14 Aug 2023

Department of State Updates Guidance on Material Misrepresentation Findings

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) updated the guidance for how consular officers should determine whether a misrepresentation made by a foreign national is to be considered "material." Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, if a foreign national makes a misrepresentation regarding...

03 Aug 2023

I’m in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa for a business trip. I need to go to Canada for a couple of weeks and then return to the U.S. Will I be readmitted for a full 6-month period when I come back?

Answer Typically, a person who enters in B-1/B-2 status will be admitted with an I-94 valid for six months from the date of entry. During that trip, if the person travels to Mexico or Canada for less than 30 days and then returns to the U.S.,...

20 Jul 2023

Last year, my mother came to the U.S. on her B-2 visa and stayed here for 6 months. She is now hoping to come back to the U.S. to attend a wedding, but this travel is not critical. How long does she need to wait before coming back to visit on B-2?

AnswerThere is no set length of time that a person must wait to request readmission on a B-1/B-2 (or B-2) visa. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry always have discretion to admit (or deny admission to) a person...

13 Jul 2023

Last year, I was laid off by my H1B employer, so I returned to my home country. The employer withdrew my H1B petition and, on the USICS website, it shows that my petition has been revoked. I recently got a job offer and the H1B petition was approved. Can I enter using my existing visa stamp?

Answer Typically, if an H1B visa "stamp" is facially valid / unexpired, it can be used, along with an approved H1B petition, to request admission in H1B status. The fact that the previous petition has been withdrawn by your prior employer normally would have no impact...

13 Jul 2023

I am a naturalized U.S. citizen. My father is ill, and I am going to travel back to India to take care of him. I may be gone for an extended period. Do I have to inform the USCIS?

Answer An extended stay abroad normally would have no impact on one's status as a U.S. citizen. There is ordinarily no need to notify the USCIS of travel abroad, even if it will be for an extended period. (13.Jul.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

13 Jul 2023

My husband is on L1A and his employer is filing an EB1 petition for him as a multinational manager. Do I have to be in the U.S. in L-2 status during this process?

Answer There is no requirement that dependents be in the U.S. when an I-140 is filed. Once the priority date is current, however, each dependent would need to be physically in the United States in order to file his or her I-485 adjustment-of-status application. The alternative...

03 Jul 2023

Inadmissibility and Immigrant / Nonimmigrant Waivers

A foreign national may become subject to inadmissibility for a variety of reasons. Those deemed inadmissible are not eligible for immigrant or nonimmigrant visas, admission to the United States, extension of nonimmigrant status, or adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident (LPR)....