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...
Answer The H-4 COS will be abandoned when one leaves the U.S., but one can apply for an H-4 visa stamp to return at any time (assuming the principal spouse is in valid H1B status). A COS approval is not required to apply for a visa...
Answer One can qualify for OPT after one year of full-time study in any status (as long as s/he is in F-1 status at the time the OPT application is filed). (14.May.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that...
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,...
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...
Answer Yes, the change of employer should not affect the validity of the EAD. However, if the I-140 has been approved for fewer than 180 days, the employer may still revoke it, making it impossible to extend the EAD. (09.Apr.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela...
Fifteen members of the U.S. Congress wrote a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristjen Nielson in March 2018, urging her to reconsider the department's plan to terminate the program that allows certain H-4 spouses to obtain employment authorization documents...
Answer There is no grace period in this scenario. Once a divorce is finalized, the (former) dependent spouse is no longer eligible for H-4 status. You typically would fall out of status as soon as the divorce is official (although, depending on the circumstances, you won't...
Answer One should be in the United States and in H-4 status to apply for an H-4 EAD. However, there is no prohibition on traveling abroad after the application is filed. (12.Mar.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that...
Answer If you previously held H1B status and you have an I-140 approved, you generally can use this as a basis to return to H1B status. (i.e. The approved I-140 can be used to request H1B status beyond the standard 6-year max.) (05.Mar.2018)In frequent sessions of...
