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14 Jan 2026

DOS Pausing Visa Processing for Citizens of 75 Countries

In a significant development for international travel, a U.S. Department of State (DOS) memorandum has revealed a plan to indefinitely freeze visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, effective 21.Jan.2026. This move represents a major expansion of the current administration’s immigration and border policies.According to...

13:16 / Consulates / Employment Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Travel / Worker
14 Jan 2026

I need to get an English translation of a document that I am submitting to the USCIS. Do I need to pay for an official translation for this to be usable with the USCIS?

Answer Per regulation, “Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language...

07:17 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Employers / For Families / Immigrant Family / Resident
09 Jan 2026

USCIS Premium Processing Fees to Increase, Effective 01.Mar.2026

On Monday, 12.Jan.2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is scheduled to publish a final rule in the Federal Register that will increase the premium processing fees. This fee increase will go into effect on 01.Mar.2026.Per the final rule, premium processing fees that are currently...

14:22 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Visitor / Worker
06 Jan 2026

I was recently scheduled for an interview regarding my pending I-485. My co-workers who already have employment-based green cards were never asked to go for an interview. Is this a cause for concern?

AnswerThe USCIS is now requiring in-person interviews for the vast majority of I-485 applicants. So, the fact that you have been scheduled for an interview, is not unusual and does not necessarily mean there’s cause for concern. As for your co-workers, this interview requirement is...

18:37 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / USCIS News
30 Dec 2025

I have an approved I-140 and my priority date will be current in January. I am temporarily working abroad and do not expect to return to the U.S. for a few months. Can I apply for my green card from here?

Answer In order to file an application to adjust status (form I-485), you must be in the U.S. at the time of filing. And, depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to remain in the U.S. until and unless one obtains an advance parole (AP)...

17:08 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Travel
30 Dec 2025

If I self-sponsor for a green card through the EB1(a) category, might the USCIS issue an RFE to my current employer, or otherwise check with my current employer and disclose that I filed this petition?

Answer Ordinarily, if a foreign national files an EB1(a) petition on their own behalf, the USCIS will not contact one’s existing employer in relation to the petition. (30.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...

17:04 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident
29 Dec 2025

USCIS Updates Photograph Reuse Policy for Immigration Benefits

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced updated policy guidance on 12.Dec.2025, regarding significant changes to its photograph reuse policy for immigration benefit applications. For the benefit of MurthyDotCom readers, a summary of the new policy is provided. Background on Photograph Collection Before issuing a secure...

09:22 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News