12 Aug 2025

My son is on H-4 and recently was granted an extension valid through 2027. He turns 21 at the end of this year. Can he remain in H-4 status through the expiration date listed on his I-94?

Answer Unfortunately, once a dependent child turns 21, they are no longer eligible for H-4 status through their parent. He cannot rely on a USCIS error to continue his stay in H-4 past his 21st birthday. (12.Aug.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

23 Jul 2025

I am in H-4 status and recently was charged with shoplifting. What immigration impact might this have?

Answer It is important to get immigration guidance and criminal representation. The consequences depend, to a large extent, upon the maximum possible sentence allowed for the charge in the particular state. In some locations, a conviction for shoplifting makes one removable (i.e., deportable) and inadmissible. In...

23 Jul 2025

My application to change status to H-4 is currently pending. Can I change to a new H1B employer while my spouse’s change of status is still pending?

Answer Yes, the H-4 application is not tied to the H1B worker’s employer. As long as the H1B spouse has maintained valid status, the other spouse normally is eligible to apply for and receive the H-4 (and, if qualified, an H-4 EAD). (22.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy and other...

16 Jul 2025

I have an approved I-140 that was self-sponsored in the EB1(a) category. Can my husband use this as a basis to apply for an H-4 EAD?

Answer Generally speaking, an approved I-140, including one that is self-sponsored, can be used by an H-4 spouse to apply for an H-4 EAD. (16.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...

09 Jul 2025

I have an approved I-140. I was born in India and my spouse was born in Sri Lanka. Is it true that I can file my I-485 based on her country of birth?

Answer If your spouse was born in Sri Lanka, you can apply based on cross-chargeability using her country of birth instead of India. In other words, your pending green card case can be counted under your spouse’s country of birth rather than your own.  (09.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy...

02 Jul 2025

I am a green card holder and recently got married to someone in India. Is there a quick way to bring them to the U.S. with a green card?

Answer Unfortunately, this is a difficult scenario. The spouse with the green card must file an I-130 petition in the FB2A category, but this category is retrogressed by several years. The foreign national spouse potentially can come on a nonimmigrant visa of their own, such as...

25 Jun 2025

I currently work based on an H-4 EAD for a U.S. company that has an affiliate in India. Could I work from the U.S. for the Indian entity for one year and then qualify for an EB1(c) green card?

Answer In order to qualify as a multinational manager / executive under the EB1(c) category, the foreign national generally must work for the foreign entity while physically outside the United States for at least one year. (25.Jun.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

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...