Practical guides on "Immigration and paperwork". Plain language, with examples for the Polish community in the USA.
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) – a 9-digit number from the IRS for individuals without an SSN who need to file taxes in the USA. A comprehensive guide: who needs it, how to submit Form W-7, where to find an Acceptance Agent, how long it takes, what ITIN does NOT provide, and common mistakes.
USCIS for beginners: the difference between USCIS, ICE, and CBP, main forms (I-130, I-485, N-400), service centers, myUSCIS, processing times, when to consult an immigration attorney.
Checking the status of a USCIS application: receipt number, online case status, myUSCIS account, email alerts, InfoPass, when to file a Congressional inquiry or Ombudsman.
Green Card through marriage to a U.S. citizen after you are married (different from K-1). I-130 + I-485 (in the U.S.) or CR-1/IR-1 through the consulate. Costs, timeline, documents, removing conditions I-751.
Working without Work Authorization in the USA – what it means, the risks, penalties for employees and employers, employee rights even without status, and legal pathways to obtain work authorization (EAD, asylum, U-visa, VAWA, marriage).
An apostille is an international certification of documents; learn how to obtain it in Poland (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice) and in the USA (Secretary of State of the state), including time, costs, where to apply, and when it is needed.
A complete map of Polish consulates: USA (NY, Chicago, LA, Houston), UK (London, Manchester, Edinburgh), Germany (Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich). What matters you can resolve, booking through e-Konsulat, phone numbers, and duty hours.
The entire K-1 process: petition I-129F from the U.S. citizen fiancé, interview at the consulate, entry into the U.S., marriage within 90 days, status change to Green Card (AOS). Costs, timelines, documents.
A U.S. citizen can sponsor parents for a Green Card without a visa queue, including details on Form I-130, costs, processing time (12-18 months), required documents, and the consular path versus adjustment of status.
Prepaid plans without contracts: T-Mobile, Mint, Cricket, Visible, Tello – price comparison 2026, coverage.
Apostille, sworn translation, registration in the Polish USC – a complete pathway for an American death certificate to be valid in Poland.
A comparison of the main pathways to permanent residency: family, work, asylum, investment, lottery – including waiting times and requirements.
Who can apply for asylum, how to submit Form I-589, when you can start working, and the path to a Green Card.