19 Jan 2023

I am not able to get an experience letter from my previous employer. To show I qualify for an EB2 position, can I instead submit affidavits from my former coworkers?

Answer A letter from the previous employer is typically preferred. But, yes, if it is not possible to get such a letter, it may be possible to use coworker affidavits as evidence of past employment experience. (19.Jan.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

12 Jan 2023

I am in H1B status and have an approved I-140. I recently got married in India and my wife is waiting for her appointment at the consulate to apply for an H-4 visa stamp. Can she apply for an H-4 EAD now, while she is still in India?

Answer Typically, it is not permissible to apply for an H-4 EAD while the applicant is outside the United States. (12.Jan.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 ©...

12 Jan 2023
12 Jan 2023

About five years ago, my sister, who is a U.S. citizen, sponsored me for a green card. Can I use that priority date for my EB3 case sponsored by my employer?

Answer No, unfortunately, it normally is not possible to take a priority date from a family-based case and apply it to an employment-based case. (12.Jan.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...

05 Jan 2023

I just earned my MBA from a state university. I also have a bachelor’s in chemistry. I found an employer to sponsor me for an H1B position in the upcoming lottery, but the position is related to my degree in Chemistry, not my MBA. Can I still qualify for the master’s cap?

Answer To qualify for the master’s cap, one must have a master’s degree or higher from a qualifying U.S. university. This applies, even if you will not be using that degree to qualify for the H1B position. (04.Jan.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that...

05 Jan 2023

When I joined my previous H1B employer, part of my employment contract included a non-compete clause. I recently moved to a new H1B employer. I do not believe I am violating the non-compete agreement, but my prior employer says that I am and is threatening to get my H1B canceled. What should I do?

Answer Whether you are in breach of this non-compete agreement – and whether the agreement is even enforceable – would be based on state law, not U.S. immigration law. So, you may wish to speak with an employment attorney licensed in your state. Regardless, though, your...

29 Dec 2022

Can I take maternity leave while in H1B status? Does it matter if the employer only offers unpaid maternity leave?

Answer Generally speaking, a person in H1B status is entitled to the same family leave benefits as any other employee. Approved maternity leave under the FMLA provisions normally may be unpaid without violating one’s H1B status. (29.Dec.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

29 Dec 2022

My I-539 application to extend my H-4 status is pending. I am traveling to India soon and have an appointment for my H-4 visa stamp. My husband is remaining in the U.S. Do I need the I-539 approval to get my new H-4 stamping done?

Answer An approved I-539 is not necessary to apply for an H-4 visa "stamp." To get the new H-4 visa, one must provide proof of the marriage to the H1B principal spouse and evidence that the H1B spouse is maintaining valid status. (29.Dec.2022)Sheela Murthy and other...