Answer The B-2 visa “stamp” is an entry document. As long as it is valid at the time admission is requested, one typically can be admitted for up to six months. If the I-94 is still valid, the expiration of the visa “stamp” has no impact...
Answer While an absence of between 6-12 months is not necessarily a breach in residency for naturalization purposes, USCIS is increasingly scrutinizing absences of this length. (11.Feb.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...
Answer Generally speaking, yes, a person may present a valid H1B visa in an expired passport along with the new, unexpired passport to request admission in H1B status. (27.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online...
Answer Religious marriages in India are often considered legally valid under U.S. law. Therefore, you should register the marriage in India. Failure to do so may leave you without key evidence of the marriage for future immigration benefits. (21.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...
Answer A prudential revocation under INA §221(i) is a discretionary action by the U.S. Department of State that cancels the visa stamp, often based on updated security or database information, such as existence of any criminal record. This typically does not end lawful nonimmigrant status for...
Answer If a person travels while an application or petition requesting a change of status is pending, the change of status request normally will be deemed abandoned and therefore denied. Such a denial typically would not retroactively result in a violation of status. (30.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and...
Answer In order to file an application to adjust status (form I-485), you must be in the U.S. at the time of filing. And, depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to remain in the U.S. until and unless one obtains an advance parole (AP)...
Answer The pilot program that resumed domestic visa renewals ended in early 2024. At the time, the U.S. Department of State indicated that they expected to bring it back, and even expand eligibility to more nonimmigrant visa applicants.In May 2025, several members of Congress sent a...
Answer Yes, this appears to be an error made by the officer at the U.S. port of entry. An L2S spouse’s I-94 normally should not be issued beyond the L1A petition’s expiration date (although, an additional 10-day grace period beyond that date is permissible.) You should...
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...
