card recruitment process.

VISANOW also offers our clients a recruitment services to help move the Green Card process along.

 

Read More

Video: Green Card Overview

By |October 17, 2014|

If you are a U.S. employer you have the opportunity to sponsor a foreign national for permanent residence through the Green Card process.

An employer can obtain a Green Card for employees or candidates in the following employment-based categories.

EB-1: Individuals with extraordinary abilites
EB-2: Individuals with advance degrees
EB-3: Professional/Skilled workers
EB-4: “Special Immigrants”
EB-5: Investors

The process for filing a Green Card petition will depend on the category the employee fits in.

For the EB-2 and EB-3 categories you will first need to file a labor certification with the Department of Labor. Once that is certified you will then need to file Form I-140 with USCIS.

One caveat is that if individuals in the EB-2 category qualify for a national interest waiver, they don’t need a labor certification.

For individuals in the EB-1 category you can bypass the labor certification process and will file Form I-140 with USCIS.

Individuals in the EB-4 category will have to file Form I-360.

If you have additional questions regarding the Green Card or employment-based categories, please feel free to contact us.

Read More

VISANOW is now Envoy.

As part of our mission to create opportunities for organizations and global talent, we’ve updated our brand and how we communicate our message. In a time when thinking globally is how organizations grow and progress, we help businesses build world-ready workforces.

Envoy’s workforce management platform features premiere tools for navigating the immigration process for all your sponsored employees; knowledgeable Envoy-affiliated attorney and customer support; and resources to help you learn how to become an expert in the global immigration process.

You will be redirected shortly. Go to EnvoyGlobal.com to see the new changes.