H1B queries.

[premkumar]

I got my H1B thorough Company A i.e. valid from 21-March-2011 TO 30-Sept-2014. I was in USA only from 20-Aug-2013 TO 2-Jan-2014 then I returned back to India.
Now I changed job from India to Company B and came back to USA on 15 Sept 2013 with old stamped H1B but my new petition from employer B is valid till 16-July-2016.

My questions are:

1.Should my current employer(i.e. B) file for H1B extension before it expires on 30th Sept 2014? Or if I am not changing company then I can stay on this visa?
2.My 6 year max job duration will be counted from 21 march 2011 (stamped date) or from 15 Sept 2013? As I was out of USA for 8.5 months.
3.My current company B is not so good. I am planning to change job again.Is there any minimum number of days that I should stick with employer B?
Can this frequent job change might be an issue while GC filing?

Please help in this regard.

[Nattybone]

I got my H1B thorough Company A i.e. valid from 21-March-2011 TO 30-Sept-2014. I was in USA only from 20-Aug-2013 TO 2-Jan-2014 then I returned back to India.
Now I changed job from India to Company B and came back to USA on 15 Sept 2013 with old stamped H1B but my new petition from employer B is valid till 16-July-2016.

My questions are:

1.Should my current employer(i.e. B) file for H1B extension before it expires on 30th Sept 2014? Or if I am not changing company then I can stay on this visa?
2.My 6 year max job duration will be counted from 21 march 2011 (stamped date) or from 15 Sept 2013? As I was out of USA for 8.5 months.
3.My current company B is not so good. I am planning to change job again.Is there any minimum number of days that I should stick with employer B?
Can this frequent job change might be an issue while GC filing?

Please help in this regard.

Hello, Prem.

1) You have a I797 petition till 2016 (from Employer B), so why do you need to file another petition. If you want the visa stamp on your passport, you will have to go for stamping for that. If that was your question.

2) Your H1B duration will be counted basis the time actually spent on H1B visa status inside the USA.

3) Changing employer does not negatively impact your GC but it might slow down the process. To tranfer H1B, companies generally ask for 3 months pay stubs.

I hope this helps.

Wishing you luck.

Cheers,

[premkumar]

Thanks

Hello, Prem.

1) You have a I797 petition till 2016 (from Employer B), so why do you need to file another petition. If you want the visa stamp on your passport, you will have to go for stamping for that. If that was your question.

2) Your H1B duration will be counted basis the time actually spent on H1B visa status inside the USA.

3) Changing employer does not negatively impact your GC but it might slow down the process. To tranfer H1B, companies generally ask for 3 months pay stubs.

I hope this helps.

Wishing you luck.

Cheers,

Thanks Nattybone for reply.