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22 Dec 2022

After I was laid off from my H1B job, I filed an I-539 application to change to H-4 status. A few weeks later, I got a new job offer, and that company filed an H1B change of employer petition, which was approved. I would now like to withdraw my pending H-4 application. Is there an official form or format to withdraw that case?

Answer There is no official form or format used to withdraw a pending I-539 application. When we need to withdraw a pending I-539 for a client, we typically draft a short, simple letter that says we wish to withdraw the application. In the letter, we include...

08:08 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
22 Dec 2022

I am in H1B status with a pending I-485. My priority date is current, and I’m hoping the I-485 will be approved soon. I recently got engaged to a woman who is also on H1B, and we were planning on having the wedding in India in the spring. However, my friend told me we should get married quickly, or else she will not be able to get a green card as my dependent. Is that correct?

Answer In order for your fiancée to qualify for a green card as your dependent, you would need to be legally married before your I-485 is approved. If you get married after your I-485 is approved, you likely will need to sponsor her under the family-based,...

08:02 / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident
22 Dec 2022

Right after my husband’s I-140 was approved, I applied for an H-4 extension and an H-4 EAD. Those applications were submitted with my husband’s H1B extension, which was filed using premium. The USCIS approved the H1B along with my H-4 and EAD within 2 weeks. About 2 months later, though, my husband’s employer told him he would be laid off in January. He has a new job lined up, so he will remain in H1B status, but will this create problems with my H-4 EAD? Does it matter if the old employer withdraws my husband’s I-140?

Answer If one's spouse moves to a different H1B employer, this generally does not impact the H-4 status or existing EAD. Similarly, even if the employer withdraws the I-140, this does not have a direct impact on the existing H-4 EAD. However, depending on how much...

07:57 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Worker
15 Dec 2022

My wife’s H-4 EAD extension is pending. I was just offered a new position, and the company plans on filing an H1B change of employer for me. Will this create problems for my wife’s pending case?

Answer Ordinarily, an H1B petition requesting a change of employer would not impact a spouse's pending H-4 EAD extension.  (15.Dec.2022)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 © 2022,...

07:02 / FAQs / For Families / H-4 Dependents / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
15 Dec 2022

I have never gone through the H1B lottery, but I am currently working in H1B status for a cap-exempt employer. A different company will file an H1B registration for me in March. If my case is selected, what would be the earliest date I could move to the new employer?

Answer The earliest start date on a cap-subject H1B petition typically is October 1st of that year (which is the first day of the new fiscal year). To start earlier, it may be possible to work concurrently  for the cap-exempt and cap-subject employers, but a petition...

06:58 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
15 Dec 2022

My green card was approved recently and I have no plans to leave my position with the sponsoring employer. However, I am interested in earning some additional money by selling goods online. My employer has no objections to this. Would this jeopardize my green card?

Answer Once an employer-sponsored green card is issued, the expectation typically is that the beneficiary will work for the sponsoring employer in the position listed on the I-140. If the person works in that position, while also earning money through a second job, entrepreneurship, etc, this...

06:53 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident
08 Dec 2022

I applied for an H-4 EAD a few months ago, and that case is still pending. I understand that I cannot start working until the EAD is approved. But, am I allowed to start applying for jobs now?

Answer Immigration law does not really limit the ability of an H-4 dependent to apply for a job before the EAD is issued. So, submitting a job application typically would not be considered a violation of H-4 status, so long as the H-4 spouse does not...

07:27 / FAQs / For Families / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
08 Dec 2022

After my H1B extension was denied, my employer filed a form I-290B motion to reopen. Am I allowed to stay in the U.S. while the I-290B is pending?

Answer A pending motion to reopen, motion to reconsider, or appeal does not normally provide the foreign national with any status protection benefits. If the underlying case is reopened and approved, the gap in status may be cured. If, however, the original decision is upheld, the...

07:25 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
08 Dec 2022

The USCIS issued an RFE on my H1B petition, and my employer just responded to it. The case was filed for premium processing, and I am in a rush to get it approved. How likely is it that the USCIS will issue a second RFE?

Answer We do not have specific statistics on how frequently second RFEs are issued by the USCIS. But, anecdotally, it appears to be very uncommon to see a second RFE issued on an H1B petition.There was a time under the Trump Administration when there was a...

07:23 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
01 Dec 2022

I was working on a project in New Jersey in H1B. I recently traveled to India and got my visa stamped. Yesterday, my U.S. employer notified me that they are filing an H1B amendment for me because they want to move me to a project in California. Can they file the amendment now? Once the amendment is approved, can I still use my existing H1B visa?

Answer When applying for a visa "stamp," the petition must be valid and the job must still be available. If circumstances change after the visa is issued, there is no cooling off period required to apply for an amendment. Further, the existing visa typically would remain...

10:01 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Travel / Worker