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11 May 2023

I have used more than 5 years of H1B time and was recently laid off. I do not have an approved I-140, but, before being laid off, my employer reached the recruitment stage of my PERM case. If I find a new employer, is there a way to use that to extend my H1B beyond 6 years?

Answer Unfortunately, a PERM case that has only made it to the recruitment phase typically cannot be used as a basis for extending H1B status beyond the standard 6-year max. (11.May.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our...

06:22 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Worker
11 May 2023

I was transferred to the U.S. in L-1 status a few weeks ago and just learned that I am going to continue getting paid in India, rather than being paid in the U.S. I will, however, be receiving the salary indicated in my L-1 petition. Is this allowed, or is it required that the U.S. company pay my salary?

Answer Generally speaking, it is permissible for an L-1 worker to be paid by the foreign entity rather than the petitioning entity in the United States. (11.May.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...

06:19 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
11 May 2023

My employer is filing my H1B cap case using regular processing. The hope is that the case will be approved before the requested October 1, 2023, start date. If it takes longer than expected, is it possible to change the case to premium processing after filing?

Answer Ordinarily, yes, it is possible to "upgrade" an H1B petition to premium processing at any time. (11.May.2023)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 © 2023, MURTHY LAW...

06:16 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
04 May 2023

With all the news about fraudulent / duplicate H1B registrations submitted this year, does this mean there will be a second H1B lottery?

Answer We likely will not know for sure about a second lottery until July, at the earliest. But, given that there appears to have been a significant number of duplication registrations submitted, there definitely is reason to think a second lottery may be necessary. (03.May.2023)Sheela Murthy...

09:09 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / USCIS News / Worker
04 May 2023

I am on OPT, and I was not selected in this year’s H1B lottery. My employer suggested transferring me to their office in Canada, having me work there for a year, and then bringing me back on L-1. Is this a realistic option?

Answer There are three basic requirements to qualify for L-1: (1) the foreign entity and U.S. entity must have common ownership and control; (2) the person must work in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge position for the related entity abroad for at least one year;...

09:07 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Student / Worker
04 May 2023

To do an EB5 investment, do I have to get money from outside the U.S., or am I allowed to use money I earned while in this country?

Answer Using money lawfully earned in the U.S. is perfectly fine for an EB5 investment. (03.May.2023)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 © 2023, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All...

09:05 / EB5 Investor / FAQs / For Individuals / Investor
27 Apr 2023

I am interested in applying for a green card through the EB1(a) category. I feel I have good experience and evidence, but I also have several things in the pipeline that could make my case much stronger in a year or so. If I apply now and the I-140 is denied, am I allowed to reapply later?

Answer The EB1(a) category is reserved for foreign nationals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. This tends to be a very high bar. If the USCIS denies your petition, this would not prevent you from refiling later. The USCIS...

08:16 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident
27 Apr 2023

Prior to passage of the new EB5 law, I filed an I-526 petition based on my investment in a regional center that is located in a rural area. In the monthly visa bulletin, which EB5 category applies to my case?

Answer Based on the EB5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which was signed into law in March 2022, the EB5 program in the visa bulletin is now separated into four categories: (1) Unreserved, (2) Rural Set Aside, (3) High Unemployment Set Aside, and (4) Infrastructure...

08:13 / EB5 Investor / FAQs / For Individuals / Investor / Resident
27 Apr 2023

I was planning to travel to the U.S. for a wedding. I applied for a B-1/B-2 visa, which was issued for 10 years. My plans have now changed, and I will not be traveling to the U.S. at this time. If I do not travel until next year, can I still use the same visa?

Answer Typically, as long as the B-1/B-2 visa has not expired, it can be used to request admission in B-1/B-2 status.  (27.Apr.2023)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...

08:09 / B-1 / B-2 / FAQs / For Individuals / Travel / Visitor
20 Apr 2023

My husband entered in H1B status in October 2022, and his employer has not yet started a green card case for him. Is it possible for me to qualify for an H-4 EAD?

Answer In order to qualify for an H-4 EAD, the principal H1B spouse must either (1) be the beneficiary of an approved I-140, or (2) have extended H1B status beyond six years based on the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21). If your husband's...

09:05 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Worker