17 Oct 2019

My husband is working in the U.S. in H1B status. I want to visit him periodically, but I need to stay in my home country most of the time because I am still at university. Can I apply for an H-4 visa, even though my trips will be fairly short? Or should I instead apply for a B-2 visa?

Answer Normally, there is no issue with the spouse of an H1B worker traveling back and forth using an H-4 visa, even for short trips to the U.S. It is possible to do this with a B-2 visa, as well; but, unlike B-2 visitors, a person...

11 Oct 2019

NewsFlash! Judge Issues Nationwide Injunction Against Enforcement of Public Charge Rule

This afternoon, a federal district court judge issued a nationwide injunction against the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from enforcing the new public charge rule. The public charge rule had been scheduled to go into effect on October 15, 2019.The injunction specifically prohibits the...

10 Oct 2019

NewsFlash! DOS Amending Public Charge Rules, Effective 15 Oct 2019

On October 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will publish an interim final rule to amend the regulations regarding how consular officers determine whether a foreign national is likely to become a public charge, and therefore ineligible for a visa. This rule will...

10 Oct 2019

NewsFlash! New USCIS Forms with New Public Charge Rule Required as of 15 Oct 2019

The new versions of forms I-129, I-539, I-864, and I-485 were posted on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website yesterday. The new I-944 (Declaration of Self-Sufficiency) form has also been put up. These forms now include the updated public charge rule. The USCIS...

09 Oct 2019

My wife’s H-4 EAD application is pending. If I switch to a different H1B employer, will that create problems for her EAD application?

Answer A change to a different employer by the principal H1B holder normally has no impact on the spouse's pending H-4 EAD. (09.Oct.2019)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...

09 Oct 2019

When I entered on my B-1/B-2 visa, I was admitted for six months. I am going to be taking a short trip to Canada and then come back to the U.S. Will I be granted an additional six months when I come back in?

Answer The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry has the discretion to readmit a B-1/B-2 visitor for an additional 6 months. In many cases, however, the person is readmitted only for the remaining validity of the I-94 issued prior to...

07 Oct 2019

NewsFlash! Health Insurance Required for Admission on Immigrant Visa, Effective 01 Nov 2019

On Friday, October 4, 2019, President Trump issued an executive order that will bar entry of a foreign national requesting admission on an immigrant visa unless the individual has qualifying health insurance, will have such health insurance within 30 days of admission, or "… has...