26 Sep 2016

My mother has an advance parole document she received while her I-485 was pending. After her I-485 was approved, she left the U.S. for an extended trip. Can she use the same advance parole to reenter the U.S.?

Answer Advance parole permits one to enter while the I-485 is pending. It generally cannot be used after the I-485 has been approved. You may wish to schedule a consultation with an attorney who can review your mother's situation in greater detail and determine what options...

15 Aug 2016

I have a valid H1B, but am in India and do not have a project in the U.S. I also have an H-4 visa stamp. Can I come to the U.S. on my H-4? What should I expect from the immigration officers at the POE?

Answer If the H-4 visa stamp is valid and unexpired, it could be used to reenter the U.S., as long as one is still married to the primary beneficiary in H1B status. The POE officers need proof of H-4 eligibility, such as a copy of the...

01 Aug 2016

My 6 years on H1B is about to expire, but I have a newborn who was born premature and will be in the ICU for several months. Can my H1B be extended beyond 6 years based on my family’s medical needs?

Answer The six years of H1B time is set by statute and cannot be extended for humanitarian reasons. It can only be extended based upon recapturing unused time abroad or based upon a qualifying GC case. If the status is ending, and the family cannot travel...

26 Jul 2016

I left the U.S. in the middle of my program of study in F-1 status because of a family emergency. I am ready to return to the U.S. this afternoon, after being outside for one week, but I just realized that my I-20 has not been signed by my DSO for travel. Will I be able to reenter the U.S.?

Answer A student returning to the U.S. without all of the required travel documents may be denied entry. However, immigration inspectors have discretion to admit students in these cases for up to 30 days with a I-515A form. In such cases, in order to convert 30-day...