Tips for Holiday Visa Travel
Posted on | November 30, 2009 | 1 Comment
The holidays are a time for fun, travel, and reconnecting with loved ones. Unfortunately, this time can also be complicated for immigrants if they travel abroad to visit family. Concerns about national security and illegal aliens have led to vastly increased border security, which can sometimes delay a return to the United States. As a service to our clients in Reno, Las Vegas, and elsewhere in Nevada and California, we want to offer some tips for a smooth and successful reentry to the country after holiday plans take you abroad.
**Undocumented immigrants should not leave the country for any reason, as doing so creates significant immigration problems. If you are an illegal immigrant and are considering leaving the country for holiday or family matters, you must consult an immigration attorney beforehand for advice.**
Some Holiday Travel Tips for Immigrants
- Make sure your passport is valid during the duration of your travel.
- Make sure that your visa is valid and that you are complying with its requirements (i.e. for an F-1, you must still be attending school; for an H1-B, you must be employed by the same employer, etc)
- Be aware of arrests and convictions on your criminal record, even if they are old–FBI database checks are extensive. If you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime, you should consult an experienced immigration attorney for advice before you leave the country.
- Do not stay abroad for over six months. If you plan to leave the country for over six months, you should speak with an immigration lawyer beforehand.
- Plan around upcoming interviews and potential Requests for Evidence (RFEs). If you have immigration matters currently pending, there is a chance that you could be scheduled for an interview while you are abroad. Also, USCIS sometimes sends clients an RFE if there is something unclear about the application, and failing to respond to an RFE can jeopardize the whole process.If you are working on an Adjustment of Status, a Marriage Visa, Naturalization, or Removal of Conditions, you should be aware of upcoming interviews and speak with an attorney for advice before you leave.
- Bring back some goodies for your friends at Las Vegas Family Immigration.
There are two basic rules to follow here: make sure your documents are in order, and talk to an immigration lawyer if you are in doubt. For a free consultation and answers to your travel and immigration questions, please call us today.
Tags: H1B Work Visa > Illegal Aliens > Immigration Attorney > Immigration Lawyer > Nevada > Permanent Resident > Student Visa > Undocumented > USCIS
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One Response to “Tips for Holiday Visa Travel”
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December 9th, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
Excellent Post. Common sense that is not always common. Make sure your papers are valid – do not assume. Follow your limitations accordingly.