The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has provided a possible mechanism for certain laid off nonimmigrant workers who have pending B-1 or B-2 (B-1/B-2) applications to regain work visa status. More specifically, if the nonimmigrant worker has a pending application to change status to...
Answer We typically recommend that H1B change-of-employer petitions request a start date that is no later than the last day of the beneficiary's grace period. If it is filed requesting a date later than that, the USCIS still has the discretion to approve the petition with...
Answer Typically, as long as the B-1/B-2 visa has not expired, it can be used to request admission in B-1/B-2 status. (27.Apr.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here. Copyright...
The Murthy Law Firm routinely receives inquiries from people who are in the United States and who wish to "sponsor" a friend or family member for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The reality is that, ordinarily, one cannot actually be sponsored for a standard B-1/B-2 visa;...
Answer No, that is not correct. On its website, the USCIS "recommends" filing at least 45 days prior to one's I-94 expiration date. However, there is no rule requiring this. As long as the application is filed prior to the I-94 expiration date, one normally may...
In recent months, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reinterpreted a long-existing rule in a manner that impacts applications to change from B-1/B-2 business / visitor status to F-1 full-time student status. The net result is greater uncertainty and expense for B-1/B-2 visitors...
Answer Yes, it is generally possible to request a six-month extension. These requests are frequently denied, however, unless the applicant can provide evidence of a valid reason as to why the extended stay is warranted. Further, a denial could result in the visa 'stamp' being automatically...
Murthy Law Firm founder and president, Sheela Murthy, was in India in January 2016. A meeting was scheduled for the 22nd. Accompanied by team members from the firm's liaison office in Chennai, Murthy met with the Chief of the Nonimmigrant Visa Section, Lindsey L. Rothenberg,...
Effective April 1, 2015, the U.S. embassy and consulates in India will be retiring the Business Executive Program (BEP). This program, which was created in the 1990s, was a U.S. government effort to facilitate business travel through registration and recognition of established companies. BEP Service Benefits The...
The B-1 visa category is generally for those seeking entry into the United States to engage in temporary, business-related activities that do not involve the performance of day-to-day work duties. The B-1 in lieu of H1B visa category, however, allows individuals to enter the United...
