The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) O*NET system announced an update to its job zone classification structure, consolidating the previous five-level system into a four-level framework, to be implemented in February 2026. This change is a result of shifts in the labor market and rising...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced 03.Dec.2025 that it will expand mandatory social media screening to include all H1B visa “stamp” applicants and their H-4 dependent family members, effective 15.Dec.2025. The expansion extends an online presence review requirement that previously applied only to student...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced new policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on how country-specific facts and circumstances may impact the adjudication of discretionary benefit requests. Presidential Proclamation 10949 The new guidance follows the framework of the 04.Jun.2025 Presidential Proclamation 10949, "Restricting...
Answer Yes, generally speaking, the case will remain in the premium processing track until it is approved or denied. The USCIS normally will issue a final decision – or, less likely, issue a second RFE or a notice of intent to deny (NOID) – within 15...
Answer No. Being outside the United States normally would not carry an added risk of a person being stripped of U.S. citizenship. (02.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs...
Answer The Administration created a draft form I-140G (immigrant petition for the gold card program), which presently is under review. We may get an update on the status of this proposed program in the coming weeks or months. (02.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...
The Trump administration is reportedly considering adding ten or more additional countries to the full travel ban list. This comes in the wake of an attack on two members of the National Guard by an Afghan national who is legally residing in the United States.Currently,...
If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (commonly referred to as a “green card holder”), and wish to sponsor a relative for a family-based green card, you normally file the petition for alien relative (form I-130) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration...
The USCIS recently expanded online filing options to allow certain immigration forms to be submitted as completed PDFs, rather than requiring applicants to manually enter information into an online form. This change offers greater flexibility for some applicants, but it also comes with important caveats...
Answer We do not yet know whether the proposed regulations will be finalized before the next lottery. As soon as details are released, we will post the information on MurthyDotCom. (25.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our...
