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30 Jun 2025

DOS Clarifies National Interest Exception Process for Travel Ban

Following the implementation of the travel ban implemented on 09.Jun.2025, many foreign nationals have been left with questions regarding their eligibility for visa issuance and admission to the United States. While the proclamation restricts entry for many, it includes provisions for exceptions, including a national...

11:44 / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Resident / Student / Travel / Visitor / Worker
26 Jun 2025

Overcoming a Finding of Fraud or Willful Misrepresentation at the Consulate

If U.S. consular officers determine that an applicant committed fraud or willful misrepresentation to obtain an immigration benefit, they can make a finding under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 212(a)(6)(C)(i) that makes the applicant inadmissible to the United States. A finding of fraud or willful...

11:47 / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Visitor / Worker
23 Jun 2025

Consular Posts to Resume F, J, and M Visa Appointments with Expanded Screening

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently announced that U.S. consular posts soon will resume scheduling visa appointments for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applicants. The resumption comes alongside the implementation of expanded screening and vetting procedures that will include comprehensive review of applicants'...

10:44 / Consulates / F-1 / For Individuals / J-1 / M-1 / NewsBrief / Student / Travel
19 Mar 2025

Several years ago, an employer filed an H1B petition through the lottery for me. It was approved without an I-94 card because I was not in the U.S. when the petition was filed. I then was issued a visa stamp by the consulate, but my circumstances changed, and I never entered the U.S. If I wish to apply for an H1B now, would I have to go through the lottery again?

Answer Generally speaking, if a person was issued an H1B visa “stamp” based on a case filed through the lottery, that person is considered cap-exempt (and therefore would not need to go through the lottery again). (19.Mar.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

07:15 / Consulates / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
14 Feb 2025

Change in Requirements to Qualify for DropBox Appointments in India

Last month, the U.S. Department of State quietly changed the eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants in India seeking an interview waiver (commonly referred to as “dropbox” appointments). These changes, which appear to have been made without a formal announcement, are outlined on the U.S....

09:50 / Consulates / For Families / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Travel / Visitor / Worker
05 Feb 2025

I have a valid H1B visa stamp in my passport. If a new employer files an H1B for me for consular processing, does that mean I have to go again for stamping?

Answer If the H1B is filed for consular processing, it means the petition will not be approved with an I-94. If the beneficiary already has a valid H1B visa “stamp” in their passport, however, they do not need to go back to the consulate. Rather, the...

12:57 / Consulates / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / H1B / Travel / Worker