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Already 18, 19, or 20? When SIJS May Still Be an Option in Nevada

Sep 25, 2026

You may have been told that Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is only for children. So if you are already 18, 19, or 20, you might assume you waited too long. Turning 18 does not automatically end the possibility of seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. In Nevada, the state-court portion of an SIJS case can still be available to certain unmarried young people who have not yet turned 21. Federal requirements also apply, including a deadline...

Your Asylum Case Is Still Pending. Do You Have to Pay the 2026 Annual Asylum Fee?

Aug 26, 2026

You filed Form I-589 and your asylum case is still pending. Maybe you are waiting for a USCIS asylum interview. Maybe your case is already before an immigration judge. Then you receive a notice about an Annual Asylum Fee, see a $102 charge online, or hear that a federal court recently changed the rules. That can leave you with a practical question: do you actually have to pay it, and what happens if you already...

Your I-130 Was Approved, but Your Spouse Is Outside the U.S. What Happens Next?

Jul 31, 2026

After months of gathering records, filing paperwork, and waiting for USCIS to make a decision, you finally receive the notice you were hoping for: your Form I-130 has been approved. If your spouse is still living outside the United States, however, you may be wondering when an interview can be scheduled, what paperwork is still required, and when your spouse may actually be able to join you in the United States. An approved I-130 confirms...

What Documents Should You Bring to an Immigration Consultation in Reno?

Jun 30, 2026

Meeting with an immigration attorney can feel like a big step, especially when your future, your family, your work, or your ability to remain in the United States is at stake. You may know you need help, but still feel unsure about what to bring, what to explain, or whether you have enough paperwork to start. You do not need to have everything perfectly organized before you speak with an attorney. What matters most is...

Missed Immigration Court in Nevada? When You May Be Able to Reopen Your Case

May 29, 2026

Missing immigration court can make everything feel uncertain at once. You may be afraid that you have already been ordered removed, that Immigration and Customs Enforcement could take action, or that one missed hearing has put your home, your work, and your family at risk. If you or your loved one missed an immigration court hearing in Nevada, do not guess about what happened, and do not assume there is nothing left to do. A...

Married a U.S. Citizen in Reno? What to Do Next to Apply for a Green Card

Apr 30, 2026

Getting married is a major life event. If one of you is a U.S. citizen and the other is not yet a lawful permanent resident, that new chapter can also bring urgent immigration questions. You may be wondering whether you can apply for a Green Card right away, whether one of you may need to leave the country, what evidence USCIS may expect to see, and what could happen if there is a mistake in...

Immigration Bond Hearing in Nevada: How Bond Works, What Evidence Helps, and Where Families Usually Post Bond

Mar 27, 2026

When a loved one is taken into ICE custody, families in Nevada are often left scrambling for answers. One of the first questions is where the person is being held, whether release may be possible, and what families can do to help. Because bond procedure can depend on the detention location and custody classification, the correct court and available options are not always determined only by where the family lives. At Smit Law Group, we...

Can You Fix Your Immigration Status If You Entered the U.S. Without a Visa?

Feb 27, 2026

Many people living in the United States today entered the country without being inspected and admitted or paroled (often called “entry without inspection” or EWI). Some crossed the border years ago to reunite with family, escape dangerous conditions, or pursue better opportunities. Others arrived as children and grew up here, building lives, careers, and families in the United States. If this describes your situation or the circumstances of a loved one, especially if you entered...

Got a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Immigration Court?

Jan 23, 2026

What Happens at the Master Calendar Hearing (and What to Do First) Opening an envelope and seeing the words Notice to Appear can feel terrifying. You likely have immediate concerns: Are you being deported? Will you have to leave the United States right away? What happens if you miss a hearing notice or don’t understand what the court is asking? If you received a Notice to Appear, often called an NTA, it usually means the...

Divorce and Child Custody for Immigrants in Nevada

Dec 15, 2025

Understanding Your Rights and Options When Family and Immigration Law Overlap Divorce is never easy, and for immigrants living in Nevada, it can feel even more complicated. At Smit Law Group in Reno, we often help clients facing divorce and worried about how it might affect their immigration status, custody rights, and long-term future in the United States. If you or your spouse is not a U.S. citizen, it’s important to understand how Nevada’s divorce...