BCIS Gives Guidance on AC21 180-Day Rule for EB-485

usnycus

Registered Users (C)
Availability of 180-Day Rule for I-485 Applicants Who Were Not Employee of the I-140 Petitioner: The approved I-140 petition may be ported to a new employer for a same or similar occupational classification. The memo states that it is possible for an alien to qualify for the 180-day portability even if he or she has never been employed by the prior petitioning employer or the subsequent employer under AC 21. However, the evidence must be there that an offer of employment must have been boda fide, and the employer must have had the intent at the time the I-140 petition was approved.

Withdrawal or Revocation of I-140 Petition Before 180 Days: The I-140 petition is no longer valid and cannot be ported to a new employer after 180 days.

Revocation of I-140 Petition After 180 Days for Fraud: The I-140 petition becomes invalid and cannot be ported to a new employer even after 180 days.

Withdrawal or Revocation of I-140 Petition After 180 Days After New Employment of Similar/Same Occupation: The approved I-140 petion will remain valid and I-485 will be completed as filed.

Filing Requirement for Change of Employer: If the I-140 is withdrawn but the beneficiary has failed to file evidence of a new qualifying employment before that time, BCIS must issue Notice of Intent to Deny I-485. If the qualifying new employment is then timely submitted, BCIS may consider the approved I-140 valid for the purpose of continuous adjudication of I-485 even after the Notice to Deny has been issued. It is thus critically important that people either file the change of employer as soon as the employment change takes place or if the Notice to Deny is received, they respond to such Notice "timely" and with "required evidence." If the Notice is not timely reponded, the BCIS will deny the I-485.
 
AC 21 Change of Employer and Narrow Definition of New "Employer"

Under the AC 21, the I-485 applicant is permitted to take a new "employment" of similar or same occupation classification after 180 days of filing of I-485. What is the definition and scope of "employment?"

Recently, USCIS HQ opined that "self-employment" is not considered within the parameter of the terms "employment" in the AC 21. This interpretation opens a host of related questions such as what happens if the new employer is a corporation where the I-485 applicant holds controlling shares or 100% of shares?
 
Job change ?

If Labor applied from branch office stating that employee will be working from unanticipated locations throughout US. 180 days after I-140,I-485 filed and provided I-140 is approved; Is it possible to change job to a different employer where the employee is currently working(different state than the branch office)

Please share your experiences.

Thanks
 
usnycus, where did you get the article from? Also does it say that I140 has to be approved before being ported to the new employer, even after 180 days has elapse?
 
Hi, every one:

does the NEW employment have to be a permanent position? (I mean similar requirement but a contact work)

Thanks every one
 
HI..ALso what if the 140 IS NOT approved and 180 days are over after filing 140 and 485..how is that scenario treated?? thx
 
For GC, position has to be permanent.

Robert8 said:
Hi, every one:

does the NEW employment have to be a permanent position? (I mean similar requirement but a contact work)

Thanks every one
 
webjockey

Check following thread by "Jharkhandi"
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=146973

In summary: Same employer but different location qualifies for AC-21 as long as job description/responsibilites are same.

webjockey said:
If Labor applied from branch office stating that employee will be working from unanticipated locations throughout US. 180 days after I-140,I-485 filed and provided I-140 is approved; Is it possible to change job to a different employer where the employee is currently working(different state than the branch office)

Please share your experiences.

Thanks
 
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