Nonimmigrant : The U.S. has provisions for certain visa holders to bring dependents (their spouses and children) on accompanying visas. These dependent visas do not allow for the same privileges as the primary visa or status. Family-Based Immigration ranges from bringing in immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse and minor, unmarried children and parents) to "preference" relatives in several categories (unmarried sons and daughters of green card holders and U.S. citizens, married sons and daughters of citizens, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens).

What We Can Do For You : At the Murthy Law Firm, we can consult with you on your options and help you to plan ahead. We can advise both the beneficiary and the petitioning relative regarding the documentation requirements and legal issues. We can prepare and submit the necessary paperwork for the USCIS and Department of State. We can also help in preparation for the USCIS or consular interview and, if you are in our local area, one of our attorneys can represent you at the interview.


Priority Date Finally Current! How Soon Should I-485 be Filed?
Posted 02.Dec.2011

Success Story: Visitor's Visa Approved After Repeated Denials
Posted 02.Dec.2011

USCIS Error in NBC G-28s: Notices Misdirected to Applicants
Posted 25.Nov.2011

Centralized L-1 Blanket Visa Processing in Chennai, India
Posted 18.Nov.2011

Visa Bulletin Predictions: Significant EB2 Movement
Posted 28.Oct.2011

New H1B Filing After 221(g) Visa Refusal at U.S. Consulate Abroad  Posted 21.Oct.2011

Immigration Bill Would Eliminate Per-Country Quota in EB & Increase FB Quotas  Posted 21.Oct.2011

USCIS Failure to Send Original Approval Notices to Attorneys
Posted 23.Sep.2011

Filing Deadline for Surviving Spouse of U.S. Citizen
Posted 09.Sep.2011

Murthy Success Story: Reaffirmation of H1B Petition Approval after 221(g) Visa Refusal  Posted 12.Aug.2011

Murthy Success Story: CBP Correction and Visa Issuance after Extensive Delay  Posted 05.Aug.2011

ICE on Prosecutorial Discretion: Real Relief or Business as Usual?
Posted 08.Jul.2011

Hot Topics from AILA 2011 Conference
Posted 24.Jun.2011

Family-Based Immigration Simplified
Posted 24.Jun.2011

Impact of Visa Delays and 221(g) Denials on Family Members
Posted 03.Jun.2011

Reverting to H1B Status: Pros and Cons
Posted 03.Jun.2011

Derivative Citizenship: Children of Naturalized U.S. Citizens
Posted 27.May.2011

H1B Portability: A Change in USCIS Policy? Part 2 of 2
Posted 20.May.2011

H1B Portability: A Change in USCIS Policy? Part 1 of 2
Posted 13.May.2011

DHS Removes All Countries from NSEERS
Posted 13.May.2011

Immigration Based on Same-Sex Marriages: Rapid Changes and Widespread Confusion  Posted 29.Apr.2011

I-485 Approval During International Travel
Posted 10.Sep.2010; updated 29.Apr.2011

I-485 Approvals Possible: Impact on Spouse / Children Without Filed I-485s  Posted 03 Sep. 2010; updated 22.Apr.2011

USCIS on Immigration Benefits After Death of Qualifying Relative
Posted 04.Mar.2011

National Stakeholder Meeting to Streamline USCIS Systems and Processes  Posted 25.Feb.2011

Murthy Success Story: H-4 Visa Issuance Successful at Consulate
Posted 11.Feb.2011

Poverty Guidelines for 2011 Released
Posted 28.Jan.2011

H1B & H-4 Applications in India Plagued by 221(g) Refusals: Pt 2
Posted 21.Jan.2011

H-4 Classification for Families of H1B Petitioners
Posted 21.Jan.2011

State Legislators Challenge Congress on Birth Citizenship
Posted 21.Jan.2011

H1B and H-4 Visa Applications in India Plagued by 221(g) Refusals: Pt 1  Posted 14.Jan.2011

