18 Sep 2025

When I entered on my B-2 visa a few months ago, I was admitted for six months. I am taking a short trip to Canada and will then return to the U.S. Will I be granted an additional six months when I return?

Answer The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry has the discretion to readmit a B-2 visitor for an additional six months. More commonly, however, the person is readmitted only for the remaining validity of the I-94 issued prior to the...

10 Sep 2025

I was in H-4 status and have an H-4 visa stamp in my passport. A few months ago, my husband was laid off and we both changed to B-2 status. He now has a new job, so he changed back to H1B, and I returned to H-4 status. Can I still use my existing H-4 visa stamp?

Answer Generally speaking, an H-4 visa “stamp” remains valid through the expiration date listed on the document. Changing status to B-2 typically would not prevent a person from later using the visa to request admission in H-4 status, assuming the principal spouse is in valid H1B...

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

A number of years ago, I was issued a B-1/B-2 visa, which expires in 2028. It was issued through my previous employer, with whom I’m no longer associated. Am I still allowed to travel to the U.S. on this visa?

Answer Generally speaking, a B-1/B-2 visa is not tied to any particular employer and remains valid through the date indicated on the visa. (22.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more...

06 Nov 2024

Years ago, when I applied for an H1B visa stamp, I was assisted by a consultant who told me to submit a fake diploma to better meet the visa requirements. As a result, my visa was denied due to misrepresentation. The consular officer explained that it is a permanent inadmissibility ban unless it is waived. I am a citizen of Canada now and I would like to come to the U.S. for a conference. How do I apply for a nonimmigrant waiver?

Answer Ordinarily, a foreign national who is found inadmissible should apply for a nonimmigrant waiver when applying for a visa "stamp" at the consulate. Canadian citizens, however, are generally visa exempt. So, you likely can apply for your nonimmigrant waiver through U.S. Customs and Border Protection...

26 Jun 2024

I am a U.S. citizen. My mother entered on her tourist visa a few months ago. She was planning on returning home, but I’m trying to convince her to stay in the U.S. If she agrees, can I sponsor her for a green card now? Or would she have to go back to India for me to sponsor her?

Answer A person cannot enter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa with the intention of applying for adjustment of status (i.e., applying for a green card from within the United States). If, however, the person does not form the intention of applying for a green card...

19 Jun 2024

I am applying for a visitor visa and my brother in the U.S. offered to fill out an affidavit of support for me. Will that improve my chance of approval?

Answer If you have enough funds to cover the cost of your trip on your own, we typically recommend against submitting an I-134 affidavit of support when applying for a B-1/B-2 visa application.  (19.Jun.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For...

06 Mar 2024

My employer has asked me to travel to the U.S. on my B-1 visa to meet with a client. The client has provided me with an invitation letter. Is it necessary to get the letter notarized?

Answer Ordinarily, there is no requirement that an invitation letter be presented at all when requesting admission on a B-1 visa. However, they can be useful to present as evidence of the purpose of one’s visit. If such a letter is presented, there normally is no...

28 Dec 2023