Frequently Asked Questions

Can an old removal order still affect my immigration case today?

Yes. An old removal order can still affect your immigration case, even if it was issued years or decades ago and even if you are now married to a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible for a green card. Removal orders do not expire on their own and can block immigration benefits or trigger enforcement if they are not addressed. That said, recent legal developments out of the  Calderon Jimenez v. Mayorkas settlement, may provide new options for certain noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens in New England, such as the ability to reopen and dismiss an old removal order and receive protection from enforcement through January 16, 2027. Because eligibility is limited and time-sensitive, speaking with an experienced immigration attorney to review your history before filing applications or making travel plans is critical.

I heard USCIS is changing how filing fees are paid, can I still send a check or money order with my application?

Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for any immigration applications or petitions. All fees must be paid by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

If you mail a check or money order after this date, USCIS will reject your filing and return it, which can delay your case by weeks or even months. Paying by credit card lets you see the charge on your account right away, confirming that USCIS received your payment.

Before you file, double-check that your card has enough available funds and that the G-1450 form is signed correctly, missing signatures are one of the most common reasons for rejection.

I have a criminal history, am I able to apply for citizenship?
We get this questions a lot, and the short answer is, it depends. Many permanent residents hesitate to apply because they fear a criminal record automatically disqualifies them, or worse, that applying could put them at risk of detention or deportation.

The truth is, not every criminal record prevents you from becoming a U.S. citizen. With the right legal guidance, many longtime green card holders with past convictions are still eligible for naturalization. Our team has represented many successful naturalization applications and we want to help you too. Check out our blog for more information an call us at 617-714-4375 so we can discuss your individual situation and decide if applying for citizenship is right for you.

I’m applying for asylum. What fees do I need to pay and when?
Starting July 22, 2025, a $100 fee is required to submit your asylum application (Form I-589). This applies to both new and pending cases with USCIS and Immigration Court (EOIR). You will also need to pay $100 each year while your case remains pending. Learn more about the fees and schedule here.

Why do I have to pay for a consultation? 

A consultation with one of our experienced attorneys is the first step in your immigration journey. Our consultations are in-depth and tailored to your situation. Your attorney will carefully review your background, listen to your goals, and provide a clear explanation of your options. You’ll leave the consultation with actionable next steps, whether you decide to move forward with Cambridge Immigration Law or not.

Sometimes we let you know that we cannot help you, but our goal is to find a way to use the law to help you achieve your goals.

You pay for one of our experienced immigration attorneys to analyze your situation and your immigration goals and inform you of the big picture strategy for helping you reach your goals. You pay us because we are experts in the field and our knowledge is valuable to you and your ability to live the life you want to live. 

Think of a consultation like a doctor’s visit. You wouldn’t expect a doctor to diagnose or create a treatment plan without taking the time to review your health history and understand your concerns. The same is true with immigration law.

Free consultations often only scratch the surface, offering quick, general advice. A paid consultation ensures you get dedicated time, personalized guidance, and a strategy built around your goals. It’s an important investment in setting your case up for success.

We are proud of our services and confident that the value of a consultation to you far exceeds the costs. 

What is the difference between an Individual Hearing and a Master Calendar Hearing? 

A Master Calendar Hearing is similar to a pre-trial conference. It is typically a short meeting to ensure your case is moving forward. During this hearing, the judge confirms information, sets deadlines, and outlines next steps. Generally no decisions are made about your immigration status at this hearing. While it seems routine, it is important to not skip your master calendar hearing. You will be ordered removed (deported) if you fail to attend, or are late, for a master calendar hearing. 

An Individual Hearing is your trial. This is your opportunity to present your application and supporting evidence. The government may ask you questions and the judge will review any relevant history, including criminal issues, if you have any. At the end of the hearing, or sometimes after, the judge will make a decision on your immigration status. 

In short a Master Calendar Hearing is a procedural check-in while an Individual Hearing is the full presentation of your case to a judge who will decide your immigration case. 

What is a biometrics appointment?

A biometrics appointment is a standard step in the U.S. immigration process for many types of applications, including green cards, naturalization, and work permits. 

The appointment is held at a USCIS Application Support Center. The government will collect your photograph, fingerprints, and digital signature. This information is used to confirm your identity and conduct background checks.  