Medical Examinations for Green Card Filings 
Posted 14.Jan.2011

What You Want to Know About the Pending I-485-Based EAD
Posted 07.Jan.2011

Another New Year Reminder: Check Visa Bulletin Cutoff Dates
Posted 31.Dec.2010

Reminders for the New Year: Part 3 of 3
Posted 24.Dec.2010

Immigration Basics: Visa and Status
Posted 24.Dec.2010

January 2011 Visa Bulletin
Posted 17.Dec.2010

Reminders for the New Year: Part 2 of 3
Posted 17.Dec.2010

Immigration Basics: Government Agencies Involved with U.S. Immigration  Posted 10.Dec.2010

Holiday Season Travel Reminders
Posted 04.Dec.2009; updated 03.Dec.2010

Visa Applications in India: Flexible Choice of Consulate
Posted 24.Nov.2010

Basic Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization
posted 15.Feb.2002; updated 19.Nov.2010

USCIS on Options for Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence
Posted 12.Nov.2010

MurthyChat FAQ: H1B and H-4 Status Issues
Posted 05.Nov.2010

Explanation of USCIS Posted Processing Times
Posted 29.Oct.2010

USCIS Memo on Use of Social Networking Websites
Posted 29.Oct.2010

Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Posted 08.Feb.2002; updated 22.Oct.2010

USCIS Filing Fee Increases as of November 23, 2010
Posted 01.Oct.2010

Murthy Success Story: Complex MTR and Waiver Results in I-485 Approval  Posted 01.Oct.2010

Electronic Processing of Immigrant Visas 
Posted 17.Sep.2010

I-485 Approval Possibility Issues: International Travel
Posted 10.Sep.2010

I-485 Approvals Possible: Impact on Spouse / Children
Posted 03.Sep.2010

Family-Based Priority Date Movement in September 2010
Posted 27.Aug.2010

NewsFlash! USCIS Addresses H1B and L-1 Fee Increase
Posted 19.Aug.2010

USCIS Increases Use of Lockboxes for Filings
Posted Aug 13, 2010

Murthy Success Story: Newark, NJ Expedited Removal Case Resolved  Posted Jul 16, 2010

Proposed Filing Fee Changes: New Fees, Increases and Decreases  Posted Jun 18, 2010

I-130s and Address Change: Ombudsman’s Update
Posted Jun 11, 2010

CIS Ombudsman's Office Addresses Key Issues
Posted Jun 04, 2010

Immigration Planning Often Must Come First
Posted May 07, 2010

Immigration and Divorce : Overview
Posted Apr 23, 2010

NewsFlash! USCIS Provides Relief for Volcano-Related Travel Delays  Posted Apr 19, 2010

Murthy Success Story : Section 498A "Dowry Law" Problem in H1B Case  Posted Apr 16, 2010

Changes in K-3 Spousal Case Procedure
Posted Feb 26, 2010

Murthy Success Story : I-485 Motions Successful after Alleged Abandonment  Posted Feb 12, 2010

Technical Difficulties with New Visa Form DS-160
Posted Feb 05, 2010

TSC Update - January 2010
Posted Jan 29, 2010

Murthy Success Story : Previously Denied H-4 Nunc Pro Tunc and I-485 Approved  Posted Jan 29, 2010

Public Benefit Programs and Immigration Status
Posted Jan 08, 2010

DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program for Screening Problems
Posted Dec 25, 2009

Holiday Season Travel Reminders
Posted Dec 04, 2009

HPV Vaccinations No Longer Required
Posted Nov 27, 2009

New Immigration Provision for Surviving Family Members
Posted Nov 13, 2009

Murthy Law Firm Obtains I-485 for Spouse Legally Separated
Posted Sep 25, 2009

New York Shuts Down Immigration Services Companies for UPL
Posted Aug 28, 2009

Options for Conditional Permanent Residents with Marital Problems  Posted Aug 07, 2009

