Sumner Immigration Law

Sumner Immigration Law Streamlined services for business-based and family-based immigration.

06/04/2026

Your I-130 petition has been approved. What happens next?

Many families assume that once USCIS approves an I-130 petition, the hardest part is over. In reality, there are several important steps that must be completed through the National Visa Center (NVC) before an immigrant visa interview can be scheduled.

In this video, Attorney Emily Sumner explains what to expect after I-130 approval, including the DS-260, Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), required civil documents, documentarily qualified status, interview scheduling, and common mistakes that can delay family-based immigration cases.

Click this link to better understand the next stage of the family-based green card process: https://youtu.be/VbcNTOMWjWs?si=h75vkQ6xPGy5Um1K

05/26/2026

USCIS released a new Adjustment of Status memo, and understandably, many immigrants and families are feeling anxious about what it could mean for pending and future green card cases.

I’m going LIVE in to break down:
• What the memo actually says
• What has changed (and what hasn’t)
• How discretion has always played a role in immigration cases
• Practical steps foreign nationals, their families, and employers should consider right now
• Why panic is not the answer

My goal is to provide clarity, context, and calm in an immigration environment that already feels overwhelming for many people.

Join me live and please bring your questions.

05/21/2026

Can You Visit the U.S. While Your I-130 Is Pending or Approved?

If your family-based I-130 petition is pending with USCIS or has already been approved, can you still visit the United States?

The answer may be yes, but it is important to proceed carefully.

In this video, Emily Sumner explains what to consider before traveling, including whether you already have a visitor visa or ESTA, how immigrant intent may affect your travel, what could happen at the port of entry, and why admission to the U.S. is never guaranteed.

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

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

05/19/2026

The Department of Labor has proposed major changes to how prevailing wages are calculated for H-1B, PERM, E-3, and H-1B1 cases, and the impact on employers could be significant.

If finalized, this proposal could:
� Increase required wage levels
� Affect hiring budgets and sponsorship strategy

At today’s Live at Lunch, I’m breaking down:

what the proposed rule actually says,
who may be most affected,
practical planning considerations for employers, and
what employers and foreign nationals should watch next.

Join me live at noon or catch the replay here!

05/07/2026

Filing the I-130 petition is a major milestone in the family immigration process, but many families are surprised to learn what happens next.

Does filing the I-130 give someone lawful status?
How long does processing actually take?
What happens after approval?
What is the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing?

In our newest episode of Sumner School Family Immigration Basics, Attorney Emily Sumner breaks down what to realistically expect after filing Form I-130 with USCIS, including timelines, RFEs, priority dates, and the next stages of the green card process.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/6lKMtfPipkA



If you or a loved one are navigating family-based immigration, understanding the process can help reduce confusion and prepare for what comes next.

05/05/2026

Secure your place in line for the green card process - file now!

05/05/2026

Most people don’t start the green card process too early…
they start too late.

I’ve had multiple conversations recently with individuals and employers who said the same thing:

“I wish we had started this sooner.”

The reality is:

These processes take longer than expected
Your options are best when you’re not under pressure
Small issues early can turn into major delays later
And timing impacts strategy more than most people realize

Starting earlier isn’t about rushing. It’s about creating space to do things the right way, and working from a foundation of peace and intention, not stress and pressure.

If you’ve been thinking about it, that’s usually the right time to at least understand your options.

04/28/2026

A Maryland federal district court has weighed in on USCIS’s decision to pause adjudications for individuals from 39 travel ban countries.

If you have pending immigration cases or employ foreign nationals, tune in for this key update.

I'll break down:

• What the case is about
• What the court actually said
• Who is impacted right now
• Who is not likely immediately impacted

Join me live and bring your questions.

04/16/2026

Click here for the full video: https://youtu.be/YmG_CsvNMpc

Applying for a marriage-based green card from overseas? In this episode of Sumner School: Family Immigration Basics, Attorney Emily Sumner breaks down the exact documentation you need for every stage of the process—from the initial I-130 filing to the final interview at a U.S. Consulate.

Navigating the National Visa Center (NVC) and Consular Processing can be confusing. This video provides a high-level overview of the required civil documents, financial evidence, and proof of a bona fide relationship to help you avoid delays or denials.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Video:
Stage 1: The I-130 Petition – What USCIS needs to prove your marriage is legal and "bona fide."

Stage 2: The National Visa Center (NVC) – A checklist of civil documents, including police certificates and the Affidavit of Support.

Stage 3: The Consular Interview – What originals and updated documents you must bring to your interview overseas.

Common Mistakes: Why English translations and the "Department of State Reciprocity Table" are critical to your success.

04/02/2026

If you're applying for a K-1 visa, your kids can come too—but you have to follow the K-2 process exactly. From filing the initial petition to applying for a Green Card, there are several steps where families often make mistakes.

Attorney Emily Sumner explains everything you need to know in our newest video.

Watch to find out:
⭐ How to include your children on the I-129F.
⭐ What happens if your child turns 21 during the process.
⭐ The difference between a K-2 visa and being sponsored by a stepparent.

Questions about your case? Contact us today at 804.396.3412 or visit us at sumnerimmigration.com.

Address

8001 Franklin Farms Drive, Suite 201
Richmond, VA
23229

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Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
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+18043963412

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