AC21 portability while I-140 (290B) appeal process pending/retaining priority date
Hello Rajiv,
Thanks for all your help to the immigration community. I have the following questions related to AC21 portability and would like to know if its applicable in my case.
Category: EB2
LC applied in 2005 and approved
I-140 applied in 2007 (premium process)
I-140 RFE (ability to pay)
I-140 (Intent to deny for lack of evidence of ability to pay)
I-140 290B Appeal: Aug 2007 (Appeal/MTR currently in process)
I-485: Applied July 2007
EAD: Approved
Question1:
The yates memorandum explains the I-140 portability when the I-140 and 485 are filed concurrently filed. Are the AC21 portability laws different if the I-140 and 485 were applied seperately and not concurrently?
Question2:
The 2005 Yates memo suggests that after the I-140 and 485 were filed and if 180 days have passed and the I-140 is still pending, the I-140 should be approved if AC21 portability is used and cannot be rejected on grounds of “ability to pay of the 1st employer”.
Can I use AC21 portability to move to new company even though an I-140 Appeal/MTR process is pending with existing employer for ability to pay after 180 days of filing I-140, 485?
Question3:
If the AC21 portability application is approved, will the I-140 be approved simultaneously in my case? Would the approved I-140 belong to the current employer or new employer?
Question4:
How long does AC21 portability application take to process? If the application is denied for some reason can the I-140 appeal and 485 processes continue with current employer?
Question5:
If the AC21 portability cannot be used, how to retain the priority date while I-140 appeal process is pending and if the candidate wishes to move to a new company?
Thanks for your help in advance.