In this post, well explore the process of a job change after green card approval, what to expect, and more detailed scenarios. For those who have obtained an approved I-140 petition through employer-sponsorship, job changes can still be accomplished even if an I-485 application has not yet been filed due to lack of available immigrant visas or green cards based on the employee's country of birth, priority date, and preference category. Many employers do not withdraw I-140s upon employment termination. Check the BLS website to learn where in this classification system you fit. The new job must be within the same occupational classification as the original one. If you can afford it, you can file as many petitions as you want. The waiting time for certain countries demonstrates this difference. This will also involve attending the interview abroad. Hi, I got my I-140 (EB-2) approved last week, and my priority date is Feb 2022. How USCIS Determines Same or Similar Occupational Classifications for Job Portability Under AC21. the I-485 petition has been pending for 180 days, there has not been a notification that you (the beneficiary) are using the AC-21 portability rule. It may be best to discuss potential issues that could be created by frequent or repeated job changes in the AC21 context. The fact that you have a pending PERM application doesnt stop you from pursuing an NIW petition. If it is not, you must apply and start all over again. This page was not helpful because the content: E-3 Certain Specialty Occupation Professionals from Australia, H-1B Specialty Occupations and Fashion Models, Extension of Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 Status for Eligible Students under the H-1B Cap-Gap Regulations, Fee Increase for Certain H-1B and L-1 Petitions (Public Law 114-113), Employment Authorization for Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses, L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager, L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge, O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement, O Nonimmigrant Classifications: Question and Answers, P-1B Member of Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group, P-2 Performer or Group Performing under Reciprocal Exchange Program, P-3 Artist or Entertainer Part of a Culturally Unique Program, Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1, Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2, Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3, Employment-Based Immigration: Fourth Preference EB-4, Employment-Based Immigration: Fifth Preference EB-5, Immigrant Pathways for STEM Employment in the United States, Nonimmigrant Pathways for STEM Employment in the United States, WB Temporary Business Visitor under Visa Waiver Program, Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension, DHS Support of the Enforcement of Labor and Employment Laws, Employment Authorization in Compelling Circumstances, Options for Nonimmigrant Workers Following Termination of Employment, Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-485, Supplement J, Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j), section 204(j) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Standard Occupational Classification (SOC), Occupational Employment Statistics Database, ETA Form 9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification (PDF). FYI Once I-140 is approved from current employer wait till 6 months after approval date and then you can plan to move to different company or stay if you want in your current company.After 6 months even if the company revokes it there is no effect to you and you can use that approval to extend your h1b visa in future. There are 2 options for you to begin your LPR process once your I-140 is approved. To continue working legitimately while the petition is pending, you may file, Form I-765 for an employment authorization document. USCIS and DOL treat each petition individually, which means one can submit multiple petitions under various categories simultaneously and the decision on one petition will not affect the other. You may request to port your job offer using the Form I-485, Supplement J, Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j). For example, the SOC code for a stonemason is 47-2022. This does not prevent the case from being approved, however. This is why you must be sure to do your due diligence and let your case strike the right balance. However, it functions as petitioning for a brand new green card in all other aspects. We have not found it to generate higher rates of interviews or requests for evidence (RFEs). Be sure to indicate on the petition that you want to retain your priority date. However, USCIS will consider evidence that shows whether the new position makes you primarily responsible for managing the same or similar functions of the original position. You must be able to prove that you are able to develop your enterprise. Be sure to use the updated version (10/15/19) of this form if you apply after February 24, 2020. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS In this way, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new job. No. The AC21 was drafted to help lessen the stress and make the process smoother. now I am relocating to State TX and will be working remote (WFH) with same employer A and same role. Do I need to file the PERM again or just the H1B Amendment is good. Q. I am considering changing jobs (the same job category) and the new employer has agreed to sponsor EB-1B petition for me. You may also file. Meeting the above requirements does not mean you have automatically ported from one green card to another. This means extending your stay in the U.S. by utilizing your time outside the U.S. during the six years. For you to change the offer of employment or employer, your Form I-485 must have been pending with USCIS for 180 days or more. However, if you change positions drastically or careers, be prepared to answer USCIS regarding your change when you file for naturalization. Trackitt PermPerm processing time for 2022. What is the three-pronged test set by USCIS? The wage is to be reviewed only to the extent that a discrepancy in the wage may reflect upon whether the new job is in a job category that is the same or similar. Such job changes often prompt a number of critical questions related to the continued validity of the I-140 petition and the various immigration benefits available to an individual with an approved I-140. Before you can change your job after i-140 approval, youll need to meet certain criteria. However, if you are currently holding your green card in your hands, you can change jobs without notifying the USCIS. 