Rajeev
01-31 05:02 PM
The questions are at numbers 3 and 8 at this moment, under most popular.
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ndialani
10-30 12:14 PM
Caliguy,
I will reach out to ombudsman and Napolitano this weekend. Another thing i am going to try is applying AP renewal this weekend, set to expire in november anyway. I would rather loose $305 than keep waiting for some miracle. Thanks for your help. I should be able to find the procedure to file 7001 and the Napolitano address in this thread, correct?
Leoindiano,
For Sending #7001 form.....Just google "cis ombudsman form dhs-7001"
type and print pdf. file and mail it to them. Follow it up via email .
I will reach out to ombudsman and Napolitano this weekend. Another thing i am going to try is applying AP renewal this weekend, set to expire in november anyway. I would rather loose $305 than keep waiting for some miracle. Thanks for your help. I should be able to find the procedure to file 7001 and the Napolitano address in this thread, correct?
Leoindiano,
For Sending #7001 form.....Just google "cis ombudsman form dhs-7001"
type and print pdf. file and mail it to them. Follow it up via email .
black_logs
04-07 12:57 PM
Guys it is really upto you to decide how much you are willing to contribute towards something which will change your future. I'm on 7th year H1B extension I pay $200 for my dependents visas. I am going to my home country and I'm paying close to $600 for Visa stamping, plus pain for doing all the paper work, and pain of taking a visa interview after living 7 years here. We don't get anything done then this visa will expire in 6 months, so another $200 for visa, another $600 for stamping, another form & another filing and above all another sleepless night. This is endless, we need to support this effort, please contribute generously.
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logiclife
02-11 01:23 PM
Friends,
I did a quick search and did not find answer to this. Apologise if this is a repost.
But a co-worker of mine wants to travel on AP. After coming back, he will join my company (right now he is a contractor) as a perm employee on H1. Is it possible and allowed? Can he transfer H1 after using AP?
Our company attorney confirmed that his H1B will remain valid even after using AP. But she is not sure about transfer. I will post her reply once she gets back to him. But in meantime, if anyone has any idea about this, please share.
Given the fact that everything is driven by I-94, including your status and your proof of legal presence, I think this may be true. However, I have not read any experience of anyone who came back on AP and then filed for an H1 transfer. Most people who want to continue on H1 have not used AP (so far on this forum, I dont know about everyone ofcourse) and they have gone thru the pain of getting restamped in consulate abroad.
I did a quick search and did not find answer to this. Apologise if this is a repost.
But a co-worker of mine wants to travel on AP. After coming back, he will join my company (right now he is a contractor) as a perm employee on H1. Is it possible and allowed? Can he transfer H1 after using AP?
Our company attorney confirmed that his H1B will remain valid even after using AP. But she is not sure about transfer. I will post her reply once she gets back to him. But in meantime, if anyone has any idea about this, please share.
Given the fact that everything is driven by I-94, including your status and your proof of legal presence, I think this may be true. However, I have not read any experience of anyone who came back on AP and then filed for an H1 transfer. Most people who want to continue on H1 have not used AP (so far on this forum, I dont know about everyone ofcourse) and they have gone thru the pain of getting restamped in consulate abroad.
more...
sammyb
01-30 05:19 PM
it is now Q26 ....
good find man ...
good find man ...
bhatt
03-14 08:31 AM
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4177.html
I get 404 error when clicked on the above url. Did they remove it ? is it again the same July 2007 fiasco ?
Try now, it is back !
I get 404 error when clicked on the above url. Did they remove it ? is it again the same July 2007 fiasco ?
Try now, it is back !
more...
indio0617
04-07 01:35 PM
Arihant:
Excellent suggestions. We definitely have to think creatively on these lines..
Excellent suggestions. We definitely have to think creatively on these lines..
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unitednations
03-31 11:55 AM
UN probably didn't realize that the officer id. was different. The id. being different is a good thing, it makes the likelihood of the IO not having noticed the old NOID higher.
