02 Jun 2026

I heard that the DHS reversed course on the recent 21.May.2025 AOS memo and now says that most immigrants seeking green cards will not need to leave the U.S. to complete the process. Can you please clarify?

Answer While the reported U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reversal and clarification are encouraging, it remains unclear how the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will apply the guidance in the memo. Adjustment of status (AOS) remains a discretionary benefit, and USCIS officers will continue...

01 Jun 2026

Visa Bulletin and Priority Dates Made Easy

If you are waiting for a green card, you have probably heard about the Visa Bulletin or waiting for a “priority date” to be “current.” For many, these technical terms keep them in the dark. The reality is more straightforward than it sounds. This article...

27 May 2026

USCIS recently issued guidance emphasizing that AOS is discretionary and for extraordinary circumstances and that individuals seeking permanent residence generally should apply through consular processing. How could this affect my already pending I-485 application?

Answer It remains unclear how the USCIS will apply this guidance and whether it could affect adjustment of status (AOS) applications that are already pending. However, based on reports from recent adjustment interviews, applicants may be asked to explain why they pursued AOS in the United...

22 May 2026

NewsFlash! USCIS Reinforces that Adjustment of Status is Discretionary – Not a Right

On May 21, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, reminding its officers and the public that adjustment of status (AOS) under INA § 245 is an act of administrative grace, not an entitlement. Even applicants who satisfy every statutory...

19 May 2026

We realized after my company filed the ETA Form 9089 that there was a mistake on the application. Can it be corrected after filing?

Answer No. The U.S. Department of Labor typically does not permit typographical error corrections for a filed ETA Form 9089. In some cases, if the recruitment advertisements are still valid, the employer may be able to withdraw the application and refile a corrected ETA Form 9089....

19 May 2026

My EB1C priority date became current a few years ago, but I did not file my Form I-485 at that time. I later entered the U.S. in L1A status and planned to apply for adjustment of status with my family. Is there any issue with applying for a green card after waiting a few years after my priority date became current?

Answer As long as the qualifying job offer underlying the approved Form I-140 immigrant petition remains valid, there is typically no specific deadline by which a person must file the Form I-485 application for adjustment of status after the priority date becomes current. (19.May.2026)Sheela Murthy and...

19 May 2026

I have a pending employment-based Form I-485 application based on a job offer from one employer. I understand that I may be able to transfer the underlying basis of the I-485 to either a different employment-based category or a new employer based on another approved Form I-140 petition. Does my priority date need to be current to make this request?

Answer Yes. In order to transfer the underlying basis of a pending Form I-485 application, the priority date generally must be current for your country of chargeability under the Final Action Dates chart in the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for the category associated with...