Attorneys Law Firm Practicecontact us
23 Jul 2025

I am in H-4 status and recently was charged with shoplifting. What immigration impact might this have?

Answer It is important to get immigration guidance and criminal representation. The consequences depend, to a large extent, upon the maximum possible sentence allowed for the charge in the particular state. In some locations, a conviction for shoplifting makes one removable (i.e., deportable) and inadmissible. In...

07:56 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Visitor / Worker
23 Jul 2025

A number of years ago, I was issued a B-1/B-2 visa, which expires in 2028. It was issued through my previous employer, with whom I’m no longer associated. Am I still allowed to travel to the U.S. on this visa?

Answer Generally speaking, a B-1/B-2 visa is not tied to any particular employer and remains valid through the date indicated on the visa. (22.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more...

07:52 / B-1 / B-2 / FAQs / For Individuals / H1B / Travel / Visitor / Worker
16 Jul 2025

My husband recently passed away. He had an approved I-140 petition, and I was listed as his derivative spouse. Am I allowed to apply for a green card based on his petition?

Answer Certain derivative beneficiaries of employment-based immigrant petitions or adjustment applications may continue their case even after the principal applicant’s death. Among the requirements to qualify, you must have been residing in the United States at the time of your husband’s passing and must continue to...

07:18 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Resident
16 Jul 2025

After being laid off from my H1B job, I applied for a change of status to H-4. That application has been pending for several months. I now have a new job offer, and the employer will file an H1B for me. Am I allowed to sign their offer letter now, or do I need to wait for the H1B to be approved?

Answer The rules regarding whether a particular activity may be considered unauthorized employment are fairly vague. However, it seems very unlikely that the USCIS would view signing an offer letter as a form of unauthorized employment. (16.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

07:10 / FAQs / For Individuals / H1B / Worker
10 Jul 2025

Immigration Impact of ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

President Trump signed a spending bill, dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” into law on 04.Jul.2025. While the bill does not fundamentally change who is eligible for U.S. immigration benefits or create new, legal pathways, it dramatically increases funding for immigration enforcement and increases the financial...

08:58 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / Legislation / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Travel / Worker
09 Jul 2025

I am working on H1B and my employer has agreed for me to work from India for a few months, due to family reasons. I read online that there is a limit to how long an H1B worker may remain abroad. Is this true?

Answer We have heard a few similar accounts. But, no, there is no limit to the amount of time an H1B worker may remain outside the U.S. and an LCA is not required for employment by a U.S. company of a foreign national who is located...

07:24 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Travel / Worker