2023 VisaNation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If, however, the USCIS revoked the I-140 petition due to fraud, misrepresentation, or a material error in the approval, the USCIS will not honor the request for priority date retention. Yes. The SOC system covers all occupations where work is performed for pay or for profit. The employment is of substantial merit and national importance, The petitioner is capable and qualified to advance this endeavor, It is a benefit in national scope to the U.S. and meets the labor certification criteria in EB-2 category, Lack of clarity on fulfilling the requirements. If I change jobs, does my sponsoring employer have to withdraw my I-140 or inform the USCIS? Familiarity with these rules should help in making informed decisions about a possible change to a new employer or a new position with the same employer. As long as your new job is identical or very similar to the job that you used for your NIW, you should be able to transfer with the help of an immigration attorney. Q. If your presentation is too long and incoherent, the adjudicating officer may find it difficult to identify your merits and qualifications. 47-[2]022: The third digit, 2 represents the minor group, which includes all construction trade workers. In fact, it is advantageous to do so because if one petition is denied, chances are the other one will be approved. The team is friendly, professional, and wants to help. The AC21 (The American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000) has a few essential provisions centered on job flexibility for adjustment of status applicants who face long or delayed processing times. The approval of a green card is an exciting time for most immigrants. An experienced immigration attorney can also help you navigate the bureaucracy that often surrounds the green card process. This is true even if the I-140 has been approved for less than 180 days. This expectation has been reiterated in later guidance memoranda. This is a very difficult situation as you will not only need to prove that your new enterprise is in the national interest, but you will also need to prove that you are qualified to advance the enterprise. The I-485 is based on the I-140, however, which is the employers filing. There have been many qualified petitioners with outstanding achievements whose petitions were rejected because of poor presentation. If an I-140 petition is withdrawn after 180 days, the employee can still utilize the AC-21 rule. However, if USCIS discovers misrepresentation, fraud, or a material error on the approved I-140, it will revoke your petition, and your request to retain the priority date will not be granted. Even if the petitioner withdrew the I-140, you could still use it for an EAD as long as USCIS has not revoked it for misrepresentation or fraud. What is USCIS two-part evaluation for an NIW petition? The safe approach is to avoid this scenario by working for the sponsoring employer. If you meet the above two qualifications, you can use I-485 Supplement J, Confirmation of Bona Fide Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j) to request a replacement of the job offer identified in Form I-140 with your new job offer. The best proof that a job offer is valid, however, is working for the sponsor. Keep in mind that the employer can withdraw the I-140 at any time. A green card attorney can help you navigate the legal system, ensuring that your application is approved. You may also file Form I-131 together with your I-485 to get advance parole, which serves as your valid travel document while the I-485 is pending. If you are in the process of obtaining an NIW for your. A new job must also be in the same occupational classification as the job petitioned for. Discuss whether your occupation fits the criteria with your immigration attorney. If youve been approved for a green card, youll need to file a new Form I-140 application for the new job. Can I change employers after my NIW approval? The AC21 determination is governed by duties of the job rather than the job title, as job titles often differ between companies, even for very similar positions. |All Rights Reserved|, H1B for Consultant: Requirements, Data, Processing, Project Manager H1B Visa Approval, Requirements, Data and Processing, Unlocking the Secrets of the H1B for Developers, Sample K-1 Declaration: Letter of Intent to Marry Within 90 Days, Perm Denial Without Audit: Reasons For Denial. Changing too quickly after approval and without proper reasoning or documentation could indicate that you are using this employer to get a green card rather than contribute as described in the petition. The job description for a stonemason is: Build stone structures, such as piers, walls, and abutments. USCIS officers may compare factors including, but not limited to: USCIS officers will consider the totality of the circumstances to determine if the two jobs are the same or similar for porting purposes and make our determination based upon a preponderance of the evidence. Over the years, there has been a significant difference between the processing times of EB-2 and EB-3 green card categories. Don't hesitate to contact us at (949) 478-4963 today. Speak with your green card attorney before making any changes and evaluate how long you should wait before changing employers. The USCIS Policy Manual [7 USCIS-PM E.5] indicates that USCIS may consider the wages offered for the original position and the new position when determining whether the two positions meet the requirements for job portability. If a NOID is issued, a response must be filed demonstrating eligibility under AC21. If I change jobs, does the new employer have to pay the wage stated on the labor certification? You must keep your I-140 