Guestbook Entry for Lila T., United States
Name
Lila T.
Country
United States
State
France
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Guestbook Entry for Rahul Patil , United States
Name
Rahul Patil
Country
United States
The Economic Times NRI Helpdesk: Can I extend my US visitor visa before it expires? And other FAQ's answered by Rajiv S. Khanna
Question: I have a visitor visa for the USA for multiple visits up to June-2023. Can I apply for an extension of the visa before the expiry date? Also, advise procedure for extensions and where I can get the application form, so I can keep all details ready.
Answer: I am not aware if there is a procedure to apply for a visitor visa extension before expiration. You can send an email to the consulate to confirm. There is, however, a restriction under the consular standard operating procedures on holding concurrently valid visas of the same type.
USCIS Issues Updated and Comprehensive Guidance on T Visa Adjudications
Release Date
10/20/2021
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing updated and comprehensive guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on adjudicating applications for T nonimmigrant status (or T visas) submitted by victims of human trafficking, including clarifying how applicants establish eligibility.
USCIS Updated Forms - Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status and Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status
12/06/2021 01:32 PM EST
Starting Mar. 14, USCIS will only accept the 12/06/21 edition. Until then, you can use the 04/24/19 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
12/02/2021 03:05 PM EST
Feb 3, 2022 Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)
Citizenship and Naturalization
Green Card
Discussion topics:
USCIS Updates to Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and Supplements
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USCIS recently published an update to the following forms and supplements:
USCIS Publishes Interim Rule on T Nonimmigrant Status
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its regulations governing the requirements and procedures for victims of human trafficking who seek T nonimmigrant status. DHS is also streamlining procedures, responding to public comments, and providing guidance on the statutory requirements for T nonimmigrants in order to ensure that the T nonimmigrant status (T visa) regulations are up to date and reflect USCIS’ adjudicative experience.
Jan 23, Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Citizenship and Naturalization
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday, January 23, 2020
FAQ: Tourist/Visitors visa for people with special needs or challenges || Risk for green card process in joining a small company, unfamiliar with immigration || Impact of 214(b) denial || Requirements for obtaining green card under EB-1C, International Managers and Executives ||
OTHER: NVC fees issues || USC relocating to India while green card petition for parents is pending || Is original I-140 approval required for priority date transfer? || Effect of subsequent H-1B, H-4 approval on current H-1B, H-4 case || Additional review of a pending I-140, delay || USCIS processing times estimate || 221(g) Administrative processing for H-1B visa || CSPA logistical problems || Carrying cash in and out of the USA || Incorrect DS-160 || List of cap exempt employers || Naturalization of children
Aug 6, 2020 Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Substantial transcription for video
FAQs: I-485 Pending Using EAD Consequences || H-4 EAD issues || FAQ: H-1B no notification of termination, 60 days grace period, etc. || Deadline to join new employer after H-1B transfer is approved ||
OTHER: DV lottery || Withdraw BALCA appeal, H-1B extension || H-4 EAD Starting business || Name error on I-140 || Green Card holding parents unable to travel || Traveling with existing L-2 visa || H-1B extension based upon pending green card || EB-1C priority date prediction || F-1 OPT withdrawing H-1B
USCIS Responds to CIS Ombudsman's Recommendation on Improving the Process for T & U Visa Applicants
USCIS, responds to the CIS Ombudsman's Recommendation 39: "Improving the Process for Victims of Trafficking and Certain Criminal Activity: The T and U Visas."
USCIS Modifies Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has revised Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status (edition date 3/30/09). Previous editions of Form I-914 will be accepted for 30 days. The final date USCIS will accept previous editions of Form I-914 is June 6, 2009.
USCIS Draft Memorandum for Comment
USCIS seeks your input on the draft memoranda listed below. These memoranda are drafts of proposed or revised guidance to USCIS Field Offices and Service Centers. They are not intended as guidance for the general public, nor are they intended to create binding legal requirements on the public. Until issued in final form, the draft memoranda do not constitute agency policy in any way or for any purpose.
Recording for March 23, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Discussion Topics - March 23, 2023
FAQs: Handling H-1B visa and layoff : What happens if I get laid off before or after stamping my visa in India? || Marriage and relocation to the U.S. : Quickest path for prospective fiancé of U.S Citizen living in India || AC21 AOS portability: Pending AOS I-140 withdrawn before 180 days || What to do if one is in India during the PERM and I-140 process ||
Recording for April 06, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
Discussion Topics:
Guestbook Entry for Nehang Anand , United States
Name
Nehang Anand
Country
United States
State
IL
H-1B transfer: Managing multiple offers and timelines to avoid future green card complications
Question details
I have accepted the first company’s offer, and it has filed for my H1B transfer. Now, I want to sign an offer from Company two and potentially join it. So, should I make the company speed up the process and delay joining the company in order not to get issues during the green card process? What if the company forces me to join?
FAQ Transcript
You can file multiple H-1B transfers simultaneously, and it's legal. Approval of one transfer doesn’t obligate you to join that employer, nor does it affect your existing H-1B status with your current employer. You can choose to join any employer whose transfer gets approved, provided all transfers were filed while you were in valid status with your current employer.
However, if your H-1B validity is close to expiring (e.g., within 6 months), later-filed transfers may require "bridge petitions" to maintain continuity of status. Consult an immigration lawyer to ensure proper handling and avoid complications.
U.S. Embassy in Paris Announces Changes in NIV Appointment System
As of July 29, 2012, all non-immigrant visa applicants must fill in the DS 160 application form and pay the MRV fee through purchase of a mandat compte before scheduling an appointment. The reference numbers of both the DS 160 and the mandat compte must be provided at time of scheduling.
Important notice
USCIS Publishes Memo On T And U Visa Extensions
USCIS policy memo providing guidance about the extension of status for T and U nonimmigrant visas , including any related adjustment of status applications.
USCIS Data on Victims of Trafficking I-914 (T) in Person and Victims of Crime I-918 (U)
I-914 (T) and I-918 (U) Visa Statistics
This report contains information on the Victims of Trafficking (T visa) applications and the Victims of Crime (U visa) petitions. The number of receipts, approvals, denials, and pending cases are displayed by fiscal year and by office.
Recording for September 26, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Topics Discussed:
FAQs: EB-2 NIW I-140 portability for employer-sponsored cases || Concerns regarding nonpayment of wages and potential H-1B impact || Maintaining LPR status (Green Card) during extended absences for employment || Rising NIW rejection rates: Examining changes in eligibility criteria
Concerns regarding nonpayment of wages and potential H-1B impact
Question details
I arrived in the U.S. in the last week of May 2024, and despite innumerable requests, my employer has not run payroll for the weeks since my arrival. Could this pose any challenges for future H1B transfers, extensions, or I-140 processing? Is there a risk of scrutiny or denial due to this issue? If yes, could you guide how to mitigate this please?
FAQ Transcript
If your employer fails to pay you after starting your H-1B employment, it can pose challenges for future H-1B transfers. To address this:
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.
- You can file online or by phone (search for "LCA complaint US Department of Labor").
- This complaint serves as evidence explaining the lack of pay stubs during future H-1B transfers.
- Employers must start paying when you're ready to work or within 30 days (if coming from outside the US) or 60 days (if already in the US), whichever is earlier.
- Filing a complaint may help you recover unpaid wages and protect your ability to transfer your H-1B in the future.
USCIS Updates Policy Manual Guidance for T Visa
USCIS is revising the guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons; Eligibility for “T” Nonimmigrant Status Final Rule. This rule was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024.