Yakima, WA asked in Employment Law and Immigration Law for Washington

Q: When do I need to pay back breach of work contract? Contract says I owe $13,500 after leaving company.

I came to America on a job contract which is for 30 months. I left the job after 4 months working to go to a job that pays a lot more money. The contract states I will need to pay $13,500 back to them for expenses bringing me to America. My question is when do I need to pay this $13,500 back to them? I don't see anywhere in the contract that gives a time I need to pay back after breaching the contract. This is in Virginia.

2 Lawyer Answers
Nadine C. Atkinson-Flowers
Nadine C. Atkinson-Flowers
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Philadelphia, PA

A: You should immediately speak with an immigration attorney and take a copy of the contract with you. US laws are specific about things like these so you need to make sure the employer is not trying to scare you.

Good luck!

Kevin L Dixler
Kevin L Dixler
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Milwaukee, WI

A: It’s unclear, arguably questionable, that the contract is enforceable if challenged in court. The law firms that represent employers have been known to create questionable agreements not enforceable in some States.

I strongly recommend that you contact a competent and experienced immigration attorney before there are any other complications. Good luck.

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