My wife and I have been living in the USA for around 1000 days so far and she is on a i751 extension right now, we haven’t filed the n400 yet and we were planning to do some traveling abroad for the next year and she return every 5 months or so stay for two weeks then return abroad with me. We may be gone most of the year and we have a 1 year old daughter that is a us citizen as well as me being a us citizen. Is this safe for her to travel as long as she makes any appointments that may come from uscis and makes sure she never stays outside of the USA for more than six months. We will have an address in the USA but will not be there but for only one month the entire yearp.

Hi. I live in Iran currently. I'm 18 just finished high school.

I need to get the fuck out of this country.

I don't have any money to spend on immigration. I've checked a lot of options but my information isn't a lot and it's like a puzzle for me.

I could try to get enrolled in Ausbildung in Germany but the language is abit tricky for me and company training is not what I'm really after. Though I'll do it if I don't have any other options.

English-speaking countries are my priorities. Is there any ways for me to get admission for US universities or like, Canada? UK?

Thanks.

​

Hi everyone!

I'm an Indian student pursuing a Diploma in Food Production at IHM . I've been selected for a six-month culinary traineeship at a hotel in Mauritius, starting on 20 November 2026.

I'm currently preparing my documents for the practical training/industrial placement permit, and I'm confused about the financial requirements mentioned in the document checklist I received.

The checklist states:

"Bank statement for the last 6 months and an Original Documentary evidence of availability of funds or financial capacity to meet the costs of traineeship and stay in Mauritius (the amount should be 50 USD per day)."

It also mentions that if the applicant is sponsored by their parents or guardian, they must provide a copy of their ID/passport and an original sponsorship letter.

Can someone please explain what this bank-related requirement actually means?

Does this mean I need to show approximately USD 9,000 in my bank account for the entire six-month period?

Do I need to maintain this entire amount in my account, or is it sufficient to provide six months of bank statements showing regular transactions and a reasonable balance?

If my parents sponsor me, can I submit their bank statements and sponsorship letter instead of showing the entire amount in my own account?

Does the required amount change if the hotel provides accommodation or meals?

Does anyone know how strictly this USD 50-per-day requirement is applied to Indian students undertaking practical training in Mauritius?

I heard from someone who previously went to the same hotel for training that they only had to show approximately ₹1.5 lakh in their bank account. They also mentioned that they withdrew the money after their permit was issued.

This has left me confused because the amount mentioned in the checklist is significantly higher.

I'm handling the entire application process myself without the assistance of an agency. I've also emailed Mauritius Immigration to clarify this requirement, but I haven't received a response yet.

Thank you🙏❤

About 8 years ago I visited Iran briefly on official duty for an international organization (I have the visa, stamps and a letter confirming it).

On my previous ESTA, the Iran question was answered “No” by mistake. It was approved within an hour, and I travelled to the US on it several times with no issues, always leaving on time. Clean history.

On my new ESTA, submitted a week ago, I answered “Yes” to the Iran question and gave the purpose of the visit and the name of the organization I worked for as a consultant, though I didn’t include the Iranian visa number. It’s been pending since then, and I’m not sure when a decision will come or what it might be.

I’m also preparing a B1/B2 visa application, in case the ESTA is denied or while it’s still pending.

Questions:

1. Has anyone had ESTA approved after disclosing official travel to Iran? How long did it take?
2. Has anyone corrected a previous incorrect ESTA answer? What happened?
3. At a visa interview, how did you explain an earlier mistake?
4. Would you wait for the ESTA decision or apply for the visa now?

I’m still pretty early in the process and trying to figure out how to organize everything for a spousal/partner visa application.

For those who’ve already gone through this, how did you actually put together your relationship evidence? Did you manually go through your camera roll and chat history, use Google Slides/Docs or Word, buy a tool to help with it, or did your lawyer give you a template?

Also, roughly how many hours did you spend on it? Was it a pretty straightforward task, or did it end up being way more time-consuming than you expected?

Would love to hear what worked for you and what you wish you’d done differently!

I'm on F-1 STEM OPT and my employer offers credit union membership. Is it legal for someone on my visa to join? Has anyone on OPT done it?
Thanks!

I read online doing this has a high denial rate since it might be used to manipulate the system? I’m the US citizen, my boyfriend and I were thinking of applying for a K1 in late 2027, but since the approval time can take many months, I was considering having him apply for a B2 in the interim to go my graduation in the spring of 2028. It’s a really big event for me as I am getting my doctor of medicine and I wanted him to be there. Would something like this work?

