Current H1B visa holders can transfer their visa and start work for a new employer as soon as an H1B transfer petition is 'submitted' to the USCIS by the new employer (sponsor company). The applicant does NOT need to wait until the Transfer Approval is issued.H1B transfers can be filed at any time of the year.
The H1B transfer bill approved in the senate and House now has rules that enable valid H1B visa holders to change jobs upon the filing of a new petition by the new employer as long as the individual is in lawful status at the time of filing and has not engaged in any unauthorized employment since his or her last lawful admission.
Under the H1B portability rules of the American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act (AC21), an H1B visa holder may transfer to start work (a new H1B job) with a new employer, provided that the new US employer follows the procedures to file an H1B transfer visa application on behalf of the worker.
Transfers allow individuals who have filed for adjustment of status and whose cases have been pending for 180 days or more to change jobs or employers without affecting the validity of the I-140 or underlying labor certification, as long as the new job is in the same or a similar occupational classification to the job in the original H1B visa petition and labor certification.
During the H1B transfer procedure, the following documents may be required:
