Answer The Administration created a draft form I-140G (immigrant petition for the gold card program), which presently is under review. We may get an update on the status of this proposed program in the coming weeks or months. (02.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...
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...
Answer The EB1(a) category is reserved for foreign nationals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. A PhD is not required to qualify, nor is a PhD sufficient. While having a PhD is a notable accomplishment, it does not automatically...
Answer If you solely wish to verify whether a PERM has been filed, it may be possible to obtain this information by filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Department of Labor. (11.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...
Answer It is possible to make an EB5 investment in a consulting firm, but it can present a number of challenges.One potential issue, in particular, is if you wish to have the business located in a high unemployment or rural targeted employment area (TEA). To meet...
Answer There is no need to add one’s wife to the I-140 in this situation. When the priority date is current, both spouses generally are eligible to file their I-485 applications, regardless of whether the spouse is listed in the I-140. (04.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior...
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...
Answer Generally, all documents submitted to the USCIS must be in English or accompanied by an English translation. Translated documents must be certified by the translator as complete and accurate, and the translator must certify competency to translate from the foreign language into English. (28.Oct.2025)Sheela Murthy...
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....
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...