Hi everyone, I'm a Product Manager based in Bengaluru, India with 7+ years across B2B/B2C SaaS and AI products (currently Lead Digital PM).

I'm looking to relocate to Ireland or Dubai and want to understand how to get companies there to sponsor my work visa:

1. Ireland: Is the Critical Skills Employment Permit the right route for a PM? Do I target companies that explicitly sponsor, or apply broadly?
2. Dubai: How does sponsorship work — job offer first, or are there other routes?
3. Any job boards, recruiters, or companies in either place known for sponsoring international PM hires?
4. How do I position myself in applications to maximise sponsorship chances?

Appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thanks!

I’m a Canadian in Ontario considering moving to the US within the next two years to be with my fiancée, who is a US citizen. I’d appreciate perspectives from Canadians who have made the move, especially those who had established careers and assets in Canada.

**My situation:**
I earn approximately $100,000 CAD annually working for a Canadian utility.

I’ve been building up a defined-benefit pension through my job for about five years.
I own a rental property in Ontario, so I’d need to decide whether to keep it and manage it remotely or sell it.

My fiancée earns approximately $75,000 USD annually in the US.

We are considering the K-1 fiancé visa route, with the possibility of legally marrying in the US in 2027.
If I move, I may need to leave my job or see whether an approved sabbatical or unpaid leave is possible. I may also be unable to work immediately while completing the immigration process.

My fiancée believes our long-term quality of life and opportunities would be better in the US. Financially, our salaries look relatively comparable after currency conversion, but I’d be giving up a secure job, pension accrual and potentially some career seniority to start over in another country.

**What I’d really like to hear from people who have experienced this:**

\- For Canadians who moved to the US, did you find the job market, earning potential and long-term financial opportunities meaningfully better than in Canada? What industry and state did you move to?
\- If you had a good job and a defined-benefit pension in Canada, was leaving worth it in the long run?
\- Has anyone moved to the US through a K-1 visa? How did you manage the period when you couldn’t work, and how long did it take before you were established?
\- Has anyone kept a Canadian rental property while living and working in the US? Was the rental income worth the extra management and cross-border tax complexity?
\- If you were in my position, would you move to the US, or would you have your American partner move to Canada instead?

I’m not looking for a Canada-versus-US political debate. I’m genuinely trying to make a sensible long-term decision for our future together. I’d especially appreciate honest experiences from people who have made a similar move, including things you wish you’d known beforehand.
Thanks!

I am considering hiring an immigration lawyer. What has been your experiences with immigration lawyers? How did you s=choose which lawyer to hire? Looking for general advice. Thank you.

I want to hire a lawyer for the United States.

Right now, hundreds of thousands of young people who grew up in the United States, graduated from U.S. high schools, and call this country home, have no legal way to stay and no way to serve. A law called 10 U.S.C. 504 requires a green card just to enlist in the military. If you don't already have one, you can't sign up. That's a catch-22: you can't get status without serving, and you can't serve without status.

The LET GRADUATES SERVE Act (Legal Entry Through Graduation and Service Act) solves this . It creates a merit-based pathway to lawful permanent residence. A green card, not instant citizenship, for high school graduates who meet clear standards: a 2.75 GPA, 80 hours of documented community service, at least 3 years of high school in the U.S., and a minimum ASVAB score of 31. Participants would have to pay every federal, state, and local tax that United States citizens pay, plus an additional 5% assessment each year of service (5% x 3 years = 15% total) to fund the program. Congress may raise the assessment up to 45% per year if that will help the program run smoothly. In exchange, approved applicants will commit to three years of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Upon enlistment, they receive their green card.  Additionally, two designated family members get work authorization and protection from removal for a period of time. After completing service, they earn full Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits. The program is vetted, merit-based, and sunsets after 10 years so Congress can review the results.

Why does  this matter?
I know what this looks like from personal experience. I've watched parents sacrifice everything so their child could graduate from an American school, only to hit a wall where hard work is not enough to get them a stable future. These are young achievers who are already willing to put in the work, they just have no legal door to walk through.

Additionally,  the military gets built in protection. Anyone expelled for unacceptable behavior in school is screened out before they ever reach a recruiter. There will be strict background checks to ensure the safety of the country. This pathway ensures we welcome dedicated, qualified individuals who have already proven their commitment through years of U.S. schools. Furthermore,  only applicants who completed at least three years of high school in the U.S are eligible to apply for this program.

