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Immigration Updates and News

Immigration rules change often, and it can be hard to keep up or know what actually applies to real-life situations. This blog shares clear updates, everyday explanations, and practical insights based on what people commonly ask and face. If you want to understand the process better and feel a little more confident moving forward, stay tuned to our latest posts!

July 22, 2021

Policy change to benefit children of H-1B

USCIS updated its policy so that when a dependent child of an H-1B holder applies to change status to an F-1 student visa, the F-1 status is effective the day the application is approved. This removes the old requirement to maintain a valid status up to 30 days before the student program start date, reducing the need for extra extensions.

Under the new rule, USCIS will grant the F-1 change of status effective immediately upon approval of the Form I-539, which prevents a “gap” between the old H-4 status and the new F-1 status. This eases the process for many children moving from dependent status to student status.

April 14, 2021

Indian IT Firms To Hire More In US Despite Softening…

Indian IT companies continue to expand U.S. hiring largely because the U.S. is their biggest market, and they need skilled workers onsite for client projects. Even with changing visa rules, many firms are increasing localization efforts by hiring more U.S. locals to reduce reliance on temporary work visas like the H-1B.

U.S. visa policies, especially limits and caps on H-1B visas, affect how Indian IT firms bring workers to the U.S. When visa norms tighten, or processing is delayed, firms explore more local hiring or adjust workforce strategies to stay compliant and meet project needs.

February 11, 2021

Visas to family members of H-1B holders

Immediate family members, such as a spouse and unmarried children under 21, are eligible for an H-4 dependent visa to accompany or join the H-1B principal holder in the United States. Other relatives, like parents or siblings, do not qualify for H-4 status and must pursue separate visas.

Under certain conditions, some H-4 dependent spouses can apply for work authorization by filing Form I-765, but this is limited to those whose H-1B spouse has an approved I-140 immigrant petition or has extended H-1B status beyond six years under AC21. Many H-4 dependents cannot work without this employment authorization.

September 11, 2020

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Under VAWA, certain abused relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may self-petition for immigration status without the abuser’s help. This includes a spouse, a parent, or a child (under 21) who has been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR family member.

“Extreme cruelty” includes physical abuse and a pattern of harmful behavior such as psychological, sexual, or emotional violence. The abuse must have occurred in the United States unless under special conditions involving U.S. government employment or military service abroad.

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The Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) is a crucial, legally binding contract required by U.S. immigration law to ensure that an immigrant applicant has adequate financial support and will not become a “public charge” (dependent on the U.S. government for financial subsistence).

The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is a unique program established by the U.S. government to diversify the immigrant population in the United States. It makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available annually to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S.