Margo Chernysheva - MC Law Group Immigration Law

08/29/2026

Can Vacating a Criminal Conviction Help With an Immigration Case?

Vacating a conviction can protect your immigration status, but only if the court cites the right legal reason. Learn what matters.

08/04/2026

n400 and physical presence requirement and more

07/29/2026

The best strategy for a K-1 Fiancé Visa is a structured, error-free application. You must prove you met in person within the last two years. The U.S. citizen sponsor must meet the minimum income requirement. File a complete, accurate petition.
That is how you avoid costly processing delays.

07/22/2026

Owing money to the IRS will not automatically disqualify you from getting your Green Card through Form I-485. You must stay current on an approved IRS payment plan and show no history of tax evasion.

You can also take out a loan and pay off the IRS debt in full. This clears the debt before you file. With no tax debt left, USCIS has nothing to flag. You then manage the loan as a private debt. It does not affect your application.

07/15/2026

USCIS has placed an indefinite hold on processing and final adjudication of Form I-485 applications for nationals from designated high-risk travel ban countries.

Foreign nationals who travel internationally on Advance Parole face higher scrutiny when they return. This can affect I-485 approvals.

A second passport can help. If you hold citizenship in a country not on the travel ban list, you may be able to file or travel under that nationality and avoid the hold.

07/07/2026

The $100,000 H-1B fee is still in effect.

A federal court struck it down on June 8, 2026, calling it an unlawful tax. The government appealed. On June 12, the court paused its own ruling. On June 18, the government asked the First Circuit to keep the fee in place during the appeal.

That pause holds for now. The fee applies only to petitions requiring consular processing. Changes of status, extensions, and amendments are exempt.

The First Circuit has not ruled yet. Confirm with counsel before filing or paying.

07/01/2026

You can take out a loan and pay off the IRS debt in full.

That removes the financial instability concern before you file Form I-485. With no outstanding tax debt, USCIS has nothing to flag. You then manage the loan as a private debt, which does not affect your application.

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06/23/2026

An E-2 Investor funds, owns, and operates a U.S. business. An E-2 Essential Employee is hired by an existing E-2 business to fill an executive, managerial, or highly specialized role.

06/15/2026

06/08/2026

About E1 and E2 visa, what you need to know.