USCIS is updating the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page of the website to clarify the reporting responsibilities for participating in the STEM OPT program. Students and employers must report material changes to the Designated School Official (DSO) at the earliest opportunity by submitting a modified Form I-983. Employers must report the STEM OPT
I am on H1-B with approved I140. My I94 expired on 10th October and my H1 extension was filed in time. After 7 months of processing time I got RFE even though my employer has filed two service requests requesting to expedite the process. Regardless now that I have got the RFE there is a very high probability that I wont get a response before 240 days which is on 6th June. As far as my understanding goes I am allowed to stay even after 240 days of H1 extension waiting for the decision but not authorized to work. Is that understanding right?
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My parents are here in US on B1/B2 visitor visa and their I-94 expires on June 5th. With the current Covid Situation, I feel it's risky to send older parents back to India. I would like to know if I can apply for extension of stay based on this situation? USCIS will consider this kind of pandemic situation in to account for extension? If I can apply extension how soon I should do and how long I can extend ( can do 6 months)?
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Can H-1B transfer happen in such case from company B? If yes then if this transfer is approved but previous H1b extension is not approved which is from company B will it impact my status in US? Can I work for company B still? Will there be any chance that I have to go to India and come back with stamped visa ?
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Discussion topics, June 11, 2020 FAQs:
Change in job roles while green card is pending || H-1B Working for multiple clients through the same consulting company || H-1B taking unpaid leave: COVID, Status, maternity/paternity
OTHER: Switching from G-4 to F-1 student visa while being inside the US.|| Cross-chargeability || J1 to F-1 Visa || Laid off on H1B || H1 to H4EAD || B1 visa extension || Furloughed on H-1B
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes that there are immigration-related challenges as a direct result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. USCIS continues to carefully analyze these issues and to leverage the resources to effectively address these challenges within USCIS's existing authorities.
My father is having a B1/B2 visa till 2025. He came to visit me on Feb 12, 202. He has stamped (I-94)till August 4, 2020. Due to this COVID-19 situation, I would like to extend his stay in the USA on B1/B2. He visited the USA multiple time from 1987 to 2020.
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1. Can I just withdraw the whole petition? and go out of the country and travel back on H4
2. Will withdrawing the "Extension+Amendment" petition without responding to the RFE make my presence UNLawful for the last 11 months. (I-94 Expired Dec 2018 last year) because I worked on the client on their new address without an approved amendment?
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Discussion Topics, Thursday, 19 March 2020
FAQ: EB-1C - What if my priority date does not become current before my L1A expiry? Should I file an H1B for safety? If I do, will I get moved from EB1 to EB2 ? Should my wife try for H1B ? Is there any maximum number of tries for H1B? If neither me nor my wife manage to get a H1B visa in the next 3 years, is it ok to exit the country and come back when EB1 priority date becomes current ? What visa will I come back with? || Loss of job/laid off during Covid/coronavirus times
OTHER: Moving from a cap exempt H-1B, extension etc. || Apply for an H-1B extension while another MTR is pending || Rejoining old employer after withdrawn I-140 || 60 days grace period for H-1B || Travel during EAD/AP renewal || H-1B transfer or AC21?
My employer ended my employment due to COVID reasons on May 31, 2020 but I never received an official termination letter. Calculating the grace period depending on the assumed termination date mentioned above, I have till July 30 to find a new job. Should my new employer give me an offer or start the H1B transfer application before July 30? What happens if they fail to do so in time? Can I extend the grace period on the basis of having an offer in hand or maybe because of the pandemic? My final interviews with potential employers are being withdrawn because of the time restriction.
Watch the Video on this FAQ:
H-1B no notification of termination, 60 days grace period, etc.
Video Transcript
File a complaint against the employer with the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor by filling up the form WH-4. You can also call them.
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Feb 22, 2018, Discussion Topics - 7th year H-1B extension - H-1B approval without I-94
I was on H1 before completed all 6 years on it and converted to H4 and working on H4 EAD now. With latest court update, USCIS may decide to end H4 EAD program or stop new applications in next few months( we still do not know the final outcome). My EAD expires in November 2018 which leaves me no option of applying renewal before May 2018 ( 180 days clock). If this EAD goes away will I be able to file fresh H1 in April 2019 ? If in next couple of months, my spouse decides to switch Job based on his approved I-140 then my H4 will also need to transfer/extend. At the same time, will I able to extend my EAD at that time or I still have to wait to fall under 180 days expiry clock based on my current November 2018 EAD expiration date.
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I have quick question about the mystery behind 180 days staying with the Employer with whom my I-140 is approved. So my I-140 is been approved with priority date as Dec 2014 and the Notice date is Nov 2017. Do I have to wait for 180 days/ 6 Months from the Notice date of Nov 2017 so I will not loos the Priority date when I move with new employer?
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The P-Visa category covers entertainers and athletes who cannot qualify under the extraordinary ability standard for the O-category. The P-1 category is set aside for:
1. Alien athletes who compete individually or as part of a team at an internationally recognized level; and
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1. I know, someone on EAD based on AOS waiting for I-485 approval must produce a valid job offer (Supplement J) during GC interview. Once the person update work status as EAD on Form I9, then the legal status will become EAD based on AOS. Can the person start a business/startup while on EAD with pending I-485? If yes, should the person notify USCIS about it? Does Form I9 need to submitted for starting/running a business/startup?
2. I know, someone on H4 EAD can he start a business?
1. If you are the primary applicant of an adjustment of status application you could do the business on the side, but if you take it up completely as your profession, then the job must be same or similar in other words you are trying to do your green card Supplement J through your own business if that's not your intention then you must have a full-time job and you can do the business on the side. Form I-9 is an internal form. It does not get submitted anywhere.
2. Yes he can start the business.
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.
1. I have completed 6.9 years on L1A and move to H4-EAD based on my wife’s approve I-140. Now H4 EAD may go away. What option do I have to stay here and continue working (even after gap of a few months if needed) or I need to go out of US for at least 1 year and come back? <br>
2. I have already completed my 6.9 years. Can company apply H1B for me in April 2018 and I can come back to US after spending 1 year outside. I believe H1B can be applied only 6 months prior to joining that job. But I can’t start working from Oct 1st as I already completed 7 years without pending GC labor/ I-140. In that case I can apply H1B only in April 2019 and start working from October 2019?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: H-4 EAD rules change and H-1B extensions rules change
Video Transcript
1. What you could try doing is have your green card started and you can use that to extend your H-1.
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I am working as a consultant for big client. My employer applied for my H1b extension and received an RFE, they have recently replied for my RFE and now waiting for the decision. Now my client offered me job and ready for transfer my H-1. My questions is : is it possible to transfer H-1 during RFE?
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) issued guidance on October 7, 2009 to clarify for performing arts associations and their members the regulatory requirements for agents who file as petitioners for the O and P visa classification.
O and P visas apply to non-immigrants with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or in the motion picture and television field. O and P petitions may only be filed by a U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent.
I have taken immigration services from Rajiv S. Khanna and his team for H1 extension and GC processing. Their service is excellent and timely. Thanks a lot Rajiv and your team for all efforts in making me Green. I will truly recommend them to my friends.
Issuance Based on 2009 Petition by Los Angeles-based Skirball Cultural Center
Released May 15, 2012
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) today issued a binding precedent decision addressing the term “culturally unique” and its significance in the adjudication of petitions for performing artists and entertainers.
[custom:eb-1-classification-introduction]
By God’s grace and with my employer Company’s help, I am mighty glad that I found Rajiv’s law firm and at the firm - Vikas, Anna and Fran for my case.
My troubles began when post 6 year expiry of H1B, USCIS apparently rejected the H1B extension but for some reason, no notification was received regarding that rejection of extension for almost one year. The consequential mess resulted in a number of grave implications - starting from employment, GC, driving, even basic living and eventually hit my survivability.
It was at that time my employer Company (that is very supportive) introduced me to Rajiv's law firm.
I am personally very impressed that the firm showed great aptitude and that the firm pursued the case with an unflinching professional commitment and integrity. The team at the law offices worked very diligently, in a very timely manner and made a very professional representation to the USCIS. The firm addressed all the concerns of the USCIS to the satisfaction of the Authority to re-establish the just cause, resulting eventually in a victory for all involved. It was a very complex case that involved a number of appeals and re-appeals over almost a year. While it got so complex that every step of the case was like a step forward in a battleground, the law firm chugged along and helped keep faith in justice.
Looking back, it seems incredible that there is a law firm that can deliver not only justice when the just cause often seems like almost lost in a maze of unknowns, but also could make the entire engagement with the client so clean, above-board and transparent – that as a client one feels assured of being in the right hands at all times. I am in no delusions when I say the firm delivered right well on this extremely complex and sensitive case. I further believe that by upholding the just cause, the law firm not only got justice for me and my employer, but also helped created a winner in USCIS/ US Justice system. I commend the firm for helping everyone including the USCIS see the just cause. The firm, in my belief, has set an example that many others in the Immigration industry could learn to follow in the true spirit of delivering justice.
The law firm exhibited every reason why the firm has and deserves to have a GREAT name in the Immigration community.
Three cheers to Rajiv, Vikas, Anna and Fran at the firm - my personal and professional BIG thanks to them.
I am quite satisfied with the quality of legal services I received from this law firm and would recommend this firm to anyone seeking legal services for immigration related matters.