Notice of FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Selection Process Completion and Cap Season Reminders
Release Date:
04/01/2024
H-1B Initial Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed
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DOL Posted New H-2A FAQ
The Department has posted a new Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) to assist employers and others regarding the H-2A program. The FAQ is available here on the FAQs page of the OFLC website under the H-2A heading.
DOL Posted FAQ to Assist Employers and Others Regarding the H-2B Program
The Department has posted a new Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) to assist employers and others regarding the H-2B program.
Please check attachment.
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USCIS Reminds That Certain Fees May Not Be Collected From H-2A And H-2B Workers
As the traditional harvest season approaches, USCIS reminds petitioners that certain fees may not be collected from H-2A and H-2B workers, according to 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(5)(xi)(A) and § 214.2(h)(6)(i)(B). We realize that delays in adjudicating these petitions may affect employers’ ability to place workers in time-sensitive jobs. To avoid delays, USCIS urges petitioners to submit sufficient information regarding their recruitment efforts and the nature of fees collected from H-2A and H-2B workers.
Unemployment Benefits for H-1, H-4 + EAD Holders with Previous H-1B Employment
Question details
Can someone in H4 + EAD status receive unemployment benefits if they only worked on H1b status? Would receiving such benefits be considered a public charge or have any other negative impact down the road?
FAQ Transcript
Unemployment benefits in the US vary by state and can be complex. If you are an H1B visa holder who has been laid off, you may be eligible for benefits during your 60-day grace period, but it's important to confirm with your state's unemployment office. Regardless of your visa situation, it's important to remember that unemployment benefits are considered an earned benefit funded by your employer's contributions, so there's no public charge concern. Always check with your state's unemployment office for specific requirements and the application process.
DOL Publishes H-2B Supplemental Prevailing Wage Determination FAQs
The Department has posted new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to assist employers and others regarding the Prevailing Wages in the H-2B program, specifically the issuance of supplemental prevailing wages in accordance with the June 15, 2011 order of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Guestbook Entry for A Singh, United States
Name
A Singh
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United States
State
OK
Recording for April 11, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
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Discussion Topics:
April 13, 2024, Rajiv in QnA session on behalf of students, young professionals
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DOL Postpones Revision of Wage Calculations for H-2B Program
US Labor Department postpones revising wage calculations for H-2B program. Delay avoids administering the H-2B program under potentially conflicting court orders.
Prevailing Wage Determinations - Update
In light of the Department's recent decision to postpone the effective date of the Wage Rule until November 30, 2011, DOL published this subsequent Federal Register Notice to provide guidance to those employers who received supplemental prevailing wage determination that have now been delayed.
Recording for April 25, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
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FAQs:
1) H-1B lottery layoff before start, Automatic status change, Multiple filings, and Traveling
2) Layoff during Self-NIW application, changing jobs with NIW not yet filed, pending, or approved
3) What is Cap Gap extension? How does it work?
4)Is it COS to change from cap-exempt H-1B to cap H-1B?
USCIS Updates for the Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B Cap Registration Process
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on April 1, 2024, that USCIS received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption, also known as the master’s cap.
Options when H-1B project is canceled
Question details
Scenario: Currently working for company A. Company B has filed H1B petition and gotten approval for Oct 1st start date. Unfortunately, Project with company B goes away before Oct 1 and company B doesn't revoke my visa before Oct 1st.
1) Since I will automatically move to H1B on Oct 1st and I don't have that project anymore, can I continue to work for my current employer using the new H1B visa? (What options I have if I want to use the new H1B visa and work for the same employer?)
2) In the same case, will company A be notified about my new H1B visa on Oct 1st?
3) Will company A have to rehire me for H-1B transfer? or can I continue to work with them while the transfer is pending?
4) How would it work if I find a new project through a new company C? Would they need to file for H-1B transfer as well ?
5) What info can USCIS ask for H-1B transfer in that case? What sort of RFEs may come up?
FAQ Transcript
You can't work for your current employer (Company A) on the new H-1B. File an H-1B transfer to Company A. USCIS won't notify them. Consider a lawyer consultation to possibly keep working at A while the transfer is pending.
B-2 visa dilemma: Extend or switch to CPT for PERM/I-140
Question details
I am currently on a B2 status and waiting for PERM approval. I have extended my B2 once, and I still think I would need another six months until my perm and I140 get approved. I need your suggestion in making a decision:
Should I move to day 1 CPT OR extend my B2 for another six months?
Which one will be the best option so I don’t get any RFEs from USCIS in the future?
I have another question: My parents and brother have their B2 visa interview scheduled for May 31st. If they ask my parents about me, is it a good idea to mention my situation in the interview?
FAQ Transcript
If you are on a B-2 visa waiting for PERM approval. You can choose between:
Day 1 CPT: Allows you to work while studying but requires school enrollment.
B-2 extension: Extends your stay but may not allow work. Choosing depends on your work needs and ability to enroll in school.
Regarding your parents' visa interview, advise them to answer truthfully about your situation. Don't misrepresent information to USCIS.
Procedure to recapture H-1B/L-1 time outside the U.S.
Question details
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?
FAQ Transcript
You can recapture your H-1B time (one year) by requesting it during your next extension application. There's no deadline, and you might even recapture a full year if you exceed six months out. Documentation like passport stamps is needed.
DOL Issues New FAQ on H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 Programs
The Department has posted new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 Programs.
To view FAQ please check the attachment.
Recording for June 06, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
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Discussion Topics, June 6, 2024 FAQs: International Managers (EB-1C) changing jobs under AC21 portability after 180 days || FAQ: H-1B 60 days grace period H-1B transfer; Impact of switching to B-1/B-2; and family visa validity || FAQ: H-1B 60 days grace period to B-2 conversion: Status gap, transitioning back to H-1B; Starting work again
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Rajiv's Article - Is it a good idea for laid off H-1B workers to switch to a US tourist visa, and back again? Open Primary tabs configuration options Primary tabs
Published by: The Economic Times - Date: May 25, 2024
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/migrate/is-it-a-good-idea-for-…
Synopsis
H-1B 60 days grace period H-1B transfer; Impact of switching to B-1/B-2; and family visa validit
Question details
1. I am currently in a 60-day grace period due to a layoff and am in the process of finding a new employer to file an H1B transfer. I have two questions regarding my situation:
If I apply for a B1/B2 visa on the 59th day of my grace period and it is approved within two weeks, can my new employer still file an H1B transfer using premium processing?
2. Specifically, I am concerned about the impact of my status change from H1B to B1/B2 and then back to H1B on the processing of the transfer.
3. My family members hold a valid US visa stamping until March 2027, which was obtained using my previous employer's I-797. Can they enter the US using this existing visa with a copy of my new employer's I-797 at the port of entry?
FAQ Transcript
- No, because if you are on B-1 or B-2 status, then you are not on H-1B.
- If the B-1 or B-2 status is approved, then it obviously replaces the H-1B.
- You can maintain the H-1B only if necessary.
Recording for June 20, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
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FAQs: Moving to India in 2025 on H-1B extension, I-140 portability, and future U.S. opportunities || Extending parent's stay in the U.S. beyond six months on a B-2 visa