221(g) Visa Stamp is Considered a Visa Refusal
When an individual applies for an F-1, H1B, or other nonimmigrant visa at the U.S. consulate abroad, it can be fairly common to be refused initially under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and...
View ArticleAILA Urges State Department to Address E Visa Processing Delays
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recently sent a letter to the U.S. Department of State (DOS), urging the DOS to address ongoing issues related to E-1 and E-2 visa applications. In...
View ArticleChanges in Employer / Employment and Green Card Processing
As is painfully evident for many, the process of sponsorship for permanent residence (commonly referred to as a “green card”) via employment can be extremely lengthy. The timeframes, from initiation of...
View ArticleMurthyAudio: Layoffs – Options for Employees
Options for those whose employment has unexpectedly ended are discussed by Murthy Law Firm attorneys in this podcast from 07.Dec.2022. The strategies discussed include change of employer in H1B status,...
View ArticleNew Year’s Reminders for Employers (Part 1 of 2)
As we approach the end of another new year, now is a good time for employers to review a number of immigration-related matters and documents to help ensure smooth business operations in 2023. It is...
View ArticleReminder: H1B Amendment Typically Required Prior to Change in Work Location
Prior to there being a material change in an H1B employee’s working conditions, the employer is ordinarily required to file an H1B amendment. It is not always clear whether a particular change is...
View ArticleJanuary 2023 Visa Bulletin
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the January 2023 Visa Bulletin. With the exception of retrogression for China and India in the employment-based, first preference (EB1) category, there...
View ArticleNew Year’s Reminders for Employers (Part 2 of 2)
Part 1 (15.Dec.2022) of this MurthyDotCom article provides a number of tips and reminders for companies to verify that they have remained in compliance with certain key employment and immigration...
View ArticleAlcohol-Related Arrests Create Immigration Problems
The holiday season provides many with opportunities to have a good time, and a few drinks, with friends. Those who choose to do so should arrange for a designated driver or other safe, sober...
View ArticleAutomatic Extension of Green Cards for Certain Naturalization Applicants
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy manual so that a receipt for an application for naturalization (form N-400) now also will provide a 24-month extension of...
View ArticleNew Year’s Reminder for Individuals – Check I-94 Expiration Dates
Many aspects of immigration law are tied to expiration dates, grace periods, filing deadlines, and other date-driven matters. So, it is vitally important to keep informed and on top of calendar items...
View ArticleUSCIS to Conduct Trial Run of Modified Naturalization Test
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be conducting a nationwide trial of updates to the naturalization test. The trial will include changes to the English-speaking and civics...
View ArticleCross Chargeability in Green Card Cases
Many foreign nationals who are hoping to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs) face extended backlogs in visa number availability. Since visa number backlogs vary enormously by the country against...
View ArticleMurthyAudio: Beginning of the Year Planning – Immigration Compliance
Beginning of the year planning, such as retention of records for H1B petitions (Public Access Files) and Labor Certification cases (Compliance Files) are discussed by Murthy Law Firm attorneys in this...
View ArticleFebruary 2023 Visa Bulletin
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the February 2023 Visa Bulletin. There is almost no movement in the employment-based categories from the previous month. All cutoff dates listed refer to...
View ArticleUSCIS Provides Updates on Expansion of Premium Processing
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the premium processing service soon will be made available for all new and pending I-140 petitions filed under the EB1(c)...
View ArticleUSCIS Agrees to Bundle H-4, L-2, and EAD Applications Filed with Principal...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has entered into a settlement agreement, whereas the agency has agreed to bundle an application to extend or change to H-4 or L-2 status and, if...
View ArticleFAQs on How Layoffs Affect Green Card Cases
A layoff can present significant challenges for any worker. But, for foreign nationals, a layoff can present an additional layer of difficulties. These FAQs are designed to provide general information...
View ArticleUSCIS Releases Details on FY24 H1B Cap and Electronic Registration System
This afternoon, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the H1B registration period for fiscal year 2024 (FY24) will start at noon Eastern Time (ET) on March 1, 2023, and...
View ArticleR-1 Visa Requirements
Congress created the R-1 visa classification to allow religious organizations to bring different categories of religious workers from affiliated religious organizations overseas to staff organizations...
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