08 Sep 2026

If I qualify for transition protection under the new F-1 fixed-period-of-admission rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, what could happen if I travel internationally after that date?

Answer If the new rule takes effect as scheduled, an F-1 student who departs the United States after September 15, 2026, generally may be readmitted under the new fixed-period-of-admission framework. If admitted, the student may receive an I-94 with a specific admit-until date rather than D/S....

01 Sep 2026

I am currently in F-1 status with an I-94 marked D/S. Under the new F-1 fixed-period-of-admission rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, will I automatically receive a new I-94 expiration date on that date?

Answer Generally, no. Under the new rule's transition provisions, an F-1 student who is maintaining valid duration-of-status admission when the rule takes effect on September 15, 2026, ordinarily will not automatically receive a new date-specific I-94 on that date. However, this transition protection will be limited....

25 Aug 2026

Under the new F-1 fixed-period-of-admission rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, what should I do if I need more time to complete my F-1 program after my I-94 expires?

Answer Under the new rule, an F-1 student who needs additional time generally may request an extension of stay from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This may require a Form I-20 issued or endorsed by the designated school official, a timely extension application, the...

18 Aug 2026

After the new F-1 fixed-period-of-admission rule, which is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, takes effect, will a valid Form I-20 be enough to allow me to remain in the United States?

Answer No. Under the new F-1 fixed-period-of-admission rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, the Form I-20 and the I-94 will serve different purposes. An F-1 student admitted under the new rule will need to maintain a valid Form I-20 and comply with all...

11 Aug 2026

Why are some green card holders seeing old EADs and APs revoked online?

Answer The likely explanation is that USCIS is revoking no-longer-needed five-year EADs/APs tied to I-485 applications which have been approved. These revocations generally are not ground for concern. (11.Aug.2026) Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...

04 Aug 2026

I applied for naturalization under the five-year rule and am now considering divorce. Do I need to wait until after my N-400 case is approved?

Answer If a person is applying for naturalization under the five-year rule, rather than the three-year rule based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, a pending divorce would generally not prevent approval of the N-400 application. (04.Aug.2026) Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

28 Jul 2026

I received deferred disposition for an assault / family violence citation. Since the case was later dismissed, do I still have a conviction for immigration purposes?

Answer You may still have a conviction for immigration purposes. A conviction for immigration purposes can exist even if the court withholds adjudication and later dismisses the case, so long as the person entered a guilty plea, no contest plea, or admitted sufficient facts, and the...

14 Jul 2026

My new employer filed an H1B transfer petition and received the electronic receipt notice. Do I need to wait for the paper receipt notice to arrive before starting work?

Answer Generally, no. An H1B worker ordinarily may begin employment with the new employer as soon as the H1B transfer petition is properly filed with USCIS, assuming all other portability requirements are met. Employers may have their own onboarding policies, but the physical receipt notice is...