PERM - Labor Certification FAQs

Friday, December 8, 2023 - 07:08

Employee paying for green card and H-1B premium costs and Using an old H-1B visa stamp of a different employer

Question

Question 1

1. Is it legal for an employee to pay all the expenses of a green card (eb2 / eb3), such as cost of attorney, pwd, recruitment, perm, I140 premium, I485, etc.?

2. Is it legal for employee to pay the cost of h1b premium transfer?

Question 2

My question is related to H1B stamping.

I have a stamped visa till April 2024 from my previous company.

I have a new I-797 from my current company.

Do I still have to go for Visa Stamping if I visit India in December 2023.

 

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, August 1, 2023 - 23:48

Can I omit a previous experience in PERM filing and I-140 transfer between companies?

Question

I have an approved I-140 with COMPANY A. However, I have recently moved to COMPANY B, and they have initiated the green card process on my behalf. I prefer not to include my experience with COMPANY A in the PERM filing with COMPANY B. My understanding of the terms with company A is limited, and I may encounter difficulties in obtaining experience letters and supporting documents from COMPANY A. Could omitting my experience with COMPANY A cause any potential problems when COMPANY B files the I-140 & PERM and requests the previous priority date from COMPANY A.

Answer

Video URL

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 05:05

Impact of job changes on pending I-140 and/or PERM applications for H-1B holder

Question

If your company files a new PERM for a different role within the same organization after your initial I-140 is approved, will the initial I-140 still be active?

If your employer revokes your initial I-140 more than 6 months after it is approved and you move to a new role within the same company, is there any risk involved?

Will every organization need to apply for a PERM again in the future if you switch employers? Can you work for an organization that is not ready to start your PERM process, and can you use your previous approved I-140 to extend your H1B for a new employer?

If you lose your job post I-140 approval and don't find a new job within 60 days, can you still apply for jobs while outside the United States? Will your last approved I-140 still be active?

What are the cases or situations in which you can lose your I-140 or priority date (i.e., your approved I-140 is revoked)?

 

Answer

Video URL

Thursday, April 6, 2023 - 05:19

What to do if one is in India during the PERM and I-140 approval process

Question

I'm on H-1B with employer A and am currently in the PERM process(recruitment done). I'm in India right now and would like to know what happens if:
1) PERM approved and i140 filed; (while I'm in India)
2) Receive PERM audit; (while I'm in India)
3) I-140 approved and Post I-140 approval; (while I'm in India)
Do I need to return to the US in any of the above scenarios? Any worst-case scenarios I should keep in mind?

 

Answer

Video URL

 

Thursday, March 9, 2023 - 02:55

Criteria for national interest waiver || NIW for physical therapists

Question

I am on H-1B working in the IT industry. My wife has H4 EAD, and with the same status, she is working in the hospital as a Physical Therapist.

1. Can her employer file for GC while she is on H4 EAD status?

2. If she is eligible for NIW, could you please let me know if the PWD and PERM are both required if her employer file for GC?

3. Can she use my priority date to file an adjustment of status?

 

Answer

Video URL

Thursday, December 22, 2022 - 23:41

Filing multiple PERM applications, PERM Recruitment period, and Processing Times for PWD (Prevailing Wage Determination)

Question

Can we file two PERM simultaneously, one for the current job level and one for the future promoted level? My employer filed my green card based on my master's degree and no experience as a job requirement. So, what are the chances it will pass recruitment during PERM, keeping the current recession in mind?

 

Answer

Video URL

Thursday, December 22, 2022 - 22:46

Explaining PERM Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) and its elements

Question

I am on the H-1B visa right now, still in my initial 3-year window, have this query about Prevailing wages In the Perm process. My company is filing Perm under the EB2 category, it was submitted in September 2022, and the current wait time is around 8-10 months so I am still waiting to hear back from authorities.

1. I had asked my lawyer for a copy of the PWD, but they said it is a company document. Is that correct?

2. When I asked about the wages mentioned in the document, they told me the figure is 123k $ and would be paid to me after the green card is received. This prevailing wage figure is 35% higher than my current wages. Does the prevailing wage figure include cost to the company? ( insurance,401k plan for which company pays for me) or is this figure to be paid to me as a yearly salary? Also, being an Indian, and Since mine is EB2 filing, I may not receive a green card until the next 15-20 years. Is there a way I can negotiate for this salary after the perm is approved?

 

Answer

Video URL

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - 06:54

How long does it take from PERM to Green Card, and difference between NIW and PERM Labor Certification?

Question

1) How long does one have to wait in total if the company applied for PERM (EB2 - MS CS degree), and THEN Concurrently applied for I-140 (premium) and I-485 and the country of birth is UAE?

2) Can the above be done on an F-1 (OPT + STEM OPT) Visa instead of an H-1B? And any potential issues for F-1 in this case?

3) In this scenario, how would it work if the person also submits NIW in parallel with PERM?

 

Answer

Video URL

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - 06:47

PERM issues for a green card for remote jobs - headquarters

Question

I am currently on an H-1B visa and working remotely. My h1b petition has two addresses, home (VA) and office (PA). The office headquarters is in NJ.

My employer filled PWD in Mar2022 which got approved in Oct 2022. When I reached out to them for the next step, they mentioned that there were some issues with the previously filled PWD, so they had to refiled my PWD in Jul2022.

Based on my discussion, I came to know that they did not mention the main headquarters address, which is in NJ, and put the address of the PA office, which is in my h1b petition. They said because I am a remote employee, they are supposed to put the address of the headquarters.

Q1: Are we supposed to put the headquarters address when we file GC for a remote job?

Q2: Are we supposed to put the headquarters address when we file h1b for the remote job? Or is any office ok?

 

Answer

Video URL

Friday, November 25, 2022 - 07:15

Filing second I140 after 180 days of PERM validity

Question

I filed my I140 with 180 days after Perm is approved. But after that, the I140 is denied and my Perm is expired. Can I fresh file I140 again the my expired Perm. Thank you.

Answer

There may be a typo in your question. If the first I-140 was filed within 180 days of the PERM validity period, the second or subsequent I-140 can be filed outside the 180 days. No problem.

Thursday, November 3, 2022 - 05:39

7th year H-1B extension with pending PERM

Question

My H-1B maxout date is Jan 2023. Perm process started in Sept 2021 (prevailing wages). FOr the 7th year extension of H-1B, is the PERM priority date (Aug 2022 for me) considered or the date for when the PWD and recruitment was initiated.

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 - 06:44

I have an Approved I-140 from a previous job. My new employer has initiated the PERM. How can I make sure that the attorneys use the priority date from my old I-140?

Question

I have an Approved I-140 from a previous job. My new employer has initiated the PERM. How can I make sure that the attorneys use the priority date from my old I-140?

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, August 30, 2022 - 07:01

The H-1B remainder option: Calculating recapture of H-1B unused time

Question

I had a quick question for you. I worked in the US from 2009 to 2012 on an H-1B visa, left the US in 2012, then came back on a new H-1B visa to work in the US from 2014 to 2017, and then left the US again in 2017. So overall, I didn’t use 3 years on both my H-1B visas. Recently I came to the US on an H-1B visa in mid-2022 using the unused 3 years on my most recent H-1B visa issued in 2014. This H-1B visa expires in mid-2025.

(a) Do I need to leave the US for one year after mid-2025 to be eligible for a new H-1B visa, or am I eligible to apply for a new H-1B visa after mid-2025?

(b) Is it possible for me to recapture unused 3 years on my previous H-1B visa issued in 2009 after my current H-1B status expires in mid-2025?

(c) Is the only way for me to extend my H-1B visa status in the US after mid-2025 is to file for PERM ETA 9089 (pending over a year) or have an approved I-140?

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, July 12, 2022 - 03:47

For PERM, can I use my master's degree completed after I joined?

Question

My master's degree was officially completed after joining my current company, but I had already earned 54 out of 57 total credits of my master's degree before joining this company. So, can I use this master's degree to satisfy job requirements for my GC sponsored by this company?
 

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, July 12, 2022 - 03:42

Experience & education requirements for a PERM/labor certification-based green card

Question

1. How often does it happen that an employment-based green card gets rejected or delayed just because the minimum job requirements were low?

2. What could be decent experience & education requirements for a job to successfully get an employment-based green card.

3. My current employer is filing my green card with minimum requirements of a bachelor's and 1~2 years of experience, but my current qualifications are a master's and 2~3 years of experience. So, is it worth finding a new job and employer where my green card can be filed based on my current higher qualifications?
 

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, June 28, 2022 - 03:13

How can we expedite the filing of a PERM application?

Question

In order to expedite the PERM process, is it possible to do recruitment in parallel with PWD?

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, June 28, 2022 - 03:02

How can we keep the immigration benefits of an approved I-140 (priority date and the right to extend H-1B beyond six years through any employer)?

Question

Three months after the I-140 approval, I moved from the location of employment given in my PERM application. I will stay with the same company for 180 days after the I-140 approval. To keep all benefits of an approved I-140 after I change employers, what do I have to do? What is the impact of the change of location? Do I have to prove my intention to keep the job permanently? Will the USCIS revoke the I-140 because of the change of location or if I change employers?

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, June 28, 2022 - 02:57

Denial of downgrade I-140 on the basis of the employer's ability to pay; impact on approved EB-2 and pending I-485?

Question

My EB-2 I-140 was approved in 2014. Like many others, in 2020, I filed for a downgrade from EB-2 to EB-3 with the same employer. The EB-3 I-140 was denied on Ability to Pay grounds. Now, my EB-2 date is current and I have refiled an I-485. Will there be any impact of the denial on my approved EB-2 I-140 and I-485?

Answer

Video URL

Friday, June 17, 2022 - 02:23

I-485 interfiling to use EB-2 instead of EB-3 with a new employer

Question

I'm an Indian national living in the USA.

1) Employer A filed I-140 (EB2) which got approved with a PD: AUG-2014.
2) I switched jobs from A to Employer B.
2. a) Employer B concurrently filed I-140(EB3) and I-485/765/131. This wasn't a downgrade from EB2 to EB3. This I-140 also got approved and able to port PD: AUG-2014. Also I-765/131 got approved. But I never used them.
3)I switched jobs from B to Employer C.
3. a) Employer C only filed H1B and I-485J.

Currently, with Employer C and my EB2 final action date became current(As per the June visa bulletin). Now I technically have tw
o approved 140s(One in EB2 and the other in EB3)

Questions:
1) Can employer C do a I-485 interfiling to use I-140 (EB2) instead EB3?
2) Since my PD became current in EB2, What would be the best option for me so that I get my 485 adjudicated sooner and get the GC.

Answer

Video URL

Tuesday, June 14, 2022 - 02:38

How are PERM minimum job requirements determined?

Question

Q1. Does it make a PERM and GC case stronger if a job has high minimum job requirements? Because the requirements are very high, it could be easy to prove that no qualified and willing US worker is available for the job.

Q2. If a job has very low minimum job requirements like only a bachelor's degree, does it make a PERM and GC case weaker? Because the requirements are very low, it could be hard to prove that no qualified and willing US worker is available for the job.
 

Answer

Video URL

Thursday, December 2, 2021 - 02:19

Leaving employer while an I-140 is pending

Question

I am in a situation where my current employer has filed PERM and as per the timelines there are high chances that it will be approved till January. And as per immigration team in the current company says it could take a week or two to file for I-140. I am going to pay for premium processing. But at the same time, I have accepted an offer from another company and the start date is 31st January. I am sure that I-140 would not get approved till then. Can I pay for premium processing, leave after they file the I-140 and before it gets approved? Will it go through?

PS: As per company's policies they don't revoke I-140 of the employees if they leave before 6 months.

 

Answer

Theoretically, an I-140 does not require you to be continued to be employed by the petitioning employer. You could leave after applying, but if there is an RFE, the employer would not be motivated to respond to it. As a practical matter, there is a second difficulty as well. Could your intention to continue to work at the employer be called into question because you had a preconceived intention to leave? That does not appear to be a major issue with the USCIS, but you never know.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - 05:55

Change of jobs with an approved I-140 from employer A and Reapplying PERM through B

Question

I have an approved I-140 from my old employer 'A' with a priority date from 2017. Now I am working for employer 'B'. I have a couple of questions about this:

i) Is it worth doing my PERM here through employer 'B' again if I plan to change jobs soon (maybe in a year or so)?

ii) Are there any benefits of doing the PERM now through employer 'B'?

iii) Or would you suggest doing the PERM with my next employer and not bother with the PERM through employer 'B'?

 

Answer

Video URL

Monday, October 25, 2021 - 05:43

EB-2/EB-3 Options in PERM Filing and EB-2 to EB-3 downgrade and upgrade

Question

Q: 1.  If the Priority date is current in EB-3 then my I-140 and I-485 can be filed EB3 (Lower it) but you said that after EB-3 will come then I should file I-140 in EB-2. Not sure about the whole concept, if possible can you elaborate in more detail?

2. Can I-140 be filed in EB-2 and EB-3 together? Or I-140 can be filed in EB-3 first once it gets approval in EB-3 and then need to file in EB-2 or vice versa.

3. My company attorney told me that once I downgrade to EB3 then I can't upgrade to EB2.

 

Answer

Video URL

Monday, October 25, 2021 - 05:39

Is there a problem listing one location in a PERM application while living and working remotely in a different location?

Question

Was just wondering if there could be any issues with my prospective PERM application if I am living and working remotely in Minneapolis (consistent with my H-1Blocation) and my employer in Dallas files the PERM application using Dallas as the work location. I am open to eventually relocating to Dallas, so just wondering if this could cause any delays or RFEs for the PERM. Do you think it would be a better option to file an H-1B amendment with Dallas as the work location, and then go through with the PERM or it doesn't matter?

 

Answer

Video URL

Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - 06:33

Job Change after I-140 Approval, Before I-485 Submission

Question

I have a PERM and i-140 approved by my previous employer. My priority date is 15 Mar 2015. I changed my employer in Jan-2020 with a similar job occupation. I was told that I don’t need to file a completely new process for PERM and i-140 with the new employer but the new employer can file an i-485J form when the priority date is current to complete the remaining GC process. Is this a valid process to complete my adjustment of status(i-485) and apply for EAD? What are the complications involved of going through the route with old i-140 and getting an approved i-485? If that option is not viable, will I have to file a new i-140 with the new employer? There’s got to be an easier way of dealing with this, because I’m sure many people have changed their employer after their i-140 approval.

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Job Change after I-140 Approval, Before I-485 Submission

Video Transcript

You have to start your green card all over again, no question about that. FAQ in detail...

 


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.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - 06:24

Eligibility for and the process of EB-3 to EB-2 Porting

Question

Can you talk about this upgrade process from EB3 to EB2 for pending I-485? Does it need another I-485 application or just a letter to USCIS?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Eligibility for and the process of EB-3 to EB-2 Porting

Video Transcript

You can always go up and you can always go down as long as your PERM was filed as an EB-2. If you filed your PRM as an EB-3 then you're not going to be able to upgrade to EB-2. But if your PERM was filed as an EB-2 you can downgrade I-140 EB-3. You can go back upgrade to EB-2 if you already have an EB-2 approval. You can file a downgrade second case as EB-3 with the same PERM. FAQ in detail...

 

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.

Wednesday, August 26, 2020 - 07:14

Changing jobs while I-140 pending and change in job title

Question

I have my PERM approved from my current employer A recently this month, can I still use my PD when I transfer my H1B to a new employer B, before I-140 approval or when I-140 is in progress with the old employer A?. If my job title is changed (from 'Software Engineer' to 'Business systems analyst')with changing job to the new employer B, can I still use the approved perm from employer A for the PD or to extend my H1B max stay beyond 6 years?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ:

Changing jobs while I-140 pending and change in job title


Video Transcript

No problem at all with the job titles and the only requirement is on the date the I-140 is filed there is an intention to continue with the job. FAQ in detail...

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.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020 - 03:38

Working from Canada on or off H-1B

Question

Questions,
1. Can I stay in Vancouver while I commute to Seattle for work once a month for a day?
Is there any restriction on the amount of time I need to spend inside the US on H1B?
Is there any restriction to how frequently I can go in/out of the US on H1B?
<br>
2. Since my work location would be changing to Seattle from California for me to be able to do this. I am suspecting my PERM will need to be refiled. But given that my H1B is expiring next year and the PERM, I140 process takes almost 1-1.5 years. Can my current company use an older existing approved I-140 petition to help me get my H1B Visa extended? My older I-140 had been approved for more than an year before I left the employer.
<br>
3. Will doing this have any impact on my H1B Renewal? I would need to go for re-stamping next year in September.

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ:

Working from Canada on or off H-1B

Video Transcript

1. Sure and there are no restrictions on time.

2. No, not really. Depends on how the PERM was filed. You should talk to your lawyers. Regarding I-140 yes of course as long as at least one day of that approval period was on or after January 17, 2017.

3. No impact on your H-1B renewal.

FAQ in detail...

 

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.

 

Monday, September 10, 2018 - 05:15

H-4 EAD Based Upon Prior Employers

Question

I am currently working with employer A on H-1B visa with I-140 approved for over 180 days. My wife is on F-1 EAD. I am planning to move her visa status from F-1 to H-4 EAD AFTER I join Employer B next month based on my approved I-140 from my employer A. <br>

My questions are:<br>
1. Once I join employer B, will I be able to apply for my wife's H4 EAD based on approved I140 which I have from employer A? Can I apply both visa status change (F1 to H4) and application for H4 EAD concurrently?<br>
2. In other words, will changing my employer impact my wife's eligibility to get H-4 EAD based on my approved I-140 from previous employer?<br>
3. Can I change multiple employer based on I-140 approved from employer A? If yes, what if employer B has already started green card process (PERM)?<br>
4. If I get I-140 approved from employer B also then what will happen to I-140 approved with employer A?

Answer

 

Video Transcript:

1. Yes, you can apply both change to H-4 and H-4 EAD concurrently. Therefore even though you are working for employer B your wife can derive the same benefit as you would from the earlier I-140 approval.

2. No. Even though the I-140 was from the previous employer.

3. You can change employers as many times as you like and once your I-140 has been approved 180 days there is no limit to how many employers you can change and how long you can keep getting extensions of your H-1B as long as the dates are not current. If the dates become current then you can get only one year extension as far as I recall.

4. The answer is No. Both remain valid in their own right and you can derive the maximum benefit whichever is better for you out of the two. More...

 

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.

 

 

 

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 - 12:55

Getting Promotions Or Changing Job Description While Green Card Is Pending

Question

Present Status: I-140 is approved and priority date Jan 2016. I completed my MS in USA. My company attorney/HR is telling me I can't get promotion till I get my green card approved. As per them this is Immigration law or this is part of green card process. Can you please confirm if there is immigration law which tells that if your green card is pending then Job title can't be changed and promotion can't be awarded?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Getting promotions or changing job description while green card is pending

Video Transcript

If we are speaking of a green card filed through PERM it is complicated because any substantial change in the job requires you to refile the green card unless you have the intention to go back to the old job when you get the green card. 

One point at which you can change jobs, whether job descriptions or job titles or even employers is when your I-140 is approved and your I-485 has been pending 180 days, that's the AC21 portability. More...

 

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.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018 - 08:43

At What Stage Should I Join My Future Green Card Employer?

Question

My future employer is planning to file my GC PERM in the month of May 2018. Also I have PERM in process from my current employer.
Is it advisable to join the future employer before filing the PERM or after the PERM is approved or after I-140 is approved.
Basically need to know at what stage of the GC process I can join the future employer.
Does my joining the future employer impact the GC approval process (getting PERM approval, I-140 approval).

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: At what stage should I join my future green card employer?

Video Transcript:

As far as only one aspect of the case is concerned, which is the ability to pay wages. So when your employer starts your green card from that date forward they must show that their tax returns have enough money to pay you. If on the other hand the employer has a very healthy tax return only their lawyers can tell them, then it doesn't matter when you join them so if you are worried about the ability to pay wages, it is better to join before filing the PERM. If the tax returns are extremely healthy, then you can join at any stage you like either before or after the approval of the green card. I-140 can be affected because of the ability to pay wages, but if the ability to pay wages is strong you can join a future employer anytime before or soon after the approval of the green card. More...


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.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - 03:26

H-1B Tranfer, AC21 and I-140 Process

Question

1. While I am moving my H-1 New Employer B, What if something goes wrong during H-1 transfer or after that in GC processing with new employer like RFEs etc comes up, can I move back to employer A if employer A is willing to take me back. Does AC 21 portability rule applied to my case also? Since I have not filed I-485 yet, as per my understanding this rule does not apply to me. While my GC is in process with new Employer B and I am in waiting mode for I-140 approval with new employer, What will happen if my time to extend H-1 petition comes up.
<br>
2. Can I still extend my H-1 with new Employer even if I-140 with new employer is in process and not yet approved. Can I use my old Employers approved I-140 to extend my H-1 in this situation.

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: If H-1B transfer is denied, can I go back to my old employer? When does AC21 job portability

begin? Can H-1B be extended through a new employer while I-140 is in process?

Video Transcript

1. You can apply for an extension based upon two reasons either the first year anniversary of your green card filing that your PERM was filed a year ago or based upon I-140 approval. So, yes you can file for a one year extension if PERM was started a year ago.

2. The answer is yes, as long as one of the two things exist. Either the I-140 has not been revoked in that case you can use it for extensions or the I-140 was revoked by the old employer, but after 180 days of approval in both cases you can extend your H-1 through some other employer like employer B even while employer B's own I-140 is still in process. More...

 

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.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 - 00:38

Submitting adjustment of status, form I-485, when the applicant is in between projects/not working

Question

While submitting application for 485, must the primary applicant be on a project? My husband is a consultant on H1B, the employer has filed for green card - should my husband in a project during the 485 submission; will a between projects situation be an issue for filing 485?

Answer

Watch this Video on this FAQ: Submitting adjustment of status, form I-485, When the applicant is in between projects/not working

Video Transcript:

In your case, if the husband is not in a project, then it raises two issues whether the job is permanent and how is it being sustained on H-1B visa because you cannot be out of a project if you're getting paid. In a scenario, like this, it creates a certain amount of uncertainty. So the rule is if you have a PERM based you have got to have the sponsoring employer offer you a job before you file the I-485. The sponsoring employer can be present or future employer. More...


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.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 - 06:49

Effect of Revocation of PERM on an Already Approved H-1 Extension

Question

On 10-Mar-2017 I completed my 5th year on H-1B visa. I changed my job and joined my current employer on 01-Feb-2017 (after receiving the H-1B receipt number) while my H1B petition was being processed at USCIS.In the meantime, my employer filed my GC PERM application on 01-Mar-2017 while my H1B was still in process at USCIS.I got a RFE on my H1B application and while responding to the RFE my employer requested for 2 years of H-1B visa instead of 1 year i.e. 1 year for the 6th year on H1B and another year extension as my PERM application was filed and pending.

Answer

Watch Video on this FAQ: Effect of revocation of PERM on an already approved H-1 extension

Video Transcript

Once they give you an H-1 extension, if later on the PERM is revoked, which was the basis for the extension they will not take away your H-1 extension. So, supposing the date I filed my H-1 and the date my application was decided, my PERM was the basis for my H-1 extension, once the extension is given the PERM goes away and I should be able to keep my H-1. More...

 

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.

Friday, May 19, 2017 - 23:00

Physicians (FMG) NIW, AC21 portability, Teaching to clinical position

Question

Do the 3 years spent in residency training in an HPSA/MUA area be counted towards the five years required for NIW? The residency training (3 years) and subsequent job (2 years) were on H1B visa in two different HPSA/MUA areas but not processed through NIW route. Can the NIW petition be filed now retrospectively for those years already worked in underserved areas? My current GC sponsoring job is in a University teaching hospital (job designation Assistant Professor) but obviously also involves treating patients. The PERM prevailing wage category was teacher/ Professor but job description included patient care. Can the job be changed to that involving only patient care (no teaching) and still be considered same/ similar? How about a job (with patient care only & no teaching) in a private practice (as opposed to hospital employee)?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Physicians (FMG) NIW, AC21 portability, Teaching to clinical position

Video Transcription

Under the current regulations beginning January 17, you can actually ask for a predetermination before you change jobs. You can send your Supplement J and wait, for they got to decide it before you join the new employer. They will readjudicate the case so you will know if you are safe when you move instead of just jumping. More...

 

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.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017 - 04:04

Change of Job Description / Job Location on PERM and I-140

Question

1. Working with Employer A - but the place of employment is the end client B (on site work at Client B location). PERM and I-140 approved. At this point, If I have to move to a different client C (Same Employer A - on-site work at Client C Location) - in a different State - Same Job Title but different job duties/job description - Would that need to file PERM and I-140 one more time?<br>
2. Is there any language permitted in the LC for PERM - such as "relocation upon completion of the project" or "Job may require traveling/relocation across the USA" - so that the PERM and I-140 does not have to be filed again?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Change of Job Description / Job Location on PERM and I-140

Video Transcript

1. The job title and job description are different things. As for the location, that depends on the PERM. If there is a complete change in the job description and job title it is still ok if you intend to come back to the old title once the green card is approved. See how the location, the title and job description is for the future job.

2. Yes of course. This kind of language we put all the time in the PERM application. More...

 

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.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017 - 11:40

Do jobs have to be same or similar when I port my priority date?

Question

1. I'm on H-1 visa and on my 8 th year ...visa is getting extended based on I-140 approved. I'm getting an offer to join different company end client(currently I'm with the consulting company) designation not decided yet. In my current employer, I am manager and wondering if I get a different position in other company like Director or solution architect or Sr Manager...and if I join that company what effect that will make on my current approved I 140 or GC process. Is this safe to jump? I heard job category needs to be same or similar in various forums for PERM but I don't have clarity or understanding what that rule is and....how that thing impact my situation.<br>
2. I have not filed I-485 yet since my priority date is back in 2013 in EB2. Also, my wife has H-4 EAD does that impact as well?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Do jobs have to be same or similar when I port my priority date?

Video Transcript

1. When you port the whole job; I-485 is pending 180-days, jobs have to be same or similar. When you are just porting the Priority Date in the I-140, jobs can be completely different. You have to start the green card from the PERM process, but when you are just porting the Priority Date there is no problem.

2. The answer is No. As long as you are maintaining your H-1 status and she is maintaining her H-4 status. More...


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.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017 - 02:22

Changing employers after 6 years of H-1 are over

Question

1. With my approved I-140 from Company B can Company C use that to file my extension for 3 years. I have a copy of approved I-140. Is it safe to change companies in the 6th year. <br>
2. Using the approved I-140, I have filed H4-EAD for my spouse in Feb 2017 and is yet to receive the EAD approval. If I get it will be only valid till Nov 2017 based on current I-797 validity. So, if H1-B is approved for Company C, can I file extension of H4-EAD 120 days before validity based on that approval. If EAD is provided, it is going to expire on Nov 2017 based on the H1-B's current I-797.<br>

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Changing employers after 6 years of H-1 are over

Video Transcript

1.Yes you can file for an extension. That's all you need a copy of the approved I-140. It is safe to change companies. The law is once your I-140 is approved and stays approved for 180 days, even if your old employer revokes your I-140 you have the right to keep extending your H-1 through any employer.

2. I think you can apply 180 days. The new regulations allow you to file for EAD extension 180 days ahead of time. Have it double checked. It is not a guaranteed right but USCIS has said that they will accept that unless they post it differently on their website. So always double check the information. More...

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.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 - 02:37

Can I go back and join an employer who has my I-140 approval, but I left them

Question

I have worked for a company A and my I-140 was approved with PD of 2013. I worked another 7 months in the same company after I-140 approval and then moved to a new company with a similar profile. As far as I know, my I-140 has not been revoked. The new company B has also started Perm processing to get I-140 approved. I am working in Company B for almost a year now, and I would like to go back to my previous employer A. Can I rejoin Company A and pick up I-140 from there without restarting another PERM filing? Company A would like to take me back? Do I have to start the process all over again?

Answer

Watch the Video FAQ: Can I go back and join an employer who has my I-140 approval, but I left them

Video Transcript

Yes, you can go back to your old employer, but again as long as the job was continuing to exist you can go back to the I-140 employer and you can pick it up from the I-140 process itself. More...

 

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.

Thursday, March 9, 2017 - 07:34

Using Green Card Experience Gained with End Client

Question

Changing their employer from Company A (Current Primary Employer) to Company B (Direct Client of Company A - which will be the new primary employer going forward) - Can the experience earned by the person (skill set as well as number of years) earned with Company A be used for satisfying the job requirements of PERM / I-140 petition filed by Company B - if the person was actually working for the direct client i.e. Company B - all the time while employed by Company A (Current Petitioning Employer for approved I-140) ?

Answer

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Using for green card experience gained with end client

Video Transcript:

Normally you cannot use the experience gained by the end client if the end client applies for your GC. That is the normal rule. More...

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.

Thursday, March 2, 2017 - 00:34

Will H-4 EAD Rule be revoked?

Question

1) Is it true H-4 EAD rule will be revoked by the government? <br>
2) My H-1B visa is going to expire in 14-Jan-2018 and if my employer submits my PERM application in the month of June (i.e. before 6 months of my current 6 years of H-1B visa duration).<br>
a) If my PERM is not approved before my current H-1B visa expires. Can I change to H-4 EAD at that time?<br>
b) If my PERM approved after change to H-4 EAD, Can I change back to H-1B?<br>
c) Is it possible to convert from H-1 to H-4 EAD without taking a break in employment?<br>
d) If my PERM gets approved after my current H-1B expires can my employer file for H-1B extension?<br>
3) I would like to move to H-4 EAD but I would like to come back to H-1B anytime in future, in that situation what is the best status for H-1B?<br>
4) If I apply for new H-1B is it comes under H-1 quota (After 6 years completes.)?

Answer

Watch Video on this FAQ: Will H-4 EAD Rule be revoked?

Video Transcript:

1. I don't think it will be revoked.

2a. Yes, you can if your spouse's I-140 is approved or she is in the 7th year of her extension.

2b. Yes, you can change back to H-1B.

2c. I cannot predict this question as it is a question of logistics. 

2d. Most definitely.

3. You can be in any status. If your right to activate or H-1B comes mature you can jump back to H-1B without any problem. 

4. It does not.

More...

Thursday, February 23, 2017 - 02:27

Extension of H-1 beyond six years, gap in H-1, late in filing PERM, etc.

Question

My H-1B visa is going to expire in 01-Jan-2018 and if my employer submits my PERM application in the month of June (i.e. before 6 months of my current 6 years of H-1B visa duration).<br>

1) If my PERM gets approved before my current H-1B visa expires (i.e. before 01-Jan-2018).<br>
Would I be eligible for a H1B extension for 1 year since my PERM was approved before the current H-1B expiration?<br>

2) If my PERM gets approved after my current H-1B expires can my employer file for H1B extension of 1 year since my PERM is approved now.<br>

3) If my PERM is not approved before my current H-1B visa expires.<br>
Would I need to go back to India?<br>

4) I spent about 2 months (on vacation) in India. Can these 2 months be added back to my current H-1B visa? or this can only be added if my current employer files for my green card?

Answer

Watch Video on this FAQ: Extension of H-1 beyond six years, gap, in H-1, late in filing PERM, etc.


Video Transcript:

Under the current rules, there are two ways you can get H-1 extension beyond six years: one is based upon the time you're green card has been going on and the other one is based upon the stage you are at and we don't care what time the green card was started. Time-based and stage based. Time-based works like this. The day of the first anniversary of your perm filing is reached you are entitled to a one-year extension of your H-1 on a year to year basis. Stage-based green card, the day your I-140 is approved, you are entitled to three-year extensions. So those are the only two ways.  

What if you are late? What if you have only eight months left on your H-1 when your PERM is filed? 

Well, if there is a four-month gap or a two or three-month gap you would either have to convert to another status or leave the USA and then you come when you're one year time is matured or stage based green card is activated because you're I-140 is approved.

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.



Tuesday, January 26, 2016 - 04:52

Is percentage arrangement acceptable as salary (H-1 and PERM)

Question

The physician group I'm talking with are looking to hire me on to work alongside them, and they would not actually pay me a direct salary. I would bill insurance for each patient seen, and the practice would take a certain percentage and give me the rest. Would this be allowed? Or do I have to actually receive a salary from the future employer? My understanding is that as long as the potential employer can show the ability to pay the prevailing wage via a business income tax return, that is all that is needed. Whether or not I actually get paid and how much I get paid once the green card is approved, is irrelevant, correct?

Answer

First of all generally speaking, for H-1 and for green card your salary cannot include terms that are variable. So for instance if you get a yearly bonus, but the bonus changes from year to year you cannot include that as a part of your salary. Salary cannot include per diem. A lot of companies and a lot of employees get stuck with a lot of problems because per diem is set up as part of the salary. Per diem is not salary. Benefits are not salary. So all three of these items are big problems when you talk about H-1 and green card salaries. You cannot include benefits, You cannot include per diem and you cannot include variable amounts such as bonuses. if the bonus is guaranteed, in terms of the amount then you can include it otherwise but this is not salary.   

But how about a percentage?... In PERM for sure you cannot have this arrangement because this is not a fixed amount. Green card is a job in the future and what if you have a different set up now and another set up when you actually get the green card, I think that's ok but the  problem is if you are in H-1 this actually offends H-1 as well.  


Watch Video from Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call that addresses this issue


 


 Note: The answer 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.

Monday, January 11, 2016 - 07:23

The Proposed I-140 EAD Rule - FAQ's

Question

Answer

Question 1: Redo the PERM or just the I-140. If redoing the PERM again then what's new in this regulation? 

Answer: After 180 days, you can extend H-1 even if 140 is withdrawn.

Question 2: It seems that there is no easy provision for EAD/AP for approved 140 applicants. So is there any point in waiting for this rule or Should I consider Visa stamping is only option for traveling outside US? Please suggest as I waited for a year or long thought they are going to give AP.

Answer: Your observation about EAD/AP is correct- no easier. I will be surprised if USCIS changes these proposed rules in any significant manner when they finalize.

Question 3: If I have consumed my 6 years of H-1B and I have approved I-140. If I go to India and of some reason I got stuck in India. After a while I want some other employer to file my H-1B petition other then with approved I-140 employer. Do the new employer can apply for my new H1b cap exempt petition based on approved i-140 from my old employer. OR New H-1B petition from the new employer comes under H-1 cap count?

Answer: You have raised two separate issues. One, the I-140 can be used to extend your H-1 through ANY employer, if it is not withdrawn within 180 days of approval. Two, you are exempt from H-1 cap if your H-1 was approved any time within the last 6 years.

