05 May 2021

Exemptions and Exceptions to Proclamation Suspending Travel from India to Curb COVID-19

President Biden's Proclamation suspending travel from India, first announced on Friday, April 30, 2021, is now effective. The Proclamation bans the entry of nonimmigrants who were physically present in India during the last 14-days, and is effective until further notice.Importantly, this prohibition on entry has...

28 Apr 2021

My 14-year-old daughter and I are green card holders, and I would like to apply for U.S. citizenship for both of us. Do I have to file a separate application for her, or is she included on my application?

Answer In order to file an N-400 application, the applicant typically must be at least 18 years old. However, depending on the circumstances, a minor may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship based on the naturalization of a parent. (29.Apr.2021)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that...

22 Apr 2021

My H1B extension was approved, but my wife’s H-4 and H-4 EAD applications are still pending. If I file a new I-539 and I-765 for her, will she have to do biometrics again?

Answer Generally speaking, a change of employer by the principal H1B spouse would not impact a pending H-4 or H-4 EAD, and would not necessarily require the filing of a new H-4 or EAD application. However, if a new application is filed, the USCIS may require...

01 Apr 2021

I am on F-1 and will soon be marrying a person who has a green card. Once I get married, will that impact my F-1 status?

Answer Getting married to a person with a green card would have no direct impact on one's F-1 status. However, if applying for certain immigration benefits, such as an F-1 visa at a consulate, it is possible this could create problems related to immigrant intent. (01.Apr.2021)Sheela...

01 Apr 2021

I need to get an English translation of a document that I am submitting to the USCIS. Can anyone translate the document, or do I have to hire an official translation service?

Answer Per the USCIS policy manual, "any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator's certification that he or she is competent to translate from...

22 Mar 2021

April 2021 Visa Bulletin Check-In

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has launched a new monthly program on YouTube, to allow Charlie Oppenheim, Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division, to provide insight and predictions related to the visa bulletin. This month, Mr. Oppenheim provides some updated predictions for...