Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLCFindLaw IM Template2024-03-20T06:44:44Zhttps://www.raylolaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1201801/2021/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLChttps://www.raylolaw.com/?p=480642024-03-20T06:44:44Z2024-03-20T06:44:44Zsigned three bills known collectively as the “people’s agenda.”
Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights
Perhaps the most far reaching of the three bills signed by the governor is the statute aimed at protecting and improving the quality of life for domestic workers. This law aims to improve working and living conditions for a group of immigrants usually considered on the lowest rung of immigrant groups.
The bill requires employers to enter into writing contracts with domestic workers with provisions for breaks, requiring employers to pay the state minimum wage, and establishes penalties for violations, including penalties for employers who engage in retaliation.
Mandated translation
The second of the three bills requires certain state agencies to translate some state documents into the seven most common languages other than English now spoken in the state. The bill originally specified the translation of 15 different languages before it was amended to include only seven languages. Advocates of this measure said that it provides valuable access to state services for individuals who do not speak English.
Asian diaspora information
New Jersey is home to immigrants from many different nations in Asia and the many Pacific islands. The third bill in the package mandates state agencies to include more detailed demographic data that will identify an immigrant’s home country. Supporters of the bill say that breaking the state’s demographic data on these groups into smaller, more specific categories will help eliminate unfair trends and inequities.
The three bills will affect different groups in different ways. Anyone wanting specific information might wish to speak to a knowledgeable immigration attorney.
]]>0On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLChttps://www.raylolaw.com/?p=480372024-03-06T11:11:46Z2024-03-06T11:11:46Zeligible for a Green Card under one of several categories of immigration. Here are a few of these categories:
Family immigration: Certain relatives of a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident may be eligible for a Green Card.
Employment immigration: Immigrants that have job offers from the U.S. and meet the preferred criteria may be eligible for a Green Card.
Special immigration: Immigrants in special circumstances that meet the criteria to be classified as a special immigrant (e.g., religious workers) may be eligible for a Green Card.
What should I do if I am eligible for a Green Card?
Applying for a Green Card is not an easy process. Once you have determined that you are eligible for a Green Card through family immigration or another category, you should refer to the criteria listed under the category you are applying under to determine what your next steps should be. Generally, someone else will file an immigrant petition for you, basically agreeing to sponsor you, or you will file the petition yourself.
If your petition is approved, you will likely have to fill out a Green Card application form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will then schedule a biometrics appointment, where you will provide your fingerprints, photos, and signature.
Following your appointment, you will have to be interviewed by USCIS. You may bring a lawyer to your interview and an interpreter, if needed. The purpose of this interview is to verify the information you provided in your application and find out more about you. Once your interview is complete, the USCIS will determine whether to approve your application. If your application is denied, you may be able to file an appeal.
]]>0On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLChttps://www.raylolaw.com/?p=480302024-02-21T13:58:41Z2024-02-21T13:58:41Zwork-related immigration status so that you know what to watch out for as you move forward.
Don’t make these mistakes when addressing work-related immigration
Given the intricacies in the law, there are several mistakes that employers make that jeopardize their ability to bring someone to the United States to work for them. This includes:
Waiting too long to start the immigration process, as it often takes longer than expected.
Missing filing deadlines, especially when preference categories are quickly filled.
Providing insufficient supporting documentation to support your request.
Misunderstanding which type of visa is applicable under the circumstances.
Differing requirements will have to be met depending on the type of employment immigration being sought. That’s why it’s crucial that you fully understand what you need to show the government and how quickly you need to start the process. If you don’t, then you’ll likely be denied access to the human resources you want. At best, a lackluster application process will lead to significant delays that could hamper your business operations.
Do you need guidance addressing your employment immigration issues?
There’s a lot at stake when you need to navigate the immigration process to fulfill your business needs. To reduce the risks, you must understand the nuances of the law and appropriately address them. That may seem impossible to do, but it’s not something that you have to face on your own.
]]>0On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLChttps://www.raylolaw.com/?p=480292024-02-20T07:20:54Z2024-02-20T07:20:54Zimmigration law issue, you should have a full understanding of the process that awaits you. You should also be informed of the mistakes that can be made along the way, several of which can completely derail your application. That way you know what you need to avoid doing. Once you have that understanding, you can rest assured that you’ve done everything you can to position yourself for success.
These errors can lead to visa denial
You have to navigate the visa process with care, otherwise your visa could be denied. So, moving forward, be aware of these commonly made errors so that you can avoid them:
Providing incomplete information: You need to answer all the questions on the visa application in full. If you leave out information or leave questions unanswered, then your application is destined to be denied.
Providing inaccurate information: Your visa application also needs to be accurate. If you lie or misconstrue the facts, the government will likely find out and deny your application.
Failing to tell your story: The visa application process gives you the opportunity to tell your story and sell why you should be granted a visa. So, don’t downplay your situation. Be open and honest while still being persuasive. If you only do the bare minimum, then you reduce your chances of acquiring the visa that you want.
