Recent college graduates in F-1 status are sometimes able to bridge the time between the expiration of their optional practical training (OPT) and the October 1st start date of H1B status through a benefit known as "cap gap" OPT. This benefit extends the OPT period...
An exciting new festival celebrating immigrants and their extensive endowments to American culture is slated to begin in New York City next month. The first annual New American Festival is scheduled to run the weekend of September 14th and 15th at NeueHouse, an event space...
For the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to approve an application for naturalization (form N-400), the applicant for citizenship generally must first pass a U.S. civics and history test, and demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English. The USCIS has announced that...
In a tense political climate, countless myths about immigrant populations are recycled. Many reiterate that immigrants have little desire to assimilate, are less educated than their U.S.-born counterparts, and are a burden on social services. In a new study on the effects of immigration on...
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Answer An invitation letter – whether it be the original or a copy – is not normally required. It can be helpful in certain situations, though. If presented during the visa application, a scanned copy typically would suffice. (21.Aug.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy...
Answer Ordinarily, if an application to change status is denied, this would not impact one's existing F-2 status. (21.Aug.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click here.Access...
Answer Generally speaking, no, this would not work. In order to be able to port to a new H1B employer, one would need to have the change-of-employer petition filed within the 60-day grace period. (21.Aug.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...
Answer Generally speaking, a person who has obtained a Conrad 30 waiver is not subject to the H1B cap. Therefore, there typically would be no need to apply through the lottery. (21.Aug.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the September 2019 Visa Bulletin, which is the last visa bulletin of fiscal year 2019. There is some forward movement in several categories, due to an unexpected drop in usage. Meanwhile, a number of other categories retrogress,...
