If you live in US on a Non-immigrant Visa like H1B, F1, L1, etc. there are many situations, where you will say people talking about “being in lawful status”, “going out of status”, “being in period of authorized stay”, or “accruing unlawful presence”…It is important to understand the differences so that you can maintain your status in US and are not subject to any issues. This article will cover each of these terms and USCIS guidance on the same.
Before we jump in to other terms, we need to understand, how does one get Lawful Status or popularly called as “Status” in US immigration context.
What is “Lawful Status” or “Status” in US immigration context ?
When foreign nationals arrive in US and go through US Port of Entry Procedures, they show their valid US Visa in passport and supporting documentation related to their Visa to CBP officer. The CBP officer examines the Visa in passport and the foreign national’s eligibility for that visa. If the CBP officer is convinced, the officer will allow them to enter US on that same visa category as in the passport, thus granting them Lawful status for that visa in their passport.
- Lawful Status in Passport, Validity of I-94 : As part of the process of allowing the individual into US, the CBP officer puts a stamp in the individual’s passport, and writes Visa Category in the stamp and also writes a date that indicates the validity of the lawful status. The visa status given and validity date is updated in Electronic I-94 Arrival Departure Record tied to the individual.
- Lawful Status – Extensions, Change of Status with USCIS : Also, once you arrive in US, you may apply to change your visa type from one to other like F1 to H1B or H1B to H4, etc. or Extend your existing status beyond the expiration date that CBP officer gave you on I-94 Form / Record. For that process, you file an Extension of Status or Change of Status (COS) with USCIS and if USCIS approves the same, they extend your status to a future date or give you a new Lawful Status or Status to you with an updated I-94 slip attached to Approval Notice, that has future date until when you can be in that lawful status in US.
How to maintain “Lawful Status” or “Status” in US ?
The lawful visa status or simply ‘status’ given by USCIS or CBP officer does not automatically grant you right to stay in US for the entire duration of the granted status. You as an individual need to maintain your lawful status in order to stay until the expiration of the I-94. The way you maintain your visa status in US is by simply following the rules and regulations tied to your status. You cannot really engage in any activities that violate your visa status. Below are couple of examples on maintaining visa status:
- Maintaining H1B Status : If you are given H1B status, you need to be employed by H1B Sponsor and need to work full time only for them and cannot get involved in any unauthorized employment.
- Maintaining F1 Student Status : If you are given F1 Student Status, you need to be enrolled in school full time and maintain your minimum load of credits and cannot work in off campus jobs and work on-campus as required by school.
Similarly, depending on your visa type, you need to maintain the respective status by only doing activities that are allowed by your visa type. If you engage in any unauthorized activities that your visa status does not allow, then you are violating your status and can have implications when you file for immigration benefits, extension of stay, or be subject to deportation as well…
Now that we know what legal status or status is mean in immigration context, lets look at what is out of status.
What is “Out of Status” in US immigration context ?
If a foreigner living in US does not maintain proper lawful status or status as described above by following the rules relevant to their visa type and does any activities that violates their visa status, then they are considered “out of status”. Also, if your I-94 expires and do not leave the country after I-94 expiry then you are considered ‘out of status’ as well. If someone says, you are out of status, it means that either your I-94 has expired or you have violated your terms of stay in US. Below are some examples.
- Out of Status for H1B Visa : If you engage in unauthorized employment outside of your H1B employer or if you in consulting engagements and not paid by your employer in regular payroll during bench period. Also, staying in US after expiration of your valid I-94 tied to your H1B Visa.
- Out of Status for F1 Visa : If you participate in unapproved Off Campus employment, then you are violating your status. If you are not enrolled in required number of credits as full time student or your SEVIS records are terminated due to some reason during First Semester F1 Transfer as it was not done properly, it will all be considered out of status.
Being out of status may lead to accrual of unlawful presence. But, not always. This is where “Period of authorized stay” comes into picture. Let’s look at that details.
What is “Period of Authorized Stay” or “Period of Authorized Stay by Attorney General” ?
In certain situations, even though an individual may not have ‘lawful status’ or in ‘out of status’ situation, they may not be accruing unlawful presence as they will be in something called as “Period of Authorized Stay by Attorney general” or simply “Period of Authorized stay”. The most common situation for this occurs when an individual applies for Extension of Status, Transfer or Change of Status (COS) with USCIS. If the individual applies for Extension of Status, transfer or COS before their I-94 expiration, but USCIS does not adjudicate the petition before their I-94 expiry, then the individual is categorized to be in “Period of Authorized Stay by attorney general” from the day of I-94 expiry to the day the decision of extension or COS application arrives. It is portrayed in below image for clarity.
When the individual is in Period of Authorized Stay, they do not accrue unlawful presence ( will look at unlawful presence later in the article in detail ). To be eligible for “Period of Authorized stay”, the individual should file the extension, transfer or COS petition on time before the I-94 expiration. If the pending extension, transfer or COS petition is approved, then it will have retroactive effect on the individual’s lawful status. Meaning that, if your petition is approved, your “out of status” situation from I-94 expiry date is not counted as “out of status”, but rather you will be considered to be in proper status past your I-94 date until current date as your petition with USCIS was approved. But, let’s say your petition gets denied, then your stay between I-94 expiration, until the date of denial of petition is not counted towards unlawful presence. But, you will only accrue unlawful presence from the day of your Extension, Transfer or COS petition denial. See below image that articulates the same.
This is very important as it can have implications on your future ability to enter US. Similar concept of Period of authorized stay occurs during filing of adjustment of status using I-485 form with USCIS. Below is screenshot from USCIS website for official reference. Check Official Reference on USCIS.gov
Also, below screenshot is also from USCIS official reference in their policy manual on the differences. Check USCIS.gov website
What is Unlawful Presence in context of US Immigration?
If a foreigner living in US does not have lawful status or in out of status ( due to activities that violated status) and NOT in period of authorized stay, then they are categorized as unlawfully present in America. Any duration of their stay in such state in US is counted towards unlawful presence in US or in short accrues unlawful presence for that individual. Below are couple of common situations that arise to Unlawful presence.
- Stay beyond I-94 Expiration date without Pending Application for extension, transfer or COS with USCIS
- F1 Students engaged in unauthorized employment off campus or not enrolled in full time course load. Some of the rules tied to unlawful presence changed after Aug 9th, 2018 as it can be applied retroactively. Check F1 Visa Unlawful Presence Memo
Below are the implications of accrual of unlawful presence
- If you accrue or have more than 180 days of unlawful presence, then you will be bar from entering in US for 3 years ( meaning you cannot get any US visa to enter for 3 years)
- If you accrue more than 1 year of unlawful presence, you will be bar from entering US for 10 years ( meaning you cannot enter US on any visa for 10 years)
As the implications of accruing (adding up ) unlawful presence are really big, you should never engage in activities that can put you in situation to accrue unlawful presence. If you are in doubt, you should consult an immigration attorney and get it sorted out.
In summary, every foreigner living in US gests a valid lawful status related to their visa, when they enter US. If they do not maintain their status and engage in unauthorized activities, they will be considered as out of status. If someone is out of status due to I-94 expiration and not in period of authorized stay by attorney general, they are considered as accruing unlawful presence.
What has been your experiences in Period of Authorised Stay or Out of status ? Any tips to share ?
After the F1 violation, I overstayed for 2 years in the USA now after 8 years of leaving the country I am filing for H1, what will be the success rate is there any hard and fast rule? did anyone face a similar issue? There is no automated 10 years ban as I checked with my lawyer.
Great article! Thank you! I have some questions and concerns in my situation.
On July 7, 2021, I filed an application to change my nonimmigrant status from B-2 visitor to F-1 academic student.
On May 24, 2022, USCIS issued a decision that denied the my change of status application.
On June 22, 2022, I timely filed Form I-290B Motion to Reconsider with the USCIS.
On September 28, 2022, USCIS issued its Decision denying the I-290B Motion to Reconsider.
On October 28, 2022, I filed Form I-290B Motion to Reopen, which is currently pending.
Am I currently still in valid immigration status while the Form I-290B Motion to Reopen is pending? If not, when does my unlawful presence/out-of-status begin?
In addition, am I allowed to file a new Status Change Application to F-2 now given that my husband is currently in valid F-1 visa?
Thank you very much for your time in advance! I look forward to your reply.
Also, I’d be very much to consult you individually and pay the consultation fee if needed. Please let me know your contact information such as email address for the consultation if necessary. I’m really worrying about my situation.
Alice,
Please speak to an attorney as your case is complicated.
Hi Alice
I found your comment very helpful! May I ask when did your online status changed from denied to pending for your denied form? Or did it even changed? Thanks
Here is my unique scenario.
I was in H1B with employer A, say as of July 2018.
In Aug 2018, I join employer B on H1B transfer receipt.
The approval for this H1B does not come until Dec 2018.
But when it came, it came with Validity From and To as Aug 2018 – Sep 2018.
My Spouse is also on H1B so in Dec 2018, as soon as we got the Backdated H1B approval, my i-539 COS to H4 was filed almost within 3 weeks on receipt of backdated approval., by Jan 2019 and I stopped working as soon as the notice was received.
And the story continues – my i-539 COS to H4 approval happened only on May 2019. 4 months after it was filed.
Did i accrue any out of status here ? or was I in the so called Period Of Authorized Stay since i filed the COS quick ? To me, there isn’t any out of status as i understand the process.
Please advise. Thank you.
DC,
Well, This is slightly grey area. Technically, you did not had any valid status when you filed for H4 COS in December because your H1B was not valid until that date. In general, if you do not have valid I-94, you are not in valid status. Now if you filed within 60 days after H1B expiry, you would fall under H1B grace period, so in that case you would not have accrued anything. In general, One simple fix for some of these things is to exit and re-enter the country.
Hi,
I was in USA between August 2006 to March 2007 ( almost 8 months, I never went back to USA again) on a valid H1B visa but I was unpaid at the time (no payroll) and I had my I 94 was valid till 2009, so my question is that will it affect ( H1 b violation of status which is no payroll) when I apply L1 A visa and subsequently EB-1 visa now ( I am planning to apply in Feb 2022) ?
Please let me know,
Thanks
Naveen
I am on an H4 visa which expires on December 31, 2022. But, in my passport, I have stamping until March 2021 but, I have approval notice of I797-A until December 2022. I applied for a divorce, which is taking a long time due to COVID. If I go to India, I heard it isn’t easy to get new F1 stamping since I don’t have any financial or marital hold in India. So I applied for a COS from H4 to F1 with USCIS. I have a biometrics appointment in September month. Also, My passport expires on April 2022. What’s my best option here to do? Any idea on how long will it take USCIS approval for h4 to f1?
Hi,
I was on CPT for 2 years in 2020 May 5 my SEVIS got terminated and i got know on August 23rd 2021. But my H1 got approved in Nov 19 2021 without I94 and Amendment got approved without I94 in March.
So, will i need to consider out of status after my amendment approval.
My employer applied for H1b and H4 (COS) at the same time on March 27th 2020 before expiry of stem OPT on July 2nd 2020 and h1b petition is approved on 17th of April 2020 and my h1b status kicked in on July 3rd 2020 as I work for non – profit. The status of H4 is pending until today but I received a denial email for the H4 petition and the reason for denial is yet to be known from USCIS mail document. I’m reading different opinions of calculating the unlawful presence days. Some say as the petition is denied the unlawful presence is accrued from July 3rd 2020 as that is the date my F1 is officially ended there by dependent F2 status also. But according to this blog it says unlawful accrual starts from date of USCIS denial mail notice. Please help me as I was totally confused being in this situation.
Sreekanth,
You need to wait for the decision. It is not backdated in general. You applied it on time before I-94 expiration and in right way, so you should be fine there.
Talk to an attorney and then make a decision. If it is denial, you need to take swift action.
Hi
I have a valid h1b till Aug 2022 but my i 94 expired on Sep 2020 as my old passport expired. I realized only today. Am I out of status and is there something I can do before I hit 180 days unlawful presence? My company lawyers failed to indicate this even during the PERM process they started early this year. Can I travel to Mexico and update i 94 date to match i797 before Mar 19, 2021(before 180 days unlawful presence). Please advise
Abhiram I am in similar situation. What did you do! Did you travel out of country and came back?
I talked to my company attorney (Fragomen) and they suggested I come to India and get consular visa done. I was lucky to find a slot in Delhi for yesterday and my new visa is issued. The interviewer also mentioned that’s the right thing to do
Were you out of status for more than 6 months ? and did your h1 got approved?
I was out of status for 174 days and I already had my i797 approved in 2019. I just had to go to India and get a consular visa. My prior h1b petition is valid till 2022
Hello Kumar,
My company in India want to file H1b for me, but I had unlawful presence of 11 months in US due to my employer not communicating me about the missing I94 in my I797, he later filed nunc pro tunc which was unfortunately denied due to employer-employee relation (no mention of unlawful presence for denial).
My question is do I need to mention this to my employer/attorney as it would minimize my chances of proceeding.
Note: I have already completed my 3 year bar period.
Hi, did you find out on the status?
did you file the H1 ? did you get approved?
@Kumar – Admin
URGENT
My opt expired on August 25, 2020 ( Initial OPT – Aug 26, 2019 to Aug 25, 2020)
In the meantime, my Stem extension application was in process with USCIS and I was waiting for my extension to be approved
November 9 – they denied stem extension stating I used the outdated version of the form for stem extension ( clerical error from my end).
November 25 – I sent the application for I-290B. filed a motion to reconsider
November 27 – they received it
I have the acknowledgment letter where it states they received the application(I-290B) on November 27, 2020
To this date, it’s still in process and I am waiting for the decision.
How many days of unlawful presence I have?
Hi,
I quit my h1b job due to stress and bad health on Jan 1st 2021.
I am not planning to take up another job. I would like to vacation for a little bit before going back to India.
My I-94 expires August 1st 2021.
How long can I stay in the country before accruing unlawful presence?
Is it from date of revocation of my h1-b?
Or am I safe till the expiry date of my I-94.
Neo,
You have 60 days grace period to find or do something. You can apply for B2 Change of Status and then continue to stay until you wait for the decision. do NOT stay beyond 180 days from the day you quit your job to be safe…
Hi,
My Cap exempt H1B got approved on 01/21/2021 (F1 to H1B). My wife is on F2. Is it better to apply COS form F2 to H4 from here or better go out and get H4 stamped and come back? Our attorney did not submit a petition for F2 to H4. Not getting what to do now.
Kindly advice,
Thanks,
Ravi,
Either is fine. Considering the delays, it is faster to get H4 stamping outside.
Hello,
H1B is about to get revoked anytime, applied for Master(classes were started) and COS to F1 is pending.
If My H1B gets revoked so I-94 expires, can I stay and continue my master degree with the Pending COS.
Do I have to file B2 cos to bridge the gap between the future i-94 expiry date and COS to F1 approval date.
if nothing else works, what are my options to stay In US and work around.
Jai Simha,
Well, this is tricky, usually the DSO may or may not allow that. You need to discuss with your DSO. You may start the program on H1B, if you are still on that status and then maintain that status until you get F1. No sure, if that is an option, but that’s how you transition properly.
I lost my job and filed for I140 compelling circumstances ead during 60 days grace period. I received an RFE for which i am yet to respond. Meantime, i got a job with my old employer. H1B transfer has been initiated and my priority date is current. So I filed for I 485 as well. Do I need to go for a consular processing to get my H1b stamping to start working or can i start working upon getting my receipt notice?
Hi Kumar,
Thank you for your article. Super helpful! I’m reaching out on behalf of my SO. He is on H1B and is switching jobs. He already has an approved H1B from his new employer and was hoping to take 2-3 weeks off while staying in the States before he starts at his new job. He was told by his lawyers that taking time off in between jobs and staying in the States for that period would mean that he’ll be out of status as technically he is not working for any employer in that time off.
Given this context, what would your advise be on taking this time off? Do you think this could lead to any future issues e.g., RFE on PERM/Green Card application? Any stats/data to size this risk will be super helpful in making an informed decision. Thank you!
Hi, I came to the US on B1/B2 visa on 25 jan 2019 and based on medical treatment received one extension till 25 Jan 2020. I then applied for another extension in Jan 2020 which is still under process and I requested in that application to allow me to be in the US for medical treatment till 30 Sept 2020. I received a very extensive RFE in Aug 2020 which I will be responding to this month. Ques:
1. If my extension request is approved, can I expect it to be till 30 sept 2020 or does uscis only give 6 month extensions at any given time. I had a doctor’s letter to support my request to extend till 30 sept 2020.
2. If my request gets denied then does it mean that I have held unlawful presence from 25 Jan 2020
3. If my extension request is denied, how can I travel during covid? Esp since I have undergone chemotherapy and my immune system is compromised and I am 71 years of age.
4. If I stay for a day after the receiving the denial, will my visa be void?
thank you
Natasha
Natasha,
Usually they give maximum of 6 months.
