13 Apr 2023

I am a pujari (Hindu priest) in India. A temple in the United States has agreed to sponsor me for an R-1 religious worker visa. The temple has never filed an R-1 petition, and was informed there is no way to expedite the case until the USCIS conducts a site visit. Is this correct?

Answer Historically, a religious organization filing an R-1 petition for the first time was not allowed to use premium processing until a site visit had been conducted. Based on a policy change from a few weeks ago, however, it appears the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services...

13 Apr 2023

A few years ago, my U.S. citizen sister sponsored me for a family-based green card. Can I use that priority date for my EB3 case?

Answer No, unfortunately, you generally cannot use a priority date from a family-based case and apply it to an employment-based case. (13.Apr.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright...

06 Apr 2023

I am on H1B and my wife is on L1A. Her company will be sponsoring her for a green card under the EB1 category as a multinational manager. Do I have to change to L-2 status in order to apply for a green card as her dependent?

Answer No, there normally is no need to be in L-2 status in order to apply for a green card as a dependent of one's spouse. (06.Apr.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...

06 Apr 2023

I am on H-4 and my registration was selected in this year’s lottery. I will be traveling to India soon to visit family. Do I have to be in the United States when the H1B petition is filed?

Answer While it is possible to file an H1B petition while the beneficiary is outside the United States, the case would have to be filed for consular notification (also commonly called "consular processing"). If the case is filed for consular notification, the USCIS will not approve...