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Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form. This answer is for information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

H-1B or green card misrepresentation: Legal options and consequences for fighting back against USCIS

4 months ago By Chief Editor
Question details

1. Have you taken cases of H1B or GC fraud or misrepresentation?

2. What are the consequences if caught - Just losing status and deportation? Can it lead to Jail in any case?

3. Can we fight back in court to justify our case and win against USCIS?

 

ANSWER
FAQ Transcript

Yes, our firm has taken cases involving H-1B or green card fraud or misrepresentation for about 30 years. Our focus is on employment and business-based immigration and related cases. Our firm has also assisted criminal defense teams in similar cases. If caught in a fraud or misrepresentation, the government can choose to prosecute you criminally since most immigration papers are filed under penalty of perjury. This can result in imprisonment for up to five years, as felonies are serious crimes. From an immigration perspective, a misrepresentation or fraud can lead to a permanent bar from entering the United States, causing you to lose your stay and potentially be unable to return. However, if you did not intentionally lie or the misrepresentation was immaterial, you can fight back in court by asserting defenses such as lack of intent or immateriality. For example, if a minor detail unrelated to the visa decision is misrepresented, it may not be considered material. These are some of the grounds to consider when fighting against misrepresentation. If you don't have any valid arguments, it may not be worthwhile to fight your case.

Nonimmigrant Visas

Green Card

Immigration Law

Switching employers while one's spouse is on an H-4 visa and the steps to ensure a smooth return to the U.S.

4 months ago By Chief Editor
Question details

If I change my employer while my wife is in India on an H4 dependent visa, will she be able to return to the US even though her visa stamp bears my old employer's name? She has valid stamping till Sept 2024. What steps should we take to ensure a smooth return to the US for her?

ANSWER
FAQ Transcript

No, it is not a problem as long as you maintain your H1-B status. Whether you have changed employers or are in the 60-day grace period, she can return on her H-4 visa without any issues. Even if her visa stamp bears the old employer's name, it does not matter. There are no specific steps to take in this situation as it is perfectly legal.

Nonimmigrant Visas

What happens if you stay outside the U.S. for more than 8 months as a permanent resident

5 months ago By Chief Editor
Question details

Does it pose a problem if we stay out of the USA for 8 months or more while having permanent residency and returning after that duration? If so, what can be done to remedy this?

 

ANSWER
FAQ Transcript

The green card remains valid as long as you don't exceed the 12-month mark. Crossing this deadline leads to losing the green card and going through complicated procedures to retrieve it. If you stay outside the US for more than six months, you are subject to close examination by Customs and Border Protection at the airport. However, if your absence is less than six months, you can pass without being questioned extensively. The critical six-month mark should be taken seriously. If you stay outside for more than eight months, expect to be asked questions about the reason for your lengthy absence. Therefore, carrying evidence supporting your reason, such as selling your property or helping a family member, can be useful.

Green Card

Recommendation letters for EB-1A applications

5 months ago By Chief Editor
Question details

Questions about 'recommendation letters' for EB1A:

1. For a strong case, a ballpark number of how many recommendation letters should one attach to the application? 5? 10? More the better or quality > quantity?

2. Is there a validity of recommendation letters? What if I collect letters today but apply for EB1A 1 year or 2 years later?

3. Is it mandatory for the recommenders to write the letters on the official letterhead of their company/college

 

ANSWER
FAQ Transcript

To make a strong case, it is not just about the number of recommendation letters, but also the quality of the letters. A ballpark estimate for the number of letters would be around 5 to 10. Quality is definitely more important than quantity. When considering recommendation letters, people who know you by reputation rather than just personally are given more weight. It is important that the letters are detailed, with specific reasoning about what makes you special and why you are in the top 10%. The qualifications of the people writing the letters, including their resumes, should also be included. The validity of recommendation letters can become questionable if they are too old, so it is better to obtain recent letters if possible. However, if there is a choice between getting an old letter or no letter at all, it is better to have an old letter. If the letter writer cannot write on official letterhead, they should include a line stating that their opinion is not that of their employer.

