USCIS will consider negative, country-specific factors when vetting foreign nationals from 19 high-risk countries for discretionary benefits, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10949....
The USCIS recently expanded online filing options to allow certain immigration forms to be submitted as completed PDFs, rather than requiring applicants to manually enter information into an online form. This change offers greater flexibility for some applicants, but it also comes with important caveats...
Answer We do not yet know whether the proposed regulations will be finalized before the next lottery. As soon as details are released, we will post the information on MurthyDotCom. (25.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our...
Answer Yes, this appears to be an error made by the officer at the U.S. port of entry. An L2S spouse’s I-94 normally should not be issued beyond the L1A petition’s expiration date (although, an additional 10-day grace period beyond that date is permissible.) You should...
Answer Even though the employer is located outside the U.S., this still likely would be viewed as unauthorized employment under U.S. immigration law. (25.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently sent notices to many individuals about a new fee requirement affecting certain individuals who seek parole into the United States. It appears that most of notices were sent to those with a valid parole document, but some...
A federal district court has ruled that the substantial fee increases for EB5 immigrant investor applications implemented in April 2024 were unlawful. The court found that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) raised fees without completing a mandatory fee study required by the EB5 Reform...
Answer Yes, if your E-2 is approved as the principal investor, your spouse may be issued an E-2 dependent visa, even if she is not a Canadian citizen. (19.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online...
Answer Normally, a person may remain in the U.S. based on a pending I-485 application. If the H1B worker is laid off, it likely will be necessary to stop working until the EAD is issued (or an H1B change of employer petition is filed). (19.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy...
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...
