Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions | Immigraton, Tax, Notary & Translations Services in Allentown PA

At Lehigh Multiservice, we understand that immigration applications, tax filings, notarizations, document translations, and legal document preparation can often raise important questions. To help our clients better understand these services, we have created this Frequently Asked Questions page covering many of the topics we discuss every day with individuals and families throughout Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the Lehigh Valley.


Since 2005, our office has assisted thousands of clients with immigration services, citizenship applications, family petitions, adjustment of status cases, tax preparation through H&R Block, certified translations, notary services, and document preparation. Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions we receive.


If you do not see your question listed, please contact our office at (610) 351-0889 for additional assistance.

General FAQs

Everything you need to know about Lehigh Multiservice Get in touch →

What services does Lehigh Multiservice offer?

Lehigh Multiservice provides a variety of professional services to individuals and families throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley. Our services include immigration document preparation, citizenship and naturalization assistance, family petitions, adjustment of status applications, tax preparation through H&R Block, notary public services, certified document translations, and legal document preparation. Our goal is to provide convenient, reliable services under one roof while helping clients navigate important personal, immigration, and financial matters.

Where is Lehigh Multiservice located?

Our office is located at 1028 W Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101.

Do you offer services in Spanish?

Yes. We proudly offer assistance in both English and Spanish. Many of our clients are Spanish-speaking individuals and families, and our bilingual staff is available to help explain services, prepare documents, and answer questions throughout the process.

Do I need an appointment?

Appointments are recommended to ensure we can dedicate sufficient time to your matter. However, some services such as notary services may be available on a walk-in basis depending on office availability. For immigration and tax services, scheduling an appointment is strongly encouraged.

How long has Lehigh Multiservice been serving the community?

Lehigh Multiservice has proudly served the Lehigh Valley since 2005. For more than 20 years, we have assisted thousands of clients with immigration services, tax preparation, translations, notary services, and document preparation.

What areas do you serve?

We serve clients throughout:

Allentown
Bethlehem
Easton
Whitehall
Emmaus
Macungie
Lehigh County
Northampton County
Berks County
Carbon County

Many clients also travel from surrounding areas because of our bilingual services and experience with immigration-related matters.

How can I contact your office?

You can reach our office by calling (610) 351-0889, visiting our office during business hours, or submitting a contact request through our website.

Immigration Services FAQ

Everything you need to know about the immigration services we offer in our office. Get in touch →

What immigration services do you provide?

Our office assists clients with many common immigration-related applications and processes, including:
Family Petitions (I-130)
Adjustment of Status
Citizenship and Naturalization Applications (N-400)
Green Card Renewals (I-90)
Removal of Conditions (I-751)
Affidavits of Support (I-864)
Consular Processing
Immigration Document Preparation
USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
We help clients prepare, organize, and submit documentation while ensuring forms are completed accurately and thoroughly.

Can you help me apply for a green card?

Yes. We assist eligible individuals and families with green card applications through various immigration pathways, including family-based petitions and adjustment of status cases. We can help review eligibility requirements, prepare forms, organize supporting evidence, and ensure applications are properly completed before submission.

Can you help petition a family member?

Yes. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may be able to petition certain qualifying family members. Our office assists clients with preparing and filing family-based petitions and organizing supporting documentation required by USCIS.

Can I apply for a green card while in the United States?

Certain individuals may qualify to apply through Adjustment of Status without leaving the United States.

What is consular processing?

Consular processing is the process of obtaining an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States.

How long does an immigration case take?

Processing times vary significantly depending on the type of application, the agency handling the case, visa availability, government processing backlogs, and individual circumstances. Some applications may take several months, while others can take years. We help clients understand current processing timelines and what to expect throughout the process.

Can you help respond to a USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE)?

Yes. Receiving an RFE does not necessarily mean a case will be denied. USCIS may simply require additional documentation or clarification. We assist clients in reviewing RFEs, gathering evidence, and preparing a complete response before the deadline.

