I_need_GC
07-24 10:51 AM
Recommend brining wide on H4 considering you have H1B once she is here you apply for her 485 along with yours.
1- Yes
2- Yes (but the job duties have to be relatively the same)
3- tricky, if your employer revokes your i-140 before you file a change then you lose the date. its tricky waters
Hi All-
I have a tricky scenario here, I need some input/guidance.
I came to USA during Dec 2003 through a California based Indian Consulting firm. I worked for him for 2 years. In between, he
applied the petition for my labor in April 2005 on eB2 Category and my responsibility was to pay for the GREEN CARD expenses.
During Oct 2005, I joined an American company as permanent employee. Even after that, due to the good terms with my previous employer he agreed to apply for my I-140 during 2007 June and I took care of the financial aspect of it. The known understanding was that I will join his company in near future, apply the I-485 and get the GC.
Two months back my I-140 got approved and I was waiting for the priority date to be current. Last week, I came back from my India trip. I got engaged during my trip and my marriage has been fixed in Nov'08. Today when I checked the UCSIS site, the priority date for the eB2 category is current.
My questions are:
1) At this point of time, I do not want to join my old employer.Working with the current American company, can I still proceed and apply for the I-485 through my previous employer ??.
2) If not, Can I use the earlier priority date(April 2005) by applying for a fresh GC(perm labor/ I-140) from my current employer?
3) To use the earlier priority date(April 2005), do I need to take approval letter from my previous employer ? Is there any chance that the old priority date can be revoked by the employer ??
If any of you guys have had/come across the same kind of scenario, please do let me know what would be the best way to proceed.
I really appreciate your response in this regard.
Thanks!!
1- Yes
2- Yes (but the job duties have to be relatively the same)
3- tricky, if your employer revokes your i-140 before you file a change then you lose the date. its tricky waters
Hi All-
I have a tricky scenario here, I need some input/guidance.
I came to USA during Dec 2003 through a California based Indian Consulting firm. I worked for him for 2 years. In between, he
applied the petition for my labor in April 2005 on eB2 Category and my responsibility was to pay for the GREEN CARD expenses.
During Oct 2005, I joined an American company as permanent employee. Even after that, due to the good terms with my previous employer he agreed to apply for my I-140 during 2007 June and I took care of the financial aspect of it. The known understanding was that I will join his company in near future, apply the I-485 and get the GC.
Two months back my I-140 got approved and I was waiting for the priority date to be current. Last week, I came back from my India trip. I got engaged during my trip and my marriage has been fixed in Nov'08. Today when I checked the UCSIS site, the priority date for the eB2 category is current.
My questions are:
1) At this point of time, I do not want to join my old employer.Working with the current American company, can I still proceed and apply for the I-485 through my previous employer ??.
2) If not, Can I use the earlier priority date(April 2005) by applying for a fresh GC(perm labor/ I-140) from my current employer?
3) To use the earlier priority date(April 2005), do I need to take approval letter from my previous employer ? Is there any chance that the old priority date can be revoked by the employer ??
If any of you guys have had/come across the same kind of scenario, please do let me know what would be the best way to proceed.
I really appreciate your response in this regard.
Thanks!!
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GCaspirations
09-21 10:39 PM
My case was also transferred to CSC. The transfer notice has a different receipt date than the receipt notice. MY case is now transferred back to NSC.
I would like to know if anybody of you have received finger print notice. I have not received it yet.
I would like to know if anybody of you have received finger print notice. I have not received it yet.
man-woman-and-gc
01-18 01:15 PM
The USCIS procedures do not follow any logic....all of you need to join the Letter Campaign started by IV if you have not already.
That is the only ray of hope that I can see for now.
That is the only ray of hope that I can see for now.
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looneytunezez
10-04 12:25 PM
if you are not on his W-2, and the contract says that you are....that means he made a false contract, which should be invalid.
i think you can talk to a attorney to get more clear picture, but based on what you say....i think you shld be ok, since his initial contract was false.
http://smallbusiness.findlaw.com/business-forms-contracts/business-forms-contracts-overview/business-forms-contracts-overview-enforceable.html
again, I am not attorney and above statement is just my opinion.
i think you can talk to a attorney to get more clear picture, but based on what you say....i think you shld be ok, since his initial contract was false.
http://smallbusiness.findlaw.com/business-forms-contracts/business-forms-contracts-overview/business-forms-contracts-overview-enforceable.html
again, I am not attorney and above statement is just my opinion.
more...
a_yaja
10-11 05:02 PM
hi ,
Here is my situation.
(employer) -> (middle vendor ) -> prime vendor -> (End client ).
I am working to a client in california in the above mentioned order. After 1 year we got rid of middle vendor and prime vendor is working with my employer directly . Now middle vendor is threatning me that he can sue me for breaking the line of contract .
i dont understand ho can even its possible as i never signed any document with middle vendor and he is not even my employer . He is just acting as middle layer by showing prime vendor that i am his employee which is wrong. now we removed him from line of contract and he is saying that he will sue all of us for doing this.
is there any way that he can even do this ?
- Thanks in advance.
Is he threatening to sue you or your employer? If it is your employer, then it is really not your problem. Depending on the way the contract was worded between your employer and the "middle vendor", the "middle vendor" may have grounds to go after your employer. But like I said before, it has nothing to do with you.
As others have mentioned in this forum, the "middle vendor" cannot go after you as there is no contract between you and the "middle vendor". Even if there was, it would hardly stand in a court of law.
Here is my situation.
(employer) -> (middle vendor ) -> prime vendor -> (End client ).
I am working to a client in california in the above mentioned order. After 1 year we got rid of middle vendor and prime vendor is working with my employer directly . Now middle vendor is threatning me that he can sue me for breaking the line of contract .
i dont understand ho can even its possible as i never signed any document with middle vendor and he is not even my employer . He is just acting as middle layer by showing prime vendor that i am his employee which is wrong. now we removed him from line of contract and he is saying that he will sue all of us for doing this.
is there any way that he can even do this ?
- Thanks in advance.
Is he threatening to sue you or your employer? If it is your employer, then it is really not your problem. Depending on the way the contract was worded between your employer and the "middle vendor", the "middle vendor" may have grounds to go after your employer. But like I said before, it has nothing to do with you.
As others have mentioned in this forum, the "middle vendor" cannot go after you as there is no contract between you and the "middle vendor". Even if there was, it would hardly stand in a court of law.
gc28262
02-09 01:00 PM
Pardon my ignorance.
What is op-ed ?
What is op-ed ?
more...
AbraKaDabra
12-21 12:31 PM
Flying thru Amsterdam and Milan doesn't require a transit visa
2010 osama bin laden 39 s hideout.
ndbhatt
11-08 01:57 PM
You are counting one visa per person in EB3. Remember that applicant's family members too take away visas from these numbers. On an average it is considered as 2.5 visas per primary applicant.
Also, the last I remember, the country cap was 7% and not 10%, unless things have changed since then.
Also, the last I remember, the country cap was 7% and not 10%, unless things have changed since then.
more...
immilaw
09-15 02:13 PM
hi is there any hope for eb-2 india?since its has retrogressed,can we expect any forward movement in the next few months?is there any chance of further retrogression?are there too many cases coming out of back log centres?
my case r got cleared from backlog centre few months back and i-140 recently approved,my pd is oct 2002 eb-2.iam so unlucky for the past so many yrs ,now that its approved i dont have a chance to apply for 485 as dates retrogressed.is there any hope in the next few months for a forward movement?by 2007 oct eb-2 will it be able to reach atleast 2003 end or 2004 begining?
You should be happy. In the next 2-3 months your PD will be current. I am confident your PD will soon be current.
my case r got cleared from backlog centre few months back and i-140 recently approved,my pd is oct 2002 eb-2.iam so unlucky for the past so many yrs ,now that its approved i dont have a chance to apply for 485 as dates retrogressed.is there any hope in the next few months for a forward movement?by 2007 oct eb-2 will it be able to reach atleast 2003 end or 2004 begining?
You should be happy. In the next 2-3 months your PD will be current. I am confident your PD will soon be current.
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chaukas
04-15 02:28 AM
My parents travelled both on Cathay and JAL. Cathay has better food , but the flight to SFO is really long. They had used JAL before which has approx 8-10 hrs for each leg. Also, on the return , there is a days halt , so they provide a hotel. My parents took a small tour of the area too.
more...
sathishkrish
08-13 10:33 PM
Does filing of dependent's I-485 anything to do with LUD on approved I-140/I-131 of Primary applicant? Anybody having similar experience?
Thanks
I got an LUD too for 8/12 but not on my underlying 140 petition but on a differant I140 petition. I have two I140's - I applied 485 thru my current employer on 8/3 at TSC.
Thanks
I got an LUD too for 8/12 but not on my underlying 140 petition but on a differant I140 petition. I have two I140's - I applied 485 thru my current employer on 8/3 at TSC.
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lazycis
01-15 11:41 AM
Granted the employer may not deduct the attorney fees post filing, does that also necessarily mean the employee should not be required to pay up front?
Yes, it's indirect deduction.
Yes, it's indirect deduction.
more...
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chanduv23
06-19 12:00 PM
Your mom had GC in 80s? Why are you in EB queue? You should have gotten your GC by now. Just kidding:D
My dad had GC in 70s, he came and went back to India to pursue a lucarative job.
He is currently here on a visitor's visa and during the visa interview at Chennai, he showed his expired green card - and they confiscated it (after 30+ years of expiry)and gave him a tourist visa.
My dad had GC in 70s, he came and went back to India to pursue a lucarative job.
He is currently here on a visitor's visa and during the visa interview at Chennai, he showed his expired green card - and they confiscated it (after 30+ years of expiry)and gave him a tourist visa.
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anilsal
11-15 11:23 PM
Since you are filing your GC through a lawyer, it is their job to advice you when the time comes. Keep them informed about your case and they should research and guide.
more...
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nonimmi
02-01 11:28 AM
Anyone knows a good attorney in PA/NJ area? Though location is not that important but service is.
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sanher
10-29 12:16 PM
I am scared to see this. I am flying to backhome for stamping this weekend.
more...
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texcan
03-03 11:37 PM
hi all,
my sister has a priority date of feb 2005 and she got the following update today for herself, husband and son. What does it mean ?
*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***
The last processing action taken on your case
Receipt Number:
Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS
Current Status: This case is now pending at the office to which it was transferred.
The I485 APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS was transferred and is now pending standard processing at a USCIS office. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address. We process cases in the order we receive them. You can use our processing dates to estimate when this case will be done, counting from when USCIS received it. Follow the link below to check processing dates. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. To receive e-mail updates, follow the link below to register.
If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.
*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.
Sincerely,
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
this is final stage of processing, get ready for GC stamp on passport.
Good luck.
my sister has a priority date of feb 2005 and she got the following update today for herself, husband and son. What does it mean ?
*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***
The last processing action taken on your case
Receipt Number:
Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS
Current Status: This case is now pending at the office to which it was transferred.
The I485 APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS was transferred and is now pending standard processing at a USCIS office. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address. We process cases in the order we receive them. You can use our processing dates to estimate when this case will be done, counting from when USCIS received it. Follow the link below to check processing dates. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. To receive e-mail updates, follow the link below to register.
If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.
*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.
Sincerely,
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
this is final stage of processing, get ready for GC stamp on passport.
Good luck.
girlfriend 07-27 03:12 PM in laden 39 s
gk_2000
05-20 05:31 PM
I have Master's degree from US and have been with the company for 6yrs. This is the response from my Attorney on porting to EB2 category. My I485 was filed during July 2007. What can i do to be able to file a new PERM LC for porting to EB2 category without affecting my I485 application? Please advise.
Thank you for your email inquiring about filing a new PERM labor certification (PERM LC) application to qualify for the EB-2 preference category. A final determination has been made on whether a new PERM LC can be filed.
Regulations that govern the PERM Labor Certification process do not permit an employer to file a new PERM LC application for the sole purpose of shortening the wait time in immigrant visa preference categories. Company will not file a new PERM LC unless it is clearly required by regulation.
We completed our research and legal analysis. The purpose of the research was to determine whether you can still benefit from your current case, or whether substantial job changes require, by law, a new PERM LC application to be filed on your behalf.
Our final assessment is that while some job changes have occurred, the changes are not substantial in the context of labor certification regulations. Please note that while the group, products and/or daily tasks in your employment may be different, these changes are not substantial from an immigration perspective and do not require a new PERM LC. In addition, portability provisions of the law allow considerable flexibility for job changes when an I-485 Adjustment of Status application has been filed.
This is not an internal policy matter, rather company's compliance with U.S. Department of Labor regulations that govern the PERM LC process.
Translation: We are an a$$#ole company that is not interested in retaining their talent. You are better off trying somewhere else and getting your GC, and coming back and joining us, then sc*** us by becoming our boss
Thank you for your email inquiring about filing a new PERM labor certification (PERM LC) application to qualify for the EB-2 preference category. A final determination has been made on whether a new PERM LC can be filed.
Regulations that govern the PERM Labor Certification process do not permit an employer to file a new PERM LC application for the sole purpose of shortening the wait time in immigrant visa preference categories. Company will not file a new PERM LC unless it is clearly required by regulation.
We completed our research and legal analysis. The purpose of the research was to determine whether you can still benefit from your current case, or whether substantial job changes require, by law, a new PERM LC application to be filed on your behalf.
Our final assessment is that while some job changes have occurred, the changes are not substantial in the context of labor certification regulations. Please note that while the group, products and/or daily tasks in your employment may be different, these changes are not substantial from an immigration perspective and do not require a new PERM LC. In addition, portability provisions of the law allow considerable flexibility for job changes when an I-485 Adjustment of Status application has been filed.
This is not an internal policy matter, rather company's compliance with U.S. Department of Labor regulations that govern the PERM LC process.
Translation: We are an a$$#ole company that is not interested in retaining their talent. You are better off trying somewhere else and getting your GC, and coming back and joining us, then sc*** us by becoming our boss
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saketkapur
07-27 05:24 PM
ImmInfo Newsletter "Unlawful presence" myths and realities (http://imminfo.com/Newsletter/2009-7/unlawful_presence.html)
Unlawful Presence: Myths and Realities
Ron Gotcher
Recently, the USCIS released a new policy memorandum on the subject of �unlawful presence.� Because of its length and the poor quality of the writing, there has been a great deal of confusion resulting from it. We would like to clarify a few of the more egregious misunderstandings that have taken root as a result of this memorandum.
A person who applies for adjustment of status while in lawful status, and thereafter allows his or her nonimmigrant status to expire is not going to be deported.
The new memo makes it clear that when someone applies for adjustment of status, they are thereafter present with the permission of the Secretary of DHS. As such, they do not accrue unlawful presence even if their nonimmigrant status expires. While technically they may be subject to removal, the CIS does not attempt to remove them for a very practical reason. If the immigration service institutes removal proceedings against someone who is eligible for adjustment of status, that person will simply renew their application before the immigration judge. Immigration will have wasted a great deal of time and energy and accomplished nothing. There is no possible reason that would compel the immigration authorities to change their current policy and begin trying to remove people with valid pending adjustment of status applications.
Nonimmigrants are not required to maintain their status after filing for adjustment of status.
Some writers have said that AOS applicants must continue to maintain their nonimmigrant status after filing for adjustment of status. They are wrong. In many cases, attempting to do so would involve visa fraud and render the applicant ineligible to adjust status. Certain nonimmigrant categories, such as B, F, J, and M are �single intent� categories. If someone who is actively in the process of immigrating to the United States attempted to extend status in a category where they are required by law to have a good faith intent to leave the United States and return to their home country to resume their residence there, that would be an act of fraud. You can swear on the one hand that you intend to return to your home country immediately upon the expiration of your nonimmigrant status, while on the other continue to request permanent resident status in the United States. Filing this type of application would do positive harm to your case.
It is not necessary to maintain H1B status after filing for adjustment of status, and in many cases doing causes harm to the applicant.
There is really only one valid reason for an adjustment of status applicant to maintain H1B nonimmigrant status after filing for AOS. That is the situation where the H1B has a spouse or child who has not filed for AOS and requires an H4 visa in order to remain in the United States. Other than this situation, there is no valid reason for someone to try to maintain H1B status after filing for AOS.
Maintenance of H-1B status is not without cost. The CIS filing fees are $320, plus $500 for the anti-fraud fee it is a first filing (such as an employer transfer), and $750 to $1,500 for the ACWIA fee. This does not include attorney�s fees. There are two other �costs� that must be counted as well. If you travel, you must have a valid H-1B visa to re-enter. This means that you may have expend time and money renewing your H visa. Also, with an H visa, you may not accept work from anyone other than your petitioning employer. Otherwise, you are in violation of your H status.
Historically, I�ve heard three main arguments I�ve in favor of using H-1B. First, there is the �just in case� argument. To me, this falls into the �monsters under the bed� or fear of the dark kind of superstitious dread argument. �I don�t know what might happen, but I want to keep my H-1B just in case.� I�ve always felt that if you can�t articulate the reason for doing something, it isn�t a very good reason.
The second reason is a concern that if the applicant�s I-485 is denied, the applicant can revert to H-1B status. I believe this to be a specious argument also. Most I-485 denials result from I-140 denials. If your I-140 has been approved, the odds of your I-485 being denied drop to almost zero. The two remaining reasons for I-485 denials are status violations prior to filing and fraud. Both of these reasons impact H-1B validity as well and if an I-485 is denied for either reason, it is doubtful that the applicant would be allowed to resume H-1B status.
The third reason, and in my opinion the only valid reason, arises in unusual situations where the principal applicant has applied for adjustment of status but his or her spouse hasn�t. In such cases, it is essential that the principal applicant maintain H-1B status so that the spouse remains eligible for H-4 status.
There is one other important consideration with respect to maintaining H-1B status while applying for adjustment of status (AOS). I�ve seen situations involving individuals who elected to stay in H status while applying for AOS and traveled abroad using their H visas and were laid off unexpectedly while abroad, or other saw their H petitioner go out of business suddenly. All were left high and dry overseas with no way to return to the US. If they tried to use their H visas, they would be guilty of visa fraud at entry and thus ineligible for adjustment of status.
Finally, AOS applicants who have given up H status should understand that there is nothing to prevent them from re-applying for H classification should something go disastrously wrong with their AOS application. If the applicant is still eligible for H classification, there is nothing to prevent them from re-acquiring it later.
Employment authorization documents (EAD) are presently valid for one year at a time, unless you have an approved I-140, in which case they will issue them for two years. Advance parole (AP) documents are presently valid for only one year. The EAD/AP combination provides an applicant with a simple, inexpensive alternative to trying to maintain H status while applying for AOS. More importantly, EADs give an applicant job flexibility. With an EAD, an AOS applicant who wishes to exercise his or her right to job portability need only show an EAD card in order to accept new employment immediately. Similarly, an applicant who travels and uses AP as a re-entry document need never bother with having to make an appointment and apply for a new visa while abroad.
Finally, the CIS is now looking closely at the issue of unauthorized employment after filing for AOS. With an EAD, as long as you keep it current, it is impossible for you to engage in unauthorized employment. With an H1B, you are very strictly constrained by the LCA and H petition terms. If you or your employer deviate in any way, you risk violating your H status and thereafter engaging in unauthorized employment. The EAD path is far safer.
Ron Gotcher
Copyright � 2009 The Gotcher Law Group, PC - All Rights Reserved
Unlawful Presence: Myths and Realities
Ron Gotcher
Recently, the USCIS released a new policy memorandum on the subject of �unlawful presence.� Because of its length and the poor quality of the writing, there has been a great deal of confusion resulting from it. We would like to clarify a few of the more egregious misunderstandings that have taken root as a result of this memorandum.
A person who applies for adjustment of status while in lawful status, and thereafter allows his or her nonimmigrant status to expire is not going to be deported.
The new memo makes it clear that when someone applies for adjustment of status, they are thereafter present with the permission of the Secretary of DHS. As such, they do not accrue unlawful presence even if their nonimmigrant status expires. While technically they may be subject to removal, the CIS does not attempt to remove them for a very practical reason. If the immigration service institutes removal proceedings against someone who is eligible for adjustment of status, that person will simply renew their application before the immigration judge. Immigration will have wasted a great deal of time and energy and accomplished nothing. There is no possible reason that would compel the immigration authorities to change their current policy and begin trying to remove people with valid pending adjustment of status applications.
Nonimmigrants are not required to maintain their status after filing for adjustment of status.
Some writers have said that AOS applicants must continue to maintain their nonimmigrant status after filing for adjustment of status. They are wrong. In many cases, attempting to do so would involve visa fraud and render the applicant ineligible to adjust status. Certain nonimmigrant categories, such as B, F, J, and M are �single intent� categories. If someone who is actively in the process of immigrating to the United States attempted to extend status in a category where they are required by law to have a good faith intent to leave the United States and return to their home country to resume their residence there, that would be an act of fraud. You can swear on the one hand that you intend to return to your home country immediately upon the expiration of your nonimmigrant status, while on the other continue to request permanent resident status in the United States. Filing this type of application would do positive harm to your case.
It is not necessary to maintain H1B status after filing for adjustment of status, and in many cases doing causes harm to the applicant.
There is really only one valid reason for an adjustment of status applicant to maintain H1B nonimmigrant status after filing for AOS. That is the situation where the H1B has a spouse or child who has not filed for AOS and requires an H4 visa in order to remain in the United States. Other than this situation, there is no valid reason for someone to try to maintain H1B status after filing for AOS.
Maintenance of H-1B status is not without cost. The CIS filing fees are $320, plus $500 for the anti-fraud fee it is a first filing (such as an employer transfer), and $750 to $1,500 for the ACWIA fee. This does not include attorney�s fees. There are two other �costs� that must be counted as well. If you travel, you must have a valid H-1B visa to re-enter. This means that you may have expend time and money renewing your H visa. Also, with an H visa, you may not accept work from anyone other than your petitioning employer. Otherwise, you are in violation of your H status.
