Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC FindLaw IM Template 2026-08-13T17:49:32Z https://www.raylolaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1201801/2021/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.png On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[Help! I have an upcoming Stokes interview]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48164 2026-08-13T17:49:32Z 2026-08-13T17:49:32Z Of all the processes immigrants and asylees face in their journey to legally live and work in the United States, the most anxiety-producing has to be the Stokes interview. Not every couple has to undergo a Stokes interview, and the fact that you have one scheduled indicates that the interviewer had some questions about the veracity of your marriage claims. No wonder you’re nervous.

Being nervous is normal

You may worry that the interviewer will see your nervousness as an attempt to be cagey with the truth of your marital claim. That’s understandable, but interviewers realize that the process invokes anxiety in immigrants and asylees. They expect interviewees to be nervous. What they don’t expect are wildly disparate answers to common Stokes interview questions. If they get these inaccurate answers, that’s going to justify them taking another poke at the couple.

Should we rehearse?

Sure, if just to ensure that your answers are at least similar. For example, if the interviewer asks what color their couch is, one spouse might say red and another maroon and still be correct, as maroon is a shade of red. That’s very different from the spouses giving answers of “blue” and “red.” The tricky part about rehearsing is that you can sound fake if you and your spouse always give the same canned responses. In real life, there can be small but significant differences in the responses that still ring true, e.g., one spouse remembering the first date as a golf outing and the other clarifying it was at a putt-putt course.

Still feeling nervous?

It’s OK to experience nervousness and anxiety when you walk into the Stokes interview. Learn all you can about the process and go in with an open mind. Further questions should be directed to your legal team before the interview.]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[What are my work limitations if my visa is under review?]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48163 2026-07-24T11:51:59Z 2026-07-24T11:51:59Z Moving to the United States for work can be exciting, especially for first-timers. However, many first-time workers are unsure what they can and cannot do if their visa application, extension or change of status is still under review.  The rules depend on your visa category and the type of application that is pending. Before accepting work or changing employers, try to make sure you understand what your immigration limits are. 

Does a pending visa application automatically let you work?

No. A pending visa or immigration application does not automatically give permission to work in the United States. In most cases, you must have an official work permit before you can begin employment. If you are outside the U.S. waiting for your first employment visa to be approved, you cannot travel to the U.S. to start working until your visa has been issued and you have been admitted under that status.  If you are already in the United States, your ability to keep working depends on your current immigration status and the type of application that is pending. 

Common work limitations for first-time visa holders

If your visa or immigration application is under review, you may face several restrictions, including: 
  • You have to wait until you have the required work authorization and have entered the U.S. under the correct status, if applicable.
  • You must work only for the approved employer
  • You cannot work outside your approved role
  • You may need additional approval before changing employers
  • Self-employment is often prohibited
Following these restrictions helps protect your immigration status while your case is being processed. Because the consequences can have a domino effect, it is best to confirm your work eligibility before accepting any employment.  Seeking legal guidance before starting work or changing jobs can help you avoid mistakes that may affect your future immigration opportunities. ]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[Can you travel outside of the U.S. on a green card?]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48162 2026-07-18T22:06:53Z 2026-07-18T22:06:53Z Yes, if you have permanent resident status and therefore have a green card, you are still permitted to travel outside of the United States. When this is a brief or temporary trip, it should not affect your status at all. For example, perhaps you moved to the United States years ago on a student visa, got a job after graduation, and obtained permanent resident status so that you could stay and start a new life in the U.S. But you still have family members in your home country. If you want to return home to visit them over the holidays or for something of this nature, you are fully permitted to do so, and you will not lose your permanent resident status just for being out of the country.

When complications may arise

There are two main issues with traveling outside of the U.S. to keep in mind. The first is if the U.S. government determines that you never had any intention of living in the country permanently. They may determine that you have abandoned your status, which could cause you to lose your green card. But a simple trip home to see your family is not going to give them this impression. It is a bigger issue when you travel for an extended period of time. Generally speaking, if you are going to be outside of the U.S. for more than a year, then you may need to take additional steps. For example, you can use Form I-131 to apply for a reentry permit. If you do this before your trip, knowing in advance that you are going to have to leave for more than a year, the permit can allow you to reenter. It also helps establish that you do intend to live in the United States, even if you feel obligated to take an extended absence. Understanding the complexities of the situation is important to your immigration status, so be sure you know exactly what legal options you have.]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[What to expect at your US citizenship interview]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48161 2026-07-13T12:34:08Z 2026-07-13T12:34:08Z Receiving your naturalization interview notice can bring both excitement and nerves. You are nearing an important goal, yet the chance of forgetting a document or giving a wrong answer can make the appointment feel intimidating. For applicants in Jersey City and across northern New Jersey, preparation can make the process more predictable. Knowing each stage helps you arrive ready and focused.

The notice that schedules your interview

After U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews your file and finishes your background check, it mails you an appointment notice with the date, time and location of your interview. Receiving that letter is genuinely good news, because it usually means your paperwork cleared its first review. That milestone is something people work toward for years when they pursue naturalization. Try to use the weeks beforehand to reread the answers you gave and to rest, so you arrive feeling steady rather than rushed.

The officer's review of your application

Inside the office, an officer greets you and asks you to take an oath to tell the truth. From there, the officer goes through your Form N-400 application to confirm that your responses still hold true. Expect calm but careful questions about where you have lived, your trips abroad and your background. During the same visit, you will also complete an English and civics test, which most well-prepared applicants pass on their first attempt. If anything has changed since you filed, such as a new address or job, you can simply mention it and share any supporting document.

The possible outcomes of your interview

USCIS may approve your application, continue the case or deny it. A continued case often means the agency needs more evidence or must let you try part of the test again. It does not automatically mean your application has failed. Even after approval, citizenship does not begin immediately. USCIS will provide instructions for a later ceremony. At that event, an officer administers the Oath of Allegiance. USCIS then issues your Certificate of Naturalization, the official document confirming your new citizenship status.

Your next step toward citizenship

Before your interview date arrives, consider sitting down with an experienced immigration attorney to review your application together and rehearse your answers out loud. A single preparation session can help you catch anything that needs updating, steady your nerves and let you walk into that room ready to claim the citizenship you have worked so hard to reach.]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[How immigrants can help their children enter the U.S.]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48160 2026-06-30T00:57:00Z 2026-06-30T00:57:00Z Securing visas Many people travel with their family members when they have work or student visas. Minor children and spouses of those who qualify for visas may be eligible for related visas.

Acting as a sponsor

Permanent residents and citizens can help their children enter the United States and obtain green cards. They can become permanent residents almost immediately instead of waiting years to adjust their status. There are family preference visas that make children of immigrants eligible for green cards. Lawful permanent residence can help their unmarried children secure green cards. Only citizens generally have the ability to sponsor their married adult children for immigration purposes. Parents hoping to bring their children with them when they enter the United States or sponsor them when they are already physically present here may need help exploring their options. Working with a family immigration attorney can help parents evaluate different options to provide their children with more opportunities.]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[What status do step-children have for immigration matters?]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48159 2026-06-19T13:51:13Z 2026-06-19T13:51:13Z Many families are understandably surprised to learn that U.S. immigration law has specific rules governing when a stepparent-stepchild relationship is and is not legally recognized. Understanding these rules can help families make informed decisions when pursuing visas, green cards or other immigration benefits. Under U.S. immigration law, a stepchild may qualify as a "child" for immigration purposes if the marriage that created the stepparent-stepchild relationship occurred before the child's 18th birthday. If a parent’s marriage takes place after their child turns 18, the stepparent generally cannot use that relationship alone as the basis for sponsoring the child for immigration benefits.

What’s next in either scenario?

The law recognizes that families come in many forms. As a result, a stepparent does not necessarily need to have formally adopted a child for their relationship to be recognized for immigration purposes. The qualifying marriage itself may establish the necessary legal connection, provided the age requirements are met. When the above-mentioned criteria are met, a U.S. citizen stepparent may be able to petition for a stepchild just as they could for a biological child. This can create a pathway to lawful permanent residence for eligible children.  Stepchildren may also be included in certain immigration applications involving a parent. For example, when a foreign national seeks immigration benefits through a family relationship, unmarried children – regardless of their age – may sometimes qualify for derivative benefits depending on the specific visa category and circumstances. In either event, immigration benefits are not automatic simply because a qualifying stepparent relationship exists. Applicants must still satisfy all other legal requirements, submit appropriate documentation and comply with immigration procedures. Because immigration laws are complex and family circumstances vary widely, obtaining legal guidance as early as possible can be valuable accordingly. ]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[How is a conditional green card different from a traditional one?]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48156 2026-06-10T03:56:42Z 2026-06-10T03:56:42Z married for less than two years, they can only get a conditional green card. Immigrant investors whose lawful presence in the United States depends on financially supporting a business and new spouses of citizens may receive conditional green cards instead of traditional ones. What separates a conditional green card from a standard permanent resident card?

Conditional cards require prompt renewal

A standard green card only requires renewal once a decade. Permanent residents must submit paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) every 10 years to renew their green cards and retain their lawful status. They undergo a background check, and they can typically remain in the country as long as they still meet current USCIS standards. Conditional green cards are different. They are only valid for two years, and they are not eligible for renewal as a conditional green card. Instead, the person with the conditional green card must apply to remove the conditions from their permanent resident status. They do this by proving that they have continued to invest in a domestic business or that they have remained married to their citizen spouse. Once the USCIS affirms that the conditional green card holder still meets the requirements that allowed them to obtain a conditional green card, the immigrant becomes eligible for a traditional green card. When they renew their documents again 10 years in the future, they no longer have to validate their ongoing investment or prove their marital status. Learning more about green cards and immigration regulations can help people solidify their lawful presence in the United States. Conditional green cards are an important step for those entering the country through marriage or business investment.]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[How can employers prove specialized knowledge for an L-1B visa?]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48155 2026-06-02T12:36:20Z 2026-06-02T12:36:20Z What qualifies as specialized knowledge? Specialized knowledge means the employee has an advanced understanding of your company's products, services, research methods, techniques or management practices. The USCIS evaluates whether this knowledge is truly special to the organization. In such cases, the role must require knowledge that takes significant time or money to teach someone else. The knowledge may also give the company a significant advantage over competitors. This may include knowledge that is not common in the industry.

What evidence should employers include in an L-1B petition?

The employer must provide detailed records to support the L-1B petition. Essential documents to include in your petition are:
  • A letter explaining the specialized knowledge and how the employee acquired it
  • Detailed descriptions of current and future job duties
  • Educational background and professional certifications
  • Proof of at least one year of continuous employment abroad within the past three years
  • Organizational charts showing the employee's position
  • Training records and performance evaluations
All records must follow federal immigration requirements. The petition should show how the knowledge benefits the U.S. business and why the employee suits the position.

What are the common mistakes when filing a petition?

USCIS officers often reject L-1B petitions that describe general industry knowledge rather than company-specific information. Another common error is failing to show how the employee's knowledge is special or advanced compared to others in similar roles. Proprietary knowledge may strengthen a petition, but USCIS does not require specialized knowledge to be proprietary or unique.

Preparing for an L-1B petition

Moving your top talent to the U.S. protects your corporate momentum and sets your expansion up for long-term success. Gathering your employment records and training logs early is the most practical way to avoid processing delays. Also, by anticipating common challenges and addressing eligibility requirements early, employers can reduce the risk of delays and strengthen their petitions.]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[New USCIS memo may reshape the adjustment of status process]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48153 2026-05-28T17:08:57Z 2026-05-28T17:08:57Z For many immigrants already living in the United States, adjustment of status has long provided a practical path to obtaining a green card without leaving the country. However, a new policy issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on May 21, 2026, may significantly change that. The USCIS describes the policy as a clarification of existing law, but the practical effects could fundamentally alter the adjustment of status process. Here’s more on this.

What the memo actually changes

At its core, the new USCIS memorandum redefines how adjustment of status is assessed in practice. It characterizes the process less as a routine pathway for eligible applicants and more as a discretionary, case-by-case benefit that requires a stronger showing of favorable factors to justify approval.  This gives adjudicating officers broader authority to deny applicants even where the applicant meets the baseline eligibility criteria under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The memo identifies factors, such as prior visa overstays, failure to maintain lawful status or certain periods of unauthorized presence, as significant negative considerations. While these factors are not new to immigration law, they are now given greater weight in the adjudication process, increasing the likelihood that they will outweigh positive equities such as family ties, long residence or employment sponsorship.

Who faces the greatest risk?

The memo creates acute uncertainty for several groups. For instance, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, who historically could file for adjustment of status without maintaining continuous lawful status, are now squarely in the crosshairs. The same goes for certain non-immigrant visa holders who cannot legally maintain their status once a green card application is filed. Additionally, consular processing abroad isn’t a safe alternative for many immigrants. It can trigger lengthy reentry bars or is simply unavailable, especially for nationals of countries affected by an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing at U.S. consulates.

What you should do now

If you have a pending adjustment application or are planning to file one, the most important step you can take right now is to reach out for professional legal guidance. A qualified assessment of your specific situation can help you understand your options and make informed decisions amidst all the uncertainty.]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[What documents can prove the authenticity of your marriage?]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48151 2026-05-13T15:14:53Z 2026-05-13T15:14:53Z Your marital status can have a direct impact on your immigration status. A spouse can petition to have the other person granted entry to the United States to reunite the family. Additionally, marriage is often a reason for an adjustment of status, as a spouse who is in the U.S. on a visa may want to seek permanent resident status through a green card. The primary type of evidence that will need to be provided, from a documentation standpoint, is simply the marriage certificate. The couple needs to have filed the proper paperwork with the local government, and marriage certificates are typically signed by witnesses. When two people get married, one may also consider making a legal name change. If they have done so, this legal documentation can also support the fact that the two are authentically married.

Evidence of a life together

Beyond that, couples need to consider what type of documentation can simply show that they are genuinely building a life together in the U.S. Examples may include:
  • Shared bills from utility companies
  • Other types of mail demonstrating that the two share an address
  • Shared bank accounts or credit card bills
  • Tax documentation that has been filed jointly
The government typically just wants to establish that the two people are in an authentic relationship where they live together and that they are not simply pretending to be married for the sake of getting a green card. All of this documentation can show that this is the case, and a preponderance of evidence can be used to demonstrate that the green card should be granted. Petitioning for a spouse or adjusting a status can be complex, so it is important to know what legal steps to take, and it may help to work with an experienced immigration attorney.  ]]> 0