DOL Forced to Process Delayed PERM Case on Emergency Basis
Posted Jul 24, 2009

Proposal to Remove HIV as a Disease of Public Health Significance  Posted Jul 10, 2009

USCIS Guidance on Surviving Spouses and Children of U.S. Citizens  Posted Jul 03, 2009

CIS Ombudsman’s Panel : AILA Annual Conference 2009
Posted Jun 19, 2009

Employment-Based Visa Number Movement and Predictions
Posted May 29, 2009

Nebraska Service Center : May 2009 Updates on I-485 Processing
Posted May 29, 2009

Priority Dates and Processing Dates - Clarification of Terminology
Posted Apr 24, 2009

Controversy Over Requiring HPV Vaccination in Immigration Medical Exams  Posted Apr 17, 2009

Medical Examination for I-485 Applicants Remains Valid until 2010  Posted Apr 17, 2009

Unemployment Benefits and Impact on U.S. Immigration
Posted Feb 20, 2009

2009 Poverty Guidelines Released
Posted Jan 30, 2009

Immigration Planning for 2009 and Beyond
Posted Dec 26, 2008

Dependent Children and Removal of Conditional Residence
Posted Dec 26, 2008

TCN Visa Applications : Policy Change in Mexico
Posted Dec 05, 2008

Children of Immigrants Succeed in America
Posted Nov 21, 2008

USCIS Conducts National Stakeholder Meeting - Sep 2008
Posted Oct 31, 2008

USCIS on Issuing RFEs, H1B Revocation, eFiling, and Other Matters  Posted Sep 12, 2008

Marriage-Based Applicant Eligible for I-485 Approval Even after Divorce  Posted Sep 05, 2008

CSC on H1B and Family-Based Green Card Cases
Posted Aug 22, 2008

Travel and Immigration to U.S. Possible for Some Applicants with HIV  Posted Aug 08, 2008

USCIS on Revoked / Revalidated Petitions by Consulates
Posted Jul 18, 2008

Court Orders Priority Date Changed after Termination
Posted Jul 18, 2008

Request for Voluntary Departure Can Be Withdrawn in Limited Cases  Posted Jul 11, 2008

H-4 MTR Successful with Detailed Records
Posted Jun 13, 2008

USCIS Revises Guidance on CSPA : More Protection for Children Aging Out  Posted May 23, 2008

Misprinted I-94 Cards Issued by CBP
Posted May 23, 2008

DHS Proposed Rule to Extend TN Status to Three Years
Posted May 16, 2008

House Hearing on Unused Immigrant Visas and USCIS Backlogs
Posted May 09, 2008

Family-Based Cases and Name Check Procedures - Feb 2008
Posted Mar 14, 2008

CIS Ombudsman on K-3 Visa for Spouse of U.S. Citizen
Posted Feb 08, 2008

2008 Poverty Guidelines Released
Posted Feb 01, 2008

Criminal "Convictions" with Possible Severe Immigration Consequences  Posted Jan 25, 2008

I-485 MTR Successful with Detailed Records!
Posted Jan 25, 2008

DOS Increases Visa Application Fees as of Jan 1, 2008
Posted Dec 28, 2007

Stand Alone I-130s Filed at Chicago Lockbox
Posted Dec 14, 2007

Humanitarian Concerns by ICE in Worksite Enforcement
Posted Nov 30, 2007

Consul General in Chennai Combats Domestic Abuse
from Murthy Immigration Services Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, India
Posted Nov 28, 2007

