In May 2015, a regulation was implemented to finally allow at least some H-4 dependent spouses to obtain work authorization. Given that the program has been in place for nearly a decade, seasoned H1B workers and H-4 dependents are typically aware of the requirements to...
On May 22, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on the processing and adjudication of form I-130, petition for alien relative, which is filed in family-based immigration cases. Here are the key points you need...
Answer Generally speaking, having an I-130 petition filed and then withdrawn would not prevent a person from applying for a visa or green card in the future. This information would have to be disclosed, as appropriate, however, such as on the DS-160, where it asks if...
Answer The EB5 category is a bit confusing on the visa bulletin because it is divided into four separate subcategories. There is EB5 Unreserved, and then three different Set Asides – rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure.If you invest in any of the Set Asides, the category...
The Murthy Law Firm regularly assists foreign nationals in filing self-sponsored immigrant petitions under the EB1(a) category as persons of extraordinary ability (EA). In one such case, the immigrant petition (form I-140) was filed for an expert in the field of computer networking and information...
Answer There is no way to expedite the PERM process. The DOL has a very clear, absolute, no-expedite rule. You can look here on the DOL website to see the priority dates of the PERM cases under process. That information is typically pretty reliable. (15.May.2024)Sheela Murthy...
Answer If at least 180 days have passed since the I-140 was approved, the USCIS will not revoke an I-140 based solely on it being withdrawn by the employer. Therefore, it typically can still be used by one's spouse for purposes of applying for an H-4...
When a PERM labor certification case is filed, the employer must state the minimum education and/or experience requirements for the sponsored position. If the employer requires a higher level of education and/or experience than what the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) considers normal for the...
Answer There is no requirement for the beneficiary of an approved EB1(c) petition to work in the U.S. until the green card is issued. So, this generally would be allowed.Note, however, that the "ability to pay" requirement that had to be overcome to get the I-140...
Answer Yes, even if the I-140 is approved after using up the full 6 years of H1B time, the USCIS will typically still allow that I-140 to be used to "extend" H1B status beyond the standard 6-year max. (08.May.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...
