Agreement with Employer with $s

[user_12345]

I had been told that if an agreement with Employer has $s in it, it will be void. Is that true?

To transfer my H1-B, new employer is expecting me to sign an agreement that has $ amount, which would be a penalty if I leave them within 6 months of employment.

[JoeF]

A penalty for leaving the employer early is illegal.

However, payment of liquidated damages is legal. Liquidated damages means damages the employer has, e.g., for finding and training a replacement.

The longer you work for the employer, the less the damages would be, since you generate income for the employer.

[Belle]

Depends. You need to show it to an immigrantion AND labor lawyer - a labor lawyer licensed in the state you will be working. Ask the employer to send you the agreement ASAP, and get that consultation. I definitely would.

[user_12345]

Thanks JoeF and Belle.

[Belle]

Also, relocation is big one. Most agreements have compensation of relocation assistance if you voluntarily leave within a certain period of time.