Question 4: Is there any provision for promotions internally within a company that filed the petition and the I-140 is approved more than 180 days previously?

Answer: These regs will only clarify (I am not sure they really do that) what "same or similar" jobs are. That concept is crucial when your I-140 has been approved and I-485 has been pending 180 days. At that time, you can accept a same or similar job anywhere, including within the same company, and NOT have to start your green card all over again. That comes under the topic of AC21 portability.

Question 5: Is direct portability of I-140 across multiple employers, ever possible. because I-140 is a property of the Employer and not the Employee (unlike 1-485) ?.Can we suggest any other creative options, of working around this legal hurdle. a. Can PERM be made portable across multiple employers. So employees donot have to go through the hassle of the PERM filing, repeatedly. This will save, almost 4 months of pre PERM filing effort and another 8-10 months of PERM processing window.

b. Or, can the I 140 be made an Employee’s property after 180 days it is approved. If that can be done then portability of the same may be legally possible across different Employers

Answer: The Priority date IS the "property" of the employee, NOT of the employer. So, an employee can port it to any job, anywhere, any number of times. But, I do not think they are excusing us from having to refile the PERM.

Question 6: Does the 60 day grace period is accepted in this case; H-1 Ext filed before expiry of I-94, then Current H-1 and I-94 expired, then H-1 Ext denied. Can we use 60 day grace period for filing new H-1 with new employer? In what cases does this 10 day validity before and after petition dates is used. The 60-day grace period appears to apply only in those cases where an approved H-1 employment abruptly comes to an end. The proposed regs say, upto 60 days may be given: "on the basis of the cessation of the employment on which the alien’s classification was based".

Answer: The 10 days allow you enter (but, not work) upto 10 days before the date your "validity period" (approval of petition) begins, and another 10 days to leave the USA (but, not work), after that period ends.

Question 7: Emp A - I-140 Approved and Moved to Emp B. Got i-140 with Emp B and priority date retained. submitted Emp A Experience letter while fling PERM. Now I want to move to Emp C. Do I still need to get experience letter from Emp B? If I am not able to get experience letter from Emp B, Can Emp C file PERM. if so and filed new PERM and I-140 with Emp C, Can I still retain priority date even though if its not same or similar job?

Answer: There are two fundamental principles that you need to apply to your case:

1. Priority date transfer does NOT require that your jobs must be same or similar.

2. Experience letters are NOT required for priority date transfer or retention. 

Question 8: Now that it is clear that there is almost nothing much in the so called reform, how can the immigrant community represent themselves forcefully, while the public comment period is in place? I understand that each one of us can go and put our comments, but is your firm, or someone else, planning to represent us? For lack of proper words, these so called reforms are a piece of trash, and only done to pretend as if reforms are taking place. It could not be worse actually. 

Answer: There is a limit on what USCIS can do without action from the Congress. You can certainly write your comments and several organizations will place their comments on the record as well. NORMALLY, USCIS does not change the rules much once they have been proposed. I think US immigration policy in "skilled" immigration is distressingly short-sighted. Our adopted country does not recognize the value brought in by us.

Question 9: My I-140 already withdrawn/revoked after 180 days of initial approval date. Now after implements new rule, will it apply for my case to extend my H-1 beyond 6 years?

Answer: I cannot say for sure whether USCIS intends to apply these rules retroactively. I hope they do. 

Question 10: Can you comment on what date will this become effective ? Is it after the comment period is over?

Answer: The effective date is unpredictable. Usually, it is a few months after the comments are over. 

Question 11: I need to clarify regarding the I-140 EAD for H-4. If the principal applicant has I-140 approved but the priority date for that category and country in the visa bulletin is more than 10 years back, Can the dependents, such as H-4, apply for I-140 EAD without the documentation for compelling evidence? If no, what are the examples of compelling evidence?I think the regulation does very little incremental for the EB categories. As mentioned, it provides clarification rather than provide more flexibility to the household or family of EB categories. I am disappointed with the revisions that have been made.Also, the compelling evidence was not required till now. What happens to those H-4 EADs which were issued since USCIS started applications from May 27, 2015? How would those H-4 EADs which are approved on the basis of I-140 approval of principal applicant be dissolved?Also, if the spouse moves from H-4 to H-4 EAD. Can he/she move from H-4 EAD to H-1B or any other non-immigrant category? Does the form I-539 allows movement among all categories?

Answer: H-4 EAD does NOT require compelling evidence. That is a different rule: http://www.immigration.com/blogs/form-i-140-form-i-765/h-4-ead-rule-cont...

I-594 does allow movement between all categories. H-4 to H-1 is definitely no problem. I agree; I am not too thrilled with the regs. But there is a limit to what Pres. Obama can do, folks. 

Thursday, December 10, 2015 - 14:57

No loss of priority date if employer revokes I-140; Green card through future employer

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.

Answer

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

https://youtu.be/H_VV9kV_lOg?t=688

FAQ Transcript:

This is a very tricky issue that has come up time and time again and one month we have one answer and after six months we have another answer. There are two sets of questions here, one is priority date, if the employer revokes I-140 does it get lost and the other one is some issues about Green Card through a future employer.

So let's discuss two sets of issues, as of November 12th, 2015 the answer is, USCIS will not take away your priority date if the old employer revokes the I-140. However, you will not have any right to extend your H-1 based upon I-140 that is already gone. In addition, if the I-140 is revoked for fraud, misrepresentation or mistakenly having been approved by USCIS, you will not have the priority date then.

USCIS has reversed itself like three or four times. They started of a few years ago saying you will lose your priority date, if the employer revokes the I-140, then the sudden No, you will not. Few months ago they said Yes you will lose the priority date and couple of weeks ago again they said No you will not. So they have gone up and down on this issue all the time.

Another question often asked by a community member who says there are cases were very accurately people reported that their priority date was lost between May 2015 and September 2015 and the answer is yes. I know that because I did lot of consultations in between and there were lot of cases that were denied. Now these cases should try to file a motion to reopen or reconsider and try to get their priority dates.

The other question he put forth was, can we get to see a copy of this teleconference document?

Unfortunately, there is no copy. It is comments from one of the committee members, we have all the volunteer committees as American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), where members go on behalf of AILA and meet the USCIS, in one of those there is a comment from American Immigration Lawyers Association committee member that says; the government has categorically stated in that meeting that they will not take away priority date.

The other question is:  Does withdrawal of I-140 by an employer same as revocation by employer or withdrawal and revocation are two different things?

Withdrawal implies of something little different. Withdrawal implies that I-140 was not approved at least to my mind, even when it was pending it was withdrawn. Because once it is approved only can be revoked, I don't think it can be withdrawn.  Something is not approved and its withdrawn then we are out of luck there is no priority date. Priority date only can be conferred by approved petition. Once it is approved then it is revoked by employer under the current thinking of the government that we all know, they will not revoke or take away your priority date.

I am little hesitant to say that you can depend upon the word of the government, because I have looked at the regulations and I have looked at the way these folks have been flip flopping on the situation makes me very nervous to be in the situation, prepare for the worst, hope for the best that's all I can tell you.

Question: Has USCIS listed their final official position on this issue as like a document anywhere on their website?

Not yet, I have not seen anything in writing from the government.  So I won't be able to give you much there but as soon as I get something official from the government, I would be certain to post it. 

Question: Now Green card through future employer, what if another employer starts my Green card processing, can I continue working for Employer A , while Employer B initiates new GC process for me?

And the answer is yes. You can have 20 new employers to start Green card process. As long as you have good faith, intention to join whichever comes first or whichever is more suitable for you. I don't see any reason that you cannot have multiple Green cards filed.

Question:  Is it possible for me to clear the PERM and I-140 Stage of GC process of Employer B while still working for EMPLOYER A?

It is actually possible to process entire Green card with employer B, even though I-485 gets approved while you still working for employer A.

Question: I may or may not join EMPLOYER B. As I am in the process of looking for FTE (full time) position ) Say I moved to EMPLOYER C (FTE) and I have never worked with Employer B and have I-140 approved with EMPLOYER B .

There is actually Yates memorandum of May 2005 that talks about this. As long as you had good faith intention all the way to join, let’s say your I-140 was approved, PERM of course approved, I-140 was approved through employer B. You are working for employer A, I-140 approved through employer B, priority dates become current you still working for employer A, priority date becomes current after 180 days actually you do not ever have to join the sponsoring employer. You can join any employer who gives you same or similar job whether it is employer A, C, D or E.

There are some issues about coming back to employers after leaving them during the Green card process. I would want you to have one on one consultation with your lawyers, not an easy issue to discuss in a few minutes but it can be a problem if you leave an employer in the middle of the process and come back. Lot of people did not have any problems, one or two cases occasionally do get the problems. The government asks questions like why did you leave if this was the permanent job, if you left who was doing that permanent job, things like that could come up and there are whole set of issues that need to be discussed with your lawyers basically.

Question: I also heard about rejections in PERM. Can EMPLOYER B start two different GC process for me and file two PERMS at the same time?

No. Technically they can file two Green card process against two jobs, I would highly recommend against it. It can be for two different positions only, you can't file a PERM for the same employer, same employee, same job twice No.

Question: Does it cost anything for the Employer to hold an approved I-140? 

It does not, except sometimes the government can question their ability to pay wages and they look at all outstanding Green cards and indirectly it can become an issue for the employers. It does not cost them anything out of ordinary. Let me rephrase it, nothing out of pocket but if the RFE comes and if any of the cases about ability to pay wages I guess at that point they can revoke the I-140 if they want.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 - 06:12

Green card pending conversion to and from H-4 EAD – H-1; Filing green card while in F-1 status

Question

1) My wife is currently on H-1B. I am also on H-1B with approved I-140. My wife's employer is willing to Start GC process for her. I understand that GC is for future employment.<br>

My wife is willing to Move to H-4 EAD. Say my wife's employer initiated her GC process when she is on H-1. Once the perm is filed by wife's employer, will she be able to convert from H-1 to H-4 EAD. Does this has any affect on her ongoing GC process. Is it safe for some one to changes status from H-4 to H-1 and H-1 to H-4 in between PERM and I-140 process.<br>

2) My brother is on F-1 in OPT status. Can my brother's employer start GC process for him while he is on OPT. I have some knowledge of the complications involved in Starting GC process on F-1. The main reason behind this question is to reserve a spot for GC process. That way my brother can get a earliest priority date, his employer would start GC process 2 years down the road when he is on H-1B.
<br>
What is the safe route for some one like my brother to get a earliest priority. Do they have to wait till H-1B to get in to GC process Queue

Answer

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

https://youtu.be/H_VV9kV_lOg?t=65 

FAQ Transcript: 

This question has two sub sets, one is about an individual converting from H-1 to H-4 while they are processing their Green card and back to H-1 if necessary.

Second question which is also a FAQ, whether a Green card can or should be filed while somebody is on F-1 status.

For first part of question, wife is currently on H-1B, gentleman who posted this also on H-1B, I-140 is approved. Wife's employer is willing to start the Green card; wife is willing to move to H-4 EAD. So is that going to be interruptive of the Green card and the answer is No. The fact that she has moved from H-4 to H-4 EAD does not in any way interfere or interrupt her Green card process.

If PERM is filed, can she convert H-1to H-4?

