08 Jan 2025

My H-4 EAD is expiring soon, and I recently got my H-4 status extended when I reentered the U.S. I am about to file my I-485 application and an I-765 based on the I-485. Will I receive an automatic extension of my H-4 EAD while my new I-765 is pending?

Answer No. To receive an automatic extension of an expiring EAD based on a timely filed I-765, the expiring EAD and newly requested EAD must be in the same eligibility category. So, if you wish to receive an automatic extension of the H-4 EAD, one of...

02 Jan 2025

A few weeks after I was arrested for driving while intoxicated, I received an eMail from the consulate saying that my H1B visa had been revoked. Do I need to leave the U.S. now?

Answer The prudential revocations of a visa due to a DUI only impacts the visa “stamp,” not a person’s status.That being said, please see our MurthyDotCom InfoArticle, Alcohol-Related Arrests Create Immigration Problems (29.Dec.2023), which summarizes some of the key problems that can be created by one...

24 Dec 2024

I understand that India was removed from the J-1 exchange visitor skills list, and this eliminates the home residency requirement for many people who had J-1 visas. Does this apply to J-1 physicians?

Answer As you note, the change that was made relates to the J-1 skills list. Unfortunately, J-1 physicians generally do not benefit from this change. (24.Dec.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here....

24 Dec 2024

I am on H-4 and am applying for a change of status to F-1. My husband is on H1B and his employer has filed a PERM case for him. Will that pending PERM increase the risk of my F-1 application being denied?

Answer A PERM case filed for one’s spouse normally would not increase the risk the denial of a change of status to F-1. (24.Dec.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more...

24 Dec 2024

My brother is a U.S. citizen, and he filed a green card case for me a number of years ago. Can I port that priority date to my I-140?

Answer Unfortunately, no, you normally cannot use the priority date on a family-based case for an employment-based case. (24.Dec.2024)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 © 2024, MURTHY...

18 Dec 2024

I have been living in the U.S. in H1B status for several years. While living here, I have formed a very close relationship with an elderly couple, both of whom are U.S. citizens. My own parents are deceased, and this couple wishes to adopt me and sponsor me for a green card. Is this possible?

Answer Even if it is possible for the couple to adopt you – and this would be based on state law – this would normally not help, from an immigration law perspective. To sponsor an adopted child under U.S. immigration law, the foreign national typically must...