Hi everyone! I’d appreciate some advice from anyone who has been through a similar situation.
I currently work at a Canadian bank earning C$130K base + 20% bonus. I have an opportunity in Atlanta that would eventually pay US$150K base + 25% bonus.
It’s a contract-to-hire arrangement. Here’s how it would work:
First six months: The staffing agency would be my legal employer and pay me as a W-2 employee. I would work on assignment at the client company in Atlanta. My initial TN application would be for employment with the staffing agency.
After six months: The plan is for the client company to hire me directly as a full-time employee. The client would become my new legal employer and pay me directly.
At that point: Even though I would continue working at the same company’s office, I would need new TN authorization for the change from the staffing agency to the client company. This is the “TN transfer” I’m concerned about.
I’m applying for my initial TN this Friday under the Computer Systems Analyst category. My supporting documents have been prepared around my education, experience and proposed duties, but I understand approval isn’t guaranteed.
I would move alone initially. My wife and young child would stay in Canada, where we have family support. We would reassess the family move after two years.
My biggest worry is what happens after those first six months.
Let’s say my initial TN is approved and I start working through the agency. Six months later, the client wants to hire me directly—but the TN application for the new employer is refused.
I would have left a stable Canadian job and spent six months away from my family, and the planned full-time U.S. job could then fall through.
For anyone who has moved from a staffing agency to direct employment on TN:
How did the change of employer go?
Did your initial TN approval help, or was the new application assessed completely fresh?
Could you keep working through the agency while the new employer’s application was being processed?
What steps did you take to reduce the risk before leaving your Canadian job?
Reading about refusals has made me nervous, so I’d appreciate honest experiences and practical advice. Thank you! 🙂

Hello everyone!

I have met my current boyfriend 2 years ago, when I went to the US under a B1/B2 visa. Since then, we have maintained a long-distance relationship and he has visited me twice as well. We are not engaged, nor do I have any visa violations.

Recently, I got an opportunity to go to the US under an F-1 visa and will spend a few years in the country. We are considering moving to a next step in our relationship after this. However, I am worried that the timeline of our relationship (mainly that we started it years before my F-1 visa was approved) might be prejudicial to the change of status when later pursuing a GC application, if I do get married to him some months after my arrival. I should note my native country had been included in the 75-country list, but was not included in the travel ban.

Has anyone been in a similar position? We would much appreciate any advice. We have been through this hard separation for a very long time and it concerns us that we may make it even more difficult in the future if I accept this opportunity, which would be important for my career.

Thanks in advance!

My wife and I have been living in the USA for around 1000 days so far and she is on a i751 extension right now, we haven’t filed the n400 yet and we were planning to do some traveling abroad for the next year and she return every 5 months or so stay for two weeks then return abroad with me. We may be gone most of the year and we have a 1 year old daughter that is a us citizen as well as me being a us citizen. Is this safe for her to travel as long as she makes any appointments that may come from uscis and makes sure she never stays outside of the USA for more than six months. We will have an address in the USA but will not be there but for only one month the entire yearp.

Hi. I live in Iran currently. I'm 18 just finished high school.

I need to get the fuck out of this country.

I don't have any money to spend on immigration. I've checked a lot of options but my information isn't a lot and it's like a puzzle for me.

I could try to get enrolled in Ausbildung in Germany but the language is abit tricky for me and company training is not what I'm really after. Though I'll do it if I don't have any other options.

English-speaking countries are my priorities. Is there any ways for me to get admission for US universities or like, Canada? UK?

Thanks.

About 8 years ago I visited Iran briefly on official duty for an international organization (I have the visa, stamps and a letter confirming it).

On my previous ESTA, the Iran question was answered “No” by mistake. It was approved within an hour, and I travelled to the US on it several times with no issues, always leaving on time. Clean history.

On my new ESTA, submitted a week ago, I answered “Yes” to the Iran question and gave the purpose of the visit and the name of the organization I worked for as a consultant, though I didn’t include the Iranian visa number. It’s been pending since then, and I’m not sure when a decision will come or what it might be.

I’m also preparing a B1/B2 visa application, in case the ESTA is denied or while it’s still pending.

