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26 Mar 2025

I am in H1B status and am trying to fill out an online form I-539 so I can change to H-4. The form asks me to list my current status, but the drop-down menu does not provide H1B as an option. What should I do?

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...

13:13 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / H1B / USCIS News / Worker
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...

11:53 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Visitor / Worker
19 Feb 2025

I am currently in H1B status. If I file an application to change status to H-4 together with an H-4 EAD application, will both cases be approved at the same time? I am trying to avoid a gap in my employment authorization.

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,...

13:10 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / H1B / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
14 Feb 2025

Change in Requirements to Qualify for DropBox Appointments in India

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....

09:50 / Consulates / For Families / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Travel / Visitor / Worker
29 Jan 2025

While my H-4 extension was still pending, I traveled outside the U.S. When I returned, my I-94 was extended based on my husband’s new I-797. A couple of months later, the USCIS denied my H-4 extension. In the denial, the USCIS said I no longer needed the extension because I traveled. Will this denial be seen as a black mark in my record?

Answer No, this is no cause for concern. A denial in this situation normally would neither create any type of immigration problem, nor be viewed negatively by immigration officials. (28.Jan.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE...

13:10 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel / Worker