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01 Feb 2024

I was in H-4 status and was working based on an H-4 EAD. In October, my status changed to H1B, and I was working in that status until recently, when I was laid off. If I depart and return on H-4, can I work as a contractor based on my H-4 EAD?

Answer If you are able to return in valid H-4 status, and the H-4 EAD is still valid, it should be possible to resume working on that EAD. (01.Feb.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online...

08:41 / FAQs / For Families / H-4 Dependents / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
28 Dec 2023

My wife presented her passport and H-4 visa at the port of entry when she last entered, but her I-94 was not extended to match my latest H1B extension. Was she required to present my most recent approval notice in order to get her status extended?

Answer If the latest approval notice is not presented, the CBP officer at the port of entry typically will not admit the dependent spouse beyond the expiration date listed on the visa (which generally is the expiration date from the original H1B approval notice).  (28.Dec.2023)Sheela Murthy...

07:53 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel / Worker
20 Dec 2023

My H-4 and H-4 EAD have expired and my extensions are pending. Is it true that I am allowed to continue to work for up to 180 days?

Answer Unfortunately, if both your I-94 and EAD have expired, you are not allowed to work based on the pending extension. The 180-day extension only applies if the EAD extension is timely filed and the H-4 spouse's I-94 remains valid. (20.Dec.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...

18:23 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
20 Dec 2023

NewsFlash! Details of Domestic Visa Renewal Program Released

The details of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) pilot program to resume renewals of H1B visas from within the United States have been released, and will be officially published in the Federal Register tomorrow. The program will begin accepting applications on January 29, 2024....

10:33 / Consulates / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / H1B / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel / Worker
14 Dec 2023

I am in L2S status. I understand that I am automatically authorized to work, but that I am also eligible to apply for an EAD. Is there any reason to apply for an EAD while in L2S status?

Answer There typically is no need to apply for an EAD while in L2S status. There are some relatively unusual scenarios where, perhaps, it would have been best if the L2S spouse had applied for an EAD. But, for most L and E dependent spouses, there...

07:16 / FAQs / For Families / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
14 Dec 2023

Is there any problem if I am sponsored for an H1B change of employer while my wife’s H-4 EAD application is pending?

Answer An H1B change-of-employer petition ordinarily would not have any direct impact on a spouse's pending H-4 EAD. (14.Dec.2023)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 © 2023, MURTHY...

07:13 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
07 Dec 2023

When I filed my I-140, I had to list my daughter on the form. Will this harm her chances of getting an F-1 student visa?

Answer No, this normally would not impact an applicant's chances of being issued an F-1 student visa. (07.Dec.2023)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 © 2023, MURTHY LAW...

09:15 / Employment Based / F-1 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student
15 Nov 2023

Last year, I was laid off from my H1B position and I moved to H-4 status. My previous employer revoked my H1B petition. If I wish to move back to H1B status, do I have to go through the lottery again?

Answer In most situations, once a person has been granted H1B status, that individual is considered to have been "counted against" the H1B cap. This typically means that an H1B may be filed for the person without having to go through the lottery again. (15.Nov.2023)Sheela Murthy...

18:27 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
06 Nov 2023

Immigration Tips Before Taking a Cruise

While foreign nationals are typically mindful about confirming the permissibility of international travel prior to boarding a plane, an individual may be less mindful about another, less common form of travel – international cruises. However, like air travel, a foreign national should understand the nature...

08:12 / Citizen / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Travel / Visitor / Worker