This month, we are taking a closer look at the EB-1 visa — an employment-based green card category reserved for some of the most accomplished professionals in their fields. Below, we break down who qualifies, how the process works, and what to expect along the way. Wondering if your professional achievements qualify you for an EB-1? Schedule a consultation with our legal experts to evaluate your profile. What Is the EB-1 Visa? The EB-1 is an immigrant visa category reserved f

On September 14, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued an order temporarily preventing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from implementing a major new rule affecting international students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign media. The rule, titled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Informa

Understanding the updated Form I-485 and its revised "Public Charge" questions. If you or a loved one are in the process of applying for a Green Card, there's an important update you need to know about. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status — the primary form used to apply for lawful permanent resident status from within the United States. The new edition is dated

If you hold advance parole and are weighing a trip abroad, stop and read this first. On August 13, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) issued a decision that reverses more than a decade of settled guidance on what happens when green card applicants travel on advance parole. The change could expose some travelers to bars of three or ten years if they leave the country without understanding the new risk. The Case: Matter of Delcarmen-Lara In Matter of Delcarmen-Lara,

Two weeks ago, we published a detailed breakdown of Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, the USCIS guidance that generated alarming headlines about green cards and consular processing. Our message then was clear: read the memo, not the headlines. Since that post, USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have spoken again — more than once. What they said confirms our original analysis while leaving some important questions open for Adjustment of Status (AOS) applicants. H

On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, prompting alarming headlines across the country about green cards and consular processing. The reality, when you read the actual memo, is much more nuanced—and far more reassuring—than those headlines suggest. Here is what you need to know about the recent updates to the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process and how Gaertner Torres PLLC is navigating these changes. Key Highlights of PM-602-0199 The memo does not change

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a monumental milestone for many immigrants. If you are a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), you may be eligible to apply for citizenship through a legal process called naturalization. Navigating U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements can feel overwhelming, but understanding the steps is your best advantage. In this guide, the experts at Gaertner Torres PLLC—a Chambers Top Ranked USA 2025 immigration law firm—break

Once a foreign national becomes the beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition and an immigrant visa number is available, there are generally two ways to apply for lawful permanent residence (a Green Card): Adjustment of Status (AOS) Consular Processing Both options lead to the same result— lawful permanent residence in the United States —but the process, eligibility requirements, and timelines can be very different. Understanding these differences is essential when decidi

Many foreign nationals obtain lawful permanent residence (a green card) in the United States through employment. For most applicants, the process begins with PERM labor certification, a procedure administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This article explains how PERM works and what employers and employees should understand before starting the employment-based green card process. If you would like to evaluate whether an employment-based green card may be available f

The H-1B is a U.S. non-immigrant visa that allows employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations on a temporary basis. These are positions that require specialized knowledge and typically a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. The visa is widely used in industries such as technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, and other highly skilled professions. If you would like to understand whether your background may qualify for an H-1B visa, you may begin

Obtaining permanent residency in the U.S. can come with an important condition for those who recently got married: a green card valid for...

Learn about the exceptions to English and civics testing for naturalization applicants depending on their age and/or disabilities.

Learn more about when should you file your Naturalization Application and what to do if your I-751 is still pending.