Search Result for "H1B" — 524 articles
OPT Cap-Gap Extensions
16.Apr.2014The completion of the H1B cap-filing season for fiscal year (FY) 2015 gives rise to questions about optional practical training (OPT) extensions. MurthyDotCom readers have raised concerns about coordinating H1B filings with the expiration of OPT. Important information on the operation of the cap-gap extension of OPT is provided here. USCIS Guidance The U.S. Citizenship [...]
I am currently working with a large IT firm. I have EAD (EB3) and H1B. My question is: Can I use AC21 and work with my friend who has a consulting company, but there is no guaranteed income (in case there is no project). Is an offer letter from his company enough?
14.Apr.2014Answer AC21 requires an offer of permanent employment in a similar occupation. This includes a guaranteed minimum salary. It is possible to use AC21 to move to a consulting company, but only if the company is making a permanent offer in a similar occupation. The USCIS will routinely issue requests for evidence asking for an [...]
If my H1B extension is denied after my I-94 expires, will I have 30-60 days to leave the country or change my status to H-4/F-1?
14.Apr.2014Answer There is no grace period after an H1B extension denial if the I-94 of the previous H1B has expired. In that case, the individual typically begins to accrue unlawful presence from the date of the denial. Depending on the reason for the extension denial, it may be possible to file a motion to reopen [...]
Immigration Policy Center: H1Bs and The Innovation Economy
14.Apr.2014This month, the American Immigration Council’s (AIC) Immigration Policy Center (IPC) released an excellent background paper on the contributions of high-skilled H1B workers to America’s innovation economy. This articulate and well-researched piece, amply supported by research findings from leading academics and policy experts, shows just how essential H1B workers are to job creation in the [...]
NewsFlash! H1B Cap Lottery Completed
10.Apr.2014On April 10, 2014, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the completion of the random selection lottery of H1B cap subject petitions filed for fiscal year 2015 (FY15). The USCIS has completed both the lottery for selection of the 20,000 advanced-degree exemptions (or, “master’s cap”) cases, as well as for the 65,000 regular [...]
Shedding Light on Planned Proposal for Employment Authorization for Select H-4s
9.Apr.2014On April 7, the White House released a statement indicating that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is poised to publish several proposed rules, including one that, if approved, would allow a limited group of H-4 spouses to obtain employment authorization. While this news is encouraging, it is important to note that this is merely intent [...]
NewsFlash! H-4 Spouses are NOT Eligible for Employment Authorization
8.Apr.2014On April 7, the White House released a statement indicating that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is poised to publish several proposed rules, including one that, if approved, would allow H-4 spouses of certain H1B workers to obtain employment authorization. While this news is certainly encouraging, it is important to note that this is merely [...]
What happens to H-4 if it is not applied along with H-1 at the time of transfer to a new company?
7.Apr.2014Answer H-4s are NOT company-specific. H-4s are specific to the H-1 spouse / parent. Thus, if the H1B spouse / parent changes companies, it isn’t always necessary to also file the H-4 extension of status. If the H-4 is not expiring any time soon, or if there are plans to travel abroad prior to the [...]
NewsFlash! FY15 H1B Cap Reached – Lottery Forthcoming
7.Apr.2014As expected, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received enough cap-subject H1B petitions during the first five business days of April than the 65,000 regular cap numbers available for fiscal year 2015 (FY15). The 20,000 advanced-degree exemption (or, “master’s cap”) was also exceeded during this timeframe. The exact number of petitions submitted for FY15 [...]
I Visa for Representatives of Foreign Press and Media
7.Apr.2014The I visa allows members of the foreign press and other foreign “information media representatives” to enter the United States in order to work in this vocation. While this nonimmigrant category is not as broad and versatile as some other employment-based statuses, such as H1B, it provides an important option for journalists and other qualifying [...]