L Visa FAQs
PhD, CPT, and H-1B/L-1 employment strategies
Question
Should I switch to a PhD program to use day-one CPT for employment, or rely on H-1B/L-1 processes?
Does Unlawful Presence Continue to Accrue While Fighting an NTA?
Question
Can I receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) for deportation even if I have legal immigration status or a pending application?
Answer
This question is particularly important because continued accrual of unlawful presence during removal proceedings can trigger the three-year or ten-year bars, severely limiting future immigration options.
General Rule: Yes, Unlawful Presence Continues
Once removal proceedings commence (i.e., when the NTA is filed with the immigration court), unlawful presence generally continues to accrue while you are physically present in the United States. The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) has consistently held that the three- and ten-year unlawful presence bars under INA S212(a)(9)(B)(i) continue to run while a noncitizen is in removal proceedings.
This can create a particularly harsh situation where individuals are caught in a Catch-22: they often cannot leave the United States while fighting the removal proceedings (as departure could be deemed an abandonment of their case or trigger an automatic removal order), but staying continues to accumulate unlawful presence, potentially leading to more severe bars.
For more details, read the full blog post: Another Problem for Legal Immigration: NTAs (Removals/Deportation Despite Legal Stay.
B-2 extension/F-1 Change of Status: Can I stay in the U.S.?
Question
My H-1B to B2 status change (I-539) was approved, and the I-94 expiry date on my B2 approval notice is 21 April 2025.
Now, if I apply for a B2 extension or F-1 change of status, then can I stay in the USA after 21-Apr-2025 while my decision is pending?
Answer
Should I maintain my H-1B during I-485/AOS pendency?
Question
I hold an H1B Visa, and it is time for an extension. At the same time, I applied for my I-485 a few years ago, and I recently renewed my EAD, which is valid for 5 years. My priority date is June 2013. At this time, I am a bit confused about whether to move on to EAD or if I should continue to extend my H1B. If, for any reason, my H1B extension goes wrong, will I still be able to use my EAD? Thank you always for your support.
Answer
Can L-1A holders or applicants also apply for the H-1B lottery?
Question
I worked in the US for the last 3 years on STEM OPT but did not get selected in the H1B lotteries. I returned to India in June 2024 and have been working with the same company since then. My employer plans to file my L1A visa petition after July 2025.
Can I also participate in the upcoming H1B lottery?
Would applying for the H1B affect my L1A petition?
Additionally, given that I have worked outside the U.S. for a year within the last five years with the same company, is it possible to transition from H1B to L1A status?
Answer
International Managers (EB-1C) changing jobs under AC21 portability after 180 days
Question
1. I am on L1A, and I have Approved EAD and AP. Also, 180 days of waiting is over.
My question is, can I switch employers? If so, how will USCIS match my job duties?
2. On L1A, it's an International Manager experience, and how can I show that I have international manager experience with the new Employer?
Answer
Procedure to recapture H-1B/L-1 time outside the U.S.
Question
During the last three years on H-1B, I have spent approximately one year outside of the US (multiple visits to India). What is the procedure to recapture that time and add it back to my H-1B total time?