US Work and Immigration Options for Foreign Professionals
US Work and Immigration Options for Foreign Professionals
A discussion with two members of our community
Topics for Discussion:
FAQ: 221(g) Administrative Processing problems with visa stamping; H-1 entering USA when visa is about to expire; Advantages of Special Handling process for PERM university professors; Travel while H-1 COS is pending; Does H-4 EAD has to be applied again if H-1 changes jobs?
Other: TPS from Nepal and AOS or COS; COS or visa stamping for F-1; 240 days H-1 pending; Applying for naturalization; PERM appeal; Changing employers after I-140 approval; I-140 approved, Applying for H-1 extension with another employer; Changing EB-1B job profile after green card approval; Options if OPT is denied; H-1B transfer through multiple employers; U visa; AC21 I-140 revocation when employer is out of business; Continuing (simultaneously) with old job even after green card is approved; etc.
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.
Discussion topics:
EAD Renewals, prevailing wages for Illinois, H-1B transfer, F2A category Green Card, Rules changed on LCA,
Point system - how it will affect those who are already waiting for Green Card.
Kudos to Rajiv and his team in getting our greencard approved in 1 year 7 months. Here are my details: EB2 India. Priority date: October 98. Labor certification was done via RIR in 7 months, I-140 in 2 months from TSC, and I-485 in 7 months from TSC. We had our passports stamped last Friday, and are awaiting our greencard. I originally started off with another lawyer, but changed to Rajiv shortly afterwards. That had to be the best decision we made!!! Rajiv and his staff are extremely knowledgeable and informative. He took no chances at all, and left no stone unturned in making sure our applications were complete. Believe me, this is the lawyer you want on your side.
Hi, My wife and myself received our I-485 approvals the last saturday. Rajiv, Fidelina and their team did great job in getting my GC. I didn't have lot of time on my H1 when I started my GC (right around 2years), but I got my GC within 1year 8 months. Here are my details: EB2 India, PD is Sept 98, LC done in 7 months through RIR, Got I140 in 3 weeks. I485 RD is Aug 99. Got EAD/AP within 2 months. FP done in Oct 99. 485 approved May 23, 2000. The best thing I did is hiring the Rajiv and the gang instead of going through the company lawyer. I saw my friends in my company having lots of troubles with the company attorney, who doesn't have current knowledge of ever changing immigration laws. Great job guys! Thanks Puri
We are being informed that EB-5 investments in regional centers are now possible until December. The date has been extended. <br>
1) Is this true?<br>
2) Given that a green card is available years after the initial investment, in the current volatile immigration climate, how safe is an EB-5 ?
True. The EB-5, the religious visa programs and Conrad 30 waives for foreign physicians have been extended until 8 December 2017 pursuant to H.R. 601 – Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017.
Note: 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.
Hi Folks: I hired Rajiv and his associates for my RIR Labor certification in the state of California and got it APPROVED IN RECORD TIME. Details: Priority Date March 20, 2000. EDD Sacramento fowarded to DOL, San FRancisco on April 13. DOL recd my app from EDD on April 17 and APPROVED it on APRIL 28 (11 days at DOL). Total time from EDD to final DOL approval: about 5weeks ONLY. Before I hired Rajiv, he had mentioned 5 months for another case he had handled in CA. Mine really stumped him. Needless to say, Rajiv and his team, Vijay, Richa, and Suman did an amazing job at preparing my case. I have no hesitation in refering Rajiv to anyone. Good luck, Vijay
Discussion Topics, Sept 21, 2017
EB2 to EB1 conversion - F-1 to H-1B - L-1 to H-1B - Travel on H-1B - H-4 EAD - Fiancee Visa
Discussion Topics, Thursday 5 October 2017: FAQ: Current immigration/visa options for entrepreneurs || Immigration consequences of a denial of entry at the airport || Status of H-4 EAD litigation/suit ||
Other: Status change while another application is pending (H-1, H-4) || RFE issued AFTER H-1 approval || I-485 Advance Parole staying in the USA after I-94 expiration || Change in job titles effect on green card and H-1 || VAWA for H-4 || Responding to level 1 wage on H-1 RFE || Timing etc. of green card application while H-1 is still in process || Citizenship, effect of non filing of taxes ||Applying for green card for step daughter || I-140 approval uncertain || Effect on H-4 EAD when H-1 loses job || H-4 EAD rule litigation || I-94 approval duration discrepancy || Time lines in green card || Level 1 wage issues
It’s a pleasure and an honor to recommend Mr. Rajiv Khanna and his Law Offices. I am writing to express my deep gratitude for RajivJi’s guidance over the past 1.5 years starting with PERM audit, supervised recruitment and through I-140 RFE and right to the I-140 approval. In all the conversations with him, he has always given me honest, straightforward assessments, and creative suggestions, which in turn gave me immense confidence even when situations looked gloomy. He backed this case right from day 1, possibly more than how much I backed myself on it.
