30 Jun 2025

DOS Clarifies National Interest Exception Process for Travel Ban

Following the implementation of the travel ban implemented on 09.Jun.2025, many foreign nationals have been left with questions regarding their eligibility for visa issuance and admission to the United States. While the proclamation restricts entry for many, it includes provisions for exceptions, including a national...

26 Jun 2025

Overcoming a Finding of Fraud or Willful Misrepresentation at the Consulate

If U.S. consular officers determine that an applicant committed fraud or willful misrepresentation to obtain an immigration benefit, they can make a finding under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 212(a)(6)(C)(i) that makes the applicant inadmissible to the United States. A finding of fraud or willful...

23 Jun 2025

Consular Posts to Resume F, J, and M Visa Appointments with Expanded Screening

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently announced that U.S. consular posts soon will resume scheduling visa appointments for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applicants. The resumption comes alongside the implementation of expanded screening and vetting procedures that will include comprehensive review of applicants'...

17 Jun 2025

My school operates on a quarter-based schedule with summer, fall, winter, and spring academic quarters. Instead of taking courses this coming winter, am I permitted to take a vacation?

Answer If a student attends a school on a quarter or trimester calendar, they may take one vacation per year during any one of the quarters or trimesters, as long as they have completed the equivalent of an academic year prior to taking the vacation. (17.Jun.2025)Sheela...

01 May 2025

MurthyAudio: Best Practices for International Travel 2025

Murthy Law Firm attorneys guide nonimmigrants and others on preparation for entering the U.S. at a port of entry (POE) in 2025. The MP3 is available here and can be found in the archive of our teleconferences and podcasts on iTunes.           ...