31 Mar 2014

After denial of H1B extension (I-94 already expired), employer proposes to file a new H1B. Is stay in USA legal until a decision is made on the new H1B? What are my options here? Is it better to file the new H1B through another company?

Answer Generally, foreign nationals are legally present if there is a properly filed request to extend or change status. Properly and timely filed means that the case is filed while the person is in status. Filing after a person is out of status would not usually...

24 Mar 2014

Can an employee pay for the green card processing expenses?

Answer The U.S. Department of Labor requires that the employer pay for the PERM labor certification and related expenses. So, the employer must be paid for this part of the case. The USCIS does not have the same view, so the expenses of the I-140 and...

21 Mar 2014

I worked on post-completion OPT for one year after I completed my master’s degree. I then decided to continue my education and went to law school. I have now graduated with a J.D. degree and would like to get some practical experience working in a law office. Am I eligible for a second one-year period of OPT?

Answer According to the general OPT rule, a student becomes eligible for a new 12-month OPT period based upon completion of a subsequent degree at a higher educational level. But, in some cases, such as yours, it is not entirely clear if the subsequent degree is...