I strongly believe, RajivJi’s intellectual brilliance and creativity coupled with his decisiveness at various critical junctures through the tough phases were the most significant keys to success in my case. I have firm conviction, that RajivJi’s immigration law expertise is second to none in the country.
I tip my hat to you!
Over the last 5 years, I worked closely with his some of his folks. This is a big shout out to VijayJi, Bharathi, Kunal, Suman and Kalpana.
Vijay Ji, I can’t thank you enough for zillions of hours you spent on going through and organizing all the hundreds of resumes received through supervised recruitment. Vijay Ji, you went over and beyond. I specifically remember, when you went to USPS at 8:30PM to send the package on time! Thank you very much.
Kunal, I greatly appreciate your thoroughness and the meticulous planning of I-140 RFE response. In all my interactions with you, you made me feel confident by answering all my questions and spending time with me discussing nitty-grittys of the content.
Bharathi, Thank you so much for pulling things together for multiple RFEs and answering my numerous phone calls and emails patiently.
When I met all of them at their Arlington office, the one thing that struck most to me is that they put a human face to my case and made me feel like a part of their amazing family. Gestures like that is what separates this bunch from any other.
Kudos to you all!
Warm Regards,
SK
What are the requirements to get a visa and green card as an international entrepreneur? Is the start-up visa effective?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Current immigration/visa options for entrepreneurs
Video Transcript
A few options for Entrepreneurial Visas:
Note: 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.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has posted additional data about the agency’s employment-based visa programs on its website.
Are you seeking to adjust your status and become a U.S. permanent resident under a family-sponsored or employment-based preference immigrant visa? If you have not yet had a relative or employer file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf, please learn more about the Adjustment of Status Filing Process.
Discussion Topics, Thursday 19 October 2017:
FAQ: Pros and cons of adjustment of status and consular processing for green card || Applying for green card while holding H-4 status; applying for green card and permanent residence for another country simultaneously ||Changing status from tourist or business visa (B1 or B2) within the United States|| How to read the visa bulletin? || What type of questions can be asked in consular or adjustment of status interview for employment based applicants || Effect of a speeding ticket on green card or naturalization/citizenship || Effect of moving abroad while still on H-1B visa || Denial of H-1B on Level 1 wage issue || Doing business on H-4 EAD. Other: Family-based green card for an H-1B holder || Filing concurrent H-1B for family-owned business || Relationship between maintaining US permanent residence and expiration of green card || I-94 correction through the CBP || H-4 visa/status issues || H-1B laid off || H-4 EAD to H-1 || H-4 EAD issues, etc.
I was on H-4 visa from Feb 2014 till Dec 2015. I was on H-1 visa from Dec 2015 to April 2017. In April my H-1B transfer got denied. Hence I applied for change of status from here (April 15 2017) and now my H-4 application is under process. In Dec 2016 (while I was on H-1B visa), I had applied for GC in EB2 category with my employer. My employer told me that my labor has been approved.<br>
1: Is there a website where we can check the status of labor if it has been approved?<br>
2: When can I file for I-140? Is it true that it has to be filed within 180 days of labor approval?<br>
3: Can my GC application continue whilst being on H-4 visa? <br>
4. Does the GC process, at any stage, require the applicant to be on H-1 visa?<br>
5: I am planning to start Canada PR procedure. Will my GC application interfere with Canada PR at any point?
Note: 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.
I am now in the last stage of Green card and attending interview in Consulate in India for Employment based green card interview.<br>
I have the recent offer letter from my employer. I saw from your 2012 blog you have mentioned that the employment based consular interview is difficult from foreign country consulate with some example.
Has it improved anything better recently. What type of questions can I expect. Also I have recently relocated to another city in India because of which I have resigned my current job and at the same time waiting for this green card. I have not worked with the prospective employer till now but have the offer with recent date. So did not try for any job. I am an experienced person of 15 yrs exp and just out of job for the past 5 months. Will that hurt anything? Do I need to have one on one consultation with attorney better to be safe?
Video Transcript
Note: 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 is the latest development for Employment-Based Immigrants?
In employment based the last step in the green card process is something called Adjustment of Status (AOS). If you are already in the United States in legal status it is done through the form I-485. Earlier employment-based applicants were hardly interviewed by the USCIS. You file the forms and you get your green card approval and maybe you might get an inquiry or two from the government and ultimately anybody going to the USCIS personally would get the green card approved.
Note: 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.
Excellent work Rajiv & Co. Very thorough in the approach, case preparation, no-delay communication, on-time filing, coupled with personal advice and feedback - all these qualities reflect how well Rajiv and his team work. I could call up and talk to Rajiv/his team any time and any number of times. Many clients are ignorant of the details involved in the GC process - but no matter how small a clarification, I elicited a detailed and quick response. Always very courteous and professional -- I felt very confident on how things were moving. My case particulars - PD Sept 9, 99 - Labor certified Mar 27, 2000. Hats off to Rajiv, Suman, Amel and Priya for the great work. Most importantly, here's a team that will let you know upfront what is required from you. Communication is rank #1. So folks, if you need a sound and highly experienced immigration attorney, look no further than to Rajiv Khanna & Associates. You will not regret the choice. Good luck.
I found Mr Khanna's office as very professional and prompt.
I entered the US in 2014 on L1A, then changed employer mid-2015 on H1(previously held petition). In 2017 again changed employer in a role equivalent to International Manager. Can my current employer file my Green Card under EB1 category?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Filing EB-1C, International Managers or Executives green card
Video Transcript
Note: 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.
Mr. Khanna and staff were very prompt in responding to questions. Mr. Vijay & Ms. Nimia took special care in scrutinizing the papers and always went out of their way to get my papers processed in time.
I and my wife recently received our 485 approval notices in the mail. PD: August 21st, 1998 I-485 RD: August 5, 1999 FP: November 30, 1999 I-485 approval: February 28, 2000 Mr. Rajiv Khanna and his office helped us throughtout this process and provided expert guidance and timely advice whenever we needed such. Mr. Khanna was available at very short notice to answer any question and put us at ease many times throughtout this process. He is very much informed about the latest happenings in the field and uses this and his experience to perform the best possible service. I have been thoroughly satisfied with his office and commend their professionalism and honest approach of doing things. We would like to thank Suman Bhasin, Diane Lombardo, Leila Lehman, Fidelina Batista, Nimia Aranibar and Amel Barhe for their professionalism and hard work in getting us through this process. This would not have been possible without their help and support. Finally I would like to add that for anyone looking for a hard working, accessible, knowledgeable and trustworthy immigration lawyer, Rajiv Khanna and his office are a sure thing!
I just got the I-485 approval yesterday in the mail and Rajiv informed me about it through an email. I am writing this feedback to let people know of excellent and extremely professional job done by the law offices of Rajiv S. Khanna. (all dates given below.) Rajiv used the RIR process for my labor certification, getting the LCA in a very quick 3 months time period. I had to wait for my PD to become current to file the I-485. My dates. PD 7/97 RD 4/4/99 ND 4/22/99 FP 8/20/99 FBI processed it on 9/23/99 and approval 02/29/00 Thanks a lot to Rajiv and his associates. I am all praise for them. will gladly refer them to you anytime. Rahul Vyas.
If you don. t know the secret beyond TEAM WORK read the following. It is the clearance of Labor Certification in California. Rajiv and his team members filed on 10th May 2000 for my Labor Clearance under RIR category. It was cleared at EDD Sacramento on 23rd of May and sent to DOL, SanFrancisco for further approval. On 5th June I got a message from the GREAT TEAM and surprised to hear that the Labor Certification is done. . Excellent Job!!! Just in 25 days!!! Unbeleivable !!!. Probably it is stunning news for Rajiv too. I know the quality of the work, the efforts what they put and how systematic they are. Extremely professional!!! Moreover, they are easily accessible, including Rajiv. It is pleasure to me to mention the team members : Rajiv, Suman, Vijay, Richa and Priya. Probably there is no substitution for this team. So here is the secret: Go ahead and call 1 703 908 4800 immediately.