Attorney Anna Stepanova and Murthy Podcast in TOI
Anna Stepanova, Assistant Managing Attorney and Member at the Murthy Law Firm, was featured in the Times of India for her insights on the H1B $100,000 visa fee, as discussed on the MurthyAudio podcast. Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a new episode!
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Supporting Baltimore’s Most Vulnerable in the Coldest Winter
More than 2,500 people experience homelessness on any given night in the Baltimore region. Since November, the area has endured its coldest winter in 18 years, with Arctic blasts pushing temperatures far below seasonal averages. What may mean heavier coats and higher heating bills for many becomes a dangerous, life-threatening reality for individuals and families without shelter across Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
In response, Sheela Murthy and the MurthyNAYAK Foundation have contributed to support emergency cold-weather efforts through St. Vincent de Paul Baltimore. Their services include three comprehensive 24/7 shelters: Sarah’s Hope Family Shelter, a 145-bed facility in Baltimore City; Hannah More Family Shelter, an 85-bed facility in Baltimore County; and the SVDP Eastside Shelter, a 248-bed facility in Baltimore County. They also operate a day shelter that provides essential services and support.
Homeless shelters play a critical role during severe cold spells. They offer warmth, safe places to sleep, hot meals, and access to basic medical care, protecting people from frostbite, hypothermia, and illness.
We recognize that we play only a small part in addressing a very large problem — but when many contribute in small ways, the collective impact can bring meaningful relief and hope where it is needed most.
Copyright © 2026, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved
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Major Change to BIA Appeals
DOJ issued an interim final rule changing BIA appeal procedures. These include shorter deadlines to file appeals, new limits on briefing, & changes to how appeals are reviewed. The point? To streamline appeals & reduce BIA backlog. Will it work? TBD.
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MurthyAudio: Stay Ahead of the H1B Cap: Preparing for 2026 and Beyond
Strategic options for affected workers, including those on H-4 EAD who may need to change status if work authorization is restricted are the topics under discussion in the February 2026 podcast for employers and their representatives. Also addressed are the specifics of weighted registration and alternative visa pathways, such as L-1, to help clients stay compliant and competitive in a changing immigration landscape.
The MP3 is available here and soon can be found in the archive of our podcasts and teleconferences on iTunes. Find more topics under the MurthyAudio tab on our homepage.
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Considerations Before Changing Jobs While I-485 Application is Pending
For foreign nationals awaiting a green card, the lengthy processing times for form I-485 applications for adjustment of status can create uncertainty about career opportunities. Many applicants wonder whether they can accept a new job offer, pursue a promotion, or make other employment changes while the adjustment of status application is pending. This article explores the most important considerations when contemplating an employment change during the green card process.
Present Job vs. Future Job OfferEmployment-based green card applications generally are based on a job offer for a future position the applicant will occupy when the green card is approved. There is no legal requirement to work for the sponsoring employer during the PERM labor certification, I-140, or I-485 processes. However, when considering a job change while an I-485 application is pending, a key question is how that change affects the validity of the future job offer underlying the green card application.
For self-petitioned employment-based categories, such as EB1A, EB2 national interest waiver (NIW), or EB5, there usually is no future job offer to consider. However, applications in the EB1B, EB1C, EB2, and EB3 categories do rely on a future job offer, and such applicants must consider whether the original job offer must remain valid or if the intention is to change the job offer supporting the I-485 application as well.
Present Considerations: Maintenance of StatusThe applicant should consider the impact on present nonimmigrant status. An applicant typically must maintain valid nonimmigrant status at the time of filing an I-485 application, and it generally is recommended to maintain that status throughout the pendency of the application. This helps the applicant have continued work authorization and travel ability while the application is pending. Before changing employers, the applicant should consider whether the new employer will support a new nonimmigrant petition. If the new position requires using an employment authorization document (EAD) instead, the applicant should consult an immigration attorney to understand the potential risks.
Future Position Considerations: AC21 PortabilityThe American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21) provides job portability for certain I-485 applicants. Under AC21, an applicant with a pending I-485 application may change to a new position in the “same or similar occupational classification” as the job described in the underlying PERM labor certification, provided that certain conditions are met. To qualify for AC21 portability, the I-485 application must have been pending for at least 180 days from the receipt date, and the underlying I-140 petition must have been approved. When an I-485 applicant changes jobs under AC21, the applicant must submit a Supplement J to USCIS.
Time it RightThe timing of a job change can be critical. The original I-140 approval must remain valid through the 180-day mark of the pending I-485 application. If an employer withdraws an approved I-140 petition before the I-485 has been pending for 180 days, this prevents the ability to use AC21 portability. If the I-140 has not yet been approved when employment ends, the risks are even greater. Therefore, the applicant should make sure that leaving the original employer before 180 days will not result in the employer withdrawing the I-140 petition.
“Same or Similar” OccupationThe applicant must evaluate whether a prospective new position meets the “same or similar” standard before accepting a job offer, as an incompatible position could jeopardize the I-485 application. The determination of whether a new position qualifies as “same or similar” is governed by several factors, but primarily by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) standard occupational classification (SOC) codes and the position’s job duties. Positions with identical SOC codes generally are considered to be in the same-or-similar classification, but AC21 also allows for some progression to different SOC codes if the jobs share essential qualities and requirements.
ConclusionChanging jobs while an I-485 application is pending involves careful consideration of multiple factors. Each situation is unique, and the stakes are high. One mistake or misjudgment can jeopardize the green card application. An individual considering a job change during the I-485 process is strongly encouraged to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine the best strategy and maximize the chances of success.
Copyright © 2026, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved
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I am a manager at a large multinational company in the U.S. I used to work as a manager abroad, but it was for an unrelated company. Can I file for EB1(c) as a multinational manager?
Unfortunately, to qualify for the EB1(c) category, one must have worked as a manager or executive for a company related to the U.S. petitioner. (03.Feb.2026)
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 © 2026, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved
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Can an H1B lottery case be filed for part-time employment?
Yes, as long as the position otherwise qualifies for H1B, the case may be filed for a position that is part time. (03.Feb.2026)
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 © 2026, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved
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I need to get an English translation of a document that I am submitting to the USCIS. Do I have to use an official translation service for this?
The USCIS policy manual states, “any document containing a foreign language submitted in support of a benefit request must be accompanied by a full English language translation.[32] The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.” There is no requirement that a translation service be used. (03.Feb.2026)
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 © 2026, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved
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