Law Office of Gwendolyn Malaya-Santos

Expect changes soon in the Civics Test portion of the Naturalization (Citizenship) Test based on the recent announcement of the USCIS. The Naturalization Test is divided into the English Test and the Civics Test. The latter is a test on the applicant's knowledge and understanding of U.S. history, government and values.

The USCIS has announced that it will permanently close its Field Office in Manila effective July 5, 2019. It will continue to accept applications/petitions until May 31, 2019 only. The U.S. Embassy in Manila remains open and will assume responsibility for certain limited services previously provided by USCIS Field Office in Manila.

The USCIS has updated its policy memorandum with regards to the issuance of Notices to Appear (NTA) before the Immigration Courts based on denials of certain immigration applications.

When a petitioner dies, the approved immigrant petition is automatically revoked. Humanitarian reinstatement may be an option for the beneficiary.

Good news for Philippine registered nurses and physical therapists! The approximate wait time for visa availability for Filipino nurses and physical therapists under EB-3 visa category (professionals) is now down to only a year and a half, unlike in prior years where visa numbers were retrogressed for approximately 7 years.

Certain crimes can affect your visa application to the United States. Even if you are qualified for a visa or a green card (permanent resident), you will not be eligible to receive one if you have a criminal record for certain crimes. In some instances, one can apply for waivers for certain criminal grounds for inadmissibility.

Do you have extraordinary ability or achievements in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics? How about extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry? You may just be eligible for an O-1 visa. More importantly, an O-1 visa holder and his O-3 dependents can apply for permanent residency status (green card) later.