Our Indian affiliate, Murthy Immigration Services, Pvt. Ltd. (MISPL) recently provided an update regarding the procedures for nonimmigrant visa applications for young children applying within India. This article summarizes information provided to readers of the MurthyIndiaBulletin, as it is also important to many MurthyDotCom readers...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced its May 22, 2012 launch of the initial phase of USCIS ELIS (electronic immigration system) for filing requests for certain immigration benefits. This is part of the overhaul of the systems previously used by the USCIS...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently announced major changes to nonimmigrant and immigrant visa fees. These fees are charged to applicants who apply for visas (sometimes referred to as visa "stamping") at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. These new fees became effective April 13,...
The U.S. consulates and embassies are currently implementing a U.S. Department of State (DOS) pilot program announced in January 2012. This program allows individuals who meet certain conditions to avoid interviewing at U.S. consulates when seeking their visas. This Visa Interview Waiver Program (IWP) is...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the expansion of the Global Entry Program (GEP). This program facilitates entry to the United States for qualified, trusted travelers. Background on Global Entry Program Details regarding the permanent creation of the...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) launched its Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIR) initiative through an information summit on February 22, 2012. The EIR initiative is an important component of President Barack Obama's efforts to facilitate immigration benefits for foreign national entrepreneurs who will help to create...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a final rule that would establish a permanent global entry program (GEP), allowing faster clearance for certain pre-approved, low-risk travelers. This program will help streamline the processing of international visitors to the United States through selected international...
Many people have faced the disappointment of denial when requesting the B-1/B-2 visitors' visas. These difficulties are often faced by relatives trying to gain permission to come to the United States for a visit. Most denials are due to presumed immigrant intent. It is sometimes...
Since October 1, 1996, any person who has "overstayed" (remained in the U.S. past the expiration date on his/her latest I-94 card), even for a single day, has been no longer eligible to apply for the nonimmigrant (temporary) visa from a country other than her/his...
The terms visa and status are often used interchangeably, which creates confusion for many people. Here, the distinctions between visa and status are clarified for the benefit of our readers. Visa Issued by U.S. Consulate Abroad A visa is a document issued by the U.S. Department of...
