18 Jun 2018

An RFE was issued on my H1B petition, and another was issued on my wife’s H-4 application. Can we send both responses together in the same USPS or FedEx envelope?

Answer In general, yes, both should be sent in the same envelope to ensure they reach the combined files. (18.Jun.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click...

11 May 2018

Updated Rulemaking Agenda Again Lays Out Trump’s Harsh Plans for Foreign Nationals

At the end of 2017, MurthyDotCom summarized a number of concerning immigration regulations under consideration by the Trump Administration in the NewsBrief, Troubling Immigration Rules, Including End of H-4 EAD, on Trump’s Rulemaking Agenda (2017.Dec.15). While none of the rules has yet come to light,...

07 May 2018

May 2018 Visa Bulletin Check-In: Short-Term Predictions

Most months, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division, Charles Oppenheim, provides visa bulletin explanations and predictions. For the May 2018 Visa Bulletin, Mr. Oppenheim only provides some very minor, short-term predictions. Family-Based Preference Categories For most family-based (FB) preference...

23 Apr 2018

I am on H1B. Is there any way to have my mother accompany me to the U.S. as my dependent?

Answer One's mother would not be eligible for H-4 status, but it may be possible to obtain extended B-2 status as a "household member." Please see the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, B-2 Visas for Household Members of Long-Term Nonimmigrants (05.Dec.2016). (23.Apr.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy...