Guestbook Entry for Laura Sylvester , United States
Name
Laura Sylvester
Country
United States
State
Texas
Search
USCIS Temporarily Suspends Premium Processing for Extension of Stay H-1B Petitions
Starting May 26, 2015, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B Extension of Stay petitions until July 27, 2015. During this time frame, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, for a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, requesting an extension of the stay for an H-1B nonimmigrant. USCIS will continue to premium process H-1B Extension of Stay petitions filed with Form I-907 premium requests prior to May 26, 2015.
Recording of Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday) 2015, May 14
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
FAQ: US Citizen applying for Green Card for visiting family member (spouse/parents); Birth and Marriage Certificate Issues; FAQ: Getting nanny/domestic help from India; FAQ: After getting Green Card - how long do you have to stay with your employer.
Guestbook Entry for Zenmonics, United States
Name
Zenmonics
Country
United States
State
NC
Comment
We have been working with Mr. Khanna and his team for years and we cannot thank them enough for all they do for us. I like to share a comment that I just received from one of our employees who recently received his H1 approval: "Really appreciate Immigration lawyers for thoroughly review the documentation. I am glad for this approval and believe all their efforts are reflected in this approval."
USCIS Guidance on When to File an Amended H-1B Petition after the Simeio Solutions Decision
On April 9, 2015, USCIS’ Administrative Appeal Office (AAO) issued a precedent decision, Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC, which held that employers must file amended H-1B petitions when a new Labor Condition Application for Nonimmigrant Workers (LCA) is required due to a change in the H-1B worker’s worksite location. Specifically, the decision stated:
Requirements for Extension of H-1 beyond 6 years
Question details
I am looking for opportunities using the remainder option of my H-1B. I have a year and half remaining out of six years.
Now, most of the companies do not want to start the GC process immediately; they want to start after 6-12 months.
I have the following two questions:
1. What stage do I need to reach on my GC process when the remaining time on H-1B ends.
2. If my company doesn't want to start GC process immediately, can I begin this on my own using my personal fund?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/3Heaadpk1Ik?t=273
FAQ Transcript:
In which country must I apply for a US visa?
Question details
My name is Harendra having H-1B and an Indian national , I want to file H-4 for my wife who is a Srilankan national with Srilankan passport , living in India legally with my parents after marriage for the past three months. Can she apply her H-4 from India or she needs to go back to her native country to apply ?
Is there any rule for spouse applying visa from primary applicant's country of residence?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/3Heaadpk1Ik?t=396
FAQ Transcript:
Recording of Community Conference (Every Other Thursday) 2015, April 30
Profession/Occupation
Substantial transcription for video
FAQ: H-4 EAD filing while H-1 extension is pending; H-4 EAD. Converting from H-1 to H-4 EAD - good idea or not? H-4 EAD. Documents needed; name issues; processing times, etc.; H-4 EAD Expediting Possible?
Other Topics: Green card issues because of diseases; H-1 amendment with change of location; when is a degree considered to be completed;
H-4 EAD Filing
Question details
My spouse is on H-1 visa and his former employer filed I-140 and then my spouse changed his employment to another employer and transferred his H-1, the I-140 has not been revoked by former employer. So my H-4 is with the former employer valid for three years, and current employer for my spouse has not filed H-1 for me. Is the H-4 from the former employer valid for file EAD or do I have to apply for H-4 again and what would be the documents that would I need to file H-4 EAD ?
Every time the H-1 holder changes job, the H-4 holder does not need to re -apply for H-4. Your H-4 is good. You don't have to have different H-4 for the employer. Of course, every time the H-1 holders change their job they have apply for new H-1 but as long as you never violated status and H-1 holder has never violated status that H-4 continued to be good from job to job to job, you are good.
Your second question was what document need to file H-4 EAD?
Exempt from the H-1B Quota
Question details
I got my H-1B petition approved last year, it got extended as well. I have never used any of these visas to work in the U.S. though I have travelled few times to U.S. but on B-1 visa for meetings with the customers. So the question is when do I become exempt from the H-1 quota?
In your situation when you are outside the USA, you become exempt from the H-1 quota when you get your visa stamped. So I think USCIS interpretation of law is faulty and incorrect, because in my view as soon as H-1 is approved you should be exempt from the quota but USCIS has taken the position that unless you get the visa stamped from the consulate we will not consider you exempt if you are outside the USA. So it appears to me that you should be exempt from the quota.
H-4 EAD - Converting from H-1 to H-4 EAD - good idea or not?
Question details
My I-140 was approved on Sept 2011. I came to US on 2008 beginning on L-1 visa and then my employer converted to H-1 visa. On February'15 I got an extension on my H-1 visa based on I-140 approval but I didn't get it for 3 years from Feb'15 rather I got it till Nov'16 (about 1 year 10 months). I am thinking to join another company now. What should I consider before I transfer my H-1 to employer B from employer A on my situation? My wife is on H-1 and it’s valid till 2018. I am also thinking my wife to apply H-4 EAD rather continuing on H-1. Is that going to be a better option?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
FAQ Transcript:
H-4 EAD - Documents needed; name issues; processing times, etc.
Question details
Q1. Among the documents needed for filing H-4, what are the ones we really need to make sure, we have them. I mean few like Date of Birth Certificate from Indian Municipal/Registration office..... is that needed even for H-4 EAD. What if the name on the Birth Certificate from Registration office is different from name on Passport? What should be done here? Any other documents etc. we need to be careful about and should be working to get ready now. (Education certificates and marriage certificate etc. we already have)
Q2. Would it again be first come -first served in terms of filing H-4 EAD? I mean people who file on May 26-27 --would their applications be processed earlier than the ones who file little later.
Q3. Approximately how much time it’s expected for EAD to arrive, everything going well
Q4. One last question, if I happen to change my employer at this time, and if my GC process is re-initiated would my wife be still eligible for filing H-4 EAD or NOT ( in a situation if old employer revokes I-140 )
FAQ Transcript
A1. So far it appears to me and again we don’t have the details yet. The very least you will need is proof of marriage and birth certificate. I don’t think that is the normal requirement but I believe proof of relationship should be acquired and kept. Then the question what if the names on the birth certificate and passport are different.... we still don’t know lot about these issues. I would say an affidavit explaining the discrepancy and probably making efforts to remove the discrepancy whether you want to have the passport issued under the correct name or whether you want to have a Indian court give a declaratory judgment of some kind that the name X and Y are the same person. Something like that would be a good idea. But it is not going to stop you H-4 EAD application at least in my mind. I think even education certificates are irrelevant because the H-4 EAD is not given based upon what degrees you have, it is given based upon your relationship with the H-1 holder who is at a certain level of maturity in the green card process. I am not worried about the laminated original document. That doesn’t bother me.
A2. First of all USCIS just roughly follows the first in, first out rule. They are not always bound by that rule because there are so many variations within the processing times if it is given to a particular officer, which depends on what is their case load is and what if they have to take a couple of days off. It’s not always predictable that you will always be first in and first out.
A3. Under the regulations USCIS should adjudicate EADs within 90 days. But in case you don’t know they are finding it very difficult to keep to that time. I will be surprised if they are able to keep to the 90 days process, but if it is merely administrative process and there is not a whole lot of investigation involved then I don’t see why not but I really don’t know.
A4. The government has said as long as you have one I-140 that remains unrevoked they will give us the H-4 EAD. But if the I-140 is revoked then H-4 EAD will not be given.
Rule to recapture H-1B unused time (Remainder Option); What if I change professions?
Question details
I did my Masters in chemical engineering in the US and then worked for an environmental firm in NYC, where my H1B was sponsored. I got my H1B in 2019 (Oct 2019 start date), and then I moved to India in Dec 2020, and it’s been almost 2 yrs here in India.
I have approx. 4.5 yrs remaining on my H1B. My questions are below:
1. Am I eligible to use the H1B remainder option for a different employer under a different field under cap exemption? I want to know if I can work in the business domain and not in the chemical field using the H1B remainder option.
2. Say I find an employer in the US in the business domain who is willing to sponsor me directly? Do I need to apply for a new H1B and go through the April lottery? What are the consequences?
3. Lastly, if I plan to do an MBA, which would be my second master's in the US, is it possible to use the H1B remainder option from my first master's and work in the business domain?
FAQ Transcript
- Yes, you can.
- If you want to work in a different domain that does not stop you from using the remainder option and I see no problem there.
- H-1B does not prohibit you from going to school. You could work and go to school at the same time.
Rule to recapture H-1B unused time (Remainder Option); What if I change professions?
Question details
I did my Masters in chemical engineering in the US and then worked for an environmental firm in NYC, where my H1B was sponsored. I got my H1B in 2019 (Oct 2019 start date), and then I moved to India in Dec 2020, and it’s been almost 2 yrs here in India.
I have approx. 4.5 yrs remaining on my H1B. My questions are below:
1. Am I eligible to use the H1B remainder option for a different employer under a different field under cap exemption? I want to know if I can work in the business domain and not in the chemical field using the H1B remainder option.
2. Say I find an employer in the US in the business domain who is willing to sponsor me directly? Do I need to apply for a new H1B and go through the April lottery? What are the consequences?
3. Lastly, if I plan to do an MBA, which would be my second master's in the US, is it possible to use the H1B remainder option from my first master's and work in the business domain?
FAQ Transcript
- Yes, you can.
- If you want to work in a different domain that does not stop you from using the remainder option and I see no problem there.
- H-1B does not prohibit you from going to school. You could work and go to school at the same time.
Options for Nonimmigrant Workers Following Termination of Employment
Release Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is providing information for nonimmigrant workers whose employment has terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily. These workers may have several options for remaining in the United States in a period of authorized stay based on existing rules and regulations.
Recording for December 15, 2022 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Green Card
FAQ: Explaining PERM Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) and its elements || Recapturing H-1B unused time (Remainder Option); Changing H-1B field; USCIS’s stand on combining degree and work experience || H-4 EAD visa holders opening an LLC in the U.S. and employing their H-1B holding spouse on concurrent H-1B || Gap in status, for instance, H-1B and H-4 status issues || Eligibility for EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability)
H-1B was approved with a new I-94 but the date of onboarding was extended by the employer
Question details
I was on H-4, and it was valid till Jan 2023. I got my h1b approved via the Change of Status application and it came along with a new I-94 date. My employer is saying that they need some time to onboard me. They are working on finding a suitable project for me and it is going to take some time. Is it ok to defer the joining date and should my employer or I file any application to let USCIS know that I am not starting the job right away?
FAQ Transcript
That is not your problem, they should be really paying you. It is illegal. They cannot keep the employee out of a payroll. Employers cannot stop paying you merely because they don't have a project.
Rule to recapture H-1B unused time (Remainder Option); What if I change professions?
Question details
I did my Masters in chemical engineering in the US and then worked for an environmental firm in NYC, where my H1B was sponsored. I got my H1B in 2019 (Oct 2019 start date), and then I moved to India in Dec 2020, and it’s been almost 2 yrs here in India.
I have approx. 4.5 yrs remaining on my H1B. My questions are below:
1. Am I eligible to use the H1B remainder option for a different employer under a different field under cap exemption? I want to know if I can work in the business domain and not in the chemical field using the H1B remainder option.
2. Say I find an employer in the US in the business domain who is willing to sponsor me directly? Do I need to apply for a new H1B and go through the April lottery? What are the consequences?
3. Lastly, if I plan to do an MBA, which would be my second master's in the US, is it possible to use the H1B remainder option from my first master's and work in the business domain?
FAQ Transcript
- Yes, you can.
- If you want to work in a different domain that does not stop you from using the reminder option. I see no problem.
- H-1B does not prohibit you from going to school. You could work and go to school at the same time.
Regarding H-4 stamping without primary H-1 stamp
Question details
Currently we got H-1 and H-4 approved from Sept 2022 -2025. I am on H- and having difficulties in getting dates for visa. My wife on H-4 was able to book a date. If she goes with both the approvals and I am in US and my H-1 is not stamped. Will there be a problem for her in getting her visa stamped?
Consulates have been inconsistent. Many times, they do not stamp an H-4 visa unless the H-1B visa has been stamped. It may be best to email and confirm with the consulate where you are going.
H-1B applying for a job from outside the US
Question details
Hi Rajiv Sir, I am on H-1B visa. But I was laid off. Due to some personal reasons, I need to go to India for 6 months. Can I apply for a job from India? And will the visa still be valid for obtaining work in the US?
You can apply for a job from anywhere. If you are offered a position, you can start working remotely while the new employer applies for your H-1B transfer.
Changing employers after I-140 approval; priority date transfer, I-140 revocation impact
Question details
I have been on H1B for almost 5 years and I recently got my PERM approved. My employer will file for I-140 soon. My question is related to priority dates. I saw one of your videos where you explained that the priority date practically belongs to the employee. So does that mean when an employee gets I-140 approval then the employee can change employer at any time and keep the same priority date for the next filing with the new employer?
What happens if an employee leaves or gets laid off after a month of getting i140 approval and the old employer decides to withdraw/revoke the application? In this case, can the new employer use the same priority date or get the new one for the employee? If a new employer gets the new one then what happens when an employee's 6 yr H1B term has finished before new i140 approval comes, does he/she get extension on H1B based on new application?
FAQ Transcript
As per the regulations dated 17, January 2017 the moment your I-140 is approved the priority date is your property not the employers. Therefore even if the I-140 is revoked the same day and if it was approved, that priority date is yours to keep. You can take it across to any employer. If you go to another employer and if yours is a labor cert based case being filed you have to redo the PERM and the I-140 but you will carry the old priority date which is a big advantage.
In addition to your priority date, if the I-140 remains approved for 180 days, you can continue to extend your H-1B with any employer after six years. They cannot take that right away even if they revoke your I-140.
Recapturing H-1B unused time (Remainder Option); Changing H-1B field; USCIS’s stand on combining degree and work experience
Question details
1. Regarding 'H1B remainder option', what is the time limit (in years) where one can remain outside the US and still recapture their H1B remaining years? I am currently in India and have been here for two years now. I have approx. 4.5 yrs remaining on H1B and would like to recapture it. By when should I find an employer/employment so that I am eligible to use this H1B remainder option?
2. I did a Masters in chemical engineering in the US, and my H1B was issued in 2019. H1B is a specialty occupation, and I was told that H1B could only be used to work in the same field of study, i.e., chemical engineering in my case. However, with this 'H1B remainder option', are you inferring that one can actually change professions and still work in domains like software or finance in the US again?
FAQ Transcript
Even if you were outside for ten years you could still come under the remainder option as per the laws today.
You can change professions as long as you have a degree in the right field.
H-4EAD visa holders opening an LLC in the U.S. and employing their H-1B holding spouse on concurrent H-1B
Question details
My spouse is on H4 EAD, and I'm on H1B. Can she start an LLC and apply for a concurrent H1B for me so I can do two jobs? Please let me know if this is legally possible. Any dangers associated with it?
FAQ Transcript
Sure why not as long as you are truthful with the government. Concurrent H-1Bs do not require Lottery again.
Eligibility for EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability)
Question details
I am in 3rd year of an H1B visa, and my current employer has filed for a green card (currently in the PERM process). I am currently a Sr. Energy Engineer with industry experience of 5+ years.
I have evidence for all the criteria. Do you think I might be eligible for the EB1A category?
FAQ Transcript
EB-1As are given based upon the two-step analysis. The first step is quantitative: Do you meet three out of ten requirements and if you do then you go to step two. Click here for more
Our software company has worked with Rajiv and his staff for 2 years on various visa applications (H1B, L1, EB2) and couldn't be more pleased. The entire staff is professional, reliable, knowledgeable, and friendly. Rajiv is never too busy to have a call to provide updates & recommendations, and even just to put employees at east during these most stressful times. I highly recommend the Law Office of Rajiv S. Khanna.