The Law Offices of Catalina Leff

The Law Offices of Catalina Leff Law Practice specializing in Business & Family Immigration Law Los Angeles New Location: 9440 S.

Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills CA 90210

03/22/2026

In the U.S.? Under certain circumstances, you can still get your green card even with a country ban.

Many think a country ban means their immigration journey is on hold.

Not always true.

If you’re already in the U.S. and you self-petition or your employer files an I-140 petition in a category with a current priority date, you may be able to adjust status (Form I-485) without leaving the country.

Here’s why:

Travel bans stop people from entering the U.S., but adjustment of status happens entirely inside the U.S. for those who qualify.

Key points to remember:
Must be physically present in the U.S.
Visa must be immediately available (check the Visa Bulletin)
Lawful entry & admissibility still required
Concurrent filing (I-140 + I-485) can speed things up

Extraordinary Abilities in Science and Engineering:Earlier this year, the Biden Administration rolled out some new polic...
09/24/2022

Extraordinary Abilities in Science and Engineering:
Earlier this year, the Biden Administration rolled out some new policies under STEM which seek to provide greater predictability for pathways for international talent primarily for Students in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program; J-1 Exchange Visitors; O-1 Visas, and EB-1 and National Interest Visa Waiver applicants. Those new guidelines were published in August of 2022 on the USCIS Website. For those of you seeking extraordinary ability visas in the O Category, it is interesting to note that USCIS released detailed guidance describing how entrepreneurs can qualify for O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement) classification, including references to specific sources of evidence in STEM-related fields (engineering, math for example). The new guidance expands on what constitutes a “field” of endeavor to include accomplishments in different but related occupations. In addition, it clarifies the use of comparable evidence to satisfy the regulatory criteria (see O-1 Visas Abound: USCIS Provides Detailed Guidance on O-1 Visa Eligibility). I encourage you to check out the new policies on the website
https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-for-o-1-petitions-with-a-focus-on-stem-fields

08/21/2021

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is concerned about the prevailing humanitarian needs within Afghanistan, and urges support to ensure that all those requiring

01/30/2021

FOR ALL H1B Filers: H1B season is upon us and with that it is important to note that USCIS has announced a final rule that will modify the H-1B cap selection process by prioritizing wages in the lottery selection which might make it more challenging for certain employers For further questions feel free to message us or consult with us at [email protected].

Happy Holidays
12/26/2020

Happy Holidays

Address

9440 S. SANTA MONICA Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA
90210

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16198654958

Website

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