In our September 4, 2013 teleconference, Murthy Law Firm attorneys provide company representatives with an overview of consular processing for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. They also discuss recent trends, including most common issues and bases for visa refusals and denials, particularly with respect to employees of IT consulting companies. Our attorneys cover strategies for employers and visa applicants to consider when applying for visas, and provide answers and insight regarding some of the most frequently asked questions about consular processing.

Of all the different types of immigration matters about which attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm are asked, perhaps the most common involves individuals who wish to move from the employment-based, third-preference (EB3) category to the second-preference (EB2) category. Foreign national workers can generally become lawful permanent residents much more quickly through the EB2 category, so it is only natural they should wish to 'upgrade' to EB2, when possible. Murthy Law Firm President & Founder, Sheela Murthy, will provide an overview of this important topic, and address many of the common questions we hear from clients on this subject.

Section 204(l) of the immigration law provides benefits to widows and widowers living in the United States. This law is a newer and unfortunately less known provision, but it is just as important. It can help families pursue a green card when their eligibility is based on a relationship to a deceased spouse. This podcast covers some of the requirements of the law that apply to I-140 and I-130 related cases.

The October 2, 2013 teleconference in our monthly series for employers provides updates and information on current trends of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21), as it relates to H1B and employment-based green card portability. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discuss some common concerns and provide employers with practical tips for effectively utilizing the AC21 portability provisions as they relate to H1B and adjustment-of-status filings.

A critical point in the process of entering the United States to work, study, or live is the port of entry, which is often an international airport or land border crossing. All of the time and work put into obtaining an H1B, L, F or other visa can be lost if a problem occurs during the inspection process by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Two Murthy Law Firm attorneys discuss common port of entry problems, including incorrect I-94 card expiration dates and what to do when the visa classification listed on your I-94 card or in your passport entry stamp is incorrect. Corrections of I-94 card errors are also discussed.

A critical point in the process for those coming to the U.S. to work, study, or live is coming through the port of entry, which is often an international airport or land border crossing. All of the time and work put into obtaining an H1B, L, F or other visa can be lost if a problem occurs during inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. In this podcast Murthy Law Firm attorneys discuss common port of entry problems including incorrect I-94 card expiration dates and what to do when the visa classification listed on the I-94 card or in the passport entry stamp is incorrect. Corrections of I-94 card errors are also discussed.

The August 7, 2013 teleconference, in our popular monthly series designed especially for employers and their representatives, examines hot-button issues and potential hurdles U.S. employers and their foreign national employees may face when they file applications to adjust status to lawful permanent resident status (using the I-485 form). Murthy Law Firm attorneys highlight points of interest for employers, and analyze popular issues and benefits that stem from the I-485 filings. They also introduce and discuss legal strategies that can be used to better ensure as smooth an immigration journey as possible for employers and their foreign national employees.

Of all the different types of immigration issues attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm are asked about, perhaps the most common one involves individuals who wish to move from the employment-based, third-preference (EB3) category to the second-preference (EB2) category. Foreign national workers can generally become lawful permanent residents much more quickly through the EB2 category, so it is only natural that these individuals wish to 'upgrade' to EB2, when possible. Sheela Murthy provides an overview of this important topic, and addresses many of the common questions we hear from clients on this matter.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) may be just around the corner, so our July 3, 2013 teleconference, in this monthly series designed to help businesses understand and work within U.S. immigration law, examines some of the proposed provisions that could dramatically alter the ability of U.S. companies to hire foreign workers. Murthy Law Firm attorneys explain how the bill, if passed into law, may impact U.S. employers, and some of the possible strategies for dealing with these changes. The session also discusses the current state of the bill.

Our June 5, 2013 teleconference reviews the current Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (I-140) process, issues that may arise in I-140 adjudications, and recent trends. The mechanics and mysteries of an I-140 filing are explained, including how to present an acceptable and approvable case to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Based on our experience with the I-140 process, attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm share recommendations and insights for completing this complex stage toward an employee's green card.