Vanderwall Immigration

A U visa may provide immigration protection for certain victims of qualifying criminal activity who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and have been, are being, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement.

Qualifying criminal activity can include domestic violence, sexual assault, felonious assault, stalking, human trafficking, kidnapping, and certain related crimes.

A U visa petition generally involves Form I-918 and a law enforcement certification confirming helpfulness. Meeting some of the requirements does not automatically mean a U visa will be approved. USCIS evaluates each case individually.

For eligible individuals, U nonimmigrant status can provide temporary immigration protection and may include eligibility for work authorization.

📞 (503) 647-4842

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration cases are fact-specific, and you should consult an attorney regarding your individual circumstances.

The Visa Bulletin is an important tool for understanding when immigrant visas may be available in family based and employment based categories that are subject to numerical limits.

Published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, it includes visa categories, cutoff dates, and country specific information. It also contains two important charts: Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing.

To understand which dates apply, you generally need to know your visa category, country of chargeability, priority date, and which chart applies to your next step. Because the Visa Bulletin can change from month to month, reviewing the current edition is important when planning your immigration process.

📞 (503) 647-4842

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration cases are fact-specific, and you should consult an attorney regarding your individual circumstances.

Thinking about changing employers while an immigration case is pending? The impact can vary significantly depending on your immigration category, work authorization, and the type of case you have.

Some work-authorized individuals may be able to work for different employers, while others have authorization tied to a specific employer or petition. In employment-based green card cases, a job change can also affect the underlying job offer, sponsorship, or other requirements.

Before making the transition, it is important to understand what your current authorization allows and whether any filing or approval may be required.

📞 (503) 647-4842

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration cases are fact-specific, and you should consult an attorney regarding your individual circumstances.

Moving to a new address? Updating your address with the postal service may not automatically update your immigration records.

Depending on your situation, you may need to report your new address to USCIS, update the address associated with relevant pending applications or petitions, and separately notify other agencies if additional reporting requirements apply.

Keeping your address current can help make sure important notices, updates, and appointment information reach you.

📞 (503) 647-4842

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration cases are fact-specific, and you should consult an attorney regarding your individual circumstances.

A valid visa and valid immigration status are not the same thing. A visa generally allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission, while your immigration status relates to your authorized presence in the United States and the conditions that apply to your stay.

For many nonimmigrants, the I-94 admission record is an important document for understanding how long they are authorized to remain in the United States.

📞 (503) 647-4842

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration cases are fact-specific, and you should consult an attorney regarding your individual circumstances.