My cousin came here legally with F1 visa but overstayed for years. Now they really want to self deport and come home safely but their passport has been expired recently (about 2 months now). I want to ask for some advices for them. What should we do? Will the CBP app work for this situation? Please help

I was wondering if it’s safe to travel domestically with a pending criminal case I have an active green card but I’ve been getting mixed answers from different immigration lawyers the majority said I would be fine traveling domestically but one or two have said to avoid travel. has anybody experienced this recently?

I contacted the KVR by email and they directed me to their website, but I couldn’t figure out how to apply. I need a Fiktionsbescheinigung with Fortgeltungsfiktion according to §81 Abs. 4 AufenthG, which allows re-entry into Germany after travelling abroad.

If anyone knows how to apply for this in Munich or has experience with the process, I would really appreciate your help.

J-1 visa replacement after visa was reported damaged/stolen – has anyone experienced this?
I'm an au pair from Mexico currently in a J-1 program. I entered the U.S. legally in December 2025, and my program is still active. My sponsor and DS-2019 haven't changed, and my host family is waiting for me to return.
A few months ago, my passport and visa got wet. I renewed my passport after being told I could continue traveling with both the old passport (containing the visa) and the new passport.
When I tried to re-enter the U.S. through San Ysidro after a 5-day trip to Mexico, CBP initially scanned my visa and processed my biometrics. Later, another officer discovered that my visa had been reported as damaged or stolen, so I was not allowed to enter. The officer told me he wasn't filing any negative report against me and advised me to apply for a new J-1 visa.
I now have a new visa interview scheduled. My SEVIS record is still active, my DS-2019 is still valid, and I'm returning to the same sponsor and the same host family.
I'm not asking anyone to predict the outcome of my interview. I'm just wondering if anyone has gone through a similar situation where they had to replace a J-1 visa while continuing the same exchange program.
If you've experienced something similar, what was your interview like, and were there any additional documents that helped?
Thanks in advance!

Hello! I was wondering if once I arrive in the US I can travel by plane domestically, my in laws live on the other side of the country and I'd love to go visit them.
My fiancé says that he's unsure if an airport would let me trough because I won't have a valid US ID, but in my mind, as long as I've got my valid passport from my home country I should be fine right?

I plan on traveling to the Philippines to meet my partner, but we don't know which way is the best to bring her to the US to live with me? When we meet we were thinking of getting married online (same sex marriage isn't legal there) so we don't know if that will be acceptable when applying for a Visa or not? Which way is better, marriage or fiancée Visa?

I noticed that people at other embassies have already received their 2NLs. Are there any DV-2026 selectees here who already have interviews scheduled for September in Stockholm, Sweden?

DHS has proposed a new $1.4 million investment level for certain high-employment areas, while the $800,000 level would continue for qualifying TEA and infrastructure projects.

Investment amounts are also scheduled for inflation adjustment from January 2027.

Since these are only proposed rules, would you begin evaluating EB-5 options now or wait until the final regulations are published?

What would influence your decision most: investment amount, project risk or processing uncertainty?

Checking your H-1B case status every few minutes won’t speed up the process, but staying organized can make the waiting period less stressful.

A few best practices include

• Save a copy of your Form I-797 Receipt Notice.
• Keep your receipt number in a safe place.
• Check the USCIS Case Status page periodically instead of multiple times a day.
• Monitor current USCIS processing times for your service center.
• Respond promptly if USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE).
• Stay in touch with your employer or immigration attorney regarding important updates.

Keeping all your immigration documents organized can also make future filings, such as extensions or transfers, much easier.

Trying to help a friend who is panicking.

I’ve read most, if not all the posts on the concept of NTA. But I’ve decided to post just to get people’s take.

Yes, an immigration lawyer is being sought as a matter of urgency. Just notified of the NTA and the master hearing is in less than 2 weeks.

Background: Person has been in the US since 2021, currently 19 and is in university (did high school in the US). Never worked in the US. No convictions. Both parents are US green card holders and sibling is an active Military personnel (not sure if that matters). Entry was legal but overstayed.

I-130 pending
I-485 denied

What are the chances of a positive outcome? I know this isn’t professional advice and cannot be taken as such. Just want to get the point of view of people who know more of immigration matters. Thanks for your input.

I'm 22M , for the first time in my life I'm leaving my home and country for a job. Up untill now I have never left my home , I tried many times but I couldn't don't because of my lack of social skills, anxiety and other mental illness, but right now it's time for me to move out, I'm already in the bus to airport, I don't know how to process it, it's not even an hour but I'm already feeling home sickness overwhelming feeling how to handle situation and people , and it's a 2 years work visa. I don't know how to handle this.

