As reported in the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, USCIS Denying Advance Parole Applications Based on Overseas Travel (10.Aug.2017) the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began denying advance parole (AP) applications (form I-131), in recent months, for applicants who traveled abroad before their respective I-131s were approved. In...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a grant opportunity for organizations that provide certain types of immigration services. These grants are being awarded with the goal of preparing lawful permanent residents (i.e. "green card" holders) for the naturalization process, with a focus...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently updated the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), which provides official guidance to consular officers, in light of the 'Buy American, Hire American" executive order (EO) signed by President Trump on April 18, 2017. The DOS FAM update primarily serves...
Answer The H-4 EAD rule is apparently being reviewed by the Trump Administration, but there is no information on what the ultimate decision will be. If the administration does decide to terminate the program, it very likely will have to go through the rule-making process, which...
Answer Yes, to enter on F-1 OPT, a valid visa "stamp" is typically required (with the limited exception of travel to Canada or Mexico under the automatic visa revalidation rule). (21.Aug.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...
Answer From an immigration law perspective, there is no "wealth" requirement. However, regional centers are subject to U.S. securities law. As such, many regional centers will only accept investments from those who qualify as "accredited investors". This is someone who either (a) earned income that exceeded...
Answer This can definitely lead to the issuance of a request for evidence, because of the requirement that the parent-child relationship be proven. The USCIS will sometimes demand a DNA test in this situation. (21.Aug.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a revised version of the employment eligibility verification form (I-9 form). Employers may start using the new I-9 now, and must use it beginning September 18, 2017. Background on Form I-9 U.S. employers and workers are likely familiar...
Most months, Charles Oppenheim, Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division for the U.S. Department of State (DOS), provides visa bulletin explanations and predictions. The information for the September 2017 Visa Bulletin includes updated predictions for fiscal year 2018 (FY18), which begins October 1,...
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently announced expansion of the biometric exit technology pilot program to Washington Dulles International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. The program uses facial recognition technology...
