lechuguin@earthlink.net (lechuguin 2001) wrote in message news:<6a6061dd.0311171011.6eb833fe@posting.google.com>...
>
> I requested a H-1B for the 5/29/98 - 5/29/01 period but granted for
> 10/28/98 - 5/29/01 (five months less due to the shortage of H-1Bs and
> waiting until new H-1Bs issued)
> I extended it for the 5/29/01 - 5/29/04 period. Since I am allowed to
> use it for 6 years I understand I can apply for the reminding 5-month
> period from 5/30/04 to 10/28/04.
>
> The challenge is that I want to work for another employer and I am
> looking for a job.
>
> These are my questions:
> 1.When should I apply for this last extension?
Your employer should apply for an extension, or a prospective employer
should apply for a transfer, before 5/29/04.
> 2.In my last extension, it took long time to process my case, but that
> was not a problem due to the automatic extension period for 294 days.
> Would that apply also in the extension for these last 5-months?
Not sure about the number of days, but having an application in
process keeps you in status for a long while (assuming you continue
to meet the other conditions).
> 3.When will be the latest I could find another job for transferring my
> H-1B? and,
If you don't get an extension first, long enough before 5/29/04 for
the employer to have applied for a transfer (and USCIS to have issued
a receipt) before 5/29/04. If you do extend your current H-1B, any
time before 10/28/04 - but the new employer's H-1B will end on 10/28/04
so the employer is likely to want it to be a few months before then
at least.
> 4.If I could transfer my H-1B, what would be the timing for changing
> status to a Green Card?
If you haven't already started the process, you're almost certainly
too late to be able to stay in the USA and adjust status to Green
Card. It's currently taking several years to get a Green Card. If
you had started before 10/29/03 you would have been able to extend
your H-1B status indefinitely until the GC came through. If you start
now, you will have to stop working on 10/28/04 and wait for the Green
Card. You'll almost certainly have to leave the USA while you wait.
You'll have to find an employer who is prepared to wait a few years
for you to come back. |