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20 Oct 2022

My father is a green card holder and filed a green card case for me a couple of years ago. I was in India at the time, so the case was filed for consular processing. Now, I am in the U.S. as an F-1 student. Can I apply for adjustment of status now?

Answer The fact that the I-130 petition was filed for consular processing would not prevent the beneficiary from instead applying for adjustment of status. However, until the priority date is current, it generally is not possible to file an I-485 application. (19.Oct.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior...

09:41 / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / Immigrant Family / Resident / Student
13 Oct 2022

My I-140 was approved in the EB2 NIW category. The NIW was approved based on my work related to cancer research and statistical analysis. Am I allowed to move into a different field of research / statistical analysis while my I-485 is pending?

Answer The NIW requires an intention to continue to work in the field of expertise. So, while there is no specific job offer requirement, the entire case is based upon one’s qualifications and the benefit prospectively to the United States that is likely to come from...

08:38 / EB2 National Interest Waiver / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident
05 Oct 2022

I am a U.S. citizen and am sponsoring my brother for a family-based green card. Will the pending I-130 prevent him from being issued an H1B?

Answer Unlike most nonimmigrant visa categories, the H1B category allows for dual intent. Therefore, a pending (or approved) family-based green card case normally would not impact a person's ability to apply for H1B status. (05.Oct.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

18:23 / Family Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Worker
05 Oct 2022

My employer filed an EB2 case for me, and I have a 2021 priority date. Given that I was born in India, it appears I will have to wait a very long time for a green card. I have a child with a medical condition and obtaining a green card would be especially helpful to provide him with more long-term stability regarding medical care. Is it possible to request that USCIS expedite my case?

Answer Although there is a process for requesting that a petition be expedited, this would be for the USCIS to adjudicate a particular case. Unfortunately, the USCIS cannot "expedite" a priority date becoming current. (05.Oct.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

18:20 / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident
29 Sep 2022

My H1B is valid for a couple of more months, and I have an EAD based on my pending I-485. Do I have to maintain H1B status until the green card is issued?

Answer Ordinarily, a person may remain in the United States in a period of authorized stay based on a pending I-485 application. So, generally speaking, there is no requirement for the individual to maintain valid status while waiting for the green card to be issued.That being...

16:34 / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Worker
22 Sep 2022

My EB2 I-485 was approved a few days ago. My wife’s I-485, which is also based on my I-140, is still pending. My priority date will no longer be current in October. What happens if her case is not approved before October 1st?

Answer The USCIS generally cannot approve an I-485 if the priority date of the underlying I-140 is no longer current. Therefore, if your wife's case is not approved before October 1st, it likely will remain pending until the date becomes current again (or some other action...

06:54 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Families / Immigrant Family / Resident
01 Sep 2022

My U.S. citizen brother sponsored me for a green card about 10 years ago. That case is still a long way from becoming current. Can I transfer that priority date to my I-140, which was just approved?

Answer No, unfortunately, it normally is not possible to transfer a family-based priority date to an employment-based case (or vice versa). (01.Sep.2022)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...

06:59 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident
18 Aug 2022

I have an approved I-140 from my previous employer. The priority date has been current for more than one year. My current employer is in the process of filing a PERM LC for me. Can I still keep the old priority date?

Answer Yes, the fact that you did not file an I-485 based on the old I-140 within one year normally would not impact your ability to retain the priority date. (18.Aug.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our...

08:13 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident
10 Aug 2022

A few months ago, my husband and I were issued green cards based on his approved I-140. While our I-485 applications were pending, we separated. Our divorce is now close to being finalized. Will this put my green card in jeopardy?

Answer Generally speaking, as long as the couple is legally married at the time the green card is issued, getting divorced after the green card is issued would not impact the validity of that green card. (10.Aug.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

16:27 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Resident