The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), released selected statistics for fiscal year 2012 (FY12). The statistics provide insights into trends for employment-based, permanent-resident sponsorship. The DOL revealed data regarding the number of PERM labor certifications received, denied, withdrawn, and...
As we approach the season when many individuals and families travel abroad, our readers are reminded of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) policy regarding visa applicants with histories that include drunk driving or other offenses involving alcohol. The DOS guidance clarifies how consular officers...
We at the Murthy Law Firm frequently receive queries from individuals transitioning from F-1, Optional Practical Training (OPT) to H1B. Some of the most difficult problems are faced by individuals who, after waiting for months, find that the H1B job promised to them is no...
The Murthy Law Firm submitted extensive comments to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in early September 2012, setting forth our concerns regarding several proposed DOL changes to the labor condition application (LCA), Form 9035. The LCA is required for all H1B petitions as well...
There continue to be delays in processing H1B petitions. This issue involves both the California Service Center (CSC) as well as the Vermont Service Center (VSC). The matter is urgent for cap-subject cases as the H1B start date of October 1, 2012, which is requested...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently confirmed that the employment eligibility verification (I-9) form, available on the USCIS WebSite, remains valid despite its stated expiration date of August 31, 2012. The USCIS process for making changes to the I-9 and releasing a new...
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) continues to seek clarification from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the need to amend the H1B petition for a worker whose work location has changed. As explained in this MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, expectations are clearly shifting from...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released E-Verify Self-Assessment Guides. These guides are intended to assist participating employers in their use of the E-Verify program and related compliance with requirements for the I-9. Form I-9 audits and compliance have become a hot topic...
There are many variables that can impact the length of time it can take for an individual to obtain a visa for travel to the United States. This is particularly important to foreign nationals living abroad who want temporary U.S. entry, as well as to...
Attorney Sheela Murthy travels to India periodically to meet with U.S. consular officials on behalf of the Murthy Law Firm and our clients. Her next visit is in October 2012. Ms. Murthy currently has availability during this trip for representation of a limited group of...
