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07 Jul 2022

I am doing various freelance jobs based on an H-4 EAD, which is valid through 2023. My H1B registration was selected in the lottery, and that H1B change-of-status request is pending. If the case is approved, do I have to stop using the H-4 EAD immediately?

Answer For an H1B case that was selected in this year's lottery, the petition should have requested a start date of October 1, 2022 or later. If the petition and change-of-status request are approved prior to the requested start date, you should be able to continue...

07:08 / FAQs / For Families / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
05 Jul 2022

Nonimmigrant Visa Waivers – Process and Criteria

Foreign nationals may be deemed ineligible for admission (i.e. inadmissible) to the United States for a variety of reasons. Common grounds of inadmissibility include the following: medical grounds, criminal grounds, and immigration violations (including fraud or material misrepresentation in connection with an immigration benefit). In...

06:04 / Consulates / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / InfoArticle / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Visitor / Worker
30 Jun 2022

I am working based on my H-4 EAD, which expires in August. My EAD renewal is pending. I have to go home to India for several months. How long can I work from India for the U.S. employer? Do I have to stop working once the current EAD expires?

Answer Ordinarily, if you are not physically in the United States, U.S. immigration law would not limit your ability to work for a U.S. employer. This would typically apply, regardless of whether the person has a valid EAD. (30.Jun.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

16:33 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Travel
30 Jun 2022

My husband is on L-1 and I am working in L2S status. Our I-94s are valid until next year, but his employer is laying him off next week. Do I have to stop working immediately? Or is there any type of grace period?

Answer After being terminated, the principal L-1 worker is normally eligible for a 60-day grace period, or until the I-94 expires, whichever date is sooner. This period is considered valid status. If the L-1 spouse is in valid status and the L2S souse is otherwise maintaining...

16:26 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Worker
15 Jun 2022

I am working based on an H-4 EAD, and I have a pending I-485 based on my husband’s EB2 case. My husband’s I-485 was just approved. Can I continue working based on my H-4 EAD?

Answer Once the principal spouse's green card is approved, that individual generally is no longer considered to be in H1B status. And, if the principal spouse is no longer in H1B status, the dependent spouse typically cannot be maintaining valid H-4 status (or continue to use...

21:07 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Worker
09 Jun 2022

I am a U.S. citizen. About 5 months ago, my mother entered in B-2 status to visit me and her grandchildren. At the last minute, we decided to apply for a green card for her. I filed the I-130 and I-485 for her, and those cases are still pending. Can my mother remain in the U.S. after her I-94s expire?

Answer Ordinarily, it is possible to remain in the U.S. in a period of authorized stay based on a pending I-485 application.  (08.Jun.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs...

06:45 / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / Immigrant Family / Resident / Visitor
02 Jun 2022

My wife and I filed I-485 applications based on her EB3 I-140. Can I now interfile my I-485 based on my EB2 I-140?

Answer Yes, generally speaking, the fact that one's I-485 is pending based on a spouse's I-140 would not prevent the person from interfiling based on one's own I-140 petition. (01.Jun.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE...

07:15 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident
02 Jun 2022

My H1B extension was approved recently, but my wife’s H-4 extension is still pending. She now needs to travel to India. Can she apply for an H-4 visa now? Or does she need to wait for the USCIS to approve the H-4 extension?

Answer Normally, there is no need to wait for an I-539 to be approved in order to apply for an H-4 visa at a consulate. If the applicant can show that the principal spouse is in valid H1B status, the consulate typically has the authority to...

07:11 / Consulates / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel / Worker