The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued instructions for entry in the fiscal year 2019 (FY19) diversity visa (DV) lottery. The DV lottery, often called the "green card" lottery, grants 50,000 immigrant visas each year to qualified applicants. Registration for FY19 begins at noon...
Fresh on the heels of President Trump's announcement that his administration will be phasing out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children to work and attend school without fear...
The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) recently clarified when pretrial agreements in criminal cases qualify as "convictions" under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In its decision in the Matter of Mohamed, the BIA determined that an intervention or a diversion program designed to avoid...
Answer This is not true. We have seen a huge number of these RFEs questioning level 1 wages. However, these can be responded to, and we have already received some approvals. (25.Sep.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that...
Answer If the H1B principal files for a change of employer, the H-4 dependents typically are not required to file anything. But, many people do to ensure that the H1B worker and H-4 family members all have the same expiration dates. (25.Sep.2017)In frequent sessions of our...
Answer One in this situation can apply for a B-2 visa "stamp," but it may well be denied because of the pending H1B and the resulting "immigrant intent." But, even if it is denied, this typically would not impact the H1B petition. (25.Sep.2017)In frequent sessions of...
Answer One is normally permitted to remain in the U.S. in a "period of authorized stay" based on a pending I-485. (25.Sep.2017)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...
On September 1, 2017, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) revised its Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) policy guidance to consular officers regarding "misrepresentation" under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 212(a)(6)(C)(i). In particular, the DOS changed its policy on when a consular officer can...
While MurthyDotCom remains the spot on the web to find the latest news on immigration, research U.S. immigration law, and engage with the Murthy Law Firm, we have a new website to share with you the breadth of Sheela Murthy's community activities. Visitors to MurthyDotCom...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved 10,000 U visa petitions for fiscal year (FY) 2017, the maximum allowed per year by law under this category. The U visa is reserved for victims of certain types of crime who cooperate with law enforcement...
