L Visa

B-2 extension/F-1 Change of Status: Can I stay in the U.S.?

Question details

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?
 

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FAQ Transcript

Yes, you can generally stay in the US while your B-2 extension or F-1 change of status application is pending, provided you file it before your current status expires. This applies to most applications filed while still in status (e.g., H-1, B-1, B-2, L-1, E-1, E-2). If your I-94 expires on April 21st and you apply for a B-2 extension or F-1 change of status before that date, you can stay in the US while your application is pending because you filed it timely.

Should I maintain my H-1B during I-485/AOS pendency?

Question details

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.
 

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FAQ Transcript

You should maintain your H-1B while your I-485 (AOS) is pending. If something goes wrong with your I-485, you could end up without legal status or work authorization, creating complications. Keeping your H-1B (or L-1) active provides a backup. While your spouse can use an EAD, losing their status is less risky than the primary applicant losing theirs.
 

Recording for March 06, 2025, Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

Immigration.com

Green Card

FAQs: Should I maintain my H-1B during I-485/AOS pendency? || H-1B and I-140: Moving to India & Future Return to the U.S .|| H-1B working remotely from India

Can L-1A holders or applicants also apply for the H-1B lottery?

Question details

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?

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FAQ Transcript

Yes, L-1A holders or applicants can also apply for the H-1B lottery. Filing for H-1B will not impact your L-1A application unless there’s a discrepancy in the job descriptions for the two applications.
Additionally, if you’ve worked outside the U.S. for at least one year in a managerial role, you can transition from H-1B to L-1A later.
 

Recording for December 05, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

Citizenship and Naturalization

Topics Discussed:

FAQs: Green card process for STEM OPT candidates: Timing for concurrent H-1B and GC filing, employer strategies, and impact of client/location changes || Can I change employers and transfer my H-1B after revocation, or do I need to re-enter the lottery? || Impact of H-1B automatic revocation on future sponsorship and job change: What does 'Case Was Automatically Revoked' mean? || Applying for a second H-1B transfer after the 60-day grace period while a first transfer is pending

Recording for November 07, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

FAQ: H-1B layoffs: 60-day grace period, visa options, and transitioning to study || Employer and agency verification requirements on the most recent I-94: Is this new note typical? || H-1B stamping delay and administrative processing in India: Payroll gaps, re-entry concerns, and expediting Options

Recording for August 22, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

FAQs: EB-1A Use Case -- STEM OPT cloud solutions engineer at a nonprofit university || Layoff on H-1B, Changing status from B-1/B-2 pending to F-1 || Impact of layoff on green card status and future naturalization || H-1B laid off: Second B-1/B-2 visa extension