Law Offices of Paul HerzogLaw Offices of Paul Herzog2026-06-03T02:37:07Zhttps://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1502074/2020/04/cropped-favicon1-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[When does a work visa qualify an immigrant for a green card?]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495612026-05-27T01:20:19Z2026-05-27T01:20:19ZThe ability to pass a background check
For an immigrant professional to adjust their status and secure a green card, they must undergo a background check looking at their criminal record in the United States and the country where they lived previously. Those with serious recent criminal convictions may be ineligible for a green card.
A qualifying job
There is no minimum residency requirement for employment-based green card eligibility. However, the federal government maintains different preference categories based on the type of work the immigrant performs.
Priority workers with extraordinary capabilities received the highest level of preference when applying for green cards. The second preference category applies to professionals with advanced degrees and those with exceptional abilities.
The third preference category is for skilled workers and even professionals holding jobs that do not require years of training or experience. The fourth preference category is for certain special professionals, including those who work for religious organizations or who have held jobs for the United States government in another country. The final category is for immigrant investors.
Securing a green card as a foreign professional working in the United States can be a complicated process. The support of an immigration attorney can help people evaluate their eligibility, complete the necessary paperwork and pursue a green card that allows for lawful permanent residency in the United States.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[What families should understand about long immigration timelines]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495602026-05-19T11:11:07Z2026-05-19T11:11:07ZFamilies sometimes choose to try to come to the United States to build a better life, but that doesn’t necessarily happen all at once. Family-based immigration can take months or years, depending on the type of petition that’s being filed. Other factors, such as visa availability and agency processing time, can also affect how long it takes.
One thing to remember if you’re going through a family-based immigration application is that having to wait doesn’t mean that something is wrong. Some delays are simply because of the working nature of the immigration system.
Why some cases take longer than others
Some processing delays are because the immigration agency needs more information. They may be waiting for background check results, or there may be a waiting list for the specific visa category. Even if a family-based immigration petition looks good on paper, the additional steps like reviewing interviews, financial sponsorship forms and medical requirements may hold up the process. Another issue that sometimes comes up has to do with the relationship between the sponsor and applicant. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens will typically follow a different timeline than individuals in other preference categories. Country of birth, category limits and filing dates are also factors that can affect how long it takes for an application to be processed. Family-based immigration can often be complex, and it’s usually stressful for the entire family. Careful preparation of applications can help to prevent avoidable setbacks, but that won’t help the standard delays. It may be beneficial to work with someone familiar with the specific immigration situation you’re dealing with so they can assist throughout the process.
]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[The limits of a conditional spousal green card]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495592026-04-30T06:17:47Z2026-04-30T06:17:47ZConditional green cards are temporary
Technically, all green cards require renewal and are not actually permanent instruments in their own right. Every permanent resident must renew their green card once a decade to preserve their legal status in the United States.
A conditional green card is valid for a much shorter period. A spouse’s conditional green card is only valid for two years, which is a means of validating the bona fide marital relationship that made them eligible for the green card.
The immigrant spouse must prove during the renewal process that they still meet the criteria for a green card. They must still be married to their citizen spouse and must avoid any serious criminal charges.
They can apply to remove the conditions from their green card in the months before it expires. There is a brief window of opportunity in which to do so, and the failure to take action can cause significant immigration challenges.
Working with a professional familiar with family-based immigration rules can help those married or engaged to foreign nationals understand their options. Conditional green cards are an important part of the family immigration system for couples, but they also create obligations that newly-married must fulfill.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[Will you be deported if you lose your H1-B job?]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495582026-04-14T17:37:26Z2026-04-14T17:37:26ZWhen you initially decided to come to the United States, it was to look for work. You had a job offer from an American company. You used this to get an H1-B visa, allowing you to legally live and work in the U.S. even though you are not a permanent resident or a naturalized citizen.
As such, you may be concerned about losing your job. If you are terminated from your position or if the company does layoffs, would your status be at risk? Could you be deported if you lose your job, considering that having that job is one of the conditions for the H1-B visa?
There is a 60-day grace period
It is true that losing your job can put your status at risk. An H1-B visa does require employment, so if you just stayed in the U.S. indefinitely without a job, you would violate the terms of that visa.However, this does not happen right away. There is a 60-day grace period. This gives you a chance to seek another job that may allow you to retain your visa. You do not have to worry about being deported or asked to leave the country immediately.If you cannot find another job that satisfies the visa requirements, it may be time to explore your options to adjust your status. For instance, maybe you have been working on getting your green card and becoming a permanent resident. If you complete that process within the 60 days, then it does not matter that you are in violation of the terms of the H1-B visa. As a permanent resident, you can still legally stay in the United States, and you could take longer to seek another form of employment.All of this can be fairly complex, and it is very important to your future that you understand exactly what legal steps to take. This is why it often helps to work with an experienced attorney.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[Why should you keep your address updated as an immigrant?]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495572026-03-30T11:11:26Z2026-03-30T11:11:26ZPeople who come to the United States as immigrants have many rules to follow. One of these is that they have to keep their address current with immigration authorities. The most prevalent reason for ensuring you have an up-to-date address is because immigration agencies rely heavily on mailed notices, some of which are time sensitive. If you don’t have a current address on file with the immigration authorities, notices may not reach you in time for you to take care of the matters that are affecting your case. In some cases, you may miss mandatory appointments, which could potentially lead to deportation.
What types of information are sent out via mail?
Immigration agencies will send out requests for evidence, appointment notices, interview scheduling, and final decisions. Some decisions that are made about your case may need your input, so it’s critical that you pay close attention when you receive the notices. In most cases, there is a deadline included that you need to comply with.
When should an address be changed?
