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21 Jan 2026

I am currently on OPT and my employer will be filing for me in the H1B lottery. They have agreed to raise my salary to increase my odds of being selected. When would they have to start paying the increased salary, if I am selected?

Answer The employer would not have to start paying the H1B salary until you are actually in H1B status. If you are selected in the lottery, 01.Oct.2026 will be the earliest requested start date. (21.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

13:58 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / H1B / Worker
21 Jan 2026

I had a religious marriage in India but did not register it. Instead, my spouse and I plan to register our marriage in the U.S. once we arrive. Is this permitted?

Answer Religious marriages in India are often considered legally valid under U.S. law. Therefore, you should register the marriage in India. Failure to do so may leave you without key evidence of the marriage for future immigration benefits. (21.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

13:55 / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident / Travel
14 Jan 2026

Do we still get automatic extension of H-4 EADs based on applying for a renewal?

Answer Unfortunately, the rule allowing for the automatic extension of EADs based on a pending renewal was eliminated in October 2025. EAD renewal applications filed on or after 30.Oct.2025 normally are not granted automatic extensions. (13.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the...

07:22 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
14 Jan 2026

I need to get an English translation of a document that I am submitting to the USCIS. Do I need to pay for an official translation for this to be usable with the USCIS?

Answer Per regulation, “Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language...

07:17 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Employers / For Families / Immigrant Family / Resident
06 Jan 2026

I was recently scheduled for an interview regarding my pending I-485. My co-workers who already have employment-based green cards were never asked to go for an interview. Is this a cause for concern?

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...

18:37 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / USCIS News
30 Dec 2025

After I was laid off from my H1B position, I filed an application to change status to B-2. While that application was pending, I left the U.S. I later received a notice telling me the application had been denied because of my travel. Does this mean I violated my status while the B-2 was pending?

Answer If a person travels while an application or petition requesting a change of status is pending, the change of status request normally will be deemed abandoned and therefore denied. Such a denial typically would not retroactively result in a violation of status. (30.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and...

17:12 / B-2 / FAQs / For Individuals / Travel / Visitor / Worker