17 Jun 2025

I have an upcoming interview for my marriage-based green card application. Will I be interviewed together with my U.S. citizen spouse or separately?

Answer In marriage-based green card cases, the petitioner and beneficiary typically are interviewed together. However, if marriage fraud is suspected, the officer has the discretion to interview each spouse separately. (17.Jun.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our...

21 May 2025

A few years ago, my U.S. citizen brother sponsored me for a green card. Can I use the approved I-130 to extend my H1B status beyond 6 years?

Answer Unfortunately, a pending or approved I-130 petition cannot be used to extend one’s H1B status beyond the standard 6-year limit. (21.May.2025)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...

05 May 2025

Adding a Spouse or Child to a Principal Applicant’s Green Card Process

When an individual applies for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (commonly, a green card) in the United States, certain family members may also qualify for LPR status as derivative beneficiaries. Such family members typically include the principal applicant’s spouse and any unmarried children under the...

01 May 2025

MurthyAudio: Best Practices for International Travel 2025

Murthy Law Firm attorneys guide nonimmigrants and others on preparation for entering the U.S. at a port of entry (POE) in 2025. The MP3 is available here and can be found in the archive of our teleconferences and podcasts on iTunes.           ...

17 Apr 2025

My son legally entered the U.S. in H-4 status when he was 13 years old. He is now 15. Does he have to comply with the alien registration requirement, even though he has always maintained valid status?

Answer Any foreign national who turns 14 while in the U.S. must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday, even if they were previously registered. This requirement applies even for nonimmigrant dependents in lawful status and children who are green card holders.Further details on who...

10 Apr 2025

Best Practices for Noncitizens Returning to the U.S.

In light of recent immigration policies and heightened scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry, many noncitizens are feeling anxious about returning to the U.S. It is important to approach reentry with preparation and caution. While every situation is unique, there are several best practices that...

17 Mar 2025

USCIS Launches Alien Registration System

Details of the alien registration requirement, which had been announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on 25.Feb.2025, have now been released. Effective 11.Apr.2025, foreign nationals who are subject to the new registration mandate must comply with the registration requirement via an online...