FAQs
Where can I find an overview of US immigration categories?
How long will my case take? Where can I get estimated processing times?
USCIS processing times can fluctuate widely depending on several factors, including the type of case, the particular circumstances of each case, and the volume of cases received. USCIS publishes estimated processing times on its website. These estimated processing times are updated approximately twice each month. It is important to keep in mind that while these estimated times can provide a general idea of what to expect, they are not a guarantee that your individual case will be processed within the published times. See processing times.
While my case is pending with USCIS, how can I track it?
What is a priority date?
A priority date determines when a person may apply for an immigrant visa. In employment-based immigration, the priority date is most often established as the date the labor certification application is received by the Department of Labor. In employment categories that do not require a labor certification application, the priority date is established as the date the I-140 immigrant visa petition is received by USCIS. In family immigration, the priority date is established the date the immigrant visa petition is received by USCIS or is submitted to an embassy or consulate abroad.
Each month, the Department of State releases a “Visa Bulletin” which includes cutoff (priority) dates for employment-based and family-based immigrant visa categories. Your priority date must be “current” (earlier than the published cutoff date) to allow USCIS either to accept an I-485 Application to Adjust Status to Permanent Resident or to approve an already pending I-485 Application. If you are outside the United States, your priority date must be current to allow an embassy or consulate abroad to accept or approve your immigrant visa application.
The Department of State sets priority date cutoffs in an effort to maximize immigrant visa availability under current laws and regulations. Because demand for visas can fluctuate widely (due to the volume of applications and USCIS processing backlogs), the cutoff dates can move either forward or backward (or not at all) each month. It is important to remember that your priority date must be current when you file your application, and that it must be current at the time of approval of your application.
Where can I find the current Visa Bulletin?
How do I change my address with USCIS?
- Update your address online (AR-11)
- Update your address by mail (AR-11)
- Update your address, Special Registration (AR-11SR)
Why do I need an attorney to file my application? Why do I need a consultation?
US immigration law is constantly changing and every applicant has a unique situation with individual goals. The process is long, complex, and tremendously bureaucratic. Errors can profoundly affect ones immigration future in the United States.
What is AILA? Do I need an attorney who is an AILA member?
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a national association of over 11,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. Founded in 1946, AILA is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that provides its members with continuing legal education, information, professional services, and expertise through its 36 chapters and over 50 national committees. AILA is an affiliated organization of the American Bar Association and is represented in the ABA House of Delegates.
While membership in professional organizations such as AILA is no guarantee of competence, most competent attorneys who practice principally in the area of immigration law are AILA members. Membership in AILA represents a substantial financial commitment for members and provides member attorneys with access to up to date agency information, continuing legal education and case research resources.
Why does CML use a flat fee structure?
The attorneys at CML typically work on a flat-fee basis, to provide certainty in billing for our clients at the outset and to encourage our clients to call us at their convenience to discuss questions and issues thoroughly without concern for hourly fees.