Very tricky situation - needs guru's help

s_jojo

Registered Users (C)
Hi, I am in a tricky situation now and need help from all gurus.

My current situation is: H1B with 485 pending, NOT primary applicant, 485 got transferred to local office on Jan 6 for interview. On Jan 10, I was laid off, but company agree to keep me on payroll until the end of March.

Now I found a new job in a new comapny, I have two choices: transfer my H1B or use EAD to work for the new company. I intend to do a H1B transfer. But my questions are:

1. Technically speaking, my H1B was invalid from Jan 10 although my company kept me on payroll but I am not working any more. If I do a H1B transfer, will CIS have any way to find this out and deny my transfer?

2. If I start working for the new company with a H1B transfer receipt and later on my transfer gets denied, am I considered working without permission?

3. I know primary applicant can apply AC-21 to change employer, will that rule also be able to apply to non-primary applicant? i.e., CIS will forgive my short period of out of status.

4. On my 485 interview, how big is the chance that the officer will raise a question on my H1B transfer? Is there any way that he knows that I was laid off before I did a H1B transfer?

5. In my situation, is it better to use EAD or H1B transfer?

Any one has similar experiences or knows some information, please advice. Thanks a ton.
 
Since you are not the primary applicant, I believe that you'll be fine using your EAD at the new company.
 
s_jojo said:
Hi, I am in a tricky situation now and need help from all gurus.

My current situation is: H1B with 485 pending, NOT primary applicant, 485 got transferred to local office on Jan 6 for interview.
If you are not the primary, the local office will only question you about your relationship with the primary applicant. Whether you are/were employed/unemployed or used H1/EAD doesn't matter.
 
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