31 Aug 2023

I am in H-4 status and am enrolled in university as a full-time student. To be eligible for OPT after I graduate, do I need to be enrolled full time in F-1 status for a full year?

Answer Generally speaking, one of the requirements for OPT eligibility is that the individual must have been enrolled in a college or university on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year. The USCIS has clarified that, for pre-completion OPT, the one-full-academic-year requirement does...

17 Aug 2023

A few years ago, my sister, who is a U.S. citizen, filed an I-130 for me. I recently got an EB2 I-140 approved. Can I use the priority date from the I-130 for my I-140 case?

Answer Unfortunately, no. Priority dates cannot be transferred between employment-based and family-based petitions. (17.Aug.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 LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved...

14 Aug 2023

Department of State Updates Guidance on Material Misrepresentation Findings

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) updated the guidance for how consular officers should determine whether a misrepresentation made by a foreign national is to be considered "material." Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, if a foreign national makes a misrepresentation regarding...

10 Aug 2023

MurthyAudio: Impact of Criminal Issues

The impact of criminal issues like DUI and shoplifting on nonimmigrant status and Lawful Permanent Residence (i.e. green card) are discussed by Murthy Law Firm attorneys in the podcast that aired 02.Aug.2023.The MP3 is available here and in the archive of our teleconferences and podcasts...

10 Aug 2023