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.
Many thanks to Prerna Mehta for all the help she provided with the filing of my I-140 and Sheena Gill for handling my I140 RFE in an excellent manner. My case was dealt with utmost trust and care by Rajiv's office and I didn't have to worry about RFE and USCIS approved my case in a couple of days.
My special thanks to Sheena as she handled the RFE extremely well.Sheena and Prerna were extremely professional.
I am sure that I made a wise decision in selecting Mr.Rajiv's office for my immigration matters.
Thank again Sheena and Prerna.