31 Jul 2024

I saw the announcement that the master’s cap was reached, but that the USCIS would be holding a second lottery for the regular cap. My case was filed for the master’s cap. Does that mean my case won’t be eligible for the second lottery?

AnswerGenerally speaking, if a case was filed in the master's cap but not selected, it is then placed in the lottery for the regular cap. Now, with a second lottery being conducted for fiscal year 2025 cap cases, both the regular and master's cap cases...

12 Jun 2024

I am in H1B status, and my wife had been in H-4 status. We recently discovered that, when she last entered the U.S., her I-94 was shorted based on her passport expiration date, so actually has been out of status for the past several months. We are working to resolve her issues. In the meantime, though, will her status violation impact my H1B extension of future green card case?

Answer No. A status violation by one spouse normally will not have a direct impact on the other spouse's H1B or green card case. (12.Jun.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...

18 Apr 2024

I am in H1B status with a pending I-485 application. I just received my EAD card based on my pending I-485. Do need to switch my work authorization to my EAD?

Answer Generally, no. If you are maintaining H1B status, you are not required to start using your EAD, and you can keep the card as a backup. Once you start using your EAD, your H1B status terminates. And, in many, if not most, situations, we recommend...

18 Apr 2024

My daughter is a high school student in H-4 status. She was offered a paid summer internship that would be great experience for when she applies for college. She asked the company if she could accept the internship without pay, but the company said they must pay her because of Department of Labor rules. Is there any way get an H-4 EAD?

Answer Unfortunately, the H-4 EAD rule only applies for H-4 spouses. Regardless of the reason behind the request, the USCIS cannot approve an H-4 EAD application filed on behalf of an H-4 dependent child.  (17.Apr.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

06 Mar 2024

I am on H1B and, when I joined my current employer, I agreed to provide 4-weeks’ notice if I was going to move to a new employer. I get a job offer that wants me to start in 2 weeks. If I do not give the full 4-weeks’ notice, would that be a violation of my H1B status?

Answer There is no requirement under immigration law to provide notice before moving to a new H1B employer. If there is a contract between the employer and the H1B worker, a breach of contract generally would be a civil matter - not viewed as a violation...

06 Mar 2024

I have about 11 months of H1B time remaining before I max out. If I leave the U.S. for 1 year, and then return in H1B status, would I be eligible for another 6 years of H1B time?

Answer If you have H1B time remaining, it generally is possible for an employer to file an H1B petition on your behalf requesting the remaining period of H1B time. To be eligible for a new 6-year period of H1B time, however, one would have to be...

21 Feb 2024

I am in F-1 status and my wife is in F-2. I found an employer to file an H1B registration for me this year. Does anything need to be filed for my wife during the registration period?

Answer No, there normally is nothing that would need to be filed for the H1B principal's dependents during the registration period. (21.Feb.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright...