06 Nov 2023

Immigration Tips Before Taking a Cruise

While foreign nationals are typically mindful about confirming the permissibility of international travel prior to boarding a plane, an individual may be less mindful about another, less common form of travel – international cruises. However, like air travel, a foreign national should understand the nature...

02 Nov 2023

I am working in H1B status and have a pending change of employer petition. I plan to stay with my current employer until the change of employer petition is approved. Will the USCIS notify my current employer of the pending change of employer petition?

Answer Generally, no, the USCIS will not notify one's current employer that another employer has filed a change of employer petition. (02.Nov.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...

26 Oct 2023

Can I work in the U.S. while in H-4 status for a foreign company without an EAD? The company will pay me in a bank account in my home country.

Answer Although the regulations regarding unauthorized employment are not entirely clear, it seems likely that, unless a foreign national has valid work authorization, performing work for a foreign entity while in H-4 status without a valid EEAD would still generally be viewed as unauthorized employment and...

26 Oct 2023

I previously worked in the U.S. in H1B status, and now work as a manager in India. My company is planning on transferring me to the U.S. as a manager. If I come to the U.S. in H1B status, can I still apply for a green card under the EB1(c) category? Or, do I need to enter in L1A status to qualify for EB1(c)?

Answer There is no need to be in L1A status in order to be sponsored for an EB1(c) multinational executive or manager position. Assuming you meet the requirements, it is possible to be in H1B status and have the employer file a petition for you under...

19 Oct 2023
19 Oct 2023

The last time I entered the U.S. in H1B status, I was admitted for an extra 10 days. Am I allowed to work during that 10-day period?

Answer The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the ports of entry have the discretion to grant a 10-day grace period beyond the validity period of a person's petition (as do USCIS officers). However, this grace period does not provide any type of work...

19 Oct 2023

USCIS Launches New Online Change-of-Address Tool

On October 12, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) launched the new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool for an individual to notify the USCIS of a change in address. The tool is intended to improve the speed and efficiency of updating...

16 Oct 2023

USCIS Extends Maximum Validity Period for Certain EADs

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that, effective immediately, the maximum validity period of certain categories of employment authorization documents (EADs) will increase from one or two years to five years. This procedural change should help to reduce burdens on applicants and...