Can I change my status to another non-immigrant category if I am laid off?
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Can I change my status to another non-immigrant category if I am laid off?
I am in the US on L1A visa. I found another employer. Should I contact USCIS? What are the next steps? How to proceed? What kind of chances do I have? How long I can remain in the US?
Asked on February 12, 2012 under Immigration Law, Michigan
Answers:
SB, Member, California / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The sooner you can have the new employer file a new petition on your behalf, the better the chances that the petition will be approved as a change of status within the US and not as consular processing. LEgally and technically, you are out of status as soon as you are no longer employed; however, if your I-94 is still valid, you are not unlawfully present in the US. As soon as you are out of status, it is no longer legally possible to do a change of status since you must be IN status in order to CHANGE status. However, practically speaking, as long as the new employer files a petition on your behalf soon enough that your most recent paycheck stub is still current enough, it has a good chance of being approved as a change of status.
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