Note that this page has been updated from the original post. At this time of uncertainty, health and safe practices to avoid spreading or contracting COVID-19 are paramount for our families and the wider community. The State of Maryland considers law practices and law firms to...
The U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on March 30, 2020, that previously submitted biometrics will be reused to process applications for employment authorization (Form I-765), submitted by any applicant who had an appointment scheduled with an application support center (ASC) on or...
Answer In order to encourage testing and treatment of COVID-19, the USCIS is waiving all public charge considerations directly related to this virus. Per the announcement, "USCIS will neither consider testing, treatment, nor preventative care (including vaccines, if a vaccine becomes available) related to COVID-19 as...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that, effective March 21, 2020, it will begin accepting all benefit forms and documents with reproduced signatures. Per the announcement, "[t]his means that a document may be scanned, faxed, photocopied, or similarly reproduced provided that the...
The border between the United States and Mexico has been temporarily closed for nonessential traffic. This follows the closing of the U.S./Canada border earlier this week. Copyright © 2020, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved...
Attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm will hold a special teleconference on March 25, 2020 at 2:00pm (Eastern Time, U.S.). They will discuss the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on U.S. immigration. Visit this page the morning of March 25th for details on...
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has suspended routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa service at U.S. consulates in most countries around the globe. The DOS is unable to predict when normal service will resume. Applicants with urgent need to travel...
Answer For the time being, the USCIS service centers are still in operation. This means that many types of applications and petitions, including H1B petitions, should continue to be processed. However, biometrics appointments are on hold. Therefore, if your wife has not yet had her biometrics...
Answer Unemployment benefits generally are not taken into consideration for public charge purposes. However, you would need to check with your state's unemployment agency to see if you qualify for this benefit. (18.Mar.2020)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information...
Answer Generally speaking, a person in valid B-1/B-2 status may apply for an extension of stay. Under normal circumstances, the USCIS is often reluctant to approve such applications, as this visa category is generally intended for relatively short trips for business and/or pleasure. However, the USCIS...
