Many people change status from H1B to H-4 and, later, consider changing back to H1B. This issue was raised in a recent session of the MurthyChat. Some of the frequent questions and misunderstandings in the ability to file and change status and the implications and...
As many people face delays and denials of their nonimmigrant visa requests at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad, questions arise as to the status of dependent family members who are in the United States. It is important, therefore, to remind MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers of...
[Part 1 of this news article, H1B Portability: A Change in USCIS Policy? Part 1 of 2 (13.May.2011), is available on MurthyDotCom.]In Part 1 of this article, a narrowing of the USCIS's interpretation of the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21) was discussed...
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register notice on April 28, 2011, that removes all designated countries from the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS), effective immediately. This decision was made due to the implementation of automated systems for the capture of...
[Part 2 of this MurthyBulletin article discusses the consequence of this variation on individuals who previously engaged in employment under a broader reading of AC21.]One significant change that had been brought about by the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21) was the benefit...
The USCIS held a public teleconference today, August 19, 2010, to outline some of the details regarding the new fee increase contained in the 2010 Border Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. The USCIS plans to issue written guidance shortly and is continuing to consider some of...
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) made a March 15, 2010 announcement of its intent to begin certifying U visa applications on behalf of victims of certain crimes. This is a major change in the processing of U visa applications. Prior to this change, U...
Many applicants for nonimmigrant visas are required to use a new U.S. Department of State (DOS) application form. The nonimmigrant visa electronic application (Form DS-160) is being phased in for use at consulates worldwide. It is currently required for visa applications at the consulates in...
The USCIS has just released a memo dated December 5, 2006, that makes significant positive changes to the counting of time for H1Bs, H-4s, L-1s, and L-2s. This Memo addresses three separate issues. It decouples time spent in H-4 or L-2 status from the time...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on May 9, 2008, entitled, Period of Admission and Stay for Canadian and Mexican Citizens Engaged in Professional Business Activities - TN Nonimmigrants (PDF 65KB). This rule proposes to extend...
