Pacific Immigration Services

🇺🇸 PETITIONING FOR YOUR CHILD? DON’T STOP AT THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE

When filing a family-based immigration case for a child, the birth certificate is one of the most important documents — but depending on the case, USCIS or NVC may require additional evidence.

📌 At the I-130 stage, you may need:
• The child’s birth certificate
• Legal name change documents, if applicable
• Evidence of the parent-child relationship
• Additional proof in cases involving a child born outside of marriage
• Adoption records or stepchild documentation, when applicable

📂 At the NVC / immigrant visa stage, the child may also need:
• A valid passport
• DS-260
• Civil documents
• Police certificates, when required
• Medical exam records
• Marriage or divorce documents, if applicable
• Additional relationship evidence requested for the case

⚠️ If the birth was registered late, names or family information do not match, or the case has unusual circumstances, immigration officers may ask for more evidence before approving the case.

The key is to prepare the right documents for your specific situation — not just submit a generic checklist.

👉 Follow Pacific Immigration for the latest U.S. immigration updates and practical filing tips.

📞 (209) 438-2222
🇺🇸 Serving all 50 states

This post is for general informational purposes only. Document requirements may vary by case.

🎉 10 APPROVALS IN ONE DAY!

With so much negative immigration news lately, it’s easy to feel scared, confused, or even think:
“Is immigration still approving cases?”
YES — legitimate, eligible cases are still getting approved. ❤️

Today alone, Pacific Immigration received 10 approvals for our clients — including green card and family petition cases.

Ten families received good news.
Ten cases moved one step closer to their American dream. 🇺🇸

Immigration policies are changing, and some cases are being reviewed more carefully. But that does not mean immigration has stopped.

So please don’t read one scary headline or watch one video online and automatically assume:
❌ “My case won’t be approved.”
❌ “Nobody is getting green cards anymore.”
❌ “I should give up.”
Instead, understand your own case.

If you have a legitimate relationship, meet the eligibility requirements, tell the truth, and prepare your case properly, approvals are still happening every day.
And today, we got 10 reminders of that. 🥰

Congratulations to all of our clients! Thank you for trusting Amy and the Pacific Immigration team with such an important part of your lives.

Don’t let the news decide your future before you even understand your options.

📞 Pacific Immigration
Vietnamese: (209) 677-6868
English: (209) 438-2222
📍 7746 Lorraine Ave, Suite 202
Stockton, CA 95210
🇺🇸 Serving all 50 states

🇺🇸 OCTOBER 2026 FAMILY-SPONSORED IMMIGRANT VISA UPDATE

📌 FY 2027 Begins — F2A Moves Forward, Most Family Categories Hold Steady
The U.S. Department of State has released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, officially opening Fiscal Year 2027.

After the major movement seen in September, October begins at a steadier pace. The biggest family-based highlight is F2A, which advances another month in Final Action Dates to September 22, 2026, while remaining Current for Dates for Filing.

For F1, F2B, F3, and F4, the worldwide family-sponsored cut-off dates remain unchanged from September.

ℹ️ First, which family preference category applies to you?
F1: Unmarried sons and daughters, age 21 or older, of U.S. citizens
F2A: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of green card holders
F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters, age 21 or older, of green card holders
F3: Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
F4: Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, when the U.S. citizen petitioner is at least 21 years old
📌 Once you know your category, compare your Priority Date with the October cut-off dates below.

🔴 Final Action Dates
These dates indicate when immigrant visa numbers may be available for final action on eligible cases.
For All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed:
F1: Remains at Jan 22, 2020
F2A: Advances 1 month to Sep 22, 2026
F2B: Remains at Aug 22, 2019
F3: Remains at Oct 22, 2014
F4: Remains at Oct 22, 2011

🟢 Dates for Filing
These dates indicate when qualifying immigrant visa applicants may be able to begin submitting required documents to NVC.
For All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed:
F1: Remains at Feb 1, 2020
F2A: Current
F2B: Remains at Sep 1, 2019
F3: Remains at Nov 1, 2014
F4: Remains at Nov 1, 2011
For applicants filing Adjustment of Status in the U.S., always check which Visa Bulletin chart USCIS allows applicants to use for that month before filing Form I-485.

⚠️ What this means for your case
✔ F2A moves forward another month in Final Action Dates
✔ F2A remains Current for Dates for Filing
✔ F1, F2B, F3, and F4 remain unchanged for worldwide cases
✔ No October retrogression in these worldwide family-sponsored categories
✔ If your Priority Date is earlier than the applicable cut-off date, your case may be eligible to move forward depending on visa availability and your individual case status
✔ Applicants chargeable to China-mainland, India, Mexico, or the Philippines should check the specific country column
✔ Visa Bulletin dates can advance, remain unchanged, or retrogress from month to month
The Department of State notes that FY 2027 immigrant visa numbers are now available, and future date adjustments may still be made as visa demand and annual limits are monitored.

