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.
I would like to thank the team of Mr. Khanna. He has been of great help. Initially they filed my case for H1B and got approved with no problem and now I am applying through Mr. Khanna and Mr. Mathew for EB2 GC. My case is very complicated so Khanna ji gave two consutations without any charge and spoke about all the details. My employer offered me her attorney but still I have so much of confidence in Mr. Khanna that I am filling through him. I am sure despite my case being so different, he will leave no stones unturned to represent my case in the best manner. I will update as we will progress. Once again Mr. Khanna thanks for being so cooperative and visionary.