Can I file for bankruptcy if I am in the process of renewing my visa status?

I have had a visa for a few years and wanted to renew the status. However, I am planning on filing for bankruptcy and am not sure how my citizenship status affects my file. How does this work?
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Answered By: Marco Sanchez Attorney at Law
First, I would need more information on the type of visa you are holding. However, as a rule of law, an individual who has a Visa status (ie. vistors visa) cannot file bankruptcy in the United States because only an individual with a valid, social security number can file bankruptcy. An individual can only obtain a valid social security either by being a Legal Permenant Resident (Greed Card Holder) or a Naturalized Citizen. Otherwise, a visa holder is lawfully in the United States only for a restricted period of time and would not be eligible

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 11/28/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Heupel Law
Yes, you can file for bankruptcy if you are renewing your Visa status provided you are lawfully present in the United States.

Answer Applies to: Colorado
Replied: 11/27/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Bankruptcy Law office of Bill Rubendall
You do not have to be a citizen to file bankruptcy. Your citizen status or visa status are unaffected by bankruptcy.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/25/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Eliza Ghanooni, Attorney at Law
Yes, you can file bankruptcy while renewing your Visa status. Your citizenship status does not affect your eligibility to file bankruptcy.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/25/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: The Law Office of Darren Aronow, PC
As long as you are legally in the United States, then you can file bankruptcy.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 11/25/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Ashman Law Office
Bankruptcies can be filed regardless of your citizenship status. Be sure to use a good bankruptcy attorney. To be safe have him consult with your immigration lawyer to make sure the two coordinate their efforts. If you do that, you should be fine.

Answer Applies to: Georgia
Replied: 11/24/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Carballo Law Offices
Nothing to do with immigration status.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/23/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: The Stockman Law Office
You should review and renew your status prior to filing. There is no purpose to creating additional issues that will take an attorney additional time and cost you additional money, when that can be avoided.

Answer Applies to: Florida
Replied: 11/23/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Grace Law Offices of John F Geraghty Jr.
You could have a problem unless you have a sponsor who can support you financially.

Answer Applies to: Georgia
Replied: 11/23/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Weber Law Firm, P.C.
Yes, but only if you reside or have a domicile, a place of business, or property in the United States.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 11/23/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Gregory J. Wald, Attorney at Law
You are not required to be a citizen in order to file bankruptcy in the United States. It will also not affect your green card or your right to become a citizen because the government cannot discriminate against you for having filed bankruptcy.

Answer Applies to: Minnesota
Replied: 11/23/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Offices of Joseph A. Mannis
It does not affect it. So file away.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/23/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Mazyar Hedayat and Associates
You do not need to be a US citizen to file for bankruptcy and filing bankruptcy should not directly affect your immigration status.

Answer Applies to: Illinois
Replied: 11/23/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

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