07 Jan 2019

I filed an application to change status from H1B to H-4, and the application is still pending. I just received a new job offer. Can I go back to H1B and start working in the new position?

Answer If one's H1B I-94 has not yet expired, this may be possible, depending upon the circumstances. However, this is a complex question, so one in this situation should talk to a qualified attorney for individualized advice. (07.Jan.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and...

07 Jan 2019

I am in H-4 status and my I-94 is valid through March 2020. My husband just moved to a new employer, and his H1B I-94 is valid through December 2021. Do I need to file a new I-539 because of his change of employer?

Answer H-4 status is not tied to a particular employer, so one in this situation normally would not be required to file an extension. However, it is important to keep track of the different expiration dates, to avoid accidental overstays. (07.Jan.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat,...

22 Dec 2018

NewsFlash! Partial Government Shutdown Now in Effect

A partial shutdown of the federal government is now in effect because Congress was unable to pass a new budget or continuing resolution. This also means that several immigration programs are temporarily suspended, including the regional center portion of the employment-based, fifth preference (EB5) immigrant...

18 Dec 2018

Possible Government Shutdown After December 21, 2018

Congress must pass a spending bill to extend government operations by midnight of December 21, 2018, or else another temporary shutdown of the federal government will go into effect. This would be the third shutdown of 2018.The crux of the current budget dispute revolves around...

17 Dec 2018

I am in H-4 status, and am about to graduate with a master’s degree from an online university that is public and accredited. Can I qualify to file an H1B under the master’s cap?

Answer One who has received a master's degree or above from a nonprofit, accredited university normally would be eligible to file under the "master's cap." This applies, even if all the credits are taken through online courses. (There is a strict limit on the number of...

17 Dec 2018

I worked in H1B status several years ago, but did not use the complete 6-year period. Is there a time limit for me to be able to use the remaining H1B time? Will I have to apply through the lottery again?

Answer There is no time limit to "recapture" unused H1B time. Generally speaking, if the full 6 years was never used, it would not be necessary to apply through the H1B lottery. (17.Dec.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

17 Dec 2018

When we filed my H1B petition, the contract for my current project was set to expire in January 2019. In responding to an H1B RFE, can we submit an updated contract with the same client / same project, but with a later end date?

Answer Yes, an extended contract generally could be submitted in response to an RFE. (17.Dec.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click here.Access more FAQs here. Copyright ©...