The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) O*NET system announced an update to its job zone classification structure, consolidating the previous five-level system into a four-level framework, to be implemented in February 2026. This change is a result of shifts in the labor market and rising...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced 03.Dec.2025 that it will expand mandatory social media screening to include all H1B visa “stamp” applicants and their H-4 dependent family members, effective 15.Dec.2025. The expansion extends an online presence review requirement that previously applied only to student...
Answer Yes, generally speaking, the case will remain in the premium processing track until it is approved or denied. The USCIS normally will issue a final decision – or, less likely, issue a second RFE or a notice of intent to deny (NOID) – within 15...
The Trump administration is reportedly considering adding ten or more additional countries to the full travel ban list. This comes in the wake of an attack on two members of the National Guard by an Afghan national who is legally residing in the United States.Currently,...
Answer We do not yet know whether the proposed regulations will be finalized before the next lottery. As soon as details are released, we will post the information on MurthyDotCom. (25.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our...
On November 5, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) announced filing accommodations for employers affected by the suspension of OFLC operations during the government shutdown of 2025. The OFLC ceased operations on 01.Oct.2025, and OFLC staff who officially were...
Answer If an H1B worker changes to some other status, such as B-1, and then has an H1B change of status filed on their behalf, it appears the $100,000 fee would not apply (assuming the status request is granted). (11.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide...
The Validation Instrument for Business Enterprises (VIBE) program is a tool used by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to validate basic information about a company or organization wishing to employ a foreign national in the United...
Answer There is no need to add one’s wife to the I-140 in this situation. When the priority date is current, both spouses generally are eligible to file their I-485 applications, regardless of whether the spouse is listed in the I-140. (04.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior...
Answer The legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) previously indicated that an H1B worker is entitled to the same leave as the company’s other employees, including benefits under the FMLA and/or the employer’s maternity or parental leave policies. (04.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...
