Answer The EB1(a) category is reserved for foreign nationals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. A PhD is not required to qualify, nor is a PhD sufficient. While having a PhD is a notable accomplishment, it does not automatically...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed eliminating the current regulations used to decide if an immigrant is likely to become a "public charge.” A foreign national who is considered likely to become a public charge is inadmissible, and therefore will not be...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the December 2025 Visa Bulletin. There is a bit of forward movement since the previous month's bulletin. All cutoff dates listed below refer to the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise specified. Visa Bulletin Summary Employment-Based, First...
On November 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) announced filing accommodations for employers affected by the suspension of OFLC operations during the government shutdown of 2025. The OFLC ceased operations on 01.Oct.2025, and OFLC staff who officially were...
Answer If you solely wish to verify whether a PERM has been filed, it may be possible to obtain this information by filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Department of Labor. (11.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...
Answer It is possible to make an EB5 investment in a consulting firm, but it can present a number of challenges.One potential issue, in particular, is if you wish to have the business located in a high unemployment or rural targeted employment area (TEA). To meet...
Answer If an H1B worker changes to some other status, such as B-1, and then has an H1B change of status filed on their behalf, it appears the $100,000 fee would not apply (assuming the status request is granted). (11.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide...
Murthy Law Firm Managing Attorney Adam Rosen shared his insights on the $100K H1B fee with The Economic Times, India....
The Trump Administration has directed the U.S. Department of State to issue new guidance directing consular officers to consider a significantly expanded range of health conditions when evaluating visa applications, including common chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health conditions. Although...
The Validation Instrument for Business Enterprises (VIBE) program is a tool used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to validate basic information about a company or organization wishing to employ a foreign national in the United...
