30 Jun 2022

My husband is on L-1 and I am working in L2S status. Our I-94s are valid until next year, but his employer is laying him off next week. Do I have to stop working immediately? Or is there any type of grace period?

Answer After being terminated, the principal L-1 worker is normally eligible for a 60-day grace period, or until the I-94 expires, whichever date is sooner. This period is considered valid status. If the L-1 spouse is in valid status and the L2S souse is otherwise maintaining...

23 Jun 2022

I am working in H1B status and have been offered a better job with a different company. Prior to joining the new employer, however, I would like to take some time off. If I quit my current job, can I make use of the 60-day grace period, or do you have to be fired to be eligible for the grace period?

AnswerAssuming you meet the standard criteria for the 60-day grace period, the fact that you have resigned – as opposed to being fired / laid-off – would not impact your eligibility to use the grace period. (22.Jun.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that...

23 Jun 2022

I have a BS in computer science and an MBA. My H1B registration was selected in the master’s cap, based on my MBA. My employer is now filing the H1B petition, but listed that the position requires at least a BS in computer science. Are they required to list the MBA as the minimum requirement? Will this create any problems with petition?

Answer The degree used to qualify for the master's cap does not have to be the same degree listed for the minimum education requirement in the H1B petition. If the position requires a BS in computer science, that is what should be listed on the petition....

15 Jun 2022

I am working based on an H-4 EAD, and I have a pending I-485 based on my husband’s EB2 case. My husband’s I-485 was just approved. Can I continue working based on my H-4 EAD?

Answer Once the principal spouse's green card is approved, that individual generally is no longer considered to be in H1B status. And, if the principal spouse is no longer in H1B status, the dependent spouse typically cannot be maintaining valid H-4 status (or continue to use...

15 Jun 2022

My H1B cap case was approved in 2014. After getting my H1B visa stamped, however, the company ran into financial problems. I ended up not ever coming to the U.S. in H1B status. I now have found a different company in the U.S. willing to hire me. Do I have to wait for next year’s lottery, or can the H1B be filed now?

AnswerThe USCIS technically considers a foreign national counted against the numerical H1B cap if he is granted a change of status to H1B, or if he is issued an H1B visa from a U.S. consulate abroad. Since you were issued an H1B visa, it should...

15 Jun 2022

My green card expires in a few months. I need to travel overseas for a few weeks, but will be back at least a couple of months before it expires. Is there any requirement that the green card be valid for at least six months when traveling?

Answer No, there is no such requirement. You likely are thinking of the rule that requires the passport to be valid for at least six months beyond a nonimmigrant's anticipated stay in the United States. But even that "rule" only applies to passports issued by countries...