F-1 Visa

Getting F-1 while I-485/AOS is pending

Trying to get an F-1 while an AOS/I-485 is pending has been a recurring theme in our community. Last year in May/June we had spent two hours talking about this theme in our community conference calls. A lot of people wanted to do their MBA and were not able to wait for their green cards to join school.

Generally speaking when you have exhibited immigrant intent, getting an F-1 becomes difficult. On top of that, USCIS has said that F-1 is not compatible with a simultaneous I-485. But USCIS has never told us what happens if do file for an F-1 while an I-485 is pending.

From H-4 to F-1

Some questions from the community:

I have been on H-4 for almost 3 yrs now, and starting my MS in Spring 09 (on H4 status itself). But now I want to change to F-1 for personal reasons. I have the following doubts. request your clarification:

a. If I want to get my F-1 stamped from India, do I need to submit I-539 form also to the ISO of my school ?

No. An I-539 is used if you want to change status within USA.

Feb 24, 2024, Rajiv in QnA session on behalf of students, young professionals

Immigration.com

SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
mmigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney

Blacklisted employer, F-1, H-1B, L-1 turned back at the airport

Question details

My friend's F1 visa was recently revoked, and he was forced to return to India because his first employer had been placed on a blacklist. Also, he has applied for an OPT extension, which will provide him with an updated EAD, but we don't know how this would affect the process of getting the New EAD. He is working with a firm on a contract job now, but the end client which is a state gov company is considering him for Full time and can sponsor him for H1B. His old EAD expired on the 9th of January. He was traveling from India to the States on the 4th of January and was sent back. Questions: Is there any way that he could reinstate his Visa? Can the company sponsor H1B directly, if so what documents would the company need? If the H1B is picked, when can he travel back?

Video URL
FAQ Transcript

Being turned away at a US airport or port of entry can have significant consequences. Here's what you need to know:
Voluntary Withdrawal: If you choose to withdraw your application for admission, you avoid a 5-year entry ban but may have limited options when seeking to re-enter the US in the future.
Refusal of Admission: This comes with a 5-year ban on re-entry. In some cases, you may be able to apply for a waiver.
Fraudulent Employers: Involvement with any employer who engages in fraudulent activities can lead to a permanent ban on entering the US. It's incredibly difficult to get a waiver in these circumstances.

To avoid these situations:
Be Aware: Stay informed about potentially fraudulent employers. Universities may alert you if they suspect issues.
Consult an Attorney: If you've worked for an employer you now believe to be fraudulent, immediately consult an immigration lawyer. Your level of involvement and when you leave the employer will have a significant impact on your potential liability.
Important Note: There are currently no known successful lawsuits against fraudulent employers in these types of situations.

Recording for February 15, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

FAQs: Blacklisted employer, F-1, H-1B, L-1 turned back at the airport || H-1B visa and entrepreneurship: Launching a business with US citizen brother, Shareholding, Green card || National Interest Waiver standards; AI list of critical and emerging technologies focus || OPT EAD errors and typos: Eligibility for resubmission or renewal strategy? || How to calculate time: H-1B grace period; H-4 COS; H-1B transfer delays