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...
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...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a policy memorandum, implementing indefinite policy changes to the processing of asylum applications and benefit requests from certain countries. The policy directs USCIS personnel to place holds on certain pending applications and conduct comprehensive reviews of...
Answer USCIS allows only specific applications / petitions to be filed online. Some can even be filed by uploading a .pdf of the form. For more information, visit this USCIS website. (16.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released the details governing the new Gold Card program, an immigration initiative established by Executive Order 14351. The program will allow foreign nationals to pay a fee in order to apply for lawful permanent residency (i.e., a...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced new policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on how country-specific facts and circumstances may impact the adjudication of discretionary benefit requests. Presidential Proclamation 10949 The new guidance follows the framework of the 04.Jun.2025 Presidential Proclamation 10949, "Restricting...
Answer The Administration created a draft form I-140G (immigrant petition for the gold card program), which presently is under review. We may get an update on the status of this proposed program in the coming weeks or months. (02.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...
The Trump administration is reportedly considering adding ten or more additional countries to the full travel ban list. This comes in the wake of an attack on two members of the National Guard by an Afghan national who is legally residing in the United States.Currently,...
The USCIS recently expanded online filing options to allow certain immigration forms to be submitted as completed PDFs, rather than requiring applicants to manually enter information into an online form. This change offers greater flexibility for some applicants, but it also comes with important caveats...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently sent notices to many individuals about a new fee requirement affecting certain individuals who seek parole into the United States. It appears that most of notices were sent to those with a valid parole document, but some...
