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,

Major Update — August 2026: On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule replacing the Duration of Status system for F, J, and I nonimmigrants with fixed periods of admission. The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, although its effective date remains subject to congressional review. Could F-1, J-1, and I Visa Holders Soon Face Fixed Stay Periods? The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a significan

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

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

The Form I-20 is extremely important because it helps determine the validity of the status of an international (F-1) student.

The US Department of Homeland Security updated the STEM Designated Degree Program. Find out what that means for STEM OPT extensions.

Learn more about the residence abroad requirement for F-1 students or applicants for change of status.

If you are in the United States in a valid nonimmigrant status, you may be able to change your status to an F-1 student status in the U.S.