Nunc Pro Tunc H1B and H-4s Approvals Have Gaps in Status
Posted Nov 09, 2007

VSC New Procedures on Expedite Requests
Posted Oct 26, 2007

USCIS Receipting Update
Posted Sep 07, 2007

NPA Joins the Call for Immigration Reform
Posted Sep 07, 2007

Adjustment of Status and Travel : Your Questions Answered!
Posted Aug 31, 2007

F-1 Students and Adjustment of Status
Posted Aug 31, 2007

Direct Filings at USCIS Effective July 30, 2007
Posted Jul 13, 2007

USCIS Role in Delhi, India, in Processing Relative Petitions
Posted Jul 06, 2007

Western Hemisphere Travel : Accommodations for Delayed Passports  Posted Jun 15, 2007

Student Visas and Employment Matters (Part 2 of 2)
Posted Apr 13, 2007; updated May 27, 2008

Consular I-130s Resume
Posted Mar 30, 2007

USCIS Update on Filing Procedures for Forms I-129 and I-539
Posted Mar 16, 2007

DREAM Act Reintroduced
Posted Mar 09, 2007

2007 Poverty Guidelines Released
Posted Feb 16, 2007

USCIS Proposes Significant Increase in Filing Fees
Posted Feb 09, 2007

New Petitioner Rules for FB I-130 Petition and "K" Cases
Posted Feb 02, 2007

H1B/H-4 Decoupling is Effective Immediately
Posted Jan 05, 2007

Dependent Family for Intermittent Employees May be Limited
Posted Dec 29, 2006

NewsFlash! USCIS Memo on H and L Timing & H1B/H-4 Decoupling
Posted Dec 20, 2006

Surrendering LPR Status for B-1/B-2
Posted Dec 15, 2006

FAQs on I-485 Adjustment of Status Derivative Spouses
Posted Nov 10, 2006

Marital / Familial Relationships and Immigration Benefits
Posted Oct 13, 2006

USCIS Transfers Cases among Service Centers
Posted Oct 06, 2006

I-485 Reopened and Approved Based on Paroled Entry
Posted Oct 06, 2006

DOL Backlog Processing Center - Sep 2006 Update
Posted Sep 29, 2006

Nunc Pro Tunc H1B and H-4 Cases Approved
Posted Sep 08, 2006

USCIS Final Rule on the I-864 Affidavits of Support
Posted Sep 08, 2006

USCIS Sets Up eMail Access to Assist International Adoptions
Posted Sep 01, 2006

Premium Processing I-140: Problematic for Children Aging Out
Posted Aug 25, 2006

Revisiting the Debate : AOS vs. Consular Processing
Posted Aug 25, 2006

Retrogression of Certain Family-Based Priority Dates for Aug 2006
Posted Jul 21, 2006

Visa Bulletin Impacts Dependents : File Early!
Posted Jul 21, 2006

VSC Transfers H1Bs and I-130s to TSC and CSC, Respectively
Posted Jul 14, 2006

New Residency Requirement for FB Direct Consular Processing in India  Posted Jun 23, 2006

More than 10,000 RFEs to be Issued in Fiancée Cases
Posted Jun 16, 2006

USCIS May Disclose Certain Criminal History of Family Sponsor
Posted May 26, 2006

H1B News : Possible Memo; Cap-Gap Relief is Not Likely
Posted May 05, 2006

Nebraska Service Center Update : March 2006
Posted Apr 07, 2006

Poverty Guidelines Issued for 2006
Posted Mar 03, 2006

Potential Denial with No Interview for Removal of Conditions
Posted Feb 24, 2006

Update on Issues at CSC
Posted Jan 27, 2006

US-VISIT Installation Completed at Additional Land Ports
Posted Jan 13, 2006

IMBRA Law Signed to Protect Victims of Domestic Abuse
Posted Jan 13, 2006

I-864 Affidavit of Support Now Requires Only One Tax Return
Posted Jan 06, 2006

The Impact of Retrogression on the CSPA
Posted Nov 04, 2005

National Visa Center for Consular Processing
Posted Oct 28, 2005

VSC Update : September 2005
Posted Oct 28, 2005

Reasons to Contact Congress for EB Cases
Posted Oct 28, 2005

USCIS Memo on Cases Affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Posted Oct 21, 2005

