Guestbook Entry for Rishab Chawla, United States
Name
Rishab Chawla
Country
United States
State
Illinois
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USCIS Memo on Establishing the "Employee-Employer Relationship" in H-1B Petitions
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance to adjudication officers to clarify what constitutes a valid employer-employee relationship to qualify for the H-1B ‘specialty occupation’ classification. The memorandum clarifies such relationships, particularly as it pertains to independent contractors, self-employed beneficiaries, and beneficiaries placed at third-party worksites.
Guestbook Entry for DVS Enterprises LLC, United States
Name
DVS Enterprises LLC
Country
United States
Guestbook Entry for Vanessa Trinidad, United States
Name
Vanessa Trinidad
Country
United States
State
CT
Another H-1 approval without end-client letter
We have just received another H-1 approval for an end-client placement. There were two intervening vendors and the end-client declined to provide a letter stating that there is no requirement in law for them to provide any such letter. We had to get together convincing secondary evidence. I was highly doubtful we will get the approval, but we did. So, despite the January 8 memo from USCIS, there is life yet for consulting industry.
Nonimmigrant Visas
USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B Cap
Release Date
12/02/2024
USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2025.
USCIS will send non-selection notices to registrants through their online accounts over the next few days. When USCIS finishes sending these non-selection notifications, the status for properly submitted registrations that USCIS did not select for the FY 2025 H-1B numerical allocations will show:
Rajiv's Comments in the News - US H-1B visa cap for FY2025 reached: Can Indians still apply and what should applicants do? All details here
Published by: Mint- Nov 04, 2024
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/us-h-1b-visa-cap-for-fy2025-reached…
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Recording for December 05, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Citizenship and Naturalization
Nonimmigrant Visas
Topics Discussed:
DHS Strengthens H-1B Program, Allowing U.S. Employers to More Quickly Fill Critical Jobs
Release Date
12/17/2024
Rule will provide greater benefits and flexibilities for U.S. employers and specialty occupation workers, helping to meet U.S. labor needs
Green card process for STEM OPT candidates: Timing for concurrent H-1B and GC filing, employer strategies, and impact of client/location changes
Question details
I am in my first year of STEM OPT. My employer verbally committed to filing a cap-exempt H1B in 2026 so that I can get the H1B right about the time my STEM OPT expires.
If my boss is willing, can he:
Start my GC filing in 2025 before filing h1b in 2026 to save some time for my GC process. Or should I wait to get h1b first till 2026 and then start GC after that? Or file for GC concurrently with H-1B in 2026?
FAQ Transcript
You can start the green card process before filing for H-1B, as they are separate. It's advisable to start the green card as early as possible rather than wait. For green card filing involving different locations, you can file either as a transferable job through the company headquarters or for a future job at the intended location. Always consult a lawyer for advice.
Can I change employers and transfer my H-1B after revocation, or do I need to re-enter the lottery?
Question details
I got my H1B Approved (I have I-797B) through Consular Processing by Company A this year. After a few months, I got laid off from Company A and they Revoked my H1B petition (after Oct 1). I have not yet activated my H1B status (currently on STEM OPT EAD). The Immigration team at Company A said that I could do the Change of Status with Regular H1B Transfer from new employer. (As I would be considered Cap Exempt Individual with I-797B).
Can I know if I need to re-enter the lottery again or if it is possible to file a new H1B petition and change it to Company B?
FAQ Transcript
If your H-1B was approved but not activated (e.g., through change of status or visa stamping), you likely need to re-enter the lottery if it’s revoked. However, if the H-1B was activated (e.g., you worked on it), revocation doesn’t usually require re-entering the lottery, though you may need to refile through a new employer. Always consult an attorney for specifics.
Impact of H-1B automatic revocation on future sponsorship and job change: What does 'Case Was Automatically Revoked' mean?
Question details
I was on H1B (shows automatically revoked), then switched to B2, then switched to F1 (current status) without leaving the US.
1 - Will automatic revocation of H1B cause any issues? Is it simply because the employer has submitted a withdrawal after terminating my role?
2 - When I find a new job that sponsors, will the revoked H1B cause any issues? I have only used 4 months of my initial H1B. It will be a switch from F1 to H1B if everything works out.
Just wanted to clarify what "Case Was Automatically Revoked" means; revoked - sounds a bit concerning. My role was terminated.
FAQ Transcript
If your H-1B was automatically revoked after activation (i.e., you were already on H-1B status), it typically won’t affect future sponsorships or job changes. However, if it was revoked before activation, issues may arise, and it’s recommended to re-enter the lottery to ensure eligibility.
Applying for a second H-1B transfer after the 60-day grace period while a first transfer is pending
Question details
Q1: My brother was recently laid off from his current company. Let's say he applied for an H1B transfer within 60 days (grace period) with Company-A, and it’s still in process. Then, after 60 days, can he apply for an H1B transfer with Company-B (better opportunity)?
Q2: To follow up on the above scenario, if his H-1B is denied (company-A), how much time does he have to leave the country?
Q3: He was notified about his last day as Oct 30th. Does his 60-day grace period end on Dec 30th? Or is it 60 working days?
*Note: His current company said they have not revoked the H-1B.
FAQ Transcript
If someone applies for an H-1B transfer within the 60-day grace period and later applies for another transfer after 60 days, they can file multiple petitions. However, for approval to continue working in the U.S., the first petition (filed within the grace period) must be approved. Otherwise, they may need to leave the U.S. for visa stamping.
The 60-day grace period starts the day after the last fully covered pay period, not the paycheck date, and it consists of calendar days, not working days.
Rajiv's Comments in the News - H-1B modernisation rule: Flexibility in defining eligible occupations but stricter site-visit norms
Published by: The Times of India - Nov 18, 2024
https://tinyurl.com/bd62mfc2
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Recording for December 19, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Topics Discussed:
Entering USA, what to expect?
What kind of problems can employment-based nonimmigrants (H-1, L-1, E-1, E-2, E-3, TN) face during reentry?
I think this question is most relevant for H-1 holders, but other employment-based nonimmigrants may also note the general principles here.
Importance of having continuity of employment/pay stubs
Here is a question from our clients-only extranet.
Whats the relevance or importance of having continuous pay stubs (How much gap is permissible if Not significant?) in the processing of Green card of an H1B holder.
H-1B Employer Employee Memo of 8 January - Practice Hints
I am reproducing material from our employers-only (by invitation only) conference call for tomorrow. These matters need to be in place for H-1 new applications, transfers as well as extensions.