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Still have questions?

For Permanent Residents who are in need of:

Permanent residence includes the right to work in the U.S. for most employers or for yourself. Permanent residents continue to hold citizenship of another country.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

I need to apply for:

  • Green Card for Family Members of a Permanent Resident
  • Becoming a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization
  • Remove My Conditional Status Based on Investment
  • Citizenship Through Parents
  • Green Card for Battered Spouse, Child or Parent of U.S. Citizen
  • Naturalization for Military Members and Their Families
  • Travel Outside of the U.S. as a Permanent Resident
  • Renew or Replace My Green Card
  • Remove My Conditional Status

Apply for a Green Card for Family Members of a Permanent Resident

To promote family unity, immigration law allows lawful permanent residents of the United States (also called LPRs or Green Card holders) to petition for certain eligible family members to obtain immigrant visas to come and live permanently in the United States or to adjust their status to LPRs if they are currently living in the United States.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

FORM FILING FEE(S)

$535

AUTHORIZED TO WORK

Yes

Becoming a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization

Naturalization is the process to voluntarily become a U.S. citizen if you were born outside of the United States. In general, you may be eligible if you can show continuous U.S. residence for three to five years, are at least 18 years old, and demonstrate good moral character and loyalty to the U.S. Constitution. You must also take the English and civics test, unless you qualify for an English language exemption or a medical disability exception.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Who is eligible?

You must meet the following general eligibility requirements to apply for naturalization and become a U.S. citizen:

  • You are at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
  • You have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);
  • You demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
  • You are able to read, write, and speak basic English;
  • You demonstrate good moral character;
  • You demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
  • You demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
  • You are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Forms and Fees

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, $640

Biometrics services fee, $85

Applicants 75 years of age or older are not charged a biometrics services fee, so the total filing fee is $640.

Naturalization for Military Members and Their Families

Members of the U.S. armed forces and their dependents (spouses and children) may be eligible for citizenship, to include expedited and overseas processing, under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Who is eligible?

You may qualify for U.S. citizenship through naturalization under section 328 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), based on your military service, if you are serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and certain components of the National Guard and the Selected Ready Reserve, or have served honorably at any time. You may request overseas processing at any time in the natu­ralization process.

For naturalization through one year of qualifying service during “peacetime,” the general eligibility requirements are:

If you are an applicant for naturalization you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age at time of filing.
  • Have served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for at least one year and, if separated from the U.S. armed forces, have been separated honorably.
  • Be a permanent resident at the time of examination on the naturalization application.
  • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
  • Demonstrate good moral character.
  • Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government.
  • Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the United States, unless you have filed an application while still in the service or within six months of separation. In the latter case, you are not required to meet these residence and physical presence requirements.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

  • Service During Periods of HostilitiesFor naturalization through qualifying service during recognized periods of hostilities, under section 329 of the INA, the general eligibility requirements are:
    • You have served honorably in active-duty status, or as a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, for any amount of time during a designated period of hostility and, if separated from the U.S. armed forces, have been separated honorably.
    • You have been lawfully admitted as a permanent resident at any time after enlistment or induction, or have been physically present in the United States or certain territories at the time of enlistment or induction (regardless of whether the applicant was admitted as a permanent resident).
    • Meet other requirements listed in the previous section not pertaining to length of service.

    There is no minimum age requirement for an applicant under this section. The designated periods of hostilities are:

    • April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
    • September 1, 1939 to December 31, 1946
    • June 25, 1950 to July 1, 1955
    • February 28, 1961 to October 15, 1978
    • August 2, 1990 to April 11, 1991
    • September 11, 2001 until the present.

    The current period of designation starting on September 11, 2001, remains in effect until the president issues an Executive Order ending the designation.

    Survivor Benefits for Family Members of Service Members Who Die During Active Duty

    A person who is the surviving spouse, child or parent of a United States citizen, whose citizen spouse, parent or child dies during a period of honorable service in an active duty status in the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for naturalization.

    For information on survivor benefits for a qualifying service member’s surviving spouse, child, or parent, see “Family Based Survivor Benefits”

    Posthumous Citizenship for Military Members

    Individuals who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces and who died as a result of injury or disease incurred while serving in an active duty status during specified periods of military hostilities, as listed above, may be eligible for posthumous citizenship under section 329A of the INA.

    Form N-644, Application for Posthumous Citizenship, must be filed on behalf of the deceased service member within two years of his or her death.

