25 Feb 2019

I am in H1B status and am being promoted to a managerial position, where I will have one direct report. Does this qualify me for an EB1(c), multinational manager / executive case?

Answer In order to qualify for the EB1(c) category, one must have worked abroad as a manager or executive for at least one year, and then be offered a managerial or executive position with a related company in the U.S. Without the qualifying foreign experience, one...

11 Feb 2019

My I-140 was just approved. Can I keep this priority date if I leave the U.S. and do not return until my priority date becomes current? Could I use that priority date with an I-140 filed by a different employer?

Answer Once the I-140 is approved, the priority date is "cemented" and will be retained for future I-140 approvals with different employers. Only revocation of the I-140 by the government (as opposed to withdrawal by the employer) can result in loss of the priority date; this...

11 Feb 2019

The USCIS online system shows my I-140 was approved, but I do not have a copy of the approval notice. If I apply to extend H1B status beyond 6 years with a different employer, do I submit a copy of the actual approval notice?

Answer It generally is possible to print out the case status result from the USCIS website, and submit this printout as proof that one has an approved I-140, and therefore qualifies for an H1B extension beyond 6 years. (11.Feb.2019)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy...

28 Jan 2019

I am in the United States in H1B classification. My employer has filed an amendment of my H1B petition. Can I travel while my H1B amendment is pending?

Answer Yes. Current USCIS and USCBP policy does permit international travel while an H1B amendment is pending. One should have the appropriate documents (valid visa, valid passport, approved petition, and amended petition receipt notice), and be prepared to explain the situation. Despite this ostensibly permissive U.S....

14 Jan 2019

My EB3 I-140 is approved and my I-485 is pending. Is leisure travel / vacation outside the U.S. allowed using my advance parole (AP) document?

Answer Yes, generally there are no restrictions on traveling based on AP while one has a pending I-485. (14.Jan.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 participation, click here.Access...

14 Jan 2019

After my I-140 was approved, I got divorced. I have since remarried. Can I add my new wife to the I-140?

Answer There is no need to "add" one's wife to the I-140 in this situation. When the priority date is current, both spouses generally are eligible to file their I-485 applications, regardless of whether the current spouse is listed in the I-140. (14.Jan.2019)In frequent sessions of...