Immigration Frequently Asked Questions
What immigration services does Weekend Law provide?
Weekend Law focuses on a limited number of family-based immigration and citizenship matters. Our immigration services include fiancé visa petitions, marriage-based green card applications, removal of conditions on permanent residence, naturalization and citizenship applications, and green card renewal or replacement applications.
By focusing on a limited number of immigration services, we are able to provide practical guidance, transparent flat-fee pricing, and personalized attention throughout the application process.
What immigration services does Weekend Law not provide?
Weekend Law does not represent clients in immigration court, removal or deportation proceedings, asylum matters, employment-based immigration matters, waivers, appeals, federal immigration litigation, or other complex immigration proceedings.
Our immigration practice is limited to document-based family immigration and citizenship matters. If your matter requires representation before an immigration judge, extensive litigation, or highly specialized immigration services, you may need to retain other counsel.
What is a fiancé visa (K-1 Visa)?
A K-1 fiancé visa allows a United States citizen to petition for a foreign national fiancé(e) to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage. After entering the United States, the parties must generally marry within 90 days.
Weekend Law assists clients with preparation of Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), supporting documentation, evidence of the relationship, Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, and guidance regarding the fiancé visa process.
What is a marriage-based green card?
A marriage-based green card allows a foreign national spouse to obtain lawful permanent resident status through their relationship with a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse.
Depending on the circumstances, the process may involve preparation of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, and related applications such as Form I-765 for employment authorization and Form I-131 for travel authorization.
Weekend Law assists clients with preparing the required forms, identifying supporting documentation, organizing evidence, and submitting a complete application package.
What evidence is needed for a marriage-based green card?
Every case is different, but applicants are generally required to demonstrate that the marriage is genuine and was entered into in good faith rather than solely for immigration purposes.
Examples of evidence may include marriage certificates, photographs, joint financial accounts, joint leases or mortgages, insurance policies, tax returns, correspondence, travel records, birth certificates of children, and other documentation demonstrating a bona fide marital relationship.
What is Removal of Conditions (Form I-751)?
Many individuals who obtain permanent residence through a recent marriage initially receive a conditional green card that is valid for two years. To remain a permanent resident, the individual must generally file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, before the conditional card expires.
Weekend Law assists clients with preparing Form I-751 and organizing evidence demonstrating that the marriage continues to be bona fide.
What is naturalization?
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a United States citizen. Eligibility requirements generally involve maintaining permanent resident status for a specified period, meeting residency and physical presence requirements, demonstrating good moral character, and passing the required English and civics examinations unless an exemption applies.
Weekend Law assists clients with preparation of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and provides guidance regarding the citizenship process.
What happens during the citizenship interview?
Most applicants are required to attend an interview with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). During the interview, USCIS typically reviews the application, verifies eligibility, tests English proficiency when required, and administers the civics examination unless an exemption applies.
Proper preparation and accurate documentation can help the interview process proceed smoothly.
How do I renew or replace a green card?
Permanent residents may need to renew an expiring green card or replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect card by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Weekend Law assists clients with preparation and filing of Form I-90 and related supporting documentation.
Are government filing fees included in Weekend Law’s immigration fees?
No. USCIS filing fees, medical examination costs, translation expenses, travel expenses, and other third-party costs are not included in Weekend Law’s legal fees unless specifically stated otherwise. Clients remain responsible for these expenses.
Does Weekend Law attend immigration interviews?
Weekend Law’s immigration services are primarily focused on application preparation, document review, evidence organization, and guidance throughout the filing process. Representation at interviews, hearings, immigration court proceedings, and other litigation-related matters is generally outside the scope of our immigration practice.