05 Jun 2025

I am in H1B status and am engaged to a green card holder. Once we are married and she sponsors me for a green card, can I keep working on H1B while the case is pending?

Answer Yes, an H1B worker can continue working in H1B status throughout this family-based green card process. There is no conflict between the H1B and the I-130 because ‘immigrant intent’ is not an issue for H1B workers. (04.Jun.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that...

28 May 2025

My H1B is valid until next year. If I apply for a change of status to H-4, can I continue to work while the application is pending?

Answer The H1B generally stays valid through its expiration date or until the H-4 change of status is approved, whichever comes first. (28.May.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...

21 May 2025

A few years ago, my U.S. citizen brother sponsored me for a green card. Can I use the approved I-130 to extend my H1B status beyond 6 years?

Answer Unfortunately, a pending or approved I-130 petition cannot be used to extend one’s H1B status beyond the standard 6-year limit. (21.May.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 here.  Copyright...

14 May 2025

I am a green card holder and will soon be marrying a man who is here in B-2 status. If I sponsor him for a green card before his status expires, can he remain in the U.S. while the case is pending?

Answer While it is possible for a lawful permanent resident to sponsor a spouse for a green card, there currently are backlogs in this category. Filing the I-130 petition does not provide any immediate ability to remain in the U.S., and it is not possible to...

17 Apr 2025

My son legally entered the U.S. in H-4 status when he was 13 years old. He is now 15. Does he have to comply with the alien registration requirement, even though he has always maintained valid status?

Answer Any foreign national who turns 14 while in the U.S. must register within 30 days of their 14th birthday, even if they were previously registered. This requirement applies even for nonimmigrant dependents in lawful status and children who are green card holders.Further details on who...

15 Apr 2025

About six months ago, my 15-year-old son automatically became a U.S. citizen when I naturalized. We then filed an N-600 application, but we are still waiting for his certificate of citizenship to be issued. Is he required to register based on the new alien registration process?

Answer No, a U.S. citizen is normally not subject to the alien registration requirement. (15.Apr.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 here.  Copyright © 2025, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights...

26 Mar 2025

I am in H1B status and am trying to fill out an online form I-539 so I can change to H-4. The form asks me to list my current status, but the drop-down menu does not provide H1B as an option. What should I do?

Answer This question on the online I-539 is a bit confusing. To indicate you are in H1B status, you must select the “1B1 - H-1B1 Specialty Occupation” option. (26.Mar.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online...

12 Mar 2025

I was born a U.S. citizen but currently am living in India while I finish my studies in university. Am I allowed to sponsor my parents for green cards now, or do I have to move back to the U.S. before beginning the process?

Answer Generally speaking, a U.S. citizen residing abroad who is at least 21 years old may sponsor their parents for a green card. However, they typically would need to establish residence in the United States for the immigrant visa to actually be issued (or demonstrate the...