Answer The processing times can vary depending on the current caseload of the USCIS. Information on current average wait times is available at USCIS.gov. Currently, it appears that many regular process I-140s are taking between 6-8 months. (23.Feb.2015)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and...
Answer Ideally, an employer should file a labor certification on your behalf at least 365 days prior to the expiration of your 6 full years of H1B status in the U.S. (including all recapture time). (23.Feb.2015)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior...
Answer If your wife has already applied (even if not yet approved) for F-2 by the time your employer makes the H1B cap case filing, you can include your wife's application to change status from F-2 to H-4 with the H1B petition. However, the requested start...
... If the petition is accepted for processing, I will continue to work on OPT in F-1 status due to the cap gap. My wife, who is also a student in F-1 status, will graduate this May. After graduation, she wants to change her status...
Answer It is possible to reapply for PERM with the same employer after a denial. That does not guarantee an audit; but, keep in mind that many PERM cases are audited. In fact, the DOL audits approximately 30-40% of all PERM cases. So, if everything else...
Answer The H-4 EAD provisions are expected fairly soon. The COS would likely take several months, unless paired with an H1B filing for premium processing. It is also possible to avoid that wait by applying for an H-4 visa at a U.S. consulate abroad without filing...
Answer If applying under EB1(a), Extraordinary Ability or EB1(b), Outstanding Professor / Researcher, the standards are high and it is going to be necessary to have extensive, documented achievements in the field. A person who just received a PhD would be unlikely to meet these standards...
Answer The H1B petition is not impacted by the H-4 visa (i.e. 'stamp'), and a person may have both an H1B and an H-4 visa in his/her passport. However, one can only hold a single status at a time. If the employment with the H1B employer...
... and issued a request for evidence, to which I replied. The USCIS still did not issue a decision and it is currently pending. Because of the extensive delay, even if I received my OPT authorization now, I would not be able to use it...
Answer Changing status from H-4 to F-1 from within the U.S. requires the filing of an I-539 application. The individual files this form, not the school, but it must be supported by proper documentation, including the I-20 from the school. (09.Feb.2015)In frequent sessions of our Chat,...
