The PERM labor certification is the first in a three-step process in the majority of employment-based, permanent resident (commonly referred to as “green card”) cases. Because of how long this process can take, foreign nationals studying in the United States often want to begin the...
Common visa stamping issues and strategies involved in consular processing are the topic of this Q/A session recorded for you by Murthy Law Firm attorneys. The MP3 is available here and can be found in the archive of our teleconferences and podcasts on iTunes. ...
This morning, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the October 2024 Visa Bulletin. Unfortunately, there is less forward movement than hoped for in this first visa bulletin of fiscal year 2025 (FY25). All cutoff dates listed refer to those in the final action chart...
Answer In general, yes, this is permissible. There is a USCIS memo that says, as long as one I-140 petition was filed within the validity period of the labor certification, another I-140 petition can be filed. (11.Sep.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...
Answer A person subject to a J-1 home residency requirement typically is not eligible to be granted a change of status to H1B or an H1B visa "stamp" from a consular post unless the individual first either completes the home residency requirement or obtains a waiver....
Answer Yes, at least for now, the USCIS should adjudicate these cases at around the same time. This is based on a settlement agreement that the USCIS entered into on January 25, 2023. The USCIS is only bound by this agreement for a few more months,...
The majority of immigration cases are adjudicated correctly by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other relevant U.S. government agencies. But there are situations in which a government agency makes an adverse decision on a case that is contrary to the law. In...
On August 27, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual related to optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 students. Below are the key points you need to know:A student may apply for a STEM OPT...
Answer There is no statute or regulation that specifically addresses this issue. Over the years, however, there has been some guidance indicating (or, at least, implying) that traveling while an H1B extension of stay is permissible, and that the beneficiary's new I-94 will go into effect...
Answer Unfortunately, no. Normally, an H-4 dependent spouse cannot work past the I-94 expiration date. (03.Sep.2024)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 © 2024, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All...
