Recording for December 05, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Citizenship and Naturalization
Nonimmigrant Visas
Topics Discussed:
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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.
Recording for December 19, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Topics Discussed:
I-140, Education Foreign Degree Equivalence
The applicant completed a three-year Diploma in Computer Engineering from an accredited institution in India (Government Polytechnic Mumbai). The applicant was then directly admitted to the second year Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) program at an advanced level and completed the four-year degree B.E. program.
We provided several items of evidence that indicated that the applicant had attained the foreign equivalent of a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from an accredited U.S. college or university.
The I-140 was approved.