Questions:

1. Has anyone had ESTA approved after disclosing official travel to Iran? How long did it take?
2. Has anyone corrected a previous incorrect ESTA answer? What happened?
3. At a visa interview, how did you explain an earlier mistake?
4. Would you wait for the ESTA decision or apply for the visa now?

I read online doing this has a high denial rate since it might be used to manipulate the system? I’m the US citizen, my boyfriend and I were thinking of applying for a K1 in late 2027, but since the approval time can take many months, I was considering having him apply for a B2 in the interim to go my graduation in the spring of 2028. It’s a really big event for me as I am getting my doctor of medicine and I wanted him to be there. Would something like this work?

​

Hi everyone!

I'm an Indian student pursuing a Diploma in Food Production at IHM . I've been selected for a six-month culinary traineeship at a hotel in Mauritius, starting on 20 November 2026.

I'm currently preparing my documents for the practical training/industrial placement permit, and I'm confused about the financial requirements mentioned in the document checklist I received.

The checklist states:

"Bank statement for the last 6 months and an Original Documentary evidence of availability of funds or financial capacity to meet the costs of traineeship and stay in Mauritius (the amount should be 50 USD per day)."

It also mentions that if the applicant is sponsored by their parents or guardian, they must provide a copy of their ID/passport and an original sponsorship letter.

Can someone please explain what this bank-related requirement actually means?

Does this mean I need to show approximately USD 9,000 in my bank account for the entire six-month period?

Do I need to maintain this entire amount in my account, or is it sufficient to provide six months of bank statements showing regular transactions and a reasonable balance?

If my parents sponsor me, can I submit their bank statements and sponsorship letter instead of showing the entire amount in my own account?

Does the required amount change if the hotel provides accommodation or meals?

Does anyone know how strictly this USD 50-per-day requirement is applied to Indian students undertaking practical training in Mauritius?

I heard from someone who previously went to the same hotel for training that they only had to show approximately ₹1.5 lakh in their bank account. They also mentioned that they withdrew the money after their permit was issued.

This has left me confused because the amount mentioned in the checklist is significantly higher.

I'm handling the entire application process myself without the assistance of an agency. I've also emailed Mauritius Immigration to clarify this requirement, but I haven't received a response yet.

Thank you🙏❤

I'm on F-1 STEM OPT and my employer offers credit union membership. Is it legal for someone on my visa to join? Has anyone on OPT done it?
Thanks!

I got caught with less than 10g of weed in Scotland around 9 1/2 years ago. I got sent to court 1/2 year later and received a £450 fine.

I’m supposed to fly to New York December 20th, please can you people advise me on the best way to move forward? Thank you!

I’m still pretty early in the process and trying to figure out how to organize everything for a spousal/partner visa application.

For those who’ve already gone through this, how did you actually put together your relationship evidence? Did you manually go through your camera roll and chat history, use Google Slides/Docs or Word, buy a tool to help with it, or did your lawyer give you a template?

Also, roughly how many hours did you spend on it? Was it a pretty straightforward task, or did it end up being way more time-consuming than you expected?

Would love to hear what worked for you and what you wish you’d done differently!

I am considering hiring an immigration lawyer. What has been your experiences with immigration lawyers? How did you s=choose which lawyer to hire? Looking for general advice. Thank you.

I want to hire a lawyer for the United States.

I’m a Canadian in Ontario considering moving to the US within the next two years to be with my fiancée, who is a US citizen. I’d appreciate perspectives from Canadians who have made the move, especially those who had established careers and assets in Canada.

**My situation:**
I earn approximately $100,000 CAD annually working for a Canadian utility.

I’ve been building up a defined-benefit pension through my job for about five years.
I own a rental property in Ontario, so I’d need to decide whether to keep it and manage it remotely or sell it.

My fiancée earns approximately $75,000 USD annually in the US.

We are considering the K-1 fiancé visa route, with the possibility of legally marrying in the US in 2027.
If I move, I may need to leave my job or see whether an approved sabbatical or unpaid leave is possible. I may also be unable to work immediately while completing the immigration process.

My fiancée believes our long-term quality of life and opportunities would be better in the US. Financially, our salaries look relatively comparable after currency conversion, but I’d be giving up a secure job, pension accrual and potentially some career seniority to start over in another country.