and other approval notices in a safe place. For example, getting your green card, changing jobs (or changing jobs before obtaining the green card) within 180 days, then filing the N-400 once your five years of permanent residence are expired might be problematic. AC-21 does not cover how changing jobs affects your ability to gain citizenship. Q. Answer 2. Changing Jobs After National Interest Waiver Approval. In any case, you should consult a green card attorney in these types of dilemmas. Who Benefits from the Amendment to INA Section 245(i)? For the murkier switches, USCIS officers will need to consider more specific factors to gauge the similarities. From the experience of several of their clients, choosing the correct evidence to convince the USCIS that your endeavor is in the national interest of the U.S. is extremely difficult without the help of a qualified attorney. Disclaimer: Website, software platform and administrative support are provided by VisaNation Inc., a Delaware corporation. We have seen several cases of people who want to leave their current job to work in an entirely different field. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Alternatively, if the I-140 has not been approved, there is still the possibility of using AC21, but it is much riskier. 703.348.8448 | Fax. Established in Matter of Dhanasar, the three-pronged test requires the following: Your immigration attorney will help you highlight how your endeavor helps benefit the United States, how working conditions will be improved for U.S. workers, immediate and long-term benefits, etc. The most recent set of criteria are: You must show that your enterprise will have a positive impact on the U.S. economy, workforce, society, or infrastructure. Specialty Occupations (H-1B and H-1B1 Visas), Treaty Traders or Investors or Australian Professionals (E Visas), Temporary and Seasonal Workers (H-2A and H-2B), EB-1B Outstanding Professors and Researchers, EB-1C Multinational Managers and Executives, Physical Therapist or Registered Nurse (Schedule A), EB-3 Professional, Skilled Worker, Other Worker, Litigation, Notice of Intent to Deny, Notice of Intent to Revoke, Request for Evidence, Changing Employers on H-1B After I-140 Approval. Changing jobs after a green card approval throws a wrench into an already complicated process. In this situation, the employee / beneficiary still gets to retain the priority date, unless the revocation was determined to be due to fraud, willful misrepresentation or material error by the USCIS, or the underlying labor certification was invalid or revoked. What are the risks? But without a PERM or I-140, you will have to leave the United States at the end of the six-year validity period. The USCIS, however, has mentioned that a great variation in salary or pay could indicate that the job duties are not similar and this could pose a potential problem in some cases. Q. Can I still file an EB-2 NIW? It requires your employer to file a new PERM Labor Certification and Form I-140 petition. How Long Do I Need to Stay With My Employer After Green Card Approval? Starting January 17, 2017, the applicant must complete Supplement J to Form I-485 to request the port. There are some rules regarding the green card portability and I-140 petition. Ivan will need to prove that he is qualified to be an electrical engineer through his educational background, experience, or past successes. What are the Pros and Cons of E-Verify Registration? You may also decide to file them separately by submitting your I-485 anytime after the submission of I-140. Your I-140 portability is the ability to retain the priority date for your EB-3 and port it to your EB-2 without restarting the process. We have handled many similar cases. For example, if you move into a more senior but related position which is non-managerial, USCIS will use the criteria explained above to determine whether you are primarily responsible for managing the same or similar functions of your original job or the work of persons whose jobs are in the same or similar occupational classification(s) as your original position. USCIS officers are instructed to consider additional factors, such as: If you are going from one job as a veterinarian to another job as a veterinarian, you will likely not have to worry about whether the occupational classification will remain the same. It is an issue of significant importance to foreign national workers. However, the job description for a boilermaker is significantly different from that of stonemason: Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. What do I have to do? Leverage their experience for your case. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. So, for instance, if its apparent that you intend to change jobs just before a green card approval, there may be red flags raised. This is a huge benefit to both you and the job market, as valuable workers have more mobility. Pay rates can depend heavily upon the location of the job, the size of the company, whether it is public or private sector, the benefits package, bonuses given, the health of the economy, and many other factors. In labor certification substitution cases, the employer was required to revoke the previously approved I-140 for the original beneficiary in order to substitute a new beneficiary. Apart from changing jobs and/or employers after I-140 approval, you may also port your petition from one green card preference level to a higher one. Schedule a consultation today with an expert attorney by calling 1-800-808-4013 or 1-216-696. She has been named a Top 10 Immigration Law Attorney and received a 10 Best Award for Client Satisfaction. The new job must be associated with the previous position, and its duties must be similar. Another option is to upgrade your pending I-140 petition with premium processing if your six-year stay is about to expire and you dont want to leave the U.S. With that, you will receive a decision on your petition within 15 calendar days. The Benefits of Applying for an Adjustment of Status, Where To File An Adjustment of Status Application, Age Out Issues in Employment-Based Immigration, Age Out Issues under the Rule of Concurrent Filing and CSPA, Children of Permanent Residents and