18
Jul
2024
New DOS Visa Guidance for US College Grads
U.S. Department of State (DOS) announces guidance easing adjudication for nonimmigrant visa waiver requests for U.S. college graduates!...
08:59 /
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17
Jul
2024
NewsFlash! Parole-in-Place Program to Promote Family Unity to Begin 19.Aug.2024
The White House announced today that the parole-in-place program to promote family unity will officially launch on August 19, 2024. Applications filed prior to this date will be rejected. Details about the program should be published in the Foreign Affairs Manual in the very near...
17
Jul
2024
Will the domestic visa renewal program be reimplemented soon?
Answer We still don't have a return date for the program. But, during the national American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) meeting in June, a representative from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) indicated that the initial program was a big success and they have every intention...
17
Jul
2024
My H1B visa is valid through 2026, but my Indian passport expires in three months. Can I still use it to enter the U.S., or does the passport have to be valid for at least six months?
Answer Generally speaking, an Indian passport may be used to request admission to the U.S., through the expiration date of the document. However, the I-94 issued at the U.S. port of entry likely will be issued only through your passport expiration date. (17.Jul.2024)Sheela Murthy and other...
17
Jul
2024
I am a partner at a medium-sized generics pharmaceutical company in India. We also have a small operation in the U.S. Are there any visa categories, other than H1B, that can be used for us to bring workers to the U.S.?
Answer Yes, the most likely category is L1A for managers and executives and L1B for employees with specialized knowledge. In recent years, the Murthy Law Firm has been working with a growing number of companies involved in generic pharmaceuticals to help them file L-1 petitions. The...
15
Jul
2024
F2A August ’24 Visa Bulletin Jump!
Spouses and children of lawful permanent residents (F2A) may now be able to file an I-485 with a priority date of 6/14/24 or earlier!...
15
Jul
2024
Time may be Running Out to Apply for NIW Under Biden’s Initiative for STEM Applicants
On February 2, 2021, President Joseph Biden issued an executive order on restoring faith in the U.S. legal immigration systems and strengthening integration and inclusion efforts for new Americans. This executive order led the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to announce updated policy guidance...
11
Jul
2024
Always Check Your I-94 Upon Admission!
The Customs & Border Protection (CBP) will shorten your I-94 if your passport expires sooner. Don’t assume the end date – check it by logging into the CBP website!...
11
Jul
2024
MurthyAudio: Trending Issues for L1A/L1B
Trending issues in L1A/L1B filings are under discussion among Murthy Law Firm attorneys in this Employer Podcast. Topics addressed include L1A functional managers, work location changes, and proving specialized knowledge. The MP3 is available here and can be found in the archive of our teleconferences and...
10
Jul
2024
My H1B lottery case is pending. I have an emergency and need to fly back to India. Is it true that, if I leave, my status request will be denied?
Answer Generally speaking, if a person travels while an H1B change of status petition is pending, the change of status request is considered abandoned. This means that, while the H1B petition itself can still be approved, it will only be approved for consular processing (i.e., it...