05 Nov 2025

I am currently in H1B status. I had a complicated pregnancy and ended up having to take more than six months of voluntary leave. Will this be viewed as a violation of status?

Answer The legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) previously indicated that an H1B worker is entitled to the same leave as the company’s other employees, including benefits under the FMLA and/or the employer’s maternity or parental leave policies. (04.Nov.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

29 Oct 2025

I am in the U.S. on L-1 status, but my family is still abroad. If I obtain my green card, can my family come to the U.S. afterwards on L-2 status and apply for their green cards?

Answer Once the primary L-1 visa holder becomes a permanent resident, they are no longer in L-1 status, and their family members are no longer eligible for L-2 status. The family would need to enter the U.S. prior to the principal L-1 visa holder becoming a...

23 Oct 2025

I am still confused about the $100,000 fee. If am in the U.S. in F-1 status and am hoping to change status to H1B in next year’s lottery. Does the fee apply in this situation?

Answer No, the $100,000 fee would not apply to an F-1 student, if the H1B is approved as a change of status. (23.Oct.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs...

23 Oct 2025

A few years ago, my EB2 I-140 was approved based on my position as a Software Engineer. Last year, I went to India to work for our parent company as a manager for one year, and my employer is now filing an EB1(c) I-140 for me. Can I use the priority date from my Software Engineer position and apply it to my managerial position?

Answer Ordinarily, yes, the priority date from any I-140 petition filed for an EB1, EB2, or EB3 case can be applied for any other EB1, EB2, or EB3 case filed for the same beneficiary. (23.Oct.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....