The U.S. government budget cuts, known as sequestration, have dominated news reports in recent weeks. The cuts began on March 1, 2013, and many questions remain as to the impact on government operations and services. This summary of the available information from the U.S. Department...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plans to discontinue the availability of the Legacy INS online filing option for the application to extend / change nonimmigrant status (form I-539). This change will be effective as of February 28, 2013. Those who wish to file...
The new visa application system, introduced in India in September 2012, requires nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants to create a profile at www.ustraveldoc.com/in after completion of the DS-160 form, and to generate the payment code to remit the visa application fee. Next, they must schedule the...
The United States and Canada have entered into a new information-sharing agreement regarding immigration. This arrangement is intended to enhance security. On December 13, 2012, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada and the Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism signed a U.S.-Canada visa and immigration-sharing...
As we launch into New Year 2013, we at the Murthy Law Firm would like to remind our readers that now is a good time to double check important documents and dates related to one's immigration. This is the first in a series of articles...
The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, India recently announced the expansion of the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) for certain visa applicants in India. The expanded program now includes H1B and L-1 visa applicants as well as certain students, provided that they meet specific requirements. Details regarding...
During the holidays there is generally a rise in retail reports of shoplifting. This may be attributable to the overall increase in shopping during the holiday season, when storekeepers must be particularly watchful. Store displays at this time of year may also prove especially tempting...
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...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued correspondence stating that the relationship between long-term, same-sex partners will be recognized as a family relationship in a specific, limited context. The letter from Janet Napolitano, DHS Secretary, addressed the term family relationship as a factor...
It is vitally important for all foreign nationals, regardless of immigration status, to understand the immigration consequences of criminal violations and arrests. Indeed, even a seemingly minor criminal offense, with minimal penalties, can impact one's immigration status, as well as eligibility for future immigration benefits....
