B-2 Visa

H-1B lay off 60 days grace, options including B-1/B-2, approved I-140, Severance pay

Question details

Many have asked this question before, but since rules and situations are always different, so here I go - I'm on H1B with an approved I-140.

A layoff recently impacted me - my last day on payroll is 10th Feb 2024. I will also receive a severance (lumpsum) within 75 days of Feb 10th. My questions are -

1) Given the market, it may take more than April 10th to finalize an offer and start the H1B transfer. What are the options ( if any ) to extend my stay beyond April 10th?

2) Many suggest applying for B1/B2 (I'm single, have no spouse to move to H4, etc), but I also hear if it's rejected then the time of my stay after April 10th will be an illegal presence, is that true?

3) Say I receive the severance lump sum on March 15th -- are the days from Feb 10th until March 15th counted on company payroll?

 

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FAQ Transcript

The grace period after a layoff begins after the last pay period ends, lasting either 60 days or the remaining time on the I-94, whichever is less. Options for extending stay legally include derivative visas (F-1, H-1, L-1), practical training, or applying for a tourist visa (B-1/B-2), with guidance for applying for a B-1/B-2 visa.

Regarding visa rejection misconceptions, rejecting a change of status application to B-1/B-2 within the 60-day grace period does not result in an illegal presence. However, applying after this period without legal counsel may lead to unlawful presence. As for lump sum severance pay, uncertainty exists regarding its classification as regular salary for visa purposes. It's recommended to base the 60-day grace period from the date of stopping work for legal safety.

 

Recording for January 18, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

Discussion Topics:

FAQ: H-1B lay off 60 days grace, options including B-1/B-2, approved I-140, Severance pay || Optimizing H-4 EAD options and bundling premium processing for H-1B and H-4 extensions || Implications of visa fraud by an employer on H-1B, L-1, green card, citizenship || Advantages of a National Interest Waiver, transitioning to EB-1, entrepreneurship, and H-4 employment for spouse

Transitions From H-1B job loss to B-2 status and impact on future H-1B employment

Question details

I entered the country back in 2019 to complete my Masters degree (F1 Visa). I am on an H1-B visa, which was approved last year (10/01/2022 - 10/10/2025). However, I have yet to go to India, so visa stamping is incomplete. I got laid off on December 14, 2023, so I am on my 60-day grace period. Suppose I cannot secure a new role within the 60-day grace period. In that case, I am considering changing my status to a B2 visa to extend my stay and continue looking for an opportunity. However, since my H1 visa is not stamped, will that create an issue filling for a change of status to a B2 visa? And when I land a new job returning from B2 to H1, would that be an issue since the visa won't be stamped either?

 

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FAQ Transcript

As long as you have a change of status, such as an F-1 to H-1B change, visa stamping is not an issue when transitioning from a B-2 to H-1B. The key consideration is the validity of your I-94 while inside the USA.

 

Recording for January 4, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna

Discussion Topics, Thursday, January 04, 2024

FAQ: Holding two full-time IT jobs on H-4 EAD || Transitions From H-1B job loss to B-2 status and impact on future H-1B employment || NIW Criteria || H-1B laid off: grace period, last employment date, health insurance, and legal stay during change of employer

Converting from B visa to any other status such as H-1B, etc.

Question details

I have a valid B-1 visa and have traveled to the US recently in April 2023. Now my H1B petition has been approved, and I am eligible for Dropbox. My employer is telling me that if my case does not get approved in Dropbox, he is asking me to travel on B1 and then get the status converted to H1B. In my I-129, it was mentioned as a change of status, as my I-94 was valid when my H1B was approved. I wanted to know if there will be any issues with coming to the US on B1 and changing the status if they call me for an interview in Dropbox. Also, I want to know if it is possible to switch employers with an approved H1B petition before getting my visa stamped. If I change the employer, will it have any issues?

 

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FAQ Transcript

I strongly recommend against attempting to convert B-1 status to H-1B without approval. Additionally, changing employers without visa stamping may pose challenges according to government guidelines. However, we have a successful track record of handling such cases in practice. Always consult a lawyer.

 

Converting from B visa to any other status such as H-1B, etc.

Question details

I have a valid B-1 visa and have traveled to the US recently in April 2023. Now my H1B petition has been approved, and I am eligible for Dropbox. My employer is telling me that if my case does not get approved in Dropbox, he is asking me to travel on B1 and then get the status converted to H1B. In my I-129, it was mentioned as a change of status, as my I-94 was valid when my H1B was approved. I wanted to know if there will be any issues with coming to the US on B1 and changing the status if they call me for an interview in Dropbox. Also, I want to know if it is possible to switch employers with an approved H1B petition before getting my visa stamped. If I change the employer, will it have any issues?

 

Video URL
FAQ Transcript

I strongly recommend against attempting to convert B-1 status to H-1B without approval. Additionally, changing employers without visa stamping may pose challenges according to government guidelines. However, we have a successful track record of handling such cases in practice. Always consult a lawyer.

 

Delays in marriage-based immigrant visa processing: Expedite options and travel issues

Question details

My son-in-law was interviewed at the US Consulate in Frankfurt in May 2023 for a marriage-based immigrant visa. They have requested his CV with traveling details for further processing. His case has been in Administrative processing for well over 90 days. I have two questions:

1. Is anything can be done to expedite the process?

2. He has traveled to the US on a B1/B2 visa four times prior to his interview from Germany. Is there any problem with him traveling to the USA to visit his wife while his case is in Administrative processing?

 

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FAQ Transcript

Regarding his previous B1/B2 travel history to the U.S., there shouldn't be an issue with further travel while his case is in administrative processing. Although there's a slight possibility of being turned away at the airport, Customs and Border Protection usually treats spouses of U.S. citizens with consideration.

To avoid potential travel hassles, your son-in-law can clear U.S. immigration at Dublin Airport, which offers a more convenient option.

 

Sept 7, 2023, Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)

Immigration.com

FAQs: Do Canadian citizens need US visas? Canadian citizenship and F-1 Exploring permanent work and stay options in the U.S. for Canadian Permanent Resident Preparing for birth certificate issues in USCIS applications: Affidavits, DNA tests, and timing considerations H-1B approved after the lottery, can we change employers? Multiple employers in H-1B lotteries Paystub requirement for H-1B transfer eligibility: Is it mandatory? Delays in marriage-based immigrant visa processing: Expedite options and travel issues