US Immigration Questions

Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form. This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Potential visa complications for an H-1B visa holder due to past employment with a blacklisted company and alternatives for obtaining an H-1B stamp

Question details

I came to the US in Aug 2015. Completed masters in 2017. Started OPT on 07/2017. When applying for OPT EAD I joined employer AZTech Technologies. I joined as an intern and was there for like 4 months. He responded for 2 months during training, after a couple of months employer did not respond at all. I got a doubt and found another job and moved to a different company. Later I got an H1B and I 140 approved. I am planning to go to India this August 2023. Recently I found out through social media that the company I joined in the initial stage of OPT EAD was a black listed company. Most people who joined those similar companies' visas got rejected when they went for stamping. I am going for H1B stamping. Will there be a problem in my case? Could you please advise me in this case? In an emergency situation, I need to go to India. I heard from some friends and social media groups out of my research that I can go get stamping done in other countries and then travel to India and can be back to the US. 

 

ANSWER
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FAQ Transcript

Firstly, it is crucial to be truthful and transparent about your employment history. Attempting to hide or misrepresent any information can have serious consequences. If there is misrepresentation in your background, it is possible that you may be barred from entering the United States permanently. Unfortunately, there may not be much we can do to change that outcome.

It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney who can assess your specific circumstances and provide personalized advice based on the current immigration laws and regulations.

 

Immigration Law

Options for extending stay in the U.S. after layoff as an international student pursuing a Master's in IT

Question details

I moved to the USA to pursue my Master's in IT. Unfortunately, I have recently been affected by mass layoffs in the tech industry, leaving me with only 30 days to extend my stay in the country to address household responsibilities and potentially secure a full-time job.

I have researched a few options for extending my stay and would greatly appreciate your guidance on these alternatives:

1) Apply for a B2 visa promptly: This option would allow me to remain in the country for an additional six months (until July or August) and continue my job search.

2) Enroll in a community college and obtain an I-20: Many community colleges do not require GRE or TOEFL scores, and their Fall semester usually begins in mid-August. This cost-effective choice would give me time until December, and I could transfer any earned credits to a university if needed.

3) If more time is required, I could join a university in the Spring semester and transfer my community college credits. However, I understand that applying for an MS or PhD program would necessitate a direct application to the university.

 

ANSWER
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FAQ Transcript

If you are facing a layoff as an international student pursuing a Master's in IT and seeking to extend your stay in the US, there are several options available. One option is to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa. Please visit Rajiv’s blog at immigration.com for more information.

Another option is to enroll in a community college and obtain an I-20. This can provide you with additional time in the US. If more time is required, you could consider joining a university in the spring semester.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is another option to explore. There is another blog entry specifically discussing CPT, which you should read for more information. Additionally, there is an option to secure a quota exempt job. Our website features frequently asked questions that address quota exempt jobs, so be sure to review them.

 

Immigration Law

H-1B or green card misrepresentation: Legal options and consequences for fighting back against USCIS

Question details

1. Have you taken cases of H1B or GC fraud or misrepresentation?

2. What are the consequences if caught - Just losing status and deportation? Can it lead to Jail in any case?

3. Can we fight back in court to justify our case and win against USCIS?

 

ANSWER
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FAQ Transcript

Yes, our firm has taken cases involving H-1B or green card fraud or misrepresentation for about 30 years. Our focus is on employment and business-based immigration and related cases. Our firm has also assisted criminal defense teams in similar cases. If caught in a fraud or misrepresentation, the government can choose to prosecute you criminally since most immigration papers are filed under penalty of perjury. This can result in imprisonment for up to five years, as felonies are serious crimes. From an immigration perspective, a misrepresentation or fraud can lead to a permanent bar from entering the United States, causing you to lose your stay and potentially be unable to return. However, if you did not intentionally lie or the misrepresentation was immaterial, you can fight back in court by asserting defenses such as lack of intent or immateriality. For example, if a minor detail unrelated to the visa decision is misrepresented, it may not be considered material. These are some of the grounds to consider when fighting against misrepresentation. If you don't have any valid arguments, it may not be worthwhile to fight your case.

Immigration Law

Switching employers while one's spouse is on an H-4 visa and the steps to ensure a smooth return to the U.S.

Question details

If I change my employer while my wife is in India on an H4 dependent visa, will she be able to return to the US even though her visa stamp bears my old employer's name? She has valid stamping till Sept 2024. What steps should we take to ensure a smooth return to the US for her?

ANSWER
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No, it is not a problem as long as you maintain your H1-B status. Whether you have changed employers or are in the 60-day grace period, she can return on her H-4 visa without any issues. Even if her visa stamp bears the old employer's name, it does not matter. There are no specific steps to take in this situation as it is perfectly legal.

What happens if you stay outside the U.S. for more than 8 months as a permanent resident

Question details

Does it pose a problem if we stay out of the USA for 8 months or more while having permanent residency and returning after that duration? If so, what can be done to remedy this?

