23 Mar 2023

My husband and I are both on H1B. I am applying for change to H-4 and an H-4 EAD. What happens if the H-4 is approved before the EAD?

Answer Once the change of status is approved, assuming it has an immediate start date, the H-4 dependent typically would need to stop working until the EAD is issued. In practice, however, when an H-4 and H-4 EAD are filed together, it appears the USCIS normally...

23 Feb 2023

While my father was visiting me on B-2, I sponsored him for a green card. Both the I-130 and I-485 are pending. Can he travel back to India and then return on his B-2, or does he need to first get an advance parole document?

Answer Typically, if a person in B-2 status travels while an I-485 is pending, the I-485 is considered abandoned unless the individual has a valid AP document. (23.Feb.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...

09 Feb 2023

I am in H-4 status and my I-94 expires in 4 months. I am applying for an extension of status, but my passport expires later this year. Can the USCIS approve my extension beyond the passport validity date?

Answer Ordinarily, yes. The shortened passport generally is an issue at the port of entry, where it will result in a short-duration I-94 (tied to the passport validity). But the USCIS typically can grant an extension of status beyond the expiration date of the passport.  (09.Feb.2023)Sheela...

09 Feb 2023

I am in H1B status and have an approved I-140. If I move to H-4 status and work on an EAD, will that have a negative impact on my green card case?

Answer A change from H1B to H-4 typically would have no impact on the I-140.  (09.Feb.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 FIRM. All...

12 Jan 2023

I am in H1B status and have an approved I-140. I recently got married in India and my wife is waiting for her appointment at the consulate to apply for an H-4 visa stamp. Can she apply for an H-4 EAD now, while she is still in India?

Answer Typically, it is not permissible to apply for an H-4 EAD while the applicant is outside the United States. (12.Jan.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 ©...

29 Dec 2022

My I-539 application to extend my H-4 status is pending. I am traveling to India soon and have an appointment for my H-4 visa stamp. My husband is remaining in the U.S. Do I need the I-539 approval to get my new H-4 stamping done?

Answer An approved I-539 is not necessary to apply for an H-4 visa "stamp." To get the new H-4 visa, one must provide proof of the marriage to the H1B principal spouse and evidence that the H1B spouse is maintaining valid status. (29.Dec.2022)Sheela Murthy and other...