31 Jul 2019

I received a promotion at my job, from Analyst to Senior Analyst. My worksite has not changed, and my job duties are very similar. Am I required to file an H1B amendment?

Answer Even if there is no change in the work location, an H1B amendment is required when there is a "material" change in job duties. A promotion where the job duties are nearly the same likely would not be considered material. However, this is very much...

31 Jul 2019

I filed an EB5 case a few months ago and my I-526 petition is still pending. I just heard that there are new rules being issued that are raising the investment requirements. Will this impact my case?

Answer On November 21, 2019, a new regulation will go into effect that raises the minimum investment amount for EB5 cases to $1.8 million, or $900,000 if the investment is made in a targeted employment area (TEA). A TEA is a rural area or area of...

31 Jul 2019

My H1B petition was selected in this year’s lottery, and an RFE was issued. My project just ended, so my employer says he is going to file an H1B amendment for the case. Will this cause any problems?

Answer One in this situation should talk to a qualified attorney before taking any action. Normally, it is not possible to amend a cap H1B that has not yet gone into effect (i.e., the start date, which is typically October 1st, has not been reached and/or...

24 Jul 2019

Two completely separate companies sponsored me for H1B petitions in this year’s lottery. The first petition and change of status has been approved. If the second petition is denied, would that impact the approved case?

Answer In most circumstances, a denial of one H1B petition would not impact the H1B petition that has already been approved. (24.Jul.2019)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...

24 Jul 2019

I am working for Company A in H1B status, and Company B filed a petition requesting a change of employer. If Employer B’s petition is denied, can I keep working for Employer A? Will Employer A be notified of the denial?

Answer One who receives an H1B denial is normally permitted to continue working pursuant to a previously approved H1B petition, as long as it has not been revoked. The only company that would normally be notified of a denial would be the employer that filed the...

24 Jul 2019

I own a company in India and need to travel to the U.S. to meet with a client. Will the consulate accept a scanned copy of an invitation letter from the U.S. company? Or do I need to present the original signed document?

Answer There is generally no requirement that an invitation letter be presented at all. However, they can be useful to evidence the purpose of one's proposed trip. If such a letter is submitted, a scanned copy is typically acceptable. (24.Jul.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela...

24 Jul 2019

August 2019 Visa Bulletin Check-In

Most months, Charles Oppenheim, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division, provides visa bulletin explanations and predictions. Following the release of the August 2019 Visa Bulletin, Mr. Oppenheim discussed some of the higher-than-normal demand in various categories, and...