Travel Archives - Murthy Law Firm

12 Mar 2026

USCIS Hold and Review of Benefit Applications for Nationals of High-Risk Countries

On January 1, 2026, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0194, directing all agency personnel to place an adjudicative hold on pending benefit applications filed by or for nationals of countries listed in Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10998, Restricting and Limiting...

19 Feb 2026

DOS Provides Consolidated Guidance on B-1 Visas

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued new public guidance clarifying how the B-1 business visitor category may be used, and where its limits lie, in the context of short-term business travel to the United States. The “FACT SHEET: U.S. Business Visas (B-1) and...

09:13 / For Employers / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Travel

16 Feb 2026

New Executive Order on Information Sharing and the Visa Waiver Program

On 06.Feb.2026, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14385, "Protecting the National Security and Welfare of the United States and its Citizens from Criminal Actors and Other Public Safety Threats." This order establishes new policies for information sharing between U.S. agencies and foreign governments, with...

12:45 / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Travel

11 Feb 2026

I recently entered on a B-1/B-2 visa. My I-94 was issued for six months, but my visa stamp expires in April. Is it legal for me to remain in the U.S. after January?

Answer The B-2 visa “stamp” is an entry document. As long as it is valid at the time admission is requested, one typically can be admitted for up to six months. If the I-94 is still valid, the expiration of the visa “stamp” has no impact...

06:17 / B-1 / B-2 / FAQs / For Individuals / Travel / Visitor

11 Feb 2026

I am a green card holder and wish to file for naturalization. However, I took a trip of more than six months to India within the last 5 years. Will this be an issue?

Answer While an absence of between 6-12 months is not necessarily a breach in residency for naturalization purposes, USCIS is increasingly scrutinizing absences of this length. (11.Feb.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...

06:14 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Travel

27 Jan 2026

I recently had to renew my passport. Can I use my new passport, along with the unexpired H1B visa stamp in my old passport, to enter the U.S.?

Answer Generally speaking, yes, a person may present a valid H1B visa in an expired passport along with the new, unexpired passport to request admission in H1B status. (27.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online...

17:52 / FAQs / For Individuals / Travel / Worker

21 Jan 2026

I had a religious marriage in India but did not register it. Instead, my spouse and I plan to register our marriage in the U.S. once we arrive. Is this permitted?

Answer Religious marriages in India are often considered legally valid under U.S. law. Therefore, you should register the marriage in India. Failure to do so may leave you without key evidence of the marriage for future immigration benefits. (21.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

13:55 / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident / Travel

21 Jan 2026

What does a prudential visa revocation under INA §221(i) mean, and does it affect my nonimmigrant status?

Answer A prudential revocation under INA §221(i) is a discretionary action by the U.S. Department of State that cancels the visa stamp, often based on updated security or database information, such as existence of any criminal record. This typically does not end lawful nonimmigrant status for...

13:51 / FAQs / For Individuals / Travel

14 Jan 2026

DOS Pausing Visa Processing for Citizens of 75 Countries

In a significant development for international travel, a U.S. Department of State (DOS) memorandum has revealed a plan to indefinitely freeze visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, effective 21.Jan.2026. This move represents a major expansion of the current administration’s immigration and border policies.According to...

13:16 / Consulates / Employment Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Travel / Worker

05 Jan 2026

Recent Changes and Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Travelers

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a pre-screening tool that most visa waiver program (VWP) travelers must obtain before boarding a flight or ship bound for the United States. While ESTA has been a fixture of VWP travel for years, recent policy changes...

07:53 / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / Travel / Visitor

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