General Nonimmigrant Visa

Job loss situation - Alternatives and return options for H-1B visa holders with approved I-140

Question details

I have an approved I-140 (Approved in Feb 2022) which is already 6 months past the approval date & my priority date is August 2020. I am currently on H1B visa where I have already completed my 1st 3 years and currently am on the 1st 3 year extension.

My question is :

1.If for any odd reason I lose my job in the US, and I am not able to find another job within the 60 days grace period, what alternatives do I have within the US and find a job (H4 is not an option for me currently) ? Would joining a consultancy be a safe option to stop accruing unlawful presence OR compelling circumstance EAD ?

2. If I decide that going to India is a better option and want to come back after some time to the US, would I be subject to the H1B lottery at any point in future if my 6 years of H1B is exhausted ? What information or documents are needed to assist for returning back to the US ?

 

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FAQ Transcript

1. B-1/B-2 is another option. Please visit the blog entry on this issue. One might consider refraining from joining a consultancy unless they have a specific project.Compelling Circumstances EAD is not that glamorous, the reason being that it takes a long time to process. 

2. You can, of course, stay here while it's being processed, and then it's only given for one year, requiring you to extend it annually if you go to India.  B-1/B-2 is reasonably a good option; all you need is a copy of your earlier H-1B approval notice, and that should be enough.

Recording for August 10, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

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Immigration Law

FAQs: Job loss situation - Alternatives and return options for H-1B visa holders with approved I-140 || Remote work for a U.S. startup: Starting off on managerial duties from India before L-1 visa filing

Starting a new venture as an H-1B visa holder: Establishing an LLC/CCORP and Involvement as a Board Member and Founder

Question details

1. How can I set up an LLC/CCORP company for a startup while on H1B?

2. How to become a board member and founder without being an employee while maintaining legal H1B status as per USCIS?

 

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As long as you are only dealing with the USCIS and don't have to travel, I don't see any problem. The key factor is the employer-employee relationship, not the ownership.

H-1B visa holder working remotely from India: Permissibility of working for an Indian company and also starting a business in India

Question details

I am on H1B with company A and currently working remotely from India. Given US rules don't apply in India -

1. Can I work for company B which is based in India and whose payroll also runs in India?

2. Can I start my own company in India while being on H1B for a US company?

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The answer to both questions is that there is no problem.

Recording for July 27, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

Immigration.com

FAQs: Can I omit a previous experience in PERM filing and I-140 transfer between companies? || Sponsoring Employment-Based immigration petition for Self-Employment: EB-2 or EB-1 I-140 || H-1B visa holder working remotely from India: Permissibility of working for an Indian company and also starting a business in India || Starting a new venture as an H-1B visa holder: Establishing an LLC/CCORP and Involvement as a Board Member and Founder

Legal options and factors for a future stay in the USA; not selected in H-1B lottery, Master's Degree, and passport renewal

Question details

Currently, I am holding a STEM OPT from May 2022 until May 2024 (2 years).

My employer had applied for H1B this year and last year but had no luck.

Question and suggestion, please:

1) What are my legal options?

1.1 Apply for H1b next year in March and wait for the result, In case H1b is picked, how do I process it as my STEM opt expires in May 2024?

2) Enroll in university for the Master's degree?

2.1 I have a few classes remaining for my master's as I have finished my bachelor's degree in the USA and I take Day One CPT? Once a master's degree is complete, reapply for OPT and STEM OPT.

2.2 Should I continue to apply for H1B in the meantime?

3) If I apply for Master and Day One CPT, do I need to enroll for May–August 2024 (the summer class) or can I enroll for Fall 2024?

Note: STEM OPT Expires: May 15, 2024, or please suggest any other better option to stay in the USA.

Lastly, my passport expires in May 2024 as well. Is there any problem there?

- I'm thinking of starting the process for the renewal online. Should I do it now or wait for some time?

 

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FAQ Transcript

OPT can be applied at the next higher educational level. For instance, if your first OPT was based on a master's degree, you would need to pursue a higher level of education, such as a PhD, to apply for another OPT.

Regarding your passport expiration, it shouldn't be a significant issue. You have the option of expedited passport processing, which can help you get your passport renewed quickly. Overall, it should not cause major complications, and you should be fine.

For more information on your question please visit the blog section: 

https://immigration.com/blogs