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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
19 Nov 2025

I am in H1B status and recently got married to a U.S. citizen. We filed an I-130 and I-485 based on the marriage, and both cases are still pending. I may be laid off soon. If that happens, do I have to leave the U.S.?

Answer Normally, a person may remain in the U.S. based on a pending I-485 application. If the H1B worker is laid off, it likely will be necessary to stop working until the EAD is issued (or an H1B change of employer petition is filed). (19.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy...

12:42 / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident / Worker
07 Nov 2025

State Department Expands Health-Based Grounds for Visa Denials

The Trump Administration has directed the U.S. Department of State to issue new guidance directing consular officers to consider a significantly expanded range of health conditions when evaluating visa applications, including common chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health conditions. Although...

13:32 / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Travel / Worker
29 Oct 2025

I am in the U.S. on L-1 status, but my family is still abroad. If I obtain my green card, can my family come to the U.S. afterwards on L-2 status and apply for their green cards?

Answer Once the primary L-1 visa holder becomes a permanent resident, they are no longer in L-1 status, and their family members are no longer eligible for L-2 status. The family would need to enter the U.S. prior to the principal L-1 visa holder becoming a...

05:29 / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / Immigrant Family / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Travel / Worker
04 Sep 2025

USCIS to Stop Accepting Checks and Money Orders, Effective 29.Oct.2025

In a significant policy shift, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced its plan to eliminate the ability to pay filing fees using personal checks, money orders, or other forms of paper payments, with few exceptions. For decades, these paper-based payments have been a...

09:05 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News
18 Aug 2025

USCIS Updates Policy Manual for Family-Based Immigrant Petitions

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Policy Manual was recently updated, providing guidance related to family-based petitions. This update explains and clarifies eligibility criteria, filing procedures, interview scheduling, and other issues. Most notable is the USCIS decision to issue notices to appear (NTAs) –...

09:13 / Consulates / Family Based / For Families / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News
23 Jul 2025

I am in H-4 status and recently was charged with shoplifting. What immigration impact might this have?

Answer It is important to get immigration guidance and criminal representation. The consequences depend, to a large extent, upon the maximum possible sentence allowed for the charge in the particular state. In some locations, a conviction for shoplifting makes one removable (i.e., deportable) and inadmissible. In...

07:56 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Visitor / Worker