I am currently in the last stage of getting my employment based Green Card (My I-485 has been filed for). I received an EAD valid for a year. I filed for an extension of the EAD some 120 days or so prior to its expiry. USCIS sent in a RFE (Request For Evidence) some 80 days after my filing. I sent in the requested evidence within 10 days of the RFE. When my current EAD expired, I went to the Detroit USCIS office to get an interim EAD. After waiting for over 3 hours, the USCIS rep. took less than 10 minutes to review all my documents and refused to issue me an interim EAD.
I reached the office at 7.30 am on 12/11 (91st day after RD on I-765 notice) and found that I was the only one out there. Since it was 8 deg in the morning, this didnt come as a surprise to me
The office opened at 8 and I was given a token when I entered. I was called in about 20 minutes.
I took the following documents with me:
1. Copy of I-765 notice
2. Copy of I-485 notice
3. Filled out new I-765 form
The H-2B non-agricultural temporary worker program allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs.
For more information about the H-2B program, see the link to the left under "H-2B Non-Agricultural Workers."
USCIS recently updated the following form:
Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
01/20/2025 12:37 PM EST
Edition Date: 01/20/25. Starting July 30, 2025, USCIS will accept only the 01/20/25 edition. Until then, you can also use the 01/17/25 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
For more information, please visit the Forms Updates page.
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | February 2024 |
| Audit Review | N/A |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | March 2025 |
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https://tinyurl.com/48ww6hy6
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Published by: NewsBytes - July 02, 2025
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https://upstox.com/news/business-news/latest-updates/trump-s-fresh-visa…
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FAQs: What are the risks of job seeking while on F-2 or B-1/B-2 status post-H-1B layoff || F-1 COS -- Risks of future denials, job search, and visa stamping with multiple status changes || H-4 extension (I-539) abandoned by travel? Re-filing strategy after re-entry with new I-94
Number 5
Volume XI
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during August 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.
I am currently on an H1B visa and, unfortunately, I’ve been laid off. My last working day will be July 31st. I'm evaluating my options to maintain legal status in the U.S. after that date. The two primary paths I’m considering are:
Filing a Change of Status to B1/B2 (Visitor Visa). Filing a Change of Status to F2 (Dependent on my wife’s STEM OPT)
I saw your post on LinkedIn where you mentioned that USCIS has recently issued RFEs in B1/B2-to-H1B conversion cases, citing that seeking employment while on a B status may constitute a status violation.
My question is:
If I change to F2, would I face similar scrutiny during a future change back to H1B, especially if I'm job hunting while on F2?
Does job searching or interviewing while on F2 (without actual employment) violate the terms of that status? Also, I'd greatly appreciate your insights on the pros and cons of switching to F2 vs. B1/B2 from a strategic and compliance perspective.
Seeking a job while on F-2 or B-1/B-2 status after an H-1B layoff carries no inherent risk, as the prohibition is on doing the job, not looking for one. While some individuals have faced challenges from USCIS when converting back to H-1B, the speaker views such objections as unfounded. Even in a worst-case scenario, an H-1B approval might necessitate a brief departure and re-entry to the U.S.
My question is regarding conversion from H-4 to F-1. I landed in the US on an F-2 visa, which was later converted to an H-4. So I don't have a sticker visa on my passport. Now I'm trying to gain admission to a university and change my status to F-1 again. Would I face any issues in this matter now or later? If I don't manage to get a job later, would I still be able to stay and convert back to H-4, or could I possibly face a denial?
Secondly, if I go back home and get a visa stamp, can I face any potential problems because this is going to be my second master's and I've gone through three visa status changes in a short period?
No, there's no limit to how many times you can change your immigration status within the U.S. As long as the changes (e.g., F2 to H4 to F1) are legitimate and not just for "fun," they should not pose a problem for future denials or visa stamping.
I wanted to seek your guidance regarding my pending H4 extension application. Below are the details:
I am on H4 status with my current visa valid until August 29, 2025.
My husband’s H1B extension has been approved, and we filed my H4 extension (I-539) along with his H1B. I received my receipt notice on April 2, 2025. Due to a family health emergency, I traveled to India on April 29, 2025, and re-entered the US on June 18, 2025, using my valid H4 visa. Upon entry, I received a new I-94 valid until [insert the expiry date on your new I-94 here, e.g., August 29, 2025]. I would like to confirm:
Will my pending H4 extension (filed prior to travel) be considered abandoned due to my departure from the US while it was in process?
Should I apply for a new H4 extension application? Is it recommended to recall the current H4 extension application and immediately fill a new H4 extension? Or should I wait till I get my H4 withdrawal approved?
If so, do I need to file a new H4 extension application before the expiry of my current I-94 to maintain my status beyond that date?
Is there any additional action you recommend in this situation to ensure uninterrupted H4 status?
Your H-4 extension (I-539) will not be considered abandoned even if you travel internationally and re-enter with a new I-94 while it's pending. It's a common, though undocumented, rule that travel is permissible during an extension application, unlike a change of status. You do not need to refile your H-4 extension. For peace of mind, you can contact USCIS customer service to confirm.
Release Date
07/11/2025
USCIS will soon begin to collect new fees for certain immigration benefit requests. USCIS will provide details on the implementation of these fee changes in the coming days.
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | March 2024 |
| Audit Review | N/A |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | May 2025 |
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USCIS recently updated the following USCIS form(s):
Edition Date: 07/22/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule.
For more information, please visit the Forms Updates page.