Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will significantly restrict eligibility for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers, commonly referred to as “dropbox" appointments. Under the new policy, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those applying to renew work visas (e.g., H1B), will be...
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently issued a memorandum outlining enforcement priorities developed based on the executive orders issued by Donald Trump since taking office. While the memo deals with multiple areas, Murthy Law Firm attorneys are especially concerned about the DOJ prioritization of...
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...
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...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that the H1B cap limit for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) has been reached. This applies to both the 65,000 regular H1B cap limit as well as the 20,000 advanced degree (masters) cap exemptions.The USCIS only had...
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...
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...
Today, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the August 2025 Visa Bulletin. All cutoff dates listed below refer to the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise specified. Visa Bulletin Summary Employment-Based, First Preference (EB1) Category There is no change in the EB1 category for August...
As noted in the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, USCIS Notice to Appear (NTA) Memo Could Result in Harsh Consequences (04.Mar.2025), the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum in February 2025, expanding the types of situations that may lead to the issuance of a...
Today, a federal judge issued a new nationwide injunction against Donald Trump’s executive order that attempted to severely limit who is eligible for birthright citizenship. The judge issued this injection after certifying the suit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as a class...
