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DOL FAQs regarding Temporary Stay of the Court's Vacatur of 2008 Final Rule
The Department of Labor is making available Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding its implementation of the Northern District of Florida's March 18, 2015 decision to temporarily stay its earlier judgment in Perez v. Perez, No. 3:14-cv-682 (N.D. Florida, Mar. 4, 2015). As a result of this stay, the Department has temporarily resumed processing of requests for H-2B prevailing wage determinations and applications for H-2B temporary non-agricultural labor certification until April 15, 2015.
Denial based upon immigrant intent, 214(b)
Question details
My F-1 visa was denied twice for the reason 214(b). I have visited my uncle in U.S for 6 months on a vacation. My Uncle (U.S citizen) sponsored me for my both F-1 (student visas). On my first appearance for F-1 visa interview in Chennai consulate my B-2 visa was cancelled by interviewing officer . Now I plan to appear for F-1 visa with my parents sponsorship. Will there be any problem for me in applying F-1 visa interview this time?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/GtOqgqgEG6I?t=87
FAQ Transcript
Workload Transfer within Service Center Operations
USCIS recently began transferring some Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, cases filed by lawful permanent residents for their eligible family members from the Vermont Service Center to the California Service Center.
Considerations for AC21 job portability
Question details
My I-485 (based on EB-1) is pending more than 180 days. If I decide to change jobs under AC 21 rule -<br>
(1) Does the new job description should be same as by definition of EB-1 or should it match my current job description based on which I applied for GC in EB-1B?<br>
(2) Do you advise to change using EAD or transferring H-1B? <br>
(3) Based on your experience, will you advise to change jobs under AC 21 or stay in the present job until GC is approved?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/GtOqgqgEG6I?t=242
FAQ Transcript
Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card Now Available in the USCIS ELIS
The Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card is now available in the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS). USCIS ELIS is an online, account-based system that allows you to submit and view certain immigration benefit requests and receive electronic notification of decisions and real-time case status updates.
USCIS Posts Updated L-1B Adjudications Policy for Public Feedback
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez today announced the release of an updated policy memorandum on the L-1B nonimmigrant visa classification for workers with specialized knowledge.
Guestbook Entry for Benny, United States
Name
Benny
Country
United States
State
PA
What happens if you overstay your I-94
Question details
Parents came to the USA on a B-2 Visa in March 2021. I have requested an I-539 extension in August 2021 due to COVID and they stayed till Jan 2022. Eventually the extension got denied. Is this a problem?
FAQ Transcript
The government will say as one has overstayed their I-94, they will now be subject to section 222(g). If you overstay your I-94 the visa stamp on your passport is automatically canceled, so you have to apply for a new visa. For more details on this issue, visit my author page on The Economic Times.
EB-2 green card process for Chinese born
Question details
How much time does the EB-2 green card process take for a Chinese born?
FAQ Transcript
For the Chinese born, it is getting more difficult. It is definitely longer for people who are born in India and shorter for China born so far as of this month.
Can you work on H-4 Visa?
Question details
Can you work on H-4 Visa?
FAQ Transcript
Not without an employment authorization which comes only at a certain level of maturity of your spouse's green card.
Layoffs - H-1B Visa Update
Question details
Question 1: The company has laid off the employee but have put them on payroll until March 2023. In this case, can the employee travel internationally and will he be able to re-enter the USA?
Question 2: Is it the right time to move to the USA from India on H-1B since one is beginning to hear a lot of layoffs took place in big MNCs?
FAQ Transcript
Answer 1: Do not travel until you get a job as you could have problems when you come back.
Answer 2. : If you are working for a big MNC then you need to think about it. But if you are working for a smaller company or a company that is not affected by the layoffs (example the healthcare industry) then you do not need to worry.
Traveling while H-1B and I-140 approved
Question details
Is it not recommended to travel outside USA when you are on H-1B and I-140 filed and approved ?
FAQ Transcript
Absolutely no problem, you can travel.
H-1 visa stamping and Dropbox appointment
Question details
I have Dropbox appointment in India and going alone. My husband has a valid I-797A but an expired visa. Will that affect my stamping?
FAQ Transcript
I do not know. It depends upon which way they are feeling on the day you go. Earlier there was no problem but now in some cases they have insisted you must have an H-1 visa stamp.
Reentering with F-1 visa again
Question details
A friend of mine went to the U.S. on F1 last year but due to some personal problems she came back home but she wants to go to the U.S again this year to a different university. Will there be a problem to get F1 again?
FAQ Transcript
Depends upon individual cases. Difficult to say.
U.S. Immigration work authorization act changes in 2023
Question details
Is there a possibility of getting approval for H-4 visa work authorization act this year?
FAQ Transcript
Nothing is going to happen on immigration this year.
Pending I-485 gives you the right to stay in the United States
Question details
My I-140 and I-485 is pending, my OPT has expired. Can I stay back in the U.S until I get my green card EAD ?
FAQ Transcript
Sure, because you have your I-485 pending. Having a pending I-485 gives you the right to stay in the United States.
Visiting Canada on F-1 visa status
Question details
Can I visit Canada with a valid F-1 Visa or do I need to take another visa ?
FAQ Transcript
If you are on F-1 status, you can definitely go to Canada.
F-1 change of status and H-4 expires
Question details
If I were to file for F-1 but my H-4 was going to expire would I have to file for an H-4 extension?
FAQ Transcript
No. So if within the life of your H-4 you apply for F-1 change of status and if the H-4 expires that's fine. By the way, H-4 allows you to go to school. As soon as you file for the F-1 you should be able to continue going to school. Also check with your DSO.
L-1 Layoffs
Question details
If someone is on L-1 and got laid off, what are the alternatives?
FAQ Transcript
Pretty much the same as H-1. 60 days grace period and if you still cannot find a job, leave the country or convert to student status if you want to go to school or B-1/B-2 if you want to just wait it out and look for jobs.
How to Submit a Case Assistance Request
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) assists individuals and employers in resolving difficulties they are experiencing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This page covers what CIS can and cannot help with and how you can submit a request for case assistance with the office.
Recording for February 02, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Citizenship and Naturalization
Green Card
Discussion Topics, Thursday, February 02, 2023:
FAQ: Criteria for national interest waiver || NIW for physical therapists || Multiple companies applying for H-1B Cap registration - H-1B lottery || Can H-4 visa (no EAD) holders take an unpaid internship? || Can H-4 EAD start a Business in any State? Can a relative's company file H-1B? || H-4 visa dependent children change of status to F-1 before 21 || Filing H-4 and H-1 simultaneously || Status of F-1 once H-4 is approved || Most efficient way to get EAD F-1 or H-4?
Entering the U.S. on a visitor visa while green card is pending || qualifying for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) || Spouse visa through H-1, L-1, or O-1 || Any special visas for UK, EU, Singapore, Dubai or Australia
Question details
Have any rules changed regarding getting a spouse visa through H1, L1, or O1? Also is traveling on a tourist visa to the US after marriage not ok, with a pending GC application? Finally, does the US have any special agreements with the UK, EU, Singapore, Dubai or Australia for visas that may qualify in this scenario?
FAQ Transcript
Regarding the rules for getting a spouse visa through H-1 L-1 or O-1 nothing has changed.
It is certainly fine traveling with a tourist visa to the US after marriage, if you can convince the government that you are not going to break the laws which means staying in violation of your visa.
Regarding the US having any special agreements, there are only two kinds of visitor visas: regular ones and visa waiver or ESTA visa. There are special visas for example in Australia there is something called an E-3 visa which is very much like an H-1B and more or less a dual intent visa.
After consultation with Mr Rajiv, I really felt how the immigration process and planning can be made easy. He is very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. He treats you as his own family member and not as a client. He explains the process very well, walks though each step and precautions to be taken. His consultation is very focused, timely fashioned and easy to understand. Never hurried, always willing to explain the process again if needed and answered all questions very well. His office staff is very helping and schedule your appointment very conveniently. I highly recommend him for the immigration cases.