    If approved, a Certificate of Citizenship will be issued in the name of the deceased veteran establishing posthumously that he or she was a U.S. citizen on the date of his or her death. There is no filing fee for this application.

    Forms and Fees

    Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, no fee is required for military applicants filing under Section 328 and 329 of the INA.

    Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service, $0 filing fee

    Form N-644, Application for Posthumous Citizenship, $0 filing fee

    Note: The military must certify these forms prior to sending them to USCIS. If you are separated from the mili­tary, you may submit an uncertified Form N-426 with your DD Form 214.

Remove My Conditional Status

If you received your conditional permanent resident status through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or being admitted to the United States as a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen (and then marrying the U.S. citizen), your conditional permanent resident’s status is valid for only two years and cannot be renewed. You must file a petition to remove conditions on permanent resident status, or risk losing your lawful status.

Who is eligible?

You may apply to remove conditions on your permanent residence status based on marriage if you:

  • Are still married to the same U.S. citizen or permanent resident after two years. You may include your children in your application if they received their conditional-resident status either at the same time or within 90 days as you did,
  • Are a child who received conditional permanent resident status based on your parent and cannot be included on your parents’ application for a valid reason,
  • You are a widow or widower who entered into your marriage in good faith,
  • You entered into a marriage in good faith, but the marriage ended through divorce or annulment or
  • You entered into a marriage in good faith, but either you or your child were battered or subjected to extreme hardship by your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse.Joint PetitionsIf you want to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status, you must file a joint Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions during the 90-day period before your conditional resident status expires.If you do not file a joint petition within this 90-day period, USCIS will automatically terminate your conditional permanent resident status and will place you in removal proceedings.If you filed your joint petition late USCIS has the discretion to accept it if:
  • You establish good cause for the late filing;
  • There were extenuating circumstances that affected your ability to file within the required timeframe; and
  • The immigration court has not yet taken jurisdiction over your removal proceedings.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Waiver of the Joint Petition Requirement

  • You may request to waive the requirement to file Form I-751 jointly with your spouse.  You must show that:
    • Deportation or removal from the United States would result in extreme hardship;
  • You entered into a qualifying marriage in good faith but the marriage was terminated (not by death); or
  • You entered into a qualifying marriage in good faith, but during the marriage either you or your child was battered or subjected to extreme hardship by your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent.

Forms and Fees

Form I-751,  Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence,

$595 Filing Fee

Biometrics fee, $85

Remove My Conditional Status Based on Investment

If you received your conditional permanent resident status through investment in a “new commercial enterprise” as a foreign investor (EB-5 Program), your status is valid for only two years and cannot be renewed. You must file a petition to remove conditions on permanent resident status, or risk losing your lawful status.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

  • Who is eligible?

    As the foreign investor/entrepreneur, you are required to file a Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status within the 90-day period prior to the second anniversary of the date when you obtained conditional permanent resident status, or were admitted to the United States as a conditional permanent resident.

    Whether the conditions on your status will be removed is decided by USCIS. When reviewing your petition, USCIS will determine if you:

    • Actively invested in or was actively in the process of investing the required capital (e.g., $1,000,000 or $500,000 for Targeted Employment Areas) in a “new commercial enterprise;”
    • In good faith, substantially met the capital investment requirement and continuously maintained your investment for over the two-year period you were a conditional permanent resident; and
    • Created or expect to create in a reasonable period of time 10 full-time jobs for qualifying employees.

    Forms and Fees

    I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions,

    $3,750 filing fee

    Biometrics fee, $85

Citizenship Through Parents

If you were born outside of the United States, there are two general ways to obtain U.S. citizenship through U.S. citizen parents. You can acquire U.S. citizenship at birth or you can derive citizenship from your parents after your birth but before the age of 18.

Who is eligible?

Children who are born abroad to U.S. citizen parent(s) might be eligible to derive or acquire U.S. citizenship through their parents if the parent(s) and the child meet certain requirements.

The requirements for acquiring or deriving U.S. citizenship vary.  Whether a person is a U.S. citizen at birth or becomes one after birth will depend on a number of factors.

These factors, can include:

  • The child’s date of birth,
  • The citizenship and marital status of the parent(s),
  • The parent’s physical presence and residence in the United States before the child’s birth,
  • Whether the child was born in or out of wedlock,
  • Whether the child was legitimated by the parent under the applicable laws, or
  • Whether the child is adopted.

