Passage Immigration Law

04/23/2026

From Visa to Green Card: One Client's Immigration Journey

Every immigration case is unique, but the goal is often the same: building a life in the United States with stability and security.

The starting point: Our client came to the U.S. on a work visa, building a career and putting down roots. After several years, they decided it was time to pursue permanent residency.

The challenge: Like many applicants, our client had questions about eligibility, timing, and what documents would be needed. The process felt overwhelming at first.

The process: Working with Passage Immigration Law, we developed a clear plan. We gathered the necessary documentation, prepared and filed the petition, and kept our client informed at every step.

The result: After months of careful preparation and patience, our client received their green card approval. What once felt like an uncertain process became a clear path forward with the right legal support.

Your story matters to us. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're ready to file, we're here to help.

04/22/2026

Naturalization Checklist: Are You Eligible to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most important steps in your immigration journey. But before you file Form N-400, it's important to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.

Here's a general checklist to help you evaluate your readiness:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing.

Residency: You've been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.

Physical presence: You've been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period.

Continuous residence: You haven't taken any trips outside the U.S. that lasted 6 months or more without taking precautions to preserve your residence.

State residency: You've lived in the state where you're applying for at least 3 months.

Good moral character: You can demonstrate good moral character for the statutory period (generally 5 or 3 years).

English and civics: You can read, write, and speak basic English and pass a civics test about U.S. history and government.

Tax compliance: You've filed your taxes as required and don't owe back taxes without a payment arrangement.

This is a simplified overview. Eligibility can be affected by travel history, criminal history, and other factors. Contact Passage Immigration Law for guidance on your naturalization case.

04/21/2026

USCIS Processing Times Update: What's Moving and What's Slowed Down

If you have a pending immigration case, keeping an eye on USCIS processing times can help you plan ahead and set realistic expectations.

Here's a snapshot of where things stand this spring:

What's moving faster:
- Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) have seen improved processing at several service centers.
- Some family-based adjustment of status cases (I-485) are being adjudicated more quickly than in previous quarters.
- N-400 naturalization applications continue to trend toward shorter wait times at many field offices.

What's taking longer:
- I-130 petitions for certain family preference categories remain backlogged, with some cases taking 12+ months.
- Employment-based green card processing (I-140) varies widely depending on the category and service center.
- Asylum cases (I-589) continue to face significant delays due to high volume.

What you can do:
1. Check your case status regularly at https://hubs.ly/Q04bCML60 using your receipt number.
2. Sign up for case status updates and automatic notifications.
3. Talk to your attorney if your case has been pending beyond the posted processing time, as you may be eligible to file an inquiry.

Processing times change frequently, so staying informed is key. Have questions about your specific case? Passage Immigration Law is here to help.

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04/19/2026

Traveling on a Pending Green Card? Here's What You Need to Know About Advance Parole

If you've filed for a green card through adjustment of status (Form I-485), you may be wondering whether you can travel outside the U.S. while your case is pending. The answer is yes, but only with the right document: Advance Parole.

What is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is a travel document issued by USCIS that allows you to re-enter the U.S. while your green card application is pending. Without it, leaving the country could be treated as abandoning your application.

Key things to know:

1. You must have Advance Parole approved BEFORE you travel. Leaving without it can result in your I-485 being denied.
2. Advance Parole is typically included with your EAD combo card (Form I-765/I-131).
3. Processing times vary, so apply early and plan ahead.
4. Even with Advance Parole, re-entry is not guaranteed. A CBP officer still makes the final decision at the port of entry.
5. If you have certain visa types (like H-1B or L-1), you may be able to travel on your visa stamp instead. Talk to your attorney about which option is best.

Planning to travel while your green card is pending? Contact Passage Immigration Law before you book your trip.

04/18/2026

Meet the Passage Team: What Drives Us

At Passage Immigration Law, we're more than just attorneys and legal professionals. We're a team of people who believe that immigration should be accessible, transparent, and handled with care.

What drives our team every day:

We believe in clear communication. Immigration law can be confusing, so we make it a priority to keep our clients informed at every step. No surprises, no legal jargon without explanation.

We care about outcomes. Every case we take on matters to us because we know how much it matters to our clients and their families. We prepare thoroughly and advocate strongly.

We value diversity. Our team members bring different backgrounds, languages, and perspectives to our work. That diversity makes us better advocates for the communities we serve.

We are always learning. Immigration law changes constantly, and we stay on top of every update so our clients get the most current guidance.

Thank you to our clients for trusting us with your immigration journeys. We are honored to be part of your story.

04/17/2026

Work Permits 101: EAD vs. Employer-Sponsored Authorization

If you're looking to work in the U.S., understanding the difference between an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and employer-sponsored work authorization is key.

EAD (Employment Authorization Document):
- An EAD is a card issued by USCIS that allows you to work for any employer in the U.S.
- Common categories include pending adjustment of status applicants, asylum applicants, and certain visa holders' spouses.
- You apply using Form I-765 and can work for any employer once approved.

Employer-Sponsored Work Authorization:
- Visas like H-1B, L-1, and O-1 are tied to a specific employer.
- Your employer files the petition on your behalf, and you can only work for that sponsoring employer unless you transfer or get a new petition approved.
- Changing jobs typically requires your new employer to file a new petition.

Key takeaway: An EAD gives you flexibility to work anywhere, while employer-sponsored visas tie your work authorization to a specific company. Each path has its own advantages depending on your situation.

Not sure which type of work authorization applies to you? Passage Immigration Law can help you understand your options.

04/15/2026

Happy Tax Day! Did you know that filing your taxes is important for your immigration case?

Here's why it matters:

1. Tax returns are required evidence for many immigration applications, including green cards, naturalization, and sponsorship petitions.
2. USCIS uses your tax history to assess your financial ability to support family members you're sponsoring.
3. Failing to file taxes can raise red flags during your immigration case review and may be seen as a lack of good moral character for naturalization.
4. If you're self-employed or own a business, consistent tax filings help demonstrate your ties to the U.S.
5. Even if you owe taxes, filing on time (or requesting an extension) shows responsibility and compliance.

Bottom line: stay current on your taxes to keep your immigration case on track.

Questions about how taxes affect your immigration case? Passage Immigration Law is here to help.

04/14/2026

H-1B Lottery Season Recap: What Happens Next?

The H-1B lottery results for FY2027 are in. Whether you were selected or not, here's what you need to know:

If you were selected:
- Your employer must file the H-1B petition by June 30, 2026.
- Start gathering supporting documents now: specialty occupation evidence, your degree credentials, and the Labor Condition Application.
- If you're currently on another visa status, plan your transition timeline carefully.

If you were not selected:
- Don't lose hope. There are other work visa options to explore, including O-1, L-1, and E-2 visas depending on your qualifications.
- Your employer may be able to sponsor you again in next year's lottery.
- Consider whether you qualify for cap-exempt H-1B positions at universities or research institutions.

Not sure about your options? Passage Immigration Law can help you navigate what comes next.

04/13/2026

Thinking about applying for a family-based green card? Here are 5 things to know before you file:

1. Eligibility depends on your relationship to the petitioner (spouse, parent, child, or sibling).
2. The process timeline varies. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens often have shorter wait times than other categories.
3. You will need to gather key documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, tax returns, and proof of the relationship.
4. Filing fees add up. Budget for the I-130 petition, I-485 adjustment, and biometrics fees.
5. An immigration attorney can help you avoid common mistakes that lead to delays or denials.

Have questions about your family-based case? Passage Immigration Law is here to help.

12/09/2025

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12/09/2025

⚠️The Pause Act (H.R. 6225): Immigration Freeze in the U.S.

📘Download your FREE Guide to U.S. Citizenship: https://pages.passage.law/free-citizenship-guide-checklist

📄 Download your FREE Marriage-based Green Card Interview Checklist here: https://pages.passage.law/marriage-green-card-interview-checklist

📘Get your FREE GUIDE "Top 20 Immigration Questions" here: https://pages.passage.law/top-immigration-questions

A new bill in Congress—H.R. 6225, also called The Pause Act—could pause almost every immigration pathway in the United States. In this video, attorney Erick Widman from Passage® Immigration Law explains how this proposal could freeze visas, delay green cards, restrict birthright citizenship, and impact pending USCIS cases.

What you’ll learn:
1️⃣ How a nationwide visa freeze could affect family petitions, employment-based green cards, and student visas.
2️⃣ Why the bill could limit birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S.
3️⃣ How retroactive immigration rules could reopen cases and threaten green cards.
4️⃣ What steps to take now to protect your status, your family, and your future.

Although H.R. 6225 has not yet become law, it could cause major immigration delays and uncertainty. Watch this video to understand how The Pause Act could affect immigrants, lawful residents, and visa holders—and how to stay prepared before any changes take effect.

🎯 Have questions? Drop them in the comments below, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with anyone who could benefit from this information!

🤙Contact us at 503-427-8243 or https://www.passage.law/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=yt2025
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Serving clients across the U.S., with offices in Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA.




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Passage Immigration® Law