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My I-485 was pending for 9 months (concurrent filing), and I worked all these years (4 years) with my sponsoring employer. My I-140 was approved 4 months ago, and I received EAD and AP as well. At the end of 8 months, I resigned from my employer to take advantage of AC21 (moving to a similar position) and was on notice period. My new employer was ready to file I-485J when asked by USCIS. During my last working week with my sponsoring employer, my 485 got approved, and I received my GC. Can you please advise on what kind of documentation I need to get from my new employer to help with any future naturalization process since I can't file I-485J as my case has been approved?

We primarily have questions on relocation to India and possibilities.

My wife and I want to retain our Green Cards and eventually get US citizenship. We are just 3 years away from getting our US citizenship.

However, we want to relocate to India for our aging parents. We want to be able to relocate to India now for a few years (5 years), but we also don’t want to miss out on the citizenship opportunity when we are this close to getting our US citizenship. Is this even possible without the hassle of staying 6 months in the US and 6 months in India, and would there be any tax implications if one of us continues to work for the same employer in the US remotely from India?

We are aware that we can take 2 years' permission by filing Form I-131 and staying outside the US for 2 years. However, we need more than 2 years to stay outside the US. Also, the citizenship clock resets if we take this option. Is there a way to avoid this?

My NIW I-140 was approved based on a job, but later, my NIW I-485 was denied because I was not working in a similar role.

My question is:

1. Does the denial of the NIW I-485 rescind the priority date that I got with the NIW I140 filing/approval?

2. In the future, if I am working in a similar role, can I re-file this NIW I-485?

3. Can I use this NIW I140 priority date in my other adjustment of status cases such as PERM-based, etc.?

 

I am a mechanical engineer currently working as an MEP design engineer, and I hold a professional engineer (PE) license in North Carolina. I am on an H-1B visa with an approved I-140.

With the recent rule changes, I wanted to understand whether I can open my own MEP design firm while on H-1B status without maintaining an employer-employee relationship. Additionally, would I be allowed to start the company while maintaining my current full-time job and transition to running the firm full-time once I build up a client base?

 

I am in my sixth year of H1B, which will expire on July 27, 2025. My I-140 was filed on July 12, 2024, and I expect a decision soon, given the I-140 processing time of 7-9 months. Once my I-140 is approved, I plan to apply for a three-year H1B extension.

My employer operates as a fully remote company, and they support my plan to work remotely from Europe starting June 1, 2025, while continuing to be paid on the U.S. payroll. I worked remotely from India and Europe for around six months during my H1B period without any issues re-entering the U.S. However, I plan to spend most of the next three years (over six months per year) outside the U.S., and I am seeking clarity on maintaining my H1B status, re-entry requirements, and compliance with immigration laws.​

Questions:

1.) Given that my I-140 was filed on July 12, 2024, and assuming it is approved soon, should I apply for premium or regular processing for my three-year H1B extension? Would premium processing provide any specific advantages since I plan to work remotely from Europe starting June 1, 2025, while staying on the U.S. payroll, or should I go with standard processing and apply and wait for the decision while I am outside the USA? Perhaps the renewal decision will help before I move out of USA?

2.) What is the maximum time one can spend outside the U.S. each year while still maintaining H1B status? In one of your previous videos on H1B remote work, you referenced 8 CFR 214.2(h) regarding H1B workers' ability to work outside the U.S. while being paid in the U.S. However, I couldn’t find explicit wording confirming this. Could you clarify where this is stated?

3.) Given the current administration’s policies, are there any concerns with staying abroad for more than six months per year for the next three years while on H1B working remotely with a US payroll?

4.) Can I open a company in Europe to obtain residency there while continuing to do the same work remotely for my U.S. employer and receiving my salary in the U.S.? Would this create any H1B compliance issues? How frequently should I visit the U.S. to maintain my H1B status and avoid re-entry issues?

5.) If I visit the U.S. for only a few days or months and work from an Airbnb in the same Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as my employer’s address, do I need to update or amend my H1B petition? If my employer undergoes a USCIS site visit while I am working remotely from abroad, what potential consequences could arise, and how should I handle it?