Delay in an American visa: what does it mean and is it possible to get a green card later

Some people can get a green card after their visa expires. However, they must fulfill several conditions. Others can create long-term immigration problems for themselves. How to apply for a green card after a visa expiry and when it is possible, the publication told Citizen path.

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Firstly, it is important to determine how your visa is overdue, because it is not as obvious as many people think.

Two ways to lose immigration status

When a foreign national stays in the United States for longer than the permitted period of stay, it is called a "visa overstay". Delay includes a nonimmigrant visa holder who lawfully entered the United States for a permitted period, but remained in it beyond the permitted period of entry.

However, the US government will also consider non-immigrants admitted for a specified “period of validity” who are unable to maintain their status. “Term of Status” is the term used for foreign nationals who are admitted for the duration of a specific program or activity, which may be variable, rather than for a specific time. The period of authorized admission ends when the foreign national achieves the purpose for which he was admitted or no longer engages in authorized activities related to that purpose. For example, an international student who enters the United States on a four-year program must leave when the program is completed or pursue another program.

Look for information on Form I-94, not visa expiration

A nonimmigrant visa may be valid for several years. However, it does not control the length of your authorized stay in the United States—this visa simply allows you to enter the United States during that period. Your Arrival/Departure Form I-94 governs your authorized stay in the United States. The “Admission By” date on your I-94 record is the last day you are allowed to remain in the United States, and the date may expire before your visa expires. You must leave the United States by the date listed on Form I-94 or you will overstay your visa.

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Three- and 10-year re-entry intervals

In 1996, Congress passed legislation prohibiting certain individuals who have accumulated a period of "illegal residence" in the United States from becoming permanent residents of the United States. Unlawful presence includes any time spent in the United States by a foreign national:

• Someone who entered the United States illegally or whose legal immigration status has expired, has been revoked, or otherwise terminated.

Thus, any time spent in the United States beyond that permitted by Form I-94 is a period of illegal stay. The period of illegal presence starts from the day the status expires. But these intervals are triggered only after the person leaves the United States. Three- and ten-year bans are distributed as follows:

• Individuals who have accumulated 180 days or more of illegal stays and then left the country cannot return to the United States for 3 years.
• Individuals who have been illegally in the country for one year or more and then left the country cannot return to the United States for 10 years.

Under certain circumstances, it is possible to bypass the re-entry ban.

Forgiveness for late visa: special provisions for immediate family members

Adjustment of Status is the process a nonimmigrant visitor (e.g., student, tourist, etc.) uses to change status to a U.S. permanent resident. That is, change of status is the process of applying for a green card within the United States. Generally, the adjustment is available to foreign nationals who entered legally and are eligible for an immigrant visa.

However, a foreign national is usually not allowed to change status if the applicant is in illegal immigration status at the date of the adjustment application.

But the provision of the law exempts the next of kin of US citizens from visa delays. The next of kin category includes spouses, parents and unmarried children (under 21 years of age). Thus, the law provides for some “visa pardon” for the next of kin.

Remember that the next of kin must have legal entry into the United States in order to be eligible for a change of status. Entering the United States with a valid visa is considered legal entry even if that visa has expired. This means that you can enter the United States on the last day of your visa and stay in the country legally for 90 days.

However, the one who crossed the border illegally does not have the right to change the status.

Application for adjustment of status after delay

Upon returning to their home country, immigrants with a significant period of illegal presence in the United States who attempt to obtain a green card will trigger a re-entry ban. At best, this will be an expensive and time-consuming process that requires the assistance of a lawyer. At worst, the result could be disastrous for the immigration process.

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But immediate family members of US citizens who are currently legally in the United States may be eligible to change status. By filling out Form I-485, an application for change of status and other required forms in one package, prospective immigrants provide the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with all the documents necessary to process the case and make a decision. A typical family status adjustment package includes the following forms:

• I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
• I-130A, Additional Information for Beneficiary Spouse (if Beneficiary is Spouse)
• I-485, Application for Registration of Permanent Residence or Change of Status
• I-864 Affidavit of Support
• I-693, Medical Examination Report and Vaccination Records
• I-765, Application for Work Permit (Optional)
• I-131, Application for Travel Document (Optional)

Fraud

USCIS reviews cases closely for any type of immigration fraud. Remember that virtually every US nonimmigrant visa is temporary and has a specific purpose. When you do anything outside the scope of this visa, there is a possibility of a violation of the visa conditions and even accusations of fraud. There are two types of scams that are commonly associated with obtaining a green card.

Visa fraud

Misrepresenting the reasons why a certain type of visa is required is a form of visa fraud. Therefore, if you come to the United States on a tourist visa (B-2) with the secret intent to get married, then you are committing a visa fraud. The B-2 visa is specifically for people who intend to temporarily stay and then return home. Visa fraud can lead to the loss of eligibility for a green card.

Marriage fraud

Marriage fraud is when at least one party entered into a marriage for the purpose of circumventing immigration laws and falsely obtaining immigration benefits. That is, getting married for the main purpose of obtaining a green card is a clear case of fraud. Fraudulent marriage carries severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Moreover, due to fraud, it will be extremely difficult to obtain permission to win a green card in the future. The couple must prove that the marriage is bona fide. So don't think that you can easily cheat the system.

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Warnings

Although the spouse of a US citizen (or other immediate family members) can change their status to permanent residence after a visa expires, this does not protect the immigrant from deportation during the period of illegal stay. In other words, an immigrant is still vulnerable to deportation from the moment he loses his legal status until he becomes an applicant for a change in status. Therefore, you should apply for a status adjustment as soon as possible.

It is also important that the prospective immigrant does not have criminal or immigration violations that would otherwise make that person unacceptable for permanent residence. Anyone with these complications should consult an immigration lawyer.

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