She can convert H-1 to H-4 EAD anytime she wants. This has no effect on going process of Green card process and it is in my view reasonably safe. Of course there are pros and cons of both approaches, sometimes it makes more sense to stay on H-1 and sometimes it makes sense to go on H-4 EAD. Typically, I would say if you are I-140 is secured and your own status is secured, your job is pretty solid because remember her status is derivative of yours, if something goes wrong with your status it affects hers as well. Therefore, in my view its Ok to convert H-4 EAD if your job is pretty solid and your I-140 is not going anywhere. And if she wants to convert   back to H-1 that too is not a problem, so going from H-1 to H-4 EAD and H-4 to H-1 is quite permissible and she will not be subject to the Quota, except when more than 6 years passed from her H-1 status.

So if she wants to convert back to H-1 within the 6 years of first approval, it is not a problem. She is not subject to the Quota.

Second part of the posted question was can we not apply for Green card while we are still on F-1 status?

First of all remember, filing for Green card is little deceptive, if you are filing for a PERM that's not really filing for Green card because in Immigration related forms the question asked is this, have you or has anybody in your behalf filed a Green card or an immigrant visa?

Immigrant visa is form I-140, so if you filed a PERM and PERM is under process that is not a Green card, technically. So is that Ok to F-1? 

I believe so, I don't see any problem in doing that. The problem if any begin is when I-140 is filed, because a F-1, unlike a H-1, H-4 or L-1 or L-2 is not a dual intent visa, it requires you to have non-immigrant intent and by filing the Green card which is I-140 actually you are exhibiting immigrant intent that means you have traveled outside USA on student visa, your stamping of the student visa or even your school transfers etc. could be affected if at any time the question of your immigrant intent comes up. So if you travel out and CBP officer at the airport notes that you have a Green card going and if they find out they could decline your entry, and that is something to worry about, other than that filing a Green card on F-1 is not forbidden. In fact, like you noted sometimes, it may have been recommended because it saves your time.  

Thursday, November 19, 2015 - 07:19

Physician filing green card

Question

1. I am a Canadian physician on an H-1B (never been on J-1) which expires June 30th, 2017. I am currently doing a 2 year fellowship. I'm contemplating pursuing the physician NIW process vs EB-2 through potential employer.
For EB-2, my understanding is that I need to be eligible for a full-time physician position on the day the employer submits the ad. Since I won't complete my general residency until June 30th, 2016, my potential employer cannot begin recruitment until July 1, 2016, correct?<br>
2. In your experience, is 1 year enough time to complete the EB-2 process?

Answer

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

https://youtu.be/H_VV9kV_lOg?t=1852

FAQ Transcript:

Answer 1. In this context we are talking about a PERM and not the NIW. Also remember NIW is under EB-2. Most physicians fall under the EB-2 category.  Here is how a PERM can be drafted. It depends on your employers, your lawyers and you and there is no requirement that you be fully licensed. Only that you are eligible for a license, or you are at a certain level of profession shall we say maturity or advancement so it could be possible to file for a PERM depending upon what the employers requirements are and  what the state rules for licensing are to file upon even before what you believe is your eligibility. Also remember rules for giving full license to residents differ from state to state. They are not the same in every state. So you have to look at the states in which you are going to start the PERM application.

Note: Your eligibility for licensing does not have to be from when the date of recruitment begins. It has to be established the date the PERM is filed and typically recruitment can last a few months. Before that your eligibility must be perfect upon the date PERM is filed and not when the recruitment begins. 

Answer 2.  It may or may not be, very difficult to say.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015 - 07:37

Priority date loss upon revocation of I-140

Question

1) Is there any difference between I-140 revoked by employer - vs - I-140 revoked by USCIS (say for fraud or misrepresentation) with respect to being able to retain the priority date with the new employer ?<br>
2) Changing from Employer A to Employer B - If Employer B files the PERM before I-140 by employer A is revoked by the employer A - would that help retain the PD corresponding I-140 to employer A ? In other words, are there any specific scenarios in this case - where the PD could be retained based on the first I-140 approval ?

Answer

As far as we know, USCIS has once again revered its position and has stated that priority dates will be retained if the revocation is based upon an employer's request.  See: the blog entry here

Monday, October 26, 2015 - 04:48

For PERM is formal certificate required or completion of degree is enough

Question

1. I am on H-1B with my I-140 approved in EB-3 with priority date is Sep 2013. I have 12+ years experience in the field. I am getting an opportunity from a company. They are ready to start my green card process.
I have just completed my master degree(MCA) from India. Waiting for my degree certificate, which would take a month or two.
<br>2. Can my new employer do the H-1B transfer now based on my BSc degree (Computer Science) and once I get the master degree certificate, can they start the green card process in EB-2? Or do I need to wait for my master degree certificate before the H-1B transfer?

Answer

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

https://youtu.be/ZvUVIGTM-Kk?t=602


FAQ Transcipt:

That is not required. If you can get the school to give you a letter that says  you have finished all your degree requirements and you are waiting for  formal  confirmation of diploma or degree, that's good enough. But you can't be in a situation where you have taken the examination but results has not come yet, who knows you may not be able to pass.

So, if you have completed all requirements that is research or credits, whatever it is. If you have done those and you are nearly waiting for formal certificate, that is no problem. You can go ahead as you have got your degree already.

Regarding Question 2 the answer largely depends upon the lawyers. Have them review it. There could be potential legal issue. But if your degree requirements are completed and they induct you , employer inducts you or a job requires the masters degree or equivalent, you should be able to use that degree certificate when it comes or even started now. This is an issue which needs to be discussed with your lawyers in detail.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015 - 09:05

Changing employers - what immigration documents should I keep

Question

Currently on my H-1B post 6-year based on approval of PERM and I 140 under EB - 2. Would be In the process of switching jobs for some personal / professional reasons very soon.<br>

1) What documents would I need to have with myself - corresponding to PERM and I-140 - so that I can retain my priority date and start another green card process with a potential new employer ?
<br>
2) For the documents above - would I need to have the originals or the photocopies ?

Answer

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

https://youtu.be/ZvUVIGTM-Kk?t=1937

FAQ Transcript:

I think it is always a smart idea to have a complete copy of your file so that you know what has been filed on your behalf. If you can’t do that at the very least have copies of all your approval notices and at least a copy of your labor certification if you have filed the PERM. Copy of H-1 approval, copy of I-140 approval and copy of your PERM. That is what I would recommend.

Monday, July 20, 2015 - 00:19

Refiling I-140 using old PERM (after 180 days)

Question

I have questions related to I-140 denial & refile.
My first I-140 got denied in Jul 2013 due to 'unknown' reasons to me, but I suspect it's A2P. After 2 years now they told me that they are refiling it and will not lose the PD if approved. They didn't ask any info from me. Now my questions are:
1) Is it possible to 'refile' I-140 with same old PERM after 2 years of first I-140 rejection?
2) How many times can we 'refile' I-140 on same PERM?
3) Can we do 'refile' under premium?

Answer

Video URL

 

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 - 00:29

PERM Audit and Related Questions

Question

1) I recently submitted a PERM with company A which is wholly owned by a parent company B. Company B will soon absorb company A which will cease to exist as an independent company and will just become a new department within company B. How will my PERM be affected?
<br>
2) If my PERM is audited and I don't want to go through the audit, will it be a good idea to change employers and submit a new PERM from scratch? What are the odds of being selected for an audit twice in a row?

Answer

It IS possible for your green card to remain unaffected even after the corporate change over. Do some research on "successor in interest." I think it is a bad idea to change companies in response to a PERM audit. 

Tuesday, September 2, 2014 - 03:59

Indian Experience While Filing PERM

Question

My current employer is failing the GC. Below is the job requirement. My total experience is with the current employer only (2.5 years in INDIA+4.5 years in USA)<br>

Job requirement:<br>
Education: Master’s degree, or equiv., in computer information systems or related field
Experience: At least 1 year in position offered or in design defect fixes/enhancements

I have US equivalent Master degree. My attorney said for the experience, we can show your current employer INDIA experience(2.5 years for which i worked in India for the same employer and came USA for the same employer).

Can we show current employer India experience while filing PERM?

Answer

Generally speaking, you can use the experience gained with an employer who has a tax ID number other than your petitioning employer.

generally speaking, you can use the experience gained with an employer who has a tax ID number other than your petitioning employer. - See more at: http://www.immigration.com/comment/14003#comment-14003

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 - 03:14

Familial Relationships

Question

When should an employer mark "yes" when responding to the Question C.9: "is there a familial relationship between the foreign worker and the owners, stockholders, partners, corporate officers, and incorporators?"

Answer

If there is a familial relationship between the owners, stockholders, partners, corporate officers, or incorporators, and the alien, the employer must be able to demonstrate the existence of a bona fide job opportunity, i.e., the job is available to U.S. workers. 20 C.F.R. 656.17(l). In order to provide the Certifying Officer (CO) the opportunity to evaluate whether the job opportunity has been and is clearly open to qualified U.S. workers, an employer must disclose any familial relationship(s) between the foreign worker and the owners, stockholders, partners, corporate officers, and incorporators by marking "yes" to Question C.9 on the ETA Form 9089. See also Matter of Modular Container, 1989-INA-228 (Jul. 16, 1991) (en banc).

A familial relationship includes any relationship established by blood, marriage, or adoption, even if distant. For example, cousins of all degrees, aunts, uncles, grandparents and grandchildren are included. It also includes relationships established through marriage, such as in-laws and step-families. The term "marriage" will be interpreted to include same-sex marriages that are valid in the jurisdiction where the marriage was celebrated.

A familial relationship between the alien and the employer does not establish the lack of a bona fide job opportunity per se. Ultimately, the question of whether a bona fide job opportunity exists in situations where the alien has a familial relationship with the employer depends on "whether a genuine determination of need for alien labor can be made by the employer corporation and whether a genuine opportunity exists for American workers to compete for the opening." Modular Container at *8. Therefore, the employer must disclose such relationships, and the CO must be able to determine that there has been no undue influence and control and that these job opportunities are available to U.S. workers. When the employer discloses a family relationship, and the application raises no additional denial issues, the employer will be given an opportunity to establish, to the CO's satisfaction, that the job opportunity is legitimate and, in the context of the application, does not pose a bar to certification. The CO will consider the employer's information and the totality of the circumstances supporting the application in making this determination.

Please note that failure to disclose familial relationships or ownership interests when responding to Question C.9 is a material misrepresentation and may therefore be grounds for denial, revocation or invalidation in accordance with the Department's regulations.

For more information please visit this link : http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/faqsanswers.cfm

Monday, May 5, 2014 - 07:17

I-140 Pending Approval

Question

I am currently on second year of my H-1B. My PERM is approved with a priority date of March 2013; I-140 is filed and pending approval. I am hoping this would be approved in July 2014. My question is I am planning to switch employer. Can I carry over my priority date with new employer? If so, are there any conditions like minimum period to wait after I-140 is approved to carry over the Priority dates to new employer?

Answer

The priority date is yours the moment the I-140 is approved. There is no "cooling off" period. 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014 - 05:16

Retaining PD

Question

Approved I-140 having PD December 2012 with company A. Currently on 6 year H-1B. Will be transferred to company B. I guess I will be getting three year extension with approved I-140. Can I retain old PD once GC process is started by company B, even if company A withdraw I-140 ?.

Answer

Employees retain PD even if the old employer withdraws the approved I-140. PD is lost only if USCIS revokes I-140 for fraud/misrepresentation. Do remember, however, there is no right to H-1 extensions based upon a withdrawn I-140. 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013 - 22:25

Indefinite H-1 Extensions( on yearly basis) Based On PERM Appeal

Question

Can we apply for indefinite H-1 extensions( on yearly basis) based on PERM appeal as long as your case is still in appeal?

Answer

As long as PERM appeal is pending (Not, MTR), you can apply for one-year H-1 extensions indefinitely, even beyond 6 years.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 - 07:50

Foreign Labor Certification Questions and Answers

Question

1. What is the Foreign Labor Certification Process?

2. How long will the employment-based visa process take?

3. Are there any employment-based immigration fees?

4. How do I find out the status of my permanent case?

Answer

1. The actual process for the Foreign Labor Certification varies depending upon the program being used. This http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov website contains information regarding the process for filing for each of the programs under the Department of Labor's (DOL) jurisdiction. The filing of applications is the responsibility of the employer, not the employee. However, the employee can benefit from understanding the program being utilized in his/her behalf. In general the Department of Labor works to ensure that the admission of foreign workers to work in the U.S. will not adversely affect the job opportunities, wages and working conditions of U.S. workers. Once a Foreign Labor Certification application has been approved by the DOL, the employer will need to seek the immigration authorization from USCIS.

2. Depending upon the nature of the program the process for filing could vary between months and years. To be of assistance, we have provided on our Web site the current processing times in the DOL regions and states. Currently, the process to obtain an employment based temporary labor certification (H-2A, H-2B) usually may take months through the state agency and the DOL regional office. However, H-1B processing usually only takes seven working days. The process to obtain an employment based permanent labor certification can sometimes take up to several months after completing the necessary recruitment steps and filing the application with the National Processing Center. The PERM Processing Times are updated monthly and available for view at http://icert.doleta.gov.

For the employment-based permanent visa, the USCIS may take up to an additional 9 months to process the request. USCIS will provide"premium processing" for some visa categories with an additional fee.

 

3. Most programs administered by the DOL do not charge fees for a foreign labor certification. Every program does, however, require fees be paid to the USCIS upon filing an application for a visa or greencard. See the individual program (H-2A) for details regarding DOL fees. See the USCIS site for details regarding USCIS fees.

 

4. An employer should pro-actively and regularly, advisably once a month or less, monitor the status of an electronically filed labor certification application via the Permanent Case Management System, and compare its filing date, i.e., the date the application was submitted for processing, to the PERM processing times posted on the iCERT Visa Portal System (http://icert.doleta.gov/). If there is more than a 30-day difference between the employer's filing date and the PERM processing time, the employer may contact the National Processing Center (NPC) for a status update.

An employer who filed a labor certification application via mail may contact the National Processing Center's Help Desk at 404-893-0101 for a status update.

Friday, January 4, 2013 - 07:01

PERM Denial—Possible Defect in Form

Question

I am currently in my 7th year of H-1B visa. I work as a software developer full-time with a reputed software and ATM (Automated Teller Machine) hardware company. My perm with DOL just got denied; the reason mentioned was the SWA (State Workforce Agency) Ohio job order does not mention minimum experience requirements. However, the ETA form mentions 60 months of experience, and this does not appraise US workers from applying. However, the lawyer argues that there was no room to mention experience requirements in the Ohio job order.

Answer

If indeed there is a defect in the form, USDOL should be able to approve the PERM within a few months upon an MTR. BALCA has put out a number of rulings in the last few months permitting such cases to be approved. In my opinion, it is highly unlikely that the form does not have experience drop down or similar fields. That is just too improbable. The problem may be more complicated than that.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 00:47

Survey Methodology–Frequently Used Alternate Surveys

Question

Rather than requiring that the full survey methodology be submitted with every prevailing wage request, can DOL recognize that certain surveys (i.e., Towers Watson, Radford, CHIPS One) employ a statistically valid methodology, and only require documentation that supports the specific wage request, such as the wage, level, location, and job description for the requested job opportunity?

Answer

DOL indicates that methodology can change within a survey among different occupations, so it is necessary for DOL to receive full survey methodology with each prevailing wage request, even for a commonly used alternate wage survey.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 00:44

Rejection of Alternate Wage Surveys that are Incomplete or Lack Information

Question

Applicants have reported frequent rejections of alternate wage surveys that have been submitted to the prevailing wage unit in support of the ETA 9141. Several of these rejections have not been due to a specific deficiency of the survey or because the survey was not a match to the position, but because not all leveling information was submitted, or because the submitted survey data was incomplete. Rather than rejecting the survey due to missing survey information, could the National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) instead issue a request for the missing information, so that employers are able to correct the problem, rather than have to submit a new wage request and wait two months for a decision?

Answer

DOL indicates that it does issue a Request for Information when possible, but relies on employers and attorneys to provide complete information regarding alternate wage surveys to allow the wage determination to be based upon that survey. DOL does not have the resources to issue a Request for Information on every incomplete request, particularly those where major components of the alternate wage survey are not provided.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 00:41

Audits about Telecommuting

Question

Recently, DOL has begun to issue audits with the following language: “The foreign worker listed on the ETA 9089 resides in [residence location], section H of the 9089 provides [work location] as the worksite. Has DOL explained how the foreign worker performs the job duties of the job opportunity given the distance between [residence location] and [work location].Is the employee permitted and/or expected to perform the duties of the job opportunity listed on ETA 9089 from his residence and/or his place of choosing?” In many cases, the two locations are quite close and are clearly within a normal commuting distance (e.g. Atlanta and Marietta,
Georgia – distance approximately 20 miles; Palisades Park and Parsippany, New Jersey – distance approximately 30 miles). In one case, the work and residence locations were less than two miles apart. Has DOL considered conducting an initial review of the distance between the residence location and work location before issuing the audit?

Answer

DOL indicates that this kind of question on an audit where the work location and residence location are close together is likely a training issue. DOL does, however, believe that it is appropriate to inquire about this kind of issue where it is unclear why the residential address and the work address are far apart from one another, and does issue audits on that basis where appropriate.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 00:34

Follow up on PERM Account Registration

Question

Applicants often have difficulty getting a response from the various email help desks (sr.processing@dol.gov, plc.atlanta@dol.gov, etc.) beyond a boilerplate acknowledgement of the inquiry. This lack of substantive response can be particularly challenging when an employer is trying to create a new PERM filing account, or if the employer’s contact is locked out of their online PERM account. Has DOL provided any details on how e-mail inquiries are handled by each of the help desks? Does DOL have required service response times? Would it be possible for a dedicated e-mail to be created to follow-up on specific matters, such as PERM account registration problems? As an example, USCIS has a dedicated follow-up e-mail for service requests, but this e-mail can only be used after a service request is made, and after a set period of time goes by without a response.

Answer

DOL indicates that it has completed its project to address “straggler” cases and has returned staff to normal job duties. This may help to improve timeliness of responses from DOL on these kinds of issues.

Monday, November 19, 2012 - 10:19

Duplicate PERM Certifications

Question

Several people have reported receiving two certifications of the same PERM application, with different validity dates. In most (but not all) of these cases, when the case was first approved, no hard copy ETA 9089 was received by the attorney in the mail. When the case was “recertified,” a hard copy 9089 was generated. Has DOL identified what caused these duplicate approvals? Has DOL also communicated this problem to USCIS, as this could impact processing of an I-140 petition that was filed with a request that USCIS contact DOL to obtain a “duplicate” certification?

Answer

DOL indicates that there has been at least one case where the I-140 was approved by USCIS despite issuance of a “duplicate” certification with different dates. In that case, the DOL and USCIS were advised of the duplicate certification issue prior to the I-140 being approved.

Monday, November 19, 2012 - 10:17

Bona Fide Reasons for Withdrawal during Supervised Recruitment (SR)

Question

Employers may choose to withdraw cases undergoing SR for many reasons, such as the employee terminating his employment, the employee obtaining a green card through other means (such as marriage), or the costs of the required recruitment. In determining any employer-wide consequences of withdrawal during the SR process, does DOL consider the explanation as to why the SR case is being withdrawn? How can an employer best provide an explanation why the SR case is being withdrawn?

Answer

DOL indicates that it does not monitor or track particular reasons for withdrawal. DOL does, however, pay attention to the rate of withdrawal both for individual employers and overall. The withdrawal rate has decreased, but at one point was more than 10%. Such a high rate of withdrawal caused DOL concern. DOL does recognize, however, that there are legitimate reasons why an application might be withdrawn, and will review existing guidance and make changes if appropriate.

Friday, November 16, 2012 - 07:19

Use of Monster.com for Supervised Recruitment (SR) Cases

Question

Several newspapers (Boston Globe, San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Sun-Times, etc.) place their online ads on Monster.com. When the SR instructions direct the placement of an ad on these newspaper websites AND on Monster.com, this means placement of the same listing twice on the same website, which is redundant. Has DOL indicated that a single advertisement on Monster.com is sufficient when the required newspaper uses Monster.com to place job advertisements online?

Answer

DOL has suggested e-mailing the SR e-mail address for clarification on particular recruitment instructions. Note, however, that the employer should still follow the recruitment instructions. The focus is whether a full labor market test was conducted that provides U.S. workers with opportunity to apply for the position. DOL is not intentionally seeking duplicate ads.

Friday, November 16, 2012 - 07:10

Consolidation of Identical Cases for Supervised Recruitment

Question

DOL has indicated that it would make sense to consolidate recruitment for Supervised Recruitment (SR) cases that are identical. Has DOL made any progress on publishing a standard that can be followed to consolidate recruitment for SR?

Answer

DOL has indicated that it is generally not opposed to consolidation of recruitment efforts in appropriate cases, and a request can be made to the SR processing e-mail box for consolidation. Even where cases are consolidated for recruitment, however, DOL will still require individual recruitment reports for each SR application.

Friday, November 16, 2012 - 07:04

Processing Times or Delays in Supervised Recruitment (SR)

Question

The processing of supervised recruitment cases is still extremely slow. Cases filed directly into supervised recruitment in January and February 2012 have still not received the initial communication from DOL or any recruitment instructions. Based on reports, it appears that DOL is not following FIFO (first in, first out)on SR cases, as there are SR cases with priority dates ranging from May 2011 to October 2011, and draft ads/ad corrections have been submitted as early as February 2012 and as late as July 2012. Has DOL provided details on SR processing dates and times?

Answer

DOL indicates that it expects to see a significant increase in the speed of processing of SR cases as well as cases under audit. Staff members who normally work on SR cases were temporarily reassigned to identify and process “straggler” cases. That project has been completed as of October 1, 2012, and DOL has moved those staff members back to their normal work. This should result in much faster processing of both SR and audit cases.

Friday, November 16, 2012 - 06:56

Qualification for Labor Certification

Question

Who is considered a qualified U.S. worker for purposes of a Labor Certification?

Answer

For purposes of a Labor Certification, a qualified U.S. worker is defined as a U.S. citizen, a U.S. Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or other specially authorized alien (such as an asylee or refugee) who satisfies the minimum job requirements and is willing to take the position under the conditions and terms described in the Labor Certification application.

Monday, January 30, 2012 - 20:03

PERM Audit & H1 extension beyond 6 yrs

Question

My employer applied PERM (in 6th year) in October 2011 EB-2 Category and it picked for random audit in Jan 2012, employer asked me to send signed ETA form to respond to Audit question with in 2 weeks. They said its random computer audit and has to respond with paper documents. I am already in 6th yr and my H-1 get expired by May 22, 2012 is it possible to go for H-1 extension beyond 6th year while PERM is still in Audit status.

Answer

You will be eligible for H-1 extension beginning October 2012, even if PERM is pending audit or not.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 22:07

Restart the green card under EB-2 category

Question

My Labour is filed in EB-3 & my PD is Oct-2003. I got my EAD in 2007. I have a BE degree from India & a work experience of 13 years. 5 in India & 8 in USA. Am I eligible for porting to EB-2? If I file a fresh EB-2 what is the process? Is it just the Perm process & I- 140 or do I need to file I- 485 again.

Answer

People with over 5 years of exp. after a 4-year degree may be ale to restart the green card under EB-2 category and then port their PD. Basically, you are redoing the PERM and I-140 for an EB-2 level job.

Friday, November 18, 2011 - 05:57

Can I process I-140 with previous company

Question

I got I-140 cleared through current company and labor approved from previous company. Can I process I-140 through previous company (to get PD to 2008)?

Answer

Yes, but only if the labor cert is still not time barred (within 180 days of its approval); the employer still has the intention to hire you some time before or after the approval of your green card; and you have the good faith intention of joining them.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 - 23:41

Avoiding PERM through EB-2 category

Question

If one applies through EB2 category can the PERM also be avoided then?

Answer

You can avoid the need for PERM through EB-2 only if you are applying for a National Interest Waiver.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 - 03:37

PERM petition and employer

Question

After a PERM DOL certification petition has been filed for an EB-2 application for someone currently on H1-B, at what stage is it safe to change employers without affecting the application process? In other words, will change in employer mean starting the process anew?

Answer

If you leave the employer after approval of I-140, you carry your priority date. Before then, you can carry nothing. In both cases you have to start another PERM application with the new employer. If you do not wish to start a new green card, read AC21 portability: http://forums.immigration.com/content.php?67-AC21-Portability-Changing-J...

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 - 03:32

PERM Audit and H-1 Expired

Question

What happens if your H-1 expires before the PERM audit is cleared by DOL. Are we supposed to leave country. I have 20 months of H-1 life left to reach 6 years and my LABOR is in AUDIT status I am just wondering if I get an extension or will I be checked out of USA.

Answer

While a PERM audit or even an appeal against a denial after the audit is pending, you would still be entitled to H-1 extensions beyond six years.

Thursday, February 10, 2011 - 03:44

Holding Company Stocks on TN Visa

Question

I am on TN visa for the more than a year. The company wants to give me some stock option (10-15%). Is that ok to hold stocks of the company you are working for on TN visa, or will it create problem when I apply for renewal of my TN visa. Can I apply for GC on TN visa?

Answer

I see no issue with holding stock, but that will be a problem for PERM-based green card. Also, processing green card under TN can be problematic.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 - 22:44

Perm process during OPT

Question

I completed my master’s degree last summer and started working with a company from 2 months.
I am in OPT status right now and I wanted to know, if I am eligible to file for Green Card process with my current employer. If yes can I file in EB2? I have 2 years IT experience in India If no, do I have to wait until I get H1b. Is the Green card process dependent on H1B?

Answer

This question requires your lawyers to assess the case. Generally speaking nothing stops you from filing a PERM application while on OPT and an Eb2 appears possible.

Sunday, January 16, 2011 - 23:06

EB-3 category

Question

I am on EB3 category and have been working in the IT sector for the last 6 years and one year ago I completed my MBA too. I am currently working as a contractor and using my EAD. I am on Adjustment of status right now. Is it possible to change my category from EB3 to EB2?

Answer

It is possible, but the green card will have to be started again from PERM.

Friday, December 3, 2010 - 07:31

Can I change jobs and file PERM and I-140 under EB-2

Question

Can I change jobs and file PERM and I-140 under EB2 instead prior EB3 with the new employer. How risky the situation is? I can stay with my current employer, but it is going to take at another 3 years to get my GC under EB3. My PD is Feb 2007.

Answer

You can file I-485 in the month when your priority date becomes current (and then get EAD). Priority dates are reported in the Visa Bulletin. I see no problem in carrying the priority date forward if you file an EB-2 through a new employer. As to risk, that needs to be evaluated by your lawyers.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - 02:03

Job Change after I-140

Question

I am in the 5th year of my H1. My current employer has filed for my PERM under EB-3 category since I did not have 5 years experience before (EB-3 has 6 years backlog though EB-2 queue for me is current). I want to know is it possible to wait for I-140 approval, get 3 year extension with current employer and then switch jobs? Will I be able to get 3 more years on H1 with future employer?

Answer

It is possible and common for employer B to get H-1 extension based upon an I-140 approval of employer A. You need to speak about the details with a lawyer.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 - 23:39

Can EB3 PD be carried to new EB2?

Question

I filed Perm under EB3 category on 1-Oct-2008. I got an audit. As per your current Perm dates, they are processing Aug'08 audits. Can I file with same employer under EB2? If yes, can I also keep EB3 file running parallelly. Is there a way for me to carry EB3 PD after I-140 Approval,if I file a new EB2? I completed 4yrs 2 months on H1B already. Please suggest me if I can change my employer now to file for EB2 or not. (If there is any way i can carry my EB3 PD for EB2 or not?). My lawyer said they can not change the current EB3 file to EB2 as they did not describe it for EB2 role.

Answer

It is logically inconsistent for two jobs from the same company for the same individual. If you have a good, logical, true explanation, there is no law that says you cannot have two PERM apps for the same individual for different jobs with the same company. But you cannot transfer PD until the I-140 is approved. I see no issue with changing jobs right away. You may have just enough time.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 - 23:35

PERM Audit

Question

My perm application filed on July 2010 and got audit on September 2010. My employer sent audit response on October 2010. When I asked my employer how much time I would take then he said that now a days USCIS response within 3-4 months for new cases. How long does a PERM audit take?

Answer

The PERM audit can take a lot of time. I just checked with one of our case managers. They tell me that they have no figures for the time it takes between start and end of an audit, but the total decision life cycle (from filing to decision) of an audited case is 2 - 2.5 years.

Monday, November 1, 2010 - 14:52

Guidelines for 7th year extension

Question

I could not find any guidelines for 7th year extension with the DOL PERM Program. In the six month period - less than 365 days but more than 180 days from the expiry of the six-year limit on my H1B, my company started the PERM process. In that six month period we got an approved I-140 and filed for Adjustment of Status. Would I qualify for 7th year extension ? Please note that I am a citizen of India and I thought there was also a provision for "Per Country Limit".

Answer

If you have an I-140 approval and your PD is backed up, you are entitled to a three-year H-1 extension beyond six years. It does not matter when your PERM was filed.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 - 04:54

EB2 Schedule A question

Question

My PERM application just got denied due to the recent layoff in my company. Can I apply EB2 (schedule A) to bypass the labor certification step? Will the recent PERM denial affect the Schedule A application? Is it ok to submit the schedule A application soon or I have to wait for a certain time period?

Answer

If you are qualified, you can apply for Schedule A. I cannot think of any way the PERM denial or layoffs could cause any issues and there should be no waiting to file.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 - 23:41

PERM application

Question

My company said they filed the PERM application on June 30th. I asked them to send the status a month ago. The sent me a message saying that it has Prepared status in the application and the overall status as in process. Is it how it looks?

Answer

When we check status of electronically filed applications, it should say "In Process" when it is pending. That should be sufficient.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010 - 00:37

Green Card for employees

Question

If a company is willing to sponsor green cards for a number of valuable employees, currently working with temporary worker visas, does it reduce the chances of success? (like applying to 4 to 5 employees simultaneously)

Answer

Generally speaking, as long as the jobs are genuine and the employer has the ability to pay, the number is irrelevant.

Friday, September 10, 2010 - 08:34

Can I file I-140 under EB2 if PERM is filed under EB3

Question

My Perm is filed in October 2008 under EB3 and was audited. As per your current dates, guessing it might be approved in October 2010.
1. I would like to know if I can file I-140 under EB2 as I got my work experience eligible for EB2 category.
2. If I change employer before my PERM approval, will my priority date change? If so, to retain Oct'08 date, till what time, I can be with my employer?
3. Once I-140 is approved, can I change employer or stay for 6 months and then change employer so that my priority date will retain oct'08?

Answer

1. No. PERM application determines what your category is.
2. If your I-140 is not approved, you cannot carry your PD to a new employer.
3. Once approved, you can carry your PD, even if you leave earlier than six months. You do have to start your green card process all over again.

Friday, September 10, 2010 - 08:29

Labor filing and F-1

Question

My employer has being try to file labor for the last 2 years and finally decided filing as Finance major would be risky & decided to go with engineering specialization.Two major issues:
- I have 4 months remaining for 365 day deadline (H1B with time captured outside US would be Dec '11)
- My employer is asking me to go on F1 staus to freeze the time on H1.Two questions:
Is 4 months enough time for me to find a new employer & ask them to file for labor? Is it legal for me to work on F1?

Answer

It could take a bit longer than 4 months to file. You can work on F- 1 if the school allows Curricular Practical Training.

Friday, September 10, 2010 - 04:38

Priorty date

Question

I have a priorty date(PD)of dec 07 filled under EB3.my I-140 got approved this march.I have 5 years experience as of 2010.can I file as EB2 with another employer as my current employer is not willing and still use the same PD? My first labor certification was in audit for 2 years before they cleared it.Do I have to go through all these steps again with new employer? Can you please explain the process if possible?

Answer

You do have to start the green card all over again, but your PD is yours to take with you to the new job.

Monday, July 5, 2010 - 04:43

PERM processing times

Question

I filled my PERM application at the beginning of May 2009 and my employer check the status of the application and it still says "processing". According to the processing dates shown in your website, they are reviewing August 2009, What that means? Why my application has not been approved or denied?

Answer

The information shows an approximation. Times vary. If your application goes into a review and audit, it can take 2-3 years.

Monday, June 7, 2010 - 06:57

Labor certification and DV

Question

I am a 2010 DV Lottery winner whose number is projected to be current in August 2010. My employer has started the first stages of the labor certification process. The job has just been advertised. They decided to go on with the process and will stop it when I have the green card in hand. When I go for the DV interview through Consular Processing, will the labor certification process negatively affect my chance to get the DV green card? Will there be any problem? Should I stop my employer from continuing the labor certification?

Answer

I see no problem at all with the two processes proceeding concurrently. I always advise people to concurrently file green card through all categories under which they can qualify.

Monday, April 12, 2010 - 15:15

PERM - reduction in work hours, wages

Question

I was in the fulltime employee in H1B and filed for the PERM application. after one year and approval of Perm application, The employer reduced my working hour from 1.0FTE to 0.8FTE and filed my H1b extension for the seventh year. My question is that, Is there any affect on my PERM application or in the future I-140 and I485 applications.

Answer

Reduction of hour from full time to part time can raise issues about the availability of qualifying job (full time, permanent) for green card purposes. In addition, this can be a violation of H-1 laws. I suggest you speak with a lawyer.

Thursday, April 8, 2010 - 16:32

PERM when company has freeze in hiring

Question

PERM process says they should advertise in the paper. What if company has freeze in hiring in certain areas because it already has enough. If they wanted to do GC for its employee, how will the process work.

Answer

Technically, the employees on H-1 are only temps. Those positions are available. Recruitment is conducted against those permanent positions that are currently occupied by temporary workers.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 - 04:24

EB-2 Eligibility

Question

Had a question regarding the EB-2 eligibility.My Perm was recently approved in EB-2 category.Had a question about education before we file the 140. I've a bachelors in Computing from UK which was a 3 year course and after that I have a Masters from UK in the computing which was a 1 year course. My question- is this qualification eligible of the EB-2 category. Just want to ensure that there is no RFE in 140.

Answer

Impossible to predict. It all depends upon the type of degrees and the language used in the Form ETA 9089

Monday, February 22, 2010 - 06:22

PERM times

Question

I have applied perm under the category EB-3 on Dec-2008 and got a audit on June 2009 and replied the query in june 2009 itself.
I have 2 questions here:
1) Can I know the application status .Do i get any file number or something to check my status of this perm application applied under EB-3 category?
2) Requesting you to let me know the probable completion date of my PERM?

Answer

PERM times are on our web site. You cannot check the progress of the case, except through your employer. If they filed electronically, the application status should show where things are in terms of: pending, denied, approved only.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 02:26

Must we withdraw a PERM application if the employee is laid off?

