31 Oct 2019

I have been working in H1B status for several years. My I-94 has been extended to 2022, but the visa stamp in my passport has expired. Can I apply for a new stamp in Canada?

Answer Generally speaking, it is possible to apply for a visa "stamp" in Canada. It is suggested that you read this official information regarding third-country nationals applying for a visa in Canada. (30.Oct.2019)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information...

24 Oct 2019

DOS Rule on Determining Visa Ineligibility Based on Public Charge Grounds

On October 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) published an interim final rule in the Federal Register, entitled Visas: Ineligibility Based on Public Charge Grounds. Once this interim final rule goes into effect, it will greatly expand the categories of public benefits considered...

17 Oct 2019

My H1B petition was approved for consular notification. My employer listed Hyderabad as the consulate to be notified, but I actually live near the U.S. Consulate in Chennai. Is it ok if I apply for my H1B visa stamping in Chennai?

Answer Normally, it is possible to apply for an H1B visa "stamp" at a different consulate from the one listed on the H1B petition. This sometimes causes a delay in the visa being issued, but such delays typically are less than 2 weeks. (16.Oct.2019)Sheela Murthy and...

10 Oct 2019

NewsFlash! DOS Amending Public Charge Rules, Effective 15 Oct 2019

On October 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will publish an interim final rule to amend the regulations regarding how consular officers determine whether a foreign national is likely to become a public charge, and therefore ineligible for a visa. This rule will...

19 Sep 2019

I was born in the U.S., but my family moved back to India when I was still a baby. I am now 21, and I have not been back to the U.S. since. Do I have any options of getting my U.S. citizenship back? Or some form of U.S. residency?

Answer Unless you voluntarily renounced your U.S. citizenship (which typically involves a formal process at a U.S. consulate or embassy), you very probably are still a U.S. citizen. A parent cannot renounce U.S. citizenship on behalf of a child; and, “children under 16 are presumed not...

07 Aug 2019

I applied for a visa stamp at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai, but was issued a 221(g). I submitted all the documents requested about 2 months ago, but still no word from the consulate. Do I have any options?

Answer Unfortunately, the U.S. consulates in India now are generally telling applicants that a decision after a 221(g) refusal could take up to 6 months. Until then, there usually are few options. One is free to inquire through Traveldocs. However, these inquiries often only receive a...