06 Jul 2018

NewsFlash! USCIS to Place Far More Foreign Nationals in Removal Proceeding, Per New Memo

Thursday evening, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memo that appears to greatly expand the situations in which a foreign national is to be issued a notice to appear (NTA). An NTA is a charging document that initiates removal (i.e. deportation)...

03 Jul 2018

SEVP Broadcast Message on OPT Volunteer Work

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is part of the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE), recently released a broadcast message reminding all students on optional practical training (OPT) that volunteer positions not directly related to their course of study do not qualify...

25 Jun 2018

I got my green card through my employer 9 months ago. I now have a lucrative job offer from another company. Will my GC be at risk if I move to a new employer now?

Answer A person who receives an employer-sponsored "green card" is generally advised to remain with the sponsoring employer for at least six months to avoid possible allegations of misrepresentation during the naturalization process. Generally, changing after this time period would be relatively safe. (25.Jun.2018)In frequent sessions...

25 Jun 2018

I applied for an H1B visa stamp in India, but the consulate sent it for administrative processing, which has been pending for about a month. Now I have a job offer from a different employer. Can I transfer my H1B to new company and go for stamping once the new petition gets approved?

Answer It normally would be possible to schedule a new interview based on the new approved H1B petition. One likely would be required to withdraw the pending visa application, however. (25.Jun.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...