Question

I am Mr. Jones, the employer. The employee, Mr. Smith, is no longer employed with us because of company's budget issue. However, we may hire him in the near future if circumstance changes.
My question:
Q1. Do we need to withdraw PERM LC for him that was submitted 2009?

Q2. Question from the employee, Mr. Smith:
If Mr. Smith filed an immigration benefit (e.g. visa, petition, change of status), does he need to answer YES / NO to the following question: "Has an immigrant petition ever been filed for you?" Basically: does submitting PERM/LC mean filing an immigrant petition? This question is often asked in application.

Answer

A1. I do not know of any law that requires an employer to withdraw a PERM application if an employee leaves or gets laid off, but the employer still retains a good faith intention to hire them back. When we first filed the PERM application, we filed it in good faith, asserting to the USDOL under penalty of perjury that:
You have enough funds available to pay the wage or salary offered the alien and you will be able to place the alien on the payroll on or before the date of the alien’s proposed entrance into the United States.
Both these assertions were true when we filed the PERM application on your behalf. So, we have followed the laws to the letter. Now, several months later, circumstances have changed. Do we have an affirmative duty to withdraw the PERM application? I do not see such a duty in the law.
Having a PERM in process, gives your employee an opportunity to continue extending their H-1 with any employer beyond 6 years. That is a considerable benefit.
The government could take the position that your application is now void on two grounds. First, you no longer have a job open, which is a continuing requirement. Second, you had an interruption in your ability to pay the intended wage, which is also a continuing requirement. We could lose the green card on both counts, but I see nothing illegal in letting the application stay pending. My opinion could change if we get an audit request from the USDOL. At that point, it may be inappropriate for us to continue. That is something we will review carefully at that time. Please do remind us. We will also post a note to your file.

A2. A PERM is not a visa application or an immigrant petition, a Form I-140 (the step after PERM) is.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 - 06:53

PERM classification EB2

Question

I am technology professional with nearly 9 years of work experience. I am currently working as a software consultant in a trading firm in the US and will be graduating from a part time MBA program (concentrations in Finance) this december. If I plan to apply for PERM next year, will I be eligible to apply under EB-2 US Masters degree, given that my MBA in finance will help in understanding complex financial principles and writing algorithms that support day to day trading? In this case, will my previous experience be evaluated?

Answer

As long as the job requires a Master's degree and you have earned that degree by the time you file your PERM, you should be able to get EB-2.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 - 04:50

H-1 extension while PERM pending

Question

My PERM application was filed last june 2009. My H1B expire last Sept 2009. Can I still renew my H1B? I got 2 extensions of H1B already.

Answer

You can keep applying for H-1 extensions indefinitely while the PERM is pending (filed a year ago).

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - 09:21

When to file for 7th year extension (Timing)?

Question

My 6th year is expiring in Oct2010 and my employer is planning to file PERM in Feb 2010. My questions is
1.Will I be able to file for the 7th yr extension before my 6th yr expires, say in Sep/Oct 2010 (even if my Labor is pending and it hasn't been 365 days yet)?Meaning,can they just go ahead & file for the extension but request for the 7th year to start from Feb 2011 (i.e. 365 day point from the PERMfiling)?Or do I have to actually wait until Feb 2011 to even file for the 7th year extension?
2.If I have to wait til Feb 2011,what start date can my employer request? Oct2010-11 or Feb2010-11?

Answer

They can file 6 months ahead of the contemplated start date - as long as one year of PERM filing is over by that date. But you might have some gap where you cannot live or work in USA.

Monday, November 30, 2009 - 03:42

PERM and H-1 extension

Question

My company filed my perm application in march 2009 and We did`nt heard any thing from uscis. My H1 is expiring(Max-6 years) in March 2010. My question is when I can file for H1 extension?

Answer

You can apply for H-1 extension 6 months ahead. But the start date cannot be earlier than March 2010 (when the one year pendency/filing of PERM is reached). You can also get an H-1 extension when your I-140 is approved (if your priority date is not current).

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 - 03:56

Labor Cert - successor in interest

Question

My Current company (A) applied for my Labor Cert on Feb 2009 and is still in progress. It's been acquired (Company B) and I will be continuing on my same positon/salary with company B that acquired us. As per new perm regulations 20 C.F.R. 656.11(a) and 20 C.F.R. 656.11(b) can company B act as a successor of interest, take over my pending labor and move forward to next step without any issues.

Answer

Generally speaking they can take over your green card application if they have taken over substantially all assets and liabilities and the job remains the same. Anything short of that needs to be analyzed.

Monday, November 2, 2009 - 04:09

PERM Process timeline

Question

Is there any way of finding out the time it would take to finish the PERM process? Also, if I change my job after the PERM process is complete, will the date that I got get carried over when I apply from another company.

Answer

The processing times are available here: http://www.immigration.com/processing-times-and-status-checks. Priority dates are not transferrable unless I-140 is approved.

Friday, October 9, 2009 - 04:33

Mandamus against PERM delays

Question

DOL seems to have stopped progressing on the Audit cases. Can litigation alleviate this problem and force them to atleast respond?

Answer

All things considered, in my view, a Mandamus is possible. But the chances of success are remote at least in DC circuit. Typically, in delay cases, courts do not interfere with the executive branch of the govt. At the very least, lawsuits draw attention to difficult issues. I think a petition to the govt. should be the first step. May be the worthy President can help. Although, speedy processing in this environment is certainly not a politically popular issue, but we have all followed the laws and the promise of the laws.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 - 04:56

Obtaining H-1 Extension beyond 6 years

Question

My 6 year period of H1b visa expires in Dec 2010 and my labor application is still pending for approval. It was filed in February 2009. Am I eligible to apply for a visa extension , if so when should I apply for that? I assume I still have time.

Answer

H-1 extension beyond six years can be obtained under two circumstances:

First, indefinite H-1 extensions in one-year increments can be obtained, if the I-140 (or I-485) was filed and the green card process was started a year ago. The GC process is started for:

- Labor Certification based cases (including PERM) the date for the begining of the countdown is the date when the labor certification is officially received:
- for PRE PERM cases - by the local office (SWA); and
- for PERM cases - the date it is received by the DOL; and

-EB-1 and National Interest Waiver cases; when the I-140 is officially filed with CIS.

Second, if your I-140 has been approved but you cannot file I-485 because your priority date has retrogressed, you can get H-1 extensions (most probably) in chunks of three years each time.

You are permitted to apply for an extension 6 months ahead of time, as long a you meet one of the above two criteria on the requested start date of H-1.

Friday, July 3, 2009 - 03:46

Should you be applying for employment-based green card in this economy?

Question

Should you be applying for employment-based green card in this economy?

Answer

A lot of employers have been asking this question in the last few months. Is it even possible to get a labor certification with the US unemployment at a 26-year high.

The answer is yes, if the job requires skills that are not available in the market. For instance, physicians and health care workers in certain areas, IT professionals with specialized skills such as warehousing, BI, LAMP and other open source products, advanced ERP packages (like Peoplesoft, Oracle Apps, SAP, Documentum), Pharmacists, CPA's... there are so many professions and skills still in demand. This list is by no means exhaustive.

The way I look at it, at least you should try. If you fail, at the most you have lost money and can try again in a few months. Job markets can change very rapidly.

Thursday, May 21, 2009 - 06:58

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.

Thursday, May 14, 2009 - 01:00

Mandamus against PERM delays

Question

DOL seems to have stopped progressing on the Audit cases. Can litigation alleviate this problem and force them to atleast respond?

Answer

All things considered, in my view, a Mandamus is possible. But the chances of success are remote at least in DC circuit. Typically, in delay cases, courts do not interfere with the executive branch of the govt. At the very least, lawsuits draw attention to difficult issues. I think a petition to the govt. should be the first step. May be the worthy President can help. Although, speedy processing in this environment is certainly not a politically popular issue, but we have all followed the laws and the promise of the laws.

Friday, March 27, 2009 - 01:00

DOL gives PERM processing dates

Question

Answer

For recent updates on PERM processing please click here.


http://www.immigration.com/processing-times-and-status-checks

Friday, February 13, 2009 - 01:00

DOL Comments on PERM Processing Times

Question

Answer

In a recent meeting, USDOL has stated:

Quote:

...As of late January 2009, DOL is processing cases with priority dates in June 2008, cases in the audit queue with priority dates in August 2007, and cases in the appeal queue of April 2007....

One of the reasons that case processing slowed in the 4th quarter of 2008 was that DOL was hiring and training contractor staff for the Atlanta National Processing Center. The contract was awarded last summer, a losing contractor appealed and won the appeal, then the initial contractor sued. The workers did not come on board until last September 2008. The Atlanta Processing Center has only 40 federal employees and the rest of the staff consists of contractors. With the contractors now in place, the pace of processing has picked up. Only 4,571 PERM applications were completed in October-December 2008 but 3,500 PERM applications were completed in January 2009. However, DOL expects this will level off and processing rates will slow down again because of the limited number of federal employees available to review the contractors’ work.

 

Thursday, October 30, 2008 - 01:00

Promotion during the green card process through PERM

Question

Taking Promotion in future The current PERM filing is going to be done for the position "Dentist". In the future can she accept a promotion as "Dentist (Lead)" if offered by the company? Will it invalidate the green card application.
If we accept the promotion in future can we use the same PERM application without filing another PERM for "Dentist (Lead)" job (jobs are very similar) . She is now a "Dentist(Associate)" and job duties between associate dentist and lead dentist are 70% the same. The lead dentist will have additional duties like oversee day-to-day operations/Supervision.

Answer

Quote: Can I receive a promotion, extraordinary increase in salary or change in job location during the pendency of a labor certification based green card?

Ans. That is not advisable. A promotion or change in job description during the pendency of a green card can jeopardize the green card process. The GC process is for a specific job, at a specific location, at a specific salary.

CHANGES IN JOB DESCRIPTION
Minor changes can be accommodated. But any substantial change would require starting all over again.

SALARY INCREASE
Routine raises in accord with the industry practice should not create a problem. But any large salary hikes are likely to be a problem.

CHANGES IN JOB LOCATION
To preserve your green card, we must be able to show that you are TEMPORARILY changing some items in your job description for now, the present time. For instance, the GC is for a job in NY, but you are temporarily working from California. When the GC is approved, you will be placed back in NY.

If there is an irreversible and substantial change in your job description, we will have to start the entire green card process from the beginning. The only exception to this would be where the change is temporary.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 01:00

Multiple Labor Certifications

Question

I have consulted the local lawyers here but they have failed to answer this question with conviction. Can two Labor applications be filed for me by two companies (current and future employers) at the same time ?

Answer

In my opinion, most definitely, yes. As long as both companies are acting in good faith (honestly) and you have the intention to take whichever green card happens to be more convenient or quicker for you, you can file 2 or more labor certs (PERM) through different employers.

Thursday, July 31, 2008 - 01:00

PERM News July 15 2008 DOL Meeting

Question

Answer

The attached PDF document contains information from DOL on PERM backlogs, program future and other pertinent matters. Enjoy. Regards to all. Rajiv.

Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 01:00

PERM Through Relative Owned or Controlled Company

Question

Can a PERM case be filed through a company that is owned or controlled by a relative of the beneficiary?

Answer

The answer is yes, BUT, the case is likely to be very closely scrutinized and may even require supervised recruitment. That means, USDOL will most likely ask us to place advertisements again under their direct supervision. So, we could end up repeating the advertising. This could cause delays (and of course even denial).
This question had come up a few weeks earlier also. I wanted to clarify this with the USDOL so we wrote to them. Our letter and their response is attached.