27 Mar 2024

I was laid off and got two job offers – one for a part-time position and the other for a full-time position. Can I have two change-of-employer petitions filed for me at the same time if they are both filed before the end of my grace period?

Answer Yes, it is possible for two H1B change-of-employer petitions to be filed for the same person at the same time. But, if the person wishes to work for both employers at the same time, one of the petitions should request concurrent employment. (17.Mar.2024)Sheela Murthy and...

25 Mar 2024

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for Expedite Requests

On March 21, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated the USCIS Policy Manual clarifying certain criteria for expedite requests. The update also provides additional guidance on how to submit expedite requests to the USCIS and how they are processed. Overview of USCIS Policy...

20 Mar 2024

My PERM was filed about 9 months ago. My H1B expires in about 5 months, at which point I will have reached my full 6 years of H1B time. Do I need to wait until the PERM has been pending a full 365 days before we file my H1B extension requesting an additional year?

Answer Generally speaking, it is possible to request a 7th year extension of H1B status before a PERM has been pending for the full 365 days, as long as the requested start date is within the next six months, and as long as the PERM will...

20 Mar 2024

A number of years ago, I worked for about 1 year in H1B status. I then worked in India for a couple of years and came back to the U.S. in L1B status. I now wish to move to a new employer, who is filing an H1B change-of-status petition for me. Can I begin working for them upon receipt?

Answer No. In order to begin working based on a change of status from L-1 to H1B, one must wait for the H1B petition to be approved. (20.Mar.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...