Guestbook Entry for Veronica Jackson/DataStaff, Inc., United States
Name
Veronica Jackson/DataStaff, Inc.
Country
United States
State
North Carolina
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H-1B petition and Quota
Question details
I am in the US in F-1 status. I just received a job offer and the company is ready to sponsor my H-1B. When can we apply for my H-1B visa?
If the employer is exempt from the quota, they may apply at any time. If they are subject to the quota, they can file the H-1B petition to reach USCIS no earlier than April 1, 2013, with a requested start date of employment no earlier than October 1, 2013.
Traveling outside USA while H-1B petition pending
Question details
I am in the US in another status. Can I travel outside the US while my H-1B petition is pending?
While it is possible to travel out of the US while the petition is pending, there are significant complications that may arise. You should consult with your lawyers before doing so.
Employer Sponsoring for H-1 Visa
Question details
I have completed all of my studies in college for my Bachelor’s Degree but have not received my diploma from the university. How can I show my prospective employer that I have the education necessary for him to sponsor me for an H-1 position?
You must submit evidence of the beneficiary’s educational degree at the time of filing. If all of the requirements for the degree have been met, but the degree has not yet been awarded, the following alternate evidence may be submitted: (1) A copy of the beneficiary’s final transcript; or (2) A letter from the Registrar confirming that all of the degree requirements have been met (if the educational institution does not have a Registrar, such letter must be signed by the person in charge of the educational records where the degree will be awarded).
Petition to extend H-1B Visa
Question details
My H-1B approval notice is valid for four more months. When can I begin the process to extend my H-1?
A petition to extend your H-1B can be submitted for receipt by USCIS no sooner than six months prior to the expiration of your current H-1B, so you could begin the process at any time now.
H-1 and Out of Status
Question details
My project is going to end soon and my employer does not know if he will have another client with a project for me. How long do I have to find a new employer before I am out of status? What should I do if my current employer withdraws my H-1B?
There is no grace period when you are laid off. You will be out of status from the date your current employment ends. It is advisable to apply for a change of status to, for example, B1/B2, F-1, or H-4.
H-1B Extension
We were retained to file H-1B extension for the job title of Manager, HR and Training Operations [SOC (ONET/OES) Occupation Title of 11-3131 Training and Development Manager]. USCIS questioned that the job does not qualify as specialty occupation because the position falls within the category of HR Managers, and, as such, no specific degree or education is required to train for the position of HR Manager.
Profession/Occupation
Guestbook Entry for Narendhiran Nagarajan, United States
Name
Narendhiran Nagarajan
Country
United States
State
H1B
Comment
I have filed my new H1B and H1B amendment with Rajiv's office. They were great in getting the work done and respond back quickly on their side. They will also set up conference call with Rajiv directly for any immigration questions. Anna and Fran did a great job on thier part and answered all the questions in detail. Thanks, Naren.
Subject to the Quota
Question details
An employer applied for an H-1B for me two years ago under the quota and it was approved, but then I was unable to come to the U.S. to start the job. Can another employer apply for an H-1 for me now, or will I be subject to the quota again?
You should not be subject to the quota, because you were granted an H-1B approval before.
Adjustment of Status from H-4 to H-1
Question details
I may be travelling US on H-1B next year with my spouse on H-4. Is there any possibility to find a job in US for my husband through H-1B sponsor by some consultants and how much risk is involved in this?
As long as there is quota remaining on the H-1B, the law permits change of status from H-4 to H-1. And, if the H-1 is denied, that does not affect the existing H-4. So, no legal risk that I can see.
Guestbook Entry for N, United States
Name
N
Country
United States
State
PA
Comment
Mr Khanna and his team are doing an amazing job helping me with my green card process. Rajiv's immense experience and the depth of his knowledge on immigration matters answered all my queries. It also helped me looking at things with a better understanding of immigration related rules. He and his team are courteous, knowledgable and thoroughly professional.
Immigration Under Trump, November 7, 2024
Green Card
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H-1B grace period eligibility after second layoff and B-1/B-2 visa options for job search
Question details
I got laid off on H1B in my previous company but found and started a job in a new company within a 60-day grace period. Again, the current company has provided a notice period for layoff. Will I get a 60-day grace period again this time?
How easy it is to get a B1/B2 to find a job after a layoff.
FAQ Transcript
If you experience a layoff while on H-1B status, you receive a 60-day grace period. If you secure a new H-1B approval and face another layoff, you'll receive a fresh 60-day grace period. This applies to H-1B transfers and extensions. As for obtaining a B-1/B-2 visa for job searching after a layoff, while there's no official measure of difficulty, the approval rates appear to be consistently positive, with no reported denials.
Recording for November 07, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
FAQ: H-1B layoffs: 60-day grace period, visa options, and transitioning to study || Employer and agency verification requirements on the most recent I-94: Is this new note typical? || H-1B stamping delay and administrative processing in India: Payroll gaps, re-entry concerns, and expediting Options
H-1B stamping delay and administrative processing in India: Payroll gaps, re-entry concerns, and expediting Options
Question details
I am reaching out on behalf of a friend who is currently facing challenges related to his H1B visa stamping process in India. He departed for India in August with an H1B Dropbox appointment scheduled for August 19th. On August 30th, he received a 221(g) notice requesting him to appear for an in-person interview. He attended this interview on September 3rd, where he responded to all the consulate’s inquiries. However, he was issued another 221(g) slip, stating that his case is now under administrative processing and that he will be notified once an update is available.
Since then, there has been no progress or further communication from the consulate.
My friend’s concern now is twofold:
1. Unpaid Leave and Payroll: Due to his company's policy, he is not permitted to work from India and has been on unpaid leave since August 15th, with his last payroll processed through this date. He is still formally employed, but he has had no payroll since then. If his H1B stamping is approved, will his re-entry to the U.S. be problematic, given the gap in payroll since August 15th? Additionally, is his H1B status still active, or could it be considered paused due to the lack of payroll?
2. Expediting the Process: Is there any way to expedite his case with the Chennai consulate, considering the indefinite delay he is currently facing?
FAQ Transcript
If someone is stuck in India on a 221g for H-1B administrative processing, their reentry to the U.S. should not be problematic once their visa is stamped, even with a payroll gap. Employers are not required to pay while the employee is unable to work due to being abroad. Expediting a 221g is extremely rare, but the employer or lawyer can attempt to explain the urgency to the consulate. For detailed scenarios and advice, refer to the video.
H-1B layoffs: 60-day grace period, visa options, and transitioning to study
Question details
- H1B 60-day grace period starts on the date of getting notice of layoff from the employer, on the date of the severance paycheck, or on the last date of the regular paycheck?
- During H1B 60-day grace period, what is the best time to apply for B1/B2? When 30 days are left, 15 days are left, etc.?
- H1B is for 6-years of work, or 6-years total? I mean does unemployment time or B1/B2 time etc. also counts in 6-years of H1B?
- After layoff on H1B, if decided to go to school, then how to stay in US until getting admission decision and until school starts, that could take many months.
- After layoff on H1B, what is the better option to choose between B1/B2 and F-1?
FAQ Transcript
The H-1B 60-day grace period starts the day after your last pay period or working day, whichever is later. It's best to apply for a B1/B2 visa around the 50th–55th day (depending on how you apply online or by email) if transitioning and an F-1 visa if planning to study. The grace period counts toward the H-1B six-year cap, but B-1/-B2 time does not. For detailed scenarios and advice, refer to the video.
Recording for November 21, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
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Guestbook Entry for Ali Razzaq , United States
Name
Ali Razzaq
Country
United States
State
Virginia
Comment
I had a wonderful experience working with Rajiv S. Khanna and his team. They were highly professional and incredibly easy to communicate with throughout the process. As a small startup, we hired them to handle my H1B case, which was a bit complicated, but they navigated it with expertise and confidence.
Before choosing their services, we conducted a thorough market survey and found their rates to be the most optimal without compromising on quality. Rajiv and his team made what could have been a stressful process much more manageable.
We genuinely believe that Rajiv and his team are among the best in the industry, and we highly recommend their services to anyone seeking top-notch immigration assistance.
I don't have the words to express how wonderful I think this law firm is. We have been working with Rajiv and his teams for the past 2 years and we will be a lifetime client! It is a pleasure to work with people who are so lively and fun and know their stuff. I was thinking..."how & why do you tell someone who is EXCELLENT at what they do that they are greater than even they think?" Then I thought even Superman needs to know he's doing a great job! Thank you for all you do for us Rajiv etal. We are your BIGGEST FANS!!!