03 May 2023

Priority Dates: How Does the Visa Bulletin Work?

The concept of priority dates is confusing for many. There are statutory limits to the number of foreign nationals who may be granted permanent residency (commonly, green cards) under all employment-based (EB) and most family-based (FB) categories. For these types of green card cases, priority...

13 Apr 2023

A few years ago, my U.S. citizen sister sponsored me for a family-based green card. Can I use that priority date for my EB3 case?

Answer No, unfortunately, you generally cannot use a priority date from a family-based case and apply it to an employment-based case. (13.Apr.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...

06 Apr 2023

I am on H1B and my wife is on L1A. Her company will be sponsoring her for a green card under the EB1 category as a multinational manager. Do I have to change to L-2 status in order to apply for a green card as her dependent?

Answer No, there normally is no need to be in L-2 status in order to apply for a green card as a dependent of one's spouse. (06.Apr.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...

22 Mar 2023

April 2023 Visa Bulletin

Today, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the April 2023 Visa Bulletin. All cutoff dates listed refer to those in the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise specified. Visa Bulletin Summary Employment-Based, First Preference (EB1) Category There is no movement in the EB1 category, with...

09 Mar 2023

I was born in India and have an I-140 pending in the EB2 category. I recently married a woman who was born in Sri Lanka. Can we file I-485 applications based on her country of birth?

Answer Yes, in most situations, it is possible to be charged against a spouse's country of birth when applying for a green card. This is known as cross-chargeability. The fact that the marriage took place after the I-140 was filed typically would not impact a person's...

09 Mar 2023

Ten years ago, when I became a U.S. citizen, I filed an I-130 petition for my sister. She has now gotten married. Do I need to file a separate I-130 for her husband?

Answer In the family-based preference categories, the spouse and/or minor children of the primary beneficiary may also benefit from the single-petition filing. Normally, there is no need to file a separate petition for these family members. (09.Mar.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

27 Feb 2023

USCIS Expands Eligibility Under the Child Status Protection Act

On February 14, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual that significantly improves the protections offered by the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). Per the new guidance, in certain circumstances, CSPA age determinations may be based...

23 Feb 2023

While my father was visiting me on B-2, I sponsored him for a green card. Both the I-130 and I-485 are pending. Can he travel back to India and then return on his B-2, or does he need to first get an advance parole document?

Answer Typically, if a person in B-2 status travels while an I-485 is pending, the I-485 is considered abandoned unless the individual has a valid AP document. (23.Feb.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...

16 Feb 2023

I am in the U.S. on B-1/B-2. A few years ago, my sister, who is a U.S. citizen, sponsored me for an FB4 green card. My priority date will not be current for a number of years. Can I ask USCIS to expedite my case so that I can file an I-485 now and wait in the U.S. until the priority date becomes current?

Answer It generally is not possible to file an I-485 application based on an I-130 petition when the priority date is not current. While the USCIS has the ability to expedite the processing of an I-130 petition, the ability to apply for adjustment of status in...