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ASK VISALAW.COM
If you have a question on immigration matters, write Ask-visalaw@visalaw.com. We can't answer every question, but if you ask a short question that can be answered concisely, we'll consider it for publication. Remember, these questions are only intended to provide general information. You should consult with your own attorney before acting on information you see here. 


 
Q - My I-485 case has been pending a long time at my local INS office. How do I know whether there is a problem or not. 

 
A - You may want to check the estimated processing times on the local INS times chart which we have on our site at www.visalaw.com/localtimes.html. The American Immigration Lawyers Association polls its members to determine the times and they are reported periodically by that association. The times are just estimates, however, and our own experience has been that it is always best to check multiple sources. 

 
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Q - I am a brazilian lawyer, which has studied 2 years in Germany (LL.M in European Law). In order to have a "perfect resume", I would like to gather some experience in the anglo-american law system. I´ve heard a rumour that one can take the american barror test, being so able to represent clients for american courts, in spite of having a foreign graduation. What should one do to take this test? What is the visa-status for a trainee? With how many months in advance should I apply for this visa? 

 
A - Each state in the US has its own rules for getting a license and joining the bar (each state has a separate bar). All generally require the bar exam and most require a US legal education. I believe four do not. One is New York and that is definitely the most popular state for foreign lawyers. You would probably want to enroll in a bar exam study program and get an F-1 visa to come over to study in the course and take the exam. In the age of the Internet and the computer, you can now study online or using CD-ROM guides. If you are coming over just to take the exam, the B-1 business visitor visa would be appropriate. You will probably want six months to study. 

 
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Q - This question is regarding relaxation in rules for L1 visa. The recently passed law changes requirement from 1 year employment in last three years to only six months in last three years. My question is : Does this apply to ANY sized company ? (for eg. a small firm operating profitably for many years wants to send its FIRST executive to the US for opening an overseas office. Can this executive be working for ONLY six months before he can apply for the L1 visa ??? 

A - No, this is only for blanket L companies (very large companies transferring multiple workers).