On 28.Feb.2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a policy memorandum that dramatically expands the circumstances under which the USCIS intends to issue a notice to appear (NTA), or refer cases to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for NTA issuance. An...
The Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Directorate, a division of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), conducts unannounced site visits to H1B employers as part of its compliance and fraud prevention efforts. These visits aim to verify the legitimacy of H1B petitions and...
Issues with L1A and L1B petitions and best practices for filing these are discuss by Murthy Law Firm attorneys is this podcast. The MP3 is available here and can be found in the archive of our teleconferences and podcasts on iTunes. ...
Answer Traveling during the H1B registration process would not impact the lottery case at all. If you are selected in the lottery and then file the H1B as a change of status, travel could be a problem, but travel is not an issue during the registration...
All too often, H-4 dependents inadvertently find themselves in challenging immigration situations. This may occur because of a simple oversight or misunderstanding of the requirements to remain in valid status, or even potentially because of an error made by an immigration official. Below are three...
Last month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a final rule that updates the criteria for nonprofit and governmental research organizations sponsoring H1B visa beneficiaries under the cap-exempt category. This change is expected to expand the number of organizations that qualify as cap...
Answer If you wish to start working based on your EAD rather than continuing in H1B status, you typically should notify your employer so that your I-9 records can be updated, but there is no need to notify the USCIS. (18.Feb.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...
Answer Normally, the H-4 EAD application is approved at the same time, or shortly after, the H-4 change-of-status application. However, there is no way to guarantee this. (18.Feb.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...
Last month, the U.S. Department of State quietly changed the eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants in India seeking an interview waiver (commonly referred to as “dropbox” appointments). These changes, which appear to have been made without a formal announcement, are outlined on the U.S....
Answer An H-4 spouse who does not have an EAD generally can be a passive investor in a business. However, one is not permitted to perform any work for the company, even if it is unpaid. And determining whether a particular activity is considered "work" under...