Stepchildren of U.S. citizens are generally not able to derive citizenship through their stepparent unless they have been adopted and the adoption meets certain requirements.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

View More Information About the Definition of Child

To obtain citizenship through your parents, you generally must be unmarried, under 21 years old, and:​

  • T​he biological, legitimated, ​or adopted son or daughter of a U.S. citizen (If you are a stepchild of  U.S. citizen, you are ineligible unless your U.S. citizen stepparent adopted you and the adoption meets certain requirements), or
  • The non-biological son or daughter of a U.S. citizen mother who carried and gave birth to you and is recognized by the relevant jurisdiction as your legal parent.​

In general, USCIS considers a birth certificate recorded by a proper authority to be sufficient evidence to determine your relationship to your parents. If your parent is included in the birth certificate, USCIS assume that your parent has legal custody of you unless there is other evidence.​ ​

​In addition to meeting the definition of a child, you must also meet the particular requirements of the specific citizenship or naturalization provision, which may include references to birth in wedlock or out of wedlock, and which may require that certain conditions be met by 18 years of age instead of 21.

 

Forms and Fees

Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, $1,170

Green Card for Battered Spouse, Child or Parent of U.S. Citizen

As a battered spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen, you may self-petition for an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), without the abuser’s knowledge. If you have an approved petition, you may be eligible to file for a Green Card.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility requirements for a spouse:

  • Qualifying spousal relationship:
    • You are married to a U.S. citizen abuser; or
    • Your marriage to the abuser was terminated by death or a divorce within the two years prior to filing; or
    • Your spouse lost or renounced citizenship status within the two years prior to filing due to an incident of domestic violence, or
    • You believed that you were legally married to your abusive U.S. citizen spouse but the marriage was not legitimate solely because of the bigamy of your abusive spouse.
  • You or your child have suffered battery/extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen spouse:
  • You have been abused by your U.S. citizen, or
  • Your child has been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen spouse.
  • You entered into the marriage in good faith, not solely for immigration benefits;
  • You have resided with your spouse; and
  • You are a person of good moral character.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Eligibility requirements for a child:

  • Qualifying parent/child relationship:
    • You are the child of a U.S. citizen abuser; or
    • You are the child of a U.S. citizen who lost citizenship status due to an incident of domestic violence.
  • You have suffered battery/extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen parent;
  • You have resided with your abusive parent; and
  • You are a person of good moral character; a child less than 14 years of age is presumed to be a person of good moral character.

Eligibility requirements for a parent:

  • Qualifying parent/son or daughter relationship:
    • You are the parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years of age when the self-petition is filed; or
    • You are the parent of a U.S. citizen who lost or renounced citizenship status related to an incident of domestic violence; or
    • You are the parent of a U.S. citizen who was at least 21 years of age and who died within two years prior to filing.
  • You have suffered battery/extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen child;
  • You have resided with the abusive child; and
  • You are a person of good moral character.

Forms and Fees

Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, no filing fee

A filing fee may be required for other classifications. Please refer to the Form I-360 instructions

Travel Outside of the U.S. as a Permanent Resident

Lawful permanent residents are free to travel outside the United States, and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your lawful permanent resident status. To travel to a foreign country, you will need to present a passport and your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

Who is eligible?

If you are a lawful permanent resident and you plan to travel outside of the United States for more than one year, you must apply for the appropriate travel document.

There are two different types of travel documents:

  • Refugee Travel Document:  A refugee travel document is issued to a person who has been granted refugee or asylum status, or to a permanent resident who obtained a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) because they were a refugee or asylee. If you hold refugee or asylee status and are not a permanent resident, you must have a refugee travel document to return to the United States.
  • Re-Entry Permit:  A re-entry permit allows a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission to the United States after returning from abroad during the permit’s validity, without having to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or consulate.On special circumstances a permanent resident may need to apply for an additional document that allows him/her to return to the USA. (See below)The general requirements for a Refugee travel document are:
  • You are in valid refugee or asylee status or
  • You are a lawful permanent resident as a direct result of your refugee or asylee status in the United States.The general requirements for a Re-entry Permit are:
  • You are a lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident,
  • You are physically in the United States when you file the application, and
  • You plan to be outside of the United States for 1 year or more.

See the instructions for Form I-131 for a complete list of eligibility requirements for a Refugee travel document, or a Re-entry Permit.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Forms and Fees

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

Biometrics, $85 fee.

Filing fee amounts may vary, depending upon filing type and/or age of applicant. Go to the Form I-131

Renew or Replace My Green Card.

It is important to keep your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) up-to-date. Without a valid Green Card, it may be difficult for you to prove that you are a lawful permanent resident and could affect your ability to travel or to prove your authorization to live and work in the United States.

