A temple volunteer is not automatically an employee under U.S. law. Genuine unpaid religious service is generally permitted at nonprofits, but regular duties, expected compensation or replacing paid workers can change the analysis. Visa holders also face separate immigration rules. Indian temples across the United States often depend on volunteers for festivals, kitchens, religious programs, administration and community events. But when does un

Unauthorized employment in the USA can include working without permission, working beyond an approved period or taking employment outside the limits of a visa category. H-1B, F-1, R-1, visitor and dependent visa holders can face very different rules. Taking a side job, freelancing or accepting paid work in the United States can create immigration problems when a visa holder does not have the required empl

The Cognizant PERM suspension blocks new permanent labor certification filings as federal investigators examine alleged H-1B and PERM fraud. Cloudera remains under an earlier 180-day PERM processing freeze tied to a Justice Department recruitment case. Cognizant PERM filings suspended The U.S. Department of Labor has suspended Cognizant’s PERM filings as federal investigators examine alleged

Does buying a restaurant in USA give an NRI a visa? A restaurant purchase can create business ownership, but immigration permission is separate. Indian investors must independently qualify for an appropriate visa or work-authorized status before managing or working in the business. Buying or investing in a restaurant in the United States does

A U.S. passport for ages 16 and 17 follows different rules from passports for children under 16. Applicants generally use Form DS-11 in person, provide citizenship evidence and photo ID, show that one parent or guardian is aware, and receive a passport valid for 10 years. U.S. passport requirements change once a child turns 16. Applicants ages 16 and 17 generally apply in person using Form DS-11, but unlike children under 16, they do not normally need both parents to app

A U.S.-born child can generally qualify for a U.S. passport when the child is recognized as a U.S. citizen, even if the parents are not citizens. Parents must prove the child’s citizenship and relationship, follow consent rules, and watch for pending policy changes. A child born in the United States can generally apply for a U.S. passport if the child is recognized as a U.S. citizen, even when one or both parents are not U.S. citizens. For passport purpo

A U.S. passport for a child under 16 requires an in-person Form DS-11 application, proof of U.S. citizenship, evidence of the parent-child relationship, parental identification and consent. This guide explains the documents, fees, validity and special cases parents should know. Parents applying for a U.S. passport for a child under 16 must follow a different process from adult applicants. The child must appear in person, and the application requires proof of U.S. ci

The US State Department is considering new passport procedures that could require parents or legal guardians to provide proof of their own citizenship or immigration status when applying for a passport for a child. The possible change is linked to the Trump administration’s efforts to implement new rules surrounding birthright citizenship and prevent what officials describe as misuse of US citizenship laws. The proposal has not yet been finalized, meaning families should continue

A California federal court ruled that student visa revocation and deportation provisions cannot be enforced against lawfully present noncitizens solely for First Amendment-protected speech. The ruling granted declaratory relief but stopped short of a permanent injunction. A federal judge in California has ruled that the U.S. government cannot use certain immigration powers to revoke visas or pursue deportation against lawfully present noncitizens when enforcement is

Uzbekistan has introduced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens following talks between Narendra Modi and Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, alongside new tourism cooperation and expanding trade, direct flights and strategic ties between India and Central Asia. Uzbekistan has introduced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in

The US government is considering a proposal that could restrict or end work authorization for certain H-4 spouses of H-1B visa holders. No rule has taken effect yet, and current H-4 EAD holders can continue working unless a formal policy change is finalized. Thousands of families living in the United States on H-1B visas could face a major financial and career setback if the federal government moves ahead with a proposal affecting employment rights for certa

H-4 EAD rules changed significantly before 2026. Eligible H-4 spouses can still apply for work authorization, but most renewal applications filed on or after October 30, 2025 no longer automatically extend an expiring EAD. Here are the current rules applicants and workers need to understand. Last updated: August 30, 2026 Eligible H-4 spouses can still apply for employment authorization in the United States, but an important EAD renewal rule changed before 2026.

People facing a prolonged H-4 or H-4 EAD case may ask their U.S. representative or senator's constituent-services office for assistance. This guide explains congressional USCIS inquiries, privacy authorization, documents to prepare and the limits of congressional casework. An H-4 or H-4 EAD applicant dealing with an unresolved USCIS case may be able to seek assistance from a U.S. representative or senator's constituent-service

The CIS Ombudsman can assist some applicants who have been unable to resolve a USCIS case problem through normal channels. This guide explains when H-4 and H-4 EAD applicants may seek help, how DHS Form 7001 works, what documents to submit and the limits of Ombudsman assistance. Applicants facing an unresolved H-4 or H-4 EAD problem may eventually consider assistance from the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. The CIS Ombudsman is an indep

A denied H-4 EAD expedite request does not by itself decide the underlying Form I-765. Applicants can continue tracking the case, use USCIS inquiry channels when eligible, document changed circumstances and understand when congressional or professional assistance may be appropriate. If your

An H-4 EAD applicant facing serious circumstances may ask USCIS to expedite a pending Form I-765. This guide explains USCIS expedite criteria, how the request process works, what supporting evidence may be relevant and why an expedite request never guarantees approval. If your H-4 or H-4 EAD has been pending too long, an exped

A USCIS e-Request allows eligible applicants to inquire about an H-4 or H-4 EAD case taking longer than expected. This guide explains how to check inquiry eligibility, what information USCIS requires, how to submit the request and why the confirmation number should be saved. H-4 and H-4 Employment Authorization Document applicants whose cases are taking longer than expected may be able to submit an online USCIS e-Request. The tool provides a formal way to ask USCIS

A delayed H-4 or H-4 EAD case may be eligible for a USCIS case inquiry or service request. This guide explains when to contact USCIS, how to use Emma or the Contact Center, what information to prepare, and why applicants should keep their inquiry confirmation details. If your H-4 or H-4 EAD has been

If an H-4 or H-4 EAD case has been pending longer than expected, applicants have several official ways to seek information or assistance. This guide explains USCIS inquiries, e-Requests, expedite requests, CIS Ombudsman help and congressional casework. If an H-4 extension or H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has been pending longer than expected, applicants have several official ways to seek information or assistance

Canada Express Entry 2026 categories target skilled workers in health care, STEM, trades, education and transport, alongside strong French speakers and select professionals with Canadian experience. Candidates still need Express Entry eligibility and a competitive CRS score. Canada has updated its 2026 Express Entry category-based selection priorities to target skilled workers in sectors tied to labor shortages and economic g