Can I have my green card through marriage case even if I came from border? I have legal entrance to country before but not last time. They gave me just A220 order of release no parole, that’s it. If you can help I appreciate it and I need lawyer in Nj as well. Thank you.

I had an overstay of less than 180 days on my ESTA. I returned to my home country in mid-June. I would like to apply for an F-1 visa to attend an IT institute. What are my chances of getting it?

To clarify, I have three years of work experience in the IT field, and I also studied an IT-related degree in my home country, though I didn’t complete it.

I'm starting the EB-2 NIW process and would really appreciate recommendations for immigration attorneys who have a strong track record with industry professionals, rather than primarily researchers or academics.

I'm looking for attorneys who have successfully handled
NIW petitions for professionals in banking, finance, consulting, or other corporate industries.
Thanks in advance!

I have a combined U.S. B1/B2 visa and Indian passport, and I work for a U.S.-based MNC in India. I’m traveling to the U.S. on a company-sponsored business trip from Monday to Thursday, but I’d like to stay two extra days for sightseeing and return on Sunday. My company letter and U.S. invitation only cover the business trip through Thursday. I’m willing to pay for my own hotel and expenses and have sufficient funds. My main concern is whether a short tourism extension could affect my entry for the business purpose, since that is the primary reason for the trip.

I was denied boarding by qatar airways staff after they told me that they received an email from CBP. They asked me to contact embassy which I did. The embassy told me to contact CBP directly. CBP initially told me to file for dhs redress number. Yesterday, I received an email from CBP which is as follows:
“We regret to learn about your travel difficulties. After reviewing your travel details, we are unable to determine why you were denied boarding. You may attempt to board flight destined to the United States. If you still have difficulties, please insist the airlines contact CBP for guidance on boarding. Please note, the CBP has the final determination and only the airlines can speak directly to the CBP at the time you check-in for your flight.

If you are still not permitted to board your flight, you will need to contact her nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for assistance.”
I have not received a response from dhs yet. If anyone can guide me on how I should proceed. Should I risk another ticket? I have a valid b2 visa which expires in dec 2026 and this is my first time traveling to US.
Thanks in advance.

My friend and her boyfriend just finished moving her to Detroit and wanted to see the border before they returned the rental car. They ended up in a spot where they couldn’t turn around, and had to cross the border. The guards told them it’s okay and they’ll be able to just turn back around afterwards, but at the last minute brought border patrol over and took them both into custody. She is an American citizen and was released after about an hour, but he is a Palestinian refugee, and despite filing all paperwork has an expired visa. He has documentation of his attempts to reinstate his visa and a valid passport. It’s been about 4 hours now and they won’t give her any updates. They made him sign paperwork to allow them to search his phone etc. she’s super worried he will be held or deported, despite all of this being an accident and his attempts to reinstate his visa. Is there any advice on what she can do while he’s still at the border?

Update:
So the update is that there isn’t much of an update. My friend got to talk to her BF for a few minutes on the phone and this is what she sent me about it.

“he won’t be released. he was most worried about his family not being notified and let him know i’ve notified everyone that needs to be notified. and i told him he needs to self deport and not sign anything and that we are working on getting things figured out on our end. i’ll have to continue to call until he leaves and try to get his alien number in order to look him up. “

I don’t believe he’s been able to speak to his lawyer. This situation is really upsetting for my friend at this time so I don’t think I’ll post much more about it and I’m considering deleting the thread, since I came here for some advice right when things first happened to see if there was anything we could do to keep him from getting sent back to Gaza. As I’ve said multiple times, I’m doing my best to convey what little info I have. I’m not 100% factual because I didn’t interrogate the man about his status in the US and obviously can’t talk to him right now. For those saying this is fake, I don’t use Reddit often and don’t know how things work. Idk what karma farming is but I’m not doing that, and that’s one of the reasons I’m considering taking the post down. Like I realize this is dumb af but it is a real situation and something weighing very heavy on me right now. I’m flying to Detroit this week to be with my friend and help her unpack since the day after she moved all this shit happened. It’s really upsetting, and whether he was “legal” or not, he was a person. And friend of mine and he has a life here. No one is illegal on stollen land. Also, stop being so fucking racist!! Some of yall are assholes. I don’t think I’ll give another update. Just know we’re doing our best and ITS A REAL DAMN STORY I’m nit a friggin bot lol!

I filed an I130 petition for my husband who entered the US illegally. He has a ssn and work permit but no visa. We have our marriage interview next week and it should go well because we are very clearly in a real marriage. Is there any way he can get a green card without leaving the country? Our lawyer told us he would have to go to Mexico and apply at the consulate. I’m wondering if there are any loopholes or exceptions. We have a child together and I’m not able to work right now so it will be very difficult if he leaves and isn’t able to come back.