Who is eligible?

A Green Card (Permanent Resident Card), is proof of your lawful permanent resident status in the United States. It also serves as a valid identification document and proof that you are authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.

You must replace your Green Card if:

  • You were issued a card valid for 10 years that has either expired or will expire within 6 months.
  • Your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • You were issued a card valid for 10 years before you turned 14 years old, and it will not expire before your 16th birthday.
  • Your card was issued with incorrect data (name, DOB, issued date) due to USCIS administrative error.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

You also may replace your Green Card if:

  • Your name or other biographic information has been legally changed.
  • Your card does not have an expiration date on it.
  • You have taken up commuter status. This means you commute regularly to work in the United States but reside in Canada or Mexico.Most Green Cards are valid for 10 years. If you have conditional permanent resident status based on marriage or investment, your card will only be valid for two years (until you petition to have the conditions on your permanent resident status removed).

    Forms and Fees

    You can file Form I-90 online or download the Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card to apply by mail, filing fee $455

    Biometric services fee, $85

For U.S. Citizen who are in need of:

The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world. America values the contributions of immigrants who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity.

Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions in an individual’s life. If you decide to apply to become a U.S. citizen, you will be showing your commitment to the United States and your loyalty to its Constitution. In return, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of U.S. citizenship.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC

I need to apply for:

  • Hague Adoption Convention Program
  • Orphan Adoption Program
  • U.S. Citizen Petition for a Spouse
  • U.S. Citizen Petition for a Fiancé(e)
  • U.S. Citizen Petition for an Adopted Child
  • U.S. Citizen Petition for Other Relatives Inside of the United States
  • U.S. Citizen Petition for Other Relatives Outside of the United States
  • Replace My Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship
  • Proof of Citizenship for U.S. Citizens
  • U.S. Citizen Petition for an Immediate Relative

Apply for the Hague Adoption Convention Program

The Hague Adoption Convention is an international treaty that provides important safeguards to protect the best interests of children, birth parents and adoptive parents who are involved in intercountry adoptions.

Who is eligible?

The Hague Adoption Convention entered into force in the United States on April 1, 2008. All cases filed on or after this date, seeking to adopt a child who habitually resides in any country outside of the United States that is a party to the Convention must follow the Hague process.

As the Petitioner, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen,
  • Habitually reside in the United States,
  • If you are married, your spouse must intend to adopt any child whom you adopt, and
  • If you are not married, you must be at least 24 years of age when you file Form I-800A and at least 25 years of age when you file Form I-800.

The child you intend to adopt must meet the following criteria:

  • Be under the age of 16 at the time you file Form I-800;
  • Habitually reside in a Hague Adoption Convention country; and
  • Determined to be eligible for intercountry adoption by the officially designated Central Authority of that country and have obtained all necessary consents for adoption.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Forms and Fees

Form I-800A, Application for Determination of Suitability to Adopt a Child from a Convention Country, $775 filing fee

Form I-800, Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative, no filing fee for the first Form I-800 filed for a child on the basis of an approved Form I-800A.

If you file more than one Form I-800 is filed during the approval period for different children, the fee is $775 for the second and each subsequent Form I-800. However, if the children are siblings before the proposed adoption, no additional filing fee is required.

A separate $85 biometrics fee is required for the applicant and all individuals 18 years of age or older living with the applicant.

Note: If you need to request a change on an approved Form I-800A, you need to file Form I-800A, Supplement 3, Request for Action on Approved Form I-800A with a $360 filing fee.

Orphan Adoption Program

Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens adopt children from overseas. This is known as an intercountry adoption.  USCIS plays a key role in the intercountry adoption process.

Who is eligible?

There are a few main processes for bringing an adopted child to the United States If the Hague Convention  on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention) applies to your adoption, you must use the Hague Process. If it does not apply, you may be eligible to bring an adopted child to the United States  through the Orphan Process.

To use the Orphan Process, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen.
    • If you are married, your spouse must intend to adopt any child whom you adopt.
    • If you are not married, you must be at least 25 years of age when you file your Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative.
  • Establish that you will provide proper parental care to the child.
  • Establish that the child whom you have adopted or plan to adopt is an “orphan” as defined in U.S. immigration law.
  • Establish that either:
  • You (and your spouse, if married) have adopted the child abroad, and that each of you saw the child in person before or during the adoption proceedings or
  • You will adopt the child in the United States after the child arrives her (you must have permission to bring the child out of his or her country and to the United States for adoption).

