Our staff has provided answers to frequently asked immigration questions. We assist clients with temporary visas, employment- and family-based immigration, permanent residency, naturalization, deportation, and many other matters involving immigration law. Some frequently asked questions about immigration include:

• How does a U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsor a relative for U.S. immigration?
• How do I find the closest USCIS office?
• Can traveling outside the United States affect my permanent resident status?
• What can I do about a denied visa?

The U.S. citizen or permanent resident must file a visa petition (Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative) at the local United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office closest to their place of U.S. residence.  If living abroad, the sponsor files a petition at a U.S. consulate or embassy in the country where he or she resides.  The sponsor must also provide proof of his or her relationship to the sponsored relative.

Go to the USCIS Service and Office Locator page and enter the zip code of your place of residence in the search area—or click on the map at the bottom of the page.

Maintaining permanent residence in the United States is necessary for verifying a permanent resident status.  If you travel or reside outside the United States for more than 6 months, immigration officials may question your U.S. residency status, which may also result in denial of U.S. citizenship during the naturalization process.

In many cases, you can appeal a denied visa or application.  The denial notice you receive in the mail provides information about the appellate jurisdiction that would hear your appeal and the time limit for appeal submission.