[URGENT] Switching from Full time to Contract job (also H1 to EAD)

[liberty]

I am working for a Fortune 500 company on H1 visa. I am switching to a startup and will now be using my EAD( GC status: I-485 with more than 180 days). I have the following questions.
1. Can I join as an individual contractor by myself directly with the company without going thru a 3rd party vendor?
2. I am offered a temporary contract position at an hourly rate every 15 days without deducting any taxes. I will have to pay my taxes at the end of the year by myself using the form sent by the employer. Does anyone have any such experience?
3. What formalities do I need to complete with the USCIS regarding this change in my status? Will it affect my green card process in any way?

I will really appreciate your help.
Thanks for the support.

[chi_shark]

i am going to do almost exactly what you are thinking in a matter of few days. i spoke to two lawyers. essentially, ac21 allows this and there is nothing that you have to really do. Of course, i am assuming that you are moving into a job that has the similar job duties as specified in your labor application. what you need to do is make 100% sure that you have documentation to prove this job duties similarity. if you are going to get an SOW from your client, make sure that the SOW is similar to your labor. if you can, do get a letter from your client (where you will do your actual work) stating your job responsibilities, work content etc. you will also need to document/prove actual existence of your business by showing your tax transactions, invoices/receipts etc. also, make sure that you are spending 40 hours (or whatever is the equivalent of a full time job) doing your labor certified job... all this will be required only if USCIS sends you an RFE or calls you for an interview.

wish you luck

I am working for a Fortune 500 company on H1 visa. I am switching to a startup and will now be using my EAD( GC status: I-485 with more than 180 days). I have the following questions.
1. Can I join as an individual contractor by myself directly with the company without going thru a 3rd party vendor?
2. I am offered a temporary contract position at an hourly rate every 15 days without deducting any taxes. I will have to pay my taxes at the end of the year by myself using the form sent by the employer. Does anyone have any such experience?
3. What formalities do I need to complete with the USCIS regarding this change in my status? Will it affect my green card process in any way?

I will really appreciate your help.
Thanks for the support.

[matreen]

i am going to do almost exactly what you are thinking in a matter of few days. i spoke to two lawyers. essentially, ac21 allows this and there is nothing that you have to really do. Of course, i am assuming that you are moving into a job that has the similar job duties as specified in your labor application. what you need to do is make 100% sure that you have documentation to prove this job duties similarity. if you are going to get an SOW from your client, make sure that the SOW is similar to your labor. if you can, do get a letter from your client (where you will do your actual work) stating your job responsibilities, work content etc. you will also need to document/prove actual existence of your business by showing your tax transactions, invoices/receipts etc. also, make sure that you are spending 40 hours (or whatever is the equivalent of a full time job) doing your labor certified job... all this will be required only if USCIS sends you an RFE or calls you for an interview.

wish you luck

Don't you think if you're changing jobs and new job has to be fulltime with new employer? not contract?

Can we invoke AC21 on temp contracting job?

As you said if you go with contracing job where you will be running your payroll? Is it on your new owned company on your name? Or it has to be someone else name like spouse or friend?

Thanks,
Matt

[simple1]

you can be legally self employed/direct-contractor/consultant (fulltime, same or similar with earnings >= the one in perm) in EAD after Ac21.

Before jumping in, Talk to good attorney to find out the a2p and evl processes for self employed after ac21.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/AC21Intrm122705.pdf

Question 8. Can an alien port to self-employment under INA §204(j)?
Answer: Yes, as long as the requirements are met. First, the key is whether the employment is in a
"same or similar" occupational classification as the job for which the original I-140 petition was filed.
Second, it may be appropriate to confirm that the new employer and the job offer are legitimate
through an RFE to the adjustment applicant for relevant information about these issues. Third, as
with any portability case, USCIS will focus on whether the I-140 petition represented the truly
intended employment at the time of the filing of both the I-140 and the I-485. This means that, as
of the time of the filing of the I-140 and at the time of filing the I-485 if not filed concurrently, the I-
140 petitioner must have had the intent to employ the beneficiary, and the alien must have intended
to undertake the employment, upon adjustment. Adjudicators should not presume absence of such
intent and may take the I-140 and supporting documents themselves as prima facie evidence of such
intent, but in appropriate cases additional evidence or investigation may be appropriate.