The Murthy Law Firm routinely receives calls from dependent spouses, such as those admitted in H-4 or L-2 status, who have remained in the United States beyond the expiration date of their respective I-94 cards, under the mistaken belief that an extension of the principal's...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released updated policy guidance related to employment authorization for F-1 nonimmigrant students who qualify for special student relief (SSR) based on severe economic hardship. More specifically, the guidance serves to clarify the maximum length of time the...
When an H1B visa foil (commonly referred to as a visa 'stamp') is issued, the consular officer typically annotates the visa with the petition number and expiration date of the I-797 approval notice presented at the U.S. consular post abroad. At the time of admission...
H1B cap filing season is nearly upon us, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) again will use the electronic registration system, which was first implemented in March 2020. Below are answers to several frequently asked questions sent by both foreign nationals and prospective...
On February 14, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual that significantly improves the protections offered by the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). Per the new guidance, in certain circumstances, CSPA age determinations may be based...
In applying for a PERM labor certification, the worksite generally must be listed. While this location was traditionally the employer's address, the increased use of virtual offices and remote work has complicated the analysis for determining the correct location to note while filing the PERM....
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended certain flexibilities related to the COVID-19 pandemic through 23.Mar.2023. The USCIS anticipates that this will be the final extension of these measures. Flexible Deadlines Applicable through 23.Mar.2023 Under the extension, applicants and petitioners will continue to have an...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the March 2023 Visa Bulletin. There is very little movement in the employment-based categories from the previous month. Worse still, in the visa bulletin, the DOS cautions that higher-than-expected demand in several categories may force additional retrogression...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a streamlined and expedited deferred action request process for a noncitizen worker who cooperates in a labor standards investigation after being a victim of, or witnesses to, labor violations. This program is the latest initiative forming...
Each year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for setting federal poverty guidelines, which are used to determine whether an individual or family qualifies for certain government benefits. These guidelines are important in the immigration context, particularly with respect to...
