The regulations enacted by the USCIS on 17 January 2017 have created a new class of employment authorization - "Compelling Circumstances EAD." This is available to those people whose I-140 is approved and priority dates are not yet current.
This is a compelling circumstances EAD approved in appx. 100 days in July 2017 based upon health grounds.See: http://www.immigration.com/sample-cases/%5Bcompelling-circumstances-ead…
As of June 29, 2017, we began implementing the Executive Order at our embassies and consulates abroad in compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision and in accordance with the Presidential Memorandum issued on June 14, 2017. Our implementation is in full compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision.
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
PERM Processing Times (as of 6/30/2017)
HOUSTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today the deployment of facial recognition biometric exit technology to William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU) in Houston for select flights from HOU. The deployment builds upon a June 2016 pilot at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport using facial recognition.
I have received inquiries on this type of email floating around. This is fraudulent. US govt. does NOT issue green cards based upon random email lottery. Please circulate this to all concerned.
--------------------------email---------------
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs, National Visa Center
32 Rochester Ave. Portsmouth NH 03801-2909
Attention: Winner.
Our community member spring09 says:
Hi Rajiv,
Thanks in advance. I have an question and keeping me up during nights.
I am working on H1 with comp A, who has filed for my I-140 in Feb-08.
And I also have an Approved I-140 ( Jul'07), have filed for I-485 and also have EAD from company B. I have never used my EAD from comp B, nor have I worked for comp B.
Could there be any issues, which I should be prepared for? As I know it is legal to file for more than one I-140.
Thanks again.
As to possible issues, I can probably write a book. Generally speaking, you can have as many I-140's as you like as long each is motivated by a genuine desire to accept a job before or upon approval of the green card. As to your specific situation, consult your lawyers if they feel there is any problem. I hope this helps you sleep better.
I have just been accepted into a residency program here at a university. I am currently working in the same department as a clinical research associate on H1B since april 2006, they have applied for my permanent residency in EB-2 for the same position and I am on 7th year H1B valid till nov 2009. My I-140 is in process and I have responded to RFE on oct 16th and have not got any reply so far. Priority date is oct 2007. The residency starts in july
I think I can continue on H1B till my I-140 is pending and since my green card process is in the same department they have assured me that they will not withdraw my I-140 and that I’ll come back and work in the position of research associate after my residency(4years). Please let me know if this is legally possible as they have the intent to hire and I have the intent to join them when green card is approved.
Ans. Yes. As long as the employer has the intention of keeping the job open for you and you have the intention to join them, the green card process can continue.
Quote: If by any chance they say that I can do it, does it involve just an amendment to my H1b or will it be a fresh H1b? My job responsibilities will change and $8000 change in salary only.( from Research Associate to resident). If yes, can I join residency before the amendment is approved? I heard that INS should receive the petition before the join date and I am fine.
Considering that the economy is not doing that good and sometimes projects get over and consultants go on "bench" without any clients kinda situation, this is something not that uncommon. Related to this, as being on a H1B requires me to maintain the LCA salary as mentioned on my W2, would switching to EAD with my sponsoring employer help with getting away from this restriction?
Does that also mean that if I don't get paid by my employer for a certain period and I am on an EAD, there is no issue with my GC/status at all as there is no H1B.
Just trying to find out what the possible advantages would be at this time with EAD.
There are two situations to analyze here: being benched and getting paid a lower salary. Both of them have problematic implications for employers and employees.
Here is what concerns me. As far as I know, it has never been done so far, but the possible consequences of being benched are that the I-485 can be denied and (POSSIBLY, but there are strong arguments against it) I-140 could be revoked if already approved. If I-140 is not approved, USCIS could easily deny the I-140.
Here is a question from our clients-only extranet - forclients.com. I think this question is relevant for a lot of people.
Quote: I am currently on H1b status valid till may-2011 and have a valid EAD card, My I-485 is pending for over 180 days. My company has cut my position and may revoke my H1b. If I transfer my H1b to another company and then work on EAD. Will my H1b remain in the dormant status?
Ans. Yes.
Quote: If yes, can i switch back to my H1b if i wish to? and what would be the process?( go out of country to get stamped?)
Number 8
Volume IX
Washington, D.C.
My GC was approved in less than two years through The Law Office of Rajiv S. Khanna. I got very quick response from the firm for any kind of questions related to my case. I highly recommend them.
My problems were solved through your office. Thank you very much.
Thanks Sushila. You did a wonderful job in filing the labor.
I received my GC within 3 years in EB3. All credit goes to Rajiv and his wonderful team.
This was my second attempt to file GC. (My first attempt got screwed up because of lawyer.) Second time I've insisted to go with Rajiv Khanna. My experience was wonderful. Rajiv, Suman, Mathew, Richa....they all did a great job. They are always responsive and available. I feel like I was dealing with friends.
I highly recommend Rajiv Khanna's firm.
Excellent service by Rajiv and his team:
My husband and I got our GC approved recently. It took us almost 5 years to complete our GC process from start to end. Rajiv and his entire team have been very responsive in answering any of my questions through out the process. Special thanks to Rajiv and Mathew for answering all my questions in the last 5 years. I would definitely recommend their services to any one that is looking for an Immigration lawyer.
Keep the good work going.
Thank you.
Thanks for your service. Myself and my spouse I-485 approved after nearly 4 years. I really appreciate Rajiv, Mathew and Jitesh for your help during I-140 denial, prompt returning telephone calls and emails. Never had problem to contact Rajiv to clear doubts about I-140 denial. Thanks again to Jitesh and Mathew to set up conference call with Rajiv to answer my questions.
(Article Reviewed on 26 June 2015)
What is AC21 Portability?
In the context of AOS (I-485), this is that provision of law which permits an employment-based AOS applicant whose I-485 has been pending for more than 180 days and whose I-140 has been approved to change jobs anywhere in USA to same or similar job describe in their green card application.
There is a lot to discuss, but I am focusing the answers to the questions I most frequently encounter. I will continually edit this blog note with additional information as we go long.
Here is the release from USCIS.
April 27, 2009
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced an updated
number of filings for H-1B petitions for the fiscal year 2010 program.
USCIS has received approximately 45,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the Congressionally-mandated
65,000 cap. The agency continues to accept petitions subject to the general cap.
Additionally, the agency has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees;
Durbin, Grassley Introduce Legislation to Reform H-1B Visa Program
Thursday, April 23, 2009
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today introduced the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act – narrowly-tailored bipartisan legislation that would reform the H-1B and L-1 guest-worker programs to prevent abuse and fraud and to protect American workers.
I was really excited when I heard from Amrita that my labor certification has been approved so quickly. I would like to thank Mr. Khanna and his staff for their dedicated support in this regards. I am expecting the same level of support from you for the rest of green card process.