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13 Oct 2022

My I-140 was approved in the EB2 NIW category. The NIW was approved based on my work related to cancer research and statistical analysis. Am I allowed to move into a different field of research / statistical analysis while my I-485 is pending?

Answer The NIW requires an intention to continue to work in the field of expertise. So, while there is no specific job offer requirement, the entire case is based upon one’s qualifications and the benefit prospectively to the United States that is likely to come from...

08:38 / EB2 National Interest Waiver / Employment Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident
05 Oct 2022

I am a U.S. citizen and am sponsoring my brother for a family-based green card. Will the pending I-130 prevent him from being issued an H1B?

Answer Unlike most nonimmigrant visa categories, the H1B category allows for dual intent. Therefore, a pending (or approved) family-based green card case normally would not impact a person's ability to apply for H1B status. (05.Oct.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

18:23 / Family Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Worker
05 Oct 2022

My employer filed an EB2 case for me, and I have a 2021 priority date. Given that I was born in India, it appears I will have to wait a very long time for a green card. I have a child with a medical condition and obtaining a green card would be especially helpful to provide him with more long-term stability regarding medical care. Is it possible to request that USCIS expedite my case?

Answer Although there is a process for requesting that a petition be expedited, this would be for the USCIS to adjudicate a particular case. Unfortunately, the USCIS cannot "expedite" a priority date becoming current. (05.Oct.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

18:20 / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident
05 Oct 2022

I am in H-4 status and my husband has an approved I-140. I recently gave birth to our first child, and I have no intentions of working for the foreseeable future. As a precaution, however, I was considering applying for an H-4 EAD. Is this permitted even if I may never use the EAD?

Answer Yes, this is allowed. The H-4 EAD provides the individual with unrestricted work authorization, but it does not require that the person actually work. (05.Oct.2022)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here....

18:17 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
29 Sep 2022

My H1B is valid for a couple of more months, and I have an EAD based on my pending I-485. Do I have to maintain H1B status until the green card is issued?

Answer Ordinarily, a person may remain in the United States in a period of authorized stay based on a pending I-485 application. So, generally speaking, there is no requirement for the individual to maintain valid status while waiting for the green card to be issued.That being...

16:34 / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Worker
22 Sep 2022

My EB2 I-485 was approved a few days ago. My wife’s I-485, which is also based on my I-140, is still pending. My priority date will no longer be current in October. What happens if her case is not approved before October 1st?

Answer The USCIS generally cannot approve an I-485 if the priority date of the underlying I-140 is no longer current. Therefore, if your wife's case is not approved before October 1st, it likely will remain pending until the date becomes current again (or some other action...

06:54 / Employment Based / FAQs / For Families / Immigrant Family / Resident
22 Sep 2022

My employer is filing an L1B for me so that I can continue working on a project involving our proprietary software. Initially, I will be working at our headquarters. But, at some point, I likely will need to work at the client location for some months to finish installing and modifying the software. Is this allowed while on L1B?

Answer It is possible for an L1B employee to be placed at a third-party work location. However, this needs to be indicated on the L1B petition, and the employer must demonstrate that it will maintain a qualifying employer-employee relationship with this L1B worker.  (22.Sep.2022)Sheela Murthy and...

06:52 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
22 Sep 2022

I was working for Employer A in H1B status, and then moved to Employer B. I am now interested in returning to Employer A. The employer did not withdraw the petition, and it does not expire until next year. Can I join based on the existing petition, or does Employer A need to first file an H1B transfer?

Answer There is a legacy INS opinion letter that indicates it is permissible to return to a previous employer based on the "dormant" petition. However, depending on the circumstances, that is not always the safest / best practice, as it creates a rather confusing history, among...

06:48 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker