24 Nov 2021

Thanksgiving and the Notion of Hospitality

It has been nearly four centuries since, in 1621, the Pilgrims marked this as the time of year to give thanks. They rejoiced in the harvest and the promise of bounty in a new land where they sought religious freedom. At the first celebration, settlers...

24 Nov 2021

My I-94 and H-4 EAD are both going to expire next week. My H-4 and H-4 EAD extensions are both pending. I understand that I cannot work based on the pending EAD renewal. While waiting for the new EAD to be issued, do I have to resign from my position, or can I take an unpaid leave?

Answer There does not appear to be a definitive answer to this. Immigration law generally prohibits an H-4 spouse from working without a valid EAD. And, from the employer's perspective, there are certain requirements (e.g., form I-9 employment eligibility verification) that must be adhered to. But...

24 Nov 2021

My previous employer filed a registration for me in March. It was selected in the third round of the lottery. Can I transfer it to my current employer, and have them file the H1B petition for me? My previous employer is ok with this.

Answer No. Generally speaking, the registration cannot be transferred to a different employer. (24.Nov.2021)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 © 2021, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved...

18 Nov 2021

I am a U.S. citizen and I sponsored my mother for a green card. Due to backlogs, the earliest date I could get for her appointment at the consulate is about 6 months from now. In the meantime, can she visit me on her tourist visa?

Answer Immigration officers at the U.S. ports of entry generally have discretion to admit a person on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa while that individual has a green card case pending. However, to be admitted on a B-1/B-2 visa, the foreign national typically must demonstrate a lack...

18 Nov 2021

My I-140 is approved, but I am working overseas. How can I tell if my priority date is current? Do I use the dates for filing chart, or the final action chart?

Answer For I-140 petitions filed for consular processing, the dates for filing (DF) chart indicates when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center. The immigrant visa cannot be issued by the consulate until one's priority date...

18 Nov 2021

I am residing in Canada, but have an H1B job offer within driving distance. Can I live in Canada and commute to the U.S. each day to work in the H1B position?

Answer Yes, this is a fairly common situation. U.S. immigration law does not prohibit a person from residing in Canada (or Mexico) and regularly commuting to the U.S. to work in H1B status. (18.Nov.2021)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For...