Until you get a decision, your status is not considered unlawful. Your unlawful status accrues from that day.
Usually, it not recommended to stay after you get denial. You should discuss with an attorney and plan it out, if you are not clear on these.
I lost my job and filed for I140 compelling circumstances ead during 60 days grace period. I received an RFE for which i am yet to respond. Meantime, i got a job with my old employer. H1B transfer has been initiated and my priority date is current. So I filed for I 485 as well. Do I need to go for a consular processing to get my H1b stamping to start working or can i start working upon getting my receipt notice?
Hi Kumar,
My scenario is similar to the second diagram that you have shared in this article. But one small change is, After the H1B Denial, my employer filed again but this time my H1B got approved (for 2 more years) via consular processing. So, I don’t have i94 now. I need to go out of the US for the stamping. So in this scenario Am I staying unlawfully? What are the options now as I can’t travel outside of the US?
Mathis,
If you do NOT have valid I-94 then you are not in status. If the approval only came for consular processing and no I-94, then you are not in status. Talk to attorney immediately and discuss options. You may file a Nunc Pro Tunc asking for B2 COS as you cannot travel out. USCIS may consider…
Hi,
Great Article. Had a question and would appreciate your thoughts on it.
I was laid off on H-1b in May and I understand I have 60 day grce period. But my I-94 is still valid for more than 2 years. Would it make sense for me to apply COS to B-2 to remain in the country and can I simply stay on my valid I-94 and look for jobs?
If I can stay in my valid I-94, then will it have any implications when a new employer has to file for H-1b petition beyond the 60 days?
Thank You!
Hey!
Thank you for the article! It helps a lot!
However, I have a question.
I have a H1B Visa but recently lost my job due to massive layoffs and have roughly 40 days left on my 60 day grace period. The validity of both my I-94 as well as H1B visa are valid till next year September.
I am unclear on what happens if I stay beyond the 60 days grace period, and till the validity of my I-94 expires.
In this situation, if I find a new job (i.e., after the 60 day period but before the I-94 and H1B expiration) would I still be eligible for a ‘change of employer’ petition? Or would I have accrued unlawful presence?
Looking forward to your response !
Korra Sato,
No, you will be out of status after 60 days. USCIS will not approve your change of employer. They will ask you for proof of status and you cannot submit anything as you do not work now…So, that will count as violation of status…Yes, you will accrue unlawful presence.
Hello! Thank you for your response! This really clarifies a lot of my dounts.
I have two follow up questions –
1. Is there a difference between ‘failure to maintain status’ versus ‘ violation of status’ with respect to a visa holder becoming out of status or an unlawful presence?
2. If I stay beyond 60 days, and not apply for change of employer upto the validity of my i-94 (September next year), would I still accrue unlawful presence?
Thank you!
Korra Sato,
1. These all are used synonymously and they all will add up to your unlawful presence.
2. Yes, you will start to as you are technically not in status nor in period of authorized stay. Just imagine, you are involved in some difficult situation and they check your immigration status, then you would be in big trouble.
Hello!
Thank you for your informative responses ! They’re really helpful.
I wish to ask a follow up question with respect to the proclamation made by the US President today .
Will the suspension of H1B Visas under that have an effect on my situation? I am in the 60 day grace period and my new employer will be applying for a “H1B Transfer” (AKA Change of Employer) . Does a change of employer come under the ambit of this proclamation?
Thank you!
Korra Sato,
It will not impact you as you are in US.
My wife’s F1 OPT status expired on Dec 31st, 2019. We had filed an H4 COS petition in mid-Dec 2019. We received a denial notice on Apr 29, 2020. The reason for denial is because USCIS adjudicated the case based on my H1b petition from a previous employer. Our attorney is filing a motion to reconsider/reopen, and also simultaneously re-filing for H4 COS. Now the question that we have is, does her “unlawful presence” period start accruing from Dec 31st 2019 (when her F1 OPT status expired), or does it start from Apr 29 2020 (when the H4 COS was denied)? Our attorney was ambiguous in their reply about which date is considered for accrual of unlawful presence.
Kartik,
The unlawful presence will start from the decision date, which is Apr 29, 2020 as that is the decision date. You were in period of authorized stay until April 29, 2020.
What if after I submit the COS to F1, and before I get the approval, I have to renew my passport? Do I need to notify USCIS on that?