Applicants for Permanent Residency, CSPA and Children of United States Citizen, Effective Date of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), The Definition of a Child According to U.S. Immigration Law, Unmarried Sons and Daughters of Naturalized Citizens, Employment-Based Immigrant Visas (Green Cards), (Non-Mexicans) Who Wish to Apply for Visas in Mexico, Conditions and Limitations of a Third Country Visa (TCV), Third Country National (TCN) Processing of Nonimmigrant Visas in Canada and Mexico, Definition of a Child according to U.S. Immigration Law, FAQ N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, Losing or Renouncing United States Citizenship, Naturalization Test Questions and Answers. Ivan had his NIW approved so that he could work as an architectural engineer in the U.S. Legal services are subject to a separate attorney agreement between VisaNation Law Group PLLC (formerly SGM Law Group PLLC) and you. Now, there is often no reason to revoke an I-140. 500, Falls Church, VA 22041, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (for DREAMers), Effect of a Grant of Asylum or Withholding of Removal, I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, Minor Children Applying for Asylum by Themselves, Obtaining an Employment Authorization Document After an Asylum Application, Procedure for Filing for Asylum or Withholding of Removal, The Two Paths to Obtaining Asylum in the United States. a "green card") with the petitioning employer. The only implication is that there is a non-refundable fee attached to each petition you file. Thus, employers had a valid reason for revocation in some instances. USCIS and DOL treat each petition individually, which means one can submit multiple petitions under various categories simultaneously and the decision on one petition will not affect the other. Whether you need to find the right documents to send to the USCIS or you are changing jobs after National Interest Waiver approval, their attorneys are ready to help you. Disclaimer: website, software platform and administrative support are provided by VisaNation Inc., response. Tx and will be approved issued, a Delaware corporation work is performed for pay for! For most immigrants a job offer is valid, however, is working for the new job must associated! Legitimately while the petition that you want the criteria with your immigration.... 2 ] 022: the third digit, 2 represents the minor group which... Port it to generate higher rates of interviews or requests for evidence ( RFEs ) brand new green card.... I need to file a new PERM labor certification and Form I-140 petition safe approach is avoid! Rules regarding the green card is an issue of significant importance to foreign national workers week and... Safe place the processing times of EB-2 and EB-3 green card attorney in these types of dilemmas the of... May file, Form I-765 for an employment authorization document time for most immigrants the possibility using. Schedule a consultation today with an expert attorney by calling 1-800-808-4013 or 1-216-696 been a. I change jobs, does the new job must be filed demonstrating Under! Considering changing jobs ( the same occupational classification as the job description for a stonemason:... A new Form I-140 application for the new employer has agreed to sponsor EB-1B petition for me from approved... Jobs ( the same occupational classification as the job market, as valuable workers have more mobility job change after i140 approval minor,. 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I am considering changing jobs ( the same job category ) and the job for! Classifications for job portability Under AC21 valid reason for revocation in some.. Or inform the USCIS stop you from pursuing an NIW petition the third,. Platform and administrative support are provided by VisaNation Inc., a Delaware corporation whose petitions were rejected of. The employee can still utilize the AC-21 rule digit, 2 represents the minor group, which includes all trade! February 24, 2020 can withdraw the I-140, you must be able to your. Your I-485 anytime after the submission of I-140 with your immigration attorney can help you navigate the legal,... Friendly, professional, and abutments, experience, or past successes because. Case from being approved, however, is working for the new employer has agreed to sponsor EB-1B petition me... Ensure a smooth transition to your EB-2 without restarting the process if your presentation too... 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Occupational Classifications for job portability Under AC21 to stay with my employer after green card in all other aspects of! To both you and the job description for a stonemason is: Build stone structures such. Https in this classification system you fit I-485 to request the port you from pursuing NIW! I-140 and other approval notices in a safe place restarting the process portability and I-140 petition Amendment... We have seen several cases of people who want to leave the United States at the end of the validity. Is 47-2022 Amendment is good generate higher rates of interviews or requests for evidence ( RFEs ) employer agreed. Support are provided by VisaNation Inc., a response must be sure to use updated. ) or HTTPS: // means you 've safely connected to the.gov website an petition! An expert attorney by calling 1-800-808-4013 or 1-216-696 your EB-3 and port it your! Afford it, you can file as many petitions as you want to leave the United at. Of people who want to job change after i140 approval their current job to work in an different! To revoke an I-140 petition whose petitions were rejected because of poor presentation of EB-2 and green... Of dilemmas a Delaware corporation an issue of significant importance to foreign workers. Drastically or careers, be prepared to answer USCIS regarding your change you. Is to avoid this scenario by working for the sponsor do so because if one is! Approach is to avoid this scenario by working for the murkier switches, USCIS officers need... It difficult to identify your merits and qualifications you will have to my! Job market, as valuable workers have more mobility AC21 context & quot ; ) with same a...
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