You must file an orphan petition before the child’s 16th birthday or before the child’s 18th birthday if the child is a birth sibling of another child whom you have also adopted and who immigrated (or will immigrate) as an orphan or as an adopted child under U.S. immigration law.

Note: If the child you seek to adopt habitually resides in a country that is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, you probably will not be able to use the Orphan Process.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Who is eligible?

You must meet the following general eligibility requirements to apply for naturalization and become a U.S. citizen:

  • You are at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
  • You have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);
  • You demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
  • You are able to read, write, and speak basic English;
  • You demonstrate good moral character;
  • You demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
  • You demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
  • You are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Forms and Fees

Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, $775 filing fee

There is no fee to file Form I-600 if you are filing based on an approved Form I-600A filed within the previous 18 months.

Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition, $775 filing fee (This form is only required for advance processing.)

A separate $85 biometrics fee is required for the applicant and all individuals 18 years of age or older living with the applicant.

U.S. Citizen Petition for a Spouse

To promote family unity, U.S. immigration law allows U.S. citizens to petition for their foreign-born spouse to come and live permanently in the United States.

Who is eligible?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can file a petition for your foreign-born spouse and, under certain situations, the children of your spouse.

To petition for your spouse’s child(ren) the child must be unmarried, under 21 years old, and was under the age of 18 at the time of your marriage to your spouse.

The U.S. citizen would need to file a separate Form I-130 for each child of his or her foreign-born spouse.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Forms and Fees

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, $535 filing fee

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filing fee varies

Biometrics fee $85.00 (exemptions may apply)

Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, no USCIS filing fee but the NVC charges a processing fee for overseas visa applicants.

U.S. Citizen Petition for a Fiancé(e)

A U.S. citizen may petition for an alien fiancé(e) to obtain a visa for travel to the United States to marry the United States citizen petitioner.

Who is eligible?

If you plan to marry your alien fiancé outside the United States or your falien fiancé(e) is already in the United States by an admission or parole after an inspection by an immigration officer, you do not need to file a petition for a fiancé(e).

If you petition for a fiancé(e), you must show that:

  • You are a U.S. citizen;
  • You and your fiancé(e) intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the United States;
  • You are both free to marry; and
  • You have met each other in person within the two years immediately before you file this petition, unless you request a waiver and establish that:
    • The requirement to meet your fiancé(e) in person would violate strict and long-established customs of your fiancé(e)’s foreign culture or social practice; or
    • The requirement to meet your fiancé(e) in person would result in extreme hardship to you.

Petitioners who have petitioned for a fiancé in the past may need a waiver to be eligible to file a petition for a fiancé.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

CAN APPLY FOR WORK PERMIT
Yes
FORM FILING FEE(S)
$535
HOW LONG CAN I STAY?
90 days

Forms and Fees

Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), $535 filing fee, for those who wish to bring fiancé(e)s to the U.S. to marry

Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.

U.S. Citizen Petition for an Adopted Child

Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens adopt children from overseas. As a U.S. citizen you may petition for your adoptive child through an Immediate Relative Petition. Your child will receive an immigrant visa if the child is found eligible.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Who is eligible?

A U.S. Citizens May File a Petition for an Adopted:

  • Child (unmarried and under the age of 21),
  • Unmarried son or daughter over the age of 21 or
  • Married son or daughter.

In general, an adopted child is considered, for immigration purposes, to be the child (or adult son or daughter) of the adopting parent if:

  • The parent adopted the child before his or her 16th birthday (or before the 18th birthday under certain circumstances as described below).
  • The parent submits evidence of a full and final adoption.
  • The parent had legal and physical custody of the child for at least two years while the child was a minor.
    • The legal custody must have been the result of a formal grant of custody from a court or other governmental entity.
    • The custody and residence requirement may be met by custody and residence that preceded the adoption.
    • The two years custody and residence requirements are waived for certain abused children

A child is still considered to be an adopted child if they were adopted after his or her 16th birthday but before his or her 18th birthday, and:

  • The child is the birth sibling of another child who was adopted by the same parent(s) before the other child’s 16th birthday and immigrated through the Immediate Relative Process or
  • The child is the birth sibling of another child who was adopted by the same parent(s) before the other child’s 16th birthday and who immigrated as an orphan based on an adoption by the same parent(s).

Forms and Fees

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, $535 filing fee

Biometrics fee, $85

U.S. Citizen Petition for Other Relatives Inside of the United States

As a U.S. citizen, you may want to help a relative become a lawful permanent resident of the United States by obtaining what is often referred to as a “Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).”