📌 Not sure how to read your Priority Date?

Comment your category below — F1, F2A, F2B, F3, or F4 — and Pacific Immigration can help you better understand what the October update may mean for your case.
——————————————

Pacific Immigration Services
📞 English: (209) 438-2222
🌟 Serving clients in all 50 states
Source: U.S. Department of State – Visa Bulletin October 2026. This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

⭐ YOUR TRUST MEANS EVERYTHING

💚 Nothing means more to us than hearing that our clients felt supported, informed, and confident throughout their immigration journey.

Thank you to every family who has trusted Pacific Immigration with such an important chapter of their lives — and thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us.

If you’re preparing an immigration case and want a team that stays organized, responsive, and by your side from start to finish, we’re here to help.

📞 (209) 438-2222
🇺🇸 Serving all 50 states

🇺🇸 IR2 VISA: 6 STEPS FROM I-130 TO THE INTERVIEW

Are you a U.S. citizen petitioning for your unmarried child under 21? Here’s a simple look at the IR2 immigrant visa process so you know what to expect before getting started. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including unmarried children under 21, are not subject to annual visa-number limits.

1️⃣ File Form I-130
The U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.

2️⃣ USCIS Reviews the Petition
Once approved, a case going through consular processing is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).

3️⃣ NVC Processing Begins
NVC assigns a case number, collects the required fees and guides the case through the next steps.

4️⃣ Complete DS-260 & Submit Documents
The applicant completes Form DS-260, while the required civil documents, Affidavit of Support, and financial evidence are submitted through the immigrant visa process.

5️⃣ Medical Exam & Vaccinations
Before the interview, the applicant must complete the required medical examination with an authorized panel physician and meet applicable vaccination requirements.

6️⃣ Attend the IR2 Visa Interview
The applicant attends the immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with the required original or certified documents.

📌 Child turning 21 soon?
For an immediate-relative case, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) may preserve the child’s age based on when the I-130 was filed, as long as the child remains unmarried. That makes timing especially important when a child is approaching age 21.

Every family’s case is different, so understanding the process early can help you prepare the right documents and avoid unnecessary delays.

👉 Follow Pacific Immigration for the latest U.S. immigration updates and helpful filing guidance.

📞 (209) 438-2222
🇺🇸 Serving all 50 states

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

🚨 NEW FORM I-485 REQUIRED STARTING SEPT. 18

If you’re preparing to file for Adjustment of Status, make sure you’re using the correct edition of Form I-485.

USCIS is introducing a new 09/18/26 edition of Form I-485 to align with the updated Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility rule, which takes effect on September 18, 2026.

📌 Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Before Sept. 18, 2026: USCIS will accept the 01/20/25 or 09/04/26 edition if it is postmarked or electronically submitted before that date.

❌ On or after Sept. 18, 2026: USCIS will reject the 01/20/25 and 09/04/26 editions.

✅ Beginning Sept. 18, USCIS will accept only the 09/18/26 edition.

⚠️ There is no grace period, and the new edition should not be filed before it officially takes effect.

Form I-485 is used by eligible applicants in the United States to apply for Lawful Permanent Resident status (Green Card) through Adjustment of Status. This update does not mean cases properly filed before the effective date automatically need to be refiled.

💡 Preparing an I-485 filing? Double-check the edition date, filing date, signatures, supporting documents, and applicable public charge requirements before submitting your package.

👉 Follow Pacific Immigration for the latest U.S. immigration updates and filing reminders.

📞 (209) 438-2222
🇺🇸 Serving all 50 states

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Each immigration case is different.

🇺🇸 F-1 STUDENTS: 6 CHANGES TO KNOW

Studying in the U.S. in 2026? A major DHS rule is changing how F-1 status works — and some of the updates could affect how students plan their studies, transfers, and stay in the U.S.

Here’s the quick breakdown 👇

✅ D/S is ending — F-1 students will generally receive a fixed period of admission, typically tied to the program length and capped at 4 years.
✅ 30-day grace period after completing a program or post-completion OPT.
✅ English Language Training is limited to a total of 24 months.
✅ School transfers and changes in educational objectives will face new restrictions.
✅ Some students who need additional time may have to file an Extension of Stay with USCIS.
✅ After completing a program, F-1 students generally cannot begin another program at the same or a lower educational level while remaining in F-1 status.

📌 The Federal Register currently lists September 15, 2026 as the effective date, while noting that the date could still change following congressional review.

Also worth knowing: online presence reviews for F, M, and J visa applicants are a separate Department of State screening policy, so students should keep their application information accurate and consistent.

💡 Planning ahead matters more than ever. Save this post and share it with an international student who may need the update.

👉 Follow Pacific Immigration for the latest U.S. immigration updates.

📞 (209) 438-2222
🇺🇸 Serving all 50 states