11 May 2023

I was transferred to the U.S. in L-1 status a few weeks ago and just learned that I am going to continue getting paid in India, rather than being paid in the U.S. I will, however, be receiving the salary indicated in my L-1 petition. Is this allowed, or is it required that the U.S. company pay my salary?

Answer Generally speaking, it is permissible for an L-1 worker to be paid by the foreign entity rather than the petitioning entity in the United States. (11.May.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...

11 May 2023

My employer is filing my H1B cap case using regular processing. The hope is that the case will be approved before the requested October 1, 2023, start date. If it takes longer than expected, is it possible to change the case to premium processing after filing?

Answer Ordinarily, yes, it is possible to "upgrade" an H1B petition to premium processing at any time. (11.May.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright © 2023, MURTHY LAW...

04 May 2023

With all the news about fraudulent / duplicate H1B registrations submitted this year, does this mean there will be a second H1B lottery?

Answer We likely will not know for sure about a second lottery until July, at the earliest. But, given that there appears to have been a significant number of duplication registrations submitted, there definitely is reason to think a second lottery may be necessary. (03.May.2023)Sheela Murthy...

04 May 2023

I am on OPT, and I was not selected in this year’s H1B lottery. My employer suggested transferring me to their office in Canada, having me work there for a year, and then bringing me back on L-1. Is this a realistic option?

Answer There are three basic requirements to qualify for L-1: (1) the foreign entity and U.S. entity must have common ownership and control; (2) the person must work in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge position for the related entity abroad for at least one year;...

20 Apr 2023

My husband entered in H1B status in October 2022, and his employer has not yet started a green card case for him. Is it possible for me to qualify for an H-4 EAD?

Answer In order to qualify for an H-4 EAD, the principal H1B spouse must either (1) be the beneficiary of an approved I-140, or (2) have extended H1B status beyond six years based on the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21). If your husband's...

20 Apr 2023

Last year, my registration was selected in the lottery. The H1B petition was approved and I got my H1B visa stamp, but the project was then canceled and I never came to the U.S. Can an employer file an H1B for me now without going through the lottery?

Answer The USCIS technically considers an H1B applicant counted against the numerical H1B cap if s/he is issued an H1B visa "stamp" from a U.S. consulate abroad. In general, a foreign national who has been counted against the H1B cap may work in H1B status for...