Answer It is possible to travel while the H1B is pending. However, the request to change status will be abandoned. This means that, in order to actually change to H1B, it would typically be necessary to travel again and request the H1B visa 'stamp' at the...
Answer Since you are on cap-gap, the SEVIS is still active. Thus, there would not be a new SEVIS number with the new school. Rather, the school would transfer the SEVIS record if accepted. This would not impact the H1B, as it is simply a continuation...
Every year, the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman submits a report to the U.S. Congress on the state of immigration services within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This report is a key component of the CIS Ombudsman's role. The Ombudsman's office reviews U.S. Citizenship...
On June 30, 2016, President Obama signed a law aimed at strengthening the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 implements policies to increase the transparency by the U.S. federal government. These important changes come on the eve of...
As we delve deeper into election season, the subject of immigration reform is poised to remain a hot button issue. Candidates are asked to lay out their respective positions on questions ranging from 'What should we do with the 11 million undocumented foreign nationals currently...
Answer A naturalization applicant can engage in routine travel. The applicant must meet the physical presence and residency requirements at the time of filing, as well as the continuity requirements; and, the applicant must continue to meet these requirements until s/he is granted U.S. citizenship. So,...
Answer Immigration law does not prevent people from making changes due to contracts, etc. The USCIS does not get involved with these matters. Immigration laws prohibit employers from penalizing H1B workers for making job changes. Check with an employment lawyer about the enforceability of the agreement....
Answer No, this would not impact either petition. H1B petitions are generally separate, independent petitions. Both petitions could be approved or not; but, typically, one case would have no impact on the other. (18.Jul.2016)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide...
Answer The visa is a travel document, only. Status is determined (usually) by the I-94. For students, the I-94 says d/s (which stands for 'duration of status'). So, status is governed by the I-20. If the OPT is expiring and there is no eligibility for a...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) August 2016 Visa Bulletin is remarkable, but not surprising, in that it contains a February 1, 2014 cutoff date for the employment-based, second preference (EB2) worldwide category. This is the first time this category has ever had a cutoff...
