Today, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule in the Federal Register replacing the H1B lottery registration system with one that prioritizes cases filed based on wage level. The rule is scheduled to go into effect in 60 days. However, its...
Answer The 240-day rule applies to the extension of employment authorization for certain categories of nonimmigrant workers. It does not apply to B-2 applicants. Typically, if an application to extend status is timely filed, the applicant may remain in the U.S. in a period of authorized...
Answer The USCIS has not yet announced when the registration period will open. However, we suspect the registration period will begin in early March, as it did last year. (07.Jan.2021)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE...
Answer Yes, once an I-140 has been approved, the beneficiary typically gets to retain the priority date. (07.Jan.2021)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 © 2021, MURTHY LAW...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS), which is responsible for all U.S. embassies and consulates, has provided an updated summary on its plan for the phased resumption of routine visa service across the globe. While this provides the general plan on how it will go...
Over the weekend, President Trump extended the work visa restrictions he initially implemented via executive order on June 22, 2020. The executive order had been scheduled to expire on December 31, 2020, but Trump has now extended the restrictions through March 31, 2021. Nevertheless, President-Elect...
Today, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a notice of agency order that requires airlines to obtain "negative pre-departure COVID-19 test results for all airline passengers arriving into the United States from the United Kingdom (UK)." The order is scheduled to...
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated delays and backlogs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These delays have been especially pronounced with regard to the scheduling of biometrics appointments at application support centers (ASCs) and in the issuance of receipt notices. Update on Biometrics...
Answer It seems likely that many, if not most, H1B workers will be eligible for the stimulus rebates, just as they were eligible for stimulus checks issued earlier this year.As with the previous stimulus package, "nonresident aliens" are not eligible for the $600 stimulus checks currently...
Answer If the I-485 application was properly rejected, one typically would not be able to refile the I-485 until the priority date is again current. (30.Dec.2020)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here....
