Ventresca & Ventresca, LLP

We do provide complimentary consultations. Please reach out to our office to schedule yours.

There are several pathways to obtain a green card without employer sponsorship. These include family-based green cards for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens or certain family preference categories, the diversity visa lottery for individuals from eligible countries, asylum or refugee status, the EB-5 investor program, special immigrant categories like religious workers or special immigrant juveniles, self-petition options such as EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability or national interest waivers, and VAWA self-petitions for victims of abuse by U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members.

The Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the U.S. Department of State, indicates visa number availability based on preference category and country of chargeability. It uses priority dates, which are typically the filing dates of immigrant petitions or labor certifications, to determine when applicants can proceed with their green card applications. The bulletin includes final action dates and dates for filing, which guide when visas are available and when applicants can submit documents to begin processing. Priority date cutoffs can move forward, remain static, or retrogress based on visa demand and supply.

If you have a valid H-1B visa stamp and change employers, you can use your existing visa to re-enter the U.S. after international travel. However, you must carry your new I-797 approval notice and a letter from your new employer confirming your employment, along with recent pay stubs if available.

A U.S. citizen child who is at least 21 years old can sponsor their parent for a green card. As the parent of a U.S. citizen, you would qualify as an immediate relative, which means there's no annual cap on available green cards in this category. The process involves your child filing Form I-130 to establish the family relationship, followed by your application for permanent residency either through adjustment of status if you're in the U.S. or consular processing if you're abroad. You must also meet other eligibility criteria, including passing medical and background checks.

A National Interest Waiver (NIW) allows certain individuals to apply for a green card without employer sponsorship or labor certification. Eligibility requires an advanced degree or exceptional ability, work in an area of national importance, and demonstrating that waiving the labor certification requirement is in the national interest. If you have an approved NIW, you can change employers without negatively impacting your green card application, as long as your new role continues to contribute to the national interest. This flexibility stems from the self-petitioning nature of the NIW, which is based on your qualifications and contributions rather than a specific job offer.

Departing the U.S. while your H1B petition is pending may result in the abandonment of your petition, particularly if it's for a change of status or extension of stay. If travel is necessary or urgent, consider filing or converting your case to premium processing to ensure adjudication before your departure.

Traveling abroad while your green card application is pending requires careful consideration. If you're adjusting status (Form I-485), you generally need Advance Parole (Form I-131) to travel internationally without abandoning your application. However, if you maintain a valid non-immigrant status like H-1B or L-1, you may be able to travel and re-enter on your existing visa. It's advisable to consult an immigration attorney before making travel plans to ensure you don't jeopardize your green card application.

Yes, our attorneys can manage federal law matters across state lines as these are not restricted by state-specific regulations.

Yes, all attorneys at our firm hold the necessary licenses and carry appropriate insurance coverage.

We provide complimentary consultations; please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

There are several pathways such as family-based green cards, diversity visa lottery, asylum, EB-5 investor program, special immigrant categories, self-petition options like EB-1A, and VAWA self-petitions. Our attorneys can advise you on the best option for your situation.

The Visa Bulletin shows visa number availability based on category and country, using priority dates to guide when applicants can proceed with green card applications. Dates can move based on visa supply and demand.

Yes, if you have a valid H1B visa stamp, you can re-enter the U.S. after travel using that stamp along with your new I-797 approval notice and a letter confirming your new employment.

We are located at 5500 Brooktree Rd Ste 101, Wexford, PA. Nearby places include Executive Benefits Solutions (insurance agency), Pure Edge Performance Training (gym), and the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber (community services). These can be convenient stops or points of interest before or after your visit.

Nearby medical providers include Michael L. Mlecko, MD (gastroenterologist), Kayla Guntrum, CRNP (nurse practitioner), and Jadranka Popovic, MD (pediatrician), which can be helpful if you need health services in the area.

Yes, RSSC Architecture (architectural and engineering services) and Citadel Construction Group (construction services) are nearby, offering additional professional services clients might find useful.

We accept American Express, cash, check, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa for your convenience.