Answer If a person is maintaining H-1 status, while also having an I-485/EAD/AP, s/he CAN change jobs on H-1. It is just like any other H1B filing through a new employer. The GC case can continue in parallel if the new job qualifies under AC21 as...
Answer Under the regulation, "[i]n the case of an F-1 student authorized to engage in post-completion optional practical training (OPT), the student must be able resume classes within 5 months of transferring out of the school that recommended OPT or the date the OPT authorization ends,...
Answer No. Unfortunately, even if you had two majors, one of which was designated as a STEM degree, but the initial OPT was based on a non-STEM degree, you would still not be eligible for the STEM extension. According to SEVP policy guidance, "[i]f a student...
Answer: If a person applies for a change of status in the U.S. and it is denied, s/he generally would still keep the existing nonimmigrant status. This presumes that the person continues to qualify for, and comply with, the terms of the status that s/he is...
Answer: It is possible to ask for additional H1B time, based upon recapture, whenever one's employer (or new employer) files the H1B petition. The expiration date on the nonimmigrant visa would not be changed as part of the H1B petition filing. The foil (commonly, "stamp") is...
Answer: Individuals with properly filed I-485s are considered to be in a period of authorized stay in the U.S. Thus, there is no requirement to keep the nonimmigrant status. Moreover, in this example, there is a conflict between any claim to be a visitor and the...
Answer: The end client's refusal to give the letter makes the H1B case more difficult. We DO successfully file H1B cases for consultants using other proof of the end-client project - contracts, SOWs, purchase orders, etc. And, if there is enough other proof of what the...
Answer: No. While it is true that you should be in valid status during the 60-day grace period upon the expiration of your initial OPT employment authorization, a timely filed STEM extension application has to be filed (i.e. received by USCIS) prior to the expiration of...
Answer: To be really safe to legally remain on H1B status, without interruption, the PERM case should have been started much earlier. Ideally, the employer should have taken steps to file the PERM at least 365 days before the H1B six-year expiration point. Since it is...
Answer: A person who had an H1B petition approval in 2007, but did not use all the six years of time, should be able to have an employer file a new H1B case and not have to be counted against the H1B cap or have to...
