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Can I Get a Marriage-Based Green Card After Entering Without Inspection?
Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically fix an entry without inspection. Learn how your immigration history affects your ability to get a green card, when an I-601A waiver may be needed, and how Section 245(i), parole in place, unlawful presence, and prior entries or departures can affect your options.

Tanya Powers
1 day ago7 min read


K-1 Visa vs. Marriage Green Card: Which Option Is Right for You?
Should you apply for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa or marry first and pursue a marriage-based green card? Both options can lead to permanent residence, but they differ in cost, processing, and what happens after arrival in the United States. Learn the advantages of each so you can make an informed decision.

Tanya Powers
Jul 314 min read


I-751 Divorce: What Happens If Your Marriage Ends Before or During Your Petition?
If your marriage ends before or during your I-751 petition, you may still be eligible to remove the conditions on your permanent residence. Learn how divorce and separation affect the I-751 process, when a waiver may be available, and what evidence USCIS looks for to determine whether your marriage was entered into in good faith.

Tanya Powers
Jul 245 min read


DS-160 Misrepresentation: How Old Visa Application Errors Can Affect Your Green Card
Could a mistake on an old visa application affect your green card case? Prior errors or omissions on a DS-160—such as failing to disclose a spouse, a prior visa denial, or an immigrant petition—may create serious issues during adjustment of status. Learn why these inconsistencies matter, how they are increasingly being identified, and what steps you should take before filing.

Tanya Powers
Jul 174 min read


EB-2 vs. EB-3: Which Green Card Category Is Better?
Should you pursue an EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based green card? The answer depends on your education, work experience, job requirements, and visa availability. This article explains the key differences between EB-2 and EB-3, who qualifies for each category, and why the best option depends on your individual circumstances.

Tanya Powers
Jul 114 min read


What Documents Do You Need for an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)?
Preparing Form I-864? Learn which documents are required for an Affidavit of Support, what income evidence to provide, and how to avoid common mistakes that can delay your green card case.

Tanya Powers
Jun 263 min read


What Happens After Your I-130 Is Approved? Step-by-Step Guide
Your I-130 petition was approved—now what? Learn the next steps for adjustment of status, consular processing, visa availability, and green card approval.

Tanya Powers
Jun 124 min read


What Happens If USCIS Denies Your Adjustment of Status Application?
Has USCIS denied your adjustment of status application? A denial does not always mean your immigration journey is over. Learn the common reasons USCIS denies green card applications, what happens after a denial, whether you may face removal proceedings, and the options that may be available to protect your future immigration status.

Tanya Powers
May 295 min read


USCIS’s New Adjustment of Status Policy Could Drastically Reshape Green Card Processing
The new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policy on Adjustment of Status could dramatically reshape the green card process in the United States. The guidance signals a major shift away from obtaining permanent residence inside the U.S. and toward consular processing abroad, potentially affecting marriage-based cases, employment-based immigration, visa overstays, unlawful presence waivers, and families already navigating long immigration delays. This article examines t

Tanya Powers
May 226 min read


Extreme Hardship Waiver: How USCIS Evaluates Hardship in Immigration Waiver Cases
An extreme hardship waiver can allow certain immigrants to overcome inadmissibility issues and continue their immigration process. Learn how USCIS analyzes hardship, what evidence strengthens a waiver case, and common mistakes to avoid.

Tanya Powers
May 84 min read


Can You Work While Your Green Card Is Pending?
Can you work while your green card is pending? The answer depends on your current status and whether you have proper work authorization. Learn when you can legally work, how to obtain an EAD, and the mistakes that could put your case at risk.

Tanya Powers
Apr 243 min read


Common Adjustment of Status Mistakes That Cause Delays (and How to Avoid Them)
Even simple mistakes can delay an Adjustment of Status application. Here are the most common issues we see—and how to avoid them.

Tanya Powers
Apr 104 min read


Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing: Which Is Right for You?
Learn the key differences between Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing, including timelines, risks, and which option is best for your green card application.

Tanya Powers
Apr 44 min read


Marriage-Based Green Cards: What Evidence Do You Really Need? (2026 Guide)
Applying for a marriage-based green card? Learn exactly what evidence USCIS looks for—from joint finances to photos—and how to build a strong, authentic case.

Tanya Powers
Mar 263 min read


How Long Will It Take? Understanding Family-Based Immigration Timelines in 2026
How long does family-based immigration really take? The answer depends on your relationship, your immigration category, and current visa backlogs. In this post, we break down timelines in plain language—so you can better understand what to expect and how to plan for each step of the process.

Tanya Powers
Mar 203 min read


The H-1B Lottery: Major Changes Employers Need to Know
This H-1B cap season brings significant changes for U.S. employers. USCIS has introduced a wage-based lottery selection system, shifting away from a purely random process, and a separate presidential proclamation may require a $100,000 government fee for certain new H-1B petitions. Employers should understand how these developments affect planning, costs, and compliance before the registration period opens.

Tanya Powers
Feb 43 min read


Paying USCIS Fees? Important Update
USCIS now accepts ACH debit via Form G-1650. Avoid delays from rejected credit card payments with Powers Immigration Law’s filing fee guidance.

Tanya Powers
Sep 1, 20252 min read


USCIS Issues Major Policy Update on Family-Based Immigrant Visa Petitions
On August 1, 2025, USCIS issued updated policy guidance for family-based immigrant visa petitions, clarifying eligibility requirements, documentation standards, interview triggers, and the potential for removal proceedings. This update aims to enhance consistency and prevent fraud in the I-130 process. Learn what this means for petitioners and their loved ones.

Tanya Powers
Aug 2, 20254 min read


What You Need to Know About USCIS’s Notice to Appear (NTA) Policy
Did you know USCIS can now issue Notices to Appear (NTAs) in more cases than before? If your immigration application is denied, it could lead to removal proceedings. At Powers Immigration Law, we break down what this means for you and share tips on how to stay protected.

Tanya Powers
Jun 23, 20253 min read


Changes to USCIS Filing Fees
USCIS changed the filing fees for certain immigration and naturalization forms and also released new versions of several forms.

Tanya Powers
Mar 15, 20241 min read
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