03 Apr 2024

After my I-140 petition was approved, my son aged out before the priority date became current. My I-485 was recently approved, and I now plan to sponsor my son for a green card. Can I use the priority date from my old I-140?

Answer Unfortunately, no, the priority date from one's I-140 cannot be transferred to an I-130 petition. (03.Apr.2024)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 © 2024, MURTHY LAW FIRM....

27 Mar 2024

My current advance parole expired a few months ago, and I am now applying for a new one. If I leave the U.S. now, will the USCIS deny my AP application?

Answer There is a good chance that the USCIS will deny the pending I-131 application based on the travel. Unfortunately, the USCIS has a policy that, for initial AP applications – or for applications where the previous AP has expired – the applicant generally must remain...

27 Mar 2024

My I-140 is approved in the EB1 category and the priority date is current. I am in India, but will soon return to the U.S. My wife will not come to the U.S. for several months. When I arrive in the U.S., can I file the I-485 applications for both of us?

Answer You can file your own I-485 application, but your wife must be physically in the U.S. in order to file her I-485. (17.Mar.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more...

20 Mar 2024

My PERM was filed about 9 months ago. My H1B expires in about 5 months, at which point I will have reached my full 6 years of H1B time. Do I need to wait until the PERM has been pending a full 365 days before we file my H1B extension requesting an additional year?

Answer Generally speaking, it is possible to request a 7th year extension of H1B status before a PERM has been pending for the full 365 days, as long as the requested start date is within the next six months, and as long as the PERM will...

13 Mar 2024

I got a green card through my employer, and I have a son who is a U.S. citizen by birth. We have decided to move back to India for a few years due to family reasons, which will mean giving up my green card. When my son turns 21, can he sponsor me for another green card?

Answer The fact that you had a green card and then abandoned it typically would not prevent you from being sponsored by your U.S. citizen child for another green card (once the child reaches the age of 21). (13.Mar.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

08 Feb 2024

I am working in TN status and my employer said they are willing to file a PERM case for me. However, I was told this could create problems when renewing my TN later because of immigrant intent. Should I avoid moving forward with the green card case?

Answer A person being admitted to the United States in TN status must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent. However, even an approved I-140, by itself, is not sufficient reason to deny a person's TN application or extension request. (08.Feb.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

18 Jan 2024

I am a green card holder and am traveling overseas for a work assignment. I am in the process of filing a form I-131 application for a reentry permit. Am I allowed to travel while that application is pending?

Answer A green card holder generally must be in the U.S. when the reentry permit application is filed, and typically must be here to provide biometrics. However, they generally can then depart the U.S. while the application is pending without impacting the pending case. (18.Jan.2024)Sheela Murthy...

11 Jan 2024

The first PERM case my employer filed for me was denied. If the same employer files another case for me for a different position, will that automatically result in my case being audited?

Answer It is possible to reapply for PERM with the same employer after a denial. That does not guarantee an audit; but keep in mind that a significant percentage of PERM cases – perhaps around 1 out of 3 – are randomly selected for audit. So,...