‘Desi Consultancy’ Payroll Delay Puts H1B at Risk
A recent online story from an H2B worker exposed a hardship that struck a strong chord with the immigrant community. This worker should be happy after obtaining a promising new job and transferring to H1B status in October. Instead, their present employer's payroll procedures have put them in a difficult position and are now jeopardizing their ability to move smoothly. The problem? In order to complete this transfer with the USCIS, they need evidence that he was paid in October. For this particular firm, a "desi consultancy," this implies that one month's earnings are withheld, which means that an individual is paid for working in august using a paystub dated october 1.
At his new work, he won't receive his october payslip until December, which is well until mid-November. As he attempts to demonstrate ongoing employment in a system that does not support such payroll methods, such delays put the employee in an untenable situation. However, he is now wondering if the USCIS will accept additional supporting documentation to substantiate their job, like a W-2 form or payslip from november that shows work dates from October.
This potential work gap was a serious worry since it may have a significant impact on their visa status and, eventually, his future in the US. The narrative illustrates the realities that many foreign nationals who enter the US on H1B visas must deal with, particularly for smaller consulting firms. Many are forced to continuously juggle paperwork to demonstrate business compliance with stringent immigration regulations and antiquated payroll procedures. Maintaining this precise balance may be draining.