Retrogression and Spouses
Posted Oct 14, 2005

Retrogression for I-485 Applicants : Aspects Not Commonly Visible
Posted Oct 07, 2005 | updated Oct 10, 2005

USCIS Filing Fee Increases Effective October 26, 2005
Posted Sep 30, 2005

Other Government Efforts for Katrina Victims
Posted Sep 16, 2005

Motion Fees to Increase
Posted Sep 02, 2005

Home-Based Businesses : Inadvertent Unauthorized Employment
Posted Jul 29, 2005

TSC Liaison Update
Posted Jul 08, 2005

DOS Adds Limited Exception to Unlawful Voter Rule
Posted Jul 01, 2005

EB3 Numbers Unavailable from July 1, 2005 Except for Schedule A Workers (more details)  Posted Jun 17, 2005

Common Mistake When Filing from H-4 to H1B
Posted Jun 10, 2005

HIV Waivers for K and V Nonimmigrants
Posted Apr 22, 2005

USCIS Clarifies 245(i) "Grandfathering"
Posted Apr 15, 2005

CBP Guidance on Port of Entry Issues
Posted Apr 15, 2005

Direct Mail Program for Family-Based Cases from April 1, 2005
Posted Apr 08, 2005

Update from USCIS on Backlog Reduction Plan
Posted Apr 01, 2005

Director Aguirre Shares USCIS Plans with Congress
Posted Apr 01, 2005

Poverty Guidelines for 2005 Released!
Posted Feb 25, 2005

Retrogression Update
Posted Feb 18, 2005

NSC Update on H1B Issues : January 2005
Posted Feb 11, 2005

USCIS on Retrogression and Concurrent Filing
Posted Jan 14, 2005

Start the New Year Right, Immigration Style
Posted Jan 07, 2005

DOS Position : Marriage Fraud Threat to Security
Posted Dec 24, 2004

Many I-485 Approvals
Posted Nov 19, 2004

Good News for V Dependents in Ninth Circuit!
Posted Nov 05, 2004

Australian Court Rules Child Born in Australia is Not Citizen
Posted Nov 05, 2004

