25 Apr 2016

I have an approved I-140 and have been in H1B status for 9 years. I may need to move to H-4 status temporarily for personal reasons. Can I move back to H1B later based on the approved I-140?

Answer Assuming the I-140 is not withdrawn by the petitioning employer and remains valid, it should be possible to be sponsored for a change back to H1B status without being subject to the cap again. (25.Apr.2016)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior...

18 Apr 2016

I have completed 6 years in H1B status. My LC is being appealed with BALCA. If I go back to India for one year, and then wish to return in H1B status, do I have to go through the lottery again? If not, how much H1B time will I get?

Answer A case pending with BALCA may be used as a basis to apply for a one-year extension of H1B status, assuming the LC was filed at least 365 days prior. So, if the beneficiary left for a year and the BALCA case is still pending,...

18 Apr 2016

I was in L1B status for three years and then left the U.S. Six months later, I was sponsored for an H1B position through the lottery, but I waited more than one year before entering in H1B status. Will the L-1 time count against my 6-year max of H1B time?

Answer In order to get the full six-year clock reset, it is necessary to be out of the U.S. for a year at the time the H1B case is filed. Most things in immigration require one to qualify at the time of filing. So, the L-1...

11 Apr 2016

I was enrolled in a J-1 clinical program, but I have not yet completed my 2-year home residency requirement. I am on F-1. Can I apply for change of status to a new J-1 clinical program?

Answer As a general rule, people who are subject to the 2-year HRR cannot change status from within the United States. But, they may be eligible to obtain certain visas from outside the U.S. to allow for a status change through consular processing. (11.Apr.2016)In frequent sessions...

11 Apr 2016

My H1B visa ‘stamp’ expired, but my H1B extension is valid for another year. If I visit Mexico or Canada for a few days, do I need to get a new visa stamp to reenter in H1B status?

Answer There is an automatic visa revalidation / contiguous territory rule that generally allows for such travel without getting a new visa. If status has been maintained and the person has a valid I-94, reentry is allowed following brief trips (30 days or less) to Canada/Mexico without...