Common questions after filing a family-based immigrant petition

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Family-based immigration petitions take months, if not years, to complete. There are some clients that opt to file their immigration cases without an attorney. Not using an attorney means that when questions arise, there will be no one to answer them.

If you cannot answer the questions below, we recommend that you hire an experienced immigration attorney to represent you throughout the immigration process.

1. Where should I file the petition?
2. What forms should I file?
3. What are the government filing fees?
4. What types of supporting documents should I submit?
5. What type of notices should I receive while the petition is being processed?
6. I have already filed. Why am I receiving multiple receipt notices?
7. What happens if I do not receive my receipt notices?
8. Is there a way to sign up for automatic notifications?
9. I’m not receiving automatic notifications, what could be the cause?
10. My case status has not been updated for several month. Should I be concerned?
11. Can I work while the petition is being processed?
12. How long will the entire Green Card process take?
13. Can I travel while the petition is being processed?
14. Do I have to maintain my current F-1 student, B-2 visitor, H-1B nonimmigrant status, or a valid immigration status while my Green Card petition is pending with USCIS?
15. What happens if I do not receive my employment authorization card (EAD) within 90-days?
16. What should I expect during the biometrics appointment?
17. What does it mean if I receive a second biometrics appointment?
18. I missed my biometrics appointment, what do I do?
19. I am unavailable for my biometrics appointment, what do I do?
20. What should I wear to the biometrics appointment?
21. Where will the biometrics appointment be conducted?
22. When will my biometrics appointment be scheduled?
23. The government returned my entire application and stated that I made a mistake, what do I do?
24. How do I get my Social Security Card?
25. My Social Security Card was never received, what do I do?
26. Can I apply for a driver’s license?
27. What can I do if I am refused a driver’s license?
28. Can I file a Green Card application for my spouse if I have a criminal record?
29. My spouse has a criminal record, can I file for him/her?
30. I am in a same sex relationship. Can I still apply for my spouse?
31. I have a prior marriage. Can I file a Green Card for my new spouse?
32. I am living abroad or outside of the United States. Can I file a Green Card application for my spouse?
33. I have filed Green Card petitions for my ex-wife and my parents. Will this impact my Green Card application for my spouse?
34. I am not working or going to school, can I file a Green Card for my spouse?
35. I am in a common law marriage in Texas, can I file for my spouse?
36. What will happen if I cannot make it to my adjustment of status interview (marriage interview)?
37. Can I reschedule my adjustment of status interview (marriage interview)?
38. I missed my marriage interview, what should I do?
39. My Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is about to expire, but my interview has not been scheduled. Can I renew my travel authorization? If yes, how do I do it?
40. My current employer refuses to accept my EAD as a valid proof of employment. What can I do? What are my rights?
41. My temporary travel document (Advance Parole) is about to expire, but my interview has not been scheduled. Can I renew my travel authorization? If yes, how do I do it?
42. I just filed my Green Card petition, but I have a family emergency back in my country. What should I do?
43. The government has returned my Green Card petition because my income was too low to support my spouse. What should I do?
44. What should I wear to my adjustment of status interview (marriage interview)?
45. What should I bring to my adjustment of status interview (marriage interview)?
46. What should I do after I submit the Green Card petition to prepare for the adjustment of status interview (marriage interview)?
47. USCIS has cancelled my adjustment of status interview (marriage interview). What does this mean?
48. I am in an abusive relationship. What will happen if I leave the relationship?
49. I have already attended a biometrics appointment, but the case status online indicates that I have not. What should I do?
50. Who needs to attend the adjustment of status interview (marriage interview)?
51. My spouse does not speak English. What should I do?
52. Do I need translations?
53. I received a Request for Additional Evidence (RFE) for my case. What does this mean?
54. I have already attended the marriage interview but received a Notice of Intent to Deny. What does this mean?
55. I have already attended the marriage interview but my online status indicates that my case is pending due to a background check. What does this mean?
56. The USCIS officer asked very personal questions during my marriage interview and I felt uncomfortable answering them. What should I do?
57. I got a ticket after my case was filed. What should I do?
58. I am a student. Can I stop going to school after my Green Card is filed?
59. Am I subject to removal/deportation after I file my Green Card application?
60. Can I file a Green Card application, if I am currently in removal proceedings?
61. Can I file a Green Card application, if I was previously ordered deported?
62. Can I file a Green Card application if my spouse is on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?
63. Can I file a Green Card application if my spouse is on Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
64. Can I file a Green Card application if my spouse is on a J-1 visa?
65. Can I file a Green Card application if my spouse entered on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
66. Can I file a Green Card application if my spouse entered the United States without authorization?
67. Can I move after my Green Card application is sent?
68. What happens if I file a divorce after my petition is filed?
69. How can I file a petition for my children?
70. How do I file for my spouse and children if they are currently abroad and outside of the United States?
71. My spouse worked without authorization before the Green Card application was filed. Will this impact the case?
72. What are the requirements of having a Joint Sponsor for the Affidavit of Support?
73. I applied for work and travel authorization but only received an Employment Authorization Document. What should I do?
74. My ex-spouse filed a Green Card application for me and it was denied. What will happen if I marry someone else and that person files a new Green Card application for me?
75. What will happen if my case is denied?

For more information on Common questions after filing a family-based immigrant petition, a consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (281) 777-1236 today.