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Who is eligible?

In addition to immediate family members (defined as spouses, unmarried minor children, parents), a U.S. citizen can file a petition for the following family members:

  • Unmarried sons or daughters over the age of 21,
  • Married sons or daughters of any age and
  • Brothers and sisters (if the U.S. citizen petitioner is over the age of 21).

Under the law, each person who immigrates based on a relative’s petition must have a financial sponsor. If you do not meet the financial qualifications, other individuals will then need to make this commitment. For more information, please see “How Do I Financially Sponsor Someone Who Wants to Immigrate?”

Forms and Fees

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, $535 filing fee

If your family member qualifies for Adjustment of Status:

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, $1,140

Biometrics fee $85 (exemptions may apply)

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, no filing fee

U.S. Citizen Petition for Other Relatives Outside of the United States

As a U.S. citizen, you may want to help a relative become a lawful permanent resident of the United States by obtaining what is often referred to as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

Who is eligible?

In addition to immediate relatives (defined as spouses, unmarried children under 21 years old, and parents), a U.S. citizen can file a petition for the following family members:

  • Unmarried sons or daughters over the age of 21;
  • Married child(ren) of any age; or
  • Brothers and sisters (if the U.S. citizen petitioner is over the age of 21).

Under the law, each person who immigrates based on a relative’s petition must have a financial sponsor.  If you do not meet the financial qualifications, other individuals will then need to make this commitment. For more information, please see How Do I Financially Sponsor Someone Who Wants to Immigrate?

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Forms and Fees

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, $535 filing fee.

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, (no USCIS filing fee).

USCIS Immigrant Fee, $220 fee.

Replace My Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship

If you lose a citizenship document that was issued by USCIS or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service or your document has been stolen or damaged beyond repair, you may apply for a replacement certificate.

Who is eligible?

You may apply for a replacement if you have been issued a:

  • Certificate of Naturalization,
  • Certificate of Citizenship, or
  • Repatriation Certificate, and
  • It has been lost, stolen, or mutilated.

You may apply for a new document if your name has been changed by either:

  • Marriage, divorce, annulment, or
  • Court order.

You may also be eligible to apply for a special certificate of naturalization as a U.S. citizen to be recognized by a foreign country.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Forms and Fees

Form N-565, Application for Replacement/Citizenship Document, $555 filing fee

 

Proof of Citizenship for U.S. Citizens

If you were born in the United States, you are already a U.S. citizen (unless you were born to parents who were in the United States in a diplomatic capacity for a foreign country).  If you were born outside of the United States and either one or both of your parents are or were U.S. citizens (by birth or naturalization), you may already be a U.S. citizen.

Who is eligible?

You can demonstrate that you are a U.S. citizen through a number of documents:

  • FS-240, Certificate of Birth Abroad
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. birth certificate
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship

If you were born overseas and believe that you are already a U.S. citizen, you can apply to the U.S. Department of State for a U.S. passport. A passport is evidence of citizenship and also serves as a travel document if you need to travel. For information about applying for a U.S. passport, go to the U.S. Department of State website.

If you were previously issued a Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization and need to obtain a replacement, you should file a Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document.

If you have never received a Certificate of Citizenship, you may file a request for a certificate of citizenship with USCIS.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Forms and Fees

Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, $1170 filing fee

Note: There is no filing fee for Form N-600 if you are a member or veteran of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces filing on your own behalf.  You must attach proof of U.S. military service; otherwise USCIS will charge a fee to file the Form N-600.  Children of members or veterans of the armed forces are required to pay the filing fee for Form N-600.

 

U.S. Citizen Petition for an Immediate Relative

To promote family unity, U.S. immigration law allows U.S. citizens to petition for a spouse, child or parent to come and live permanently in the United States.

Who is eligible?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can file a petition for your immediate relatives.  Immediate relatives are defined by immigration law as a U.S. citizen’s:

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

ABILITY TO RENEW
Yes
CAN APPLY FOR WORK PERMIT
Yes
FORM FILING FEE(S)
$535

Forms and Fees

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, $535 filing fee

Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filing fee varies

Biometrics fee $85.00 (exemptions may apply)

Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, no USCIS filing fee but the NVC charges a processing fee for overseas visa applicants.

 

For For Foreign Nationals who are in need of:

The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world. America values the contributions of immigrants who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity.

Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions in an individual’s life. If you decide to apply to become a U.S. citizen, you will be showing your commitment to the United States and your loyalty to its Constitution. In return, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of U.S. citizenship.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

I need to apply for:

  • Green Card for Family Members of a Permanent Resident
  • Green Card for Battered Spouse, Child or Parent of U.S. Citizen
  • EB-3: Permanent Workers – Skilled Workers, Professionals and Unskilled Workers
  • Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) for a Widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen
  • EB-2: Permanent Workers – Exceptional Ability or Advanced Degree
  • Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) Through Asylee Status
  • Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) Through a Job Offer
  • Citizenship Through Parents
  • Humanitarian Parole
  • EB-1: Permanent Workers – Extraordinary Ability/Outstanding Professor/Multinational Executive
  • Green Card for Battered Spouse, Child or Parent of U.S. Citizen
  • Change My Nonimmigrant Status
  • Extend My Stay As a Family Member of an Employment-Based Nonimmigrant
  • Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) Through Refugee Status
  • Green Card Eligibility
  • H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 Visa
  • H-1B Visas for Temporary Workers
  • P-1A or P-1B Visa
  • O-1 Visa, Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
  • Obtaining Derivative Refugee or Asylee Status for Children
  • Extend My Nonimmigrant Stay
  • Extend My Authorized Period of Stay as an Employment-Based Nonimmigrant
  • L Visas (L-1A and L-1B) for Temporary Workers
  • EB-4: Permanent Workers – Special Immigrants
  • EB-5: Permanent Workers – Immigrant Investors
  • Obtaining Derivative Refugee/Asylee Status for a Spouse
  • Obtaining Refugee Status
  • Obtaining Asylum Status
  • P-2 and P-3 Visa
  • Q Visa, Cultural Exchange
  • Change My Employment-based Nonimmigrant Status
  • Temporary Protected Status
  • R-1 Visa, Temporary Nonimmigrant Religious Workers
  • U.S. Citizen Petition for Other Relatives Inside of the United States
  • U.S. Citizen Petition for Other Relatives Outside of the United States
  • U.S. Citizen Petition for an Immediate Relative
  • E Visas (E-1, E-2, and E-3) for Temporary Workers
  • Obtain Employment Authorization Document

Apply for a Green Card for Family Members of a Permanent Resident

To promote family unity, immigration law allows lawful permanent residents of the United States (also called LPRs or Green Card holders) to petition for certain eligible family members to obtain immigrant visas to come and live permanently in the United States or to adjust their status to LPRs if they are currently living in the United States.

Who is eligible?

A lawful permanent resident (LPR) may petition for his/her spouse, unmarried child, unmarried son or daughter to immigrate to the United States.

Congress has limited the number of family members who may immigrate under these categories each year so there is generally a waiting period before an immigrant visa becomes available.

An LPR may petition for the following family members:

  • Spouse (husband or wife),
  • Child (unmarried and under age 21), or
  • Unmarried son or daughter (age 21 or older).

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Forms and Fees

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative,

$535 filing fee

Biometric services fee, $85

Battered Spouse, Child or Parent of U.S. Citizen

As a battered spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen, you may self-petition for an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), without the abuser’s knowledge. If you have an approved petition, you may be eligible to file for a Green Card.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility requirements for a spouse:

  • Qualifying spousal relationship:
    • You are married to a U.S. citizen abuser; or
    • Your marriage to the abuser was terminated by death or a divorce within the 2 years prior to filing; or
    • Your spouse lost or renounced citizenship status within the 2 years prior to filing due to an incident of domestic violence, or
    • You believed that you were legally married to your abusive U.S. citizen spouse but the marriage was not legitimate solely because of the bigamy of your abusive spouse.
  • You or your child have suffered battery/extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen spouse:
  • You have been abused by your U.S. citizen, or
  • Your child has been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen spouse.
  • You entered into the marriage in good faith, not solely for immigration benefits;
  • You have resided with your spouse; and
  • You are a person of good moral character.

Eligibility requirements for a child:

  • Qualifying parent/child relationship:
    • You are the child of a U.S. citizen abuser; or
    • You are the child of a U.S. citizen who lost citizenship status due to an incident of domestic violence.
  • You have suffered battery/extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen parent;
  • You have resided with your abusive parent; and
  • You are a person of good moral character; a child less than 14 years of age is presumed to be a person of good moral character.

