Immigration FAQs

A visa allows a foreign national to enter the U.S. temporarily for a specific purpose, such as work, study, or tourism. A green card (Permanent Resident Card) grants lawful permanent residence, allowing individuals to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.

It depends on your current visa status. Some visa holders (e.g., H-1B workers) can continue working while adjusting their status. Others, like tourist visa holders, generally cannot work. If eligible, you may apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document – EAD).

Processing times vary based on the type of green card application:

• Family-based green cards: 12 months to several years, depending on the relationship and country of origin.
• Employment-based green cards: Varies from 1-5 years, depending on the category and visa bulletin priority dates.
• Diversity Visa Lottery: Around 12-18 months.

Yes, a green card can be revoked if the holder:

• Commits fraud in obtaining the card
• Abandons U.S. residency (spending extended time abroad without a reentry permit)
• Commits certain crimes
• Violates immigration laws (such as false claims to U.S. citizenship)

Any non-U.S. citizen, including visa holders and green card holders, can be deported for:

• Violating visa terms (e.g., unauthorized work)
• Committing certain criminal offenses
• Engaging in fraudulent activity
• Failing to maintain legal status

There are two main categories:

• Non-immigrant visas (temporary): Tourist (B-2), student (F-1), work (H-1B, L-1), business (B-1), and others.
• Immigrant visas (permanent): Family-sponsored, employment-based, diversity lottery, and refugee/asylum status.

If your visa expires while in the U.S. but you have a valid I-94 (admission record), you may still be in lawful status. If your visa and authorized stay expire, you risk overstaying, which can lead to deportation or bans on future entry.

Your visa allows you to seek entry, but your I-94 determines your authorized stay. For example:

• B-1/B-2 tourist visas typically allow stays of up to 6 months per visit.
• F-1 student visas allow stays as long as you remain enrolled.

A green card grants lawful permanent residency, allowing individuals to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. It does not grant U.S. citizenship but may lead to it through naturalization.

Marriage to a U.S. citizen allows a foreign spouse to apply for a marriage-based green card, but it is not automatic. The couple must prove a bona fide marriage, and if the marriage is recent, the spouse may be subject to conditional residency for two years.

You may apply for a K-1 fiancé visa, allowing your fiancé to enter the U.S. for marriage. The marriage must occur within 90 days of entry, after which they can apply for a green card.

U.S. citizens and green card holders can sponsor family members by filing a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). Processing times depend on the relationship and visa category. Spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens have the fastest processing times.

To apply for naturalization, you must:

• Be a green card holder for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
• Have continuous residence in the U.S.
• Pass an English and civics test.
• Demonstrate good moral character.

Employers can sponsor foreign workers through employment-based visas such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, or PERM-based green cards. The process often requires labor certification and proof that no qualified U.S. workers are available.

Certain criminal charges can lead to visa revocation, denial of renewal, or deportation. Crimes of moral turpitude, drug offenses, fraud, and domestic violence can have severe immigration consequences.

Most states allow foreign visitors to drive with a valid foreign driver’s license, but some may require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Long-term residents may need to obtain a state-issued driver’s license.

You may apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document – EAD) while waiting for your green card approval. Without an EAD, you cannot legally work unless you already have work authorization through a visa.