Frequently Asked Questions

An RFE means USCIS needs more documents or clarification before deciding your case.

Travel is typically only safe after Advance Parole is approved.

You may be able to work after your I-765 work permit is approved. This will require you to file for a separate work visa to work while your green card is being approved.

USCIS asks questions to confirm your marriage is real and your paperwork is accurate.

Delays often come from missing documents, RFEs, weak evidence, or interview backlogs.

Timelines vary widely, often ranging from months to over a year.

USCIS expects proof of a shared life, like joint finances, housing records, and photos.

Many spouses of U.S. citizens in the U.S. can file both forms together if eligible.

It usually involves Form I-130, supporting evidence, biometrics, and a USCIS interview.

Legal support is especially helpful when there are prior denials, RFEs, inconsistent documents, or embassy delays. An attorney reduces mistakes and helps keep your K1 visa processing time moving efficiently. Our firm assists clients nationwide through the full journey from petition to residency.

Adjustment of status commonly takes 7 to 9 months, with some cases taking longer due to field office workload. Most applicants receive a conditional two-year green card if married less than two years at the time of approval. This step finalizes the transition from K-1 to permanent residency.

You must marry within 90 days of arrival and cannot extend this deadline. After marriage, the next step is filing for residency through adjustment of status, which includes work and travel applications. Our green card resources explain the forms involved.

Most approved visas are issued within 1 to 2 weeks. Administrative processing can extend this timeline significantly when additional review is required. Applicants should track their CEAC status until the visa is issued.

Most applicants finish the medical exam and receive results within a week. Delays occur when vaccinations are missing, medical follow-ups are required, or the exam is scheduled too close to the interview date. Planning this step early keeps your timeline on track.

RFEs typically add 1 to 3 months, depending on how fast you respond and how long USCIS takes to review the new evidence. A complete, well-organized response helps avoid additional delays. Our attorneys also assist with RFE review through consultation services.

The most common issues involve missing evidence, inconsistent information, or weak relationship documentation. Embassy delays often come from administrative processing. Many of these problems can be reduced with early guidance from an immigration attorney.

High-demand embassies experience heavy caseloads and staffing gaps, which slow interview scheduling. Security reviews also add time in certain regions. These factors explain why your K1 visa processing time may differ from the average.

Interview timing varies widely, often from 1 to 4 months, with some posts taking much longer. Embassy workload and staffing determine most wait times. Couples should monitor embassy updates published monthly by the State Department.

NVC processing usually takes 3 to 6 weeks before your case is sent abroad. This period includes case creation and assignment of the embassy location. Our general visa overview offers a look at how NVC fits into the overall process.

The current median is about 5.7 months, though many cases run 6 to 10 months. USCIS volume and staffing influence this stage more than anything else. Updates are available in real time through USCIS’s official case-tracking tools.

The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, both partners must intend to marry within 90 days, and proof of an in-person meeting within two years is required. Strong relationship evidence helps avoid delays. Our K-1 visa lawyer page covers these requirements fully.

It begins with Form I-129F at USCIS, moves to the NVC, then proceeds to the embassy interview and visa issuance. After entry, you must marry within 90 days before filing for residency. Our K1 visas guide explains each step in more detail.

Most couples see a 10 to 16 month timeline from filing to visa issuance. USCIS handles the longest step, and embassy speed varies by location. Contact an immigration lawyer to discuss a more detailed timeline for your visa today!

The citizenship test includes questions on U.S. history, government, foreign affairs, and current legal matters. It’s recommended to study with practice tests and seek help from an immigration attorney to prepare.

The application (Form N-400) processing time is around 8–13 months, but the time it takes to complete the entire naturalization process can be anywhere from 16 to 22 months. However, there are many factors that can affect the timeline of legally immigrating.

Yes, U.S. citizenship can be revoked through a process called “denaturalization,” though it is rare. Grounds for denaturalization include falsifying information, refusing to testify before Congress, membership in subversive groups, or a dishonorable military discharge.

The United States does allow dual citizenship, and they will recognize it when you become a US citizen. However, the eligibility requirements are not the same in every country.

If your green card is denied you have the right to appeal the decision. Contact us today to speak to an attorney about your options!

You may be asked various questions about your relationship and marriage. Our team at Rozas are able to assist you with questions that may be asked during your interview.

A conditional resident is someone who has been married for less than two years when approved for residency and holds a conditional resident card. After two years of marriage, they must submit a form to remove the condition and obtain permanent residency, which provides full rights and benefits without restrictions.

You are able to apply for an adjustment of status through Form I-485, filed together with Form I-130 if you and your spouse both live in the United States and your spouse entered the country legally on a visa or parole. You may need to use Form I-130 followed by consular processing if your spouse lives outside of the United States or if you both reside outside the country.

You cannot get a DUI on a bike because the law applies to people operating a motor vehicle. The penalty for riding a bicycle drunk would be a ticket for public intoxication and possibly not following traffic laws.

Technically no, you cannot get a convicted DUI expunged in Louisiana. However, there are specific situations where you can avoid having it on your record, but you have to meet particular criteria to be eligible.

An experienced lawyer can possibly expedite your immigration case by: ensuring all paperwork is accurate, efficiently navigating complex legal procedures, and proactively advocating with immigration authorities to address and resolve delays. Contact us today to learn more!

No, Louisiana divorce laws allow couples to file for divorce just based on the fact that they are living separately and apart from one another.

Yes. There are as many divorce laws as there are states. Even neighboring states can have completely different laws than each other.

The cost of a DUI in Louisiana varies depending on the offense, with fines ranging from $300 to $1,000 for a first offense, $750 to $1,000 for a second, $2,000 for a third, and $5,000 for a fourth. Additional costs may include fees for a breathalyzer interlock device, court-approved substance abuse programs, and other related expenses.

The cost of an immigration lawyer varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the attorney’s experience, and the services required. Read our detailed FAQ to learn more.

In Louisiana, a no-fault divorce can take between 6 months and a little over a year, depending on child status. In fault-based divorces, the process will take at least 2 years.

To find a good immigration lawyer, research their experience, reputation, and success rates, and consider seeking referrals from trusted sources or professional organizations. Look for a reputable attorney like Rozas.

Yes. Spouses must live completely apart from one another for 180 days when there are no children involved. If they have kids, the divorcing couple must be separated for 1 year. If the divorce is fault-based, the couple will have to spend 2 years living separately before the divorce will be finalized.

To sponsor an immigrant, the sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and reside in the U.S. They must also prove they can financially support the immigrant at 125% above the poverty level.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the essential K-1 visa document requirements: proof of U.S. citizenship, evidence of a genuine relationship, financial support documents, police clearance certificates, a medical exam report, and a few additional identity documents like passport photos and the DS-160 confirmation page.

A DUI conviction in Louisiana can result in jail time, fines, community service, license suspension, and other penalties, depending on prior offenses. It stays on your record for life, potentially impacting job applications, loan approvals, gun purchases, and increasing insurance rates.

The cost of a child custody assessment depends on the evaluator’s experience, case complexity, and the duration of the assessment. More experienced evaluators, complex cases, and longer assessments generally result in higher fees.

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that offers a lifeline to undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as kids. It helps protect them from deportation and allows them to work legally.

An Alien Registration Number (or A-number) is a unique number essential for tracking your immigration journey, from applying for residency to securing U.S. citizenship. Whether you’re filing a green card application, applying for a work permit, or petitioning for a visa, your A-number plays a crucial role in keeping your paperwork in order.

The difference between 42A and 42B immigration is that 42A applies to green card holders facing removal, while 42B is for individuals without permanent residency who have strong ties to the U.S. and have lived there for many years.