Historically, I�ve heard three main arguments I�ve in favor of using H-1B. First, there is the �just in case� argument. To me, this falls into the �monsters under the bed� or fear of the dark kind of superstitious dread argument. �I don�t know what might happen, but I want to keep my H-1B just in case.� I�ve always felt that if you can�t articulate the reason for doing something, it isn�t a very good reason.
The second reason is a concern that if the applicant�s I-485 is denied, the applicant can revert to H-1B status. I believe this to be a specious argument also. Most I-485 denials result from I-140 denials. If your I-140 has been approved, the odds of your I-485 being denied drop to almost zero. The two remaining reasons for I-485 denials are status violations prior to filing and fraud. Both of these reasons impact H-1B validity as well and if an I-485 is denied for either reason, it is doubtful that the applicant would be allowed to resume H-1B status.
The third reason, and in my opinion the only valid reason, arises in unusual situations where the principal applicant has applied for adjustment of status but his or her spouse hasn�t. In such cases, it is essential that the principal applicant maintain H-1B status so that the spouse remains eligible for H-4 status.
There is one other important consideration with respect to maintaining H-1B status while applying for adjustment of status (AOS). I�ve seen situations involving individuals who elected to stay in H status while applying for AOS and traveled abroad using their H visas and were laid off unexpectedly while abroad, or other saw their H petitioner go out of business suddenly. All were left high and dry overseas with no way to return to the US. If they tried to use their H visas, they would be guilty of visa fraud at entry and thus ineligible for adjustment of status.
Finally, AOS applicants who have given up H status should understand that there is nothing to prevent them from re-applying for H classification should something go disastrously wrong with their AOS application. If the applicant is still eligible for H classification, there is nothing to prevent them from re-acquiring it later.
Employment authorization documents (EAD) are presently valid for one year at a time, unless you have an approved I-140, in which case they will issue them for two years. Advance parole (AP) documents are presently valid for only one year. The EAD/AP combination provides an applicant with a simple, inexpensive alternative to trying to maintain H status while applying for AOS. More importantly, EADs give an applicant job flexibility. With an EAD, an AOS applicant who wishes to exercise his or her right to job portability need only show an EAD card in order to accept new employment immediately. Similarly, an applicant who travels and uses AP as a re-entry document need never bother with having to make an appointment and apply for a new visa while abroad.
Finally, the CIS is now looking closely at the issue of unauthorized employment after filing for AOS. With an EAD, as long as you keep it current, it is impossible for you to engage in unauthorized employment. With an H1B, you are very strictly constrained by the LCA and H petition terms. If you or your employer deviate in any way, you risk violating your H status and thereafter engaging in unauthorized employment. The EAD path is far safer.
Ron Gotcher
Copyright � 2009 The Gotcher Law Group, PC - All Rights Reserved
samcam
05-19 01:22 PM
welcome to our newest member ddl..
ksiddaba
08-22 11:43 AM
I have looked into this and talked to my lawyer. The basic consensus seems to be -- yes you can start your own business (wither alone or in partnership with someone else). But as long as you are on H1B VISA and do not have at least an EAD, you cannot actively(which means you cannot be running the day to day operations) work on your business. You can promote the business perform occasional volunteer work, but cannot be paid for this work.
I believe you can derive profits from the business (check with your lawyer because he's the one who will have to deal with any USCIS headaches), but as with all things, if the profits are high enough, your business may be scrutinized by the USCIS. Also remember when you go to the consulate to stamp your H1B, they will examine your tax records, and you will have to have a good enough explanation as to how you owned the business without violating the H1B status (by actively working on it). It's tricky and unless you are talking about small amounts of money think very carefully about starting your own business.
Since you cannot actively run the business, it makes sense to partner with a person who is authorized to run the day to day operations of the business (either a citizen of the US or a perm resident).
I believe you can derive profits from the business (check with your lawyer because he's the one who will have to deal with any USCIS headaches), but as with all things, if the profits are high enough, your business may be scrutinized by the USCIS. Also remember when you go to the consulate to stamp your H1B, they will examine your tax records, and you will have to have a good enough explanation as to how you owned the business without violating the H1B status (by actively working on it). It's tricky and unless you are talking about small amounts of money think very carefully about starting your own business.
Since you cannot actively run the business, it makes sense to partner with a person who is authorized to run the day to day operations of the business (either a citizen of the US or a perm resident).
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