Do I need translations for immigration documents?

Generally, USCIS requires that any foreign-language document submitted with an immigration application be accompanied by a complete English translation and certification from the translator confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.

Citizenship FAQs

Everything you need to know about the Citizenship and Naturalization application process. Can’t find an answer? Get in touch →

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

The cost to apply for U.S. citizenship depends on the filing method and your individual circumstances. USCIS filing fees may change periodically, and some applicants may qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver. Before filing, it is important to verify the current USCIS filing fee and determine whether any exemptions apply to your case.

Who can apply for U.S. citizenship?

Most lawful permanent residents may apply after five years, while certain spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after three years.

What is the N-400 application?

Form N-400 is the application used to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

How Long Does the Citizenship Process Take?

Processing times vary depending on the USCIS office handling your case and current application volume. In most cases, the citizenship process takes several months from the date of filing until the oath ceremony. Processing times can change throughout the year, so applicants should review current USCIS estimates when preparing to apply.

Can I Apply for Citizenship After 3 Years of Having a Green Card?

Some permanent residents may qualify for citizenship after three years instead of five. Generally, this applies to individuals who have been lawful permanent residents for at least three years and have continuously lived with and remained married to a U.S. citizen spouse during that period. Additional eligibility requirements must also be met before applying.

What Happens at the Citizenship Interview?

During the citizenship interview, a USCIS officer will review your Form N-400 application and ask questions about your background, travel history, employment history, family information, and eligibility for naturalization. The officer will also administer the English and civics tests unless you qualify for an exemption. At the end of the interview, USCIS may approve your application, continue your case for additional review, or request additional information.

Can I Apply for Citizenship if I Have Traveled Outside the United States?

Possibly. Many permanent residents travel internationally and still qualify for citizenship. However, long trips outside the United States may affect eligibility if they interrupt continuous residence or physical presence requirements. Before filing, it is important to review your travel history to determine whether any absences could impact your application.

Do I Need an Attorney to Apply for Citizenship?

No. Many individuals successfully apply for citizenship on their own. However, professional assistance may be beneficial if you have a complicated immigration history, extended trips outside the United States, prior arrests, tax issues, previous immigration violations, or concerns about eligibility. Proper preparation can help avoid delays, requests for evidence, and potential complications during the naturalization process.

What Should I Study for the Naturalization Test?

Applicants should study the official USCIS civics questions covering U.S. history, government, and civic principles. Most applicants must also demonstrate basic English reading, writing, and speaking abilities. Proper preparation is important because USCIS officers often ask follow-up questions during the interview in addition to administering the civics and English tests.

Why Choose Lehigh Multiservice for Citizenship Assistance?

Lehigh Multiservice has proudly assisted individuals and families throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley with citizenship and naturalization services since 2005. We help clients determine eligibility, prepare Form N-400, organize supporting documents, and prepare for the citizenship interview and civics test. Our goal is to help applicants navigate the naturalization process with confidence and avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays.

Family Petition FAQ

Everything you need to know about Family Petitions. Can’t find an answer? Get in touch →

Who can file a family petition?

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may petition certain qualifying relatives. The relationship category determines eligibility and processing times.

Can I petition my spouse?

Yes. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may generally petition their spouse for lawful permanent residence. The process and timeline depend on the petitioner’s immigration status and the beneficiary’s location.

Can I petition my parents?

U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old may petition their parents for permanent residence. Lawful permanent residents cannot petition parents until they become U.S. citizens.

Can I petition my siblings?

Yes. U.S. citizens may petition eligible brothers and sisters. However, sibling categories often have longer waiting periods due to visa availability limits.

What is Form I-130?

Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is used to establish a qualifying family relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary. Approval of the petition is often the first step in the family-based immigration process.

Adjustment of Status FAQ

Everything you need to know about the Adjustment of Status process. Can’t find an answer? Get in touch →

What is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status is a process that allows certain eligible individuals already present in the United States to apply for lawful permanent residence without having to return to their home country for immigrant visa processing.

Will I have an interview?

Many Adjustment of Status applicants are required to attend an interview with USCIS. During the interview, an officer reviews the application and supporting documentation to verify eligibility.

Can I work while my application is pending?

Some applicants may qualify for employment authorization while their Adjustment of Status application is being processed. Eligibility depends on the specific circumstances of the case.

What documents are generally required?

Requirements vary by case but often include identity documents, birth certificates, marriage certificates, immigration records, financial sponsorship documents, and evidence supporting eligibility.

Translation Services FAQ

Everything you need to know about the our Translation Services. Can’t find an answer? Get in touch →

What documents do you translate?

We regularly translate:
Birth Certificates
Marriage Certificates
Divorce Decrees
Death Certificates
Passports
Diplomas
Academic Transcripts
USCIS Documents
Court Documents
Medical Records
Business Documents

Do you provide certified translations?

Yes. We can provide certified translations for immigration applications, schools, employers, government agencies, and other organizations that require translation certification.

Why are certified translations important for USCIS?

USCIS generally requires English translations of foreign-language documents. Failure to submit proper translations may delay processing or result in requests for additional evidence.

How long does translation take?

Turnaround times depend on document length, complexity, and current workload. Many standard documents can be translated relatively quickly, while larger projects may require additional time.

Notary Services FAQ

Everything you need to know about the our Notary Services. Can’t find an answer? Get in touch →

What is a notary public?

A notary public is an individual authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to verify identities, witness signatures, administer oaths, and perform certain official acts intended to help prevent fraud.

What identification is required?

Most notarizations require a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued identification card.

Do all signers need to be present?

Yes. In most situations, all individuals signing a document must personally appear before the notary at the time the document is notarized.

What types of documents can be notarized?

Common documents include:
Powers of Attorney
Affidavits
Travel Consent Forms
Real Estate Documents
Vehicle Title Documents
Financial Documents
Business Documents
School Forms

Can you notarize documents in Spanish?

Yes. We regularly assist both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking clients with notarization services.

Tax Services FAQ

Everything you need to know about the our Tax Services through H&R Block. Can’t find an answer? Get in touch →

Is Lehigh Multiservice an H&R Block office?

Yes. Lehigh Multiservice proudly operates/does business as an H&R Block franchise, allowing us to provide professional tax preparation services backed by one of the most recognized names in the tax industry.

What tax services do you offer?

We assist with:Individual Tax Returns
Self-Employed Tax Returns
Small Business Tax Preparation
Electronic Filing
Prior-Year Tax Returns
Tax Consultations

What should I bring to my tax appointment?

Generally, you should bring:

Government-issued ID
Social Security cards
W-2s
1099 forms
Business income and expense records
Mortgage interest statements
Childcare expense information
Any relevant tax documents received during the year

Can you help self-employed taxpayers?

Yes. We assist many self-employed individuals, independent contractors, gig workers, and small business owners with tax preparation and reporting requirements.

Are there any Enrolled Agents in your office?

Yes. We have a licensed enrolled agent that can assist you with complex tax issues and represent you before the IRS.

Document Preparation FAQ

Everything you need to know about the documents we can prepare for you in our office. Can’t find an answer? Get in touch →

What types of documents do you prepare?

We assist with preparing various non-attorney documents, including:

Powers of Attorney
Travel Authorization Letters
Affidavits
Bills of Sale
Consent Forms
General Business Documents

Are you attorneys?

No. Lehigh Multiservice is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. We provide document preparation and administrative assistance services.

Can you help organize supporting documents?

Yes. Many clients seek assistance gathering, organizing, and reviewing documents needed for immigration applications, translations, tax filings, and other services.

Why is proper document preparation important?

Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can lead to delays, requests for additional information, or rejected applications. Proper preparation helps ensure documents are complete, organized, and ready for submission.