General Nonimmigrant Visa

Interview Protocol

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May a third party (spouse, sponsor, etc.) accompany an applicant to an interview for a Nonimmigrant or Immigrant Visa?

The State Department says that on the Immigrant Visa side, the petitioner may accompany the beneficiary if the petitioner is in the Consulate city at the time of the interview.  The interviewing officer will speak to the petitioner only if he/she determines it is n

Labor Certification Registry Document Availability Schedule (as of July 1, 2013)

Currently, the LCR displays all certified H-1B1 and E-3 Labor Condition Applications (LCA) and Permanent labor certifications, dating back to April 15, 2009. However, the Department is experiencing technical difficulties with the display of approved H-1B LCAs. In addition, due to the historical paper-based filings of H-2A and H-2B applications, these labor certification documents must be manually redacted and uploaded to the LCR and, therefore, only a limited number of records covering Fiscal Year 2013 are currently available.

B-1 in Lieu of H-1

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I came with B-1 to work until I obtain H-1B (this is B-1 in lieu of H-1 clause that authorize me to work). I was not selected at 2013 H-1B lottery. How long can I stay on B-1: 6 months + one renewal, would the second renewal be granted,I am looking at L-1B as an alternative but I did not complete the one continuous year before coming to US with my employer. Can the company "make up" some months of work abroad to complete the 12 months? How deep are they digging into for L-1B?

No making up please, unless federal prison is a part of our career plan. B-1 in lieu of H-1 is uncertain, but you can keep trying extensions. If the new law for comprehensive immigration reform passes, things could change drastically.

Moving Outside USA For A Year While H-1B Has Not Expired

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I have a valid H-1B until April 2014. I left my employment with my company March 2013 and we were in the process of applying for the GC. I did not have time to find another employer and file a GC application before entering my final year. Therefore even if I transferred my H-1B I still would have had to leave in 2014. Therefore I have decided to come back to England for a year and reapply when I have completed 365 days out. I have 2 questions:

1) Does my time start from when I left the US or do I have to cancel my H-1B?

2) If I go back to visit, I assume I just visit under the visa waiver?

1. The one year out starts when you leave USA.

2. It may be best not to visit during that year.

I-94 Web Application Video

The I-94 Web Application has been designed to provide travelers with the I-94 number that is assigned by Customs and Border Protectio or CBP - upon entrance to the United States. The I-94 number may be used for verification with other government agencies. Foreign travelers entering the UnitedStates at air or sea ports of entry will be able to access their electronic Form I-94 by visiting www.cbp.gov/I94

To learn more about this Web Application please visit the link below.

Change of Visa From H-1B to F-2

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I am currently on H-1B visa. Is there a way I can change the visa to F-2 without going back to India? My fiancé is here on F-1 visa and this visa is valid till Sep 2014.

You must be married to the F-1 holder in order to be eligible for F-2 status.  Fiances do not qualify for derivative status.

Grounds for Rejection for B and F Visa

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I have done my masters in USA and stayed there for 4 years and came back to India. My visa got over on Jan 2013, and I plan to pursue my MBA in USA and went for the visa interview twice it got rejected, and now my friends and family are suggesting me to apply for B-2 visa. What should I do?

The grounds for rejection for B and F visa are usually the "immigrant intent." If indeed that is the reason for your visa rejection, I do not see any difference between B and F applications.

Exploring Other Options During H-1 Transition

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As my husband's H-1 expires, we are moving back to India around August/September. I am exploring options to quit my job (also on H1) in the last 2-3 months, but since this is a short period, I'm looking for the most convenient and economical transition. Can you please advise:
- Convert to H4: What is the expense incurred and how much in advance would I have to apply for this?
- I have a tourist visa that is valid till 2016- can I take advantage of this?
- Is there a grace period after leaving a job here (giving up your H1) that I can take advantage of if I time it properly?

You will need to figure out the filing fees for Form I-539 (used for H-4). You can convert to tourist visa (status) if you leave USA and reenter using the tourist visa. To let you back in or not would be at the discretion of the CBP officer who interviews you.