The U.S. government budget cuts, known as sequestration, have dominated news reports in recent weeks. The cuts began on March 1, 2013, and many questions remain as to the impact on government operations and services. This summary of the available information from the U.S. Department...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plans to discontinue the availability of the Legacy INS online filing option for the application to extend / change nonimmigrant status (form I-539). This change will be effective as of February 28, 2013. Those who wish to file...
The new visa application system, introduced in India in September 2012, requires nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants to create a profile at www.ustraveldoc.com/in after completion of the DS-160 form, and to generate the payment code to remit the visa application fee. Next, they must schedule the...
The United States and Canada have entered into a new information-sharing agreement regarding immigration. This arrangement is intended to enhance security. On December 13, 2012, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada and the Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism signed a U.S.-Canada visa and immigration-sharing...
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. 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...
The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, India recently announced the expansion of the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) for certain visa applicants in India. The expanded program now includes H1B and L-1 visa applicants as well as certain students, provided that they meet specific requirements. Details regarding...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently started denying some H1B petitions filed under the advanced degree exemption, or "master's cap," due to the nature of the U.S. school from which the individual graduated. This is not a change in the law; rather,...
The I-94 card system is undergoing the automation process by he U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Eventually, this will lead to the end of paper I-94 cards for foreign national travelers. Delays in I-94 data entry are creating problems in the widely-used E-Verify system...
As we approach the season when many individuals and families travel abroad, our readers are reminded of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) policy regarding visa applicants with histories that include drunk driving or other offenses involving alcohol. The DOS guidance clarifies how consular officers...
