Answer The green card process typically can be initiated while the foreign national is on OPT. There is no requirement that one have a particular visa status to be sponsored for a green card. (06.Nov.2017)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...
... However, my petition is still pending. I’m concerned that it can be denied and I will need to leave the U.S. Can I transfer to another program of study so that I can continue on F-1, even if my H1B is denied later? Answer You should...
Answer Ordinarily, once a person changes to H1B status, any remaining period of OPT is lost and cannot be regained. (23.Oct.2017)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,...
Answer OPT is intended to provide practical experience in the field for which one received one's degree. Work in a different field is not permitted. Further, while a person may generally be self-employed while in the initial 12-months of OPT, self-employment typically is not permitted while...
Answer The "green card" process can typically be started at any time, regardless of one's current nonimmigrant status. (02.Oct.2017)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 here.Access...
Answer One is normally permitted to remain in the U.S. in a "period of authorized stay" based on a pending I-485. (25.Sep.2017)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...
Multiple reports from attorneys across the country have indicated that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a new policy prohibiting attorneys from entering secondary inspection areas at U.S. ports of entry (POEs) to meet or accompany clients. Although there has been no official...
… The DSO reviewed the I-983 and issued me a new I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation that I submitted with my application. I have now received a new offer of employment from another company. Am I allowed to change to a new company while...
As of September 1, 2017, the processing of U.S. visas in Russia has been greatly scaled back. Applications for nonimmigrant visas have been suspended indefinitely for all consulates in Russia, other than at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. This action was taken in response to...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a news alert, advising stakeholders impacted by Hurricane Harvey of the immigration relief that may be available on a case-by-case basis. Some of the types of relief that may be requested include:Changing a nonimmigrant status...
