06 Aug 2025

My father recently became a U.S. citizen and would like to sponsor me for a green card. Is that allowed, even though I already have a pending EB2 case?

Answer Yes, this normally would be allowed. Filing a family-based case generally would have no impact on a pending employment-based case. Both cases could continue, but each would have a separate priority date. (i.e., The priority date from an employment-based case cannot be used for a...

16 Jul 2025

My husband recently passed away. He had an approved I-140 petition, and I was listed as his derivative spouse. Am I allowed to apply for a green card based on his petition?

Answer Certain derivative beneficiaries of employment-based immigrant petitions or adjustment applications may continue their case even after the principal applicant’s death. Among the requirements to qualify, you must have been residing in the United States at the time of your husband’s passing and must continue to...

16 Jul 2025

I have an approved I-140 that was self-sponsored in the EB1(a) category. Can my husband use this as a basis to apply for an H-4 EAD?

Answer Generally speaking, an approved I-140, including one that is self-sponsored, can be used by an H-4 spouse to apply for an H-4 EAD. (16.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...

10 Jul 2025

Immigration Impact of ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

President Trump signed a spending bill, dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” into law on 04.Jul.2025. While the bill does not fundamentally change who is eligible for U.S. immigration benefits or create new, legal pathways, it dramatically increases funding for immigration enforcement and increases the financial...

09 Jul 2025

I have an approved I-140. I was born in India and my spouse was born in Sri Lanka. Is it true that I can file my I-485 based on her country of birth?

Answer If your spouse was born in Sri Lanka, you can apply based on cross-chargeability using her country of birth instead of India. In other words, your pending green card case can be counted under your spouse’s country of birth rather than your own.  (09.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy...

30 Jun 2025

DOS Clarifies National Interest Exception Process for Travel Ban

Following the implementation of the travel ban implemented on 09.Jun.2025, many foreign nationals have been left with questions regarding their eligibility for visa issuance and admission to the United States. While the proclamation restricts entry for many, it includes provisions for exceptions, including a national...

26 Jun 2025

Overcoming a Finding of Fraud or Willful Misrepresentation at the Consulate

If U.S. consular officers determine that an applicant committed fraud or willful misrepresentation to obtain an immigration benefit, they can make a finding under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 212(a)(6)(C)(i) that makes the applicant inadmissible to the United States. A finding of fraud or willful...