On August 27, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual related to optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students. Below are the key points you need to know:A student may apply for a STEM OPT...
Answer There is no statute or regulation that specifically addresses this issue. Over the years, however, there has been some guidance indicating (or, at least, implying) that traveling while an H1B extension of stay is permissible, and that the beneficiary's new I-94 will go into effect...
Answer No. Ordinarily, one's wife in this situation would not need an affidavit of support, because she can be credited with your 40 quarters of employment. (03.Sep.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...
Answer Unfortunately, no. Normally, an H-4 dependent spouse cannot work past the I-94 expiration date. (03.Sep.2024)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 © 2024, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that several employment-based (EB) immigrant visa categories will remain unavailable for the remainder of fiscal year 2024 (FY24). A category that is unavailable is one for which all the immigrant visa numbers have been exhausted for the...
Immigration Pro Tip: If you are in valid nonimmigrant status, but the visa stamp with which you entered the U.S. is expired, you might still be able to travel to Canada or Mexico and back to the U.S. using Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)! Learn more...
Most family-based immigrant visa cases require the petitioner to serve also as a financial sponsor for the intending immigrant. To qualify as a sponsor, a petitioner must complete an affidavit of support (form I-864) demonstrating that the sponsor has sufficient means to ensure that the...
Answer Typically, yes, it is possible to use work experience gained abroad, assuming the experience was related to the position. (28.Aug.2024)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 ©...
Answer You should be eligible for the 60-day grace period in F-1 status as long as your STEM OPT was not denied due to an F-1 status violation. While you are in your grace period, you may transfer your SEVIS to another program of study or...
Answer Unfortunately, one generally must be physically in the United States to apply for an H-4 EAD. In many situations, however, it is possible to leave the U.S. while the H-4 EAD application is still pending. (28.Aug.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...