I am sure you are under a lot of stress, and I feel your pain, but click on UN's profile and look at his old posts carefully, he knows what he is talking about.
Again, hope things work out in your favor, keep us posted.
The one that I am looking at the officer id is the same. Timeline is different from OP. Response was received end of February 2009; denial dated end of March 2009.
I am sure you are under a lot of stress, and I feel your pain, but click on UN's profile and look at his old posts carefully, he knows what he is talking about.
Again, hope things work out in your favor, keep us posted.
The one that I am looking at the officer id is the same. Timeline is different from OP. Response was received end of February 2009; denial dated end of March 2009.
more...
smartboy75
09-29 07:01 PM
Man..whats up with you guys ...why are you hijacking my thread.....earlier someone else ..now you???
I am trying to deal with a serious issue here and all u do i start a topic that's not relevant at all....
Start your own god damn thread....
I am trying to deal with a serious issue here and all u do i start a topic that's not relevant at all....
Start your own god damn thread....
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ps57002
12-01 05:59 PM
I was thinking if people feel they are getting something (for those that don't feel they are getting anything from contributing to IV even though IV is trying to do so much for people) like a WII at a chance of some small amount of $10...i'm thinking of how people play the lotto..put in a small amount of money and hope for something big. more people may put in a small amount of money to get something they like...
just a thought...
just a thought...
more...
pmb76
07-16 11:15 AM
Friends, Below is one of the comments I got on the petition
444 Sainath Lou Dobbs is a big A..Hole
Such comments only defeat our cause. I understand the frustration and believe me I feel the same way. But at the same time it is important to channel our anger the right way for maximum impact. I am going to delete this comment from the petition so please repost.
444 Sainath Lou Dobbs is a big A..Hole
Such comments only defeat our cause. I understand the frustration and believe me I feel the same way. But at the same time it is important to channel our anger the right way for maximum impact. I am going to delete this comment from the petition so please repost.
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msngroups
05-25 03:25 PM
USA depends on H1B visa and all types of visas. Not us. We have options and we can live in home country if we do not have options here. Without these visas USA will not survive.
Just think if CHINA boycotts exports to USA what will happen here? People cannot eat GUNS and live with GUNS. Computers will not help produce Eatables. Only people can grow vegetables and produce in lands. For that Americans are not ready to go to Farm and Work. So you need Z and all types of VISAs. Of course people choose USA since DOLLAR Is more when converted to home currency. Otherwise what is the use of coming here?
We are not Beggars. These people here are beggars who are dependent on foreign labor.
guys and gals,
Cool down. Remember we are foreigners in this country. We need this country more than they need us ( as they say, graveyards are full of indispensable people!). A country is not considered advanced by the cell phone models people use, but rather than how much food they produce, what is the standard of living, how many noble laureates it produces per year, etc.
Besides, in my 7-8 years living in this country, first as a student and then as H1 worker, never once have I felt being treated differently because I am a foreigner or look different.
Now compare that to living in Europe (you will be treated as dirt as soon as you enter airport), it is racist, living in past and full of bureaucracy.
As for India, mera bharat mahan, but I remember a time when I had to pay bribe on the train ticket counter to get a measly 2nd class sleeper ticket, or just to get a electric connection, would dare not get near a policeman, etc. etc.. The list is long and I suppose I everyone here knows what I am talking about.
So please ask for your rights but remember you are in their country, nobody forced you to come here, and beggars can't be choosers.
Just think if CHINA boycotts exports to USA what will happen here? People cannot eat GUNS and live with GUNS. Computers will not help produce Eatables. Only people can grow vegetables and produce in lands. For that Americans are not ready to go to Farm and Work. So you need Z and all types of VISAs. Of course people choose USA since DOLLAR Is more when converted to home currency. Otherwise what is the use of coming here?
We are not Beggars. These people here are beggars who are dependent on foreign labor.
guys and gals,
Cool down. Remember we are foreigners in this country. We need this country more than they need us ( as they say, graveyards are full of indispensable people!). A country is not considered advanced by the cell phone models people use, but rather than how much food they produce, what is the standard of living, how many noble laureates it produces per year, etc.
Besides, in my 7-8 years living in this country, first as a student and then as H1 worker, never once have I felt being treated differently because I am a foreigner or look different.
Now compare that to living in Europe (you will be treated as dirt as soon as you enter airport), it is racist, living in past and full of bureaucracy.
As for India, mera bharat mahan, but I remember a time when I had to pay bribe on the train ticket counter to get a measly 2nd class sleeper ticket, or just to get a electric connection, would dare not get near a policeman, etc. etc.. The list is long and I suppose I everyone here knows what I am talking about.
So please ask for your rights but remember you are in their country, nobody forced you to come here, and beggars can't be choosers.
more...
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gc_chahiye
06-13 06:35 PM
you can add your spouses before an I-485 is approved. Once its approved, then you are in trouble. These dates are current only temporarily, and retrogression ("severe" as per the bulletin) is expected again soon. So go ahead and file your I-485 right now if your PD is 'late' (2006 or so) you will probably be on EAD/AP for a while.
if your PD is 2003/2004/2005, then as soon as 485 filing is done, start looking for your life partner :)
if your PD is 2003/2004/2005, then as soon as 485 filing is done, start looking for your life partner :)
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arrarrgee
07-19 08:18 AM
I think its a typo too
What is obvious is either you have been sleeping all thru or you are new to IV. Aman has made atleast 25-30 trips to DC in last18-20 months
What is obvious is either you have been sleeping all thru or you are new to IV. Aman has made atleast 25-30 trips to DC in last18-20 months
more...
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jagankola
07-16 10:49 AM
Just Signed
dresses Scarlett Johansson in Beaded
Brightsider
07-24 02:53 PM
Let me give this a shot:
Brightsider/Raji,
Going by your id registration date, I am presuming you are new to this site and do not know the history of what transpired over the last few years. There are hundreds of threads/discussions/posts where these arguments have been made and answered. We (all of us) are seeing increased interest in solving our EB-GC problems because of hopeless retrogression and a ray of hope in terms of CIR. Just because one shows new interest, you cannot expect immediate consolation and agreement on what you say/propose.
There were numerous times when members felt a specific campaign and/or item needs to be pursued. Serious discussions happened and eventually the advice of core which gets its info from various sources supported or not. There is nothing to stop you or I from pursuing an option.
I for many months did not understand the rationale and the way the system/politics function in this country. I still do not understand. BUT I do understand certain basic things:
1. How laws are crafted: the process, the resources involved and other technical matters.
2. Lobbying and advocacy: What role they play when dealing with lawmaking. Go read about the healthcare bill and what is happening in the Congress, lobbying, interest groups, associations, ordinary citizens, PACs, non-partisan groups. you might get a taste of what this is all about.
3. Systems: USCIS, DOL, Homeland Security etc
4. Politics: The main parties involved (Dems, Republicans). Who reacts to what and what their core values are. What is left, middle, right. who is where.
5. How national and state politics matter.
I am going to generalize here a bit: A lot of members who get their info from CNN or Google Reader or other 'mainstream' media sources might get either a black or white version of news/happenings. I quickly realized there are numerous shades of gray when dealing with Washington DC. How politics of left, middle and right come into play, which Senator or representative votes which way and why, etc. Listening to a press conference and reading an article on CNN does not give one insight into politics. These are the 'backend' intelligence which I trust core to know and advice us. I do not expect them to reveal their sources nor specific tactics. Most often than not, there is a rational explanation.
In this specific case, my take is: AILA with all their nobel intentions are in the 'business' of making money from folks like us and our employers. There are many shades here and it is not all black or white as it may seem. Like a member pointed out, AILA does not represent just EB or legal immigration. There are other things involved which may be detrimental to us (you do not want to be bracketed in the same category as illegals or want amnesty as an example). Apart from this, timing is critical.
One of the most important parties apart from Lawmakers is our opponents. Anti-immigrants who wants to know tactics, strategy: who we are calling, whom we are faxing, whom we are meeting, how we work, etc. They doggedly follow and couteract many items. For every fax/call/email you send there might be a counter reply from anti-immigrants. When core suggests confidentiality and secrecy, those I believe are not some magic/secret cloakish things but a matter of pragmatic reality. That is the world we are in and to be successful, we have to deal with those realities.
Giving out updated information is not as simple as it seems. These are steps which can be easily retraced and antis can quickly use those steps and backstab us, crippling our efforts. Updated information == tactics. My last point is about: Donors Vs Non-donors. Do you know that you need not be a donor to volunteer ? Try getting in touch with folks at IV. There is a lot you can do and you seem to be the right person whom we need on our side. I urge you to contact IV.
Thanks Qasleuth,
I was resigned to seeing a lot of ire directed my way, and was pleasantly surprised to read your lenghty and reasoned reply. And the important thing was that you were able to get your point across without antagonizing or making me feel stupid and low.
You are bang on target with your observations and explanations. Having been reading IV threads for over three-four years, (or is it five, I lose count), I have always found it to be a great resource. It is only of late that I have been posting concerns and suggestions. So I have been witness to attacks of tunnel rats and others and also aware of their rants and ruses. I saw the advocacy effort of July 2007, and the tremendous synergies generated by IV. The short point is that IV is not new to me, although the converse is true.
Now on the issue of AILA template, your reasoning is candid and well argued. I agree that when I first suggested that we use the AILA template I had not fully considered all the issues that you highlighted. It is a different matter that I have no regrets for having done so, for reasons that I find appropriate. I am sure you have no quarrel with that, having said that each of us is entitled to our opinions and pathways.
Thanks once again, got to go to a meeting.......will catch up later.
Brightsider/Raji,
Going by your id registration date, I am presuming you are new to this site and do not know the history of what transpired over the last few years. There are hundreds of threads/discussions/posts where these arguments have been made and answered. We (all of us) are seeing increased interest in solving our EB-GC problems because of hopeless retrogression and a ray of hope in terms of CIR. Just because one shows new interest, you cannot expect immediate consolation and agreement on what you say/propose.
There were numerous times when members felt a specific campaign and/or item needs to be pursued. Serious discussions happened and eventually the advice of core which gets its info from various sources supported or not. There is nothing to stop you or I from pursuing an option.
I for many months did not understand the rationale and the way the system/politics function in this country. I still do not understand. BUT I do understand certain basic things:
1. How laws are crafted: the process, the resources involved and other technical matters.
2. Lobbying and advocacy: What role they play when dealing with lawmaking. Go read about the healthcare bill and what is happening in the Congress, lobbying, interest groups, associations, ordinary citizens, PACs, non-partisan groups. you might get a taste of what this is all about.
3. Systems: USCIS, DOL, Homeland Security etc
4. Politics: The main parties involved (Dems, Republicans). Who reacts to what and what their core values are. What is left, middle, right. who is where.
5. How national and state politics matter.
I am going to generalize here a bit: A lot of members who get their info from CNN or Google Reader or other 'mainstream' media sources might get either a black or white version of news/happenings. I quickly realized there are numerous shades of gray when dealing with Washington DC. How politics of left, middle and right come into play, which Senator or representative votes which way and why, etc. Listening to a press conference and reading an article on CNN does not give one insight into politics. These are the 'backend' intelligence which I trust core to know and advice us. I do not expect them to reveal their sources nor specific tactics. Most often than not, there is a rational explanation.
