03 Nov 2026

I have a valid H1B visa stamp showing my former employer’s name, and my new employer’s H1B petition has been approved. Do I need a new visa stamp before traveling?

Answer Generally, no. An unexpired H1B visa stamp ordinarily may be used with the new employer’s valid H1B approval notice. The traveler should carry the new approval notice and evidence of current employment and should be prepared to explain the change of employer when requesting admission....

27 Oct 2026

My application under the company’s blanket L approval was denied at the consulate. Can the employer still file an individual L-1 petition with USCIS?

Answer Generally, yes. A blanket L refusal does not necessarily prevent the employer from filing an individual Form I-129 petition with USCIS. The individual petition should address the concerns raised during the blanket application and include detailed evidence establishing each L-1 requirement. (27.Oct.2026) Sheela Murthy and other...

20 Oct 2026

I am in TN status and my employer plans to start a green card case for me. Will the immigrant petition automatically cancel my TN status?

Answer No. The filing of a PERM labor certification or Form I-140 does not terminate valid TN status. However, TN classification requires temporary intent, and an immigrant filing can create complications during visa issuance, admission, or a future TN application/petition. The timing of travel and future...

13 Oct 2026

My H1B change-of-employer petition has been filed. Can I begin working for the new employer before the petition is approved?

Answer An individual who is eligible for H1B portability generally may begin working for the new employer once USCIS receives and accepts for processing a properly filed, nonfrivolous petition. Portability is not available in every situation, however, and beginning employment before approval carries risk if the...

06 Oct 2026

During my one year of employment abroad, I made several short business trips to the United States. Do the trips prevent me from qualifying for L-1 based on the L-1 one-year requirement?

Answer Brief trips to the United States generally do not interrupt the continuity of qualifying employment abroad. However, days spent physically in the United States normally do not count toward the required one year. The employer should document the employment period with the qualifying entity abroad...

29 Sep 2026

I am applying for TN status to work for a U.S. employer. Am I allowed to pay the government filing fees and attorney fees myself?

Answer Generally, yes. Unlike the H1B category, the TN classification does not have special immigration provisions that ordinarily require the employer to pay specified filing and attorney fees. Any repayment arrangement or payroll deduction still must comply with applicable employment and wage laws. (29.Sep.2026) Sheela Murthy and...

22 Sep 2026

I recently attended my H1B visa interview at a U.S. consulate abroad. The consular officer mentioned that my social media might need to be reviewed, but did not clearly explain whether anything else was needed. My CEAC status now says “Refused,” even though I have received H1B visas before. Does this mean my visa will not be issued?

Answer Not necessarily. When checking a case on CEAC, the status may show only “Issued” or “Refused,” without distinguishing between a refusal that requires additional processing and a refusal that is based on another ground of ineligibility. Thus, a “Refused” status may reflect a refusal under...

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...