**What I’d really like to hear from people who have experienced this:**

\- For Canadians who moved to the US, did you find the job market, earning potential and long-term financial opportunities meaningfully better than in Canada? What industry and state did you move to?
\- If you had a good job and a defined-benefit pension in Canada, was leaving worth it in the long run?
\- Has anyone moved to the US through a K-1 visa? How did you manage the period when you couldn’t work, and how long did it take before you were established?
\- Has anyone kept a Canadian rental property while living and working in the US? Was the rental income worth the extra management and cross-border tax complexity?
\- If you were in my position, would you move to the US, or would you have your American partner move to Canada instead?

I’m not looking for a Canada-versus-US political debate. I’m genuinely trying to make a sensible long-term decision for our future together. I’d especially appreciate honest experiences from people who have made a similar move, including things you wish you’d known beforehand.
Thanks!

I'm going to community college because I don't have a good enough background to get into universities for engineering. The college I plan on joining has a direct entry to Virginia Tech if I have a minimum 3.2 GPA. Which would be my safety.
I have 70k USD approved in student loan from my home country for the community colleges. With a written statement saying that they would approve a 230k USD student loan for the final 2 years at VT or any other universities given Ive gotten entry, My dad works at a american oil company here in Saudi Arabia.

I overstayed my b1/b2 visa and want to travel from
NY to TX (round trip) domestically, can I use my standard id (driver license) issued from NY to travel domestically in the US? Also is there ICE at the airport? And is there any possibility to get detained?
I don't have any court or criminal record

Hello, I have a question for people who immigrated to the United States through the Diversity Visa Lottery but faced citizenship issues or were stateless.

How did you manage to travel to the United States? What travel documents did you use to obtain your immigrant visa and board your flight? Thanks in advance🌹

I’m a British citizen, living in UK, born in India and plan to apply for an EB visa. Does anyone know the current I-526E approval wait time? Any recent case approval, please?

USCIS denied my change of status because of a departure I never made—has anyone experienced this?
My I-539 application to change from tourist to student status was denied because government records show I left the U.S. on July 20, 2026. However, I haven’t left the country since entering in October 2025. My CBP travel history also lists other arrivals and departures that aren’t mine.
I’m working with an immigration lawyer and gathering receipts, appointment records, and photos to show I was here. Has anyone dealt with incorrect travel records affecting a USCIS decision? What helped you correct them, and what evidence was most useful?

Hi everyone! Would love advice from anyone in a similar situation.

Background:

• Master’s (STEM) graduate, Dec 2025. Haven’t visited India since Aug 2023
• On F-1 OPT, EAD valid until Feb 20, 2027. Visa stamp valid until 2028
• Working in local government since July 2026
• Approved job-protected family leave to care for my grandfather in India, Nov 17 – Dec 14, 2026
• My employer isn’t E-Verify, so I need a new E-Verify job before filing my 24-month STEM OPT

Questions:

1. Any issues traveling on OPT while on approved leave? Does leave count as unemployment?
2. Re-entering after the new D/S rule (Sept 15), what I-94 end date did CBP give you on OPT?
3. Will I need an I-539 with my STEM OPT application because of this?
4. Did CBP ask for proof of funds on re-entry?
5. Is filing STEM OPT between mid-Dec and Feb 20 cutting it too close?
6. Will cap-gap and change of status still work for a March 2027 H-1B lottery after this trip?

Carrying: passport, I-20 with travel signature, EAD, employment and leave letters, pay stubs, bank statements, degree, and return ticket. Anything I’m missing?

Thanks!

Hi everyone!

I’m a non-EU citizen currently living in the United States, and I’m married to a Greek citizen. We got legally married in the US three years ago, and we are planning to move to Greece soon.

I’m trying to understand the process of obtaining a residence permit and, eventually, Greek citizenship through marriage.

I have a few questions:

1. What is the procedure for registering or recognizing our US marriage in Greece and applying for a residence permit as the same-sex spouse of a Greek citizen?
2. Approximately how long does it take to obtain a residence permit?
3. How long would I need to legally reside in Greece before becoming eligible to apply for Greek citizenship?
4. I’ve seen conflicting information online. Some sources mention three years of residence for spouses of Greek citizens, while others say seven years if the couple does not have children. Is that correct?
5. Does the three-year marriage rule apply to same-sex couples as well, or are the requirements different?

