14 Apr 2022

My husband was in L1A status and I have L2S status valid for several more months. His change of status to H1B was recently approved, while my change to H-4 status is still pending. Can I continue to work based on my L2S status?

Answer Generally speaking, once the principal spouse is no longer in valid L1A status, the dependent spouse is no longer considered to be in valid L2S status. Therefore, it normally would not be permissible to work in this situation. (13.Apr.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide...

14 Apr 2022

My H-4 status expires in June, so I filed an H-4 extension. I was also selected in the lottery, and my employer is requesting an October 1st start date for my H1B change-of-status petition. Will the pending H-4 extension impact my H1B case?

Answer The fact that both the H-4 extension and the H1B change of status are pending at the same time is not really an issue. But, given the lengthy processing times for H-4 extensions, it is entirely possible that the H-4 application will still be pending...

14 Apr 2022

I had an H1B valid for 2 more years with Employer A, but my project ended and I was laid off. After about 30 days, Employer B filed a petition for me and I started working based on the receipt notice. That petition was just denied. Am I allowed to use the remaining 30 days of my 60-day grace period?

Answer Unfortunately, no, this is not permissible. The grace period is available for a maximum of 60 consecutive days. If Employer B's petition had been approved and you then resigned or were terminated, you likely would have been eligible for a new 60-day grace period based...

06 Apr 2022

I am in B-1/B-2 status and my I-94 will expire in a few weeks. I wish to extend my stay by one month so I can attend an important event. However, I read online that, to extend my status, I need to file the application at least 45 days before my status expires. Is that correct?

Answer No, that is not correct. On its website, the USCIS "recommends" filing at least 45 days prior to one's I-94 expiration date. However, there is no rule requiring this. As long as the application is filed prior to the I-94 expiration date, one normally may...

06 Apr 2022

I am filing H-4 extensions for my son, who turns 21 next year, and my daughter, who is 17. Since my son is only eligible for a 1-year extension, do I have to file separate I-539 applications for my son and daughter, or can I file them together using an I-539 and I-539A?

Answer Normally, when you are filing for two (or more) dependents extending the same status (e.g., H-4), you can file an I-539 application for one dependent along with an I-539A for each other dependent. However, in a situation where one dependent is not eligible to extend...

30 Mar 2022

My I-94 is valid until next year, but I wish to resign from my current employer. If I resign and the employer withdraws my H1B petition, am I still eligible for the 60-day grace period?

Answer The fact that an employer withdraws the H1B petition would not normally impact eligibility for the 60-day grace period. So, assuming you otherwise meet the grace period requirements (e.g., you have not violated your status), you should be able to remain in the U.S. in...

30 Mar 2022

I have an approved H1B through 2024. My spouse is being transferred to Australia for one year, and I plan on accompanying her and working for the U.S. company remotely. When I return on H1B next year, is there anything special I need to do? Can I still use the same approval notice and visa?

Answer Assuming you will be coming back to work for the same employer in the same position, it generally would be fine to use the existing petition and visa. There is nothing special that you need to do. As a precaution, however, it may be a...

30 Mar 2022

I am working for Company A in H1B status. I have an offer from Company B to work part time for them on evenings and weekends. Is it possible to work for two H1B companies at the same time?

Answer Yes, concurrent employment is permitted. Prior to joining the second employer, that employer should file an H1B petition for you, requesting concurrent employment on the I-129. (30.Mar.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...