I am in the US illegally and I have received a notification that I won a green card via DV Lottery. A paralegal advised me that I should go to Moscow to collect it. Are there any risks for me?
Ирина Ласт

I have mentioned many times this is a common and quite creative fraud. Winners of DV Lottery do not receive official notifications. Instead it is the responsibility of each applicant to check the status of their application on the official website. Any message claiming that you’ve been selected, no matter how well-written or official it may seem, is a scam.

My 10-year green card expires soon. Can I apply for citizenship?
Борис Палант

Yes. Your status as an LPR (green card holder) does not have an expiration date. If your card expires soon, I would recommend that you submit the form I-90 to extend your green card while waiting for your citizenship application to be processed as it can be a lengthy process.

I entered the US on a fiancé(e) visa and got married. However, at present, my spouse refuses to file a petition for me. Is there a way for me to obtain a green card?
Борис Палант

First of all, there is no need for your spouse to file a petition for you if you were married within 90 days upon your arrival to the US. However, both of you must attend the interview with the immigration officer together. In case your spouse refuses to attend the interview with you, there is only one option to obtain Legal Permanent Resident status (green card holder) – a VAWA petition (Violence Against Women Act). This a self-petition available to abused spouses. Please note that abuse can be physical and mental. If there was no abuse in your family, my advice is to reconcile with your spouse. Otherwise you should begin to pack your bags.

I am in the US illegally and I have received a notification that I won a green card via DV Lottery. A paralegal advised me that I should go to Moscow to collect it. Are there any risks for me?
Ирина Ласт

I have mentioned many times this is a common and quite creative fraud. Winners of DV Lottery do not receive official notifications. Instead it is the responsibility of each applicant to check the status of their application on the official website. Any message claiming that you’ve been selected, no matter how well-written or official it may seem, is a scam.

My 10-year green card expires soon. Can I apply for citizenship?
Борис Палант

Yes. Your status as an LPR (green card holder) does not have an expiration date. If your card expires soon, I would recommend that you submit the form I-90 to extend your green card while waiting for your citizenship application to be processed as it can be a lengthy process.

I entered the US on a fiancé(e) visa and got married. However, at present, my spouse refuses to file a petition for me. Is there a way for me to obtain a green card?
Борис Палант

First of all, there is no need for your spouse to file a petition for you if you were married within 90 days upon your arrival to the US. However, both of you must attend the interview with the immigration officer together. In case your spouse refuses to attend the interview with you, there is only one option to obtain Legal Permanent Resident status (green card holder) – a VAWA petition (Violence Against Women Act). This a self-petition available to abused spouses. Please note that abuse can be physical and mental. If there was no abuse in your family, my advice is to reconcile with your spouse. Otherwise you should begin to pack your bags.

Our philosophy

With their combined 50 years of experience, Boris Palant and Irina Last have always strived to secure the best and most effective route to assist you and your relatives with the immigration process to the US. Our fair and honest assessment will help evaluate your chances of becoming a permanent resident (green card holder), secure protection from deportation or obtaining a visa.

Office locations

Connecticut
256 Post Road East, Suite 206
Westport, CT 06880
WhatsApp: +1 (203) 451-3240
Phone: +1 (203) 557-9110 Fax: +1 (203) 349-6133