Discussion Topics, Thursday, January 04, 2024
FAQ: Holding two full-time IT jobs on H-4 EAD || Transitions From H-1B job loss to B-2 status and impact on future H-1B employment || NIW Criteria || H-1B laid off: grace period, last employment date, health insurance, and legal stay during change of employer
Discussion Topics:
FAQ: H-1B lay off 60 days grace, options including B-1/B-2, approved I-140, Severance pay || Optimizing H-4 EAD options and bundling premium processing for H-1B and H-4 extensions || Implications of visa fraud by an employer on H-1B, L-1, green card, citizenship || Advantages of a National Interest Waiver, transitioning to EB-1, entrepreneurship, and H-4 employment for spouse
I entered the US to complete my Masters on an F-1 visa in 2018, I got my H1B visa approved in Oct 2022. I was planning to go for a green card through the EB2 NIW route. I have a few questions, which are as follows:
1. Suppose that I got EB2 NIW approved and I am waiting in queue for a green card, but I went back to India and worked in India (employer may or may not be related to the US). Can I collect my GC whenever the priority date becomes current?
2. Suppose that I have already applied for an EB2 NIW visa but then I build my profile and want to apply for an EB1 visa, can I do that?
3. When can I start my business/startup during the EB2 NIW application process? or Do I need to wait until the visa is approved to start a business?
4. When can my wife start working on an H4 visa? Is it during the EB2 NIW application process? Does she need to wait until the visa is approved?
With an approved EB-2 NIW, even if you work in India in an unrelated job, you can still collect your green card as long as you intend to work in the field for which you got the NIW when you arrive in the US. Additionally, you can apply for an EB-1 and transfer the priority date from NIW to EB-1. Starting a business during the EB-2 NIW process depends on various factors, but there's no interim visa except for limited options like entrepreneurial parole. However, potential changes in H-1B regulations for entrepreneurs could provide extended H-1B options and the ability to work for your own business. Spouses can start working on H-4 once the NIW is approved and the H-4 EAD application is filed, as the NIW I-140 petition approval doesn't require a visa.
Law offices of Rajiv S. Khanna has provided excellent service in getting my I-140 approved (EB1-OR) within a few months.
I have dealt with other law firms before and I have no hesitation in reserving the highest praise for the supporting staff and attorney Rajiv Khanna. Mr. Khanna has been very straightforward, understanding, committed,
and singularly knowledgeable.
Incredibly, he agreed to a consultation (where he reviewed my eligibility under this
category) even before I had hired his services !
EB1 has its own set of complex requirements for both the
candidate and the employer. I have been very impressed with the way Mr. Khanna could explain these and appeased the doubts/hesitation of my managers. I have found him to be very approachable, generous and always willing to help in just about every issue regarding my immigration and legal status in the US.
My case manager, Diane Lombardo, has been extremely patient, supportive and prompt in responding to my innumerable
queries. She was instrumental in preparing the petition very meticulously . Over the last several months I have
been amazed at her committment and helpfulness.
As I understand, EB1 cases are difficult and I believe Mr. Khanna and Diane Lombardo have used all their experience to handle this I-140 petition in the most professional and satisfactory manner.
Thank you very much to attorney Khanna and his team !