Topics for Discussion, Thursday, 7 April 2016:
FAQ: Gaps in immigration status; Getting married when AOS I-485 is pending (following to join and other options); Name variation in diploma or degree, name change for immigration
Other: STEM OPT extension; H-1 approval quota exemption without visa stamping or working; I-94 for visitors B-1/B-2 visa; H-1 quota issues in converting from H-1 to H-4 then back to H-1; OPT sent incorrect/wrong fees; OPT if out of status; Revocation of I-140 and AC21 for a slightly different job (to Systems Analyst, from Software Developer); Unlawful presence consequences; Recouping time on OPT EAD lost because of USCIS processing delay; Travel while second RFE on I-485 is pending; I-751 delay; USCIS delays; Options upon receiving NOIR on I-140; EB-3 and H-1 from nonprofit to for-profit company – H-1 quota and EB-2 issues; Impact of I-140 withdrawal/revocation on H-4 EAD; etc.
FAQ: Green card pending conversion to and from H-4 EAD – H-1; Filing green card while in F-1 status; New company sponsoring H-1; (flip flop again) revocation of I-140 by an employer does NOT revoke priority date; Green card through future employer; Pros and cons of H-4 EAD; Obtaining copies of approval notice and other documents through FOIA; Physician filing green card; Applying for green card and while visiting the USA; Risk and rewards in EB-5 investments in regional centers.
Other: New STEM OPT extension regulations; substituting petitioners in a family-based case; Resetting H-1 6 years clock; CSPA; Authorized period of stay when H-1 transfer is pending; F-1 visa stamping on OPT.
FAQs: Do Canadian citizens need US visas? Canadian citizenship and F-1 Exploring permanent work and stay options in the U.S. for Canadian Permanent Resident Preparing for birth certificate issues in USCIS applications: Affidavits, DNA tests, and timing considerations H-1B approved after the lottery, can we change employers? Multiple employers in H-1B lotteries Paystub requirement for H-1B transfer eligibility: Is it mandatory? Delays in marriage-based immigrant visa processing: Expedite options and travel issues
IMMIGRATION INNOVATION (I2) ACT OF 2013
ORRIN HATCH (R-UTAH), AMY KLOBUCHAR (D-MINN.), MARCO RUBIO (R-FLA.), CHRIS COONS (D-DEL.)
Employment-Based Nonimmigrant H-1B Visas
1. Increase H-1B cap from 65,000 to 115,000
2. Establish a market-based H-1B escalator, so that the cap can adjust – up or down – to the demands of the economy (includes a 300,000 ceiling on the ability of the escalator to move)