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11 Nov 2021

I filed an EB3 downgrade case, and my I-485 is still pending. I read online that, if my EB2 case becomes current and my I-140 was filed as a new petition rather than as an amendment, the USCIS will automatically adjudicate my case as EB2. Is that correct?

Answer We had a similar question several weeks ago, and our response may not have been sufficiently nuanced. Our general recommendation is that, if an EB3 downgrade case has been filed and later the individual wishes to return to EB2, some action should be taken. For...

08:24 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Resident
04 Nov 2021

I filed an H-4 EAD renewal application about 4 months ago. I have heard that the USCIS frequently is taking 1 year or more to adjudicate these applications. Can I sue the USCIS to get them to adjudicate my EAD application?

Answer You can file a writ of mandamus against the USCIS to try to force the agency to adjudicate your case. If the court agrees that there has been an unreasonable delay in adjudicating the case, the judge could order the USCIS to complete its adjudication.That...

07:03 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / Nonimmigrant Family
04 Nov 2021

My I-485 was approved at the end of October. However, my wife’s I-485 is still pending, and the cutoff date has now retrogressed before my priority date. Can I sponsor her for a family-based green card? Do I have to wait a certain amount of time after getting my GC before I can sponsor someone?

Answer There is no set amount of time a lawful permanent resident must wait to sponsor a qualifying family member for a green card. Further, the fact that she has a pending employment-based green card case does not prevent her from also being sponsored for a...

06:58 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident
28 Oct 2021

An employer in the U.S. filed an H1B cap case for me several months ago. At the time it was filed, I was living in India, and the employer asked for the consulate in Hyderabad to be notified if the petition is approved. Now, the petition has been approved, but I am working in Singapore. Can I get my H1B visa stamping done at the U.S. embassy in Singapore?

Answer Generally speaking, if the local consulate allows for third country nationals to apply, it is possible to apply for a visa at a consulate different from the one listed on the initial petition. (28.Oct.2021)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

09:07 / Consulates / FAQs / For Individuals / Travel / Worker
28 Oct 2021

I have an H-4 EAD and am running a small business from my house. The business is registered in my name, and I am the sole employee. My EAD renewal is pending. If the new EAD is not issued before my current one expires, I will stop doing any business until the new EAD is issued. Do I have to take some formal step of shutting down my business during the EAD renewal period to show the USCIS that I am not working without authorization?

Answer There is no regulation that requires a person with an H-4 EAD to formally shut down a business while waiting for an EAD renewal to be approved. If you can show that the business was truly dormant during this period, it is hard to imagine...

09:05 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
28 Oct 2021

I was working for Company A on H1B, and then moved to Company B. I have been working here for a few weeks, and now have an offer from Company C. I understand that I am allowed to change to the new employer, but will this create problems for me in the future with USCIS?

Answer There are no immigration rules that prohibit how often a person in H1B status may move between employers. As long as the individual can demonstrate that valid status etc, was maintained, the mere fact that the person moved through multiple employers normally would have no...

09:00 / FAQs / For Individuals / Worker
21 Oct 2021

In October 2020, I filed an I-140 EB2-to-EB3 downgrade case, along with my I-485 application. Now, it looks like the EB2 India cutoff date may advance past the EB3 cutoff date. If that happens, will the USCIS automatically adjudicate my case as an EB2 case?

Answer No. If the I-485 was filed based on the EB3 I-140, the USCIS normally would continue to process it as an EB3 case. In order to have the case processed under the EB2 category, one option may be to interfile the previously approved I-140 to...

09:48 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Visa Bulletin
21 Oct 2021

My I-485 application was filed in the EB3 India category and has been pending for more than 180 days. If I want to use AC21 to port to a similar position with a different employer, does my priority date still have to be current on the date I move to that employer?

Answer No, there is no requirement that the priority date still be current in order for a person to use AC21 to port to a same / similar position. (21.Oct.2021)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE...

09:44 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Visa Bulletin
21 Oct 2021

Several months ago, I applied for an H1B visa stamp in India. I was issued a 221(g) notice, informing me that my application would remain under administrative processing until the travel ban was lifted. Now that the ban is being lifted, how long will it take for my visa to be issued? Do I need to provide the consulate with proof that I am fully vaccinated?

Answer It is not yet clear how the consulates will handle these pending visa applications, or how long the process might take. It seems unlikely that the proof of being vaccinated will need to be sent to the consulate. However, we are waiting for the U.S....

09:41 / Consulates / FAQs / For Individuals / Travel / Worker