Welcome to your U.S. immigration paperwork journey
I’m Gabriela Urizar, an immigration attorney based in New York. Whether you’re planning a short visit to the U.S., dealing with lost documents, or responding to government requests, even small paperwork details can have a big impact on your life.
This guide was created to help you navigate some of the most common—but often confusing—immigration processes. My goal is to save you time, avoid costly mistakes, and help you feel prepared for every step ahead.
Let’s get started.
How to apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa
A B1/B2 visa lets you visit the United States for business, tourism, or medical treatment. Here’s what you need to know:
- Purpose matters
Be clear about why you’re visiting. Mixing business and tourism is allowed, but you’ll need to explain it during your interview. - Proof of ties to your home country
Show strong reasons you’ll return home—like a job, family, property, or other commitments. - Financial evidence
Bring bank statements or financial records proving you can pay for your trip. - Prepare for the interview
Answer questions confidently and truthfully. Nervous or inconsistent answers can lead to a denial. - No guarantee of approval
Each application is judged on its own merits. Even with perfect documents, consular officers have discretion to deny entry.
What a FOIA request can reveal
FOIA stands for the Freedom of Information Act. It lets you request your immigration records from U.S. government agencies such as USCIS, CBP, or ICE. Here’s why it matters:
- Know your history
FOIA records can show previous applications, entries, exits, or other government notes you might not even know exist. - Prepare for future cases
Lawyers often request FOIA files before filing new petitions to avoid surprises. - Correct errors
Sometimes government records have mistakes. Catching them early can prevent future denials or delays. - No negative effect on your status
Filing a FOIA request doesn’t impact your immigration status or alert authorities in a harmful way.
Expect FOIA requests to take anywhere from several weeks to a few months, depending on the agency and backlog.
Replacing a lost or damaged green card
Losing your green card—or having it damaged—can create serious headaches. Here’s what to know:
- Act quickly
Your green card proves your right to live and work in the U.S. Without it, travel and employment may become difficult. - File Form I-90
This is the official application to replace your green card. It can be filed online or by mail. - Prepare your documents
You’ll likely need a copy of your ID, any police reports (if the card was stolen), and payment for the filing fee. - Expect processing delays
Processing can take several months. Keep a copy of your receipt as proof of your status while you wait.
If you need to travel urgently and don’t have your card, you may need to apply for temporary proof of permanent residency.
Responding to an RFE without mistakes
A Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS is not a denial—but it’s a warning your application isn’t strong enough as filed. Here’s how to handle it:
- Read it carefully
Understand exactly what USCIS is asking for and which documents are missing. - Respond completely
Submit everything they’ve requested. Partial responses can lead to a denial. - Meet deadlines
RFEs have strict deadlines, often 30–87 days. Missing your deadline can cause your entire application to be denied. - Don’t panic
Many cases are approved after a good RFE response. Seek help if you’re unsure how to answer. - Consider legal help
An attorney can help you craft a strong, thorough response that addresses every issue.
How Urizar Legal can help
Immigration paperwork can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Urizar Legal, I work directly with clients to:
- Guide you through B1/B2 applications and interview preparation
- Request and interpret FOIA records to support your future cases
- Replace lost or damaged green cards quickly and correctly
- Prepare strong responses to RFEs and avoid costly delays
If you’re facing an immigration paperwork challenge, let’s discuss how I can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique.