L Visa FAQs

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - 03:16

Blacklisted employer, F-1, H-1B, L-1 turned back at the airport

Question

My friend's F1 visa was recently revoked, and he was forced to return to India because his first employer had been placed on a blacklist. Also, he has applied for an OPT extension, which will provide him with an updated EAD, but we don't know how this would affect the process of getting the New EAD. He is working with a firm on a contract job now, but the end client which is a state gov company is considering him for Full time and can sponsor him for H1B. His old EAD expired on the 9th of January. He was traveling from India to the States on the 4th of January and was sent back. Questions: Is there any way that he could reinstate his Visa? Can the company sponsor H1B directly, if so what documents would the company need? If the H1B is picked, when can he travel back?

Answer

Video URL

Thursday, January 25, 2024 - 07:20

H-1B lay off 60 days grace, options including B-1/B-2, approved I-140, Severance pay

Question

Many have asked this question before, but since rules and situations are always different, so here I go - I'm on H1B with an approved I-140.

A layoff recently impacted me - my last day on payroll is 10th Feb 2024. I will also receive a severance (lumpsum) within 75 days of Feb 10th. My questions are -

1) Given the market, it may take more than April 10th to finalize an offer and start the H1B transfer. What are the options ( if any ) to extend my stay beyond April 10th?

2) Many suggest applying for B1/B2 (I'm single, have no spouse to move to H4, etc), but I also hear if it's rejected then the time of my stay after April 10th will be an illegal presence, is that true?

3) Say I receive the severance lump sum on March 15th -- are the days from Feb 10th until March 15th counted on company payroll?

 

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, January 23, 2024 - 01:54

Implications of visa fraud by an employer on H-1B, L-1, green card, citizenship

Question

I am exploring my options to file a new H1B and would be great if you could provide any suggestions or insights on my current situation.

My details are -

1) I have my I140 approved in 2013 with an Employer (XXX IT Services Inc) and had multiple successful H1B extensions until 2017.

2) My latest.H1B had an I-94 expiry date of May 30, 2017. The extension was timely filed on May 16, 2017.

3) The work location changed in October 2017 and an Amendment was filed when my above H1B extension petition was still pending.

4) Amendment Petition was upgraded to premium service in December 2017.

5) I continued to work for it until September 2019 as no decision was made by USCIS on my amended petition.

6) I exited the USA in October 2019 to join my wife and kids who were stuck in India for all these years.

7) In the middle of the year 2020, administrative processing was lifted on my petition and an RFE was issued. However, as I was already out of the USA, no response was given.

At this point, I came to know that my Employer (XXX IT Services Inc) got into a visa fraud and money laundering case and served a jail sentence as well by 2020. Employees weren't made aware of it at all. Probably that's the reason for not hearing this long.

My questions are-

(A) Will USCIS consider my stay between May 2017 and October 2019 as unauthorized, will there be a 10-year bar on me?

(B) Can I apply for a waiver of inadmissibility on the grounds of an administrative processing hold on my last petition and I left before the decision was taken?

(C) Will my employer's visa fraud case impact my H1B approval in the future?

Answer

Video URL

 

Wednesday, August 16, 2023 - 06:27

Remote work for a U.S. startup: Starting off on managerial duties from India before L-1 visa filing

Question

Can an Indian employee start working for a US startup as a manager remotely from India while his L1 is filed a few months later? Will the L1 processing will be earlier for the startup as the employee has been performing the duties and also being paid the required wages (employers ability to pay)

 

Answer

Video URL

Wednesday, July 19, 2023 - 23:59

Legal options and factors for a future stay in the USA; not selected in H-1B lottery, Master's Degree, and passport renewal

Question

Currently, I am holding a STEM OPT from May 2022 until May 2024 (2 years).

My employer had applied for H1B this year and last year but had no luck.

Question and suggestion, please:

1) What are my legal options?

1.1 Apply for H1b next year in March and wait for the result, In case H1b is picked, how do I process it as my STEM opt expires in May 2024?

2) Enroll in university for the Master's degree?

2.1 I have a few classes remaining for my master's as I have finished my bachelor's degree in the USA and I take Day One CPT? Once a master's degree is complete, reapply for OPT and STEM OPT.

2.2 Should I continue to apply for H1B in the meantime?

3) If I apply for Master and Day One CPT, do I need to enroll for May–August 2024 (the summer class) or can I enroll for Fall 2024?

Note: STEM OPT Expires: May 15, 2024, or please suggest any other better option to stay in the USA.

Lastly, my passport expires in May 2024 as well. Is there any problem there?

- I'm thinking of starting the process for the renewal online. Should I do it now or wait for some time?

 

Answer

Video URL

Wednesday, February 1, 2023 - 05:15

L-1 Layoffs

Question

If someone is on L-1 and got laid off, what are the alternatives?

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, March 29, 2022 - 09:15

L-1A individual visa interview waiver

Question

I had L-1B individual visa which was rejected during the extension process about 2 years back and my company filed fresh L-1A individual petition after I came back to India which is approved now. Does my case for L-1A individual visa qualifies for visa waiver? Note that : I also had H1-B denial after it was picked in lottery in RFE process before L-1B was approved.

Answer

It appears that you may not qualify for an interview waiver because you had an H one B denial that was never overcome.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 - 07:39

Enter USA while Green Card is Pending on B-1, B-2/H-1 Visa

Question

I am US citizen and planning to sponsor green card for my sibling. My sibling has already visited US in B-1/B-2 visa few times and holds that visa for another few years.
I know that this kind of application takes 10+ years to approve. From this context in mind, I have few questions -<br>

1) Can my sibling enter United States on the same B-1/B-2 visa after I apply immigration application?<br>
2) Can my sibling apply for renewal or new B-1/B-2/H-1 visa while application is being processed?

Answer

See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baprYGs8IzQ&t=782

FAQ Transcription

There really is no statute law that specifically prohibits such an entry. Well maybe there is something that says you must have nonimmigrant intent but the question is can they do it. Theoretically  yes they can enter on a b visa while the green card is pending especially when something is pending for 13-14 years they maybe allowed an entry but they can be disallowed an entry at any point of time. So there is no guarantee that the B-1/B-2 option either the renewal of the visa or entry at the airport will be permitted on a indefinite basis. You could be stopped any time.  However H visa, L visa, E visa and O visa are some of the visas that are not subject to the problem of green card pendency. These visas can be utilized. Also remember a green card can be filed through several different categories at the same time. So if your sibling qualifies for other categories they can apply under all the categories available for them. So H-1 visa is no problem b but B-1/B-2 no guarantee.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015 - 01:44

Can I postpone H-1 status

Question

Currently I'm on L-1A status and it expires in *** hence my employer is planning to file new H-1B this April not change of status. Here are my questions...<br>
1) If I get H-1B this April, is it mandatory to work on H-1B from Oct 01, 2015?<br>
2) Shall I continue with L-1A status until it expires and then can I change to H-1B?

Answer

See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv_vI7O0d4U#t=441

FAQ Transcript:

The answer to the first question is it can be done. When you apply for an H-1 do not apply for a change of status. That’s up to you. You can tell the employer and make sure you talk to the lawyers. Just say you want an H-1 approval but I do not want change of status. Come October 1st you don’t automatically get on to H-1 but stay on L-1 and you can continue working on L-1 and whenever you are ready you can go outside get visa stamping and come back or apply for change of status within US to H-1 which is like doing the H-1 all over again but you are not subject to the quota. 

Friday, January 9, 2015 - 15:56

Using Obama's Immigration Action to Apply for AOS/EAD

Question

I am in L-2 Visa with an approved I-140 from my employer with a priority date of August 2012. My H-1B applications never got picked up in the lottery. My husband's 7 years of L-1A comes to an end in March 2015. So we have to go back to India. My question is, if with Obama's immigration action develops and a possibility occurs for allowing approved I-140 petitioners to apply for I-485 and EAD, what is the process for me to get an EAD while I am in India and how can I come back to US using the approved I-140?

Answer

See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvnIAm0nQJ8#t=808

FAQ Transcript

Yes you can apply for I-485 and EAD. Couple of things. You will have to be in USA on a legal status, probably on H-1. So if you are outside USA don't stop try to get H-1 because you can't enter on tourist visa. Let's get a step back and say Obama implements this plan, it gets implemented in few months down the line. We will actually have a guideline what to do for these cases. What will happen is most likely you will have to be in the United States in the legal status and apply for Adjustment of Status.  You can't do from outside USA. 

Can you enter on something like tourist visa and the answer is probably no because probably it is unacceptable to use tourist visa to come into the United States to do the Adjustment of Status . So H-1, L-1 are the best options. So, somewhere down the line you probably need a H-1, if Obama action kicks in and you want to apply for AOS.

Thursday, January 2, 2014 - 04:34

Licensing of Foreign Persons Employed by a U.S. Person

Question

When is a foreign person considered an employee?
If residing overseas, is the foreign person employee considered a broker?
Should current authorizations be replaced or amended to be consistent with current guidance?
Can multiple employees be covered under one authorization?
How is an employee providing marketing services overseas identified in a license application?
What if the foreign person’s place of birth is different from the country he/she now resides in and holds citizenship from?
What value should be entered on the license application?
How should the foreign person employee of a U.S. person be identified in the TAA or MLA?
Who should sign the DSP-83 for the transfer of U.S. classified information?

Answer

When is a foreign person considered an employee?
A foreign person is considered an employee when the foreign person is a full time regular employee, directly paid, insured, hired/fired and/or promoted exclusively by the U.S. person. The employee, however, need not LIVE in the U.S. to be employed by the U.S. person. The U.S. person is liable to ensure all foreign person employees are compliant with U.S. export laws regardless of residence.

If residing overseas, is the foreign person employee considered a broker?
If truly employed by the U.S. person, the foreign person is NOT considered a broker when performing the U.S. person’s business (must be within the scope of the employment authorization) since he/she is a company employee.

Should current authorizations be replaced or amended to be consistent with current guidance?
Currently approved authorizations are still valid. As expiration dates are reached, industry will be expected to submit the appropriate authorization as delineated in the current guidance.

Can multiple employees be covered under one authorization?
Yes. Multiple foreign person employees can be covered under one authorization so long as they are all of the same nationality working on the same program/commodity, i.e., all French nationals working on the same radar program.

How is an employee providing marketing services overseas identified in a license application?
If the U.S. person desires for the foreign person employee to market their products to other countries and the product is within the scope of the DSP-5, the U.S. person should obtain a license to market a particular technology to a particular country identifying the foreign person employee as a foreign consignee. Once the marketing license is approved the foreign employee may perform his/her job duties. The case number of the employment DSP-5 should be identified in the marketing license application.

What if the foreign person’s place of birth is different from the country he/she now resides in and holds citizenship from?
This would bring into question the issue of dual nationality and whether the individual had ties to his country of birth which would indicate a degree of loyalty and allegiance to that country. The license would be considered on the basis that it could be an export to both countries. Normally, this does not present a problem unless the country of birth is proscribed under 22 CFR 126.1 in which case we have to secure additional information to confirm lack of significant ties to the country of birth.

Wha value should be entered on the license application?
DDTC suggests identifying the foreign person employee’s annual salary and/or value of the technical data/defense services transferred/received.

How should the foreign person employee of a U.S. person be identified in the TAA or MLA?
The agreement holder must amend the agreement to specifically identify the foreign person employees of all U.S. signatories. The statement should be made in 22 CFR 124.7(4) with other statements regarding transfer territory. If the foreign person employees are not already identified, this statement should be included in the next amendment submitted to DDTC for approval. 

Who should sign the DSP-83 for the transfer of U.S. classified information?
The U.S. person and the foreign person employee must execute the DSP-83 when the transfer of U.S. classified information is required. DDTC may require the foreign government to execute the DSP-83 on a case-by-case basis. 

For more information visit these links: http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/faqs/license_foreignpersons.html#1

http://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/frequently-asked-questions-about-part-6-form-i-129-petition-nonimmigrant-worker 
http://www.bis.doc.gov/

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 - 06:41

Home Residency Requirement for Second Visa

Question

I got a J-2 visa and my wife on J-1 recently in which we have never travelled to US yet. Now my employer is ready to apply a L-1B for me and my wife L-2. Is this possible? Or will I be subjected to 2 years home stay restriction which is applicable for J visa without travelling on J. Will it be a problem in US consulate when I appear for L-1 visa as me and my wife have J-2 and J-1?

Answer

If I remember correctly, 212(e), the HRR, does not apply till you actually use the visa.

Monday, October 24, 2011 - 09:18

L-1 Blanket petition

Question

I have an L-1 Blanket petition and I traveled to US for one week and used that VISA. Part of my job, I need to work in one of our offices outside USA for a year, but will just have to go to US for one week every 2 months. Will that affect my visa since I would not be fulltime working in US? I have M entries in my L-1.

Answer

As long as you work full time and on the job described in your L-1B while you are INSIDE USA, it does not matter how long you stay outside USA.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011 - 05:13

L-2 Visa without EAD

Question

I have come here with my husband who is on L-1 visa. I have L-2 visa. What work opportunities are there if I have no EAD. Second,I have gone to the office to get SSN. But the lady there told me that I don't require that and they refused to give me.What could be the reason I didn't get that. Can I apply for EAD if I don't have SSN? I'm here in US for 6 months. I want to work as I have done my MBA.

Answer

USCIS has to issue you an EAD (apply using Form I-765) and the SSA has to issue you an SSN. Once you have your EAD, you may work anywhere in USA at any job.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 - 09:03

Starting business on L-2 visa

Question

I am on L-1 and my wife is L-2 with EAD. Can she do a home based business such as selling things on Ebay etc?

Answer

With an EAD, an L-2 can work anywhere including operating their own business and work as many jobs as they like.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 00:09

L-1 visa from an affiliate

Question

I worked as Dept. Director at a Spanish Hotel from Jan 08-Jul 09. My employment was in the Hotel full-time, but was hired/paid through a consulting firm they employed (and still employ) to manage the operations of that department. I have now been offered a position (Dec 2010) in a similar Managerial/Director job within the Hotel's parent company in the USA but I have not got a US work permit, (I am Spanish). Can I qualify for the L1-blanket visa of the Company, based on my history with their consultant? Do I need to be employed by Hotel in Spain again prior to applying for the L1 visa?

Answer

Interesting situation. Not having researched this issue, I am guessing, the only way you can qualify for the L-1 is if you can establish that the hotel in Spain was your "true" employer in that they controlled you, even though your salary was paid by the consulting company.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - 01:59

Wife work permit

Question

My company is giving me option of taking a L1 visa or H1B. My wife recently completed a 3 year Bachelors degree in Computer application from India. I want to make sure that she can work once we immigrate to US. Can you suggest what approach should we take? 1) Get myself H1 and then she does a MS from US.
2) Get a L1 visa and she can find a job in US with her 3 year degree.

Answer

Personally, I prefer the L-2 option for her. She can work AND go to school. More choices.

Friday, November 19, 2010 - 04:14

Parents B-2 Visa

Question

My company has agreed to bring me and my wife to USA on L2 visa and then later get a H1 B visa. I want to make sure my parents have a B2 visa before I leave India. I have thought of two possible approaches:
a) Get a B2 visa for my parents but telling US consulate that I am traveling on business to USA and want my parent to visit the country. I used the same method for my wife 2 years back with no problems.
b) Get a L2/H1B visa for my self and then submit a request saying my parents want to visit the country for some time.

Answer

I dont see much difference in the two (as long as we are truthful with the consulate). Option b may be slightly better because you would already have the L/H visa.

Monday, November 1, 2010 - 15:00

L2 Visa holder

Question

I am L2 visa holder and a physiotherapist from India. I also have SSN. Do I need to take the EAD or health care worker certificate to work in USA.Or simply credit evaluation and taking the licence is sufficient.

Answer

You need complete credentialing including a license.

Monday, October 11, 2010 - 05:57

Moving to USA on L-1

Question

I am a British citizen with Canadian permenant residency. The US office of my company (I work out of the canadian office) wants me to move to the USA to work on a L1. My wife (canadian) and 2 children (canadian/british) would move with me.I am concerned about 2 things, the first being what happens if I leave the company or get laid off? It's a huge issue since we would have uprooted a good life in canada. Secondly I am not completely sure about the company. Its a new employer and they seem to be pressuring me to make the move. I am worried that they could simply lay me off whenever they want which would cause turmoil if we had to move back and start again.

Answer

I am not sure it is worth the risk, either. You have no right to continue to live in USA if the company fails or lays you off. You can negotiate a large severance package, but that is all the protection you can get.

Friday, September 24, 2010 - 11:01

Denial of an L-1A

Question

I am going to India for my wedding, I plan to do my L1A stamping and get an L2 for my wife. Now suppose my L1A stamping is denied, what happenes to my existing L1b petition which is valid till 2011 Oct? Can I use that to file and L2 for my wife and return back to US?

Answer

Your current approval is not invalidated by denial of an L-1A. You can use it.

Friday, August 6, 2010 - 02:44

H1 Visa

Question

I have come to US through my company with my L1 Visa. I am currently working with my client. There is an agreement between my company and my client not to hire my company employees within 6 months after quitting. I cannot move to any other company here in US as i am on L1. My company is not willing to file H1 either. If I have to move to a different company I should have a H1 Visa filed.
Recently my client offered me to join their company, but I don't have my H1 and i cannot join my client company even if i get my H1 because of the 6 months restriction. What are the different options to join my client.

Answer

This seems to be an issue of contract only. Immigration law does not stop you from changing.

Thursday, June 24, 2010 - 00:02

L1A to EB1 from outside USA

Question

I have completed 6.5 yrs in L1A in managerial role. Now the same employer wants me to stay outside of USA for few months.
1)Can we apply EB1 while being outside USA?
2)Do we have to apply for L1 A extn for remaining 6 months of 7 yrs while applying for EB1?
3)Can a new employer sponsor L1A and apply for EB1 while entering the country?

Answer

EB1 can be applied while you are outside USA. A new employer can sponsor only after you have worked for them for one year outside USA.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 03:48

Chances of L1A to EB1

Question

What is the chance for a L1A visa holder of 7 years to qualify for a EB1 category. Catch here is the original company which provided the L1A visa will not apply for GC. If the person moves to another company on H1 Visa can the new company file for GC under EB1 based on the previous 7 years of L1A status .

Answer

No, sorry. The basis of an International Manager's or Executive's EB-1 filing is that you must have been employed abroad with a related company for one year. Since you will not be able to meet that criterion, I do not see how that type of EB-1 can be filed through a new company.

Monday, June 7, 2010 - 07:04

L2 Status

Question

I came to USA as L2 with my spouse, after leaving my job. Now my parent company is asking me to take up their assignment based at USA. and also asking me to confirm the possibility of starting their office at States.
Is these possible? at least working for them is possible. I have my EAD. Can I work and take salary from outside USA firm?

Answer

Once you have the EAD you can work for anyone in USA, including a company that is not in USA.

Monday, April 12, 2010 - 15:12

L1B to H1

Question

I am working in US with L1B Visa from company A, now I have my H1 petition approved from the same company had applied to me before I had L1B. Now is it possible for me to change my Visa status from L1B to H1, if yes then what are the situations under which I will be able to change as I am planning to change the company.

Answer

You will need to apply for an H-1 through the employer you wish to join. You should be able to apply for a change of status as a part of that process.

Thursday, April 8, 2010 - 16:28

L2 EAD Renewal based on I -94

Question

Below are the validity dates of my L2 Visa,I-94& EAD:

L2 Visa Expiration Date: 18JUL2010
I-94 : 06MAY2011
EAD expiration date: 02OCT2010
I would like to apply for EAD renewal on June 4th, 2010 [120 days before EAD expiration]
Since I & my husband have I-94 valid till May 2011, my husband's company is planning to extend L1/L2 visas next year. Will my EAD renewal process have an impact with L2validity? As per my understanding, since I would remain on valid L2 visa after 18 July,2010 for 7 months[till I-94 expiration] can I renew my EAD without necessarily extending my L2visa.

Answer

Visa is irrelevant for status in USA. Look to your I-94 only. I dont see why you cannot renew EAD till I-94 validity. Since this matter is important, do double check with the company lawyers.

Thursday, April 8, 2010 - 16:16

L2 visa and EAD

Question

My husband's employer are busy with a L1 / L2 application for our family. My husband will go to the US (in June) on his L1 visa, 2 months before me and the children, since I have to wait for them to finish their school year in July. We will join him end of July. When he goes over in June ... Can he
1) apply for my SS number
2) hand in the forms for my EAD
without me being in the country, or does that have to wait till August when I arrive?

Answer

As far as I know, you will have to be here. Nothing can be done before that.

Monday, April 5, 2010 - 08:22

L1A visa and H-1

Question

I am in USA on a L1A visa. If my H1B is approved, do I need to go to India to get my H1B visa stamped?

Answer

That depends upon whether or not you have also received change of status. If yes, you will not need to get visa stamping until you travel outside USA.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 14:57

L1A Extension processing time

Question

I had applied for my L1A extension back in Novemeber 13 2009 and yet the status is showing Initial Review. I am little concerned that would it really take this much time?What is the experience of other, with similar situation. Are L1's getting extended easily.

Answer

L-1A extensions are very difficult unless you meet all the criteria.

Friday, March 19, 2010 - 04:44

F1 visa to business visa or H1/L1

Question

Which visa is easy to apply. Is it business visa or H-1 visa?

Answer

If you qualify, H and L visas are certainly more secure than an F visa.

Monday, March 8, 2010 - 07:03

L1B

Question

In your knowledge, how long does it usually take to obtain a green card (through dual intent)with an L1B visa?

Answer

The time taken for L-1B holder who applies through PERM is the same as for anyone else from the country you were born in. No special case here, unless yo convert to L-1A and go through EB-1.

Friday, February 26, 2010 - 06:55

L-1B

Question

I have 3 questions about the L1B visa I hope you can help me with:

1.Is it possible to work part time for another company than your sponsor under an L1B visa? (at the same time)
2.Is there a minimum amount of hours you have to be employed weekly under an L1B? Or can you just work part time for your sponsor company?
3.Lets say I want to apply under the "dual intent" law to permanent residence with an L1B visa, is it possible to do so by working only part time to my sponsor or do I have to be full time employed to be able to apply under the dual intent law ?

Answer

1. L-1B visas do not permit part time employment.
2. I think 35 hours each week (full time). Part time is not permitted.
3. Part time is not allowed under L-1B.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 06:01

Request Info for L1 visa to do business

Question

My parents are in Kenya and do business there. I want to have them shift to the states and do business here. Can my parents start a subway franschise on an L1 visa? My father owns supermarkets and a mall in kenya. I was wondering if he could get an L1 visa and start business here. What options does he have?
Can we start a fast food joint based on an L1 visa as well? Also, I would like to mention that my parents would like to keep the business in Kenya to continue and they would want to travel between the US and Kenya.

Answer

L-1 visas have progressively become more difficult for smaller companies. But I think it my be worth a try.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 05:58

L1 Visa

Question

I have been with Company A for 2yrs 8 months and later shifted to Company B. Recently I have joined back Company A, with a time gap of 8 months. Can Company A apply for an L1 now?

Answer

Yes, looks like you can. The law only requires one year of employment out of the last three years.

Monday, February 1, 2010 - 05:19

L-2 for Fiance

Question

I am currently in the U.S. on an L-1 visa. My fiance is Hungarian and currently visiting me on a tourist visa. My L-1 was issued in Tokyo, Japan. Can we get married in the U.S. and get her an L-2 visa without her having to leave.

Answer

You would be getting her an L-2 status, not visa, within USA. I usually discourage change of status from B visa, but it is possible to do this. Consult with your lawyers.

Friday, January 15, 2010 - 07:08

Convert L1B Blanket VISA to H1B

Question

I have an L1B VISA and want to convert to H1B in order to shift from my current employer to a permanent employer in US. I am aware that quota for H1B is full for the year 2009 but need the H1B VISA by 2010 Feb for my new employer. Is it anyway possible to get this done before Feb 2010 although the quota is full?

Answer

Once the quota is full (as it is now) you can get an H-1 only for a job that is quota exempt (not just an employer that is quota-exempt)

Friday, January 15, 2010 - 06:30

L-2 as dependent turning 21

Question

I have an L-2 dependent visa as a child and I am currently attending US College. However, I am turning 21 in December of 2010, does that mean I will no longer be eligible for an L-2 visa through my father's company? And do I have to change to F-1 status?

Answer

Correct. Once you are 21, you cannot be on L-2 status.

Monday, November 2, 2009 - 04:17

L-2 to L-1 Visa

Question

My husband and I work for a large MNC with big presence in US and India. His L1A application has some RFE which he is working on. In case it gets rejected can he move to L2 without leaving the country? Can I apply for his L2 now even though his L1A is under processing? If so how long will it take for it to get approved and come back?

Answer

Normally, you can apply for another status only while still in status. Once the existing L-1 term is over, getting a change of status within USA is difficult. You need to discuss your case with your lawyers.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 - 00:40

L-1A visa eligibility and time spent in US

Question

If during the one year overseas employment period, the overseas company sends me to US on a B-1/B-2 visa for brief tenures several times in the year, does that period of stay in US on B1/B2 visa, how so ever short it may be, also count towards calculating the overseas employment tenure of at least one year in preceding three years prior to filing L-1A petition.

Answer

Your time in USA must be compensated with extra time outside USA. If the time in USA is just a few days in a year, you should be fine with that formula. But, if the time in USA is too much (several months), things get much more complicated.

Thursday, October 15, 2009 - 02:46

L1 visa

Question

It seems that to qualify for an L1-A Visa, one has to be employed overseas by the same employer for a year on a full time basis. How would you define "full time"? Does a work schedule of 4 days a week qualify?

Answer

Generally speaking, 35 hours each week can be argued to be full time.

Friday, October 9, 2009 - 04:20

L-1B applying for green card

Question

My company applied to change my status from L1B to L1A at the same time as filing my GC application. It was approved and the GC only took about 5 months

Answer

True. Converting to EB1 through an executive or a managerial job is the way to go. That way you can go thorough EB1 rather than PERM based process that takes several years.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 - 07:26

Choices to work in USA

Question

I am graduate B.A and I am married having one daughter of 2.8 yrs old . I want to to work in u.s.a -I can do any type of work . I want to immigrate with my family ( me ,my wife and my daughter ) .Till today I was doing import business from china from 2004 and visiting every month to china from 2004 to china for buying of goods from there and then selling it in india but due to some little bit loss i will have to stop my business . I have everything viz income tax dox , balance sheets etc. Sir now i want to immigrate to u.s.a and want to do job -any type .

Answer

The most obvious choices are H-1 and L-1 visas. Look into those. US laws are fairly stringent in visas. Good luck!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - 04:20

May B-1/B-2, E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1, J-1, L-1 O-1 visa or TN holder apply for green card?

Question

May B-1/B-2, E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1, J-1, L-1 O-1 visa or TN holder apply for green card?

Answer

One of the questions I am asked quite frequently is whether or not an E-1/E-2 visa holder can apply for a green card and not jeopardize his or her E status. The answer is PROBABLY yes he can.

In the E visa context, this is what the govt says:

Quote:
9 FAM 41.51 N15 INTENT TO DEPART UPON TERMINATION OF STATUS
(TL:VISA-404; 04-29-2002)
An applicant for an E visa need not establish intent to proceed to the United States for a specific temporary period of time. Nor does an applicant for an E visa need to have a residence in a foreign country which the applicant does not intend to abandon. The alien may sell his or her residence and move all household effects to the U.S. The alien's expression of an unequivocal intent to return when the E status ends is normally sufficient, in the absence of specific indications of evidence that the alien's intent is to the contrary. If there are such objective indications, inquiry is justified to assess the applicant's true intent. As discussed in 9 FAM 41.54 N4, an applicant might be a beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition filed on his or her behalf. However, the alien might satisfy the consular officer that his and/or her intent is to depart the United States upon termination of status, and not stay in the United States to adjust status or otherwise remain in the United States regardless of legality of status.
So, are they saying they will apply the same standards as given in the note below? I THINK that is what they are saying, but this is not clear.

Quote:
9 FAM 41.54 N4 ISSUE OF TEMPORARINESS OF STAY

(CT:VISA-803; 04-27-2006)

L aliens are specifically excluded from the intending immigrant presumption of section 214(b) of the INA and are, furthermore, not required to have a residence abroad which they have no intention of abandoning. In addition, INA 214(h) provides the fact that an alien has sought permanent residence in the United States does not preclude him or her from obtaining an L nonimmigrant visa (NIV) or otherwise obtaining or maintaining that status. The alien may legitimately come to the United States as a nonimmigrant under the L classification and depart voluntarily at the end of his or her authorized stay, and, at the same time, lawfully seek to become a permanent resident of the United States. Consequently, the consular officer's evaluation of an applicant's eligibility for an L visa shall not focus on the issue of temporariness of stay or immigrant intent.
There exists in law something called the "doctrine of dual intent." This doctrine permits nonimmigrants to have immigrant intent. In other words, even though, you are coming to USA on a visa that is temporary, you may pursue your green card (exhibiting intent to live in USA permanently).

By law, L-1 and H-1 holders are PERMITTED by the doctrine of dual intent to have their green cards pending. This is beyond question. That your green card application is pending can never be a ground for denial of your H or L visa application (includes H-4 and L-2).

As I have noted above, E-1, E-2 visas have an unclear situation. It appears the consulates WILL permit them dual intent, but may not(???). They do NOT have the same level of protection as H and L visas but usually consulates will permit dual intent.

The following visa types have no such protection and their vise or entry into USA can be denied if they have a green card application application in process: B-1, B-2, F-1/F-2, J-1, J-2.

O-1 is allowed to have an immigrant intent (by regulations - though not by statute).
Pursuant to 8 CFR Section 214.2(O)(13)
(13) Effect of approval of a permanent labor certification or filing of a preference petition on O classification. The approval of a permanent labor certification or the filing of a preference petition for an alien shall not be a basis for denying an O-1 petition, a request to extend such a petition, or the alien's application for admission, change of status, or extension of stay. The alien may legitimately come to the United States for a temporary period as an O-1 nonimmigrant and depart voluntarily at the end of his or her authorized stay and, at the same time, lawfully seek to become a permanent resident of the United States.

TN is also not allowed dual intent, but are often not questioned on their green card pendency.

Thursday, May 7, 2009 - 01:00

When to apply for L-2 extension

Question

My employer is in the process of extending my current L1 status for another 3 years. Current I94 is due to expire on June 20, 2009. My wife is on L2 and employed with an EAD valid till June 20, 2009. How can she extend her EAD at the same time as my L1 is being extended? My company lawyers will not handle extending her EAD. Please advice.

Answer

I believe you have three choices. Add her L-2 extension/EAD to your L-1 extension in the same package; apply for your extension, wait for the receipt then apply for her L-2 extension/EAD; or apply for your extension, wait for the APPROVAL then apply for her L-2 extension/EAD (note that she must be in status when you apply for her L-2/EAD). I have listed these choices in the order of my preference.

Friday, March 13, 2009 - 01:00

L-2 EAD and H-1

Question

1. I am contemplating switching from H-1B status (in Year 4) to an L2 status (wife holds L1B status) and then applying for EAD. After I receive the EAD (receipt of application sufficient for starting work?), (1) am I allowed to hold on to my current H-1B status or does it automatically lapse upon conversion to L2?

2. Can I hold a CAP-EXEMPT H-1B with an academic institution/ think-tank etc CONCURRENTLY with the L2, (3) work as an independent contractor (1099)?

3. Does EAD allow one to be do multiple things as a free-lance professional?

Answer

1.  Ans. It lapses upon change of status from the date the status is changed.

2.  Ans. You cannot have H-1 and L-2 status at the same time. But on the L-2 EAD you can do both jobs.

3. Ans. Yes.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 01:00

L-2 to L-1 COS or Visa?

Question

Hi...i have a question...i came to US on my L2 visa and am here for 1 month.meanwhile my company has initiated for my L1b visa in India..now my question is...
1. Should i have to travel back to my native for Visa stamping or i can apply for COS from L2 to L1B in US itself?
2.Since i already own L2 visa is there any chance that my L1B is rejected?i have been working in the company for 1yr and 2 months only now.
3.in case if my L1b is rejected is there will be any impact on my already approved L2 visa?can i come back to US again using L2 visa?

Answer

You can apply for COS. Even if L-1 is rejected, you can still maintain your L-2. In case of a visa rejection, you should be able to come back on L-2 visa or reapply for L-2 visa on the spot.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 - 01:00

L-1/H-1 COS Issues

Question

I have a friend who is having L1 visa came USA two years before on L1 working in Company A. After coming USA he applied for H1 and got approved in 2008 October thru Company B. His status from L1 to H1 is also changed in Oct 2008. The candidate is still working in the company A (with L1 Visa).
1) How long he can work in Company B(with L1 visa)? (due to market down he is not getting job and may take time to get job on H1 Visa, to come out of the company A (L1)
What is the time limit to shift to H1 company from L1 company after change of status to H1 from L1.
2) Is there any impact in future (in H1 extensions or in Green Card process) if he continues to work in the same company A (with L1 Visa, even though his change of status is changed to H1 with new I-94 number)?

Answer

I think I have mentioned this in my blog earlier. Once the COS is approved and kicks in (October 1, 2008), he is NOT on L-1 hence the work on L-1 is illegal. This can have an impact on several things.

To correct matters, he must immediately reenter USA with an L-1 visa or apply for COS back to L-1.

Friday, January 9, 2009 - 01:00

L-1 - H-1 COS issues

Question

Answer

Facts - I am on an L1 visa working for employer A and my wife is on L2-EAD. We both applied for H1 visa through Employer B and it got approved recently. I am not sure if Employer B (Consulting Company) has applied for COS while applying for both of ours H1 visa. Could you answer the following queries for both (COS applied and COS not applied) conditions during H1 application.

Questions

Qo1. Can I continue working on my L1 visa? If yes, for How many months? Is it legal to work on L1 after 1st October 2008 as my H1 has already been approved? (I am not sure COS has been applied or not)
Ans1. The key to this is COS. If you have obtained Change of Status (issuance of a new I-94 with your H-1 approval), you are on H-1 beginning October 1 (or whatever the date of H-1 approval and COS is.

If COS was not given, you can continue working on L-1 and either get COS or H-1 visa when you want to begin working on H-1. Of course, CIS or consulates may need an explanation for how/why the H-1 employer is willing/able to wait for you to join.

Qo2. Can my wife continue working on L2-EAD as long as I continue working on L1?
Is it legal to work on L2-EAD after 1st October 2008 as her H1 has already been approved? (I am not sure COS has been applied)
Ans2. The key again is COS. If you have it, she cannot work after 10/1 because she would no longer be on L-2 from the date forward.

Qo3 My wife will be joining on a permanent position for a company C on L2-EAD
shortly. Can she get her H1 transferred to company C from Employer B (Who applied for her H1) from 1st October 2008 ?
Ans3. In my view, she can do the transfer even before October 1.

Qo4. What would be the best options to continue our L1 and L2-EAD status for another 3-6 months ? By doing this would the H1 be Invalid ? Do I have to apply for new H1 considered under CAP ?
Ans4. You will not be under cap no matter whether you join the new employer right away or not. Read on for the rest.

Qo5. I read from some of the postings that staying out side USA (Canada, Mexico, India) on October 1st and re-entering USA after 1st Oct will enable L1,L2 status back (if COS has been applied for H1). Is this the only way to retain the L1/L2 status?
Ans5. In my view this is the best way. Leave on or before Sept 30th (or a day before COS kicks in) and come back on or after October 1st (or the day on which COS kicks in).

Qo6. .I entered US on a L1-B visa from a 'company 1' on a blanket Visa (L1-b) from India to USA in 2006.
2.Filed for H1 through 'company-2' in mar 2008.Approved as COS starting Oct 1st.
3.I did not/could not switch over to H1(company 2) till date due the lack of jobs matching my skills.
4.Would like to get back in status on L1 (My L1 visa and ITS I-94 are both valid till Nov 09 ).
5.Some people say that since L1 visa and its i-94 is valid, i can exit and re-enter the country with the L1 petition and that would put me back into status.
6.Continuing on point 6, once back on L1, i can file for H1 through a different company in future and i wont be counted against cap,is this true?
Would appreciate your responses as i am concerned that having been out of status since Oct1 would leave me with limited options.

Ans6. Ideally, to get back into status, you should apply for a NEW L-1 visa and come back into USA. There is a law on the books as far as I remember that says if you are ever out of status (which you are), all your visa stamps are "considered" canceled. This law, however, being next to impossible to implement is largely disregarded. Therefore, a lot of people in your situation just leave USA and come back with the same L-1 visa stamp. Theoretically, at least, that is not a perfect solution.

You will not be counted against the cap next time you apply for another H-1 as long as you have not been outside USA for one year.