30 Apr 2025

I received a B-1/B-2 visa stamp a few years ago. More recently, I was issued an F-1 visa stamp by the same U.S. consulate. Does this mean my B-1/B-2 is no longer valid?

Answer Typically, applying for an F-1 visa “stamp” would not impact the validity of an existing B-1/B-2 visa. (30.Apr.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 here.  Copyright © 2025, MURTHY...

30 Apr 2025

I am an Indian citizen in H1B status and will be going to Australia for a few weeks as a tourist. Can I apply for a new H1B visa stamp from a consulate while I am there?

Answer U.S. consulates typically allow third country nationals to apply for nonimmigrant visas. (30.Apr.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 here.  Copyright © 2025, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved...

23 Apr 2025

I will be applying for a new H1B visa stamp when I am in India next month. My current H1B visa stamp is still valid for another 4 months. If the consulate denies my visa renewal, am I still allowed to return using the existing visa stamp?

Answer If your visa renewal request is denied, this would not directly impact your existing H1B visa “stamp.” However, the consular officer has the ability to revoke the existing visa stamp, if they so wish. (22.Apr.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the...

19 Mar 2025

I am a green card holder, and my employer transferred me to its foreign office for 18 months. I have an approved reentry permit and filed an N-470 application to preserve my residency for naturalization purposes. Do I still need to maintain ties to the U.S. to avoid abandoning my green card?

Answer Yes. While a reentry permit allows you to return to the U.S. after a year or more abroad, and an N-470 preserves your residence for naturalization purposes, the USCIS can still determine that you have abandoned your green card if your overall circumstances do not...

05 Feb 2025

I have a valid H1B visa stamp in my passport. If a new employer files an H1B for me for consular processing, does that mean I have to go again for stamping?

Answer If the H1B is filed for consular processing, it means the petition will not be approved with an I-94. If the beneficiary already has a valid H1B visa “stamp” in their passport, however, they do not need to go back to the consulate. Rather, the...

29 Jan 2025

While my H-4 extension was still pending, I traveled outside the U.S. When I returned, my I-94 was extended based on my husband’s new I-797. A couple of months later, the USCIS denied my H-4 extension. In the denial, the USCIS said I no longer needed the extension because I traveled. Will this denial be seen as a black mark in my record?

Answer No, this is no cause for concern. A denial in this situation normally would neither create any type of immigration problem, nor be viewed negatively by immigration officials. (28.Jan.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE...