Currently I'm on L-1A status and it expires in *** hence my employer is planning to file new H-1B this April not change of status. Here are my questions...<br>
1) If I get H-1B this April, is it mandatory to work on H-1B from Oct 01, 2015?<br>
2) Shall I continue with L-1A status until it expires and then can I change to H-1B?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S.
I got my H-1B petition approved in 2008 and again got it extended in 2008 unto Jan 2011. Now, I have never used both these visa's to work in US. Though, I have traveled few times to US but on B-1 visa for meetings with customer. Today, one of my friend told me that I am eligible for cap exempt H-1B application if I get job in US. Also, what will be the processing time for this cap exempt H-1B. Can this be done in premium processing in 15 days ?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
Case: Picked for H1B lottery.
- What happens if the company lays off after June but before October 1? Would I stay on my current visa status? Or will I be on H1B but with a 60-day timeline to find the next job?
- Does the status automatically change to H1B on Oct 1? or does immigration require paystubs for a couple of weeks to prove our employment?
- If I file the petition with two companies separately, how will immigration decide which one to approve? Will they approve both?
- Are there any travel restrictions from June to Sept
In this scenario, you won't be on H-1B status with a 60-day grace period to find a new job.
1) Is H1B cap-exempt to H1B lottery-based considered a change of status?
2) If I currently have an H1B cap-exempt visa and am filing for an H1B petition in June, when can I not travel outside of the US - from now to June, June to Petition Approval, or from Petition Approval to Oct ? My current H1B visa would be valid until Nov.
Yes, potentially. It allows you to work while your STEM OPT expires (April 30th in your case), and your H-1B petition is pending, extending your work authorization until October 1st.
Discussion Topics:
FAQ’s: EAD delayed - options || Benefits of National Interest Waiver
Two general questions,
1. What are the benefits of filing an EB2 NIW for a person whose I-140 has already been approved by an employer in the same category apart from NIW, not depending on your employer? Also, can you get your I140 approved priority date to your NIW?
2. Is it possible to renew the H-1B visa stamp before expiration? For example, if my H1B expires on November 1st and I apply for a visa stamp in October with approved extension I797, Would I be able to renew it?
While an approved I-140 with an employer offers some benefits, an EB-2 NIW grants portability - you can keep your green card across job changes in your field. It also allows extending your H-1B past the 6-year limit and enables your spouse to work and travel with you. For those with backlogged priority dates (e.g., India), NIW can help with I-130 petitions in specific situations. If your I-140 is approved already, the main advantage of NIW becomes self-sponsorship. Finally, you can renew your H-1B visa stamp before expiry, though consulate lead times (like four months) might apply.
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FAQs: Options when H-1B project is canceled || B-2 visa dilemma: Extend or switch to CPT for PERM/I-140 || Procedure to recapture H-1B/L-1 time outside the U.S.
Scenario: Currently working for company A. Company B has filed H1B petition and gotten approval for Oct 1st start date. Unfortunately, Project with company B goes away before Oct 1 and company B doesn't revoke my visa before Oct 1st.
1) Since I will automatically move to H1B on Oct 1st and I don't have that project anymore, can I continue to work for my current employer using the new H1B visa? (What options I have if I want to use the new H1B visa and work for the same employer?)
2) In the same case, will company A be notified about my new H1B visa on Oct 1st?
3) Will company A have to rehire me for H-1B transfer? or can I continue to work with them while the transfer is pending?
4) How would it work if I find a new project through a new company C? Would they need to file for H-1B transfer as well ?
5) What info can USCIS ask for H-1B transfer in that case? What sort of RFEs may come up?
You can't work for your current employer (Company A) on the new H-1B. File an H-1B transfer to Company A. USCIS won't notify them. Consider a lawyer consultation to possibly keep working at A while the transfer is pending.
During the last three years on H-1B, I have spent approximately one year outside of the US (multiple visits to India). What is the procedure to recapture that time and add it back to my H-1B total time?
You can recapture your H-1B time (one year) by requesting it during your next extension application. There's no deadline, and you might even recapture a full year if you exceed six months out. Documentation like passport stamps is needed.