Featured Posts

FAQ: What happens after I submit my green card application to USCIS?

You just mailed out your green card application to USCIS? What happens next? Find out more about the green card application process in our blog post.

Can I naturalize after three years of permanent residence based on marriage to my U.S. citizen spouse?

If you have received your permanent residence through marriage, you may not have to wait the standard 5 years of permanent residency to apply for citizenship. In this case, you may apply to naturalize (obtain U.S. citizenship) in three years, if you continue living in marital union with your U.S. citizen spouse and meet the other requirements for naturalization.

Form I-751: Removal of Temporary Conditions for 2-year Conditional Green Card (Conditional Residence)

A conditional permanent resident receives a green card valid for 2 years. In order to remain a permanent resident, a conditional permanent resident must file a petition to remove the condition during the 90 days before the card expires. The conditional card cannot be renewed. The conditions must be removed or you will lose your permanent resident status.

What happens after I-130 approval? What is consular processing?

Form I-130 is used by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR/green card holder) to apply for permanent residency for a qualifying relative who wishes to live and work in the United States and get a Permanent Resident Card (also called a Green Card). Read our FAQ discussing what happens next after the I-130 is approved for those with relatives abroad, the document review/gathering at the National Visa Center (NVC) and the consulate interview.

What are required documents for an O-1 Extraordinary Ability Petition?

The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for an individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements. What are some required documentation for an O-1 extraordinary ability visa application?

What documents are required when proving a bonafide marriage?

U.S. immigration law allows a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder) to file an immigrant petition to bring their spouse to live in the United States as a permanent resident. Many of our clients ask what type of documentation they need to show the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to prove their family relationship. Here are our recommendations.

Our Seasonal Newsletter

Angela Torregoza 10/21/25 Angela Torregoza 10/21/25

News Alert: Huge Changes in Immigration ~ N-400 Naturalization Overhaul, New H-1B Fee, Weighted H-1B Lottery, and New Electronic Payment Requirement

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently released a series of significant policy updates including fundamental changes in the standards and procedures for naturalization, H-1 B visa selection and processing and the elimination of nearly all paper-based payments. Find out how this affects new applications for these immigration benefits in our News Alert.

Angela Torregoza 10/15/25 Angela Torregoza 10/15/25

News Alert: New USCIS Policies for N-400 Naturalization Citizenship Applicants, Military, Good Moral Conduct and Neighborhood Investigations

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a series of significant policy updates in September and August 2025 that fundamentally change the standards and procedures for naturalization. Find out how this affects new applicants, the good moral character determination, and special considerations for military service members in our News Alert.

Angela Torregoza 10/9/25 Angela Torregoza 10/9/25

Success Stories: I-751 and N-400 applications approved for Vietnamese national married to U.S. Citizen at the NYC Field Office

We recently had an approval for naturalization (getting U.S. Citizenship) for a Vietnamese national who is a conditional permanent resident (green card holder) married to a U.S. Citizen at the New York City field office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At the same time, the couple also received an approval of their jointly filed I-751 removal of temporary conditions application. Congratulations to our clients!

Angela Torregoza 9/22/25 Angela Torregoza 9/22/25

News Alert: USCIS Overhauls the N-400 Naturalization Test

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the implementation of the 2025 naturalization civics test, the first in a series of planned changes to American citizenship standards, including new processes. Read more in our News Alert.

Angela Torregoza 8/29/25 Angela Torregoza 8/29/25

Success Stories: Naturalization approved for Filipina green card holder with Form N-648 Medical Disability Exception

We recently had an approval for naturalization (getting U.S. Citizenship) for a Philippine national who is a permanent resident (green card holder) with Form N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exception. Congratulations to our client!

Angela Torregoza 8/23/25 Angela Torregoza 8/23/25

Navigating Naturalization: Understanding Form N-648 Medical Disability Exception, English Exemptions, and other Accommodations

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers various provisions to ensure the naturalization process is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648), English language exemptions, and disability accommodations. Learn more in our blog post.

