15 May 2026

New USCIS Signature Rule

DHS issued an interim final rule (effective 10.Jul.2026) allowing USCIS to deny immigration benefit requests found to have invalid signatures after acceptance. If denied, filing fees are not refunded. Sign forms correctly. Keep original signed documents securely. Comments due 10.Jul.2026 at regulations.gov (Docket USCIS-2026-0166). https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-09289...

12 May 2026

OPT Compliance News

ICE alleges more than 10,000 potential fraud cases related to the OPT program. No specifics have been provided yet, but foreign national students should be reminded to properly comply with OPT requirements!https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/12/ice-optional-practical-training-fraud-00916797...

12 May 2026

My family’s and my immigrant visas were all approved, with me as the principal applicant and my spouse and children as derivative beneficiaries. Can my derivative family members enter the United States using their immigrant visas before I do?

Answer No. The primary (or principal) applicant must enter before or at the same time as derivative family members with visas. (12.May.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright...

12 May 2026

I was not selected in the H1B lottery. Does that mean my employer cannot proceed with the PERM labor certification process for me?

Answer There is no requirement that an employee be in H1B status for an employer to pursue the PERM labor certification process on the employee’s behalf. An employer may generally begin the PERM process regardless of whether the employee was selected in the H1B lottery or...

12 May 2026

I am a conditional green card holder with an expired green card, but I have an automatic extension based on the receipt notice for my petition to remove conditions. Does this place any restrictions on my international travel?

Answer Generally, a conditional green card holder may travel internationally using the expired green card together with the valid extension notice from the petition to remove conditions.However, some countries, such as Mexico, may not permit entry to individuals traveling with an expired U.S. green card unless...

11 May 2026

USCIS Proposes Big Changes to USCIS Form AR-11

USCIS is seeking renewed OMB approval for Form AR-11 and proposes to expand it to require that noncitizens also report receipt of means-tested public benefits, employment, and schooling when reporting an address change. Public comments accepted through 06.Jul.2026 at regulations.gov (Docket: USCIS-2008-0018). https://www.govinfo.gov/...

11 May 2026

MurthyAudio: CBP / Port of Entry Issues

Common issues that non-citizens face when reentering the U.S. after travel abroad are discussed by Murthy Law Firm attorneys in this podcast, broadcasted on 06.May.2026.The MP3 is available here and soon can be found in the archive of our podcasts and teleconferences on iTunes. Find...