Guestbook Entry for Sam, United States
Name
Sam
Country
United States
State
IL
Search
H-1B and I-140: Moving to India & Future Return to the U.S.
Question details
I would appreciate some insights on my H-1B and green card process. Here’s my situation:
I currently have an H-1B visa valid until July 2027.
My company has filed for PERM with a priority date of October 2024.
If things go as expected, I anticipate my I-140 approval around May 2026 (with premium processing, if things go smoothly and I receive my DOL approval around Feb 2026, calculating around 15+ months from Oct 2024).
I’m considering moving to India around January/February 2027, which would be about 180 days after I-140 approval (if that helps retain I-140 benefits even if I go to India; if not, I would be moving earlier).
My questions:
Impact on H-1B if I move to India
What would happen to my H-1B if I joined a different employer in India?
What happens if I stay with the same U.S. employer but work from India?
Returning to the U.S. after H-1B expiration
If my H-1B expires while I’m in India and I haven’t renewed it, let's say that in the future, I will get an employer and want to re-enter the USA. Would the process be expected for the employer, like filing for a change of employer and me getting a new stamp in the Indian embassy, or would it have some additional complications?
I-140 and Priority Date Retention
Will my I-140 priority date remain intact if I am in India and later re-enter the USA for a different employer based on the answer to the above question?
If I get a new job in the U.S. later, what must my future employer do to transfer or use my existing priority date for the new green card process?
FAQ Transcript
If you move to India (or another country) after your I-140 approval, your H-1B with your current employer will likely be revoked unless they continue paying your U.S. salary. If your H-1B expires while you are abroad, you can return to the U.S. on H-1B with any employer, as your I-140 remains valid after 180 days. However, you must restart your green card process with a new employer. Your I-140 priority date remains intact, even if you switch from EB-2 to NIW or EB-1A.
Excellent work Rajiv & Co. Very thorough in the approach, case preparation, no-delay communication, on-time filing, coupled with personal advice and feedback - all these qualities reflect how well Rajiv and his team work. I could call up and talk to Rajiv/his team any time and any number of times. Many clients are ignorant of the details involved in the GC process - but no matter how small a clarification, I elicited a detailed and quick response. Always very courteous and professional -- I felt very confident on how things were moving. My case particulars - PD Sept 9, 99 - Labor certified Mar 27, 2000. Hats off to Rajiv, Suman, Amel and Priya for the great work. Most importantly, here's a team that will let you know upfront what is required from you. Communication is rank #1. So folks, if you need a sound and highly experienced immigration attorney, look no further than to Rajiv Khanna & Associates. You will not regret the choice. Good luck.