Angela Torregoza 3/19/25 Angela Torregoza 3/19/25

Success Stories: Naturalization approved for former DACA recipient from Mexico

We recently had an approval for naturalization (getting U.S. Citizenship) for a Mexican national who is a permanent resident (green card holder) and previously a DACA recipient. Congratulations to our client!

Angela Torregoza 9/17/24 Angela Torregoza 9/17/24

USCIS Celebrates Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week!

Today, September 17th, the nation observes Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week. Learn about the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) initiatives to integrate newcomers into U.S. society and our tips and pointers for those who are considering naturalization, in our latest blog post.

Angela Torregoza 4/8/24 Angela Torregoza 4/8/24

FAQ: What happens at a Naturalization Oath Taking Ceremony?

What happens at a naturalization oath taking ceremony? Find out what to expect at your U.S. Citizenship Oath Taking Ceremony.

Angela Torregoza 2/16/24 Angela Torregoza 2/16/24

Success Stories: Naturalization granted to permanent resident from the Philippines married to US Citizen at the NYC Field Office

We recently had an approval for naturalization (getting U.S. Citizenship) for a permanent resident from the Philippines married to a U.S. Citizen at the USCIS New York City Field Office. Congratulations to our clients!

Angela Torregoza 1/18/24 Angela Torregoza 1/18/24

FAQ: How do I change my address with USCIS? What is form AR-11?

If you are a foreign national in the United States, generally you must report a change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. This is especially important if you have a pending application. Find out how to change your address with USCIS in this FAQ.

Angela Torregoza 10/18/23 Angela Torregoza 10/18/23

Success Stories: Naturalization based on marriage to U.S. citizen spouse granted to permanent resident from the Philippines at the Houston Field Office

We recently had an approval for naturalization (getting U.S. Citizenship) for a Philippine national married to a U.S. Citizen at the USCIS Houston Field Office. Congratulations to our clients!

Angela Torregoza 2/14/22 Angela Torregoza 2/14/22

Can I naturalize after three years of permanent residence based on marriage to my U.S. citizen spouse?

Angela Torregoza 1/18/22 Angela Torregoza 1/18/22

FAQ: What is Naturalization? What are the requirements for U.S. citizenship?

Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident (Green Card Holder) applies for and is granted U.S. citizenship. What is the process to naturalize and what are the documentary requirements?

Angela Torregoza 1/20/20 Angela Torregoza 1/20/20

How can I prove my good moral character for naturalization? What can prevent a finding of good moral character?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently expanded its policy guidance regarding unlawful acts that may prevent an applicant from meeting the good moral character (GMC) requirement for naturalization. What acts could prevent a finding of good moral character?

Angela Torregoza 10/14/19 Angela Torregoza 10/14/19

What happens at a naturalization interview? What should I expect at my citizenship interview appointment?

The Naturalization Interview & Testing is one of the steps necessary to complete the Naturalization process in the United States. It is not merely a formality, but a very important step in the path towards becoming a U.S. Citizen.

Angela Torregoza 8/17/17 Angela Torregoza 8/17/17

Impact of Extended Trips Abroad on Naturalization

I'm a Green Card holder applying for naturalization, do I need a lawyer? Yes. If you have a criminal record or have had extended trips abroad, you may need a lawyer to help you with your citizenship application.

Angela Torregoza 8/9/17 Angela Torregoza 8/9/17

Applying for Citizenship with a Criminal Record

I'm a Green Card holder applying for naturalization, do I need a lawyer?

Yes. If you have a criminal record or have had extended trips abroad, you may need a lawyer to help you with your citizenship application.

Angela Torregoza 5/2/17 Angela Torregoza 5/2/17

What are the Reasons Green Card Holders should Naturalize?

Green Card Holder? Should you apply for U.S. Citizenship? Reasons why legal permanent residents should apply for U.S. Citizenship include the ability to vote in elections and petition for family members.