AC21 AOS Portability
AC21 is the name given to a law that provides for several matters including the ability to change jobs while an employment-based green card is pending (I-485 AC21 portability) and to start working for an H-1B employer as soon as transfer petition is filed with the USCIS.
Changing from EB-3 to EB-2 Category
I have my I-140 approved under EB-3 category, even though I have Masters Degree from accredited US University. Can I change it to EB-2 now?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
I-140 Revoked after AC21 Portability
<b>From our community member </b><p>
<b>Here is my Situation.</b><p>
I used to work for Employer "A" who filed for my EB3 Labor and I-140. I-140 was approved in Feb 2007. In July 2007, when the dates became current, I filed for my I-485. In December ending of 2007, which was around 180 days after filing the I-485, Company "A" was acquired by Company "B", at that time I got an email from my employer HR indicating that Company "B" will now take over all immigration responsibilities of "A" and no H1 transfers or re-filing of I-140 is required. I was also assured that since my I-485 was pending for 180 days and i had EAD and 6 pay slips / one per each month from company "A" , there should not be
any issues, since AC21 can be applied too, in this case. So I continued to work for Company "B" for about 1 year from Jan 2008 to Jan 2009. I received pay checks from "B" during this period.
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In Feb 2009 I joined a direct client, Company "C" on H1B. Got the H1B approval beyond 6 years, using company "A" I-140 approval copy. Company "C" Attorney sent AC-21 documents to USCIS. Company "C" does not file labor or I-140 they do only H1B or hire on EADs but does not do green cards. Now, after more than 7 years of I-140 Approval from Company "A", I came to know that USCIS, has revoked the I-140 of a different employee who was in the similar situation as me, but he didn't had H1B and he was forced to leave USA since his I-485, EAD and Advance Parole were all based on this I-140. It seems USCIS said the underlying Labor and I-140 were fraud. Hence everything is denied. He did leave the country.
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<b>My Question : </b>
What are my Options if something like this occurs for my case too? I understand its hard to tell if this will occur or not. Company "A" which filed my I-140 no longer exists and I have no contact what so ever with Company "B". If I-140 gets revoked for fraud by the company "A", will the employee be held responsible? Can this kind of adverse decision be appealed and during appeal process what happens to the status.
Are we allowed to stay and work in the country when this case is in progress? I was reading online about the "The case, Kurapati vs USCIS”, this lawsuit is similar in nature. Is there a ray of hope with this? <p>You’re Suggestions/Comments please.
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S.
Dec 18, 2014 Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Citizenship and Naturalization
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
We discussed: Working concurrently with H-1 cap exempt and quota employers, immigration issues if we have a special needs (cerebral palsy) child, applied B-2 to main status while F-1 is expiring, Section 245(k) and illegal work, DETAILED DISCUSSION OF I-140 REVOCATION IMPLICATIONS INCLUDING AC21, impact on H-1 of reentry on advance parole, Section 13 green card for diplomats, who can co-sponsor affidavit of support I-864, proving cross chargeability, transfer of priority dates for a future job approval
Obama's Immigration Action, Discussion with Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
Green Card
For updates, see my blog page on Obama's Immigration Action.
Takeaway points for legal immigration from President Obama’s executive action:
1. USCIS is “about to” publish the final rule on H-4 work authorization. That will make it possible for certain spouses of H-1 holders to get work authorization.
2. Improving employment-based green card backlogs by:
a. Making visa issuance more efficient so no immigrant visas are wasted;
b. Providing for better AC21 rules and other ways to keep immigrant visas intact after a change of jobs. USCIS will clarify what constitutes “same or similar” job so that AC21 will not stop workers from getting promotions or even changing to related jobs within their field. USCIS must clear the path to career progression for green card applicants.
3. Expandingfurther the OPT time for STEM students, but creating tighter control on which universities/schools/degrees are eligible and ensure local workers are protected (Implement some sort of a “mini PERM?”).
4. Creating opportunities for foreign “inventors, researchers and founders of start-up” companies to come to the USA through an existing program called “National Interest Waiver.” Unfortunately for India, this is an EB-2 category program requiring several years of wait. But the following parole program will help:
a. Creating a parole (which is usually a temporary, but very quick measure and could eventually lead to a green card) program so that on a case-by-case bases, “inventors, researchers and founders of start-up” companies can be brought quickly into the USA where:
i.They have raised financing in the USA; OR
ii.Otherwise hold the promise of innovation and job creation through development of new technologies OR cutting edge research
5. Creating guidelines for exceptionally qualified or advanced degreed individuals to come to the USA through an existing program called “National Interest Waiver.” As noted, unfortunately for India, this is an EB-2 category program requiring several years of wait. But the parole option above could be helpful.
6. Providing clear guidance on L-1B program as to who can qualify.
Obama's Immigration Action EAD At I-140 Stage
I am on H-1B Visa, got my I-140 approved in EB-2 Category and waiting for the dates to get current. Based on Executive Action, shall I be given any EAD ? Or at least any other forms so that I can travel and need not go for Visa Stamping and all the additional paper work.
I have heard that there is a proposal to allow filing of I-485
Guestbook Entry for Vishal K, United States
Guestbook Entry for Aravind, United States
Very procedural lawyers and responsive to requests.
From AOS to pending to green card
If the employee was already working for the employer using AC21 (using EAD) and was already on payroll Then what steps employer has to do to actually get the employee on the GC job other than changing I-9 details. And what document proof employee need to have that may be helpful when one apply for citizenship ? to prove that employee indeed gave employee the GC job ?
Immigrant Entrepreneurs Doing Business in the USA (Video Discussion)
I have worked with Mr. Khanna's law firm over the past 4 years for my Green Card process and the experience has been extremely satisfying ! Everyone that has to go through immigration process knows how stressful the whole situation can be and you need to have a lawyer by your side who puts you at complete ease. Mr. Khanna and his team is very friendly, professional, knowledgeable and outstanding in their service. I appreciate their invaluable advice/legal counsel and their promptness in every matter. The whole team is meticulous, very responsive and it's comforting to know that you have such a great lawyer by your side. I'm glad that I made the right decision in switching to Mr. Khanna's law firm and I strongly recommend them to anyone that needs immigration counsel !