Answer We still are routinely seeing applications approved for people who apply for a change of status from H1B to B-2 while in their 60-day grace period. However, the USCIS has archived its webpage that specifically states looking for jobs while in B-2 status is permissible....
Answer Among other requirements, an N-470 application requires that the applicant was present in the U.S. for an uninterrupted year as a lawful permanent resident. (16.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here....
MurthyDotCom regularly addresses common questions and misunderstandings about immigration law. Questions regarding H1B status and changing employers often arise that refer to "transferring" the H1B. This term is frequently used, even by some immigration attorneys. The H1B is not actually transferred from one employer to...
USCIS now requires immigration-document photos to be no more than 3 years old and no longer accepts self-submitted photos. Only USCIS or authorized providers’ photos will be used – a shift aimed at tightening identity verification and reducing fraud across key forms like the I-90,...
DHS is terminating all Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs for nationals of Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, & Honduras. Parole will return to case-by-case review, with current FRP paroles ending 14.Jan.2026 unless a Form I-485 was filed by 15.Dec.2025. Employment authorization tied to...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released the details governing the new Gold Card program, an immigration initiative established by Executive Order 14351. The program will allow foreign nationals to pay a fee in order to apply for lawful permanent residency (i.e., a...
USCIS has released a draft of Form I-140G, for the proposed “Gold Card” immigrant program. The form and instructions have been posted online, offering a first look at how the program may be structured and what will be required. Stay tuned for official guidance once...
Answer The pilot program that resumed domestic visa renewals ended in early 2024. At the time, the U.S. Department of State indicated that they expected to bring it back, and even expand eligibility to more nonimmigrant visa applicants.In May 2025, several members of Congress sent a...
Answer No. F-1 students who timely file for a STEM OPT extension still receive up to 180 days of automatic employment authorization and valid F-1 status while USCIS processes the application. The 29.Oct.2025 rule only impacts certain EAD renewal categories and does not change the STEM...
Answer Yes, as long as the familial relationship was formed before your I-485 application is approved, your spouse normally can file as your derivative. (10.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...
