Chris Prescott

Background: Pre-2009 Policy   Before 2009, the death of a petitioner or principal applicant during the application process could lead to the denial of the petition, resulting in an individual not being able to complete the processing of their green card application. However, in 2009, Congress introduced a rule allowing individuals to obtain immigration benefits...

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Students In the dynamic landscape of immigration and employment, international students on F-1 visas in the United States often face uncertainties, particularly when transitioning to H-1B nonimmigrant status. What happens if a student, approved for a change to H-1B status, is laid off or terminated by their H-1B employer before officially obtaining the new status?...

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced on October 23, 2023, its plan to amend and modernize the H-1B specialty occupation worker program as an effort to “attract global talent, reduce undue burdens on employers, and prevent fraud and abuse in the immigration system” under the Biden...

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The Patel Law Group retained its immigration practice to obtain approval for an L-1A petition for a multinational manager. The petitioning U.S. entity, an international company engaged in in the business of IT and ITES services, required the managerial expertise of the beneficiary in the United States to serve in the role of Senior Program...

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Renewing Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) has been a significant challenge for applicants, characterized by uncertainty, prolonged processing times, and the added burden of extensive paperwork. Previously USCIS issued EADs for 1- and 2-year increments, requiring applicants to file renewal applications to continue working. For individuals with a pending I-485 application stuck in a years-long backlog...

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Concurrent employment allows H-1B visa holders to work for multiple employers simultaneously. This can be a valuable option for H-1B workers who want to increase their earnings, gain new skills, or explore different career opportunities. In this article we address some of the frequently asked questions regarding concurrent filings. Can I work for more than...

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Introduction  Cross-chargeability is a concept that could prove to be a game-changer for those seeking permanent residence in the U.S. and who are experiencing lengthy delays caused by the backlog. In this article, we examine the intricacies of cross-chargeability and its impact on employment-based green card filings.  Understanding Employment-Based Green Card Filings  The employment-based green...

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