I'm going to community college because I don't have a good enough background to get into universities for engineering. The college I plan on joining has a direct entry to Virginia Tech if I have a minimum 3.2 GPA. Which would be my safety.
I have 70k USD approved in student loan from my home country for the community colleges. With a written statement saying that they would approve a 230k USD student loan for the final 2 years at VT or any other universities given Ive gotten entry, My dad works at a american oil company here in Saudi Arabia.

Hello, I have a question for people who immigrated to the United States through the Diversity Visa Lottery but faced citizenship issues or were stateless.

How did you manage to travel to the United States? What travel documents did you use to obtain your immigrant visa and board your flight? Thanks in advance🌹

I’m a British citizen, living in UK, born in India and plan to apply for an EB visa. Does anyone know the current I-526E approval wait time? Any recent case approval, please?

Hi everyone! Would love advice from anyone in a similar situation.

Background:

• Master’s (STEM) graduate, Dec 2025. Haven’t visited India since Aug 2023
• On F-1 OPT, EAD valid until Feb 20, 2027. Visa stamp valid until 2028
• Working in local government since July 2026
• Approved job-protected family leave to care for my grandfather in India, Nov 17 – Dec 14, 2026
• My employer isn’t E-Verify, so I need a new E-Verify job before filing my 24-month STEM OPT

Questions:

1. Any issues traveling on OPT while on approved leave? Does leave count as unemployment?
2. Re-entering after the new D/S rule (Sept 15), what I-94 end date did CBP give you on OPT?
3. Will I need an I-539 with my STEM OPT application because of this?
4. Did CBP ask for proof of funds on re-entry?
5. Is filing STEM OPT between mid-Dec and Feb 20 cutting it too close?
6. Will cap-gap and change of status still work for a March 2027 H-1B lottery after this trip?

Carrying: passport, I-20 with travel signature, EAD, employment and leave letters, pay stubs, bank statements, degree, and return ticket. Anything I’m missing?

Thanks!

Hi everyone!

I’m a non-EU citizen currently living in the United States, and I’m married to a Greek citizen. We got legally married in the US three years ago, and we are planning to move to Greece soon.

I’m trying to understand the process of obtaining a residence permit and, eventually, Greek citizenship through marriage.

I have a few questions:

1. What is the procedure for registering or recognizing our US marriage in Greece and applying for a residence permit as the same-sex spouse of a Greek citizen?
2. Approximately how long does it take to obtain a residence permit?
3. How long would I need to legally reside in Greece before becoming eligible to apply for Greek citizenship?
4. I’ve seen conflicting information online. Some sources mention three years of residence for spouses of Greek citizens, while others say seven years if the couple does not have children. Is that correct?
5. Does the three-year marriage rule apply to same-sex couples as well, or are the requirements different?

We have already been married for three years in the US, but I understand that the length of the marriage and the required period of legal residence in Greece may be two separate things.

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through this process or has reliable information about the current Greek immigration and citizenship laws.

Thank you in advance for your help!

USCIS denied my change of status because of a departure I never made—has anyone experienced this?
My I-539 application to change from tourist to student status was denied because government records show I left the U.S. on July 20, 2026. However, I haven’t left the country since entering in October 2025. My CBP travel history also lists other arrivals and departures that aren’t mine.
I’m working with an immigration lawyer and gathering receipts, appointment records, and photos to show I was here. Has anyone dealt with incorrect travel records affecting a USCIS decision? What helped you correct them, and what evidence was most useful?

I’m flying from the US for the first time. I’m flying from Calgary and I was told that on arrival, you have to go through immigration and check your luggage in again? My layover is only 90 mins and thats how the itinerary is.. can anyone please guide me here?

Hello, recently my motion to terminate removal proceedings was denied. The judge has given 60 days to find relief (which I do have, an approved I-130 through marriage). How does the adjustment process work in front of a judge and typically how long does it take? Also what would be a fair price that a law office should charge to represent this case? Right now i’m looking about 10k. Just wanted so insight, thanks.

Hi everyone! I’m looking for advice from people who have experience with F-1 status, marriage to a U.S. citizen, or U.S. immigration law.

I’m an international student from a country in Africa who recently moved to the U.S. to begin my PhD at a university. I entered the U.S. in May 2026, on an F-1 visa. My boyfriend is a U.S. citizen and serves in the U.S. Army, and we are considering getting married in December.

For context, I’ve known my boyfriend for 10 years, been dating for 2. I’ve visited the US multiple times since I have an existing B1/B2 visa. He used to live in my country but relocated two years ago to serve his country.

Our relationship is genuine, and we are not considering marriage as a way to get around immigration rules. We genuinely want to get married. However, since I have only recently started my PhD, my intention is to focus on my studies for now rather than immediately apply for adjustment of status (AOS). We may consider applying for a marriage-based green card in one or two years.

