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24 Dec 2024

I understand that India was removed from the J-1 exchange visitor skills list, and this eliminates the home residency requirement for many people who had J-1 visas. Does this apply to J-1 physicians?

Answer As you note, the change that was made relates to the J-1 skills list. Unfortunately, J-1 physicians generally do not benefit from this change. (24.Dec.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here....

09:59 / FAQs / For Individuals / Medical / Worker
18 Dec 2024

I have been in H1B status for nearly six years, and I have a PERM case filed by Company A that has been pending for more than 365 days. Can Company B file an H1B petition for me requesting status beyond six years using the PERM filed by Company A?

Answer Yes. Generally, any employer may file an H1B for you requesting status in 1-year increments as long as the PERM filed by the other company remains pending. (17.Dec.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online...

07:45 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Worker
11 Dec 2024

I am currently in the U.S. in H1B status, but plan on traveling to India soon to apply for stamping. While filling out the DS-160 form, it asks for my address. Should I use my U.S. address or my address in India?

Answer If you are completing the DS-160 while in the U.S., you should use your U.S. address as your current address and your Indian address as the mailing address.If you are in India when filling the form, you can list your Indian address for both; or...

15:37 / FAQs / For Individuals / Travel / Worker
27 Nov 2024

After working in India for several years as a manager, my employer transferred me to its U.S. subsidiary in H1B status. For the company to sponsor me for EB1(c), do I have to move to L1A status, first?

Answer No, there is no requirement that you be in L1A status for your employer to sponsor you for an EB1(c) position. If you meet the requirements for EB1(c), whether you are in H1B or L-1 status generally has little-to-no impact. (26.Nov.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior...

07:48 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Resident / Worker
20 Nov 2024

My H1B and my wife’s H-4 are both valid for another year. I am in the process of changing employers, and my new employer will be filing an H1B change-of-employer petition for me soon. Does my spouse need to file an I-539 to extend her H-4 status together with my H1B?

Answer Your spouse does not need to extend her H-4 status, given that her current I-94 is valid for another year. However, we usually recommend that the H-4 spouses file a new I-539 in these circumstances so that their H-4 end date matches the expiration of...

06:56 / FAQs / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / H1B / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
12 Nov 2024

Should I use premium processing for my H1B extension to get it adjudicated before the Trump Administration takes office?

Answer Under the first Trump Administration, nearly every aspect of legal immigration became significantly more challenging. So, there is reason to believe that having one's application or petition filed and approved under the current administration may be beneficial. (12.Nov.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

19:10 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
31 Oct 2024

After going through the lottery, I worked in H1B status for nearly five years. I then left the U.S. for a couple of years. I now found an employer willing to file an H1B for me. I do not have an approved I-140. If a company sponsors me for an H1B position now, has my H1B clock reset?

Answer In order to be eligible for a new six-year period of H1B time, one generally would need to be outside the U.S. for at least one year, and then go through the H1B lottery again.A person is generally allowed to use any remaining H1B time,...

17:25 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Resident / Worker
23 Oct 2024

Years ago, I did something foolish and was found inadmissible based on fraud / misrepresentation by CBP. I applied for a new visa and a waiver at the consulate, which was approved, and I returned to the U.S. to resume employment on H1B. I have been in the U.S. ever since. My priority date is now current for my employment-based green card case. Since I already had a waiver approved, can I file my I-485?

Answer A fraud / misrepresentation finding makes one permanently inadmissible. The waiver that you applied for and received at the consulate waives inadmissibility only with regard to your admission as a nonimmigrant (e.g., H1B). In order to waive the inadmissibility for the purposes of becoming a...

10:49 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Travel / Worker