Rajiv's Article - Republicans attempt another shot at H-1B and OPT

Published by: The Economic Times - Date: December 20, 2021

Synopsis
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job openings has increased to a record 11.0 million. The 27 million small businesses, responsible for almost 50% of the GDP, are the most severely affected. They cannot find workers. A Bill like this would destroy them.
 

For more on this article please see the attachment below.

Visa Bulletin For January 2022

Number 61
Volume X
Washington, D.C

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A. STATUTORY NUMBERS

This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during January for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.

Agency

Green Card

Immigration Law

STEM extension application is pending with USCIS due to a USCIS error in failing to withdraw H-1

Question details

I am in the initial OPT which expires on November 30th, 2021. My STEM Extension has been denied based on approved H1-b which is pending withdrawal at the Texas Service Center for the last 6 months. My current employer’s attorney raised the Ombudsman request a week ago and I’ve taken Ohio senator's help to submit inquiry two weeks ago but no response so far from the USCIS and also from online forums it seems it’ll take 30 days to get a response at least but I’m running out of my time. My employer is reapplying for my STEM OPT in two weeks again.  Do I need to take any other steps to get this issue resolved?

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FAQ Transcript

 Firstly, talk with your DSO. Second thing is to talk to your congressman's office. Even though they are effective in my opinion they can take time. These are the only two steps that I can recommend in addition to what you have done.

 

Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, 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.

Changing jobs (shortly after a promotion) with I-140 approval, I-485 pending, and the 180-day AC-21 portability rule

Question details

I currently have my I-140 approved from two employers for a Senior Software engineer position under EB3 quota. I have my green card EAD with priority date: Nov 2014. I-485 has been pending for more than 180 days. I expect to be promoted to be a manager in the same line of work in the next 6 months. Due to personal circumstances, I might have to move to a different employer right after. Could you please let me know if there are any concerns if I switch right after getting promoted? The job duties would change but the line of work will be the same.

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FAQ Transcript

I do not see any problem because remember there is the possibility of self-portability as well. But of course, you should have your lawyers review the two job descriptions and make sure they are same or similar.

 

Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, 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.

Travelled to India on H-1B status, stamping done through NIE, job contract ended: What are the chances to get back to the U.S.?

Question details

My friend had traveled to India in an emergency situation in April this year. Since the consulates were closed for so long, he could get his H-1 visa stamping done by an emergency appointment last month (through NIE) only. Now, his job contract ended here. What are his chances to come back to the U.S.? - Does he need to have a job with an offer letter before traveling back to the U.S. back?

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FAQ Transcript

 Unless you have a specific job in hand, the one that has been described in the H-1B you should not come back.

 

Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, 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.

Impact on H-1B status of using advance parole

Question details

H1-B Visa Stamp Expired - but H1-B Status Valid until Sept 2023 (I-797 Approval Notice) 

I-140 approved long back, I-485 pending (PD not current but close), I-765 + I-131 approved Combo Card. Travelled to India with both H-1B I-797 and I-485 EAD/AP (Validity was 1 Year) and returned a couple months back; chose to return on I-485 AP because could not get a Visa Drop Box Appointment. New I-94 received upon entry is only valid till AP expiry date; which is prior to H-1B I-94 attached to I-797 (Sept 2023). No change of Employer before or after the travels - return to the same employer.

a) Does the use of AP on returning mean the H-1B status is abandoned in this case?

b) Will I fall out of status after August 2022 - based on this new I-94 with AP entry?

c) Can the already approved H1B status be reinstated (if it was abandoned) and also be extended like regular H1B extension after 2023 - if yes, would that need a travel out of the country before August 2022 and return on H-1B visa stamp?

 

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FAQ Transcript

a). Although you entered the United States on advance parole this time you are still considered to be holding a H-1B status. That is not disturbed by your exit and entry.

b). The I-94 that you get with the advance parole entry is limited and hence it should not be a problem. You should be able to transfer employers. You definitely can amend or even extend your H-1B within the United States. I am not aware of any limitations on the ability to use the H-1B for a transfer.

c). Yes you can always revive an H-1B. If the H-1B has expired, you can seek a renewal of the H-1B through the USCIS and then go outside the USA (your home country or any country) and get a H-1B visa stamp and come back.

 

 

Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, 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.

Can I use an approved, but never used, H-1B petition to transfer to a different company?

Question details

I have had an approved H-1B petition since 2010 but never used it. Can I reuse that petition and obtain an H-1B transfer to a different company? The old company who has filed H-B petition has not withdrawn it.

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FAQ Transcript

The problem I see is that the approval is too old. A never-used H-1B approval obtained more than six years ago may not be viable. But, you can have it researched further. I suggest you look into something called the” remainder option.” Although, it is probably not applicable to you, but your lawyers should make sure of that.  Normally, the remainder option is available for people who were employed for a while in the USA on H-1B. These folks, if they go outside the United States for one year after the H-1B employment, can get the time remaining on their H-1B without regard to when it was approved.

 

Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, 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.

Qualifications for EB-1 Multinational Executives and Managers in a small company

Question details

I am currently working as a Senior Software developer at a small company (13 employees). It is privately held and I don't have any stake in it. I am on an H-1B visa and my I-140 is approved under the EB-3 category. I see an opportunity to start a team in India for my current company. I can manage the team from India, staying there for a year. After that, I can come back to the US and still manage the Indian team while working in the USA. I will probably have to play a dual role where I am a senior developer and should manage the Indian team.  Will I be eligible for EB-1 manager/executive level after 3 years? If not, is there an easy way I can leverage the advantage of working in a small shop to get a green card faster.

 

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FAQ Transcript

You should be able to include the team in India amongst the professionals you manage if the benefit of the work flows to the corporate collective. You don't have to be outside the USA for three years. The required time period is one year. This could work, but you must have a detailed consultation with your lawyers. They should make sure your proposed jobs in India and then in the USA meet the legal requirements for an L-1A/EB-1C.

 

Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, 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.

Immigration Help Available to Those Affected by Natural Disasters and Other Unforeseen Circumstances

Release Date 

USCIS is reminding the public that they offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the severe weather in Kentucky and surrounding states.

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request: