05 Mar 2018

I am about to max out of my 6 years of H1B time, so I am applying for a change to H-4. If, after I transfer to H-4 status, I get an approved I-140, can I use that to move back to H1B status?

Answer If you previously held H1B status and you have an I-140 approved, you generally can use this as a basis to return to H1B status. (i.e. The approved I-140 can be used to request H1B status beyond the standard 6-year max.) (05.Mar.2018)In frequent sessions of...

05 Mar 2018

I am waiting for my oath ceremony in order to naturalize. Also, my green card is about to expire. I have a family emergency and need to travel to India immediately. What options do I have to return with no issues? Will this impact my naturalization case?

Answer If you have an emergency need to travel, you can try to obtain a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport at the local USCIS office. It typically is okay to travel while waiting for one's naturalization oath ceremony, but you need to inform the USCIS...

26 Feb 2018

I am in H1B status now, and will soon be flying to India to visit family. I need to go to the consulate for a new visa stamp. How does the new H1B memo impact stamping?

Answer Currently, the new memo only affects USCIS adjudications of H1B petitions. However, the consulates are always free to request additional documentation that they feel is necessary to verify that the H1B petition job is still valid. (26.Feb.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and...

26 Feb 2018

My H-4 extension is currently pending, and my spouse’s I-140 was just approved. Can I apply for an H-4 EAD now, or do I need to wait for the H-4 extension to be approved?

Answer An H-4 spouse typically can apply for the H-4 EAD at any time, based on the H1B holder's I-140 approval. If the H-4 extension is currently pending, you can provide evidence of the pending case and request that the USCIS approve the H-4 EAD based...

23 Feb 2018

I’ve been attending a university as a full-time student in H-4 status as a dependent of my father on H1B. I have one semester left before the end of my program of study. …

... Next month, I will be turning 21 and will no longer be eligible for H-4. What should I do? Answer You must apply for change of status to another nonimmigrant status for which you may be eligible, by your 21st birthday, in order to comply with...

16 Feb 2018

Can I travel on F-1 during cap gap OPT?

Answer In order to travel in F-1 status during the cap-gap period, your H1B petition has to be approved before your departure. In addition, you should return before October 1st, when your H1B employment is scheduled to begin.If you leave the U.S. while your H1B petition...

12 Feb 2018

Can a person with an H-4 EAD work for two different companies at the same time?

Answer In general, yes, the H-4 EAD is unrestricted, meaning that it is not tied to a particular employer. It can be used for multiple employers, or even for self-employment. (12.Feb.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...