Working in the United States under H-1B status can be challenging, as it is employer-specific and only allows the holder to work for the specific employer listed in the H-1B petition. However, a lesser-known option is available for foreign workers: the concurrent H-1B petition. This option allows H-1B holders to work for multiple employers, as long as each employer files a concurrent H-1B petition with USCIS. This provision opens more opportunities for H-1B holders who are seeking to expand their career prospects. In this blog, we’ll explore a successful story of a candidate who was able to work for multiple H-1B employers thanks to this option.
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the number of approved H-1B petitions for the fiscal year 2020 was 201,011, with the majority of beneficiaries originating from India.
Concurrent H-1B Petition: What is it and What are the Advantages?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The H-1B status is employer-specific, which means that a foreign worker can only work for the employer that sponsored their H-1B visa.
However, the law allows foreign workers with valid H-1B status to work for multiple H-1B employers, as long as the additional employer files a concurrent H-1B petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The advantage of having a concurrent H-1B petition is that a foreign worker can expand their work experience, earn extra income, and improve their chances of getting a green card. Additionally, it provides flexibility for H-1B workers who want to switch jobs or have a side hustle.
Case Study – Working for Multiple H-1B Employers
System Soft Technologies, a global technology company headquartered in Tampa, Florida, found a suitable candidate for one of their part-time professional positions. However, the candidate was already working for another employer under a different occupation category under H-1B status.
After reviewing the relevant background information, System Soft’s immigration legal team determined that the candidate was eligible for working with multiple employers and filed the concurrent H-1B petition within two weeks. The candidate started his second job immediately and ultimately transferred his primary employment to System Soft.
In Conclusion
Working for multiple H-1B employers can provide great opportunities for foreign workers who want to expand their work experience and earn extra income. It is important to note that the additional employer must file a concurrent H-1B petition, and the foreign worker must meet the qualifications for the specialty occupation.
System Soft’s success story demonstrates how their immigration legal team effectively handled the concurrent H-1B petition process, allowing the candidate to work for multiple employers and eventually transfer their primary employment to System Soft. The company’s strong and effective immigration legal team consists of knowledgeable and experienced attorneys and well-trained legal staff, that are dedicated to assisting the needs of their talented and professional employees and clients worldwide.
About the Author: Tzu-Hui (Olivia) Chien, Esq.
Tzu-Hui (Olivia) is an immigration attorney at System Soft Technologies. She’s devoted to the practice of U.S. immigration and nationality law, including applications for permanent residence and temporary visa petitions. Through her extensive experience in a wide variety of complex immigration matters, she provides strategic planning advice and advocacy of talented professionals to ensure the best possible chance of positive outcomes.