In this specific case, my take is: AILA with all their nobel intentions are in the 'business' of making money from folks like us and our employers. There are many shades here and it is not all black or white as it may seem. Like a member pointed out, AILA does not represent just EB or legal immigration. There are other things involved which may be detrimental to us (you do not want to be bracketed in the same category as illegals or want amnesty as an example). Apart from this, timing is critical.
One of the most important parties apart from Lawmakers is our opponents. Anti-immigrants who wants to know tactics, strategy: who we are calling, whom we are faxing, whom we are meeting, how we work, etc. They doggedly follow and couteract many items. For every fax/call/email you send there might be a counter reply from anti-immigrants. When core suggests confidentiality and secrecy, those I believe are not some magic/secret cloakish things but a matter of pragmatic reality. That is the world we are in and to be successful, we have to deal with those realities.
Giving out updated information is not as simple as it seems. These are steps which can be easily retraced and antis can quickly use those steps and backstab us, crippling our efforts. Updated information == tactics. My last point is about: Donors Vs Non-donors. Do you know that you need not be a donor to volunteer ? Try getting in touch with folks at IV. There is a lot you can do and you seem to be the right person whom we need on our side. I urge you to contact IV.
Thanks Qasleuth,
I was resigned to seeing a lot of ire directed my way, and was pleasantly surprised to read your lenghty and reasoned reply. And the important thing was that you were able to get your point across without antagonizing or making me feel stupid and low.
You are bang on target with your observations and explanations. Having been reading IV threads for over three-four years, (or is it five, I lose count), I have always found it to be a great resource. It is only of late that I have been posting concerns and suggestions. So I have been witness to attacks of tunnel rats and others and also aware of their rants and ruses. I saw the advocacy effort of July 2007, and the tremendous synergies generated by IV. The short point is that IV is not new to me, although the converse is true.
Now on the issue of AILA template, your reasoning is candid and well argued. I agree that when I first suggested that we use the AILA template I had not fully considered all the issues that you highlighted. It is a different matter that I have no regrets for having done so, for reasons that I find appropriate. I am sure you have no quarrel with that, having said that each of us is entitled to our opinions and pathways.
Thanks once again, got to go to a meeting.......will catch up later.
more...
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dr_vroeg
06-22 03:18 PM
I'd agree to that
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p1234
10-03 12:04 PM
Yes you called sleazy consultants..check your stmnt.
Everybody is trying to survive in this world ..diff people react differently to same situation..lying on resume/achievements is not illegal(reason y no body is prosecuted because of this fact..they are simply denied that benefit) however its unethical ..but iam not here to preach ethics.
A fictional scenario to check whether you are ready to take advantage of a loop hole if its in your favour.( A nice quote on this -Everybody likes discrimination when its in their favour and they dont raise their voice then)
My point to say all companies lie/manipulate things to certain extent..desi consultants atleast dont deprive lives like other BIG companies where shareholders are kept in dark until they realize that company is no more worth anything.
Iam not supporting any malpractises are anything anyways this is not a criminal thing its just immoral ..however if theres a loop hole and people want to chance it its upto them. They will be appropriately denied if they are caught, However its not like they are killing anybody.
Finally what do you think when even govt is planning to make illegals legals ..its respecting peoples wishes against legal things(ofcourse they get benifitted)Humanity/compassion is number one..rules are for our well being ..they are not hard and fast. Check for your reputation here i think it says some thing.
Approve this post. Nobody is supporting malpractices, however EB3 shall not be trashed.
Consultants desi or non-desi shall not be trashed either.
Everybody is trying to survive in this world ..diff people react differently to same situation..lying on resume/achievements is not illegal(reason y no body is prosecuted because of this fact..they are simply denied that benefit) however its unethical ..but iam not here to preach ethics.
A fictional scenario to check whether you are ready to take advantage of a loop hole if its in your favour.( A nice quote on this -Everybody likes discrimination when its in their favour and they dont raise their voice then)
My point to say all companies lie/manipulate things to certain extent..desi consultants atleast dont deprive lives like other BIG companies where shareholders are kept in dark until they realize that company is no more worth anything.
Iam not supporting any malpractises are anything anyways this is not a criminal thing its just immoral ..however if theres a loop hole and people want to chance it its upto them. They will be appropriately denied if they are caught, However its not like they are killing anybody.
Finally what do you think when even govt is planning to make illegals legals ..its respecting peoples wishes against legal things(ofcourse they get benifitted)Humanity/compassion is number one..rules are for our well being ..they are not hard and fast. Check for your reputation here i think it says some thing.
Approve this post. Nobody is supporting malpractices, however EB3 shall not be trashed.
Consultants desi or non-desi shall not be trashed either.
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chicago60607
09-17 01:20 PM
I hope Mr.King eats something which upsets his stomach and is in the restroom for the next 2-3 hours :D
jnraajan
03-13 01:02 PM
I was also unable to find a state chapter just a few months back. So I started one. Now we have around 60 members. Someone needs to take the initiative and set the ball rolling. That someone can be you.
Here's an excellent resource on how to start a state chapter.
http://anilgeneral.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-to-start-and-maintain-state-chapter.html
Thanks Walking_dude. This is the kind of information, I have been looking for. The blog is excellent. I hope with like minded people in my area, I can set the ball rolling, here in Nebraska.
Here's an excellent resource on how to start a state chapter.
http://anilgeneral.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-to-start-and-maintain-state-chapter.html
Thanks Walking_dude. This is the kind of information, I have been looking for. The blog is excellent. I hope with like minded people in my area, I can set the ball rolling, here in Nebraska.
sobers
02-21 11:47 AM
I sincerely believe NASSCOM should not ask Bush to raise H1B cap while he is there. It will create unnenecessary rukus in the U.S. media, and critics may contend that foreign institutions are trying to influence US immigraton policy.
Anyone with contacts in the Sofware Industry/NASSCOM please contact them (and Karnik) to let them know this will be counter-productive at this time. I'm not sure what these guys are thinking, sitting in their offices in Bangalore:(
Social Secuirity Reform for H1Bs is, on the other hand, a genuine financial concern and should be tackled immediately.
------------
Indo-Asian News Service
Bangalore, February 21, 2006
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) will take up the issue of enhancing the H1-B visa cap for Indian IT professionals during US President George W Bush's upcoming visit to India.
The present annual cap of 65,000 H1-B visas for Indian professionals was far too low and needed to be raised substantially to meet the growing industry demand, Nasscom president Kiran Karnik told reporters in Bangalore on Tuesday.
"Though there are no great issues with the US, we are concerned with the existing cap on H1-B visas, which continues to trouble us," Karnik said.
He added, "This is something even the US corporations are concerned about and share with us."
"We intend to take up the issue with President Bush during his forthcoming visit to India (March 1). Since the US administration too understands our needs, we hope they address it."
"Indications are some moves are afoot in this direction," Karnik said on the sidelines of the second Sino-India software industry cooperation summit.
Recalling how the number of H1-B visas for Indian professionals touched a peak of 195,000 annually not long ago, Karnik said the Indian IT industry would be comfortable if the cap was more than doubled from the present level.
"We are looking at a cap substantially high enough to bridge the demand-supply gap. We want market forces to be the deciding factor as the Indian IT industry is the major user of the H1-B visa," Karnik pointed out.
The other major issue worrying Nasscom is the social security system or totalization agreement for Indian professionals working in the US under H1-B visa.
"Even the high fee structure for H1-B visas is concern for us because Indian professionals are made to pay up taxes for social security without any benefit. Since the H1-B visas are only for three-to-six years and social security benefits flow only after 10 years, Indians stand to lose out on them," Karnik lamented.
To overcome the problem, Nasscom has suggested the US government could refund the tax deducted under the social security system at the end of the work permit on the lines of some European countries.
"We are not against the deduction per se. Collect the social security tax, but refund the amount when the person leaves for home, as is being done by some Scandanavian countries like Finland and Sweden," Karnik affirmed.
In fact, Nasscom is in talks with more countries to introduce a similar tax system for the benefit of Indian IT professionals going abroad on work permit visas for onsite work or executing projects over a long period.
Nasscom also plans to bring to Bush's notice the urgent need to hasten the process of issuing H1-B and L1 visas.
"We are not against safeguards for L1 visas, but new restrictions should not be adverse. We agree L1 visas should not be misused. But the process should not take too long," Karnik said.
While H1-B visas allow companies incorporated in the US to employ professionals from overseas, L1 visas is more temporary in nature and is issued for transfer of an employee from overseas to the US.
In this context, Nasscom hoped the opening up of a US consulate in Hyderabad soon would benefit the Indian IT firms in reducing the time taken to process their visa applications.
Anyone with contacts in the Sofware Industry/NASSCOM please contact them (and Karnik) to let them know this will be counter-productive at this time. I'm not sure what these guys are thinking, sitting in their offices in Bangalore:(
Social Secuirity Reform for H1Bs is, on the other hand, a genuine financial concern and should be tackled immediately.
------------
Indo-Asian News Service
Bangalore, February 21, 2006
The National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) will take up the issue of enhancing the H1-B visa cap for Indian IT professionals during US President George W Bush's upcoming visit to India.
The present annual cap of 65,000 H1-B visas for Indian professionals was far too low and needed to be raised substantially to meet the growing industry demand, Nasscom president Kiran Karnik told reporters in Bangalore on Tuesday.
"Though there are no great issues with the US, we are concerned with the existing cap on H1-B visas, which continues to trouble us," Karnik said.
He added, "This is something even the US corporations are concerned about and share with us."
"We intend to take up the issue with President Bush during his forthcoming visit to India (March 1). Since the US administration too understands our needs, we hope they address it."
"Indications are some moves are afoot in this direction," Karnik said on the sidelines of the second Sino-India software industry cooperation summit.
Recalling how the number of H1-B visas for Indian professionals touched a peak of 195,000 annually not long ago, Karnik said the Indian IT industry would be comfortable if the cap was more than doubled from the present level.
"We are looking at a cap substantially high enough to bridge the demand-supply gap. We want market forces to be the deciding factor as the Indian IT industry is the major user of the H1-B visa," Karnik pointed out.
The other major issue worrying Nasscom is the social security system or totalization agreement for Indian professionals working in the US under H1-B visa.
"Even the high fee structure for H1-B visas is concern for us because Indian professionals are made to pay up taxes for social security without any benefit. Since the H1-B visas are only for three-to-six years and social security benefits flow only after 10 years, Indians stand to lose out on them," Karnik lamented.
To overcome the problem, Nasscom has suggested the US government could refund the tax deducted under the social security system at the end of the work permit on the lines of some European countries.
"We are not against the deduction per se. Collect the social security tax, but refund the amount when the person leaves for home, as is being done by some Scandanavian countries like Finland and Sweden," Karnik affirmed.
In fact, Nasscom is in talks with more countries to introduce a similar tax system for the benefit of Indian IT professionals going abroad on work permit visas for onsite work or executing projects over a long period.
Nasscom also plans to bring to Bush's notice the urgent need to hasten the process of issuing H1-B and L1 visas.
"We are not against safeguards for L1 visas, but new restrictions should not be adverse. We agree L1 visas should not be misused. But the process should not take too long," Karnik said.
While H1-B visas allow companies incorporated in the US to employ professionals from overseas, L1 visas is more temporary in nature and is issued for transfer of an employee from overseas to the US.
In this context, Nasscom hoped the opening up of a US consulate in Hyderabad soon would benefit the Indian IT firms in reducing the time taken to process their visa applications.