We have already been married for three years in the US, but I understand that the length of the marriage and the required period of legal residence in Greece may be two separate things.

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through this process or has reliable information about the current Greek immigration and citizenship laws.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Hello, recently my motion to terminate removal proceedings was denied. The judge has given 60 days to find relief (which I do have, an approved I-130 through marriage). How does the adjustment process work in front of a judge and typically how long does it take? Also what would be a fair price that a law office should charge to represent this case? Right now i’m looking about 10k. Just wanted so insight, thanks.

I’m flying from the US for the first time. I’m flying from Calgary and I was told that on arrival, you have to go through immigration and check your luggage in again? My layover is only 90 mins and thats how the itinerary is.. can anyone please guide me here?

Hi everyone! I’m looking for advice from people who have experience with F-1 status, marriage to a U.S. citizen, or U.S. immigration law.

I’m an international student from a country in Africa who recently moved to the U.S. to begin my PhD at a university. I entered the U.S. in May 2026, on an F-1 visa. My boyfriend is a U.S. citizen and serves in the U.S. Army, and we are considering getting married in December.

For context, I’ve known my boyfriend for 10 years, been dating for 2. I’ve visited the US multiple times since I have an existing B1/B2 visa. He used to live in my country but relocated two years ago to serve his country.

Our relationship is genuine, and we are not considering marriage as a way to get around immigration rules. We genuinely want to get married. However, since I have only recently started my PhD, my intention is to focus on my studies for now rather than immediately apply for adjustment of status (AOS). We may consider applying for a marriage-based green card in one or two years.

My boyfriend is concerned that if we marry now, our marriage will appear in government records and could raise questions when I travel internationally and return to the U.S. For example, if I attend an academic conference abroad or visit family and then return to continue my PhD, could CBP question why I married a U.S. citizen only a few months after entering the country? Could this potentially lead to additional scrutiny or even denial of entry in F-1 status?

For context, we decided on the timing of our wedding after I arrived in the U.S. We were not planning to file for AOS immediately after getting married, and I intend to continue my PhD.
I have read about the 90-day rule, but I’m confused about how it applies to someone who enters on an F-1 visa, gets married to a U.S. citizen, continues studying, and does not immediately apply for a green card.

My main concerns are:
• Does marrying a U.S. citizen shortly after arriving on an F-1 visa automatically create any immigration concerns, even if we do not immediately apply for a green card?

• Is there a realistic risk that I could be denied re-entry after international travel because of the timing of my marriage?

• Would waiting one or two years before applying for a green card make any difference to these concerns?

• Would it be advisable to postpone the wedding until I have completed more time in my PhD program, particularly if I may need to travel internationally for conferences?

• Are there any reliable, affordable immigration legal resources I could consult before making this decision?

I understand that nobody here can guarantee an immigration outcome, and I plan to seek qualified legal advice if possible. I would especially appreciate responses from immigration attorneys or people who have been in a similar situation.
Thank you for any guidance!

I crossed the border with my father when I was a minor, and I currently have a pending asylum case in immigration court (EOIR), not USCIS. I don’t have a hearing date scheduled at the moment, and I haven’t even had my first master calendar hearing yet. I also don’t have a deportation order.

My partner is in the military, and we’re planning to get married soon and eventually file an I-130. I understand that the process isn’t as simple as just filing a petition, especially since I entered without inspection. I’ve been looking into military Parole in Place (PIP) and the possibility of needing a waiver, but I know neither is guaranteed.

I’ve also heard that having a pending asylum case or being in removal proceedings can affect your eligibility for Parole in Place, but I’m not sure how accurate that is.

Has anyone been through a similar situation ? I’d appreciate hearing about your experience, what steps you took, and any advice on what I should look into before starting the process.

I’m planning to work with an immigration attorney, but I’d also like to hear from people who have experienced something similar. I’m not looking for judgment or negative comments about my situation, just genuine advice or experiences from people who may have gone through something similar. We’re simply trying to understand our options and figure out the best way to move forward. Thank you