On September 12, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released guidance clarifying how it evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for two EB1 immigrant subcategories, for a person of extraordinary ability (EB1(b). This policy update provides guidance on types of evidence for EB1 petitions...
Answer Based on past shutdowns, it seems very unlikely that the USCIS will extend grace periods based on a government shutdown. (28.Sep.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here. Copyright...
Answer We will have to wait and see. Based on what we have seen from past lottery announcements we likely will know whether a third lottery is necessary before the end of November 2023. (28.Sep.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....
Beginning October 1, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will exempt all I-539 applicants from paying the $85 biometrics service fee. This exemption will apply indefinitely. Background Information In 2019, the USCIS implemented a policy that required most form I-539 applicants to complete biometrics screening...
Congress must pass a spending bill to extend government operations before October 1, 2023, or else a temporary shutdown of the federal government will go into effect. This would be the first shutdown of the Biden Administration. Annual Budget Process and History of Shutdowns The money needed...
Today, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the October 2023 Visa Bulletin, which is the first visa bulletin of fiscal year 2024. As expected, there is movement in most of the categories. All cutoff dates listed refer to those in the final action chart...
The Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for conducting site visits, when needed, at the homes of married couples in spousal permanent residence ("green card") cases. This is an effort to identify and investigate...
Are you seeking to pursue higher education in the United States as an F-1 student? This Special Podcast, produced in association with Telugu Association of North America (TANA), is tailored just for you. Join our team of experienced immigration lawyers as they delve into the...
Answer In the preamble to the regulation that created the 24-month STEM OPT program, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) laid out the rule regarding travel while a STEM OPT extension is pending: "Students on STEM OPT extensions (including those whose application for a STEM OPT extension...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the temporary protected status (TPS) designation of Ukraine for an additional eighteen months, to April 19, 2025. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, TPS designation was initially granted, as explained in the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, DHS Opens...
