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.
It was a pleasure working with Rajiv's office on an H1 application for our employee. Though there was a considerable amount of paperwork required as a result of the increased diligence from DHS lately, we got good instructions with clear guidelines on what was needed at each step. Anna and Fran answered our questions very promptly and capably. They were also very careful to consult Rajiv on any legal opinions. I know Rajiv handles a lot of cases, but with the processes he has in place and attention his staff gave to this case, we might as well have been his only client. Thanks Rajiv, Anna and Fran.