Sumner Immigration Law

10/13/2026

If you’re preparing to apply for OPT, or your company employs international graduates, you may be wondering what the proposed $70,000 OPT fee means for your plans.

Join me live for a practical discussion of two developments: the proposed OPT fee and the recent PERM suspensions. We’ll cover what is in effect now, what remains a proposal, and the steps students and employers can take to protect filing deadlines and plan ahead.

Bring your questions. I’ll also explain why “PERM is suspended” does not mean every employer’s PERM case has stopped.

09/29/2026

The October 2026 Visa Bulletin is finally here, and USCIS has confirmed that employment-based and family preference applicants may use the Dates for Filing chart for I‑485 filings in October.

What does that mean for your case? Join me live today to discuss:

• How to tell whether your priority date allows you to file an I‑485
• Why a pending I‑485 still needs a current Final Action Date for approval
• When it may make sense to explore EB‑2 versus EB‑3
• What you can do now if your date is not current

I’ll focus on practical next steps for applicants and employers. Bring your questions!

09/22/2026

We now have important new guidance from the Department of State.

DOS has instructed U.S. embassies and consulates to identify immigrant visa cases that were refused solely because of the 75-country pause and begin reconsidering them.

That does not necessarily mean an immediate visa issuance.

Depending on the case, an applicant may still need updated documents or a medical exam, additional security vetting, or even another interview. Consular officers must also determine that the applicant remains eligible for the visa, including completing the required public charge review.

Join us live or catch the replay where we'll talk about:

• What has changed
• What DOS is telling consulates to do now
• What happens to previous 221(g) refusals
• Why some cases may still not be moving yet
• What affected applicants should do next

If your immigrant visa was refused or placed on hold, or your interview was canceled or rescheduled during this period, this is an important time to take another look at your case.

09/17/2026

Can you sponsor your parents for a green card?

In this episode of Sumner School: Family Immigration Basics, Emily Sumner explains what U.S. citizens should know about sponsoring a parent for permanent residence.

The video discusses when a green card may be appropriate, when a visitor visa may be a better fit, and the two main process options: I-130 with consular processing or adjustment of status for parents already in the United States.

Emily also talks about travel considerations while the case is pending and what parents should keep in mind after receiving a green card, especially if they plan to spend significant time outside the United States.

Sponsoring a parent for a green card can be a big decision, both legally and practically. Understanding the options can help families choose the right path.

Click this link to watch the full video: https://youtu.be/VBbIul8sTeA

This video is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is different.

09/03/2026

Can you sponsor your stepchild for a green card?

In this episode of Sumner School: Family Immigration Basics, Emily Sumner explains when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident may be able to sponsor a stepchild for permanent residence.

The video discusses the key age requirement for stepchildren, why the marriage to the child’s parent must have occurred before the child turned 18, and why the child may need a separate I-130 petition.

Emily also explains that adoption is not required and briefly discusses how the K-1/K-2 fiancé visa process may be worth considering in some situations involving older children.

Sponsoring a stepchild for a green card can be possible, but the strategy depends on the specific facts of the case.

Click this link to watch the full video: https://youtu.be/u6CYcix9w3g

This video is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is different.

08/27/2026

Can a parent sponsor a child for a green card?

In this episode of Sumner School: Family Immigration Basics, Emily Sumner explains what parents need to know about sponsoring a child or adult child for permanent residence.

This video covers who may be able to sponsor a child, how immigration law generally defines a “child,” why age and marital status matter, and how the process may differ depending on whether the parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Emily also discusses why a child under 21 of a U.S. citizen may be treated differently from an adult child, how preference categories and priority dates can affect timing, and why families should understand whether consular processing or adjustment of status may be available.

Sponsoring a child for a green card can be complicated, but it is also doable with the right strategy and guidance.

Click here to watch the full video: https://youtu.be/bL3Jv8sLzdY

08/14/2026

The Affidavit of Support is an important part of many family-based immigrant visa cases, but it can also be one of the most confusing.

In this episode of Sumner School: Family Immigration Basics, Emily Sumner explains what sponsors need to know about the Affidavit of Support and U.S. domicile.

For many families, the Affidavit of Support is not just a form. It is a key part of showing that the intending immigrant has the required financial support and that the sponsor meets the requirements for the case to move forward.

Click this link to learn more: https://youtu.be/S3mqrcCey7Q

This video is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is different.

The Affidavit of Support can be one of the more confusing parts of ...

07/16/2026

Your immigrant visa was issued. Now what?

First, congratulations. This is a huge step in the green card process.

In this episode of Sumner School: Family Immigration Basics, Emily Sumner explains what happens after immigrant visa approval, including:

• Checking your visa for errors
• Paying the USCIS immigrant fee
• Receiving the physical green card
• Planning ahead for I-751 or naturalization, if applicable

Getting the immigrant visa is a huge milestone, but there are still a few important steps before you are fully settled as a permanent resident.

This video is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is different.