Free legal services for indigent aliens/immigrants or those unable to afford legal representation:

1. Executive Office for Immigration Review | List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers | United States Department of Justice or dl (justice.gov)
2. ImmigrationLawHelp.org | Helping low-income immigrants find legal help | ImmigrationLawhelp.org
3. National Immigration Legal Services Directory - Immigration Advocates Network

List of free Lawyers/Attorney for any/all general Visa Advice:


A) Reddy n Neumann:

Reddy n Neumann are most accessible employment-based immigration attorney today. They answer your H1B, H4, i140, L visa, F1 visa, and other business and study related questions free of cost.

#1 YouTube, Facebook Live Video Call – Weekly
They conduct a LIVE video chat every Tuesday from 5 PM to 6 PM central time on YouTube and Facebook.

You can write your question in video comments live chat and either Rahul Reddy or Emily Neumann will pick you question and answer right there.

You only get one shot at asking the question as there is no way to ask a follow up question in this video call. So, be specific and to-the-point. Do not ask repeated questions either as they won’t pick it up for answering.

#2 Free Phone Call – Mon to Fri
Rahul reddy also holds a completely free conference call everyday from Monday to Friday for 1/2 hour.

You can directly call and ask your question. The good thing is that you are speaking directly to the attorney and can ask follow up question too.

• Monday – 3:30 pm CST
• Tuesday- 11:30 am CST
• Wednesday – 4:30 pm CST
• Thursday – 11:30 am CST
• Friday – 3:30 pm CST

You should dial: +1 720 820 1476
Once you are connected, you will need to wait until the conference starts and then dial *6 and then 1 to be queued for asking a question.

Since the time is limited, it is better to queue yourself as early as possible in the call right at the start by pressing *6.
They shut the call promptly within 30 minutes even if more people are still waiting in queue to ask their question.

#3 Email Question
You can also email (info@rnlawgroup.com) your question to RN Law group and they reply within 24 hours as per our experience.

#4 Ask Question On Emily Neumann’s blog
Emily writes a blog by the name of immigration girl. You can ask your questions in the comment section and she might reply as per her availability.
Most repeated and illogical questions are not not replied. So, please ask to the point question to get a meaningful answer.

B) Free Consultation By Rajiv Khanna – Immigration.com

Rajiv S. Khanna, US Immigration Attorney, hosts Free Conference Call every other Thursday at 12:30 PM Eastern Standard Time to answer US immigration related questions.

You should call at (202)-800-8394. 

You should ask your question on their immigration.com forum first. They create a specific page for each conference call on their forum where you can queue up your question before the call.

Once the call starts, attorney answers the question in the sequence in which they have been asked on their forum page.

Once they have exhausted the forum page questions, they do take questions from people on the call. But, my suggestion is to not rely on the call and queue up your question on forum.

You can ask questions or just listen live or listen to the recording for the call. They post their conference call recording their YouTube Channel and forums.

Most of the questions hover around H1B and H4 EAD issues but you can ask your green card and advance parole queries too.

C) Call Local Indian Radio Channel

Most cities who have an Indian radio channel host the live ‘ask an attorney’ shows. You are allowed to call the radio and then ask questions live.

Dallas has two radio stations called fun asia and radio caravan that host the immigration question session with real attorneys. You can call live and ask your question.

The only thing is that you will probably just get about a minute or two to discuss. Your query should be precise and to the point.

Boston does not have any Indian radio channel.

New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut are served by 8K Radio EBC.

San Francisco/San Jose area has Radio Zindagi. Bay area people can call on Desi 1170 AM radio channel.

Peerally Law runs an immigration show on KLOK 1170 AM Radio Thursday from 10 am to 11 am (PST) in San Jose, California.

D) Ask Immigration Question on AVVO

Avvo.com is a popular question and answer platform where your query is answered by a real attorney.

You can expect a short and crisp answer from well-known and credible attorneys but only if you ask to-the-point question.

Although Avvo is pretty good, the drawback is that Many attorneys would simply just ask you to talk to your employer’s attorney for your L1 or H1B work visa query instead of giving an answer. Not sure why do they even reply on your post if they don’t want to answer!

The platform works both ways in the sense that attorneys get to find some of their prospective clients on avvo.

If you know about more options to ask an Immigration question for free, do let us know in the comments and we will update the article.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) permits citizens of designated countries to apply for admission to the United States for short-term visits as nonimmigrant visitors for business or pleasure without the need to obtain a B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant visa from a U.S. consulate.

• Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who, since March 1, 2011, have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen or any other country of concern designated by the Department of Homeland Security, or since January 12, 2021, have traveled to Cuba; and
• Dual nationals of a VWP country and Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria or any other country of concern designated by the Department of Homeland Security.

B) Extending H1B work visa beyond initial 6 years during/after i140 approval:

1. If 365 days or more elapsed since an I-140 employment-based petition for permanent residence (PERM/LC) was filed on your behalf, your H-1B status may be extended in one-year increments until such time as your permanent residency application is approved.
2. If you have an approved I-140 employment-based petition but your priority date is not current, i.e. immigrant visa number is not available to you (as immigrant visas for your country of birth are oversubscribed) your H-1B status may be extended in three-year increments until your permanent residency application (PERM) is approved.
3. You can try to make the PERM applied/filing date to be 365 days before your H1B 6 year expiration by extending your 6year H1B period by the following 2 methods:
   A) Visit Canada or Mexico for a short term like 30days and use AVR to return to US before the start of the 7th year.
   B) Choose to spend more vacation or work from time outside the USA & then recapture it.
   
   
   

1. Basic Flexibility:
1. You can use the approved I-140 to maintain your priority date with the new position after promotion/transfer into same/different company by filing a new PERM and i140 through them. (new AC21 rule modification done in Jan 2017).
2. There is no expiry date mentioned on the I-140 approval. You can use it with as many employers as you want until your date of the green card gets current.
3. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements each time, you should be able to port your I-140 more than once. It is worth mentioning that frequent job changes may raise concerns of an adjudicator regarding the "permanency" of your job offers. Although you would have no choice when facing lay-offs or a company shut-down, you should be aware of the negative impacts of "job hopping." 
2. International Flexibility:
1. You can come back to the US anytime in the future by getting a H1B transfer/extension from a new employer using your already approved i140 from your older job/employer.
2. You will still need a new i140 preapproved for the new position with the new employer to file an i485 adjustment of status before your priority date becomes current.
3. Your new employment must be the "same or similar" occupational classification to the one described in initial Form I-140. There is no clear definition of what constitute "same or similar," but a USCIS adjudicator will consider the following factors:
1. Job Description: your job duties of the new employment will be compared with the job descriptions contained in your I-140 or labor certification (ETA 750A or new PERM).
2. DOT code and/or SOC code: Your DOT code or SOC code assigned to the I-140 based on your labor certification, or an appropriate code determined by the adjudicator if LC was not required, will be used to judge whether the new employment is the same or similar occupational classification.
3. Wage information: your new salary should not be significantly different from the previous one. However, it doesn't have to be exactly the same or necessarily higher.
4. Your new job doesn't need to fulfill any of the following conditions:
   
1. same geographic location: A May, 2006, USCIS Memo from Yates specifically stated that geographic location of the new employment does not have to be the same as specified in the approved Labor Certification and initial Form I-140, as long as it is the same or similar occupational classification.
   
2. pay the same or a higher salary: The Yates Memo (2005) explained that a difference in the wage offered on the approved labor certification, initial I-140 and the new employment cannot be used as a basis of a denial, as long as the case meets occupational classification requirement. However, a significant discrepancy in salary may be a factor in determining whether the new job is "same or similar."
   
3. Proof of "ability to pay": USCIS will not request proof of "ability to pay" from your new employer. However, they may issue RFE to verify the legitimacy of your new employer, as well as your job offer. While adjusting your I-485, USCIS will also evaluate the potential of you becoming a public charge. So it is essential that your new employer has relevant materials ready, which may include the same documents required as proof of "ability to pay."
4. new labor certification:  Your already approved LC remains valid even if you seek to adjust your status based on another employment opportunity.
5. exactly same job title: USCIS understands that different companies may use different titles for essentially the same position and will make a determination on a case-by-case basis. However, it makes everyone's life easier if you have identical job titles.
5. After your I-140 approval always notify USCIS that you have changed jobs:
   
1. You or your attorney should send a letter to the USCIS service center explaining that you have invoked AC-21 portability (job switching) provision. Decide what supporting documents to send with the letter, such as your job offer, to demonstrate your eligibility.
2. If an adjudicator has no knowledge of you switching jobs, and there is something wrong with your I-140 (revoked, for example), he or she is required to issue a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) your I-485. 
3. There have also been cases when applicants responded to NOID with necessary documents to prove their eligibility for AC21, but their cases were still denied. 
4. Although it is not difficult to reopen such a case with further explanation, it can be a real hassle and waste of time.

