17 Oct 2019

My H1B petition was approved for consular notification. My employer listed Hyderabad as the consulate to be notified, but I actually live near the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. Is it ok if I apply for my H1B visa stamping in Chennai?

Answer Normally, it is possible to apply for an H1B visa "stamp" at a different consulate from the one listed on the H1B petition. This sometimes causes a delay in the visa being issued, but such delays typically are less than 2 weeks. (16.Oct.2019)Sheela Murthy and...

17 Oct 2019

I am a U.S. citizen, and I sponsored my brother for a green card a number of years ago. He recently got married. Can I now sponsor his wife, as well?

Answer In the family-based preference categories, the spouse and/or minor children of the primary beneficiary may also benefit from the single-petition filing. Normally, one does not need to file a separate petition for these family members. (16.Oct.2019)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

17 Oct 2019

My husband is working in the U.S. in H1B status. I want to visit him periodically, but I need to stay in my home country most of the time because I am still at university. Can I apply for an H-4 visa, even though my trips will be fairly short? Or should I instead apply for a B-2 visa?

Answer Normally, there is no issue with the spouse of an H1B worker traveling back and forth using an H-4 visa, even for short trips to the U.S. It is possible to do this with a B-2 visa, as well; but, unlike B-2 visitors, a person...

11 Oct 2019

NewsFlash! Judge Issues Nationwide Injunction Against Enforcement of Public Charge Rule

This afternoon, a federal district court judge issued a nationwide injunction against the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from enforcing the new public charge rule. The public charge rule had been scheduled to go into effect on October 15, 2019.The injunction specifically prohibits the...

10 Oct 2019

NewsFlash! DOS Amending Public Charge Rules, Effective 15 Oct 2019

On October 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will publish an interim final rule to amend the regulations regarding how consular officers determine whether a foreign national is likely to become a public charge, and therefore ineligible for a visa. This rule will...