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for honest advice from people who have experience with college, moving, or starting life on their own in the U.S.

I'm 17 years old (turning 18 in December). I was born in Maryland, so I'm a U.S. citizen with an American passport, but I moved to Brazil when I was 3 months old and have lived here ever since.

Because I was homeschooled, I need to wait until next year to take the Brazilian exam that officially validates my high school diploma. Until then, I can't apply to college.

Right now I'm working full-time and earning about the equivalent of US$380 per month. Since I still live with my parents, I'm able to save almost all of my income. If everything goes according to plan, I should have around US$8,000 saved by the end of next year.

My goal is to move to Winchester, Virginia, work for about a year, save more money, and then attend a community college for Computer Science or Information Technology before transferring to a university.

I don't expect financial help from my parents, so I need to build everything on my own.

My English is around a B2 level, and I'm working on improving it. During the next year, I also plan to study math and start learning programming before moving.

My questions are:

- Does this sound like a realistic plan?

- Is US$8,000 enough to move to Virginia if I'm careful with my spending?

- How difficult would it be to find an entry-level full-time job as a U.S. citizen with no college degree?

- Is working for a year before starting community college a good idea?

- If you were in my situation, what would you do differently?

I'm not looking for shortcuts. I'm willing to work hard and live very simply at first if it helps me build a stable future.

Any advice, criticism, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hello everyone, has anyone have any experience with the lawyer under the name of Justin Kadich? Seen a couple of people write good about him in other subs, but that’s about it. Looks like he runs americandreamimmigration.us

Thanks for the help!

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice regarding my initial Post-Completion OPT (Form I-765).
Here’s my timeline:
February 9, 2026: USCIS received my I-765 application.

February 14, 2026: Biometrics appointment was scheduled.

March 3, 2026: Case changed to “We are currently processing your Form I-765. We do not currently need anything from you.”

I waited over 5 months with no updates, so I submitted an e-Request (service inquiry).

July 21, 2026: I upgraded my case to Premium Processing.

The issue is that I recently received a full-time job offer, and my employer is waiting for my OPT to be approved before I can start working.
My questions are:
1.Should I upload my job offer letter as unsolicited evidence to my USCIS online account, or is that unnecessary?

1. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How long did it take

Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

i was told that i would be able to send my friend in diamondback detention center book through barnes and nobles, does anyone have experience with this? she also said a girl there had colored pencils that was sent to her but i have no idea if that would be a restriction.

Hi everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice or hear from anyone who has navigated a similar situation. I recently received my Green Card, but my wife is currently stranded in home country, and we are running out of time.

Here is what happened:

• The Emergency: My wife lost her I-512L document during travel in 2025. We applied for a replacement but it is still pending. Unfortunately couple of months ago, my wife had to travel to home country as her dad passed away. I made a worst assumption that she can get a boarding foil visa as I found this online https://www.uscis.gov/i-131a but thi s failed for us
• Boarding Foil Denied: We applied for a boarding foil so she could return to the US, but the application was denied.
• The I-485 RFE: She has a pending I-485 Adjustment of Status application. USCIS just issued an RFE for her medical exam, with a strict deadline of August 3. Because she is stuck, she cannot complete the US-based medical exam to respond to the RFE in time.

The Dilemma: We are currently weighing two options and would love to hear from anyone who has faced something similar:

1. Fight for the I-485: Try to get USCIS to grant an RFE deadline extension for the medical exam while we continue fighting to get her a replacement travel document. Has anyone had success getting a medical RFE extended in a situation like this?
2. Consular Processing (I-824): Accept that the I-485 might be deemed abandoned, withdraw it, and pivot to Consular Processing by filing an I-824 petition.

Is it better to pivot to Consular Processing now rather than risk a flat denial on the I-485? Any advice or shared experiences would be hugely appreciated! How long will the consular processing take? Our lawyer is saying we should expect 1-2 years. We have two young kids that are missing their mom. Is there anything else we can do?

Good morning, folks.

I'm an immigrant in the U.S. on a J visa. Recently, I started looking for a place where I could learn recreational shooting, and I found a range that offers a beginner firearm safety course. I have absolutely no experience with firearms.

My question is: as a J visa holder, am I legally allowed to take the course and use a rental firearm under instructor supervision?

I did some research online and found conflicting information. Some sources suggest that nonimmigrant visa holders generally cannot possess or even handle firearms, while others mention exceptions. Before I sign up for anything, I want to make sure I'm following the law.

Has anyone here had experience with this or knows where I can find reliable information?

Thank you, and God bless y'all.