Guide to Social Security Numbers (SSN) for Foreign Nationals in the United States

Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is a critical step for foreign nationals authorized to work in the U.S., as it serves as an essential identifier for income reporting, tax filing, and other federal processes. This guide provides an overview of how foreign nationals can apply for an SSN, work while awaiting issuance, and upgrade…

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Volunteering While on a Non-Immigrant Status: What You Need to Know

Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration laws can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding what activities are permissible under a non-immigrant status. One common question we receive at Sharma Law Offices, LLC, is whether individuals on non-immigrant visas, which do not allow work authorization, can engage in volunteer activities. Understanding the U.S. Department…

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Consequences of Attending Public School on a B-1/B-2 Visa

Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the limitations and allowances of various visa categories. One crucial issue that often arises is the legality of attending public school while on a B-1/B-2 visa. This blog aims to shed light on the serious repercussions of this action…

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Volunteering on a Non-Immigrant Status: Key Points to Know

Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration laws can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding what activities are permissible under a non-immigrant status. One common question we receive at Sharma Law Offices, LLC, is whether individuals on non-immigrant visas like B-1, B-2, H-4, F-2, J-2, etc., which do not allow work authorization, can engage…

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Immigration document requirements for non-US citizens in the U.S

In the United States, immigration laws mandate that all non-U.S. citizens carry proof of their legal status. This requirement, rooted in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), emphasizes the importance of having immediate access to documentation that verifies one’s right to be in the U.S. Whether you are a visitor, a student, or a permanent…

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Automatic Visa Revalidation in case of Change of Status

The concept of automatic visa revalidation is a vital tool for nonimmigrants in the United States, allowing for the ease of travel and flexibility in maintaining legal status. Particularly, individuals who have changed their visa status while residing in the U.S. may find themselves in a unique position when considering short trips to Canada, Mexico,…

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Top Mistakes in B-1/B-2 Visa to Marriage Based Green Card

Navigating the process of obtaining green card in the United States from a B-1/B-2 visitor visa through marriage can be a complex and challenging journey. It’s fraught with potential missteps that can significantly impact the outcome of your application. This blog post highlights the top 10 mistakes to avoid in this delicate process, ensuring a…

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USCIS Fee Increase Expected Soon

The landscape of immigration fees is changing. In early 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to implement a significant increase in its filing fees, a development that has been looming on the horizon for some time. This move follows the agency’s previously announced proposal, which we discussed in detail in our…

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Challenges with the New US Visa Scheduling System

In the past few weeks, several posts worldwide—including those in India, Australia, South Korea, and Japan—have switched from the US Traveldocs system to a new platform for appointment scheduling: US Visa Scheduling. As visa applicants navigate this change, a myriad of issues have arisen. We had previously reported about this in our blog Visa Appointment…

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Citizens of Israel Can Now Travel to the U.S. Visa-Free

Today marks a significant milestone in U.S.-Israel relations as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces visa-free travel for eligible Israeli citizens and nationals. Beginning October 19, 2023, Israeli citizens will be able to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to apply for permission through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Israel Joins…

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