Applying for the wrong type of visa: There are a lot of different visa types to choose from, but many of them probably aren’t applicable to you and your set of circumstances. If you apply for the wrong visa type, then your application will be quickly rejected. So, make sure you understand the various visa types you can pursue and only move forward with one once you know that you qualify for it.
Neglecting supporting documentation: Your visa application is probably going to request additional supporting documentation. If you neglect to include it, then your application will be denied. Carefully read through your visa application so that you’re including everything you need when you submit it.
Providing an incomplete travel history: Some visa types require that you provide your recent travel history. Your application will be denied if the history you provide is incomplete or inaccurate. Remember, the government will likely find out any information that you leave out.
There are a lot of other mistakes that can be made when seeking a visa. So, be diligent when applying for yours. Carefully read through the application so that you understand what needs to be provided. Then, set out to persuade the government that you should be given the visa you seek. Just make sure you’re truthful throughout your application.
Don’t improvise when seeking immigration protection
Out of fear of costs and time, many individuals seek to navigate the immigration process on their own. Don’t make that mistake. The United States’ immigration laws are simply too complex, and there’s too much at stake to go it alone. So, if you have questions about how best to pursue your desired immigration status, be sure to talk it over with your immigration law attorney.
]]>0On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLChttps://www.raylolaw.com/?p=480282024-02-01T21:51:07Z2024-02-05T21:47:20ZAvoid these mistakes when seeking a visa
There are plenty of opportunities to make mistakes, regardless of what type of visa you seek. Here are some of the most common that you’ll want to keep in the back of your mind as you navigate the family immigration process:
Not filing all necessary paperwork or submitting incomplete documentation.
Providing false or misleading information.
Not realizing the impact of your criminal history and how to minimize it.
Misunderstanding family immigration law and how it applies to your set of circumstances.
Overlooking the importance of an affidavit in support, speaking to how you’ll be financially supported.
Sending in documentation that is untranslated or is poorly translated.
Not preparing for immigration interviews.
Not retaining copies of documentation submitted to the government.
Don’t let avoidable errors cost you or a loved one immigration status
As you can see, there’s a lot that can go wrong during the family visa process. That’s why many people choose to have an advocate on their side who can help them understand the intricacies involved with obtaining a visa.
Whether that option is right for you is a decision you’ll have to make. Regardless of where you come out on that, please know that you can get through the immigration process, regardless of how tough it may seem. You just need to thoroughly prepare and know how to advocate for yourself or your loved one.]]>0On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLChttps://www.raylolaw.com/?p=480272024-01-24T19:49:31Z2024-01-22T19:47:34ZProving your marriage is genuine to USCIS
USCIS considers several forms of evidence when determining whether your marriage is a ‘bona fide marriage,’ or in other words, a real marriage. Providing USCIS with the following evidence can help you establish that your marriage is legitimate:
Proof of cohabitation: Mortgage documents, lease agreements, property deeds, and bills that show the names of both spouses, as well as driver’s licenses, credit card statements and other documents that show that both spouses have the same address.
Proof of children you raise together: Birth or adoption certificates, school or medical records naming stepparent as emergency contact, family photos showing both spouses with the children/stepchildren, etc.
Proof of joint finances: Joint bank account statements, joint credit card statements, joint income tax returns, insurance policies listing spouses as primary beneficiaries, etc.
Other evidence: Wedding photos, vacation photos and other photos of you and your spouse taken during your relationship, letters, emails, and texts between you and your spouse, affidavits from friends and family, etc.
If you are applying for a marriage green card, a family immigration lawyer can help you submit Form I-130, along with your marriage certificate and any evidence you have proving the legitimacy of your marriage.
You will then apply for your marriage green card and attend your green card interview where the immigration officer will ask you questions to find out more about your relationship.
Once the interview is completed, you will wait for approval of your application. The process can take one to three years, depending on whether your spouse is citizen or green card holder and whether you currently live in the United States or abroad.]]>0On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLChttps://www.raylolaw.com/?p=480252024-01-09T16:53:26Z2024-01-05T15:15:31Zfamily-based immigration.
Immigrant visas
Before a foreign national can seek permanent residence in the United States, they need an immigrant visa. In family-based immigration, a foreign national must be sponsored by an immediate relative. The immediate relative must be 21 years old or older. The relative must also be either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
Lawful permanent residents
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States -- meaning that you have a green card -- you can file a petition for an immigrant visa for only:
Your spouse
Your unmarried child
U.S. citizens
If you are a U.S. citizen, you have more freedom for family-based immigration. You may file a petition for an immigrant visa for:
Your spouse
Your child
Your parent
Your sibling
Filing petitions
If one of the above categories applies to your situation, you can file Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The USCIS has the petitions and instructions on its website.
