US Immigration Law Firm News Update: FY 2026 H-1B Cap Registration – Key Dates & Important Updates The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced the initial registration period for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 H-1B cap. Below are the key highlights and updates that employers and prospective petitioners must note. H-1B Registration…

The official U.S. visa application center (VAC) in India has updated the eligibility criteria for visa renewals using Dropbox.The criteria is rolled back to pre-COVID times. Other than applicants aged below 14 or above 80, one may now use the Dropbox if:(1) The most recent visa expired within the last 12 months;(2) Applicant seeks to…

We recently reported that the U.S. mission in India will dedicate the site for a new consular post in Bengaluru on January 17. Following this, in a landmark development for U.S.-India relations, the U.S. and Indian governments have dedicated the site of a new U.S. consulate in Bengaluru. The ceremony, led by External Affairs Minister…

The U.S. Mission in India is set to make waves in Bengaluru! On January 17, 2025, a significant milestone will be reached with a “site dedication” ceremony, officially announcing the location of the new U.S. consular post in Bengaluru. Reports indicate that the JW Marriott Hotel on Vittal Mallya Road will house the consular services, including U.S. visa issuance. This…

Starting January 13, 2025, the Consular Exchange Rate will be adjusted to INR 87 per US dollar. This modification will impact both non-immigrant and immigrant visa fees, as well as charges for services provided to U.S. citizens.Please note that payments made before the implementation of this new rate will not be affected by this revision.This…

Starting January 17, 2025, a revised version of Form I-129 will replace the current form issued on April 1, 2024, with no grace period for transitioning to the final rules. Any petitions submitted using the outdated version of the form after this date will be rejected by USCIS. The updated Form I-129 will be used…

As per the Executive Order regarding the federal government closure for President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, all U.S. Government offices in India, including those providing consular services, will remain closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025. This closure impacts U.S. Citizen Services and visa interview appointments scheduled for January 9. Applicants should check their email for updates…

The U.S. Department of State has announced significant changes to the non-immigrant visa appointment rescheduling process, effective from January 1, 2025. These updates aim to streamline the visa application system, minimize delays, and ensure equitable access to visa interview appointments for all applicants and to avoid delays or additional costs. This notification can be found…

Murthy Immigration Services is committed to keeping you informed of important updates impacting U.S. immigration processes. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India have announced a major change in the processing of nonimmigrant visa cases. This step aims to streamline operations, maximize productivity, and enhance their ability to meet the growing demand for travel from…