Answer A person on OPT who otherwise has maintained valid status normally can work for up to 180 days beyond their OPT EAD expiration date, based on a timely filed STEM OPT extension application. (27.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....
Answer No, there generally is no requirement that the beneficiary be in the U.S. at the time the I-140 is filed. (27.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here. Copyright...
Answer Generally speaking, yes, a person may present a valid H1B visa in an expired passport along with the new, unexpired passport to request admission in H1B status. (27.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online...
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....
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...
Answer A prudential revocation under INA §221(i) is a discretionary action by the U.S. Department of State that cancels the visa stamp, often based on updated security or database information, such as existence of any criminal record. This typically does not end lawful nonimmigrant status for...
Answer Yes, a student may initiate a SEVIS transfer during the 60-day grace period following program completion. However, initiating the transfer during the grace period does not extend the five-month deadline. The new program still must begin within five months of the student’s last date of...
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...
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...
Answer Under SEVIS regulations, a student’s new academic program must begin within five months of the earlier of (1) the student’s program end date or (2) the SEVIS transfer release date. In practice, this means the five-month clock usually starts on the student’s last date of...