Many people file these petitions electronically within the United States. They can also be filed through the mail. Filing a petition from outside the United States requires a somewhat different process.
If none of the above categories applies
If none of the above categories applies to your situation -- for instance, if you are a U.S. citizen and you are trying to bring a cousin to the United States -- you may not be able to bring your loved one to the United States through family-based immigration. However, you may have other options, such as employment-based immigration.]]>0On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLChttps://www.raylolaw.com/?p=480222023-12-28T07:09:58Z2023-12-28T07:09:58ZBusiness visa types in New Jersey
Like all states, New Jersey allows for a system of business immigration. Typically, interested parties accomplish this through a visa. A visa is a legal document approved by the Department of Homeland Security that allows a foreigner to enter the United States. Business visas, of course, are used for business purposes. They include the following types:
B-1 and B-2: Short-term business travel
E-1 and E-2: Entrepreneurs who want to start a business that trades with their home country
EB-5: Those who want to invest in a US business as a foreigner
L-1: Those transferring from a foreign company to a company located in the United States
H1-B: Companies looking to acquire foreign talent — limited number available
O-1: Field-specific temporary visa for exceptional talent
Business immigration problems
Immigrating to the United States is never easy. With the regulatory element of business, it becomes even more complex. There are specific problems such as:
Difficulty in successfully applying for a business-related visa
Complexity of completing an intra-company transfer
Immigrating a foreign worker's family
There's a lot that can go wrong, and the entire process can be time-consuming, cumbersome and frustrating. This is without even taking into consideration the changing legal landscape. Immigration is a hot legal topic, and Congress may change the law regulating business immigration at any time. For example, the cap on the number of issued H1-B visas can change. Companies must plan ahead for such complications.
Despite the issues surrounding it, business immigration is important for both businesses and the economy as a whole. It allows companies to get the talent they need to compete in a global marketplace.]]>0On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLChttps://www.raylolaw.com/?p=480232023-12-29T19:46:55Z2023-12-22T19:45:40Zwhat they must do and know how to follow the rules, it can be made much easier to achieve the desired outcome and have the fiancé(e) come to live in the United States.
Understand the steps for a K-1 visa
There is a form that must be filled out petitioning for the prospective spouse to come to the United States The couple needs to state their intention to get married within 90 days of the fiancé(e) entering the country under the K-1 visa.
The marriage must be legitimate meaning that the intention is to be a couple and not so the immigrant can come to live in the United States under false pretenses. Once the couple has been married, the K-1 recipient can then apply to be a permanent resident and try to get a Green Card.
There are other eligibility rules with the K-1 visa. The couple must be legally allowed to get married. If one or the other has been married before and has not yet gotten a divorce, they cannot get legally married nor get the K-1 visa.
It is also possible to have the requirement waived if it will be a hardship.
Another common concern is if the K-1 visa recipient has children who also want to come and live in the United States If they are under 21 and unmarried, they can be eligible on a K-2 visa. There is a form to fill out for this and they can travel to the United States, but not before the fiancé(e) does. The K-1 visa will allow the person to request an authorization to work and subsequently seek employment. They can apply for the visa and the work authorization simultaneously.
Know the process and address obstacles as they arise
There is no reason to be fearful about the K-1 visa process, but it is critical to know and follow the requirements. While many cases will go smoothly, others run into obstacles where there is a question about the validity of the relationship or other delays. Simply because there is a delay does not mean the request will be denied.
Knowing how the process works is one step, but having help from experienced people who speak several languages is also crucial. Being fully prepared from the outset can make the process easier and avoid pitfalls that have sabotaged other applications.]]>0On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLChttps://www.raylolaw.com/?p=480202023-12-14T04:35:57Z2023-12-14T04:35:57ZLength of validity
The E3 visa remains valid for up to two years, with the option for indefinite renewal by the holder. This makes it a great option for someone who is looking to remain in the United States for a long time. Dependent spouses or children of E3 visa holders are granted E3D status. Annually, authorities allocate 10,500 of these visas, and as of this date, the numerical limitation has never been met.
Benefits of an E3 visa
E3 visas are exclusively for Australian nationals, with thousands available yearly and a more cost-effective application process than the H1B visa. For Australian residents interested in business immigration, the E3 serves as a more accessible and convenient option, allowing the dependent spouse and children to accompany the individual applying for the visa. Additionally, children can attend school in the United States.
The spouse of an individual applying for an E3 visa can apply for an employment authorization document (EAD), enabling them to work lawfully. This distinguishes the E3 visa for business immigration from the H1B, which, with some exceptions, does not permit the spouse to work.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for this visa, a person has to be a citizen of Australia and show they have a legitimate offer for employment in the United States. They will also need to show that they will fill the position that qualifies them as a specialty occupation.
The E3 visa provides a unique opportunity for Australians who have a unique set of skills and education to work for a company in the United States. The limited number of people applying for this visa makes it worth investigating.]]>0