In tomorrow's community conference call, one of the community members has raised the issue whether receiving certain kinds of State benefits becomes an issue for immigration. The concern is well-founded in that receiving public (Federal or State) means tested (that depend upon the amount of income/expense) can lead to a determination that an applicant can become dependent upon government resources ("public charge").
FAQ 1. I am presently in Canada on a work permit and want to apply for H-4 EAD. My husband has a valid H-1 and an approved green card application . So we are eligible for applying. My question is that can I visit US for 2-3 days, mail my application and then leave the country? Do I need to be in the US when the USICS receives my application? Or I can immediately leave after mailing the application? <p>
FAQ 2. My spouse's PERM approved & his employer is still gathering required documents to file I-140. It is still within 180 days limit. Can I apply for H-4 EAD with my spouse approved PERM copy and other documents required ( eligible under beyond 6 years extension of H-1 & PERM pending 365 days) ? Or do I have to wait until his I-140 filed ?
Answer 1: Unless you are already on H-4, you cannot leave while the change of status request is pending.
Answer 2: I think you will need the I-140 APPROVAL, not just receipt (or 7+ year H-1 extension).
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson announced his decision to designate Nepal for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months based on the conditions resulting from the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, and the subsequent aftershocks. As a result, eligible nationals of Nepal residing in the United States may apply for TPS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Heather Riddick and Rajiv handled my Green card process as well as my Wife's H4 EAD. Both Green card(So far I-140 is approved) and H4 EAD process(My wife has already received the approval) went fine and were approved. I feel their strength is proper planning and co-ordination with the client. Heather Riddick over sees all the details and verify the documents needed for the process every now and then before we file so no document is missed. Thank you Heather Riddick for all your effort. It is a great pleasure working with you. Your quick response all of my emails clarifications were one of the reasons for the success. Keep up the good work.
Rajiv on the other hand keeps team up-do-date with all current topics of immigration and that helps his entire team to stay on top of all issues. e..g is my wife's H4 EAD. USCIS had changed the I-765 form one day before filing and Heather was very proactive in downloading and filling the forms, send it out to clients to get their signatures. Even with the last minute change from USCIS she could file H4 EAD on time. Kudos for that. I would definitely recommend Rajiv and team for immigration work of any kind. Every dollar you spend as legal fee is worth.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending the initial registration deadline for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from May 20, 2015, to Aug.
Below are questions I have on the H-1B Amendment and H-1B transfer being filed almost at the same time with little gap with USCIS for the same person. The H-1B Amendment is in light of the new H-1B regulation that has been mandated by USCIS when there is a significant change in the Job Location of the beneficiary from the address mentioned in the initial Petition from the employer which was approved initially.<p>
1. Does the USCIS Last action rule apply in case of the below 2 being applied almost at the same time for the same beneficiary?<br>
a) H-1B Amendment with Current Employer<br>
b) H-1B Transfer to New employer while H1B Amendment is pending with Current Employer.<br>
2. If the answer for the above is 'Yes', then incase the H-1B Amendment Approval comes after the H-1B Transfer would the H-1B transfer to the new employer that was approved earlier be automatically nullified?<br>
3. If the answer for #2 above is 'Yes' Is there any way to request USCIS to consider the H-1B Transfer approval to new employer as the primary incase that get approved earlier and avoid the H-1B amendment to dictate the latest H-1B for a given employer? (I believe we can request USCIS to withdraw/cancel the Amendment but is this something that the new employer/employee can do or only the existing employer who was filed for H-1B amendment has the authority to request any cancellation/withdrawal of the H-1B amendment?)<br>
4. Also does the current suspension of H-1B premium processing apply even for the H-1B transfers (with a new extension for 3 Years) or is it only for new H-1B extensions of Petitions from the current employer?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
I am currently on EB-3. I have a company (say Company A) which is willing to file for my GC in EB-2 under 'Future Employment'. Do I or the 'company A' need to be aware of something on this front?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
The H-1 quota cuts down 50% or more applications each year.
Parents came to the USA on a B-2 Visa in March 2021. I have requested an I-539 extension in August 2021 due to COVID and they stayed till Jan 2022. Eventually the extension got denied. Is this a problem?
The government will say as one has overstayed their I-94, they will now be subject to section 222(g). If you overstay your I-94 the visa stamp on your passport is automatically canceled, so you have to apply for a new visa. For more details on this issue, visit my author page on The Economic Times.
How much time does the EB-2 green card process take for a Chinese born?
For the Chinese born, it is getting more difficult. It is definitely longer for people who are born in India and shorter for China born so far as of this month.
Can you work on H-4 Visa?
Not without an employment authorization which comes only at a certain level of maturity of your spouse's green card.
Question 1: The company has laid off the employee but have put them on payroll until March 2023. In this case, can the employee travel internationally and will he be able to re-enter the USA?
Question 2: Is it the right time to move to the USA from India on H-1B since one is beginning to hear a lot of layoffs took place in big MNCs?
Answer 1: Do not travel until you get a job as you could have problems when you come back.
Answer 2. : If you are working for a big MNC then you need to think about it. But if you are working for a smaller company or a company that is not affected by the layoffs (example the healthcare industry) then you do not need to worry.
Is it not recommended to travel outside USA when you are on H-1B and I-140 filed and approved ?
Absolutely no problem, you can travel.
I have Dropbox appointment in India and going alone. My husband has a valid I-797A but an expired visa. Will that affect my stamping?
I do not know. It depends upon which way they are feeling on the day you go. Earlier there was no problem but now in some cases they have insisted you must have an H-1 visa stamp.
A friend of mine went to the U.S. on F1 last year but due to some personal problems she came back home but she wants to go to the U.S again this year to a different university. Will there be a problem to get F1 again?
Depends upon individual cases. Difficult to say.
Is there a possibility of getting approval for H-4 visa work authorization act this year?
Nothing is going to happen on immigration this year.
My I-140 and I-485 is pending, my OPT has expired. Can I stay back in the U.S until I get my green card EAD ?
Sure, because you have your I-485 pending. Having a pending I-485 gives you the right to stay in the United States.
Can I visit Canada with a valid F-1 Visa or do I need to take another visa ?
If you are on F-1 status, you can definitely go to Canada.
If I were to file for F-1 but my H-4 was going to expire would I have to file for an H-4 extension?
No. So if within the life of your H-4 you apply for F-1 change of status and if the H-4 expires that's fine. By the way, H-4 allows you to go to school. As soon as you file for the F-1 you should be able to continue going to school. Also check with your DSO.
If someone is on L-1 and got laid off, what are the alternatives?
Pretty much the same as H-1. 60 days grace period and if you still cannot find a job, leave the country or convert to student status if you want to go to school or B-1/B-2 if you want to just wait it out and look for jobs.
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) assists individuals and employers in resolving difficulties they are experiencing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This page covers what CIS can and cannot help with and how you can submit a request for case assistance with the office.
Discussion Topics, Thursday, February 02, 2023:
FAQ: Criteria for national interest waiver || NIW for physical therapists || Multiple companies applying for H-1B Cap registration - H-1B lottery || Can H-4 visa (no EAD) holders take an unpaid internship? || Can H-4 EAD start a Business in any State? Can a relative's company file H-1B? || H-4 visa dependent children change of status to F-1 before 21 || Filing H-4 and H-1 simultaneously || Status of F-1 once H-4 is approved || Most efficient way to get EAD F-1 or H-4?
Mr.Rajiv Khanna's office was very helpful in every stage of our application process and they are thoroughly knowledgeable. I am extremely satisfied with their services. Thanks Mr.Rajiv!