Can I switch companies without losing 485?

N

notxer

Registered Users (C)
I have a 485 filed and well past the 180 days (almost 1 year).

I never applied for an EAD. I have an H1B that is valid for another year (1st 3 years).

Can I transfer my H1B to the new employer, starting work immediately and assuming the job description/responsibilities are similar to the LC?

Also I would be looking for employment in an area that pays substantially less than where I am in right now (cost of living is less as well). If my pay has a 20-30% decrease from the LC, is this an issue?

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
Changing jobs is okay. 20-30% pay decrease might be an eyebrow raiser. Plus, if you are moving long distance (out of CSC) due to job change, your case might be transferred for interview to the local INS center there.

Alternatively, you can choose not to inform INS, but that is technically not correct, and if u get an RFE (chances are high since ur case is > 1 year), ur screwed.
 
I am moving from sunnyvale to orange county/LA area. I've been fortunate to be paid at the top of the range in my current job, however the downside is that going to a market that pays less will give me a 20-30% differential.

So you think I might get denied based on the income?

Also, is it easy to transfer your H1B and start working for someone else?
 
H1b transfer these days takes hella long, and there have been denial issues. But in your case, denial probability is low, and you have EAD.

Regards salary, a drop from LC is an eyebrow raiser .. period. But if your salary is still decent (80K+ for puter engrr), the worst worst worst you can expect is interview, and not denial.
 
cost of living is less in Orange County?

I'm not too sure about the cost of living in Sunnydale (is Buffy still killing Vampires up there!) but I can tell you that the cost of living in Orange County is not cheap. I would think it is in the top 10 most expensive places to live in Southern California (my guess though).

Also, like Sillyman says H1B renewals are reported to be taking ages (4 months or so) so I can only imagine what its like for a transfer.

On the good side of all of this (if there is one) Orange County is a grand place to live and enjoy life.

Hope this helps.
 
Yea a house on newport beach is an easy 1 million $. Depends where in orange county, but yea, it's comparable and at times even more expensive to the bay area.

h1b, look for atleast 6 months. 4 if ur really lucky.
 
The 20 % drop in salary will definitely be noticed and cause for interview.

As far as Orange county is concerned, I think it is beautiful. I would move there anytime if I could. But as far as cost of living is concerned, you should see how expensive the bay are is! Shady little townhouses cost upwards of 500,000 $. I am sure there are areas in Orance county that match up, but the problem with the bay area is that there is no place which is cheaper! :(

Offcourse none of this has any thing to do with the INS. All they care about is the 20 % drop. Make a very calculated guess, only after talking to a Lawyer who is willing to / and has the experience to fight for you in case of RFE.

Good luck
 
Yea but one more thing.

If the choice is between being unemployed and taking a 20% cut. Go with the cut.

Also, talk to your company, if they give you the option of not paying for 401K or medical, resulting in a higher baseline salary for you.
 
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