24 Mar 2022

I have a B-1 visa in my passport. A company in the U.S. submitted an H1B registration for me. If the registration is selected, can I enter the U.S. on the B-1 so the employer can file the petition requesting a change of status?

Answer Ordinarily, a person may not enter the U.S. in B-1 status with the intention of then applying for a change to H1B status.  (23.Mar.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...

17 Mar 2022

I have a friend in Ukraine who recently fled to a neighboring country. Are there any special visa options she may have to come stay with me for a time in the U.S.?

Answer There are no special visas available specifically based on the invasion of Ukraine. However, depending on the circumstances, there may be options to apply for a nonimmigrant visa.One option may be to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. One hurdle with this option is that the...

24 Feb 2022

My mother came to the U.S. in B-2 status. She now wishes to extend her stay for four months. However, the B-2 visa stamp in her passport expires in two weeks. Is that going to create a problem?

Answer No, the expiration date of the B-2 visa "stamp" should not create a problem in applying for an extension of B-2 status. The visa is an entry document and normally needs to be valid at the time the person is requesting admission in B-2 status....

18 Nov 2021

I am a U.S. citizen and I sponsored my mother for a green card. Due to backlogs, the earliest date I could get for her appointment at the consulate is about 6 months from now. In the meantime, can she visit me on her tourist visa?

Answer Immigration officers at the U.S. ports of entry generally have discretion to admit a person on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa while that individual has a green card case pending. However, to be admitted on a B-1/B-2 visa, the foreign national typically must demonstrate a lack...

04 Nov 2021

Presidential Proclamation Lifts Travel Bans and Imposes Vaccination Requirement

Effective November 8, 2021, the Biden Administration is rescinding the COVID-19 related travel restrictions based on several presidential proclamations. In its place, President Biden has issued a proclamation that requires nearly all nonimmigrant international air travelers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before being admitted...