Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Help from Immigration Professionals

If you or someone you know could benefit from our legal Clinic. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions:

Who is eligible?

Immigration law Clinic provides legal assistance in immigration matters to individuals and families of all nationalities in Kansas City and the surrounding communities.

What types of cases do you accept?

We accept eligible family, refugee and naturalization cases. We also provide general consultation in appropriate cases.

How can I get immigration help?

The best way to begin the process is by calling us at 816-221-2277, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

How can I become a United States citizen?

Individuals not born as us citizens can receive citizenship through naturalization.

How can I become a citizen through the naturalization process?

If you are not U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal naturalization process. People 18 years and older can file "Application for Naturalization" (Form N-400).

Persons who acquire citizenship from parents) while less than 18 years old can file an "Application for Certificate of Citizenship" (Form N-600) to document naturalization. Adopted children who acquire citizenship from parents) should file "Application for Certificate of Citizenship on Behalf of Adopted Child" (N-643) to document naturalization.

What are the requirements for naturalization?

Period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States
Residence in a particular USCIS district prior to filing
Ability to read, write, and speak English
Knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government
Good moral character
Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution, and
Favorable disposition toward the United States.

When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?

On the date you were granted permanent resident status, which is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as Alien Registration Card).

How can my spouse become a legal immigrant?

There is a three-step process for your spouse to become a legal immigrant:

USCIS must approve an immigrant visa petition that you file for your spouse.
State Department visa bulletin must show that a spouse immigrant visa is available to your spouse, based on the date you filed the immigrant visa application.
If your spouse is outside the United States when your visa petition is approved and when an immigrant visa number (if required) becomes available, your spouse will be notified to go to the local U.S. consulate to complete the processing for an immigrant visa. If your spouse is legally inside the U.S. when your visa petition is approved and when an immigrant visa number (if required) becomes available, he or she may use a Form 1-485 to apply to adjust his or her status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

Can my spouse live in the U.S. while his or her visa petition is still pending?

If you are a U.S. Citizen, once you file Form 1-130, your spouse is eligible to apply for a nonimmigrant K-3 Visa. This will entitle him or her to come to the U.S. to live and work while the visa petition is pending. The Form to file for this benefit is Form 1-129F. It is not necessary for your spouse to obtain a K-3 visa in order to come to the U.S. to live and work. Your spouse may wait abroad for immigrant visa processing. However, seeking a K-3 visa can be a method for him or her to come to the U.S. more quickly.

How will my child emigrate to the U.S. from a foreign country?

If you are a legal immigrant (or "lawful permanent resident" ) or a foreign national who has been granted the privilege of living and working permanently in the United States, there is a three-step process for your child or son or daughter to become a legal immigrant:

You must obtain USCIS approval of an immigrant visa petition that you file for your child, son or daughter.
State Department must then give your son or daughter an immigrant visa number, even if he or she is already in the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen and the chi ld is both under 21 years of age and unmarried, a visa number is not required.
If your child or son or daughter is outside the United States, he or she will be notified to go to the local U.S. consulate to complete the processing for an immigrant visa when one becomes available. If your child or son or daughter is legally in the U.S. when an immigrant visa number becomes available (or if one is not required), he or she may apply to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident using an 1-485 form.