U.S. immigration law includes provisions intended to help authorities keep track of foreign nationals in the United States. By law, all non-U.S. citizens aged 18 or older are required to carry at all times, a "certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card" (e.g.,...
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...
Answer This question on the online I-539 is a bit confusing. To indicate you are in H1B status, you must select the “1B1 - H-1B1 Specialty Occupation” option. (26.Mar.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online...
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...
Answer This generally would be possible only if the current H1B petition has not yet expired. Otherwise, she typically would have to wait for the H1B extension to be approved before she could apply for an H-4 visa “stamp.” (05.Mar.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide...
All too often, H-4 dependents inadvertently find themselves in challenging immigration situations. This may occur because of a simple oversight or misunderstanding of the requirements to remain in valid status, or even potentially because of an error made by an immigration official. Below are three...
Answer Normally, the H-4 EAD application is approved at the same time, or shortly after, the H-4 change-of-status application. However, there is no way to guarantee this. (18.Feb.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...
Last month, the U.S. Department of State quietly changed the eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants in India seeking an interview waiver (commonly referred to as “dropbox” appointments). These changes, which appear to have been made without a formal announcement, are outlined on the U.S....
Answer An H-4 spouse who does not have an EAD generally can be a passive investor in a business. However, one is not permitted to perform any work for the company, even if it is unpaid. And determining whether a particular activity is considered "work" under...
The 60-day grace period provides possible options for H1B workers whose employment has ended to remain in the United States while seeking new H1B employment. One of these options, as outlined on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, is to change status to...
