Questions have arisen surrounding some recent applications for adjustment of status (I-485) cases filed for derivative (dependent) beneficiaries. The receipt notices issued for some of these cases reflect the date of the I-485 filing in place of the correct priority date. The USCIS has explained...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued correspondence stating that the relationship between long-term, same-sex partners will be recognized as a family relationship in a specific, limited context. The letter from Janet Napolitano, DHS Secretary, addressed the term family relationship as a factor...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Visa Bulletin for September 2012 is the final visa bulletin of fiscal year 2012 (FY12). This visa bulletin is far less eventful than those from earlier in the year. The contents, however, reflect prior events with ongoing unavailability in...
The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) recently issued a precedent decision, which significantly changes prior interpretations regarding travel on advance parole (AP) after an individual has been unlawfully present in the United States. Under the BIA decision, Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly, an individual who...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) blog, known as the Beacon, recently posted information on what the USCIS characterizes as three myths regarding the adjustment-of-status (AOS or I-485) process. These three myths, and the USCIS clarifications, are discussed here for the benefit of MurthyDotCom...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently announced major changes to nonimmigrant and immigrant visa fees. These fees are charged to applicants who apply for visas (sometimes referred to as visa "stamping") at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. These new fees became effective April 13,...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed a regulatory change that is intended to improve the procedures for certain applications for waiver or forgiveness of periods of unlawful presence in the United States. This is only a proposal at this time, and, as...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is considering changes to the immigrant visa waiver process. These potential modifications are in response to recommendations for changes in processing Form I-601 applications made by the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman). While the changes are...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a final rule that would establish a permanent global entry program (GEP), allowing faster clearance for certain pre-approved, low-risk travelers. This program will help streamline the processing of international visitors to the United States through selected international...
With the forward movement of the employment-based, second preference (EB2) cutoff dates, which primarily benefit individuals born in India and China, many people are anxiously awaiting the day when they will be able to file their applications to adjust status to permanent residence (Form I-485)....
