pappu
09-08 12:22 PM
IV members,
IARC (Indian American Republican council) held a conference in DC on Sept 6th & 7th (more details:
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1563). Some of our core members attended this event and interacted with key lawmakers. Our core team member, Shilpa was invited to speak on the Immigration Panel.
This is the press release from Immigration voice. Please forward it to all your contacts for wider publicity of IV's efforts and our common cause. Thank you once again for your continued support for IV's efforts.
===============
Immigration Voice urges lawmakers to focus on high-skilled employment based immigration
Washington, D.C., September 8th, 2006
Immigration Voice member, Shilpa Ghodgaonkar participated on a panel on Immigration at the Indian American Republican Council�s fall conference in Washington DC on September 7th.
The speaker list constituted prominent leaders from the Republican Party - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senators Brownback, George Allen, as well as U.S. House Representatives, Speaker Hastert, Ros-Lehtinen, Ed Royce, Bobby Jindal and Joe Wilson.
Speaking at the event, Shilpa called for more focus on legal highly skilled immigration and urgent reform of the antiquated employment-based immigration system, adding that loss of talent to other countries was not in America�s interest. Ms. Ghodgaonkar observed � immigration debate included illegal immigration and H-1B quotas, but the issues faced by the legal educated foreign workers working in the US and seeking permanent residency were largely ignored.
Noting that 255,000 employment-based applications pending at the DOL (April 2006) and 170,000 to 230,000 applications pending at the USCIS translated into unconscionable delays, she elucidated the impact of bad bureaucracy on the lives of individuals: �During the long wait, highly skilled foreign workers are wary of buying homes, cannot accept promotions or change jobs for fear of losing their position in the green card queue � particularly because their job description is tied to the green card. Highly qualified doctors, scientists, engineers... etc. cannot utilize their skills to the fullest potential. Individuals cannot innovate and start companies that would create new jobs� lives are on hold. More importantly, employers share the same frustration, as they cannot access the talent pool available here in the US.�
Illustrating how Canada, UK, Australia, etc. are competing to welcome creative talent, and citing reasons for shortage of skills in the US, Ms. Ghodgaonkar added that America direly needs to attract talent to sustain technological leadership. �Of the total legal immigration in 2004 and 2005, only 7.5% and 10.2% respectively went to highly skilled principal applicants. 2004-2005 figures from Australia indicate that their migration program comprised of 60% skilled immigrants�.
"The last time the quota for skilled immigrants was debated in congress was in 1990. That was 16 years ago," said Ms. Ghodgaonkar. Stating that high-skilled immigration created a net benefit to the country, she urged lawmakers to address immigration in a piece-by-piece manner, and pass sensible legislation that would retain talent in the country. �This is basically a symbiotic relationship, which if nurtured well will bring rich rewards to the US as well as the immigrants who are contributing here.�
Commending Senator Cornyn and Representative Shadegg for introducing the SKIL Bill in the Senate and the House, Ms. Ghodgaonkar concluded �The US can continue to remain the shining city on the hill, if it attracts high-skilled workers who will be great assets to this country�.
About Immigration Voice:
Immigration Voice (www.immigrationvoice.org) is a non-profit national grassroots organization committed to feasible solutions to a broken employment-based immigration process. Immigration Voice is advocating for technical changes that will improve the quality of life of several individuals that are stuck in the backlogs/delays, and help the system to work as it was intended.
IARC (Indian American Republican council) held a conference in DC on Sept 6th & 7th (more details:
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1563). Some of our core members attended this event and interacted with key lawmakers. Our core team member, Shilpa was invited to speak on the Immigration Panel.
This is the press release from Immigration voice. Please forward it to all your contacts for wider publicity of IV's efforts and our common cause. Thank you once again for your continued support for IV's efforts.
===============
Immigration Voice urges lawmakers to focus on high-skilled employment based immigration
Washington, D.C., September 8th, 2006
Immigration Voice member, Shilpa Ghodgaonkar participated on a panel on Immigration at the Indian American Republican Council�s fall conference in Washington DC on September 7th.
The speaker list constituted prominent leaders from the Republican Party - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Senators Brownback, George Allen, as well as U.S. House Representatives, Speaker Hastert, Ros-Lehtinen, Ed Royce, Bobby Jindal and Joe Wilson.
Speaking at the event, Shilpa called for more focus on legal highly skilled immigration and urgent reform of the antiquated employment-based immigration system, adding that loss of talent to other countries was not in America�s interest. Ms. Ghodgaonkar observed � immigration debate included illegal immigration and H-1B quotas, but the issues faced by the legal educated foreign workers working in the US and seeking permanent residency were largely ignored.
Noting that 255,000 employment-based applications pending at the DOL (April 2006) and 170,000 to 230,000 applications pending at the USCIS translated into unconscionable delays, she elucidated the impact of bad bureaucracy on the lives of individuals: �During the long wait, highly skilled foreign workers are wary of buying homes, cannot accept promotions or change jobs for fear of losing their position in the green card queue � particularly because their job description is tied to the green card. Highly qualified doctors, scientists, engineers... etc. cannot utilize their skills to the fullest potential. Individuals cannot innovate and start companies that would create new jobs� lives are on hold. More importantly, employers share the same frustration, as they cannot access the talent pool available here in the US.�
Illustrating how Canada, UK, Australia, etc. are competing to welcome creative talent, and citing reasons for shortage of skills in the US, Ms. Ghodgaonkar added that America direly needs to attract talent to sustain technological leadership. �Of the total legal immigration in 2004 and 2005, only 7.5% and 10.2% respectively went to highly skilled principal applicants. 2004-2005 figures from Australia indicate that their migration program comprised of 60% skilled immigrants�.
"The last time the quota for skilled immigrants was debated in congress was in 1990. That was 16 years ago," said Ms. Ghodgaonkar. Stating that high-skilled immigration created a net benefit to the country, she urged lawmakers to address immigration in a piece-by-piece manner, and pass sensible legislation that would retain talent in the country. �This is basically a symbiotic relationship, which if nurtured well will bring rich rewards to the US as well as the immigrants who are contributing here.�
Commending Senator Cornyn and Representative Shadegg for introducing the SKIL Bill in the Senate and the House, Ms. Ghodgaonkar concluded �The US can continue to remain the shining city on the hill, if it attracts high-skilled workers who will be great assets to this country�.
About Immigration Voice:
Immigration Voice (www.immigrationvoice.org) is a non-profit national grassroots organization committed to feasible solutions to a broken employment-based immigration process. Immigration Voice is advocating for technical changes that will improve the quality of life of several individuals that are stuck in the backlogs/delays, and help the system to work as it was intended.
sajimm
03-04 09:18 AM
This is going to impact lot of people.
Here is the link to the actual memo.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/national-security-adjudication-reporting-020909.pdf
Here is the link to the actual memo.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/national-security-adjudication-reporting-020909.pdf
perm2gc
06-23 05:49 PM
If a person tests positive for TB and the chest X-Ray also shows signs of TB the USCIS doctor will send us to the county doctor's office. If they also determine positive result we wil have to start the medication.
1) So with the dates becoming current on July 01 2007 can a person apply for I-485 or wait till the medication is completed?
2) Also how long does the medication take?
Thanks
1. You cannot apply without medical record.
2. 9 months is the course time for TB medication.
1) So with the dates becoming current on July 01 2007 can a person apply for I-485 or wait till the medication is completed?
2) Also how long does the medication take?
Thanks
1. You cannot apply without medical record.
2. 9 months is the course time for TB medication.
gc_chahiye
10-26 03:52 PM
W... For regular applications, they don't even have a column asking for any valid reason.
....
Right. The Initial Evidence section of the I-131 form. Under section I part C 1 b. on page 4 (page 4 in PDF, page 3 printed on that doc) does mention this:
An explanation or other evidence showing the circumstances that warrant issuance of an advance parole document; or
but the very next line is that the alternative to this is a copy of the USCIS receipt of your 485. So just USCIS receipt (or even receipt number) should be good enough for us (or if you filed all three together, dont even need that).
Anyway to OP: ask your lawyer to apply, you should not face any problems getting it.
....
Right. The Initial Evidence section of the I-131 form. Under section I part C 1 b. on page 4 (page 4 in PDF, page 3 printed on that doc) does mention this:
An explanation or other evidence showing the circumstances that warrant issuance of an advance parole document; or
but the very next line is that the alternative to this is a copy of the USCIS receipt of your 485. So just USCIS receipt (or even receipt number) should be good enough for us (or if you filed all three together, dont even need that).
Anyway to OP: ask your lawyer to apply, you should not face any problems getting it.
more...
posmd
03-19 10:13 PM
Can one of you guys tell me what is the policy of the OK secretary of state on Drivers licenses for the various legal immigration statuses eg H1b, EAD with approved 140, F1 etc.?
I'm considering a move there and would appreciate your feedback.
I'm considering a move there and would appreciate your feedback.
langagadu
03-29 03:49 PM
Ready
more...
shana04
01-26 11:31 AM
I am planning to move to different residence. My 485 application is currently pending.
Has anyone successfully filed change of address form? and have their EAD or other documents deliever to their new address correctly. Reason I am asking my friend changed his residence while his 485 pending and all his document would still come to my address (his old address). He made numerous request to USCIS and files for AR11 etc. His all documents EAD.. even Green card also came back to my address(His old adress). At least he was lucky that I was still staying over there.
Any thoughts much appreciated.
