I am on an H1B visa and recently switched to a new employer. Due to some delays, there was a gap before I started receiving payroll. I am exploring the option of unpaid leave for this period and have a few questions:
- Under H1B regulations, is unpaid leave allowed only for medical reasons, or are there other acceptable reasons for unpaid leave?
- If unpaid leave is allowed for medical reasons, what specific documentation is required to support this?
- Are there other situations (e.g., personal reasons, lack of a project) where unpaid leave is acceptable under H1B rules, and what documentation is needed in those cases?
- Does USCIS need to be informed about the unpaid leave period? If yes, what is the correct process to ensure compliance?
- How can I demonstrate that the employee-employer relationship was maintained during the unpaid leave period?
- Will this unpaid leave or payroll gap potentially affect future H1B transfers or extensions?
Any guidance on this matter or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!