Sumner Immigration Law

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.

09/01/2026

USCIS processing times can be confusing and often downright frustrating.

Your USCIS online account may give you one estimate. The USCIS processing times page may tell you something different. Your estimated time may suddenly jump forward or backward. And your immigration lawyer may not even be able to see the same information you're seeing in your online account.

So what information can you actually rely on?

In today's Live, I'm giving a quick refresher on USCIS processing times, including:

• Why the different USCIS processing-time estimates don't always match
• Why your online account estimate isn't a guaranteed decision date
• How immigration lawyers evaluate whether a case is actually taking longer than expected
• When USCIS will and won't allow you to submit a service request
• What options you may have if your case really does seem to be taking too long

I've previously recorded a more detailed video explaining how USCIS processing times work, so I'll point you to that resource if you want the deeper dive.

For today, we're focusing on the question I hear from clients all the time: “My case is taking longer than I expected. What can I actually do about it?”

Join me live for a practical, straightforward conversation about what these timelines really mean and when it may be time to take action.

This information is for general educational purposes and is not legal advice.

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

08/25/2026

With so many immigration changes happening seemingly daily, and more on the way, you may be wondering: Is it better to file now, or should I wait?

There isn't one answer that's right for everyone.

In today's Live, I'm sharing a practical framework for making that decision, including:

• When there may be a benefit to filing now
• When waiting may make sense
• The risks and benefits to consider on both sides
• How upcoming immigration changes can affect timing
• The information you need before making a decision

I'll also talk about some of the changes we're watching right now, including the new F-1/J-1 rules, public charge changes, and movement in the Visa Bulletin.

My goal isn't to tell everyone to rush to file. It's to help you make immigration decisions based on good information rather than fear or uncertainty.

Join me live and bring your questions.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.

08/18/2026

Received an RFE (Request for Evidence) from USCIS? Here’s what you need to know.

In this video, I explain:

What an RFE means (and why it’s NOT a denial)
Common reasons USCIS issues RFEs
Deadlines and what happens if you don’t respond
How to build a strong RFE response
Mistakes that can hurt your case

RFEs are common in employment-based and family-based immigration cases—but how you respond can make or break your outcome.

If you’ve received an RFE or want to be prepared, this video will give you clarity and confidence.

� Need help with your RFE? Contact our office to discuss your case.

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 ...

08/11/2026

Immigration law is moving quickly, and there’s a lot of uncertainty right now.

Today, I’m opening up Live at Lunch for an Ask Me Anything about U.S. immigration law.

Have a question about:

Travel?
H-1Bs or other work visas
Employment-based green cards?
Family-based immigration?
Adjustment of status or consular processing?
Something you’ve heard in the news and aren’t sure what it actually means?

Drop your question in the comments and I’ll answer as many as I can.

My goal, as always: to cut through the noise and help you understand what’s happening, and what it may mean for you, your employees, or your family.

General information only, not legal advice.

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.

07/02/2026

Most Common Reasons a Marriage-Based Green Card Is Delayed or Denied

Most CR1 and IR1 marriage-based green card cases are approved, but delays can happen when applicants are unprepared for the final stages of the process.

In this video, Attorney Emily Sumner discusses common issues that can create problems, including missing documentation, affidavit of support concerns, prior immigration violations, inconsistencies in applications, and interview mistakes.

Understanding these potential pitfalls can help you prepare for your interview and avoid unnecessary delays.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/uY2jd3FhkEM

06/18/2026

The immigrant visa interview is often one of the most stressful parts of the green card process for applicants living outside the United States.

In this episode of Sumner School: Family Immigration Basics, Emily Sumner explains what to expect at the interview, including how to prepare, what documents to review, the types of questions a consular officer may ask, and what can happen after the interview.

She also covers common outcomes, including visa approval, 221(g) administrative processing, and requests for additional documents.

Preparation matters. Applicants should carefully review the interview instructions for their specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate, gather original or certified copies of required documents, complete the medical exam as instructed, and review the DS-260 for accuracy and consistency.

Clikc this link to watch the full video: https://youtu.be/jw1tQzDIQMQ

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