My 6 year period of H1b visa expires in Dec 2010 and my labor application is still pending for approval. It was filed in February 2009. Am I eligible to apply for a visa extension , if so when should I apply for that? I assume I still have time.
H-1 extension beyond six years can be obtained under two circumstances:
First, indefinite H-1 extensions in one-year increments can be obtained, if the I-140 (or I-485) was filed and the green card process was started a year ago. The GC process is started for:
- Labor Certification based cases (including PERM) the date for the begining of the countdown is the date when the labor certification is officially received:
- for PRE PERM cases - by the local office (SWA); and
Comments: Rajiv Khanna is an extremely competent attorney and I am extremely pleased by the service provided by his staff. I specially commend Diane Lombardo for getting things done quickly, efficiently and correctly. I would recommend this firm for anyone wishing to hire a lwayer for their GC process. Country of Birth of primary applicant: India Country of Birth of beneficiary: Colombia I-140 NIW Application received by INS on Jan, 13 1998. I-140 Additional evidence requested on April 23, 1998. I-140 Approval received on Jun 13, 1998. I-485 Received by INS on Aug 5, 1998. I-485 RFE sent out by INS on Nov 12, 1999. RFE was for employment letter, original geographical area of NIW approval and birth certificate. I-485 Response sent on December 7, 1999. I-485 Approved on December 23, 1999. Passport stamped on January 3, 2000 using courtesy copy (not original copy). Further, for those who are wondering how I was able to submit my I485 application in August 1998 when my priority date is Jan 13 1998, I qualify since I cross-charged my application under my spouse's country of birth.