FDNS (Fraud Detection and National Security) H-1B Investigations
FDNS H1B Assessment Overview and History:
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H-1B Benefit Fraud & Compliance Assessment
The Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), a Division of the National Security and Records Verification (NSRV) Directorate, drafted this report, in collaboration with the other USCIS Directorates and the USCIS Office of Chief Counsel. All USCIS components reviewed the cases involving fraud or technical violations and the proposed enhancements to the H-1B program and concurred on the report.
For more information on this report please check the attachment.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
H-1B Program and Information Sharing with Homeland Security
This report from GAO describes: (1) how Labor carries out its H-1B program responsibilities; and (2) how Labor works with other agencies involved in the H-1B program.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Agency
Immigration Law
Review of the USCIS Benefit Fraud Referral Process
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General was established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-296) by amendment to the Inspector General Act of 1978.
This report addresses the Fraud Detection and National Security program of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The program endeavors to detect and deter immigration benefit fraud. This report is based on interviews with employees and officials of relevant agencies and institutions, direct observations, and a review of applicable documents.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Agency
Immigration Law
CIS Ombudsman Issues Recommendation to USCIS on Temporary Acceptance of Filed Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for Certain H-1B Filings
CIS Ombudsman released a recommendation on "Temporary Acceptance of Filed Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for Certain H-1B Filings."
Please check attachment for detailed information.
H-1 Approval after 5 Years of Unlawful Presence
We were recently retained by an employer who had received very poor legal advice and representation from two different lawyers because of which their employee and her children fell out of H-1 status AND were unlawfully present in USA since 2004. It appeared almost impossible that we will be able to get her back into status after a gap of over FIVE years, but it did work out. Today, we have received H-1 approval as well as the coveted I-94 for all family members.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Profession/Occupation
Guestbook Entry for Bruce A. Trickel, United States
Name
Bruce A. Trickel
Country
United States
State
Oklahoma
H-1B lottery layoff before start, Automatic status change, Multiple filings, and Traveling
Question details
Case: Picked for H1B lottery.
- What happens if the company lays off after June but before October 1? Would I stay on my current visa status? Or will I be on H1B but with a 60-day timeline to find the next job?
- Does the status automatically change to H1B on Oct 1? or does immigration require paystubs for a couple of weeks to prove our employment?
- If I file the petition with two companies separately, how will immigration decide which one to approve? Will they approve both?
- Are there any travel restrictions from June to Sept
FAQ Transcript
In this scenario, you won't be on H-1B status with a 60-day grace period to find a new job.
What is Cap Gap Extension? How does it work?
Question details
1) Is H1B cap-exempt to H1B lottery-based considered a change of status?
2) If I currently have an H1B cap-exempt visa and am filing for an H1B petition in June, when can I not travel outside of the US - from now to June, June to Petition Approval, or from Petition Approval to Oct ? My current H1B visa would be valid until Nov.
FAQ Transcript
Yes, potentially. It allows you to work while your STEM OPT expires (April 30th in your case), and your H-1B petition is pending, extending your work authorization until October 1st.
Recording for May 09, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
Green Card
Discussion Topics:
FAQ’s: EAD delayed - options || Benefits of National Interest Waiver
Benefits of National Interest Waiver
Question details
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?
FAQ Transcript
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.
May 24, 2024, Rajiv in QnA session on behalf of students, young professionals
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
mmigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney
Recording for May 23, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
FAQs: Options when H-1B project is canceled || B-2 visa dilemma: Extend or switch to CPT for PERM/I-140 || Procedure to recapture H-1B/L-1 time outside the U.S.
Options when H-1B project is canceled
Question details
Scenario: Currently working for company A. Company B has filed H1B petition and gotten approval for Oct 1st start date. Unfortunately, Project with company B goes away before Oct 1 and company B doesn't revoke my visa before Oct 1st.
1) Since I will automatically move to H1B on Oct 1st and I don't have that project anymore, can I continue to work for my current employer using the new H1B visa? (What options I have if I want to use the new H1B visa and work for the same employer?)
2) In the same case, will company A be notified about my new H1B visa on Oct 1st?
3) Will company A have to rehire me for H-1B transfer? or can I continue to work with them while the transfer is pending?
4) How would it work if I find a new project through a new company C? Would they need to file for H-1B transfer as well ?
5) What info can USCIS ask for H-1B transfer in that case? What sort of RFEs may come up?
FAQ Transcript
You can't work for your current employer (Company A) on the new H-1B. File an H-1B transfer to Company A. USCIS won't notify them. Consider a lawyer consultation to possibly keep working at A while the transfer is pending.
Procedure to recapture H-1B/L-1 time outside the U.S.
Question details
During the last three years on H-1B, I have spent approximately one year outside of the US (multiple visits to India). What is the procedure to recapture that time and add it back to my H-1B total time?
FAQ Transcript
You can recapture your H-1B time (one year) by requesting it during your next extension application. There's no deadline, and you might even recapture a full year if you exceed six months out. Documentation like passport stamps is needed.