Here's a snapshot of the full immigration cycle for a foreign individual not in US going from:
Being a Student > Getting Employment > Green Card:

Your journey starts at:
A) STEP 1 if you want to come to the US on a study visa
B) STEP 5 if you are applying for H1B work visa

1. Before coming to US:
   Time: 6months-1year
1. Prepare for SAT/GRE exam (1-2months)
2. Schedule, book & give SAT/GRE exam (1month) ($50-$250)
3. Filter Universities wrt exam results, profile, ranking, budget, location (in parallel)
4. Apply to at least 5 Universities ($50-$100 per application) (1month) 
5. Finalize admit after getting all results (1-2months)
6. Get I-20 from University (1month)
7. Apply DS-160 non-immigrant visa form (in parallel)
8. Schedule, book & give Visa Interview (3-6months)
   
   
2. After getting F1 Student Visa:
   Time: 9months-4years
1. Get Student (F1) visa in passport (2weeks-1month)
2. Book travel & Come to US (Max 2weeks before visa start date)
3. Attend at least 2 semesters (8-12months)
   
   
3. In College: Start Working:
   Time: 0-1years for Masters, or 0-3years for Bachelors
1. Work part-time onsite as an RA/TA or non-technical hourly job.
2. Find an internship (in parallel) after studying for 2 semesters
3. CPT > (3months to 1year max conventionally)
4. Complete all Bachelors/Masters degree credits/requirements (0-3years)
5. Get EAD> (in parallel) (2-4months to arrive)
6. Find an internship / full-time job (in parallel) (0-8months)
7. Get registered by employer on (i9advantage.com)
   
   
4. After College: Continue working on Student VISA Before H1B:
   Time: 1min-3max years
1. Update I-20 for OPT (in parallel) (2weeks-1month)
2. OPT (1 year max) for both STEM & non-STEM students
3. Update I-20 for STEM OPT (in parallel) (2weeks-1month)
4. STEM OPT (only for STEM students) (2 years max)
   
   
5. Apply for H1B work visa:
   Time: 9months to 1year
1. Apply for H1B work visa (before March)
   Timing: in parallel to OPT while already in US
   or while you are not in US through a US based employer
   
2. H1B visa approval (based on lottery results) (33% chance you will get it)
   
   
6. After H1B approval:
   Time: 0min-6max years
1. H1B Granted
2. H1B CoS (October of current year OR consulate appointment onwards)
3. H1B transfer (if getting new job/position)
4. H1B extension (6months before expiration)
5. Request permanent residency process to be started 3-4 years before your 6year work visa expires
   
   
7. PWD+PERM+i-140 Filing Process:
   Time: 2.5min - 4max years
1. Start PWD process with lawyer + employer (1.5-3months) 
   (Process needs to start 4years before H1B 6year period expiration)
2. Position lock period starts: Not recommended to switch employers or change role/location/responsibilities.
3. Wait for PWD approval (6months) (add 6months for application errors)
4. Recruitment Study run by lawyer + employer (3months)
5. File LCA/PERM with lawyer + employer (1.5months)
6. Wait for LCA/PERM approval (Minimum:1 year without audit; 1.5years with audit)
7. H1B max total period expires (max total 6years + time spent outside US)
8. Receive priority date for green card application
9. File i-140 with lawyer + employer (1.5-3months)
10. Wait for i-140 Approval
11. Premium processing: 2weeks; you pay $2500
    or Normal process: 6-9months
    
    
8. After i-140 Approval:
   Time: 6months min + 0-25 years (est.)
1. You need to wait for 6months before your priority date is permanent.
2. After 6months position lock expires; now you can switch employers and get unlimited 3year H1B renewals.
3. The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the Department of State, determines when an immigrant visa (green card) is available based on the priority date and preference category.
4. Wait for priority date to become current (Wait time varies wrt country of origin)
5. If priority date is current or a visa is available, the individual can either adjust their status to permanent residency within the US or undergo consular processing at a US embassy/consulate abroad.
6. File i-485
7. Get Actual Green Card

NOTE: ANY TIMING PROVIDED ABOVE IS ONLY A ROUGH ESTIMATE BASED ON RECENT EXPERIENCE. FUTURE PROCESSING CAN BE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT.

Here's an expanded Form I-485 process with additional details and documents as needed:

0. What is i485:

1. I-485 is a personal green card application filed by the employee named in I-140 petition and by her derivative family members (spouse and children). 
2. Adjustment of status application focuses on employee’s personal eligibility to receive green card (e.g. absence of criminal history or other grounds of inadmissibility).
3. As a part of adjustment of status application, your immigration lawyer can request a travel/work authorization card that can be used while I-485 is pending.
4. The work and travel card usually arrives in 4-5 months after filing. At that point, an employee no longer needs their H-1B, though they may continue to use the H-1B until the green card is approved.

1. **Eligibility Determination**:

   - Review USCIS guidelines to determine eligibility for adjustment of status based on your immigration category. Depending on the green card category and the country of chargeability, an immigrant visa number may not be immediately available.

   - Ensure that you maintain lawful immigration status while your Form I-485 is pending.

  - Refer to visa bulletin for the current information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html

  - If the priority date is current when the PERM is approved, your lawyer may be able to move to next step immediately and file the I-485 application together with the I-140.

2. **Gather Required Documents**:

   - If applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, include a copy of your marriage certificate.

   - If applying based on employment, include a copy of Form I-797 approval notice for Form I-140 or other relevant employment-based petition.

   - If applying based on family relationship, include documentation establishing the familial relationship (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).

   - Include any additional documents specific to your immigration category or requested by USCIS.

3. **Medical Examination**:

   - Schedule a medical examination with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. 

   - The medical examination includes a physical examination, vaccination review, and completion of Form I-693.

   - Ensure that all required vaccinations are up-to-date or obtain any missing vaccinations during the examination.

4. **Prepare Form I-485 Package**:

   - Complete Form I-485 accurately and truthfully, providing all required information.

   - Sign the form and ensure all required signatures are obtained.

   - Organize supporting documents in a clear and organized manner, following USCIS guidelines.

   - Include translations for any documents not in English.

   - If applicable, include a cover letter explaining any special circumstances or providing additional information.

5. **Submit Form I-485**:

   - Mail the completed Form I-485 package to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility.

   - Include the correct filing fee payment, which may vary based on your age, immigration category, and other factors.

   - If eligible, include a request for a fee waiver or submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.

6. **Biometrics Appointment**:

   - Receive a notice 1-2 months after lawyer files paperwork from USCIS scheduling a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC).

   - Bring the appointment notice and a valid government-issued photo identification to the biometrics appointment.

   - USCIS will collect fingerprints, photograph, and signature for identity verification purposes.

7. **Interview Notice (if applicable)**:

   - About 12 months after filing the paperwork, you will receive an approval, a request for evidence, or an interview notice.

   - Receive a notice from USCIS scheduling an interview at a local USCIS office (if required for your case).

   - Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application and gathering any additional requested documents & produce all the original civil documents, immigration status documents (H1B approvals, visa stamps, SEVIS documents, etc) and previously completed medical exam on form I-693 in a closed envelope.

   - If applying based on employment the employee needs to confirm that job or a job offer is still available for them at the time of the interview.

   - An immigration officer will review employee’s green card application and all their underlying immigration files.

  - If applying based on marriage, be prepared to provide evidence of the bona fides of the marriage. 

8. **Attend Interview (if applicable)**:

   - Attend the scheduled interview with USCIS officers.

   - Bring original documents and copies of any additional evidence requested by USCIS.

   - Answer questions truthfully and provide any requested documents or information.

9. **Wait for Decision**:

   - After the interview, USCIS will review your case and make a decision.

   - If approved, USCIS will mail your green card (Form I-551) to your address on file.

   - If denied, USCIS will provide reasons for the denial and instructions on how to appeal the decision, if applicable.

10. **Follow-up Actions**:

    - If granted lawful permanent resident status, update relevant government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, with your new status.

    - Review the conditions of your green card if applicable (e.g., conditional permanent resident status) and follow any required steps for removal of conditions in the future.

    - If denied, consult with an immigration attorney to explore options for appeal or re-filing.

• The length of your absence;
• The reason you are traveling;
• Whether you have a fixed date to return to the United States;
• Whether you have continued to file tax returns as a resident alien;
• Whether you have maintained bank accounts, property and a driver’s license;
• The location of your family; and
• The location of your employment.