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Immigration Services

Family Based Petitions

The United States allows U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR’s) to petition for certain family members to be allowed to enter the United States and gain Permanent Residency.

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Self Petitions

Certain immigrants can apply to legalize their status on their own, without a family member petitioning for them. These petitions can be VAWA, U-VISA, Special Immigrant Juvenile or Removal of Conditions.

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Waivers

Certain people may be ineligible for Lawful Permanent Residency in the United States unless the government agrees to waive that ineligibility due to criminal or immigration background.

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Citizenship and Visas

The United States allows U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR’s) to petition for certain family members to be allowed to enter the United States and gain Permanent Residency.

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"Every case is a story of hope, determination, and resilience. I am honored to be a part of my clients’ journeys."

Luis Ruiz

Your Path to a Better Future

Immigration Solutions for Families and Individuals

At Luis Ruiz Law, we are more than an immigration law firm, we are your partners in navigating the U.S. immigration system. Our services include:

U-Visa Assistance

Victims of certain crimes may qualify for a U-Visa, offering legal protection and a pathway to residency. Our team guides you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and compassionate process.

Family-Based Petitions

Reuniting families is our priority. We assist with family petitions for spouses, parents, and children, ensuring all forms and supporting documentation are submitted correctly.

VAWA Self-Petitions

Survivors of domestic violence can file for immigration status independently under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Waivers

From eligibility assessments to interview preparation, we help clients obtain permanent residency and achieve the stability they deserve.

Immigration Services FAQ

Answers to Your Most Pressing Immigration Questions.
Can I apply for a U-Visa if I no longer live in the U.S.?
Yes, you can apply for a U-Visa while outside the United States, provided the qualifying crime occurred within the U.S. and you assist law enforcement with the investigation or prosecution. You will need a signed law enforcement certification (Form I-918B) and must submit Form I-918. The process may take several years due to USCIS backlogs, but being outside the U.S. does not disqualify you from eligibility. Ensure all evidence is well-documented and prepared before applying.
Family-based petitions require primary evidence to prove the qualifying relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption documents. You must also submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) with supporting financial documents like tax returns, pay stubs, and proof of assets. Additional supporting evidence may include joint bank accounts, shared leases or mortgages, photos together, travel records, and communication history. All foreign documents must be translated into English, and some may need certification or an apostille from the issuing country to confirm authenticity.
Yes, you can file a VAWA self-petition without a police report. USCIS recognizes that many survivors of domestic violence do not report abuse to law enforcement. Instead, you can provide other credible evidence such as medical records, photos of injuries, witness statements, shelter records, therapy or counseling documentation, threatening messages, or detailed affidavits describing the abuse. While police reports are helpful, they are not required to prove your case.
Entering the U.S. without inspection (EWI) generally makes you ineligible for adjustment of status within the U.S. However, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may qualify for a provisional unlawful presence waiver (Form I-601A), which allows them to leave the U.S. for consular processing without triggering permanent inadmissibility for unlawful presence. This waiver only applies to certain grounds of inadmissibility and requires demonstrating that your absence would cause extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member. Consult with an immigration attorney to evaluate whether this option applies to your situation.

If your case has been pending well beyond posted USCIS processing times, you can first submit a case inquiry through the USCIS website or contact the USCIS Ombudsman’s office. If this does not resolve the issue, you may request expedited processing if you meet the criteria (e.g., financial hardship or humanitarian reasons). As a last resort, you can file a mandamus lawsuit to compel USCIS to act on your case. While a mandamus action requires USCIS to make a decision, it does not guarantee approval of your application. Courts will evaluate whether the delay is unreasonable based on factors like USCIS workload and your case’s complexity.

Are you Ready to Start Your United States Immigration Journey?

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