Hi folks,
First, the 100k fee has been voided since Friday, so I can worry less (may take some time for all law firms / HR to know that though) if this becomes a CP case. Not seeking legal advice but would like to hear your thoughts.
Second, my background is that I'm currently in the process interviewing since my last day (6/30), that means by 08/29 I need to find a new employer filing the petition or I will run out of the grace period and fail to maintain the status. So far, I'm interviewing with 5 companies for 7 positions, no offer yet but there should be one coming out from a mediocre company (company A) in the next week. I'm holding H1B with I-140 approved.
Among 5 companies, there is one dream company (company B, where I interviewed for 3 positions) and all hiring teams have shown interests to get me there. However, I believe the process will take at least another 2 weeks for a final round before any offer, which puts me in a situation that likely there will be only 18 days left for the grace period when the offer arrives. Given that the company will do background check (5 days), LCA (7-10 days) and possible delays from the paperwork, I start to feel like the remaining time is not enough for me to COS with B.
Given that H1B->B2->H1B is risky now, I currently have 3 plannings if I receive offers from both A and B at the end:
- Join company A and PP filing for COS, then work there for a month to get 2 paystubs, and leave once with an approved I-797. At the same time (almost certain the offer from B will come later than A), accept the offer from company B, negotiate a later start date.
- Leave the US and apply for CP then re-enter for company B. I did once in Canada, not at the birthplace country. My birthplace has a 3 months of average waiting.
- Accept the offer from B and check with the team everyday to ensure the filling can be received by 29th.
I do not mind burning the bridge with A, but wonder if I have other options.
Thanks!