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What Happens After You Get a K1 Fiancé(e) Visa?
After receiving a K-1 visa, you have 90 days to marry and apply for your green card. Here’s a step-by-step guide to maintain your status and avoid mistakes.
alenaraylaw
4 days ago3 min read


How Long Does a Green Card Take Through Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of Status timelines vary by location, eligibility, and case quality. Discover how to check processing times and speed up your green card approval.

Alena Ray Conrad
Oct 282 min read


Affidavit of Support Exemption: Who Qualifies and How It Works
If you’ve worked in the U.S. with valid authorization and earned 40 Social Security credits, you may not need a financial sponsor for your green card. Here’s how to prove it.
alenaraylaw
Oct 172 min read


USCIS Policy Update: Discretionary Factors in Immigration Cases (2025)
USCIS can now deny cases based on discretion—even if you qualify. Find out which factors matter most and how to protect your application.

Alena Ray Conrad
Sep 161 min read


Common Mistakes when submitting the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
Submitting Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, may seem straightforward, but even small mistakes can cause serious delays—or even a denial. From filing taxes under the wrong status, to failing to provide updated pay stubs, to not showing enough proof of self-employment income, these errors are more common than most applicants realize. Knowing what to avoid can save you months of waiting and protect your green card case.
alenaraylaw
Sep 22 min read


How Many Years of Tax Returns Are Required for the Affidavit of Support?
I-864 Affidavit of Support: USCIS requires the latest tax return, but current income matters most. Discover what documents to bring to have the best odds for approval!

Alena Ray Conrad
Aug 261 min read


Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): What to do if your Income Is Not Enough?
Struggling to meet the income requirements for the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) doesn’t mean your green card case is over. USCIS offers several options that can help you qualify, including adding a joint sponsor, using the applicant’s income, or counting certain assets. Knowing which strategy fits your situation can make the difference between an approval and a costly delay.
alenaraylaw
Aug 122 min read


Marriage-Based Green Card Case: 6 Key Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
Avoid USCIS delays with these 6 tips to prepare your marriage-based green card case.

Alena Ray Conrad
Apr 93 min read


Immigration Waivers: Your Introduction to Unlawful Presence and Other Waivers
Learn about immigration waivers for unlawful presence, criminal convictions, and more.

Alena Ray Conrad
Feb 254 min read


Understanding President Biden's Parole in Place for Spouses of US Citizens
Learn about Biden's executive action to help spouses of US citizens. Who is eligible, what happens next, what to do to prepare.

Alena Ray Conrad
Jun 18, 20243 min read


I-864 Simplified: Your Affidavit of Support Guide to Calculating Household Size
Learn how to accurately calculate household size for the I-864 Affidavit of Support with our step-by-step guide to meet USCIS requirements

Alena Ray Conrad
Jun 11, 20243 min read


Your Essential Petition Checklist
Discover our Essential Petition Checklist: Your guide to required documents for a family petition through a US citizen or permanent resident

Alena Ray Conrad
Apr 17, 20242 min read


Green Card Interview: In the USA vs Your Country of Birth
Join our 3/30/24 webinar to learn when your immigration interview can be in the USA versus in your country of birth.

Alena Ray Conrad
Mar 15, 20241 min read


Can I apply for Permanent Residency through Marriage in the United States?
Learn how to obtain permanent residency through marriage in the US. Explore eligibility, 245(i) protection, waivers, and processing times.

Alena Ray Conrad
Feb 28, 20244 min read


Proving a Valid Marriage for Immigration: What You Need to Know About Joint Documents
If you're a married couple navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, you may have wondered, "How long do we have to be...

Alena Ray Conrad
Nov 6, 20232 min read


Entries, Exits And Your Eligibility
Your entries and exits can affect your immigration options. Learn why you should talk to an immigration attorney about them.

Alena Ray Conrad
Sep 3, 20222 min read


I think I can fill out the applications myself. Why should I hire a lawyer?
Immigration laws are extremely complex. There have been many instances when someone comes to my office aftapplication and I tell them that

Alena Ray Conrad
Nov 9, 20212 min read


Now Is NOT The Time to File Your Case without an Attorney
Making a mistake on an application, not including the proper documents or applying for something that you're not really eligible for can

Alena Ray Conrad
Aug 25, 20211 min read


Logrando la Residencia Permanente
El día de ayer fue un día muy emocionante para dos de mis clientes. Tuvieron sus entrevistas en el edificio federal en Los Ángeles y sus...

Alena Ray Conrad
Mar 12, 20211 min read


Are you married to a US citizen or permanent resident?
The family petition is one of the required applications when you are getting permanent residency through your husband or wife. Here I...

Alena Ray Conrad
Feb 16, 20211 min read
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