23 Mar 2023

I was laid off from my H1B position about two months ago. I have moved to a new employer, but my previous employer has still not paid me my final paycheck. Is there anything I can do?

Answer If a former (or current) H1B employer fails to pay timely pay the wages owed, the H1B worker may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division.  (23.Mar.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For...

23 Mar 2023

My husband and I are both on H1B. I am applying for change to H-4 and an H-4 EAD. What happens if the H-4 is approved before the EAD?

Answer Once the change of status is approved, assuming it has an immediate start date, the H-4 dependent typically would need to stop working until the EAD is issued. In practice, however, when an H-4 and H-4 EAD are filed together, it appears the USCIS normally...

22 Mar 2023

April 2023 Visa Bulletin

Today, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the April 2023 Visa Bulletin. All cutoff dates listed refer to those in the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise specified. Visa Bulletin Summary Employment-Based, First Preference (EB1) Category There is no movement in the EB1 category, with...

16 Mar 2023

I am on H1B, working for a large tech company. My I-94 is valid through next year. I recently was notified that I am being laid off. Technically, I will remain employed by the company for the next couple of months, receiving my regular salary and benefits. However, I will not be performing any work. When does my 60-day grace period start?

Answer The regulation states that the 60-day grace period starts upon the "cessation of employment." So, in a case like this, it has been open to interpretation whether the grace period starts following the last day the person performs work, or if it starts following the...

16 Mar 2023

In 2022, I entered the U.S. on H-4 status. I then changed status to H1B, which is valid through 2025. I was recently laid off. Can I leave and return on my H-4 visa, or is that visa stamp now invalid since I changed to H1B status? 

Answer Typically, a change in status to H1B would have no impact on the validity of an H-4 visa "stamp." As long as the visa has not expired, it typically can be used to request readmission in H-4 status (assuming the principal H1B worker remains in...