Eligibility requirements for a parent:

  • Qualifying parent/son or daughter relationship:
    • You are the parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years of age when the self-petition is filed; or
    • You are the parent of a U.S. citizen who lost or renounced citizenship status related to an incident of domestic violence; or
    • You are the parent of a U.S. citizen who was at least 21 years of age and who died within 2 years prior to filing.
  • You have suffered battery/extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen child;
  • You have resided with the abusive child; and
  • You are a person of good moral character.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Who is eligible?

You must meet the following general eligibility requirements to apply for naturalization and become a U.S. citizen:

  • You are at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
  • You have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);
  • You demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
  • You are able to read, write, and speak basic English;
  • You demonstrate good moral character;
  • You demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
  • You demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and
  • You are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Forms and Fees

Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, no filing fee

A filing fee may be required for other classifications. Please refer to the Form I-360 instructions

EB-3: Permanent Workers – Skilled Workers, Professionals and Unskilled Workers

You may be eligible to be classified as a skilled worker, professional, or unskilled worker (other workers) depending upon your education, skills and work experience.

Who is eligible?

There are several immigrant visa categories that are based on employment. Your education, skills and work experience are some of the factors used to determine if you are eligible for a specific type of employment-based visa:

Skilled Workers

  • You must be able to demonstrate at least two years of job experience or training. Relevant post-secondary education may be considered as training.
  • You must be performing work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.
  • A labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer are required.

Professionals

  • You must be able to demonstrate that you possess a U.S. baccalaureate degree or foreign degree equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree related to the occupation, and that this baccalaureate degree is the normal requirement for entry into the occupation.
  • You must be performing work for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.
  • Combinations of degrees less than a baccalaureate degree and/or experience may not be substituted for a baccalaureate degree. The degree must be in the form of an official college or university record.
  • A labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer are required.

Unskilled Workers (Other Workers)

  • You must be capable, at the time the petition is filed on your behalf, of performing unskilled labor (requiring less than two years training or experience), that is not of a temporary or seasonal nature, for which qualified workers are not available in the United States.
  • A labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer are required.

Note: Petitions for certain classifications must be filed with an original individual labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Forms and Fees

Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker, $700 filing fee.

Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, $1,225 filing fee.

Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) for a Widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen

Widows or widowers who were married to U.S. citizens at the time of the citizen’s death may apply for a permanent residence card (Green Card).

Who is eligible?

To immigrate as the widow(er) of a U.S. citizen, you must prove that you were legally married to the citizen, and that you entered the marriage in good faith, and not solely to obtain an immigration benefit.

You may be eligible to receive a permanent residence card (Green Card) through widow/widower status if you:

  • Were married to a U.S. citizen at the time he or she passed away;
  • Were not divorced or legally separated from your spouse at the time he or she died;
  • Are able to prove that you were in a bona fide marital relationship until the time of your spouse’s death;
  • Are not remarried ;
  • Are admissible to the United States and
  • Either have a pending or approved Form I-130 or you have filed a Form I-360 within 2 years of your spouse’s death.

Note: If you were married less than two years, and your citizen spouse died before October 28, 2009, you must file your Form I-360 no later than October 28, 2011.

Your unmarried children under the age of 21 (known as “derivatives”) may be included on your immigration petition.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

CAN APPLY FOR WORK PERMIT
Yes
FORM FILING FEE(S)
$435
CAN I RENEW?
YES

Forms and Fees

Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, $435 filing fee

Additional Form If You Live in the United States – Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, $1,140 filing fee

Biometrics fee, $85

EB-2: Permanent Workers – Exceptional Ability or Advanced Degree

As a permanent worker you may be eligible for an employment-based, second preference visa if you are a member of the professions holding an advanced degree or its equivalent, or you are an alien who has exceptional ability.

To evaluate your eligibility, discuss the facts of your case with a Tampa Immigration Lawyer, from the Law Office of Mahmud Yennes, PLLC. Immigration From the middle east to America

Who is eligible?

In general, in order to be eligible for a Second Preference Employment Based classification you will need a labor certification and meet the following basic criteria:

Advanced Degree – possess and advance degree or the equivalent, which is a baccalaureate degree plus five years of progressive work experience in the field.

Exceptional Ability – be able to show exceptional ability in sciences, art or business.

National Interest Waiver – you are requesting that the labor certification be waived because it is in the interest of the United States and you qualify under the exceptional ability criteria. You can self-petition.

Forms and Fees

Form I-140, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, $700 filing fee

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3702 W Spruce St #1076
Tampa, FL 33607

 

T: (813)461-4473
E: [email protected]

Mahmud Yennes, ESQ.

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