The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released a new version of the application for naturalization (form N-400). This new N-400 is 21 pages in length - 11 pages longer than the previous version. While the revised N-400 includes many additional questions, it should...
As evidenced from the inquiries we receive at the Murthy Law Firm, there are many individuals who are interested in the possibility of what is referred to as "upgrading" their permanent resident (commonly, "green card") cases to employment-based, second preference (EB2). This strategy is used...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently made permanent a visa interview waiver program that was initiated as a temporary, pilot program in January 2012. This program allows some individuals seeking renewals of previously issued visas to have their applications adjudicated without having to attend...
Current and prospective foreign national students may find it difficult to navigate through all the available options for studying in the United States, and the requirements that must be met. With this in mind, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unveiled a new web portal...
Many foreign nationals travel to Mexico to apply for visas at the U.S. consulates there. Mexico is also a popular tourist destination for U.S. citizens as well as foreign nationals who reside in the United States. However, a Travel Warning recently issued by the U.S. Department...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the February 2014 Visa Bulletin. For the most part, there are no major changes in this latest visa bulletin from the previous month. One exception to this is the continued favorable developments for the employment-based, third preference...
A Freedom of Information ACT (FOIA) request has led to the release of an internal, confidential memorandum from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS). The memo, dated June 3, 2013, revises USCIS policies related to detecting and...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on December 23, 2013 that some H1B extension petitions filed with the Vermont Service Center (VSC) are being transferred to the California Service Center (CSC) for adjudication. This case transfer is due to the need to create...
The problems with the U.S. economy have brought renewed focus on options for attracting foreign investors. Similarly, the opportunities created by economic woes in the United States have attracted the attention, and money, of many foreign investors. However, a recent audit report by the U.S....
The category of J-1 intern or trainee is sometimes overlooked as a useful option for individuals and employers. Many foreign nationals aspire to gain professional experience in the United States to enhance their long-term career opportunities in their home countries. These individuals may believe their...
