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Thursday, 1...
Question: I am a US citizen who Sponsored my fathers green card in 2010. His green card is expiring oct 2020. He had to stay in India since Jan 2019 due to health conditions. With the Covid pandemic situation and his age (81) and health conditions, he is not able to travel back to the united States before the green card expiry. My father does not have any family in India to take care of him and will have to come here so that my brother and I can take care of him. What are our options for avoiding the expiry of the green card? Secondly, is there a 60 day extension on the expiry date due to Covid 19?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ:
Green Card holder stuck outside the US for more than a year
Video Transcript
You should try to get in touch with the consulate and send them emails, etc., asking them their guidance and that way you have at least some proof that you are trying to get back into the USA on time, but if it goes past one year it can't be helped, you can always start a new green card if you like, not too many options here. 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.
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Thursday, 1...
Question: I am currently on H1B visa(3rd year) and few days back I got my I-140 approved in EB-2 category. I want to know if I can change my employer and retain my priority date.
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ:
Priority date and original I-140 approval notice
Video Transcript
So once again the priority date is yours the moment the I-140 is approved whether it is revoked the very next day, but if it stays unrevoked for 180 days whether or not you're with the same employer you also carry forward the right to extend your H-1B. 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.
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Friday, 25...
Question: Currently, I am On My H1B, filled H1 extension on time, before I -94 expiry, ( Perm, I-140 Approved ). When H1 extension pending in normal process can I apply for a change of status to F1 by using the H1 receipt number? While I am on F1 if my Priority date is current, can I Adjust my status / file (i-485) when I am on an F1 visa? Will it be an issue If I am F1 visa to Adjust my status if priority date is current?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ:
Changing status during a pending application - authorized period of stay
Video Transcript
There is an assumption if old status has expired and you have an application pending you are just in authorized period of state. And by the way, if you have an employment based green card going on and your dates become current you can file a I-485 that is if you are protected by section 245(k). 245(k) says we will forgive you being out of status or unofficially employed for up to 180 days if you are an employment based applicant or their derivative so if your old status expired, F-1 is pending, but the old status expired less than 180 days ago you can file I-485. 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.
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Friday, 25...
Question: I'm currently working on H4-EAD in USA. I have approved H1 I-797B with employer "ABC" having start date as 11/16/2020 under consular processing in cap.
Can employer "XYZ" file H1B transfer before my start date with "ABC"? If yes, can he do it with change of status?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ:
Change of status on an H-1B approved for consular processing
Video Transcript
The answer is yes. Do discuss with your lawyers. 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.
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Friday, 25...
Question: I had an H1B from my previous employer that was valid from Dec 2016-Dec2017. I never got the visa stamped and it has complete 6 years unused on it. The question I need your help with is if an employer files H1B for me, would it be eligible for Cap-Exempt processing or not?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ: Unstamped H-1B quota exemption
Video Transcript
The government may be pushy on this issue, but they do maintain that if you have not received a change of status for example from F-1 to H-1 or an H-1B visa stamp. If you are outside the USA you are still subject to the quota. I think they are legally wrong. So the bottom line is you should try to go ahead and give it a shot and I don't think the government is in a legally defensible position.
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.
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Friday, 25...
Question: Is there any legal issues with starting a LLC for a software product on H1B based on below scenarios.
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Scenario 1:
Start a LLC in partnership with a US Citizen. For example say I would be 90 % stockholder and the other person would be 10 %.
My partner would run the company and do all the work that is needed to sell the software product.
I would be a passive owner and not involved in any active duties.<br><br>
Scenario 2:
Start a LLC as 100 percent stockholder and employ a GC holder or US Citizen as a manager to run the company.
I would be a passive owner and the manager would do all the active duties.
Is there any restrictions around how much salary i should pay the manager of my company? How about if i offer him/her 10 % of the stocks as a compensation instead of salary or offer him/her commission based salary?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ: Owning or doing business on H-1B
Video Transcript
1. I do not see any problem with that.
2. I think that's fine, but a little bit more complicated. There is no restriction on the salary to be paid to the manager and you can pay them in stocks. 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.
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Wednesday,...
Question: My question is on unemployment benefits-is it illegal to collect unemployment benefits while on a B2 visa. I was on H1B and my 60 days are over so I moved to B2 (pending).
I received unemployment benefits for the 60 days grace period which is legal.
However, the question is how about after 60 days? I stay in California and EDD said they will look at my case and make a decision if I continue to get benefits after 60 days. My only concern is I don't want to collect benefits now that may cause issues later for GC.
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ: Unemployment benefits while on B-2
Video Transcript
The extended unemployment benefits were for all US workers. They were not just for green card holders or US citizens. As far as I know this should not be a problem.
I have an article about what is allowed and what is not allowed on my Linkedin page.
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.
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Tuesday, 15...
Question: I came to US on H-4, so I have only H-4 stamping in my passport. Got my H1b picked up in lottery two years back, and did COS to h1, and have approved i797A with I-94 and working with my current employer.
Got an offer from another company, and they filed my H1b transfer, and got the i-797A approval with I-94.
So my question here is, can I join the new company using the H1b transfer approval, even though I don’t have H1b stamp at all in my passport? Will this be a valid H1b transfer?, or should I go back to India to get my H1b stamping to join the new employer?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ: H-1B portability without a visa stamp
Video Transcript
When you have an H-4 visa stamp and you came to the United States and you got selected in the lottery that means you got your H-1B and you got your change of status. If you change employers you can start working as soon as your change of employer paperwork is delivered to the USCIS. You do not need any H-1B visa stamp for that purpose. 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.
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Wednesday,...
Question: I am planning to switch from Employer A to B. Can you please help clearing some confusion i have.
Moving from Employer A to Employer B with I-140 approved.
1: If Employer A revokes I-140 and Employer B files a new petition I can retain the priority date. Does Employer A have to revoke I-140 or if he can continue it even if I am not working there?<br>
2: If Employer A doesn’t revoke the I-140 and Employer B files a new Labor and I-140 petition and retains the PD of previous I-140, would the previous I-140 be valid anymore?<br>
3: If Employer B files a brand new PERM and I-140 with new PD (2020) and Employer A I-140 is valid with the old PD. What happens if the old PD becomes current. Do I need to go back to old employer A or Employer B can file I-485 with the old I-140 PD.<br>
4: Is there a one year max limit rule on filing the I-485 once the date becomes current? What if it cannot be filed, does that void approved I-140?
Answer: FAQ: Issues in changing employers after I-140 approval
Video Transcript
1. Absolutely.
2. Absolutely. The I-140 priority date gets attached to you. Therefore, wherever you go, that's where the priority date goes.
3. No, because what is being transferred is the priority date and you can transfer that to any petition.
4. Yes, there is an issue about the one year filing date, but it does not revoke your I-140. 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.
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Wednesday,...
Question: My I 485 priority date is Feb 2018 (EB1B) and I am expecting as per current trend to receive my green card by December. I have greencard EAD valid until June 2021.
However, I have enrolled for Fall 2020 semester in MIT to pursue a one year MS degree in System Design and Management. I am sponsored by my employer and I will be paid as a fulltime employee during this period. I will be writing a research thesis on a topic related to my company.
On receiving green card, Do I need to discontinue my degree in between and immediately return to my previous position as a fulltime researcher in the company for which my greencard was filed?
I
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ:
Going to school while I-485 is pending
Video Transcript:
In my view, there are no repercussions because there is a reason you are not joining immediately. As this is a very special circumstance, I would suggest you talk to your lawyer. 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.
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Wednesday,...
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.
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Thursday,...
Question: After H-1B transfer is approved with the new employer, how long do I have to decide if I can to join the new employer? Can I join after 90 days of H-1B transfer approval? Is there a deadline?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ:
Deadline to join new employer after H-1B transfer is approved
Video Transcript
The answer is there is no deadline... 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.
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Tuesday, 18...
Question: My employer ended my employment due to COVID reasons on May 31, 2020 but I never received an official termination letter. Calculating the grace period depending on the assumed termination date mentioned above, I have till July 30 to find a new job. Should my new employer give me an offer or start the H1B transfer application before July 30? What happens if they fail to do so in time? Can I extend the grace period on the basis of having an offer in hand or maybe because of the pandemic? My final interviews with potential employers are being withdrawn because of the time restriction.
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ:
H-1B no notification of termination, 60 days grace period, etc.
Video Transcript
File a complaint against the employer with the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor by filling up the form WH-4. You can also call them.
The 60 day grace period works like this. The new employer must make sure that your H-1B transfer application is received by the USCIS within 60 days. So the LCA should be done, the package prepared and USCIS should receive your H-1B transfer within 60 days, otherwise you will be out of status and you will have to go outside the USA for visa stamping pandemic or no pandemic, also remember there is a proclamation that will stop you from coming back at least before December. Make sure you remain in status or at least file a B-2. 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.
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Thursday,...
Question: I am having H4-EAD,Can I start any business?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ: H-4 EAD issues
Video Transcript
You can start a business, any business and 10 businesses if you want. The only issue is what if there is a gap in your EAD. You will not be able to run that business, somebody else should be able to do that for you. That's the only practical difficulty. Legally, there is no problem. You can do whatever you like. 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.
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Wednesday,...
Question: I am a Registered nurse present in the US with F-2 visa stamp on my passport. My husband, being in grad school, has 2 more years of valid I-20. An employer sponsored me the green card, and recently I received my EAD based on I-485 application. But both my I-140 and I-485 are still pending. The employer wants me start working although my I-140 is pending.<br>
1. Do you recommend to work on EAD while I-140 still being pending?
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2. If I use that EAD, and by any change if I-140 is denied later, should I leave the USA to avoid unlawful presence? How can I come back to F-2 status again?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ:
I-485 Pending Using EAD Consequences
Video Transcript
1. My inclination is to start using the employment authorization and if you are a registered nurse and if you are working with covid patients or even otherwise as a health care worker there might be some options for your visas.
2. I strongly recommend obtaining the H-1B's. You should also look at the H-1B's which are for university hospitals. There you will not be subject to the H-1B quota. So as a fall back device having an H-1 is a lot better than having an F-2. 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.
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Wednesday,...
Question: I was in USA on h1b for 11 yrs until august 2019 as senior software engineer and moved/transferred to Canada on September 2019 as software development manager, managing 5 direct reports plus 4 second level reports with the same company in USA and Canada. And now promoted as Director, software development projects support and maintenance, before completing one year as manager. Have I-140 approved and priority date is 2012 july.<br>
1.What is my success rate of getting L1A<br>
2. Also need to re-apply my green card in EB1C, do I need to be in USA or when I am in Canada my company can apply for this. And upon EB1C I-140 Approval can I get L1A and move to USA<br>
3. Is this the correct time to apply EB1C in the next couple of months when 1 year completes or should I wait for visa ban to complete.
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ:
How can I qualify for EB-1C/International Managers or Executives
Video Transcript
1. Please discuss your job description that is intended in the foreign country outside USA with your lawyers. Make sure you plan for it from day one because if you try to plan for it a year down the line you won't succeed.
2. You can apply an EB-1C and then transfer the priority date from another case. No problem EB-2 and EB-3 can be transferred over. You can come on L-1A. You should definitely at least get your EB-1C started as quickly as possible that my opinion.
3. There is no visa ban in starting the application.
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.
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Tuesday, 28...
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?
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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.
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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.
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Tuesday, 28...
Question: I came to the US on H1b in 2010. My i140 got approved in Dec 2013. I joined a new employer on 21 Feb 2020. My H1B got approved till 20 Feb 2023, But I did not receive any receipt notice for my wife and my elder son H4. My employer told me that he applied for an H4 visa for my dependents.
Unfortunately, I got laid off due to COVID-19 and my employer notified USCIS on 8th June 2020 to revoke my visa. My priority is to find a new job. But in case I do not find any job I would like to move out of the USA, I do not want to accrue unlawful days. But, due to the COVID-19 situation in India, I am scared to travel to India.
My wife called USCIS and was asked to email USCIS on lockboxSupport@uscis.dhs.gov to notify her of the receipt number of my wife and son. But she has not received any response.
I want to stay in the USA until the COVID-19 situation becomes normal. As per the Document COVID Coronavirus Converting to B-1 B-2 status.pdf on your website, I can apply for a change of status to B1/B2?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ:
Covid-19/Coronavirus applying for B-2 status
Video Transcript
Reach out to your lawyers and explain to them what is happening and tell them to make sure you get copies of everything. File for your family's B-2 if your H-1 is not filed within that 60 day I-94 time. If it is filed go ahead and file another H-4 application with them. For applying for EAD under certain circumstances please click here.
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.
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Monday, 13...
Question: I applied I-130 for my father to get his GC through Consular processing. I'm a US citizen myself. However I got RFE asking for his birth certificate. I have these queries:
The supplemental documents for I-130 for parents as per USCIS application only need US citizen's birth certificate and not the parent's birth certificate. So I don't understand why RFE was issued at this stage?
My father was born in the time when the birth certificates were not available. As per the dept of state reciprocity website, it clearly states:
"Exceptions: Birth certificates are not available to persons born prior to 1968. "
Since it is acknowledged by reciprocity that birth certificates are not available, do I still need to provide NABC (Non-Availability of Birth Certificate)?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ: Birth certificate problems for parents
Video Transcript
I would prefer you to get a non-availability certificate along with two affidavits from people who were alive when your parents were born. That is what I would recommend. If it is too cumbersome you could try to set up the reciprocity table as evidence if such documents are not available. 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.
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Monday, 13...
Question: I recently became US citizen and now planning to file for green card for my own parents from India. However, in past my parents overstayed on their visitor visa(6 months) in UK from 2002 to 2013. They applied for asylum in 2006 and case was going on but then they withdrew their file and then they were sent on their emergency passports(as their old passports were lost and expired, they were given white passport) to India. They had no other criminal activity there and also have No Objection Certificate from Police department of the city they were staying in UK. Now they have their new passports printed from India.
I wanted to know that Does any of this situations in past makes it difficult for them to obtain permanent residency in USA?
Answer: Watch the Video on this FAQ: Impact on US immigration
for violation of other countries’ laws
Video Transcript
I do not see how breaking UK immigration laws should impact their U.S. immigration. 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.
