12
Feb
2015
H1B “Master’s Cap” Pitfalls: Cautionary Reminder
This MurthyDotCom NewsBrief has been updated for our readers. Find the new article here....
23
Jan
2015
Immigration Bills Introduced: Long Road Ahead
The Murthy Law Firm has received many inquiries regarding the impact of recently proposed immigration bills that would eliminate the per-country limit for employment-based immigrant visa categories. This per-country limit is one of the primary reasons most beneficiaries born in China and India must endure...
23
Jan
2015
Immigration Bills Introduced: Long Road Ahead
The Murthy Law Firm has received many inquiries regarding the impact of recently proposed immigration bills that would eliminate the per-country limit for employment-based immigrant visa categories. This per-country limit is one of the primary reasons most beneficiaries born in China and India must endure...
12
Jan
2015
New Exchange Rate for Visa Application Fees in India
Effective December 22, 2014, the exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the U.S. dollar, for purposes of paying visa applications fees in India, has changed. The new exchange rate is 64 rupees per U.S. dollar, up from the previous designated rate of 62 rupees...
18
Dec
2014
Few Timelines Yet Available for President’s Executive Actions
Immediately following President Obama's November 20, 2014 announcement of his executive actions related to immigration reform, the Murthy Law Firm began to receive queries asking when the changes would go into effect. While the timeline on immigration benefits for undocumented aliens has been fairly well...
08:03 /
EB2 National Interest Waiver / F-1 / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / PERM Labor / USCIS News
10
Dec
2014
Improved B, F, M, and J Visas for Chinese Nationals
The United States has entered into a reciprocal agreement with China regarding the duration of commonly utilized nonimmigrant visa categories. This agreement, effective November 12, 2014, applies to B-1/B-2 business and tourist visitors, F-1 and M-1 students, as well as J-1 exchange visitors. Chinese nationals...
08
Dec
2014
Definition of “Academic Year” for F-1 Students
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued policy guidance specifying the definition of the term "academic year." as used for SEVP purposes. This is important because many immigration benefits available under the F-1 program are closely tied to how...
02
Dec
2014
TPS Designations for Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated three West African countries for temporary protected status (TPS), due to the outbreak of Ebola in the region. Effective November 21, 2014, nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone living in the United States are eligible...
10:40 /
For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Travel / USCIS News / Visitor
21
Nov
2014
President’s Executive Actions for U.S. Businesses and Highly Skilled Workers
President Barack Obama addressed the nation on November 20, 2014, in a televised speech to outline his proposed changes to immigration policies through executive action. These changes are part of a multi-pronged effort by the White House to make needed improvements by executive action to...
16:39 /
AOS/CP / Comprehensive Immigration Reform / EB2 National Interest Waiver / EB5 Investor / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / L-1 / Legislation / NewsBrief / PERM Labor / Student / Visa Bulletin / Worker
18
Nov
2014
NewsFlash! Update on DOS Global eMail Situation
Department of State eMail Restored The external eMail system for the U.S. Department of State (DOS) is operational, as of November 18th. The DOS suggests that those who have not received responses to eMail sent to DOS after the evening of November 14th, may wish to...
13:37 /
AOS/CP / AOS/CP (Family) / Consulates / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Visitor / Worker