On February 14, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual that significantly improves the protections offered by the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). Per the new guidance, in certain circumstances, CSPA age determinations may be based...
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,...
Answer It generally is not possible to file an I-485 application based on an I-130 petition when the priority date is not current. While the USCIS has the ability to expedite the processing of an I-130 petition, the ability to apply for adjustment of status in...
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...
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...
Each year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for setting federal poverty guidelines, which are used to determine whether an individual or family qualifies for certain government benefits. These guidelines are important in the immigration context, particularly with respect to...
Answer Ordinarily, it is possible to remain in the U.S. based on a pending I-485 application. So, it typically is not required to extend one's underlying nonimmigrant status. However, if the person has not maintained nonimmigrant status and the I-485 is denied, this typically means the...
Answer There is no need to add a new spouse to an approved I-140. When the priority date is current, both spouses generally are eligible to file their I-485 applications, regardless of whether the current spouse is listed in the I-140. (02.Feb.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior...
Answer If an H1B visa ‘stamp’ application is denied, one would ordinarily be able to continue using an existing H-4 visa stamp. However, consulates do occasionally cancel valid visas, even though they are not required to do so. (19.Jan.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has entered into a settlement agreement, whereas the agency has agreed to bundle an application to extend or change to H-4 or L-2 status and, if applicable, an employment authorization document (EAD) application, if the application/s are filed...
