If I may verify the processing times involved in NIW. Since it falls under EB2 category, I am assuming it may be a long time before I can get my EAD card and be able to change employers. Also, I want to confirm if there could be issues if I change employers during the process - If so, I'd prefer to change my current employer before starting with it.
You can change employers any time if you are a self-applicant and will continue to work in your stated area of national interest. But NIW priority date will take the same time as a normal EB-2 application does. See:
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 on H-1B visa and in green card process (waiting for I-485 date to become current). I would like to know if I buy and rent houses on my own name (without forming an LLC) and actively manage the activities (finding a renter, maintenance etc) and make profit out of those rentals, then would it violate my status?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/F0YZD8zWm88?t=694
FAQ Transcript:
We have received an approval for an O-1 for a pharmaceuticals scientist employed by a small company. The case was approved without an RFE where we clearly showed the advanced nature of the work and the qualifications of the beneficiary. The outcome of O-1 visa petitions is always unpredictable, and, as a practical matter, more so where the employer is a very small company. Despite its size, the company was engaged in highly specialized and advanced level work. In addition to the beneficiary’s qualifications, the nature of the work
We have started a company recently and wanted to sponsor H-1B for experienced employees and place them with our clients. What is the criteria and can a new company sponsor H-1B?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
I have my perm labor and I-140 approved through EMPLOYER A (Consulting Firm). Priority Date June 2013. If I am going to change Employer, EMPLOYER A is going to REVOKE MY I-140. I heard from your last conference call that i will be loosing my priority if I-140 is revoked by employer.I am close to 5th year of H-1. so cant take chances. If I move to FT position in the next 6 months and say my current employer revokes I-140. I will not be able to get extension for H-1 beyond 6 years.
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
USCIS is in the process of implementing a proposed “significant public benefit” parole program for entrepreneurs. This is one of the executive actions on immigration announced by President Obama on November 20, 2014.
My employer did not run my payroll. He told me that we are going to get the project money after 2 months from client. Can I do something for that? If they do not run payroll can it create any problem?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
Until further notice, employers should continue using Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. This current version of the form continues to be effective even after the Office of Management and Budget control number expiration date of March 31, 2016, has passed. USCIS will provide updated information about the new version of Form I-9 as it becomes available.
On April 21, 2016, USCIS began allowing petitioners who filed Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, requesting an extension of status or change of employer to submit an inquiry after their petition has been pending for 210 days or more. This inquiry may be based on the petition being outside of normal processing times.
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.
Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur Parole, is for entrepreneurs to: (1) make an initial request for parole based upon significant public benefit, (2) a subsequent request for parole for an additional period, or (3) file an amended application to notify USCIS of a material change.
Considering that the economy is not doing that good and sometimes projects get over and consultants go on "bench" without any clients kinda situation, this is something not that uncommon. Related to this, as being on a H1B requires me to maintain the LCA salary as mentioned on my W2, would switching to EAD with my sponsoring employer help with getting away from this restriction?
Does that also mean that if I don't get paid by my employer for a certain period and I am on an EAD, there is no issue with my GC/status at all as there is no H1B.
Just trying to find out what the possible advantages would be at this time with EAD.
There are two situations to analyze here: being benched and getting paid a lower salary. Both of them have problematic implications for employers and employees.
Here is what concerns me. As far as I know, it has never been done so far, but the possible consequences of being benched are that the I-485 can be denied and (POSSIBLY, but there are strong arguments against it) I-140 could be revoked if already approved. If I-140 is not approved, USCIS could easily deny the I-140.
Now that I received my GC through employment, does my employer need to change my position to the one filed in the Labor Certification?
Yes, now that the GC is approved, your employer should "permanently" give you the job described (including the title, salary and job duties) in the Labor Certification. This change should take place within a "reasonable time" after the GC approval.
Keep in mind, "permanent" does not mean forever. This term describes a job that has no pre-decided termination date. We see no violation of the law, If the employer, due to economic or other circumstances, can no longer support the job after having offered it to you in good faith.
Some of our employees' Green cards
have been filed. There projects have ended. They are working on H-1 but possess EAD and have 140 approved and 485 pending more than 180 days.
Quote: (1) If we revoke their H-1, are we still required to pay full wages if our clients say they do not currently have a project for our employees?
Ans. You are not required to pay "bench salaries" for employees whose H-1 are revoked (remember you must inform CIS and offer employee a one-way ticket home). But we then have exposure to the questions, "do you still have a "permanent" job for them?" If the answer is no, then their GC processing can be interrupted unless they use AC21 portability.
1. Hi Rajiv I have a few questions about starting business in partnership.
I am currently on H-1B , my I-140 is cleared and priority date is not current. My wife is on H-4 visa and she is interested in starting her own business with some one who has I-485 pending and has EAD.
I will be the one who will be investing in this business but I won't be employed with that business.
- Is this legal ?
2. Can you be a passive investor on H-1?
1. She can NOT do this on H-4. Once you folks file 485 and get EAD, things will be different.
You can then be a passive investor (performing no work type activity for the company) even while on H-1. You can also be an active investor if you wish to move to EAD as long as you maintain your intention to work full time for the GC sponsoring employer. Your wife can work for the company, own it, be partners, etc. as long as she has the EAD.
Mr. Rajiv Khanna, Mr. Kunal Sharma and the rest of the team have been very patient and extremely supportive.
I had filed for my immigrant visa through my spouse, and it was quite complicated. Couple of the other lawyers we spoke to said that there are no chances in winning this case, but Mr Khanna was firm, that the fundamentals are right and thus we have a good chance. Finally, after 2 long years, my immigrant visa has been approved.
What impressed me the most is the Mr. Khanna would immediately schedule an appointment (no charge, of course) every time there was some news from the immigration office or from my side. Even during the final stages, I had asked him a few questions regarding my DS-260 as i was very nervous, he scheduled an appointment immediately and told me exactly what to answer in each question. They made me feel as if I was their only customer. Excellent effort and care for each case by the team, and I would surely refer his firm to everyone.