17 Jun 2025

I have an upcoming interview for my marriage-based green card application. Will I be interviewed together with my U.S. citizen spouse or separately?

Answer In marriage-based green card cases, the petitioner and beneficiary typically are interviewed together. However, if marriage fraud is suspected, the officer has the discretion to interview each spouse separately. (17.Jun.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our...

05 Jun 2025

Trump to Implement Travel Ban on Nationals from 12 Countries, Effective 09.Jun.2025

Yesterday, President Trump signed a proclamation barring the admission of nationals of twelve countries, and partially restricting admission of nationals from seven other countries, as of Monday, 09.Jun.2025. This total travel ban will apply to nationals of the following twelve countries:Afghanistan Chad Equatorial Guinea ...

28 May 2025

My H1B is valid until next year. If I apply for a change of status to H-4, can I continue to work while the application is pending?

Answer The H1B generally stays valid through its expiration date or until the H-4 change of status is approved, whichever comes first. (28.May.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs...

21 May 2025

A few years ago, my U.S. citizen brother sponsored me for a green card. Can I use the approved I-130 to extend my H1B status beyond 6 years?

Answer Unfortunately, a pending or approved I-130 petition cannot be used to extend one’s H1B status beyond the standard 6-year limit. (21.May.2025)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...

14 May 2025

I am a green card holder and will soon be marrying a man who is here in B-2 status. If I sponsor him for a green card before his status expires, can he remain in the U.S. while the case is pending?

Answer While it is possible for a lawful permanent resident to sponsor a spouse for a green card, there currently are backlogs in this category. Filing the I-130 petition does not provide any immediate ability to remain in the U.S., and it is not possible to...

05 May 2025

Adding a Spouse or Child to a Principal Applicant’s Green Card Process

When an individual applies for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (commonly, a green card) in the United States, certain family members may also qualify for LPR status as derivative beneficiaries. Such family members typically include the principal applicant’s spouse and any unmarried children under the...