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04 Apr 2024

Murthy Snapshot: USCIS Increases Automatic Extension for Certain EAD Renewals

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) soon will publish a temporary final rule in the Federal Register that will increase the automatic extension period of certain employment authorization documents (EADs) while the form I-765 renewal application is pending. Here are the key points you...

17:27 / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / Immigrant Family / L-2 Dependent / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / USCIS News / Worker
25 Mar 2024

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for Expedite Requests

On March 21, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated the USCIS Policy Manual clarifying certain criteria for expedite requests. The update also provides additional guidance on how to submit expedite requests to the USCIS and how they are processed. Overview of USCIS Policy...

10:15 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / USCIS News
20 Mar 2024

I am in the U.S. on H1B, but my wife is remaining in India for another year while completing university. When she can, she will be visiting for relatively short visits, and then returning to India. Given that these will be short trips, should she just come on her B-2 visa?

Answer Although it is permissible to request admission on B-2 to visit one's H1B spouse, in most circumstances, it probably makes sense to obtain an H-4 dependent visa. As long as the principal H1B worker is in valid status, a dependent typically can request admission in...

14:22 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel / Worker
01 Feb 2024

I was in H-4 status and was working based on an H-4 EAD. In October, my status changed to H1B, and I was working in that status until recently, when I was laid off. If I depart and return on H-4, can I work as a contractor based on my H-4 EAD?

Answer If you are able to return in valid H-4 status, and the H-4 EAD is still valid, it should be possible to resume working on that EAD. (01.Feb.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online...

08:41 / FAQs / For Families / H-4 Dependents / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
28 Dec 2023

My wife presented her passport and H-4 visa at the port of entry when she last entered, but her I-94 was not extended to match my latest H1B extension. Was she required to present my most recent approval notice in order to get her status extended?

Answer If the latest approval notice is not presented, the CBP officer at the port of entry typically will not admit the dependent spouse beyond the expiration date listed on the visa (which generally is the expiration date from the original H1B approval notice).  (28.Dec.2023)Sheela Murthy...

07:53 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel / Worker
20 Dec 2023

My H-4 and H-4 EAD have expired and my extensions are pending. Is it true that I am allowed to continue to work for up to 180 days?

Answer Unfortunately, if both your I-94 and EAD have expired, you are not allowed to work based on the pending extension. The 180-day extension only applies if the EAD extension is timely filed and the H-4 spouse's I-94 remains valid. (20.Dec.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...

18:23 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker