Answer 1: Employees cannot legally pay for green card expenses, H-1B fees, or premium processing associated with PERM. For the green card process, the employer must cover all costs. In the case of the I-140 stage, the employer should pay, especially if the employee is on H-1B. However, for the I-485 stage, the employee can pay.
Regarding H-1B, the employer should generally cover all expenses, except for premium processing. If premium processing is for the employee's benefit and the employer opts not to pay, the employee can choose to cover the cost. If premium processing is for the employer's convenience, the employer must pay.
In summary:
Green Card (PERM): Employer must pay; employee cannot.
I-140 stage: Employer should pay, especially for H-1B holders.
I-485 stage: Employee can pay.
H-1B expenses: Employer should pay, except for premium processing.
Premium processing: Employee can pay if for their benefit; otherwise, employer must pay.
Answer 2: Additionally, an employee with an old H-1B stamp from a previous employer can use it for a different employer. There's no need for new visa stamping if there's a new approval notice. Traveling on the old stamp with the new approval is permissible.
Mr. Khanna's firm has processed several H1-B and PERM applications for our company. We first came to him in a dire situation. Another attorney had been working on our behalf, but had not given us good service or advice. One of our key employees was faced with having to leave the country because of the situation. Rajiv, Anna, Heather and Judi were all very helpful in getting the situation resolved for us. Their knowledge of immigration law and their ability to explain it so that I understand what is happening has been excellent. It is empowering and now I am always confident that our immigration petitions are being handled in the most efficient and above board process possible.