As we launch into New Year 2013, we at the Murthy Law Firm would like to remind our readers that now is a good time to double check important documents and dates related to one's immigration. This is the first in a series of articles...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued the February 2013 Visa Bulletin. No new predictions are provided for the movement of the cutoff dates in future visa bulletins. The February Visa Bulletin is summarized here for the benefit of our readers. Summary of Visa Bulletin Employment-Based,...
This article addresses a concern that was raised in a recent MurthyChat session, regarding changes of employment for those working in H1B status in cap-exempt employment. Readers who wish to transition from H1B cap-exempt employment to cap-subject employment are advised that it is necessary to...
This continuation of the Murthy Law Firm's examination of some of the major immigration developments in 2012 also analyzes the meaning of these developments for 2013. The drastic fluctuation in the employment-based, second preference (EB2) Visa Bulletin cutoff dates for India and China and current...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently conceded that major problems have been encountered in the transition to an electronic filing system. Turning away from the current vendor, the USCIS is considering multiple vendors to address delays and escalating costs. Thus, after a slow...
Fiscal year 2012 (FY12) was the busiest year on record for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) audits of employers' employment eligibility verification (I-9 forms). Beyond just the number of investigations, fines and even arrests also grew dramatically during the past three fiscal years for...
Parts 1 & 2 of this MurthyDotCom NewsBrief examine some of the key immigration developments of 2012. Among the topics covered are how these developments could affect our readers in 2013 and recommendations for strategic planning on the U.S. immigration law front in 2013. The focus here...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced the launch of the E-Verify Employers Search Tool. This tool, which is available free of charge on USCIS's E-Verify WebSite, is a user-friendly interface that allows individuals to search for and view profiles of employers currently...
At the Murthy Law Firm, we have been receiving inquiries about the possibility of employment authorization for H-4 dependents. These questions arise out of the appearance of a proposal that is pending review at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Following is an explanation...
It was recently announced that, beginning February 1, 2013, a $165 Immigrant Visa DHS Domestic Processing Fee (USCIS Immigrant Fee) will be collected by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This fee only applies to green card applicants who are applying for immigrant visas...
