Guestbook Entry for Giridhar Tanjore , United States
Name
Giridhar Tanjore
Country
United States
State
OH
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Guestbook Entry for Roshan D'Souza, United States
Name
Roshan D'Souza
Country
United States
State
WA
Comment
Great Firm, excellent service. Ursula E., was very dilligent, sincere, provided excellent customer service. The firm is fortunate to have paralegals of such great calibre.
Guestbook Entry for Aravinth Kaliappan, United States
Name
Aravinth Kaliappan
Country
United States
State
MD
Comment
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC LEGAL SERVICES!!!It's with heartfelt appreciation and gratitude that I want to express my Thanks to the Staff of Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, especially to Ms. Charu Bhagat, Ms. Reena Wadel and Ms. Sirisha Durgam for the patience with which they worked my very complicated case. I was basically in an out-of-status mode in the US for a long time with my past employment and it was a big question as to whether I would get my Visa transfer approved. Thanks to the ABSOLUTELY METICULOUS preparation of documents and the constant communication between INS and Rajiv S. Khanna's Office that amde it happen. The only thing that I would STRONGLY reccomend anyone that has the privilege of getting help from Rajiv S. Khanna's Office is...1. Be Patient and WORK (really, without question) with the lawyers who are handling your case.2. PROVIDE every bit of documentation asked for and be very PROMPT with it.3. Respect their effort in helping you and do not be impatient.Ms. Sirisha, Ms. Charu and Ms. Reena were three of the most friendly and helpful persons. Thank you so much!!Aravinth Kaliappan
Guestbook Entry for Dilbagh Gill , United States
Name
Dilbagh Gill
Country
United States
State
NJ
Comment
It was a very pleasant experience working with the Law Offices. I would like to make a special reference to the person I worked with who kept me informed on each step during the process removing any anxiety - I did get prompt responses on all queries and she returned every call, that was amazing. I look forward to working with this team again when I apply for my Green Card.Thank and appreciate all your efforts.
Guestbook Entry for Rajesh Nair, United States
Name
Rajesh Nair
Country
United States
State
MN
Comment
Rajiv Khanna and the people at his office did a very good job in processing my Green card. All of the people(Leila Lehman, Shivane Sharma,and others), I used to contact were very knowledgable. It has been a nice experience! Thanks and keep up your good work!
USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B Cap
Release Date
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.
PERM Processing Times (as of 11/26/2024)
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | August 2023 |
| Audit Review | December 2022 |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | April 2024 |
Green Card
Immigration Law
USCIS Now Requires Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record to be Submitted with Form I-485 for Certain Applicants
Release Date
USCIS now requires certain applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with their Form I-485 or the Form I-485 may otherwise be rejected.
Visa Bulletin For January 2025
Number 97
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
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
USCIS Forms Update Notice
Recently USCIS updated the following form(s):
12/09/2024 01:22 PM EST
Edition Date: 12/09/24. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule.
10/24/2024 10:06 AM EDT
USCIS Revised Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Release Date
On Dec. 10, 2024, USCIS published a new edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status, which includes updates to questions and instructions. Starting Feb. 10, 2025, USCIS will accept only the 10/24/24 edition of Form I-485 and will reject any older editions of Form I-485.
Recording for December 05, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Citizenship and Naturalization
Nonimmigrant Visas
Topics Discussed:
FAQs: Green card process for STEM OPT candidates: Timing for concurrent H-1B and GC filing, employer strategies, and impact of client/location changes || Can I change employers and transfer my H-1B after revocation, or do I need to re-enter the lottery? || Impact of H-1B automatic revocation on future sponsorship and job change: What does 'Case Was Automatically Revoked' mean? || Applying for a second H-1B transfer after the 60-day grace period while a first transfer is pending
USCIS Forms Update Notice - Form I-485
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
Form I-485 Supplement A, Supplement A to Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i)
08/28/2024 02:36 PM EDT
Edition Date: 08/28/24. M. USCIS will also accept the 08/28/24 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
08/28/2024 02:36 PM EDT
DHS Strengthens H-1B Program, Allowing U.S. Employers to More Quickly Fill Critical Jobs
Release Date
Rule will provide greater benefits and flexibilities for U.S. employers and specialty occupation workers, helping to meet U.S. labor needs
Green card process for STEM OPT candidates: Timing for concurrent H-1B and GC filing, employer strategies, and impact of client/location changes
Question details
I am in my first year of STEM OPT. My employer verbally committed to filing a cap-exempt H1B in 2026 so that I can get the H1B right about the time my STEM OPT expires.
If my boss is willing, can he:
Start my GC filing in 2025 before filing h1b in 2026 to save some time for my GC process. Or should I wait to get h1b first till 2026 and then start GC after that? Or file for GC concurrently with H-1B in 2026?
FAQ Transcript
You can start the green card process before filing for H-1B, as they are separate. It's advisable to start the green card as early as possible rather than wait. For green card filing involving different locations, you can file either as a transferable job through the company headquarters or for a future job at the intended location. Always consult a lawyer for advice.
Rajiv's Comments in the News - US H-1B visa cap for FY2025 reached: Can Indians still apply and what should applicants do? All details here
Published by: Mint- Nov 04, 2024
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/us-h-1b-visa-cap-for-fy2025-reached…
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Rajiv's Comments in the News - H-1B modernisation rule: Flexibility in defining eligible occupations but stricter site-visit norms
Published by: The Times of India - Nov 18, 2024
https://tinyurl.com/bd62mfc2
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Recording for December 19, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Topics Discussed:
Impact of H-1B automatic revocation on future sponsorship and job change: What does 'Case Was Automatically Revoked' mean?
Question details
I was on H1B (shows automatically revoked), then switched to B2, then switched to F1 (current status) without leaving the US.
1 - Will automatic revocation of H1B cause any issues? Is it simply because the employer has submitted a withdrawal after terminating my role?
2 - When I find a new job that sponsors, will the revoked H1B cause any issues? I have only used 4 months of my initial H1B. It will be a switch from F1 to H1B if everything works out.
Just wanted to clarify what "Case Was Automatically Revoked" means; revoked - sounds a bit concerning. My role was terminated.
FAQ Transcript
If your H-1B was automatically revoked after activation (i.e., you were already on H-1B status), it typically won’t affect future sponsorships or job changes. However, if it was revoked before activation, issues may arise, and it’s recommended to re-enter the lottery to ensure eligibility.
Applying for a second H-1B transfer after the 60-day grace period while a first transfer is pending
Question details
Q1: My brother was recently laid off from his current company. Let's say he applied for an H1B transfer within 60 days (grace period) with Company-A, and it’s still in process. Then, after 60 days, can he apply for an H1B transfer with Company-B (better opportunity)?
Q2: To follow up on the above scenario, if his H-1B is denied (company-A), how much time does he have to leave the country?
Q3: He was notified about his last day as Oct 30th. Does his 60-day grace period end on Dec 30th? Or is it 60 working days?
*Note: His current company said they have not revoked the H-1B.
FAQ Transcript
If someone applies for an H-1B transfer within the 60-day grace period and later applies for another transfer after 60 days, they can file multiple petitions. However, for approval to continue working in the U.S., the first petition (filed within the grace period) must be approved. Otherwise, they may need to leave the U.S. for visa stamping.
The 60-day grace period starts the day after the last fully covered pay period, not the paycheck date, and it consists of calendar days, not working days.
Can I change employers and transfer my H-1B after revocation, or do I need to re-enter the lottery?
Question details
I got my H1B Approved (I have I-797B) through Consular Processing by Company A this year. After a few months, I got laid off from Company A and they Revoked my H1B petition (after Oct 1). I have not yet activated my H1B status (currently on STEM OPT EAD). The Immigration team at Company A said that I could do the Change of Status with Regular H1B Transfer from new employer. (As I would be considered Cap Exempt Individual with I-797B).
Can I know if I need to re-enter the lottery again or if it is possible to file a new H1B petition and change it to Company B?
FAQ Transcript
If your H-1B was approved but not activated (e.g., through change of status or visa stamping), you likely need to re-enter the lottery if it’s revoked. However, if the H-1B was activated (e.g., you worked on it), revocation doesn’t usually require re-entering the lottery, though you may need to refile through a new employer. Always consult an attorney for specifics.
I thank Mr. Khanna, Suman Basin, Leila Lehman and Diane Lombardo for helping me through the Employment based Green Card processing. The best thing I like about the Law offices of Rajiv S. Khanna is that they are there when you need your questions answered. Efficient and very professional team.