15 Oct 2025

November 2025 Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the November 2025 Visa Bulletin. There are no changes from the previous month in the employment-based categories. Also, I-485 adjustment-of-status applicants must use the more favorable dates for filing chart (i.e., Chart B). Visa Bulletin Summary Employment-Based, First Preference...

15 Oct 2025

I am in L-1 status and want to file an I-485 application for my employment-based green card. However, my job requires frequent international travel. Will this be a problem?

Answer If you are maintaining valid L-1 status and have an unexpired L-1 visa stamp in your passport, you generally may travel internationally while your I-485 application is pending. The only issue with such travel typically would be that, if you also applied for advance parole...

13 Oct 2025

Increased Scrutiny at U.S. Ports of Entry: What You Need to Know About Expedited Removal Orders

There are reports of heightened scrutiny by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at U.S. ports of entry (POEs), even for individuals entering the U.S. under employment-based visas such as the H1B. This heightened scrutiny can lead to lines of intense questioning and searches...

01 Oct 2025

When I became a U.S. citizen some years ago, I sponsored my sister for a family-based green card. She recently got married. Can I now sponsor her husband, too?

Answer In the family-based preference categories, the spouse and/or minor children of the primary beneficiary may also benefit from the single-petition filing. Normally, one does not need to file a separate petition for these family members. (30.Sep.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

01 Oct 2025

Do the EB1(a), EB1(b), and EB1(c) categories always share the same cutoff date in the monthly visa bulletin?

Answer Yes, all EB1 classifications are subject to the same cutoff dates in the visa bulletin. (30.Sep.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright © 2025, MURTHY LAW FIRM....

25 Sep 2025

Possible Government Shutdown as of 01.Oct.2025

Congress must pass a spending bill to extend government operations before October 1, 2025, or else a temporary shutdown of the federal government will go into effect. This would be the first shutdown since Trump was reelected. Security, CBP, and Vital Functions Continue The U.S. government never...