Immigration law is full of words and terms whose meanings are not obvious. We’ve used many of these words in this book and you may encounter others as you use additional resources. For help in unpacking their meanings, see the plain-English definitions below. Accompanying relative. In most cases, a person who is eligible to receive […]

Exchange visitors are permitted to work in the u. s. if the job is part of the par­ticular exchange program in which they are participating. Many J-1 programs, such as those for college and university professors or graduate medical students, are specifically created to engage the exchange visitor in employment. Others, like those for graduate […]

If you’re already in the U. S. in lawful status, such as on a student or other tem­porary visa, the petition can be used to ask your status the immediately changed to H-1B worker. (Part 2, Question 5 of Form I-129 offers choices addressing this issue.) You can’t, however, take advan­tage of this option if […]

Your accompanying spouse or minor children may apply to USCIS for permis­sion to work. However, they cannot get work permission if the money earned helps to support you, or is needed to support you. They are expected to use the money for such things as recreational and cultural activities and related travel. If your accompanying […]

The checklist below will help you and your employer assemble the necessary items for the visa petition. A few items on this checklist require some extra explanation: Form I-129 and H Supplement. The basic form for the visa petition is immi­gration Form I-129 and its H supplement. The I-129 form is used for many different […]