Citizen Archives - Murthy Law Firm

16 Jun 2026

I am applying for naturalization but have heard that USCIS is not scheduling oath ceremonies for many applicants, even when the interview goes well. Am I allowed to travel internationally while my naturalization application is pending?

Answer Yes. In general, applicants may travel internationally while their naturalization applications are pending. However, it is important to avoid any scheduling conflicts with USCIS appointments. Applicants also should ensure that any travel does not affect their ability to satisfy the continuous residence and physical presence...

08 Jun 2026

USCIS May Now Deny Benefit Requests with Invalid Signatures

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued an interim final rule giving officers the discretion to deny, rather than simply reject, a benefit request found to have an invalid signature after the case has been accepted for processing. Why this Matters Previously, requests with invalid signatures...

11:58 / Citizen / EB5 Investor / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Investor / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Worker

13 May 2026

When USCIS Won’t Act: Your Legal Options for a Stalled Naturalization Application

Becoming a U.S. citizen takes years of work and patience. So when the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives your Form N-400 and then goes silent, the frustration can feel unbearable. Months pass after you have cleared your interview and met every requirement with...

08:17 / Citizen / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / USCIS News

29 Apr 2026

I have an employment-based green card and am getting ready to file for citizenship. Since obtaining my green card, I have changed jobs and am no longer working in the same field. Is this a problem?

Answer Generally speaking, you are not required to be working in the same field at the time of applying for naturalization as when you received your green card. However, in some circumstances it may be an issue. Before seeking new post-green card employment or applying for...

11:00 / Citizen / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident

27 Apr 2026

Engaged or Married to a U.S. Citizen? Picking the Right Immigration Route

You are a U.S. citizen, your partner lives abroad, and you want to build your life together in the United States. Whether you are already married or planning to be, there are two main immigration routes to consider: the I-130 immigrant visa petition for spouses,...

09:02 / Citizen / Consulates / Family Based / For Families / Immediate Relative / Immigrant Family / K-1 & K-3 / NewsBrief / Resident

03 Dec 2025

Does an extended stay outside the U.S. increase my risk of being denaturalized?

Answer No. Being outside the United States normally would not carry an added risk of a person being stripped of U.S. citizenship. (02.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs...

11:52 / Citizen / FAQs / For Individuals

01 Dec 2025

Filing Form I-130 with a U.S. Consular Post

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (commonly referred to as a “green card holder”), and wish to sponsor a relative for a family-based green card, you normally file the petition for alien relative (form I-130) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration...

15:08 / Citizen / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident

26 Nov 2025

USCIS Offers Online PDF Filing Option for Some Case Types

The USCIS recently expanded online filing options to allow certain immigration forms to be submitted as completed PDFs, rather than requiring applicants to manually enter information into an online form. This change offers greater flexibility for some applicants, but it also comes with important caveats...

08:43 / Citizen / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News

27 Oct 2025

Mandatory and Discretionary Bases for Denying Forms I-485 and N-400

An applicant for adjustment of status (form I-485) or naturalization (form N-400) may face denial on two broad legal grounds: mandatory and discretionary. Understanding when a denial is compelled by statute, as opposed to when it reflects a negative exercise of discretion, is essential for...

09:55 / Citizen / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News

29 Sep 2025

Murthy Snapshot: New 2025 Civics Test for Naturalization

On September 17, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the implementation of the new 2025 Civics Test for naturalization, replacing the 2008 version of the test. Here are the key points you need to know about the new test:Approximately 75 percent...

07:38 / Citizen / For Individuals / NewsBrief / USCIS News

Murthy Law Firm