ANSWER: If you acquired your L-1 based on specialized knowledge (an L-1B), I would consult with a lawyer to see if you can avoid an individual labor certification. Normally people who use the "specialized knowledge" category cannot qualify, but there may be a way to do it depending on your facts. People on L-1A's (managers and executives) can, on the other hand, easily switch to permanent residency through the priority worker green card category.

Apply for a Returning Resident permit. This will create a presumption in your favor, should your green card status ever be challenged. Even though the instructions on the form say that the Returning Residency permit is for those who are leaving the country continuously for more than 1 year, file it anyway---even if you'll visit the U.S. before the year is up. You can use form I-131 from the Handbook. See similar questions...

If you have your receipt number, you should contact the USCIS case status service online or call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC). See similar questions...

If you are in Japan, you should apply for a transportation letter at the Embassy in Tokyo or Consulate-Generals in Osaka or Naha. For information on Transportation Letters, see here. See similar questions...

American ' Green Card' is a Permanent Residence Visa of the U.S.A. Holders of a Green Card are given the legal right to work and reside permanently in the United States. All Green Card holders are entitled to receive health, education, and various other benefit entitlements. As a Green Card winner, you can always apply for U.S. Citizenship at a later date. Ownership of a Green Card does not affect your present citizenship. See similar questions...

The United States has a program, called DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT VISA LOTTERY (also known as GREEN CARD LOTTERY), making available each year by random selection 50,000 permanent residence visas (GREEN CARDS) to people from around the world. The programs objective is to issue Green Cards to individuals born in countries which historically have low levels of immigration to the United States. See similar questions...

If you are a legal resident who gets public benefits right now, you should not travel outside the U.S. for more than 6 months. If you are gone for more than 6 months, the INS can ask you questions about whether you are likely to become a public charge, and may not let you re-enter the country. If you are outside of the U.S. for less than 6 months, in most cases the INS cannot stop you from re-entering the country based on being a public charge. See similar questions...

Leased vehicles are restricted to the United States. However, limited vacation arrangements may be made for up to 30 days in Mexico and Canada. Please call 1-800-654-6222 for details and assistance. See similar questions...

Yes. We transfer your credit card number and other sensitive data (such as name, address, and phone number) securely to the Bank of America Merchant Services processing system. They employ the highest level of encryption. See similar questions...

Yes, you'll want the peace of mind having it. But, bring your PIN number, so you can make cash withdrawals from ATM machines! (Make sure your card has the Do yourself a favor, don't bring travelers checks- they are a hassle, take time, and you'll not want to stand in line to cash a check while the group is waiting on YOU. Bring a debit card and get cash in about one minute from hundreds of thousands of ATM machines around Europe. See similar questions...

You should have someone send it from the United States. If this is not possible, you will be required to apply for a transportation letter. See similar questions...

A green card has the same function as an Insurance Certificate. It is used when travelling abroad and is internationally recognised as proof that your car is insured. We can provide you with your Green Card prior to travelling, without any charge. The Green Card provides you with cover abroad for up to a maximum of 90 days. See similar questions...

A Green Card is the official name for an international insurance certificate which must be obtained by a motorist before leaving their own country. It is valid proof that the vehicle is insured in that country. It is not necessary among EEA countries where a valid insurance certificate is adequate, but it is always advisable to have one when traveling abroad as it conforms to an international standard which is easily understood in another country. See similar questions...

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points, including requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission of the parent(s) or legal guardian not present for the child's travel. Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) should carefully document legal custody prior to traveling. If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent. See similar questions...