Understanding I-140 Petition Withdrawal
When navigating the complex journey to permanent residency in the United States, many applicants are familiar with the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, commonly known as Form I-140. This crucial document is part of the green card process for employment-based applicants. However, there may come a time when an employer decides to withdraw an I-140 petition. It’s essential for both employers and employees to understand the immigration consequences of such a decision.
What Happens When an I-140 is Withdrawn?
Before and After 180 Days Mark
The timing of the I-140 petition withdrawal plays a significant role in determining the implications for the green card applicant. There’s a key distinction drawn at the 180-day mark after the I-140 has been approved:
- Withdrawal Before 180 Days: If an employer withdraws the petition before it has been approved for 180 days, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will typically revoke the petition. As a result, the applicant may no longer be able to use the approved I-140 for certain future immigration benefits.
- Withdrawal After 180 Days: If the petition is withdrawn after 180 days of approval, regardless of the reason for withdrawal, the petition will generally not be automatically revoked by USCIS. This provides some security for the applicant, allowing them to retain certain benefits from the approved I-140.
Retaining Priority Date and Portability
One of the significant benefits that remain intact post-withdrawal (after 180 days) is the retention of the priority date. The priority date is the applicant’s “place in line” in the green card process, and it can usually be carried forward to a new I-140 petition filed by a different employer.
Additionally, under AC21 portability rules, an individual may change jobs or employers without affecting a pending I-485 (Adjustment of Status application), so long as the new job is in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the original petition was filed.
Consequences for Different Scenarios
- If the I-140 is withdrawn before approval: The application process will be terminated, and the applicant will likely need to restart the green card process with a new petition.
- If the I-140 is withdrawn after the I-485 has been pending for 180 days or more: The applicant may be insulated from the withdrawal’s negative effects, thanks to the aforementioned portability rules.
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If the applicant does not have a pending I-485: They may lose the ability to obtain an employment authorization document (EAD) or advance parole (AP) based on the withdrawn I-140.
It’s crucial for both employers and applicants to be aware of these nuances to plan appropriately for potential changes in employment.
Navigating the Process and Seeking Support
Given the complexity and potential implications of an I-140 petition withdrawal, applicants and employers are encouraged to seek expert advice. Legal counsel can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual circumstances, ensuring that all parties understand their rights and options.
For reliable information and updates on the green card process, visit the official USCIS website at uscis.gov.
In summary, while an I-140 petition withdrawal can have serious immigration consequences, understanding the rules and timing involved can help mitigate negative impacts. By carefully considering the circumstances and seeking professional advice, applicants can navigate the withdrawal process and preserve their path to permanent residency.
So, there you have it, folks! Understanding the ins and outs of I-140 petition withdrawal is like navigating through a maze, but fear not! Keep those priority dates intact, embrace job portability, and seek expert advice when needed. And hey, if you’re hungry for more green card knowledge, head on over to visaverge.com for all your immigration intel. Stay curious, my friends!
FAQ’s to know:
FAQ 1: What are the consequences of withdrawing an I-140 petition before it is approved for 180 days?
Answer: Withdrawing an I-140 petition before it has been approved for 180 days typically leads to the revocation of the petition by the USCIS. As a result, the approved I-140 may no longer be usable for certain future immigration benefits. The applicant may need to restart the green card process with a new petition.
FAQ 2: What happens if an I-140 petition is withdrawn after 180 days of approval?
Answer: If an I-140 petition is withdrawn after 180 days of approval, the petition will generally not be automatically revoked by the USCIS. The applicant retains the benefits of the approved I-140, including the retention of their priority date. This allows the priority date to be carried forward to a new I-140 petition filed by a different employer.
FAQ 3: What are the consequences of withdrawing an I-140 petition when there is a pending I-485?
Answer: If an I-140 is withdrawn after the I-485 (Adjustment of Status application) has been pending for 180 days or more, the applicant may be insulated from the negative effects of the withdrawal through AC21 portability rules. This allows the individual to change jobs or employers without affecting their pending I-485, as long as the new job is in the same or a similar occupational classification as the original job for which the petition was filed.
What did you learn? Answer below to know:
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What happens if an I-140 petition is withdrawn before 180 days of approval?
a) The petition remains valid for future immigration benefits.
b) The petition is automatically revoked by USCIS.
c) The applicant loses their priority date.
d) The applicant can change employers without affecting their pending I-485. -
True or False: If an I-140 is withdrawn after 180 days of approval, the petition is automatically revoked by USCIS.
a) True
b) False -
What benefit can an applicant retain even after the withdrawal of an I-140 petition?
a) Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
b) Advance Parole (AP)
c) Priority date
d) Green card approval
