Work for Old Employer When New H-1 Transfer Approved

Question details

I have a question on H-1B. I have an approved I-140 from company B and I'm currently working for company A on H-1B( valid till February 2015). Company B applied for H-1B transfer and also 3 year extension based on approved I-140.
I'm expecting H-1B transfer process to be over by 10th Dec 2014( as it was a filed under premium processing ) but I would like to join them only after Jan 1st 2015. In the meantime I would like to continue to work for company B till Dec 31st 2014. My question is how long can I continue to work for company A after successful transfer of visa (H-1B) to company B ?

ANSWER

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YV-qIlAEpI#t=2372


FAQ Transcript

The Answer to the question that is often asked: I am working for an employer on H-1B, my transfer to another employer, let's call other employer 'Y' gets approved. I am working for 'X', 'Y' gets approved and can I continue working for 'X'. The answer is 'Yes'.

Under immigration law, approval of the second case does not over rule your previous H-1 approved. If you choose not to join them or join them 6 months later, I think it is OK. However, if you have signed any contract with employer 'B' or employer 'Y' in this case. Just make sure you are not violating any contract issue.

Under immigration law, I don't see any problem for you to continue working for employer 'A'. How long that's very difficult question to answer.  I would say commercially reasonable period of time. Technically, under the law there is no limit to how long you can continue. If you have joined after 6 months, 7 months, 4 months or 5 months, USCIS can raise an objection, as to if the second employer really had the job through. Don't continue too long, there is no legal limit here established.

Nonimmigrant Visas