DownTheLine

Hi Friends,
I have a few questions, I would appreciate for any comments.
I was on H1-B and it expires on Oct 2007 but I quit my job ( they wanted me to travel and I was unable to travel since my wife is pregnant. They let me go). Now I did get married to my wife who is a USC in Feb 2006 and I'm in the process of applying for my GC, I have all the paper work ready and I will mail it in the next couple of days. My wife is not working, I'm using my friend as a joint sponsor.
I'm looking for jobs but not seriously, I would like to spend time with my pregnant wife, she is due in september and hopefully work after the baby. I do have some savings but its not a whole lot.
My questions are:
1. Am I eligible for Unemployment benefits? I'm still waiting for my EAD.
2. Will applying for unemployment screw up my paperwork for greencard ( I-130, I-485)?
3. Whats the smart thing to do? need advise?

Thanks.

Noorah101

I believe you are not eligible for unemployment benefits because you voluntarily left your job. If you had been laid off or fired, you might have been able to get unemployment benefits.

My advice is to keep looking for another job, so you can continue to support your growing family.

Best Wishes,
Rene

Noorah101

Sorry...I just re-read your post and you said two different things. First you said you quit your job, then you said they let you go.

Which was it?

Rene

DownTheLine

Thanks Rene

Noorah101

Here's another thought...just in case it turns out that you *are* eligible for unemployment benefits, you must prove to the unemployment agency that you are actively seeking employment. When I was on unemployment (long time ago...might have changed since then) I had to submit something each week or 2 weeks which showed who I applied with, why I didn't get the job, why the job wasn't suitable, etc.

Just trying to say that if you do get the benefits, you can't just sit around and not seriously look for work.

Best Wishes,
Rene

NCTarheel

Right after you quit your H-1 job you also became out-of-status. H-1s do not have any grace period. Until your I-485 is received by the USCIS, you will be considered out of status. I have no idea if that has any bearing on eligibility for unemployment benefits.

Elvira

I think you've got a bloody nerve!

Lazy sod!!!

Noorah101

I see you edited this question. My guess (and totally guessing) is that unemployment won't pay for someone who cannot legally accept employment.

Keep us posted, I'm interested to know if you do indeed qualify.

Rene

AussieSteve

As someone else said, I believe that once you aren't working for your H1-B employer, for whatever reason, you are out of status, so you should get your AOS application in, pronto. As for eligibility for unemployment benefits, dunno. Don't think #2 is an issue, but you never know with the CIS
Good luck, I hope all goes well with your baby.

snowbunny

Who's going to pay for antenatal and postnatal care?

DownTheLine

Thanks for the replies.
The state is paying for it.

Elvira

You mean taxpayers?
Lovely.
Which state???

snowbunny

Well.... I'm voting that you're a troll then.

DownTheLine

I just called unemployment and they said I'm eligible, I filed my claim over the phone.
I'm not sure how this will affect my paper work. I have all my paper work ready to be sent, I'm still waiting for form 864 from my friend who is the joint sponsor.

Thanks.

DownTheLine

what do you mean by I'm a troll?

I live in PA, my wife is covered by the welfare, she is a citizen.