Biometrics appointments are generally quick (about 15 minutes) and do not involve any decision on your immigration case. However, it is a very important step of the process that should not be skipped. Missing the appointment may cause delay or denial of your application. Be sure to arrive on time and bring your appointment notice and valid photo ID (such as passport, license or state ID).

Can I travel outside of the U.S. with a Visa or Green Card?

Typically, non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents (those with green cards) and other nonimmigrant statuses can travel as long as they carry the proper documentation and adhere to travel limits. Reentry can be risky depending on your status, criminal history or how long you have been gone. The Trump administration is unpredictable and engaging in illegal conduct against some people entering the U.S. Read more in our blog.

Should I hire a lawyer to resolve my immigration legal issue?

You can try to navigate the U.S. immigration system on your own without an immigration lawyer.  However, in our nearly two decades of practicing immigration law, we have seen many cases needlessly go awry because clients do not work with an immigration attorney or do not work with the right immigration attorney.  Our clients are smart, capable people who are wise enough to know when to ask for– and pay for– the best legal team to represent them in their immigration journey.  Contact us here to start working with us.

How do I schedule a conversation with an attorney at Cambridge Immigration Law?

Cambridge Immigration Law offers online scheduling and payment tools that eases the process for scheduling a consultation. If you have any questions about scheduling an appointment, making a payment, or understanding the information and documents you will need for your consultation, the team at Cambridge Immigration Law is happy to help. You will meet with an attorney on our team in-person, via Zoom, or over the phone for your consultation.

What happens after I hire Cambridge Immigration Law?

Our team works to understand your immigration goals and will offer empathy and transparency throughout your immigration legal process so that you can focus on your professional, academic, family, and personal goals. We strive to understand your specific case and advise you on the expected timeline and outcome with regular and honest updates. We strive to use the law to its fullest extent to resolve your immigration concerns in the most efficient, just, and compassionate way.

Who is on the Cambridge Immigration Law team?

Cambridge Immigration Law prides itself in its teamwork on your case.  Attorney Ellen Sullivan is the founding attorney of Cambridge Immigration Law and is the leader of our team.  All legal matters are strategized and supervised by an attorney.  Paralegals and legal assistants work with clients on billing matters, document gathering, and other non-legal work.  During your work with Cambridge Immigration Law, you will meet and communicate with various members of our team.

How much will it cost to work with Cambridge Immigration Law?

We cannot determine the legal fees for your case until you have a strategy meeting with us. Schedule yours today!

Do you represent clients outside of Cambridge, Massachusetts?

Yes! Our law licenses authorizes our attorneys to practice federal immigration law nationwide. We regularly represent clients at USCIS hearings around the United States. However, we also take great joy in our connection to the Cambridge community where we work, live, and raise our families, and we love to work with clients who are also our neighbors in our community.

What kind of immigration cases does Cambridge Immigration Law handle? 

Cambridge Immigration Law focuses on family-based immigration matters, especially marriage-based green card applications.  Our deep knowledge of all aspects of immigration law makes us extremely effective strategists and advocates for our clients. We have developed an expertise in a variety of immigration case law for a diverse range of clients, ranging from simple consultations to complex litigation in federal immigration court. Our firm has vast connections to practitioners in other legal practice areas if non-immigration legal matters are involved. For more detail about our successes with our clients, click here.

Does Cambridge Immigration Law handle waiver cases?

Yes. Our attorneys represent clients on I-601 waivers of inadmissibility, most often focusing on fraud, misrepresentation, and criminal issues. We also represent clients on I-612 waivers of the J-visa two-year home residency requirement. In addition, we represent clients on I-601A provisional waivers.

Does Cambridge Immigration Law represent clients who did not start with an attorney or who want to change attorneys?

For the benefit of our clients, we strongly encourage clients to engage our services before they file any immigration application. However, Cambridge Immigration Law works with clients whether they are at the beginning of the process or in the midst of their immigration application when they decide to engage an attorney or change attorneys. We guide many clients through multiple stages of their immigration journey, but not every client comes to us at the beginning of that process. Some clients hire us in the middle of their cases; for example, when the case seems stuck; when the client received a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny; or before a USCIS interview. We also work with clients who were unhappy with the service or responsiveness of their past lawyers and decide to transfer their case to our firm.