The Trump Administration announced over the weekend that it aims to substantially expand the number of foreign nationals who may be inadmissible to the United States for risk of becoming a “public charge” (i.e. a person who is likely to become financially dependent on public...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division, Charles Oppenheim, provides visa bulletin explanations and predictions most months. This month, Mr. Oppenheim provides some additional insight into what to expect and look out for during fiscal year 2019 (FY19),...
Getting an L-1 petition approved has never been more challenging. Yet, there are steps that companies can take to improve their chances with these filings. In this teleconference, recorded September 5, 2018, Murthy Law Firm attorneys provide tips for responding to L-1 RFEs. They also...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a table of the national average processing times by fiscal year for various types of forms, through the first half of FY18. The U.S. government fiscal year runs from October 1st through September 30th. The data shows that...
A cornerstone of President Trump's anti-immigration agenda has been his assaults on so called "chain migration," a pejorative term for a program allowing lawful permanent residents (i.e. "green card" holders) and U.S. citizens to sponsor close relatives for residency. He has linked family-based immigration to...
Answer In general, yes. A new I-140 petition can be filed in EB3 using a copy of an existing (EB2) PERM approval. This cannot be filed with premium processing, however. (18.Sep.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...
Answer Having a second RFE issued on an H1B petition is becoming relatively common. It is not unusual for an H1B petition to be approved after a second RFE. (18.Sep.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the...
Answer Currently, premium processing is only available for cap-subject H1B petitions filed for "extension without change" at the Nebraska Service Center. If an amendment is requested, it would not presently be eligible for premium processing. (18.Sep.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior...
Answer It is permissible to attend classes in H1B status, as long as one continues to work in the H1B position pursuant to the terms of the H1B petition. (18.Sep.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is increasing the fee charged by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for premium processing. Effective October 1, 2018, the fee for premium processing will increase from $1,225 to $1,410. Background on Fee Increase For an added fee, premium...
