Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC FindLaw IM Template 2026-06-30T00:57:00Z 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[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 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[Can job loss lead to deportation on an H-1B visa?]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48150 2026-05-02T11:55:40Z 2026-05-02T11:55:40Z recently discussed how you may talk to multiple employers and have numerous different options. Eventually, you will settle on an offer that you want to select, get the appropriate visa and immigrate to the United States so that you can take that job. For many immigrants in this situation, though, this raises an important question: What happens if you lose your job? Whether you are laid off due to company restructuring, fired for cause or find yourself unemployed for any other reason, does that mean that your immigration status is now in jeopardy? To get your H-1B visa, you needed to satisfy the employment requirements, could you now face deportation in the wake of a job loss?

H-1B visas have a 60-day grace period

It is true that employment is connected to the H-1B visa, and someone who is not employed is in violation of those terms. This could eventually lead to deportation if you do not leave the United States on your own. That being said, you do not have to immediately worry about this becoming a significant issue. There is a 60-day grace period for the H-1B visa. You may have options to work for other employers who also value your skill set and expertise. This two-month grace period gives you a chance to seek other employment so that you still satisfy the terms of the visa and can stay in the United States. Employment immigration can be complex, and this may just be one of the questions you have. It can help to work with an experienced attorney.]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[Can you apply for an H-1B visa with different employers?]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48147 2026-04-23T16:09:09Z 2026-04-23T15:56:41Z Is It legal to have multiple H-1B petitions? Under U.S. immigration law, multiple employers may file H-1B petitions on your behalf. There is no legal restriction preventing different companies from sponsoring the same individual simultaneously. Each employer must file a separate petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, each petition must be based on a bona fide job offer. USCIS reviews each filing to confirm that the position is legitimate and meets wage and specialty occupation standards. You must also meet the eligibility criteria for each role.

Does having multiple petitions increase your lottery chances?

It is important to note that having multiple petitions does not guarantee approval. Each petition goes through its own review process. Moreover, USCIS conducts the lottery on a per-beneficiary basis, not per-petition. This means you receive only one entry in the lottery regardless of how many employers register. Once selected, all employers that submitted a registration can proceed with filing full petitions.

Can you work for multiple employers on an H-1B visa?

You can work for multiple employers simultaneously on an H-1B visa. However, each employer must have an approved H-1B petition specifically for you. This means you cannot work for a company that has not filed and received approval for concurrent H-1B status. Each petition is employer-specific and tied to the particular job described in the application. If you intend to take on additional work or change employers, the new employer must file a separate petition. This ensures compliance with immigration regulations and protects your legal status.

Understanding your immigration options

The H-1B process involves complex regulations and strict requirements. If you are exploring H-1B opportunities with multiple employers, legal counsel may provide guidance on specific regulatory compliance.]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[Can a divorce affect your pending green card application?]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48146 2026-04-01T17:26:40Z 2026-04-01T17:26:40Z How your immigration status shapes your options Your current immigration status plays a major role in determining how a divorce affects your green card case. If you already hold a conditional two-year green card, your path forward differs from someone whose petition the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has not yet approved. For applicants with a pending marriage-based I-130 petition, a final divorce will typically result in the denial or withdrawal of that application. USCIS requires the marriage to remain legally valid when it adjudicates the case, so ending the marriage before approval usually ends the case.

Why divorce timelines in New Jersey matter

The length of divorce proceedings in New Jersey can range from a few months to well over a year. If your immigration case is moving on a parallel track, the timing of your divorce finalization relative to your green card adjudication could determine the outcome of your application. Technically, a marriage remains legally valid in New Jersey until the court enters a Final Judgment of Divorce. However, a pending divorce generally makes a green card approval very difficult, as USCIS requires proof of a "bona fide" marriage and the sponsoring spouse often withdraws their support before the process is complete.

What happens to your green card after divorce

If USCIS has already approved your I-130 and you hold a conditional green card, a divorce does not automatically mean you lose your status. You can file Form I-751 with a request to waive the joint filing requirement, which allows you to petition for removal of conditions without your former spouse. To succeed on this waiver, you generally need to show that you entered the marriage in good faith and not solely for immigration benefits. Evidence such as joint financial records, shared lease agreements, photographs and correspondence can support your case. If your green card application is still pending, a divorce creates a more difficult situation. USCIS may deny or revoke the underlying petition, and you may need to explore whether another immigration category applies to your circumstances.]]> 0 On Behalf of Law Offices of Raymond Lo, LLC <![CDATA[DACA renewal: Requirements and keeping up with constant changes]]> https://www.raylolaw.com/?p=48144 2026-03-25T09:20:24Z 2026-03-25T09:20:24Z Preparing to renew your status While immigration laws are constantly changing, the process for renewal and requirements remain more or less the same. A good rule of thumb is to file the following forms about four to five months before your current DACA expiration date:
  • Form I-821D: This is for the renewal of your DACA status.
  • Form I-765: This is to request a new work permit valid for two years.
  • Form I-765WS: This is a worksheet about your finances that must accompany your I-765 form.
Filing early can help you avoid a gap in your permit in case the government asks for more information or takes longer to process your application.

Navigating the ever-changing landscape

Recent changes to immigration law have created uncertainty for DACA recipients and their families. While the program does protect you from deportation, it is natural to feel anxious when new regulations and amendments are constantly coming out. Making an effort to keep your DACA status updated generally puts you in a better position. Additionally, seeking legal guidance can offer insight into what your other options are if complications arise.

Protecting your future

Renewing your DACA status properly and on time can help you stay and build a life in the U.S. legally. In some cases, it can even be a bridge to other options, such as obtaining a green card or citizenship. It can be daunting to take control of your future when things seem unpredictable. However, staying informed and keeping your documents in order can help you confidently navigate this constantly shifting process.]]> 0