10 Dec 2025

I have a pending employment-based I-485 application and recently married a woman in H1B status. Can she now file an I-485 based on my pending case?

Answer Yes, as long as the familial relationship was formed before your I-485 application is approved, your spouse normally can file as your derivative. (10.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...

19 Nov 2025

I am in H1B status and recently got married to a U.S. citizen. We filed an I-130 and I-485 based on the marriage, and both cases are still pending. I may be laid off soon. If that happens, do I have to leave the U.S.?

Answer Normally, a person may remain in the U.S. based on a pending I-485 application. If the H1B worker is laid off, it likely will be necessary to stop working until the EAD is issued (or an H1B change of employer petition is filed). (19.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy...

29 Oct 2025

I am in the U.S. on L-1 status, but my family is still abroad. If I obtain my green card, can my family come to the U.S. afterwards on L-2 status and apply for their green cards?

Answer Once the primary L-1 visa holder becomes a permanent resident, they are no longer in L-1 status, and their family members are no longer eligible for L-2 status. The family would need to enter the U.S. prior to the principal L-1 visa holder becoming a...

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....