Removing Conditions on Marriage-Based GCs
Posted Oct 01, 2004

Priority Dates May Retrogress
Posted Sep 24, 2004

CSC Processing Update on TSC/NSC I-130 Cases
Posted Sep 03, 2004

Attorney Murthy’s Consular Meeting at Chennai, Part 2 of 3
Posted Aug 27, 2004

CSC to Adjudicate Some NSC and TSC Family Cases
Posted Aug 13, 2004

Backlog Reduction may Impact Employment Priority Dates
Posted Aug 06, 2004

Delays in I-130 Processing Due to Visa Unavailability
Posted Jul 23, 2004

Labor Certification Update - June 2004
Posted Jun 18, 2004

India Tightens Procedures for I-130 Direct Filing
Posted Jun 11, 2004

I-485 Processing Times Vary
Posted May 28, 2004

USCIS on Matching I-130s and I-485s
Posted May 28, 2004

TSC Update : April 2004
Posted Apr 30, 2004

VSC Attempting to Resolve Confusion for Filers
Posted Apr 23, 2004

Favorable Interpretation on Advance Parole
Posted Apr 16, 2004

USCIS Launches Pilot I-485 Program in Dallas
Posted Apr 02, 2004

Child Enjoys CSPA Benefit until Final Determination
Posted Mar 12, 2004

Mentally Disabled Rights at Naturalization Proceedings
Posted Feb 27, 2004

DUIs and DWIs May Lead to Health-Related Inadmissibility
Posted Feb 27, 2004

Poverty Guidelines for 2004
Posted Feb 20, 2004

Children under Sixteen Usually Not Subject to Bar for Fraud
Posted Feb 06, 2004

CBP Speaks on Important Travel Issues
Posted Jan 16, 2004

Ports with US-VISIT Capability in January 2004
Posted Jan 16, 2004

US-VISIT Underway
Posted Jan 09, 2004

India Passes Bill on Dual Citizenship for Certain PIOs
Posted Dec 26, 2003

USCIS Memo : Extension of Green Card with Pending I-751
Posted Dec 12, 2003

Immigrant Visa Number Update : FY2004
Posted Oct 31, 2003

NBC Processing Some Family-Based Cases
Posted Oct 24, 2003

Final Rule on Non-Work Social Security Numbers
Posted Oct 03, 2003

BCIS Issues Memo on N-600 and N-600K
Posted Aug 29, 2003

Personal Interviews at Consulates as of Aug 1, 2003
Posted Aug 08, 2003

Government Promises Fast Response Time for Citizens
Posted Aug 08, 2003

Chennai Consulate on Special Marriage Act
Posted Aug, 01, 2003

DOS Issues Interim Regulations on T-2, T-3, and T-4 Visas
Posted Jul 04, 2003

DOS Permits More Children to Benefit from CSPA
Posted Jun 13, 2003

Green Card Approval under USA PATRIOT Act
Posted Jun 06, 2003

MSC Citizenship and FB Green Card Processing Draws Nearer
Posted May 16, 2003

Error at NSC Reroutes L-2 EADs
Posted Apr 04, 2003

Miami INS Official Indicted in Marriage Fraud Scheme
Posted Mar 14, 2003

INS Reverts to Old Fees, Effective Immediately!
Posted Feb 28, 2003

DOS Revises CSPA Policy
Posted Feb 28, 2003

TSC Update : February 2003
Posted Feb 14, 2003

Poverty Guidelines for 2003
Posted Feb 14, 2003

VSC Update : January 21, 2003
Posted Feb 07, 2003

CSC : Case Delays Due to Processing Priorities
Posted Feb 07, 2003

Citizenship and Family Cases Centralized Processing Likely
Posted Jan 31, 2003

New Year's Reminder
Posted Jan 03, 2003

INS on Substitute Sponsors for FB Cases
Posted Dec 20, 2002

Child Status Protection Act : Detailed Analysis
Posted Dec 06, 2002

Errors on TSC I-130 Transfer Notices
Posted Dec 06, 2002

Be Sensitive to the Immigration Status of Your Children
Posted Nov 15, 2002

Priority Date Predictions as of November 2002
Posted Nov 08, 2002

MSC : An October 2002 Update
Posted Nov 08, 2002

CSPA : Who can Really Reap its Benefits?
Posted Oct 25, 2002

INS Issues Policy on Adjustment of Status Interviews
Posted Sep 20, 2002

INS Breaks Up Child Smuggling Ring
Posted Sep 06, 2002

INS Headquarters : August 2002 Update
Posted Aug 16, 2002

NSC : July 2002 Update
Posted Aug 16, 2002

President Signs Age-Out Legislation
Posted Aug 09, 2002

Age-Out Protection Bill Likely to Become Law
Posted Aug 02, 2002

Liaison Report : TSC
Posted Aug 02, 2002

Where is the "India" Column in the Visa Bulletin?
Posted Jul 19, 2002

AILA 2002 Conference Report : CSC Update
Posted Jun 28, 2002

AILA 2002 Conference Report : NSC Update
Posted Jun 28, 2002

Reminder : Overstay Can Cancel Multiple Entry Visa
Posted Jun 21, 2002

Priority Dates Expected to Remain Current
Posted Jun 21, 2002

Age-Out Legislation Pending
Posted Jun 07, 2002

Security Checks Apply to Naturalization Applicants
Posted May 31, 2002

Immigration Rumor : The Benefits of Parenthood
Posted May 24, 2002

Texas Service Center - Latest Processing Information
Posted May 17, 2002

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