When an H1B visa foil (commonly referred to as a visa 'stamp') is issued, the consular officer typically annotates the visa with the petition number and expiration date of the I-797 approval notice presented at the U.S. consular post abroad. At the time of admission...
Answer The visa is an entry document. Typically, it must be valid at the time the person requests admission to the United States. Once admitted, however, the visa expiration date typically has no impact on the person's status. A person's B-1/B-2 status expiration date normally is...
Answer Typically, if a person in B-2 status travels while an I-485 is pending, the I-485 is considered abandoned unless the individual has a valid AP document. (23.Feb.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...
Answer You cannot apply for a visa "stamp" from within the U.S. just yet, but the U.S. Department of State (DOS) is developing a pilot program to allow certain visa applicants to do this. This stateside visa renewal program is expected to commence later this year...
Answer If an H1B visa ‘stamp’ application is denied, one would ordinarily be able to continue using an existing H-4 visa stamp. However, consulates do occasionally cancel valid visas, even though they are not required to do so. (19.Jan.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...
Answer Having a pending green card case does not prevent a person from requesting admission in B-2 status. However, there generally is an increased risk of being denied admission based on immigrant intent. (19.Jan.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For...
Answer Unfortunately, this has become a common problem. When filing for an extension online, the biometrics notice generally is sent only electronically through the USCIS online portal; no physical notice is mailed to the applicant. If the applicant misses the appointment and is not able to...
Many aspects of immigration law are tied to expiration dates, grace periods, filing deadlines, and other date-driven matters. So, it is vitally important to keep informed and on top of calendar items and timelines specific to one’s immigration process. Many serious problems can be avoided...
When an individual applies for an F-1, H1B, or other nonimmigrant visa at the U.S. consulate abroad, it can be fairly common to be refused initially under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This broad section applies to a wide variety of...
Answer When applying for a visa "stamp," the petition must be valid and the job must still be available. If circumstances change after the visa is issued, there is no cooling off period required to apply for an amendment. Further, the existing visa typically would remain...
