Attorneys Law Firm Practicecontact us
24 Apr 2024

I own a company in the U.S. and one in India. In India, there is someone who has worked for the Indian entity as a contractor for a couple of years, developing a proprietary tool for us. Is it possible for him to now work for the U.S. company in L1B status?

Answer One of the requirements to qualify for L-1 is that the foreign national must be employed by the related entity abroad for at least one year. Serving as a contractor, rather than an employee, typically would not be sufficient to meet this requirement. (24.Apr.2024)Sheela Murthy...

13:20 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
24 Apr 2024

My H1B registration was selected in the lottery. I have two different job offers. If Company A and Company B both file change-of-status petitions for me, when do I have to choose which company I am going to join?

Answer Assuming that both petitions are approved with start dates of October 1st, you technically could wait until that date to join either Employer A or B. (24.Apr.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...

13:18 / FAQs / For Individuals / Worker
24 Apr 2024

An RFE was issued on my H1B petition. Can my employer upgrade my case to premium processing when they respond to my RFE?

Answer Yes, it generally is possible to upgrade to premium processing at any time while an H1B petition is pending. (24.Apr.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright ©...

13:15 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
18 Apr 2024

I am in H1B status with a pending I-485 application. I just received my EAD card based on my pending I-485. Do need to switch my work authorization to my EAD?

Answer Generally, no. If you are maintaining H1B status, you are not required to start using your EAD, and you can keep the card as a backup. Once you start using your EAD, your H1B status terminates. And, in many, if not most, situations, we recommend...

07:21 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / H1B / Resident / Worker
18 Apr 2024

My daughter is a high school student in H-4 status. She was offered a paid summer internship that would be great experience for when she applies for college. She asked the company if she could accept the internship without pay, but the company said they must pay her because of Department of Labor rules. Is there any way get an H-4 EAD?

Answer Unfortunately, the H-4 EAD rule only applies for H-4 spouses. Regardless of the reason behind the request, the USCIS cannot approve an H-4 EAD application filed on behalf of an H-4 dependent child.  (17.Apr.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

07:18 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Families / H-4 Dependents / H1B / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Worker
10 Apr 2024

I am working for a consulting firm on OPT. They told me that my case was not selected in the lottery. Is there any way for me to check online on my own to verify that they actually filed the registration for me?

Answer No, only the employer and/or the attorney representing the employer can directly check to see if the registration was submitted on your behalf. You could try filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the USCIS to ask for documents related to any H1B...

17:16 / FAQs / For Individuals / Student / Worker
10 Apr 2024

I was laid off from my employer and used almost all of my grace period before joining a new employer. If I were to be laid off again, would that mean I would only get the last few days remaining of my grace period?

Answer After an H1B worker uses any portion of the grace period, that person typically is eligible for another 60-day grace period after receiving a new H1B approval. For example, if an H1B worker gets laid off and then finds a new job during the grace...

17:14 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker