08 Feb 2024

Filing an I-130 Petition at a U.S. Consulate in Exceptional Circumstances

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) have a special, expedited I-130 form, petition for an alien relative, filing procedure for a U.S. citizen living abroad facing exceptional circumstances. In eligible situations, this procedure can help reduce the...

01 Feb 2024

I was in H-4 status and was working based on an H-4 EAD. In October, my status changed to H1B, and I was working in that status until recently, when I was laid off. If I depart and return on H-4, can I work as a contractor based on my H-4 EAD?

Answer If you are able to return in valid H-4 status, and the H-4 EAD is still valid, it should be possible to resume working on that EAD. (01.Feb.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online...

28 Dec 2023

My wife presented her passport and H-4 visa at the port of entry when she last entered, but her I-94 was not extended to match my latest H1B extension. Was she required to present my most recent approval notice in order to get her status extended?

Answer If the latest approval notice is not presented, the CBP officer at the port of entry typically will not admit the dependent spouse beyond the expiration date listed on the visa (which generally is the expiration date from the original H1B approval notice).  (28.Dec.2023)Sheela Murthy...

20 Dec 2023

My H-4 and H-4 EAD have expired and my extensions are pending. Is it true that I am allowed to continue to work for up to 180 days?

Answer Unfortunately, if both your I-94 and EAD have expired, you are not allowed to work based on the pending extension. The 180-day extension only applies if the EAD extension is timely filed and the H-4 spouse's I-94 remains valid. (20.Dec.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...

20 Dec 2023

NewsFlash! Details of Domestic Visa Renewal Program Released

The details of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) pilot program to resume renewals of H1B visas from within the United States have been released, and will be officially published in the Federal Register tomorrow. The program will begin accepting applications on January 29, 2024....

14 Dec 2023

I am in L2S status. I understand that I am automatically authorized to work, but that I am also eligible to apply for an EAD. Is there any reason to apply for an EAD while in L2S status?

Answer There typically is no need to apply for an EAD while in L2S status. There are some relatively unusual scenarios where, perhaps, it would have been best if the L2S spouse had applied for an EAD. But, for most L and E dependent spouses, there...

14 Dec 2023

Is there any problem if I am sponsored for an H1B change of employer while my wife’s H-4 EAD application is pending?

Answer An H1B change-of-employer petition ordinarily would not have any direct impact on a spouse's pending H-4 EAD. (14.Dec.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 © 2023, MURTHY...