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.
Back in June 2008, we, on behalf of clients and community, had sent a letter to USCIS pointing out their defective policy. After 8 months, they have finally (partly) corrected the problem. Read the letter and the details here:
http://forums.immigration.com/blog.php?b=15
The second memo from USCIS is attached.
Two general questions,
1. What are the benefits of filing an EB2 NIW for a person whose I-140 has already been approved by an employer in the same category apart from NIW, not depending on your employer? Also, can you get your I140 approved priority date to your NIW?
2. Is it possible to renew the H-1B visa stamp before expiration? For example, if my H1B expires on November 1st and I apply for a visa stamp in October with approved extension I797, Would I be able to renew it?
While an approved I-140 with an employer offers some benefits, an EB-2 NIW grants portability - you can keep your green card across job changes in your field. It also allows extending your H-1B past the 6-year limit and enables your spouse to work and travel with you. For those with backlogged priority dates (e.g., India), NIW can help with I-130 petitions in specific situations. If your I-140 is approved already, the main advantage of NIW becomes self-sponsorship. Finally, you can renew your H-1B visa stamp before expiry, though consulate lead times (like four months) might apply.
I am currently on a B2 status and waiting for PERM approval. I have extended my B2 once, and I still think I would need another six months until my perm and I140 get approved. I need your suggestion in making a decision:
Should I move to day 1 CPT OR extend my B2 for another six months?
Which one will be the best option so I don’t get any RFEs from USCIS in the future?
I have another question: My parents and brother have their B2 visa interview scheduled for May 31st. If they ask my parents about me, is it a good idea to mention my situation in the interview?
If you are on a B-2 visa waiting for PERM approval. You can choose between:
Day 1 CPT: Allows you to work while studying but requires school enrollment.
B-2 extension: Extends your stay but may not allow work. Choosing depends on your work needs and ability to enroll in school.
Regarding your parents' visa interview, advise them to answer truthfully about your situation. Don't misrepresent information to USCIS.
Rajiv Khanna and associates are helping me in my Green Card processing. I received an RFE on my I-140; the response was well prepared by Attorney Sheena Gill. I got the approval on my I-140 in a week’s time after response was mailed; I am so excited about it. Rajiv Khanna and Sheena Gill have done an excellent job. I appreciate their expertise and the utmost care they have taken in preparing the response to a tough I-140 RFE. I would recommend the Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna to anyone who is looking for a good immigration lawyer for any immigration related work. I am very grateful and thankful to Rajiv S. Khanna for helping us to get through the various stages of Green Card processing. We also thank all the staff members of Rajiv Khanna, especially Ms. Sheena K. Gill, Mr. Mathew Chacko and Ms. Suman for their professionalism and showing keen interest in preparing documentation for Green Card processing.