Feb 3, 2022 Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)
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Feb 17, 2022, Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
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Discussion Topics, February 17, 2022
FAQ's: Left while Extension pending. B-1/B-2 visa inspection at the airport by the CBP and repercussions || Interfiling || Interfiling and AC21 Portability || Interfiling, Returning to Old Employer
Interfiling - Job change after I-140 approval with priority date current and issues with H-1B transfer and H-1B extensions
Question details
I am on H-1B visa with employer A. Have approved I-140 with priority date as Oct 2015 under EB-2. Looks like EB-2 can hit 2015 by the end of this year. With that in mind, Below are my questions:
1) Suggestions on switching employers when PD is nearing anytime soon. If I switch to employer B, what if my PD becomes current before employer B I-140 is approved? How long can I wait after my priority date becomes current to file I-485 with employer B I-140?
2) Will there be any issues for H-1B transfer and further H-1B extensions with employer B when the new PERM/I-140 is still under process?
FAQ Transcript
If you have changed employers priority date with the old employer becomes current you could go back and join them, if you have a good explanation why you left them in the first place.
Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, this is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
Maintaining H-1B status once I-I485 EAD is received after downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3
Question details
I have been on H-1B for the past 16 years. Recently received my I-485 EAD after downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3. Can I work full time for my own company now in the same field or Do I still need to have an employer, if I am ok to give up H-1 status?
FAQ Transcript
Theoretically at least, the answer is “yes”. The government clearly allows that, but there are a lot of wrinkles. Talk with the lawyer and make sure you understand all the nuances, including employer-employee relationship, genuine job offer etc., and then you can do it. I do not see any reason why you cannot.
Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, this is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
Interfiling - EB-2 to EB-3 downgrade as per the amendment. Can I now interfile?
Question details
My EB-2 was downgraded to EB-3 in Oct 2020 and the attorney marked the amended box ( "To amend a previously filed petition") as checked.
Timeline:
I received the EAD combo card in Dec 2021. Changed the Employer (though transferred H-1) using AC21 after way more than 180 days of pending 485
My PD is June 30, 2012 Now that EB3 is retrogressed and stuck in Jan 2012., I wanted to know
1. If I interfile EB2. Will it be rejected as the amended box was checked when downgraded?
2. If we interfile, will there be an impact on the EB-3, in case they reject it
3. What is the best way now to have both EB-2 and EB-3 run side by side. What is the fastest way to get to GC in my case?
FAQ Transcript
1. First of all you cannot interfile because you are not with that employer who holds your EB-2 I-140. Regarding rejection, you are right.
2. It could be.
3.Have your new employer start a new case. Start from PERM upwards.
Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, this is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
What exactly is Interfiling?
What exactly is interfiling?
USCIS will no longer accept a single combined payment on certain forms filed together with an H-1B or H-1B1 petition
For all H-1B and H-1B1 petitions received on or after April 1, 2022, USCIS will no longer accept a single, combined fee payment when Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; or Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, is filed together with an H-1B or H-1B1 petition (Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker). Each of these forms received by USCIS on or after April 1 must have its own fee payment instrument or USCIS will reject the entire package.
USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2022 H-1B Cap
Release Date
USCIS has received a sufficient number of petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2022.
USCIS has completed sending non-selection notifications to registrants’ online accounts. The status for registrations properly submitted for the FY 2022 H-1B numerical allocations, but that were not selected, will now show:
USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B Cap
Release Date
USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2025.
Recording for December 05, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Citizenship and Naturalization
Nonimmigrant Visas
Topics Discussed:
FAQs: Green card process for STEM OPT candidates: Timing for concurrent H-1B and GC filing, employer strategies, and impact of client/location changes || Can I change employers and transfer my H-1B after revocation, or do I need to re-enter the lottery? || Impact of H-1B automatic revocation on future sponsorship and job change: What does 'Case Was Automatically Revoked' mean? || Applying for a second H-1B transfer after the 60-day grace period while a first transfer is pending
DHS Strengthens H-1B Program, Allowing U.S. Employers to More Quickly Fill Critical Jobs
Release Date
Rule will provide greater benefits and flexibilities for U.S. employers and specialty occupation workers, helping to meet U.S. labor needs
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.
Rajiv's Comments in the News - US H-1B visa cap for FY2025 reached: Can Indians still apply and what should applicants do? All details here
Published by: Mint- Nov 04, 2024
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/us-h-1b-visa-cap-for-fy2025-reached…
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Rajiv's Comments in the News - H-1B modernisation rule: Flexibility in defining eligible occupations but stricter site-visit norms
Published by: The Times of India - Nov 18, 2024
https://tinyurl.com/bd62mfc2
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Recording for December 19, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Topics Discussed:
Impact of H-1B automatic revocation on future sponsorship and job change: What does 'Case Was Automatically Revoked' mean?
Question details
I was on H1B (shows automatically revoked), then switched to B2, then switched to F1 (current status) without leaving the US.
1 - Will automatic revocation of H1B cause any issues? Is it simply because the employer has submitted a withdrawal after terminating my role?
2 - When I find a new job that sponsors, will the revoked H1B cause any issues? I have only used 4 months of my initial H1B. It will be a switch from F1 to H1B if everything works out.
Just wanted to clarify what "Case Was Automatically Revoked" means; revoked - sounds a bit concerning. My role was terminated.
FAQ Transcript
If your H-1B was automatically revoked after activation (i.e., you were already on H-1B status), it typically won’t affect future sponsorships or job changes. However, if it was revoked before activation, issues may arise, and it’s recommended to re-enter the lottery to ensure eligibility.
Applying for a second H-1B transfer after the 60-day grace period while a first transfer is pending
Question details
Q1: My brother was recently laid off from his current company. Let's say he applied for an H1B transfer within 60 days (grace period) with Company-A, and it’s still in process. Then, after 60 days, can he apply for an H1B transfer with Company-B (better opportunity)?
Q2: To follow up on the above scenario, if his H-1B is denied (company-A), how much time does he have to leave the country?
Q3: He was notified about his last day as Oct 30th. Does his 60-day grace period end on Dec 30th? Or is it 60 working days?
*Note: His current company said they have not revoked the H-1B.
FAQ Transcript
If someone applies for an H-1B transfer within the 60-day grace period and later applies for another transfer after 60 days, they can file multiple petitions. However, for approval to continue working in the U.S., the first petition (filed within the grace period) must be approved. Otherwise, they may need to leave the U.S. for visa stamping.
The 60-day grace period starts the day after the last fully covered pay period, not the paycheck date, and it consists of calendar days, not working days.
Can I change employers and transfer my H-1B after revocation, or do I need to re-enter the lottery?
Question details
I got my H1B Approved (I have I-797B) through Consular Processing by Company A this year. After a few months, I got laid off from Company A and they Revoked my H1B petition (after Oct 1). I have not yet activated my H1B status (currently on STEM OPT EAD). The Immigration team at Company A said that I could do the Change of Status with Regular H1B Transfer from new employer. (As I would be considered Cap Exempt Individual with I-797B).
Can I know if I need to re-enter the lottery again or if it is possible to file a new H1B petition and change it to Company B?
FAQ Transcript
If your H-1B was approved but not activated (e.g., through change of status or visa stamping), you likely need to re-enter the lottery if it’s revoked. However, if the H-1B was activated (e.g., you worked on it), revocation doesn’t usually require re-entering the lottery, though you may need to refile through a new employer. Always consult an attorney for specifics.