With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of visa services at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad remains limited. The severity of backlogs in visa interviews varies based on epidemic control protocols of each country. U.S. embassies and consulates are taking the necessary precautions to protect...
Answer Getting married to a person with a green card would have no direct impact on one's F-1 status. However, if applying for certain immigration benefits, such as an F-1 visa at a consulate, it is possible this could create problems related to immigrant intent. (01.Apr.2021)Sheela...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has launched a new monthly program on YouTube, to allow Charlie Oppenheim, Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division, to provide insight and predictions related to the visa bulletin. This month, Mr. Oppenheim provides some updated predictions for...
Answer It may be possible to obtain this by filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Department of State (DOS). (25.Feb.2021)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...
Answer Generally speaking, a foreign national is not permitted to enter the U.S. on a B-1 visa with the intention of applying for a change of status. (30.Dec.2020)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...
From time to time, articles are written to guide MurthyDotCom readers in avoiding inadvertently running afoul of immigration laws. One common problem involves individuals present in the United States in lawful, nonimmigrant status who wish to earn extra money. These foreign nationals are often enticed...
Today, a federal district court in California issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the enforcement of President Trump's June 22, 2020 executive order that bans entry of certain nonimmigrants in H, L, or J status. However, this injunction only applies to the plaintiffs in the pending...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced today that, in light of a federal court order issued on September 4, 2020, consulates may resume processing fiscal year 2020 diversity visa (DV) cases to the degree that "local health conditions and post resources allow." However, consulates...
U.S. consular sections across India have resumed accepting drop box applications to renew F, M, J, H, and L visas from qualifying applicants. In addition to the standard drop box requirements, H and L visa applicants must qualify for one of the exceptions to the...
Answer Yes, the USCIS is processing L-1 petitions. But, if the person is subject to the executive order and does not fit within any of the exceptions, a consulate will not issue the beneficiary an L-1 visa "stamp" until the executive order is lifted. (26.Aug.2020)Sheela Murthy...
