12 Feb 2026

DOS Confirms China is Not Part of Immigrant Visa Processing Pause

Per the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has confirmed that China is not included in the 75-country immigrant visa processing pause that took effect 21.Jan.2026. The clarification came after an erroneous alert appeared on the Travel Docs website causing...

11 Feb 2026

I am a green card holder and wish to file for naturalization. However, I took a trip of more than six months to India within the last 5 years. Will this be an issue? 

Answer While an absence of between 6-12 months is not necessarily a breach in residency for naturalization purposes, USCIS is increasingly scrutinizing absences of this length.  (11.Feb.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...

11 Feb 2026

I am currently on OPT and my employer will be entering me in the H1B lottery. I am presently earning the equivalent of a Wage Level 1 salary, but the employer has agreed to increase it to Wage Level 2 for my H1B lottery case. Does the employer have to start paying the higher salary now?

Answer Generally speaking, the H1B wage does not have to be paid until and unless the foreign national is granted H1B status. There is no requirement that the H1B salary be paid at the time the person enters the H1B lottery.  (11.Feb.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior...

09 Feb 2026

Attorney Anna Stepanova and Murthy Podcast in TOI

Anna Stepanova, Assistant Managing Attorney and Member at the Murthy Law Firm, was featured in the Times of India for her insights on the H1B $100,000 visa fee, as discussed on the MurthyAudio podcast. Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a new episode!Read...

06 Feb 2026

Major Change to BIA Appeals

DOJ issued an interim final rule changing BIA appeal procedures. These include shorter deadlines to file appeals, new limits on briefing, & changes to how appeals are reviewed. The point? To streamline appeals & reduce BIA backlog. Will it work? TBD....