Supplement J FAQs

Thursday, March 21, 2024 - 07:45

AC21 Supplement J and Salary Increase: Potential Issues with Job Porting and leaving the employer after green card

Question

Q1. My AOS is pending 180+ days, so which is less risky or will not cause problems when it comes to naturalization: (i) filing AC 21 and going with a new employer right after 180 days are complete, or (ii) leaving the current employer right after getting the green card?

Q2. Salary increase when filing ac21/485 j supplement: if I am filing an ac21 and the next job offers me a significant increase (2x) and 50% up from my current job, is it going to be an issue while filing a j supplement and porting a job?

Q3. What should I consider and keep in mind when changing from employer A to employer B when filing a J supplement (ac 21)?

Q4. Also, is it advisable and recommended that we stay with our employer for six months upon getting a green card? Or does it matter, and we can move as soon as we get the green card? Or should we stick with our employer for at least 3 months?

Q5. Suppose I am filing a J supplement (ac21) vs. moving right after from the employer from whom I just got the green card. Are both things considered the same, i.e., filing a J supplement and leaving the green card regarding consequences or future issues regarding citizenship/renewal? Or is one thing less risky compared to the second thing?

 

Answer

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Monday, February 6, 2023 - 01:48

Consequences of employer withdrawing I-485 Supplement J

Question

Currently working with Employer B.
My PD - EB2 India, Aug 2013 with old employer A
Sep 2022 - Filed I485 with Employer A's I485J (which he provided that I will join his consultancy company)

  1. I always intended to join him but we couldn't find a new project in this market. He mentioned he is going to withdraw the I485J and I140.
  2. Will it be a right-away denial, RFE or USCIS will issue NOID?
  3. If USCIS issues RFE/NOID and the response date is after the 180 days mark - Can I provide 485J from my current Employer or any other employer or self-company?

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 00:22

Can a new employer file I-485 using an old employer's I-140?

Question

My priority date is April'14 in EB2. My current employer filed an AOS (I-485, I-765 & I-131) using a prior employer I-140 petition. My EAD (I-765)/AP (I-131) was approved a few weeks ago. My current employer didn't submit I-485J while submitting I-485 application. My current employer PERM was submitted a few months ago.

Questions:

1) Is it safe to use the EAD/AP (or) would you recommend staying in H1B until I-485 is approved?

2)  Will this filing be considered to be fraud/misrepresentation (or) Would you recommend withdrawing my I-485 application?

 

Answer

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Tuesday, June 28, 2022 - 03:11

Can we file more than one AC21 portability Supplement J if we continue changing employers?

Question

I have a question regarding the AC21 180 days rule. My I-485 Green Card was approved under EB2 category in March 2022. I changed my employer in October 2021 but my new employer filed AC21 I-485j only in February 2022 when my PD got current. When can I change jobs if I get a better offer? Do I need to work for 180 days with this employer since I-485j filing date?
In total, I have worked for 9 months for this employer (5 months before filing AC21 and 4 months after GC approval).
 

Answer

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Friday, June 17, 2022 - 02:23

I-485 interfiling to use EB-2 instead of EB-3 with a new employer

Question

I'm an Indian national living in the USA.

1) Employer A filed I-140 (EB2) which got approved with a PD: AUG-2014.
2) I switched jobs from A to Employer B.
2. a) Employer B concurrently filed I-140(EB3) and I-485/765/131. This wasn't a downgrade from EB2 to EB3. This I-140 also got approved and able to port PD: AUG-2014. Also I-765/131 got approved. But I never used them.
3)I switched jobs from B to Employer C.
3. a) Employer C only filed H1B and I-485J.

Currently, with Employer C and my EB2 final action date became current(As per the June visa bulletin). Now I technically have tw
o approved 140s(One in EB2 and the other in EB3)

Questions:
1) Can employer C do a I-485 interfiling to use I-140 (EB2) instead EB3?
2) Since my PD became current in EB2, What would be the best option for me so that I get my 485 adjudicated sooner and get the GC.

Answer

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021 - 06:36

Retaining valid H-1B status while AOS is pending and when to file Supplement J

Question

1) Most attorneys don't recommend to abandon H1B status while AOS is pending.
What are the chances of AOS denial for someone who has had a clean history and is a law abiding alien living in the US waiting for AOS?
2) What are your thoughts about the timing of filing I-485 J? Upon job change, should it be filed proactively or wait for RFE Won't it delay the AOS adjudication if it's not filed proactively?

Answer

Video URL

Thursday, April 15, 2021 - 05:25

AC21 Job Portability

Question

Previously I was on H1B when my I-140 was approved. Currently I am on H4 status, not employed and my priority date became current.
Previous employer has provided Supplement J and I have filed I-485, I-765, I-131 concurrently. The Supplement J indicates (#9 in Part 6) I am not currently employed with the sponsoring employer.

Q1) Upon receiving AOS EAD, can I directly join a new employer after 180 days of pending I-485 if sponsoring employer doesn't have any open position?

Q2) Can I start searching for new job before 180 days of pending I-485, but join after 180 days? Or, I must have to start searching and interviewing for new job, only after 180 days?

Q3) At the time of filing AOS, my Supplement J indicated that I am not currently employed with the sponsoring employer. If I join the sponsoring employer upon receiving EAD, then do I have to send USCIS new Supplement J indicating that I am now employed with the sponsoring employer, knowing that it might take a decade for my Final Action Date to become current and I may not be employed with the sponsoring employer at the time of GC interview?

Q4) What if I need to change my employer after GC interview, but before receiving GC?

Q5) I heard, after 180 days of pending I-485, even if I change my job couple of times, I can take the Supplement J only from the employer with whom I will be working at the time of GC interview. But can I still send new Supplement J to USCIS from each employers everytime I change my job? Is that legally allowed? or, is there any concern? Because, it might take a decade for my Final Action Date to become current and within that timeframe I might have to change job 2-3 times.

Answer

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Thursday, April 15, 2021 - 05:19

After I get my green card, is it legal to work for two companies (and not the original company) simultaneously?

Question

I got my GC on March of 2016 through my then employer. Soon after getting my GC my project ended (May 2016) abruptly because of the change at client location. I did not had any project at hand so I started looking for a new job and started to work with new employer in June of 2016. There was no official end date of my employment with my previous employer through which I got my GC because they were looking for a new project for me but without any certainty how long it could be before they can find me a new project. While they were looking for a project for me, I already started working for my new employer so I just moved on without any official end date with my previous employer.

In Feb of 2019, I started a second job with another employer. Currently, I'm working 2 jobs full time on GC.

I am now eligible to file for citizenship through 5 years of permanent residency requirement. I'm worried if there will be any issues while I file for my citizenship because I did not stay with the employer that file my GC long enough after receiving my GC. Also will there be any issues because I am currently working 2 full time jobs when I file for citizenship?

Answer

Video URL

Thursday, March 25, 2021 - 06:41

Laid off before getting Green Card, I-485 pending! How to renew Green Card?

Question

I have a situation of my relative - person has the employment based green card received on Mar 12, 2012, Received EAD in 2007. However lost the job(job termination) (Nov 2, 2011) 4 months before to receive the Green Card. At the time when GC was approved (March 12,2012) person was not having the job, and there after person couldn't gone to job. Could you let us know what to do for GC renewal and for citizenship.

Answer

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Wednesday, February 10, 2021 - 08:08

Filing Supplement J, staying without work on EAD, H-1B denial effect on I-485

Question

I am currently on H1-B visa (valid until Dec 2021) and my Priority date is May 15, 2010, in EB2. I am working for employer A and I have recently applied for I-485/AOS in Oct 2020. Both EAD/AP are not approved yet and haven't received biometrics notice yet from USCIS. Kindly see below questions and advise.<br>

1) If I change to employer B after 180 days of filing I-485, how would USCIS know that I changed my employer if I do not file new I-485 J that's given by employer B?
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2 After getting EAD, can I stay without working for a few months? Is there a regulation that says that employment based I-485 applicant needs to work continuously after obtaining EAD?
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3) I am working for a consultancy company and recently changed my client who is not within 50-mile radius of the existing MSA. My current employer A is not planning to file H1-B amendment. In this case, if there is a site visit by USCIS officer and if they revoke H1-B, then am I still considered to be in legal status because I already applied for I-485 in Oct 2020? Am I safe to stay legally in USA in this scenario even though I did not receive EAD based on AOS?
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4) If H1B amendment/extension of an employee gets denied after filing AOS/I-485, is the employee still considered as in-status because of pending I-485?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ:

Filing Supplement J, staying without work on EAD, H-1B denial effect on I-485


Video Transcript

1. Usually if you do an H-1B transfer or if the I-140 is revoked that becomes their source of knowledge.

2. Absolutely, the regulations only require that when asked, you should be able to produce an offer of employment for the same or similar job and file Supplement J. This is only when asked.

3. If you have a I-485 pending you are always allowed to stay in the United States, but make sure that you have an EAD.

4. Normally an H-1B denial has no effect on the Adjustment of Status I-485. FAQ in detail...



Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - 05:59

Supplement J timing and joining previous Employer

Question

I was working with employer A for 7 years on H1 B and they have filed Labor and I-140 with Priority Date 2014. Now I am on H4 EAD since 2019 and working for employer B for same role .
My Priority date was in filing date chart and my ex employer A agreed and filed my I-485 with form J on November 2020. Do I have to join my old Employer A now or it's fine if I join them after I-485 is Approved? If I don't join them now , will there be any problems in the 485 interview if I intent to join after I-485 approval ? Is it possible that employer B can file form J form after 180 days of I-485 receipt date without joining my old employer A considering my Priority date will be on the final action date after 4, 5 years .

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Supplement J timing and joining previous Employer


Video Transcript

You have to discuss your case with your lawyers.  I would recommend having your lawyers review your honest intentions make sure that everything is all right and then if you file the I-485 under whatever circumstances, Supplement J can be used after 180 days. FAQ in detail... 

 

 

Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - 09:03

Pending I-485 Petitions and 180 Day Portability Rule

Question

1) My I-140 approved one Aug 2020. Filed I-485 in Oct 2020. Pending application less than 180 days No GC EAD yet. In this situation if my job is terminated for some reason, what will happen to my I-485 application ?
<p>
2) After getting GC EAD and AP and before final action dates becomes current can I go outside USA and work for same employer who filed my I-485 or any other employers using EAD or needs to stay and work in USA until my GC is approved.?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Pending I-485 Petitions and 180 Day Portability Rule

 

Video Transcript:

1. I think you should be comfortable as long as your I-485 revocation does not get triggered off.

2.  Well, first of all when you are outside the United States you do not need an EAD. Second as long as you have a permanent job offer it shouldn't matter whether it is the same employer or some other employer as long as you are protected by AC21 portability. Hence you have a lot of flexibility. Talk with your lawyers, make sure if a Supplement J is available now. The fact that you are working from outside the United States is completely irrelevant. FAQ in detail...



Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.

Tuesday, April 21, 2020 - 01:39

Losing job after AOS I-485 interview

Question

I had my EB2 Interview last week it went good. I did submit my offer letter and my paystubs. I am still waiting to hear back from USCIS regarding the next steps. If I end up losing my job what happens in that event? I am working with my current employer on EAD and I dont have an active H1B. Its very difficult to find another job in the current situation, since I have already submitted an offer letter will they require any other confirmation before approving?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ:

Losing job after AOS I-485 interview


Video Transcript:

 

File for Supplement J if you already have a job. It may extend your green card processing time a little bit, but it is worth the wait. FAQ in detail...


Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 - 03:34

Pros and Cons of Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing for Green Card

Question

My H1B (6 years) was from 10/1/2004 - 9/30/2010 from 5 different companies.
Company A - PD(EB3) - Jun 19, 2007, I-140 applied on July 9, 2007, I-485 filed July 17, 2007 - got laid off Oct 31, 2008. - I-140 approved on Dec 29, 2008.
Moved to Canada in July 2012 and became Canadian Citizen in Apr 2017. I have been keeping Advance Parole active by visiting the USA every year.
Now I want to add my family in Canada(wife(Indian Citizen with USA visitors visa) and kid(Canadian Citizen)). Do you recommend AOS for myself and Consular Processing for my family?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Pros and cons of adjustment of status and consular processing for green card

Video Transcript:

You have got your I-485 filed and that's a good thing and you kept it alive by keeping your advance parole alive, but you need a job offer and you need to file Supplement J. So if you want to take advantage of AC21 you have to move over to a new employer get a new job offer and use Supplement J to indicate to the USCIS that you are going through another employer. You have two choices. You can split the green card. You going through adjustment of status, you enter the USA with your Advance Parole and you file form I-824 for your family to go through green card processing through consular processing in Canada. So you can either bring them all in on an H-1/H-4 type visa or you can do your adjustment of status and let them do their consular processing.You should not convert yourself to consular processing that could probably end in the loss of a green card. You are taking advantage of AC21 which as far as I know is available only in adjustment of status. It is not available in consular processing. Hence adjustment of status for you and consular processing for your family makes sense. More...

 

Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.

Thursday, June 29, 2017 - 08:29

Changing Jobs and Supplement J

Question

How long does the supplement J form take for approval? What happens if supplement J is denied? Can I work with the new employer without filing supplement J?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Changing jobs and Supplement J

Video Transcript

Supplement J is essentially a replacement for employment letters. See my blog for the rules. 

The purpose of Supplement J is to confirm that the job offer from the employer and there is the intention of the employee to accept that job. It is also used to request portability. 

.......When must you file Supplement J?

When you are filing I-485 and I-140 separately. If you file them both together with the same employer, you don't need to file Supplement J. If you are filing them separately you file I-140 first and then you filed I-485 then you have to file Supplement J with it. 

Second, when USCIS requests it, you got to provide it. So if you have a pending case, you've never given Supplement J and UCIS has asked for it, you got to give it. 

Third, is when you do portability. When you change to a similar job you should file at that point Supplement J.  If you want to take benefit of portability you have to file it. But if you say I am going to be here for 3 months and then change jobs again you could skip Supplement J. More...


Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.