My boyfriend is concerned that if we marry now, our marriage will appear in government records and could raise questions when I travel internationally and return to the U.S. For example, if I attend an academic conference abroad or visit family and then return to continue my PhD, could CBP question why I married a U.S. citizen only a few months after entering the country? Could this potentially lead to additional scrutiny or even denial of entry in F-1 status?

For context, we decided on the timing of our wedding after I arrived in the U.S. We were not planning to file for AOS immediately after getting married, and I intend to continue my PhD.
I have read about the 90-day rule, but I’m confused about how it applies to someone who enters on an F-1 visa, gets married to a U.S. citizen, continues studying, and does not immediately apply for a green card.

My main concerns are:
• Does marrying a U.S. citizen shortly after arriving on an F-1 visa automatically create any immigration concerns, even if we do not immediately apply for a green card?

• Is there a realistic risk that I could be denied re-entry after international travel because of the timing of my marriage?

• Would waiting one or two years before applying for a green card make any difference to these concerns?

• Would it be advisable to postpone the wedding until I have completed more time in my PhD program, particularly if I may need to travel internationally for conferences?

• Are there any reliable, affordable immigration legal resources I could consult before making this decision?

I understand that nobody here can guarantee an immigration outcome, and I plan to seek qualified legal advice if possible. I would especially appreciate responses from immigration attorneys or people who have been in a similar situation.
Thank you for any guidance!

I crossed the border with my father when I was a minor, and I currently have a pending asylum case in immigration court (EOIR), not USCIS. I don’t have a hearing date scheduled at the moment, and I haven’t even had my first master calendar hearing yet. I also don’t have a deportation order.

My partner is in the military, and we’re planning to get married soon and eventually file an I-130. I understand that the process isn’t as simple as just filing a petition, especially since I entered without inspection. I’ve been looking into military Parole in Place (PIP) and the possibility of needing a waiver, but I know neither is guaranteed.

I’ve also heard that having a pending asylum case or being in removal proceedings can affect your eligibility for Parole in Place, but I’m not sure how accurate that is.

Has anyone been through a similar situation ? I’d appreciate hearing about your experience, what steps you took, and any advice on what I should look into before starting the process.

I’m planning to work with an immigration attorney, but I’d also like to hear from people who have experienced something similar. I’m not looking for judgment or negative comments about my situation, just genuine advice or experiences from people who may have gone through something similar. We’re simply trying to understand our options and figure out the best way to move forward. Thank you

Hi all, I'm in a really stressful situation and would appreciate any advice or similar experiences.

I'm Tunisian (non-EU), living in Malta on a residence card as the spouse of an EEA citizen (Norwegian).
We married in July 2025. I moved to Malta in early 2026.
We're separating. We're not divorcing for now, but he's quitting his job and leaving Malta.
My card expires January 2027. I have a local job on a fixed contract until June 2027.
No university degree or vocational diploma.
I'm gay, and going back to Tunisia isn't safe for me (Article 230).
From what I understand, once he moves out of Malta my EU-family status ends, even though we're still married.

Has anyone here:
Switched from an EU family member card to a Single Permit in Malta from inside the country? How long did it take, and did your employer cooperate?

Applied for asylum in Malta on LGBT grounds while already legally resident? Were you detained? How did it go?

Had their EU spouse leave the country and managed to stay? What did you do?

I've reached out to a lawyer and NGOs but would really value real experiences. I do NOT want to overstay. Thank you 🙏

Hi everyone. I’m scheduled for my first Master Calendar hearing coming up at the Hyattsville, MD immigration court (non-detained docket, F-1 entry, affirmative asylum referred to EOIR).
I’m posting to hear directly from respondents who have actually represented themselves (pro se) at a Master hearing. Here is my current situation:
> I’ve contacted several pro bono organizations, but none are taking non-detained cases right now.
> I do not mind representing myself for the 5-minute Master Calendar hearing to enter pleadings or request a continuance (I am saving up and fully intend to hire counsel for my final Individual (merits) trial later.)
> If the judge is scheduling trial dates far out, I plan to enter pleadings to lock in a trial date. If dates are unexpectedly close, I plan to ask for a first-time continuance to continue seeking counsel.

For anyone who has stood at the podium pro se at a Master hearing (especially in Maryland):
> What was the actual atmosphere like inside the courtroom?
> How did the judge handle unrepresented respondents?
> Any practical tips for managing nerves or navigating the building on court day?
Thanks in advance for sharing your direct experiences!