 

ANSWER
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FAQ Transcript

The green card remains valid as long as you don't exceed the 12-month mark. Crossing this deadline leads to losing the green card and going through complicated procedures to retrieve it. If you stay outside the US for more than six months, you are subject to close examination by Customs and Border Protection at the airport. However, if your absence is less than six months, you can pass without being questioned extensively. The critical six-month mark should be taken seriously. If you stay outside for more than eight months, expect to be asked questions about the reason for your lengthy absence. Therefore, carrying evidence supporting your reason, such as selling your property or helping a family member, can be useful.

Recommendation letters for EB-1A applications

Question details

Questions about 'recommendation letters' for EB1A:

1. For a strong case, a ballpark number of how many recommendation letters should one attach to the application? 5? 10? More the better or quality > quantity?

2. Is there a validity of recommendation letters? What if I collect letters today but apply for EB1A 1 year or 2 years later?

3. Is it mandatory for the recommenders to write the letters on the official letterhead of their company/college

 

ANSWER
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FAQ Transcript

To make a strong case, it is not just about the number of recommendation letters, but also the quality of the letters. A ballpark estimate for the number of letters would be around 5 to 10. Quality is definitely more important than quantity. When considering recommendation letters, people who know you by reputation rather than just personally are given more weight. It is important that the letters are detailed, with specific reasoning about what makes you special and why you are in the top 10%. The qualifications of the people writing the letters, including their resumes, should also be included. The validity of recommendation letters can become questionable if they are too old, so it is better to obtain recent letters if possible. However, if there is a choice between getting an old letter or no letter at all, it is better to have an old letter. If the letter writer cannot write on official letterhead, they should include a line stating that their opinion is not that of their employer.

 

Impact of job changes on pending I-140 and/or PERM applications for H-1B holder

Question details

If your company files a new PERM for a different role within the same organization after your initial I-140 is approved, will the initial I-140 still be active?

If your employer revokes your initial I-140 more than 6 months after it is approved and you move to a new role within the same company, is there any risk involved?

Will every organization need to apply for a PERM again in the future if you switch employers? Can you work for an organization that is not ready to start your PERM process, and can you use your previous approved I-140 to extend your H1B for a new employer?

If you lose your job post I-140 approval and don't find a new job within 60 days, can you still apply for jobs while outside the United States? Will your last approved I-140 still be active?

What are the cases or situations in which you can lose your I-140 or priority date (i.e., your approved I-140 is revoked)?

 

ANSWER
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FAQ Transcript

When filing for the permanent labor certification (PERM) application, it is important to file from the corporate headquarters instead of a branch or sub-office, especially for consulting jobs or jobs that can be transferred to different locations. This is because the U.S Department of Labor considers the corporate headquarters to be the job site for transferable jobs. After the I-140 is approved, the priority date belongs to the individual even if the I-140 is withdrawn, unless it is revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or an obvious error. Additionally, as long as the I-140 stays approved for 180 days, the individual has the right to extend their H-1B beyond six years with any employer, even if the I-140 is revoked. After 180 days, the employer can revoke the I-140, but it does not affect the individual.

 

Nonimmigrant Visas

Unemployment benefits for Green card holder

Question details

Hi, My husband & I have been green card holders (Employment based thru my employer, prior Visa status L1 & L2) since August 2020. My husband recently lost his job, so I was hoping you could please clarify a few queries: • Is he eligible to apply for Unemployment benefits? • If yes, does this have any negative impact on our Citizenship/Naturalization process in the future? Truly appreciate your kind assistance. Thank you

ANSWER

Availing of unemployment benefits should have no impact on a green card holder's status or naturalization. Eligibility depends upon state law.

Green Card

H-1B transfer process for laid off employee

Question details

Hello, I have been laid off from Amazon, and I am unemployed since March-20, I got one offer from another company, and they did my immigration assessment, they told me that I do not have enough time and its difficult to ensure that I will not go out of status within this time saying that they have rejected my application. If I just file LCA my unemployment days will stop, or they will have to file my H1B change petition only then will I be able to save my status. Also, will I get 60 days grace period for each H1B petition?

ANSWER

Filing an LCA is not enough. In order to stop the running of the 60-days grace period and to start working, your H-1B transfer petition must be received by the USCIS within the grace period.

The grace period is not a one-shot deal. You will get it whenever you are in the layoff/cessation of employment situation again.

Nonimmigrant Visas

Immigration Law

Change of Status from H4 to Day 1 Cpt

Question details

Hello Rajiv Sir, My wife wants to do Masters and she is currently on H4 without EAD as I am awaiting PWD approval and other steps in the process.
 

My question is can she transfer from H4 to Day-1 CPT through F-1 by filing I-539? Also, If we do only 363 days of day-1 CpT, can she get opt and stem opt?

ANSWER

Once your wife obtains a change of status to F-1, she should be able to get CPT authorization if the school meets all the other requirements. Note that one year of full-time CPT takes away your eligibility for OPT. The regulations do not mention 363 days leading to disqualification. The regulations also provide an exception to the one-year bar for some graduate students. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/se…. Source 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)

Nonimmigrant Visas