Leo,
Yes, you need to update them. They may issue RFE too, if the passport expiry is close and they do not adjudicate. better to renew passport and then apply for COS.
Hi Redbus,
My h1b petition was expired on last year 5 August 19 and i-94 was on 15 August 2019.
My h1b extension is on progress , How 240 days are calculated from h1b expired or i-94 expired ?
As h1b petition , 240 days are finished on 1 April 2020.
As i-94 , 240 days are getting finished on 10 April 2020
Can I stay after my 240 days with out salary ?
Thanks ,
Random,
It is from the day your H1B or I-94 expired. Read 240 days rule for H1B, it has all info.
Kumar,
Can an F1 Student trying to get H1b be forgiven for unauthorized employment (68 days)?
-Left the country and reentered under a new sevis record ( if that counts)
– It was an Internship within my field of study.
Mandy,
Well, technically you violated your status during that…that’s the bottom line. Sometimes, exiting and re-entering the country will remove such issues…So, it may have been gone…I would suggest you speak to an attorney and get this clarified to be sure…
Hello,
I am h1b holder and my H1b valid till 31st Jan 2021 and I94 valid till 02-Feb-2021. My spouse is on her H1b which was valid till 31stDec2019 and I94 valid till 10-Jan-2020. Her H1b extension is in progress. In this case for worst case happen like h1b petition denial then within how many days I can file her H4 (COS)?
Today it’s 2nd Jan 2020, and if I file Her COS(H4) before 10th Jan 2020 and her H1b is still in process then which case take priority to consider her status? If Both H1 and H4 is in process and H1 approval come then may I withdraw her H4?
Sahar,
It all goes by last action rule, meaning, whichever comes last takes effect. So, if you file her H4 now and that comes after H1B, then it would take precedence. But, if you travel out and come back after H1 is approved, then COS will be abandoned as you left the country…so, these are small tricks. I suggest you talk to your H1B attorney and make a decision.
Hi Kumar,
I have a question regarding COS to H4. My husband has an approved H1B since October 1, 2019. I was on a J1 visa until September 30, 2019 and have applied for COS to H4 in September. My Biometrics appointment was also done on September 25. The processing time for the I-539 on the USCIS website for the California centre is showing 4-6 months. We had made plans to travel to India in December, so I was wondering would it make sense for us to travel to India and me applying for H4 through consular processing along with my husband in India, since he needs to get his H1B stamp also. I am confused whether my abandonment of cos will affect the consular processing or rather if that is even advisable.
Shefali,
It is absolutely fine to travel to India an get H1B and H4 stamping. yes, your H4 will be abandoned, but that will NOT create any issues for your stamping there…don’t worry about it..Many have done it…You can always check with your spouse’s attorney and be prepared.
What should I do if my J-1 waiver is in progress, but my status is about to expire?
What is your next plan after getting J1 waiver ?
The school district where I work will file H1 visa for me and H4 for my wife and children.
Hi,
After my Visa stamping I got a chance to come to US after 18 months. Just before coming my employer filled an amendment. So I’m having two I797, one which I received after coming to US which is valid till 2021 and old which is valid till sept 2019. Both are from same employer.
My I94 is about to expire which I got as per old I797. How to get my I94 updated as per new petition ?
Thanks,
Nitin
Simple way to do it is to exit the country and re-enter using the new H1B approval notice.
Hi Kumar, thanks for throwing light to these sensitive situations on immigration statuses.
I had extended my I-94 thrice due to my child’s delicate health and disability. The last extension came with a RFE and they were all approved.
I decided to seek a lawful permanent status due to my child’s
complex health since the extension of my stay was now unarguably insufficient for her array of health needs. I relied on the extreme hardship she would face back home in an undeveloped country stating salient reasons why she would be at risk in 2016.
My child just had a major surgery last March and was born here.
The application is still pending and I wonder if I am on the right path to a permanent lawful status.
Please, what’s your advice on how to go about this?
Yes, as USCIS has been approving due to your hard circumstances, it should be fine and hope they approve the current request as well. I cannot speak for the permanent lawful status…I suggest you speak to an attorney and discuss your options.
