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H-1B Visa

H-1B visa is reserved for "specialty occupations." Those that require a at least a bachelor's degree in a specific subject or closely related subjects.

USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B Cap

1 year ago By Chief Editor

Release Date 

12/02/2024

USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2025.

USCIS will send non-selection notices to registrants through their online accounts over the next few days. When USCIS finishes sending these non-selection notifications, the status for properly submitted registrations that USCIS did not select for the FY 2025 H-1B numerical allocations will show:

H-1B stamping delay and administrative processing in India: Payroll gaps, re-entry concerns, and expediting Options

1 year ago By Chief Editor
Question details

I am reaching out on behalf of a friend who is currently facing challenges related to his H1B visa stamping process in India. He departed for India in August with an H1B Dropbox appointment scheduled for August 19th. On August 30th, he received a 221(g) notice requesting him to appear for an in-person interview. He attended this interview on September 3rd, where he responded to all the consulate’s inquiries. However, he was issued another 221(g) slip, stating that his case is now under administrative processing and that he will be notified once an update is available.

Since then, there has been no progress or further communication from the consulate.

My friend’s concern now is twofold:

1. Unpaid Leave and Payroll: Due to his company's policy, he is not permitted to work from India and has been on unpaid leave since August 15th, with his last payroll processed through this date. He is still formally employed, but he has had no payroll since then. If his H1B stamping is approved, will his re-entry to the U.S. be problematic, given the gap in payroll since August 15th? Additionally, is his H1B status still active, or could it be considered paused due to the lack of payroll?

2. Expediting the Process: Is there any way to expedite his case with the Chennai consulate, considering the indefinite delay he is currently facing?

 

FAQ Transcript

If someone is stuck in India on a 221g for H-1B administrative processing, their reentry to the U.S. should not be problematic once their visa is stamped, even with a payroll gap. Employers are not required to pay while the employee is unable to work due to being abroad. Expediting a 221g is extremely rare, but the employer or lawyer can attempt to explain the urgency to the consulate.  For detailed scenarios and advice, refer to the video.

H-1B layoffs: 60-day grace period, visa options, and transitioning to study

1 year ago By Chief Editor
Question details

- H1B 60-day grace period starts on the date of getting notice of layoff from the employer, on the date of the severance paycheck, or on the last date of the regular paycheck?

- During H1B 60-day grace period, what is the best time to apply for B1/B2? When 30 days are left, 15 days are left, etc.?

- H1B is for 6-years of work, or 6-years total? I mean does unemployment time or B1/B2 time etc. also counts in 6-years of H1B?

- After layoff on H1B, if decided to go to school, then how to stay in US until getting admission decision and until school starts, that could take many months.

- After layoff on H1B, what is the better option to choose between B1/B2 and F-1?

 

FAQ Transcript

The H-1B 60-day grace period starts the day after your last pay period or working day, whichever is later. It's best to apply for a B1/B2 visa around the 50th–55th day (depending on how you apply online or by email) if transitioning and an F-1 visa if planning to study. The grace period counts toward the H-1B six-year cap, but B-1/-B2 time does not. For detailed scenarios and advice, refer to the video.

Recording for November 07, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

1 year ago By Chief Editor

Nonimmigrant Visas

Green Card

FAQ: H-1B layoffs: 60-day grace period, visa options, and transitioning to study || Employer and agency verification requirements on the most recent I-94: Is this new note typical? || H-1B stamping delay and administrative processing in India: Payroll gaps, re-entry concerns, and expediting Options



H-1B grace period eligibility after second layoff and B-1/B-2 visa options for job search

1 year ago By Chief Editor
Question details

I got laid off on H1B in my previous company but found and started a job in a new company within a 60-day grace period. Again, the current company has provided a notice period for layoff. Will I get a 60-day grace period again this time?

How easy it is to get a B1/B2 to find a job after a layoff.

 

FAQ Transcript

If you experience a layoff while on H-1B status, you receive a 60-day grace period. If you secure a new H-1B approval and face another layoff, you'll receive a fresh 60-day grace period. This applies to H-1B transfers and extensions. As for obtaining a B-1/B-2 visa for job searching after a layoff, while there's no official measure of difficulty, the approval rates appear to be consistently positive, with no reported denials.

Recording for October 24, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

1 year ago By Chief Editor

Nonimmigrant Visas

Green Card

FAQs: GC approval before AC21 Supplement J could be filed || H-1B grace period eligibility after second layoff and B-1/B-2 visa options for job search



Concerns regarding nonpayment of wages and potential H-1B impact

1 year ago By Chief Editor
Question details

I arrived in the U.S. in the last week of May 2024, and despite innumerable requests, my employer has not run payroll for the weeks since my arrival. Could this pose any challenges for future H1B transfers, extensions, or I-140 processing? Is there a risk of scrutiny or denial due to this issue? If yes, could you guide how to mitigate this please?

FAQ Transcript

If your employer fails to pay you after starting your H-1B employment, it can pose challenges for future H-1B transfers. To address this:

  • File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.
  • You can file online or by phone (search for "LCA complaint US Department of Labor").
  • This complaint serves as evidence explaining the lack of pay stubs during future H-1B transfers.
  • Employers must start paying when you're ready to work or within 30 days (if coming from outside the US) or 60 days (if already in the US), whichever is earlier.
  • Filing a complaint may help you recover unpaid wages and protect your ability to transfer your H-1B in the future.
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