Bhavya Chaudhary & Associates

09/04/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙-𝟭 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗝-𝟭 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

DHS’s new final rule eliminates “duration of status” (D/S) for F, J, and I nonimmigrants and replaces it with fixed periods of admission.

For F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, the implications extend beyond the expiration date on an I-94. The new framework can affect program extensions, changes in academic programs, OPT and STEM OPT, international travel, and when an extension of stay through Form I-539 may be required.

The rule also includes important transition provisions for F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrants who are already in the United States in valid status on September 15, 2026.

With the effective date approaching, students and exchange visitors should understand how the new rules apply to their individual circumstances and consider whether action should be taken before September 15.

Read our latest update for a breakdown of the transition rules, international travel considerations, and practical planning tips.

https://bcalawfirm.com/new-dhs-rule-ends-duration-of-status-for-f-1-and-j-1-visa-holders/

07/10/2026

If you weren't able to join the South Asian Bar Association of North America's Young Lawyers Division event, A Culturally-Informed Approach to Legal Ethics, you can now watch the full recording.

It was a privilege to join an incredible panel discussing how cultural context influences ethical decision-making in the legal profession and why understanding a client's background is essential to effective representation.

Thank you again to SABA North America's Young Lawyers Division, moderator Akriti Bhargava, and fellow panelists Emil J. Ali and Prathyusha Chenji for such a thoughtful conversation.

I hope you find the discussion as meaningful as I did.

South Asian Bar Association of North America’s Young Lawyer Divisio...

07/06/2026

Honored to join a panel of legal professionals for SABA North America's Young Lawyers Division event: "A Culturally-Informed Approach to Legal Ethics." 🎤
Grateful to moderator Akriti Bhargava and fellow speakers Emil J. Ali and Prathyusha Chenji for such a thoughtful conversation on how culture shapes the way we practice law, from client communication to informed consent.

Working with immigrant families every day, this one hit close to home. Ethical practice isn't one size fits all.

Thank you SABA NA YLD for having me. 🙏

05/28/2026

USCIS recently issued a new Adjustment of Status policy memorandum that could impact both employment-based and family-based green card applications.

Join BCA Law Firm for a live online webinar with immigration attorney Bhavya Chaudhary, Esq. as we break down:
• Key updates from the new policy memo
• Areas expected to face increased scrutiny
• Impacts on EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 & EB-5 filings
• Important considerations for family-based Adjustment of Status cases

🗓 Friday, June 5, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM Eastern
💻 Live Online Webinar + Q&A

Register now: bcalawfirm.com/aos-webinar-registration

05/13/2026

Atlanta-area professionals — you’re invited to a free Immigration Awareness Session hosted by BCA Law Firm.

With increasing uncertainty around employment, visa sponsorships, and immigration wait times, this session is designed to help attendees better understand their options and next steps.

📅 Friday, May 15, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Yugal Kunj, 2769 Duluth Hwy,
Duluth, GA 30096

We’ll discuss:
✔ Alternative green card pathways
✔ Lesser-known immigration relief options
✔ Immigration planning strategies
✔ What professionals should know right now

Featuring:
Bhavya Chaudhary
Rachana J. Vijayathilakan
Ashish Ranjan

Seats may fill quickly. We encourage attendees to invite friends, family members, and colleagues who may benefit from this discussion.

03/24/2026

We were honored to have our founder, Bhavya Chaudhary, participate as a speaker at the Atlanta Indian Women’s Forum for International Women’s Day—an event that brought together leaders across industries to discuss critical issues shaping today’s professional landscape.

As part of a panel on Navigating Immigration Law, she shared practical insight grounded in her experience helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex legal processes with clarity and confidence.

Events like these create space for informed dialogue, elevate diverse voices, and reinforce the importance of accessible, trusted legal guidance in an evolving environment.

We’re proud to contribute to conversations that empower communities through knowledge and advocacy.

03/10/2026

𝗨𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗘𝗔𝗗𝘀 & 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

As of March 2026, USCIS is experiencing significant delays in processing work permits (EADs) and Advance Parole travel documents. Increased vetting requirements, staffing shortages, and a large backlog are leaving many applicants waiting months—or even over a year—for decisions.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀:

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀
• EAD (Form I-765): Processing times range from 1 to 20 months, depending on the category.
• Adjustment of Status applicants: Many are currently waiting 6–8.5 months or longer.
• Advance Parole (Form I-131): Most applications are taking 7+ months, with more than 191,000 cases pending as of the end of FY2025.
• USCIS reports that 80% of I-131 cases are completed within 19.5 months.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀
• Automatic extension changes: As of October 30, 2025, the 540-day automatic extension for many EAD renewals ended.
• Shorter validity periods: Beginning December 5, 2025, some renewed EADs were reduced from 5 years back to 18 months.
• Additional scrutiny: Certain applications may experience longer delays due to expanded security reviews and “high-risk country” holds.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗼
• File renewals early: You can generally file up to 180 days before expiration.
• Track your case: Monitor updates using your USCIS receipt number online.
• Request expedited processing: In limited cases involving severe financial loss or urgent circumstances.
• Consider legal options: For cases pending an unreasonable amount of time, applicants may explore assistance through the USCIS Ombudsman or mandamus litigation.

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿
Do not travel outside the U.S. without an approved Advance Parole document if you have a pending adjustment of status application. Doing so may cause USCIS to treat the application as abandoned.

Given the current environment, planning ahead and filing early is more important than ever.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: https://bcalawfirm.com/news-updates/

12/12/2025

Gold Card Immigrant Petition Now Open!

The U.S. government has officially opened petitions for the new Gold Card Program under Executive Order 14351. Eligible applicants may now file Form I-140G, the first required step toward obtaining permanent residence through this new employment-based pathway.

Here are the key points:
• Form I-140G must be filed online after registering on TrumpCard.gov
• The program is tied to EB-1 Extraordinary Ability and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) immigrant visa categories
• Applicants must then complete consular processing, including Form DS-260G and an in-person visa interview
• Adjustment of Status (I-485) is not yet confirmed for applicants already inside the U.S.
• There is a $15,000 DHS processing fee per person, and early government notes indicate family members may also face a $1 million donation requirement plus fees
• Only individuals or corporate sponsors may file on behalf of a foreign national
• Petitions must also include proof of sufficient, lawfully obtained funds for the required gift to the Department of Commerce

This process is highly detailed and still developing. Our full article breaks down the filing steps, eligibility requirements, fees, timelines, and what applicants can expect.

👉 Read the full breakdown here: https://bcalawfirm.com/gold-card-implemented/

☎️ If you have questions about the Gold Card program or your eligibility, our office is here to help.

09/22/2025

The sudden $100,000 H-1B visa fee announced by the US has sent shockwaves through Indian professionals and the global tech industry.

In this special discussion, Pankaj Mishra speaks with Bhavya Chaudhary Jha, Sunil Jha (Resident, Atlanta), and Sanjay Jha (IT Professional, Atlanta) on what this policy means for Indian workers, families, and the tech ecosystem.

The sudden $100,000 H-1B visa fee announced by the US has sent shockwaves through Indian professionals and the global tech industry. In this special discussi...

09/22/2025

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗛-𝟭𝗕 𝗡𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟭 𝗮𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟭
On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation restricting the entry of anyone seeking to enter or reenter the U.S. in H-1B status without payment of a new $100,000 fee. The proclamation, titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers is effective date is 12:01 a.m. EDT Sunday, September 21, 2025, and is set to expire after one year.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://bcalawfirm.com/travel-ban-on-h-1b-nonimmigrants-takes-effect-on-1201-am-on-september-21/