Ideally, the address change should occur as soon as possible after the move. There are specific deadlines, but the actual deadline depends on a host of factors. In most cases, it isn’t difficult to change your address. Many people can take care of this online, but make sure that you enter the new information correctly to avoid any complications. Failing to update their address is a simple oversight that sometimes happens during a move, but the immigration authorities may not see it that way. Put the change of address notification on your to-do list for the move. If you fail to report the new address or have any related immigration concerns, you should speak to someone familiar with these matters. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[Well-compensated workers have better H-1B odds in this lottery]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495562026-03-11T22:23:06Z2026-03-11T22:23:06ZHigher-earning professionals are now a priority
Previous rules for the H-1B visa program required a truly random drawing process for the lottery. The USCIS has announced certain modifications to the H-1B visa lottery in 2026. This year is the first year where the lottery includes more favorable odds for those in well-paid professions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has replaced the prior random lottery process with a new, weighted system. The goal of this change is to prevent abuses of the H-1B visa program that allowed companies to undercut domestic wages by hiring foreign talent at lower salaries. The new system gives greater preference to workers with more credentials and those promised higher salaries in the United States.
Employers preparing to sponsor workers for the H-1B visa lottery need to understand the rules that govern this program and affect the likelihood of success. Partnering with an employment immigration attorney can help businesses maximize their chances of success when seeking to hire skilled and educated foreign workers for vacant domestic positions.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[Can immigrants who struggle with English become citizens?]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495552026-02-26T11:21:02Z2026-02-26T11:21:02ZOlder immigrants can request exceptions
The English language is quite difficult to learn. People from a variety of different cultural backgrounds may find English confusing and hard to understand. Even with years of practice, they may struggle to read, write and speak proficiently in English.
The USCIS offers exemptions for older immigrants who have been in the country for years. Immigrants who are at least 50 and who have been in the country for 20 years may qualify for an English language test exemption.
They do not need to take the English language test, and they can take the Civics test in the language with which they are most comfortable. There's a second exemption for immigrants who are 55 or older and who have been in the country for at least 15 years.
In some cases, waiting until an immigrant who struggles with English reaches an eligible age can be an option for bypassing English language requirements for naturalization. Reviewing the naturalization process and other immigration concerns with a lawyer can help people to better understand their options.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[5 facts to know when seeking asylum to become naturalized]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495542026-02-16T13:47:44Z2026-02-16T13:47:44ZSeeking asylum in the United States is often a life-changing decision made under urgent and difficult circumstances. The process involves strict eligibility rules, detailed documentation and multiple government reviews.
For many individuals, asylum can eventually open a path toward lawful permanent residence and later naturalization. Understanding how these stages connect can help you prepare and avoid costly mistakes.
1. You must meet the refugee definition
To qualify for asylum, you must show a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. The fear must be supported by credible testimony and evidence since personal hardship alone is not enough. The government will examine whether returning home would place you at serious risk.
2. Timing is critical
In most cases, asylum applications must be filed within one year of arrival in the United States. Missing this deadline can lead to denial unless you qualify for limited exceptions, such as changed circumstances. Acting promptly and keeping records of your entry date is essential.
3. There are different asylum procedures
Some applicants apply affirmatively if they are not in removal proceedings, while others present a defensive claim before an immigration judge if they are already facing removal. Individuals subject to expedited removal may first need to establish credible fear before moving forward. Each path involves interviews, background checks and a detailed review.
4. Approval can lead to permanent residence
If asylum is granted, you may apply for a green card after one year. Lawful permanent residence is a major milestone because it begins the period required before seeking naturalization. Maintaining good moral character, paying taxes and following immigration rules are important during this stage.
5. Denials can be reviewed
An initial denial does not always end the process, and some cases are referred to immigration court where a judge conducts a new evaluation. Providing consistent testimony and organized documentation strengthens your position throughout appeals or hearings.The asylum journey can be complex and emotionally demanding. Learning the requirements early and seeking reliable and professional legal guidance when needed can help you move forward with clarity and protect your long-term immigration goals.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[Can students with F-1 visas work college jobs?]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495532026-01-29T14:15:18Z2026-01-29T14:15:18ZOn-campus employment is an option
For many college students, the simplest way to earn income while enrolled is to work an on-campus job. Most of the time, F-1 students have the option of working on campus at the school they attend without securing work authorization in advance.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) typically allows on-campus employment without additional paperwork. Students may also be eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) while they study.
Any off-campus employment requires the submission of Form I-766, which is the employment authorization document that provides legal permission to work. Students may need help validating that a job offer does not violate the terms of their F-1 visa or filling out the paperwork necessary to pursue an opportunity off campus.
Learning more about the rules that apply to F-1 student visas can be beneficial for foreign nationals studying in the United States. Students can often work if they get an offer from the school they attend or follow the right procedures for off-campus employment.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Paul Herzog<![CDATA[Intracompany transfers can lead to immigration opportunities]]>https://www.employment-familysponsoredimmigration.com/?p=495522026-01-19T14:28:51Z2026-01-19T14:28:51ZTransfer visas are available
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers L visas in cases where companies with international reach want to bring foreign workers to the United States. An L-1A visa may allow a manager or executive to enter the United States to accept a job domestically.
The L-1B visa program allows experienced workers with information about company operations to work for their employer in the United States, even though they may not hold a managerial or executive position. They do not need to help run the business if they have experience with specific company practices.
An L visa may last for one year in cases involving a new presence in the company or up to three years if the company already has an established presence. L visas are typically eligible for renewal, although there are limitations on the maximum stay allowed in an intracompany transfer scenario.
Working with an employment immigration attorney can help foreign professionals secure the permission they need to work domestically. L visas are often a viable option for those who do not want to leave their current employers to seek immigration opportunities.]]>