16
Apr
2026
Visa Appointment Update
The Murthy Law Firm has been hearing about increased H1B, H-4, and initial F-1 visa appointment availability — a positive sign for the appointment backlog!...
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HQ
16
Apr
2026
My employment-based I-485 application has been pending for more than 180 days, and I have moved to a new employer and want to request AC21 portability. Should I proactively send in a Form I-485 Supplement J, or wait for an RFE?
Answer In this scenario, it would be advisable to proactively send in the Supplement J form, as USCIS will not necessarily issue an RFE. (14.Apr.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...
16
Apr
2026
I am an F-1 student in a hybrid program that mixes online classes with required in-person sessions. Can this type of program satisfy the full course of study requirement?
Answer It likely can, as long as the in-person component is genuinely required, not optional. (14.Apr.2026)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 © 2026, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All...
16
Apr
2026
I am an Indian national and my immigrant visa interview was scheduled at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, but I live very far away. Can the interview be moved to another consulate closer to me?
Answer Unfortunately, the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is the only consular post in India that processes and issues immigrant visas. (14.Apr.2026)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...
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Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident
14
Apr
2026
May 2026 Visa Bulletin
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the May 2026 Visa Bulletin. There is little to no forward movement for most employment-based categories. All cutoff dates listed below refer to the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise specified. Filing Charts for May 2026 The...
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Consulates / EB5 Investor / Employment Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / Investor / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News / Visa Bulletin
13
Apr
2026
How to Permanently Keep Your Foreign Employee
Your company has a great employee from another country working on a temporary visa and wants to keep them permanently. That means helping them obtain Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, better known as a green card. For most employers, that journey starts with the PERM...
09
Apr
2026
Not Selected in the H1B Lottery? What You Can Do Next
If you've just learned your H1B registration wasn't selected, you're likely feeling a mix of frustration and uncertainty. After months of preparation and anticipation, a "not selected" notification can feel like a door closing on your future in the United States.Take a breath. Your journey...
08
Apr
2026
When will we know if there is going to be a second H1B lottery?
Answer If the USCIS is consistent with prior years, then whether a second lottery will be necessary likely will be announced by the end of July or beginning of August. (08.Apr.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our...
08
Apr
2026
When a PERM prevailing wage is issued, is it fixed or does it increase over time to adjust for inflation?
Answer The wage is fixed. The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage listed in the original determination once the employee receives the green card. It does not increase for inflation over time. (08.Apr.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....
08
Apr
2026
Should I file for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (Form I-765) with my green card application (Form I-485)?
Answer Generally, applying for and receiving the EAD in the mail is low risk. However, actually using the EAD can affect your current nonimmigrant status. You should speak with an immigration attorney before deciding to use it. (08.Apr.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that...