05 Nov 2025

I am currently in H1B status. I had a complicated pregnancy and ended up having to take more than six months of voluntary leave. Will this be viewed as a violation of status?

Answer The legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) previously indicated that an H1B worker is entitled to the same leave as the company’s other employees, including benefits under the FMLA and/or the employer’s maternity or parental leave policies. (04.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

23 Oct 2025

I am still confused about the $100,000 fee. If am in the U.S. in F-1 status and am hoping to change status to H1B in next year’s lottery. Does the fee apply in this situation?

Answer No, the $100,000 fee would not apply to an F-1 student, if the H1B is approved as a change of status. (23.Oct.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...

23 Oct 2025

A few years ago, my EB2 I-140 was approved based on my position as a Software Engineer. Last year, I went to India to work for our parent company as a manager for one year, and my employer is now filing an EB1(c) I-140 for me. Can I use the priority date from my Software Engineer position and apply it to my managerial position?

Answer Ordinarily, yes, the priority date from any I-140 petition filed for an EB1, EB2, or EB3 case can be applied for any other EB1, EB2, or EB3 case filed for the same beneficiary. (23.Oct.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

15 Oct 2025

I am in L-1 status and want to file an I-485 application for my employment-based green card. However, my job requires frequent international travel. Will this be a problem?

Answer If you are maintaining valid L-1 status and have an unexpired L-1 visa stamp in your passport, you generally may travel internationally while your I-485 application is pending. The only issue with such travel typically would be that, if you also applied for advance parole...

08 Oct 2025

We submitted a premium processing request with my H1B petition. The USCIS then issued an RFE on my case. When my employer responds to the RFE, will it still be reviewed using premium processing?

Answer Yes. Ordinarily, the case will remain in the premium processing track until it is approved or denied. The USCIS normally will issue a final decision – or, less likely, issue a second RFE or a notice of intent to deny (NOID) – within 15 business...