Hi, Thanks for the detailed explanation. However my case is different. I extended my h1b and got till Feb 2021. Then i changed job and still waiting for decision. If my h1b is rejected, can i stay a few more weeks and apply h1b from another employer? What are my options as i have valid i94 (not in passport, but in previous approval notice) , but h1b employer change is rejected
Having I-94 valid from previous employer may not be relevant, if you exceeded 60 days. If your H1B gets denied, your period of authorized stay will end. As you do not have status, you will not be able to apply for another transfer…However, if the previous employer has not withdrawn the H1B petition, there may be a chance to activate your H1B, but you need to check if that is possible with your old employer. These situations are very tricky especially after I-94 expiration and you should consult an immigration attorney and then make an informed decision.
Thanks for the reply!!
Thanks so much for your response.
Hi team,
Thanks for sharing the valuable information
My spouse has applied COS(F2 to H4) in MArch 2018 ,as soon as my H1B got approved in Feb 2018. I recieved an RFE on her petition to submit latest payslips and employment letter, which i have responded in timely manner with all those documents and including my H1B reciept. Now that i have my new H1B approved which was a transfer petition. i have requested the USCIS for outside normal processing time on my spouse COS and they have responded that it is taking more than usual time for processing the petitions. Can i consider my spouse under “Period of authorized stay” as her old i94 has not expired and we did apply a new COS petition in timely manner.
Regards
Raja
Yes, as her application was applied before the I-94 expiration, she is considered to be in “period of authorized stay” and does not accrue any unlawful presence.
Hello I was in the same situation I came USA on sept 2019 and in jan 2020 my husband’s H1B approval came but I applied for Change of status after 5 months (F2-H4)
I delayed it because I wanted to come back to India and get my F1 visa but could not come due to pandemic. Should there be a problem for me in getting my F1 visa?
I got married in Nov 2017 and my wife came to USA on F2 visa in April 2018.I have filed COS from F2 to F1 visa for my wife in Aug 2018.Case was received by uscis and got receipt number in Aug 2018. Meanwhile my employer filed H1b for me and it was approved in November 2018. Now i am on H1b visa and my wife is in COS.
Recently after several service and expedite requests i got an rfe for maintainance of status. I do not know what to do now. Should i respond to rfe or abandon the application and try in India for fresh F1. time to respond to rfe is less than 2 weeks. If after the rfe response the application is rejected will my wife be out of status and how is out of status days calculated?
Any help is deeply appreciated.
Regards
Jay
RFE for F1 COS ? In general, if you have not violated status and in good standing, you should submit details supporting the RFE and get it resolved. If there is denial, you should leave immediately. If you are not sure, talk to the DSO at school or talk to your attorney and then take informed decision.
Thanks for the reply Kumar.Appreciate your response on this one. Yes I got an rfe for f1cos and they are asking for present principal and dependent i20’s . Since I don’t have the docs requested what am I supposed to do. Any suggestion is appreciated.
Regards
Jay
Well, if you do not have documents to support, it is best to go for fresh stamping. Logically, you can support your case with your changes and how it also affected your spouse. Discuss with an attorney, if there is an option to defend and support the RFE. If no choice, go for the stamping by exiting country soon. Leaving the country will automatically abandon COS petition.
Thanks for the reply, Kumar. I have decided to stay and fight as i have done nothing wrong. I will provide them all the documents i have and hope for a positive reply.
Regards
Jay
Good Luck !
I travel on an ESTA and am permitted back in USA after a reasonable period
What is a reasonable period… 30 days ? 90 days ?
ESTA gives you 90 days. Check CBP Official Guidance
I am wondering what the reasonable period is between visits.
Is 30 days enough or would I have to remain out for 90 days before re entering
I know exiting to Canada or a neighbouring country is all part of the ESTA permissIon.
At the border I no longer show a hard copy as it is in the system.
Another change for anyone asking… I used the same ESTA when I renewed my passport as it had not expired.
Hi Kumar,
Thanks for the very descriptive information. however one question; if the visa extension/renewal gets denied by USCIS, is the person supposed to be gone on the same day or 1 week or 10 days is ok to wrap up the affairs and then depart the country? What is the time frame which wouldn’t adversely affect the future visits to US.
Thanks a lot for clarifying.
USCIS guidance is to leave immediately, you can check the screenshot in above article. They do not give any number of days to be more specific. While, it is not official, anything like few days should be fine. Unless, you have a medical situation or some other emergency. If so, you need to talk to an attorney and then clarify.