Jobs International Canadian Nurses Adjustment of Status

What is permanent resident status?
There are a few terms used to describe the permanent resident status. The most common term is "green card," which has not really been green-colored for many years. Other terms include a permanent visa, lawful permanent residence, resident alien and immigration to the United States. The permanent resident status is a type of visa status granted to a foreign national who has the privilege of living and working permanently in the United States.

How does Cross Country TravCorps apply for my Green Card while I'm in the United States?
The Green Card process is a multi-step process to become an immigrant. In most cases, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service must first approve an immigrant petition for you, which is filed by Cross Country TravCorps. Then an immigrant visa number must be made available to you, even if you are already in the United States. If you are already in the United States, you may apply to adjust to permanent resident or Green Card status. In most instances, this process can be considerably streamlined as both the immigrant petition and the application for permanent residence can be filed at the same time.

I heard that it is very difficult to obtain a Green Card. Is this true?
Well, it depends. The process can be very confusing if you are not familiar with US immigration laws and procedures. However, rest assured that Cross Country TravCorps' Immigration team is among the best in the industry. We have a proven track record of successfully filing hundreds of Green Card cases, which were eventually approved. We will help you and your immediate family members obtain your lifetime dream of obtaining a Green Card. While there are never any guarantees, we promise you that we will do everything possible to assist you and your family.

How long does the Green Card process take?
The Green Card process currently takes anywhere from 2 to 3 years. However, these timeframes depend on the government processing timeframes. Your immigration case manager will notify you as soon as there are any changes to your Green Card process. This way you will always know what is going on with your case.

Will I get a Work Permit?
Yes, you will. Applicants for a Green Card are eligible to apply for a work permit, while their cases remain pending with the Citizenship and Immigration Services. Cross Country TravCorps' Immigration Department will assist you in getting your work authorization and renewing the document while your Green Card remains pending. Once your Green Card is approved, you will not need a permit to work in the United States. Instead, you will be able to use your actual Green Card, which allows you to reside, travel and work in the United States.

Is it true, that I cannot travel outside the United States while my Green Card application is pending?
No, this is not necessarily true. In most instances, you will need to obtain a travel document, which is also known as an Advanced Parole in order to travel outside the United States while your Green Card is pending. This travel document must be issued to you prior to you traveling outside the United States. Should you travel while your Green Card is pending and not have the prior approval of the Citizenship and Immigration Service, your Green Card application could in all likelihood be denied for "abandonment". The Citizenship and Immigration Service takes the position that you "abandon" your status if you travel without the government's prior approval.

Does Cross Country TravCorps assist its travelers with this process?
Absolutely! An experienced immigration case manager will be assigned to your case. They will assist you with this process and ensure that your application for a travel document is properly filed with the Citizenship and Immigration Service.

As a nurse, do I need to be in possession of a VisaScreen Certificate in order for my Green Card to be filed?
Yes, you do. A Green Card application cannot be filed for you if you do not have a VisaScreen Certificate. The US Citizenship and Immigration Service take the position that you must be eligible for the benefit at the time of the filing. If you do not have your VisaScreen Certificate at the time of filing, the government will in all likelihood deny your case. Therefore, it is very important that you begin the VisaScreen process as soon as possible to avoid any problems with the Citizenship and Immigration Service.

Is it true that I need to do a change of address each time that I move?
Unfortunately, all non-US citizens (aliens) who are required to be registered, are also required to keep the USCIS informed of their current address. This is particularly important when you have filed an application or a petition for a benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act and expect notification of a decision on that application. In addition, the USCIS may need to contact you to provide other issued documents or return original copies of evidence you submitted. It is also mandatory for any alien who has been designated as a "special registrant" under 8 CFR § 264.1(f) (as amended by 67 Federal Register 52585) (August 12, 2002) to inform the USCIS whenever he or she has a change of address, employment or school. The special registrant rule is effective as of September 11, 2002.

Where Can I Find The Law?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is a law that governs immigration in the United States. For the part of the law concerning reporting of your address and for the penalties if you do not comply, please see INA § 265 and 266. The specific requirements for reporting your change of address are federal regulations found in 8 CFR Part 265 and at 67 Federal Register 52584, 52592 (to be codified at 8 CFR § 264.1(f)(6)(concerning designated special registrants)).

Who Must Comply?
All aliens in the United States who are required to be registered under the law (INA § 262 and 261) must keep the USCIS informed of their changes of address. The only aliens exempt from this requirement are diplomats (visa status A), official government representatives to an international organization (visa status G), and certain nonimmigrants who do not possess a visa and who are in the US for fewer than 30 days (INA § 263).

How Do I Report?
All aliens changing their address must file Form AR-11 with the USCIS address listed on the form. That address is:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
USCIS
Change of Address
P.O. Box 7134
London, KY 40742-7134

For commercial overnight or fast freight services, only:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
USCIS
Change of Address
1084-I South Laurel Road
London, KY 40744

The USCIS has created an additional procedure and recommends additional notifications for those aliens who are also applicants for benefits. An applicant for naturalization may comply with the law by filing a Form AR-11 and telephoning the National Customer Service Center to advise that office of the change of address. Applicants and petitioners for any other benefits should file a Form AR-11 and notify in writing the local office processing their case of any change of address. Please see Change of Address (found under Contacting Us) on your local office About Us page.

You may choose the method of mailing your Form AR-11. Using certified, registered or receipt mail is not currently a USCIS requirement. However, it is advisable to send the AR-11 with a Return Receipt or some other method (see "Adding Extra Services") that will give you documentation that you did indeed mail the form to the USCIS, in case there should ever be a question.

What Should I Include?
For the Form AR-11: Complete the information requested on the form, including present address, last address (most recent only), alien or registration number, country of citizenship, date of birth, and your signature.

You do not need to include temporary addresses as long as you maintain your present address as your permanent residence and continue to receive mail there.

When sending us a change of address, you do not need to include numerous last addresses; only the most recent last address is needed.

Be sure to also indicate in the appropriate block on the AR-11 your current employment and school, where applicable.

Additional Information
The address reporting requirement should not be confused with renewal or replacement of lawful permanent resident cards (Form I-551) or replacement of other evidence of alien registration, such as the Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record; I-186, Nonresident Mexican Border Crossing Card; I-688, Temporary Resident Card; or, I-766, Employment Authorization Document.

Penalties for Failure to Comply
A willful failure to give written notice to the USCIS of a change of address within 10 days of the change is a misdemeanor crime. If convicted, the alien (or parent or legal guardian of an alien under age 14 who is required to give notice) can be fined up to $200 or imprisoned up to 30 days, or both. The alien may also be subject to removal from the United States (INA § 266(b)). Compliance with the requirement to notify the USCIS of any address changes is also a condition of an alien's stay in the United States. Failure to comply could also jeopardize the alien's ability to obtain a future visa or other immigration benefit.