Q: What is a visa? What is it used for?

A: A visa is merely an entry document. It is not evidence of one's right to remain in the U.S. A visa indicates that an application has been reviewed by a U.S. Consular officer at an American Embassy or Consulate and the officer has determined the individual is eligible to enter the U.S. to engage in certain activities. Once a foreign national arrives at a port-of-entry, either at an airport or a land border crossing, it is up to the discretion of the immigration officer to allow him or her to enter the country.

Q: What is an I-94 card? What is it used for?

A: An I-94 card is a small green or white card given to all nonimmigrants when they enter the U.S. as evidence that they entered the country legally. The I-94 card is stamped with a date indicating how long the individual may stay in the U.S., not the visa in the passport and in what classification. It is this date that controls how long they can legally remain in the U.S. A new I-94 card is normally issued each time the nonimmigrant legally enters the U.S. Unless obtained through a USCIS petition or asylum/refugee application, it is now electronic. You can access your I-94 here.

Q: How do I request a duplicate Approval Notice?

A: In the event that an Approval Notice is lost or stolen, a duplicate Approval Notice may be requested by filing an Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition (Form I-824) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The I-824 must be filed with the same USCIS office that approved the original Application or Petition. Please contact our office should you need to request a duplicate Approval Notice.

Q: What is a "Biometrics Appointment?"

A: As part of normal processing of an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (I-485), applicants must have their fingerprints or Biometrics taken at an Application Support Center (ASC) and sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a criminal background check. If necessary, applicants may also be required to take a photograph or provide a signature at the time of their Biometrics appointment. Applicants are required to bring their Biometrics Notice and photo identification such as a valid passport or valid driver's license to the appointment. If an applicant wishes to reschedule the appointment, he or she will need to follow the instructions found under the "Request for Rescheduling" heading of the Notice. Failure to appear to be fingerprinted or provide other biometric information may result in a denial of the Application.

Q: What is Advance Parole?

A: Foreign nationals who have pending Applications for immigration benefits or changes in nonimmigrant status need Advance Parole in order to reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad. Such individuals must be approved prior to departing the U.S. Advance Parole is also available to foreign nationals with refugee or asylee status who intend to apply for a U.S. Immigrant Visa in Canada. Please contact our office for assistance with applying for Advance Parole.