How toTrack an H2B Visa Extension
A United States H2B Work Visa is, as its name implies, a visa that allows individuals to come to the U. S. to work in occupations in which American workers are in short supply. In order to qualify, an individual must demonstrate that she possesses the skills necessary for the job that she is applying for. The length of the visa varies and, once in the U.S., the visa holder may wish to extend her visa to continue to work in the U.S. The H2B Visa Extension Program is only open for current H2B visa holders in the United States and must be completed by the visa holder's employer. Once the extension is filed, it is important for the applicant to follow up and track its status to avoid overstaying her visa which can carry severe penalties such as involuntary departure or deportation.
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Instructions
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Have your employer complete your ETA 750A Form which is the form necessary to apply for an extension.
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Make sure that it is submitted it to the State Workforce Agency nearest you. Be sure to do so no earlier than 120 days but no later than 45 days before the current visa expires.
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Complete the other steps necessary to file the extension, such as waiting the appropriate length of time for you or your employer to re-advertise the visa holder's position. If a suitable American employee is not found, then wait for the U.S. Labor Department to issue you a Foreign Labor Certificate. Once the Form I-129 has been submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, along with the appropriate fees, wait for the Form I-797 Approval Notice.
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At any point during the approval process, you may track the status of the H2B Extension by phoning customer service at USCIS at (800) 767-1833. The representative will assist you by answering any questions that you may have. You or your employer will need to give your case number, so be sure to have it handy.
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Alternatively, you or your employer may track the status of your application online at uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. You will need the application number to track the status of the submitted application.
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Tips & Warnings
You may wish to hire a lawyer to complete the forms for you. He will then be able to track your case on your behalf.
Make sure that you retain all receipt and application numbers so that you can track your H2B Visa Extension.
