B-2 Visa

Job loss situation - Alternatives and return options for H-1B visa holders with approved I-140

Question details

I have an approved I-140 (Approved in Feb 2022) which is already 6 months past the approval date & my priority date is August 2020. I am currently on H1B visa where I have already completed my 1st 3 years and currently am on the 1st 3 year extension.

My question is :

1.If for any odd reason I lose my job in the US, and I am not able to find another job within the 60 days grace period, what alternatives do I have within the US and find a job (H4 is not an option for me currently) ? Would joining a consultancy be a safe option to stop accruing unlawful presence OR compelling circumstance EAD ?

2. If I decide that going to India is a better option and want to come back after some time to the US, would I be subject to the H1B lottery at any point in future if my 6 years of H1B is exhausted ? What information or documents are needed to assist for returning back to the US ?

 

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FAQ Transcript

1. B-1/B-2 is another option. Please visit the blog entry on this issue. One might consider refraining from joining a consultancy unless they have a specific project.Compelling Circumstances EAD is not that glamorous, the reason being that it takes a long time to process. 

2. You can, of course, stay here while it's being processed, and then it's only given for one year, requiring you to extend it annually if you go to India.  B-1/B-2 is reasonably a good option; all you need is a copy of your earlier H-1B approval notice, and that should be enough.

Recording for August 10, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

Immigration.com

Agency

Immigration Law

FAQs: Job loss situation - Alternatives and return options for H-1B visa holders with approved I-140 || Remote work for a U.S. startup: Starting off on managerial duties from India before L-1 visa filing

Legal options and factors for a future stay in the USA; not selected in H-1B lottery, Master's Degree, and passport renewal

Question details

Currently, I am holding a STEM OPT from May 2022 until May 2024 (2 years).

My employer had applied for H1B this year and last year but had no luck.

Question and suggestion, please:

1) What are my legal options?

1.1 Apply for H1b next year in March and wait for the result, In case H1b is picked, how do I process it as my STEM opt expires in May 2024?

2) Enroll in university for the Master's degree?

2.1 I have a few classes remaining for my master's as I have finished my bachelor's degree in the USA and I take Day One CPT? Once a master's degree is complete, reapply for OPT and STEM OPT.

2.2 Should I continue to apply for H1B in the meantime?

3) If I apply for Master and Day One CPT, do I need to enroll for May–August 2024 (the summer class) or can I enroll for Fall 2024?

Note: STEM OPT Expires: May 15, 2024, or please suggest any other better option to stay in the USA.

Lastly, my passport expires in May 2024 as well. Is there any problem there?

- I'm thinking of starting the process for the renewal online. Should I do it now or wait for some time?

 

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FAQ Transcript

OPT can be applied at the next higher educational level. For instance, if your first OPT was based on a master's degree, you would need to pursue a higher level of education, such as a PhD, to apply for another OPT.

Regarding your passport expiration, it shouldn't be a significant issue. You have the option of expedited passport processing, which can help you get your passport renewed quickly. Overall, it should not cause major complications, and you should be fine.

For more information on your question please visit the blog section: 

https://immigration.com/blogs

 

Marriage and relocation to the U.S.: Quickest path for the prospective fiancé of a U.S Citizen living in India

Question details

My sister is in India and the prospective groom is a US citizen. They have concerns about how to proceed with marriage and relocation of the girl to US in a timely manner (prefer not to wait more than a year for marriage/ living together post-marriage for personal reasons) Current fiancé visa processing time seems to be 15 months. It was not this long pre-covid, realistically can this processing time reduce this year? If they do marriage in India first, what’s the quickest way for her to come to US and how long would it take She has a valid B1. Can she travel on that to US post-marriage for 5-6 months only without any risk to her green card application? She is trying to get an L1-B visa through her current company. Will that visa approval be affected if they get married in the meanwhile? In short, what is the quickest path for her marriage & relocation to the US right now?

 

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FAQ Transcript

She can travel with a B-1 visa as long as she tells the truth. L-1 and H-1B visas are the quickest paths.

 

Recording for February 23, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

Immigration.com

Immigration Law

Discussion Topics:

FAQs: H-1B visa cap exemption - How does the 6-year rule work? || Will having EAD cards or petition approvals with gaps in the start and end date cause an issue?|| H-1B visa layoff options - Going to home country and applying for jobs, going through the lottery again, documents required to apply for a new visa to explain missing pay stubs and the contents of the documentation for termination contract sent by the company to the USCIS