Top 5 tips for maintaining your immigration status

However, I can’t count the number of times they have “accidentally” failed to maintain their status, often times, at no fault of their own! I put together a legal guide that provides 5 easy tips to ensure my clients maintain their hard-earned visas, but am reproducing it below.

1. Download your I-94

If you’re in the United States on a visa, you can easily download your I-94 document which indicates the expiration date of your immigration status from the CBP website here.

2. Check those expiration dates!

Whether it’s your approval notice, green card, or even your passport–stay on top of those expiration dates so you give yourself enough time to renew your visa or extend your status.

3. Double-check your entry stamp.

When passing through Customs & Immigration at the airport, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and often write your status expiration date. Before you leave the CBP Officer’s desk, double check this date and make sure they’ve given you the proper amount of time!

4. Review your pay stub (and job location).

If you are in the United States on an employment-based visa (such as H-1B), there are strict requirements your employer must follow with regard to your rate of pay and job location. Make sure you’re getting paid the amount stated and job site indicated in the H-1B application. Any discrepancies could hurt your ability to change status, extend status, or change employers in the future.

5. Set up reminders.

We live in the digital age–set up automatic reminders on your calendar or smartphone to take action or seek the help of an immigration attorney at least 6 months prior to visa expiration, status expiration, passport expiration or a few months leading up to your eligibility for a green card or citizenship!