 

Green Card

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

5 months ago By Chief Editor
Question details

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
FAQ Transcript

When filing for the permanent labor certification (PERM) application, it is important to file from the corporate headquarters instead of a branch or sub-office, especially for consulting jobs or jobs that can be transferred to different locations. This is because the U.S Department of Labor considers the corporate headquarters to be the job site for transferable jobs. After the I-140 is approved, the priority date belongs to the individual even if the I-140 is withdrawn, unless it is revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or an obvious error. Additionally, as long as the I-140 stays approved for 180 days, the individual has the right to extend their H-1B beyond six years with any employer, even if the I-140 is revoked. After 180 days, the employer can revoke the I-140, but it does not affect the individual.

 

Nonimmigrant Visas

Green Card

Unemployment benefits for Green card holder

5 months ago By Rajiv S. Khanna
Question details

Hi, My husband & I have been green card holders (Employment based thru my employer, prior Visa status L1 & L2) since August 2020. My husband recently lost his job, so I was hoping you could please clarify a few queries: • Is he eligible to apply for Unemployment benefits? • If yes, does this have any negative impact on our Citizenship/Naturalization process in the future? Truly appreciate your kind assistance. Thank you

ANSWER

Availing of unemployment benefits should have no impact on a green card holder's status or naturalization. Eligibility depends upon state law.

Green Card

H-1B transfer process for laid off employee

5 months ago By Rajiv S. Khanna
Question details

Hello, I have been laid off from Amazon, and I am unemployed since March-20, I got one offer from another company, and they did my immigration assessment, they told me that I do not have enough time and its difficult to ensure that I will not go out of status within this time saying that they have rejected my application. If I just file LCA my unemployment days will stop, or they will have to file my H1B change petition only then will I be able to save my status. Also, will I get 60 days grace period for each H1B petition?

ANSWER

Filing an LCA is not enough. In order to stop the running of the 60-days grace period and to start working, your H-1B transfer petition must be received by the USCIS within the grace period.

The grace period is not a one-shot deal. You will get it whenever you are in the layoff/cessation of employment situation again.

Nonimmigrant Visas

Immigration Law

Change of Status from H4 to Day 1 Cpt

5 months ago By Rajiv S. Khanna
Question details

Hello Rajiv Sir, My wife wants to do Masters and she is currently on H4 without EAD as I am awaiting PWD approval and other steps in the process.
 

My question is can she transfer from H4 to Day-1 CPT through F-1 by filing I-539? Also, If we do only 363 days of day-1 CpT, can she get opt and stem opt?

ANSWER

Once your wife obtains a change of status to F-1, she should be able to get CPT authorization if the school meets all the other requirements. Note that one year of full-time CPT takes away your eligibility for OPT. The regulations do not mention 363 days leading to disqualification. The regulations also provide an exception to the one-year bar for some graduate students. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-214/se…. Source 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)

Nonimmigrant Visas

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

5 months ago By Chief Editor
Question details

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

 

FAQ Transcript

1. No problem.
2. No problem.
3. No problem.
Do discuss your long-term plans with your lawyers.

Nonimmigrant Visas

Green Card

AC21 AOS portability: Pending AOS I-140 withdrawn before 180 days

5 months ago By Chief Editor
Question details

Currently working with Employer B since 2020.
Employer A - 140 Approved in 2013. EB2 category.
Employer A - Provided form 485J in Aug and I applied for I485 in Aug. My dates retrogressed to Oct 2011 now.
Employer A - Desi consulting company, we couldn't find a project for me to join them and they withdrew I-140 in Jan. At the time of the I140 withdrawal I485 was at 150 days timeline. Now that 180 days have passed since I485 was filed in Aug, can I provide 485J with my current employer to port the I485 application? Will USCIS approve porting or deny as I140(approved in 2013) was recently withdrawn before I485 reaches the 180 days mark? Is there any way to appeal the withdrawal of I140 as beneficiary with pending AOS or ex-employer can withdraw without any issue? Are there any laws to safeguard the beneficiary when dealing with abusive and mean desi consulting companies?

 

ANSWER
FAQ Transcript

You should talk to an employment lawyer.

Green Card

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