The U.S. Department of State (DOS) November 2012 Visa Bulletin carries good news for the employment-based, second preference (EB2) category for all countries except India and China. This summary and analysis of the November 2012 Visa Bulletin is prepared by the Murthy Law Firm for...
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 Labor (DOL), Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), released selected statistics for fiscal year 2012 (FY12). The statistics provide insights into trends for employment-based, permanent-resident sponsorship. The DOL revealed data regarding the number of PERM labor certifications received, denied, withdrawn, and...
The President has signed legislation extending the expiration or "sunset" dates of four important immigration programs. These programs are: the EB5 (investor) Regional Center Program; the E-Verify employment verification program; the EB-4 Religious Worker (non-minister) Program; and the Conrad State 30 physician J-1 waiver program....
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...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Diversity Visa (DV) "Green Card" Lottery registration period for fiscal year 2014 (FY14) will begin on October 2, 2012. There are 50,000 immigrant visa numbers available under the FY14 lottery program. This program is available for individuals from specified...
The severely retrogressed cutoff date in the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Visa Bulletin for October 2012 has created many difficult situations. There are numerous individuals who were able to obtain permanent residence during the brief period in fiscal year 2012 (FY12) when cutoff dates...
It is vitally important for all foreign nationals, regardless of immigration status, to understand the immigration consequences of criminal violations and arrests. Indeed, even a seemingly minor criminal offense, with minimal penalties, can impact one's immigration status, as well as eligibility for future immigration benefits....
The release of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Visa Bulletin for October 2012 has generated shockwaves for those in the employment-based, second preference (EB2) India category. The retrogression to a cutoff date of September 1, 2004 in the EB2 India category is far more...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Visa Bulletin for October 2012 contains a cutoff date of September 1, 2004 in employment-based, second preference (EB2) for India. This is a significant change from previous predictions given by the DOS Visa Office. The October 2012 Visa Bulletin,...
