H1-B visa transfer during coronavirus

[yoshita.sharma]

Hi,
I am an employee on H1-B visa. I am looking to change jobs due to some circumstances, so I will need an H1-B transfer. Due to COVID-19, USCIS has suspended premium processing. Under these circumstances
1. Can I start working once the receipt for filing the H1-B transfer petition is received? Or will I have to wait for about 8 months for the process to be completed?
2. Also, if I lose my current employment, and the second company I get the job in, files my visa petition within the 60 days grace period, will I have to leave the country and come back once my transfer is over? Or is there any provision to stay in the country till the process gets completed?
Thank you

[rkk09]

Hi,
Please see my response below.
1. Can I start working once the receipt for filing the H1-B transfer petition is received? Or will I have to wait for about 8 months for the process to be completed?
Answer: Yes.. Once you get H1B transfer receipt notice, you can start working with new H1B transfer petitioner with the help of receipt notice. But, please make sure, your I-94 was valid at the time of petition filing.
2. Also, if I lose my current employment, and the second company I get the job in, files my visa petition within the 60 days grace period, will I have to leave the country and come back once my transfer is over? Or is there any provision to stay in the country till the process gets completed?
Answer: If you file H1B transfer petition within 60 days of Employment termination or within I-94 validity(Whichever is lesser) then you will be good to stay in the USA and start working with new Employer with the help of receipt notice.
Thanks