We won this case based on the applicant's critical role in a key U.S. Air Force project. His level of expertise in this specialized field was highly sought after and necessary to achieve the military's objectives. We provided letters from experts in the Air Force stressing their need to keep the applicant on the project or else it would fail.
We won this case for the applicant utilizing nine strong recommendation letters from sources around the world which included field experts as well as industry.
| 1. | Legal Fees (for our Office):
$7,000 |
| 2. |
Filing Fees (to the USCIS): Forms I-140, I-485, I-765, I-131: See USCIS Fee Calculator |
I would appreciate some insights on my H-1B and green card process. Here’s my situation:
I currently have an H-1B visa valid until July 2027.
My company has filed for PERM with a priority date of October 2024.
If things go as expected, I anticipate my I-140 approval around May 2026 (with premium processing, if things go smoothly and I receive my DOL approval around Feb 2026, calculating around 15+ months from Oct 2024).
I’m considering moving to India around January/February 2027, which would be about 180 days after I-140 approval (if that helps retain I-140 benefits even if I go to India; if not, I would be moving earlier).
My questions:
Impact on H-1B if I move to India
What would happen to my H-1B if I joined a different employer in India?
What happens if I stay with the same U.S. employer but work from India?
Returning to the U.S. after H-1B expiration
If my H-1B expires while I’m in India and I haven’t renewed it, let's say that in the future, I will get an employer and want to re-enter the USA. Would the process be expected for the employer, like filing for a change of employer and me getting a new stamp in the Indian embassy, or would it have some additional complications?
I-140 and Priority Date Retention
Will my I-140 priority date remain intact if I am in India and later re-enter the USA for a different employer based on the answer to the above question?
If I get a new job in the U.S. later, what must my future employer do to transfer or use my existing priority date for the new green card process?
If you move to India (or another country) after your I-140 approval, your H-1B with your current employer will likely be revoked unless they continue paying your U.S. salary. If your H-1B expires while you are abroad, you can return to the U.S. on H-1B with any employer, as your I-140 remains valid after 180 days. However, you must restart your green card process with a new employer. Your I-140 priority date remains intact, even if you switch from EB-2 to NIW or EB-1A.
1. If NIW I485 is rejected. Can we refile I485, or need to start a new NIW case from I-140 stage?
2. NIW I485 is rejected. If I refile the new NIW and it is approved, can the previous NIW's priority date be used for this new NIW's AOS?
3. How will the Trump administration affect NIW I485 cases? Would you suggest any precautions?
4. Can petitioner file multiple NIWs simultaneously with different endeavors?
If your NIW I-485 is rejected but your I-140 is still pending or approved, you can refile the I-485 without starting a new NIW case. However, consult your lawyer for any case-specific nuances.
If you file a new NIW and it gets approved, you can use the priority date from a previous NIW only if the prior I-140 was approved.
As for multiple NIW filings for different endeavors, it is theoretically possible but may weaken your case by making it appear unfocused.
FAQ: Converting from B visa to any other status such as H-1B, etc.
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Discussion Topics, June 1, 2023
Discussion Topics:
FAQs: Can I omit a previous experience in PERM filing and I-140 transfer between companies? || Sponsoring Employment-Based immigration petition for Self-Employment: EB-2 or EB-1 I-140 || H-1B visa holder working remotely from India: Permissibility of working for an Indian company and also starting a business in India || Starting a new venture as an H-1B visa holder: Establishing an LLC/CCORP and Involvement as a Board Member and Founder
FAQs: - Green card processing, F-1 visa, and H-1B transition: Travel and work considerations - Difference between H-1B consular processing and change of status
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?