Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I choose an immigration law firm?
- What are your standard fees?
Click here for our fees in our PERM Agreement or Standard (Non-Perm) Agreement (Both links lead to PDF Files).
- I wish to process my green card with your firm, what is the next step?
After your telephonic with David, print our agreement (Direct Petition or Perm), sign and print your name with date. Mail the agreement to our office address along with your personal check (we do not accept credit cards) payable to "W. David Zitzkat." If filing a PERM case, your employer should sign the agreement and send full payment. Once we receive your retainer payment and our signed agreement, we will begin your case.
- What happens next?
For Direct Petitions, after we receive our agreement and retainer, we will begin to contact you by email forwarding letters, forms, and supporting evidence lists. For PERMs, we will proceed to schedule a telephonic conference between your employer and the Attorney to discuss the PERM regulations in detail.
- When I have all my case documents ready, what do I do?
For Direct Petitions, we ask you to mail your final documents to us in ONE mailing along with a detailed document list. Certainly, if you are in Connecticut and wish to bring in your case to sit down and review with the Attorney, we ask you to either call our office or email a staff member to schedule a convenient time.
- I forgot to ask some questions or something has come up, can I call your office?
Absolutely, you can either email us if your concerns are not urgent, or if you need to directly discuss any issue, call us! We are happy to assist you!
- How do I pay USCIS filing fees when I am ready to file my case? What form of payment is acceptable?
USCIS accepts personal checks and money/bank checks. All checks should be made payable to "Department of Homeland Security." We will advise you of the correct filing fee amounts.
- After your office files my case with USCIS, how do I know it arrived and is accepted?
Our office mails cases by the USPS normally by Priority Mail, Delivery Confirmation. We certainly can provide you with a tracking number to track your cases delivery. You can then check your bank account if you provided a personal check to see when your filing fee checks have been cashed. This is a good indication your case was accepted. Usually within 1-3 weeks our office receives a I-797C, Notice of Action form which contains your case receipt number. Most times USCIS will mail a courtesy copy to you or your employer by mail.
- After my case is accepted, how can I track my case?
You can log into the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov and find your case status with your receipt number, processing dates by service center were your case was filed with, and you can also sign up for email notifications on your case(s).
- Will you or will I receive any notices on my case such as RFE or other?
Normally we receive all original notifications for your case, but often USCIS will mail a copy to you as well. Certainly, if you receive any notification by email or mail, we ask you to contact us.
- What is concurrent filing? Are there any risks involved?
When filing an I-140 case, depending upon your country of birth and which category you will file in, USCIS will accept a concurrent Form I-485, Application for Permanent Residency. This is a great option if you wish your green card fairly quickly, but has certain risks attached. If you file your I-485 for Permanent Residency along with an I-140 case, and for some reason the I-140 is denied, you lose the I-485 case with all filing fees. But if you win your I-140 case and there is no visa restriction in place, you receive your green card usually in the shortest period of time.
- How do you wish me to prepare my supporting evidence documents for you to file with?
We file with copies of your original documents and we ask you to prepare us single-sided copies held together with either paper clips or binder clips. No staples please as all cases are photocopied and stapled at that time.
- Can I submit foreign documents to USCIS?
USCIS asks for an English translation to submit with your foreign document. Birth certificates must be certified.
- I have questions concerning the forms you sent to me, whom shall I ask for when I call your office?
Employment based questions for I-140 Direct Petitions, PERMs, and Work Visas should be directed to Liz. Family based questions for Permanent Residency, Advanced Parole, Work Authorizations, Petitions for Alien Relatives, Removal of Conditions and Citizenship should be directed to Kathy. Of course, the Attorney is also available to discuss any question with you. You can reach us by telephone, fax or email.
- What are your email addresses?
The Attorney's email address is DZEsq@aol.com, Liz's email address is edemyon@yahoo.com, Kathy's email address is kbatteson@yahoo.com, and Jon-Marc's email address is JM.Zitzkat@gmail.com.
- What do I do with my green card once I am approved?
First, enjoy! We suggest you make a clear copy of your card, front and back for your record in case of loss. Second, you must carry your card with you at all times. Third, take your card to your employer to update your I-9 form.