13 May 2020

Updated Visa Bulletin Information and Predictions

During a recent virtual meeting with the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Charles Oppenheim, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division, provided some updated information and a couple of predictions regarding the monthly visa bulletin. All predictions refer to...

07 May 2020

My H1B registration was selected in the lottery. I am having trouble getting all the documents I need for the H1B petition due to the COVID-19 situation. Has the USCIS extended the deadline for when we need to file the H1B petition?

Answer No, the USCIS has not extended this deadline. Cases selected in the registration lottery must be filed within the period indicated on the registration selection notice (which, for most people, is June 30, 2020). (07.May.2020)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the...

07 May 2020

I was laid off from my H1B job a few weeks ago, so I filed for a change of status to B-2. I now have a new company willing to sponsor me for an H1B position. Can I start working as soon as the petition is filed?

Answer If you are still within your 60-day grace period, you generally could start working for the new employer upon the filing of the H1B change-of-status petition. The fact that you filed an application to change status to B-2 should not impact your eligibility, assuming it...

30 Apr 2020

My fiancée and I were supposed to get married at a court for a civil wedding, but the courthouse is closed due to the pandemic. We have now found a priest who can perform the ceremony and sign the marriage certificate. Will the USCIS consider this a legal wedding?

Answer Generally speaking, as long as the marriage is recognized under your state's laws as a legal marriage, that is sufficient for immigration purposes. (29.Apr.2020)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...