I have changed twice since I filed my 485 and getting all my documents to the new address.
1. first fill in AR-11
2. then the system will ask if there are any other related pending cases, then you need to specify one after other pending cases. Make sure to take the screen shots for all your confirmations right from AR11. In case you need it.
3. If you call customer service they are not helpful in this regard. But if there is any major problem ( I mean your FP not done or any document which you need to receive have not received yet) then you reach level II customer service IO then they can verify your address.
So far I did not had any problem with two times address change.
But make sure to update your state ID, so that in case you go for infopass, you have updated ID.
Hope this information is helpful. And I did every thing online.
Good luck
Has anyone successfully filed change of address form? and have their EAD or other documents deliever to their new address correctly. Reason I am asking my friend changed his residence while his 485 pending and all his document would still come to my address (his old address). He made numerous request to USCIS and files for AR11 etc. His all documents EAD.. even Green card also came back to my address(His old adress). At least he was lucky that I was still staying over there.
Any thoughts much appreciated.
I have changed twice since I filed my 485 and getting all my documents to the new address.
1. first fill in AR-11
2. then the system will ask if there are any other related pending cases, then you need to specify one after other pending cases. Make sure to take the screen shots for all your confirmations right from AR11. In case you need it.
3. If you call customer service they are not helpful in this regard. But if there is any major problem ( I mean your FP not done or any document which you need to receive have not received yet) then you reach level II customer service IO then they can verify your address.
So far I did not had any problem with two times address change.
But make sure to update your state ID, so that in case you go for infopass, you have updated ID.
Hope this information is helpful. And I did every thing online.
Good luck
nixstor
09-27 02:27 PM
That was a joke. I agree that DH on LD's show might help us. Your post sounded like DH should try to be on LD's show. No worries.
more...
SunnySurya
08-15 12:59 PM
I had this discussion with my lawyer. This lawywer has been touch with USCIS very closely and understand the process and how the system works (to the best possible for an outsider) and here is what has to say about LUD.
************************
Most I-485 will be adjudicated without any LUD at all. This is an because even today it is the physical file that is being delivered to an IO. IO will not touch the system if there had been no issue or no infomation to update.
If one is getting LUDs on any application, it most likely implies that some information is being updated. LUD most likely are for some reasons.
The process of adjudicating a 485 is multi step with many department involved. When the file reaches an IO for the decision , it is expected to be complete in every respect. If IO has any follow up question or any comments, she would then enter in the system that we se as LUD.
Thus, LUD in most cases ( and not all), if at all, is a potential indication of further delay..
I am not aware of any concrete reason for LUD on an approved I-140. My discussion with USCIS indicate that it may be due to updating of company specific information and not necessary related to individual case. Internally the the system recognize each company by a specific number.
Regarding your question LUD on AP, it should be unrelated to 485 as it is handled by a different department and lower level officials.
***********************************
************************
Most I-485 will be adjudicated without any LUD at all. This is an because even today it is the physical file that is being delivered to an IO. IO will not touch the system if there had been no issue or no infomation to update.
If one is getting LUDs on any application, it most likely implies that some information is being updated. LUD most likely are for some reasons.
The process of adjudicating a 485 is multi step with many department involved. When the file reaches an IO for the decision , it is expected to be complete in every respect. If IO has any follow up question or any comments, she would then enter in the system that we se as LUD.
Thus, LUD in most cases ( and not all), if at all, is a potential indication of further delay..
I am not aware of any concrete reason for LUD on an approved I-140. My discussion with USCIS indicate that it may be due to updating of company specific information and not necessary related to individual case. Internally the the system recognize each company by a specific number.
Regarding your question LUD on AP, it should be unrelated to 485 as it is handled by a different department and lower level officials.
***********************************
kanshul
02-01 09:36 AM
Fair enough.
You said you don't have EAD.
Did you file for 485? If yes was it in July 2007? Please update your profile.
You said you don't have EAD.
Did you file for 485? If yes was it in July 2007? Please update your profile.
more...
gc28262
07-16 12:38 PM
I personally think it�s true specially for FB AOS applicants where no intermediate step like EAD and AP between visitor�s visa and final approval. It may also be true for EB AOS applicants where EAD hasn�t been issued and H1 extension hasn�t filled.
EAD - is work authorization. It is not a status document. You can be in this country without EAD if you are on AOS and not working. EAD is needed only if you are working.
AOS - AOS (I-485 pending) is a status in itself. This status allows you to stay in the country irrespective of whether you have an EAD.
EAD - is work authorization. It is not a status document. You can be in this country without EAD if you are on AOS and not working. EAD is needed only if you are working.
AOS - AOS (I-485 pending) is a status in itself. This status allows you to stay in the country irrespective of whether you have an EAD.
cooldudesfo
09-10 11:57 PM
Hi,
Our applications (myself and my wife) reached USCIS NSC on July 2nd. On 09/08/2007, we both received EAD's and today (09/10/2007), we received Notice from CSC that our cases are being transferred to NSC as our cases fall under NSC's jurisdiction. My I-140 was approved by NSC in Feb 2007.
Also, our cases were received on July 2nd @ NSC and the RD on Transfer Notice I received today have RD of 08/28/2007.
Anybody in same situation...I am confused here....don't know how cases are being transfered from Center to Center and why RD is not July 2nd.
Comments ???
Cooldude
Our applications (myself and my wife) reached USCIS NSC on July 2nd. On 09/08/2007, we both received EAD's and today (09/10/2007), we received Notice from CSC that our cases are being transferred to NSC as our cases fall under NSC's jurisdiction. My I-140 was approved by NSC in Feb 2007.
Also, our cases were received on July 2nd @ NSC and the RD on Transfer Notice I received today have RD of 08/28/2007.
Anybody in same situation...I am confused here....don't know how cases are being transfered from Center to Center and why RD is not July 2nd.
Comments ???
Cooldude
more...
Ann Ruben
07-22 12:57 PM
You are getting mixed info because, USCIS has failed to provide guidance specific to the issue of the continued validity of an approved, but withdrawn/revoked I-140 for purposes of the three year H-1 extension. However, USCIS guidance on related issues strongly supports your eligibility for at least a one year, and probably a three year H extension. (Nevertheless, to be safe, you should also apply to renew your EAD if it has expired.)
If your employer had not withdraw the I-140, it is clear from USCIS memos and guidance that you would be entitled to an extension beyond six years to work for another employer:
"Question 7. Should service centers or district offices deny a request for an H-1B extension
beyond the 6-year limit where the labor certification or immigrant petition from an
employer who is not the H-1B petitioner was filed for the beneficiary more than 365 days
ago?
Answer: No. The statute does not require that the labor certification or immigrant petition must be
from the same employer requesting the H-1B extension."
Michael Aytes
December 27, 2005
HQPRD 70/6.2.8-P
USCIS has also specifically stated that if an approved I-140 is withdrawn after an I-485 has been pending for more than 180 days, the I-140 remains valid for purposes of AC21 � 106(c) portabilty:
"If the Form I-140 has been approved and the Form I-485 has been filed and remained unadjudicated for 180 days or more (as measured from the form I-485 receipt date), the approved Form I-140 will remain valid even if the alien changes jobs or employers as long as the new offer of employment is in the same or similar occupation." AFM Sec. 20.2(c)
Extrapolating from these two statements, and in the absence of any contray written policy, your petition for extension of H status should be approved. Given your experience (congratulations on obtaining the MTR approval!), you probably understand that USCIS decisions can be unpredictable---this is especially true where, as here, no specific written policy exists.
Both the I-140 approval notice and your I-485 rec't notice should be submitted with the petition for the H extension. Whether you are more likely to trigger an RFE by also submitting the decision granting the MTR, as opposed to not mentioning the MTR is a judgment call. I would probably chose to include the MTR decision as long as it does not contain any incorrect or problematic statements.
Hope this is helpful.
If your employer had not withdraw the I-140, it is clear from USCIS memos and guidance that you would be entitled to an extension beyond six years to work for another employer:
"Question 7. Should service centers or district offices deny a request for an H-1B extension
beyond the 6-year limit where the labor certification or immigrant petition from an
employer who is not the H-1B petitioner was filed for the beneficiary more than 365 days
ago?
Answer: No. The statute does not require that the labor certification or immigrant petition must be
from the same employer requesting the H-1B extension."
Michael Aytes
December 27, 2005
HQPRD 70/6.2.8-P
USCIS has also specifically stated that if an approved I-140 is withdrawn after an I-485 has been pending for more than 180 days, the I-140 remains valid for purposes of AC21 � 106(c) portabilty:
"If the Form I-140 has been approved and the Form I-485 has been filed and remained unadjudicated for 180 days or more (as measured from the form I-485 receipt date), the approved Form I-140 will remain valid even if the alien changes jobs or employers as long as the new offer of employment is in the same or similar occupation." AFM Sec. 20.2(c)
Extrapolating from these two statements, and in the absence of any contray written policy, your petition for extension of H status should be approved. Given your experience (congratulations on obtaining the MTR approval!), you probably understand that USCIS decisions can be unpredictable---this is especially true where, as here, no specific written policy exists.
Both the I-140 approval notice and your I-485 rec't notice should be submitted with the petition for the H extension. Whether you are more likely to trigger an RFE by also submitting the decision granting the MTR, as opposed to not mentioning the MTR is a judgment call. I would probably chose to include the MTR decision as long as it does not contain any incorrect or problematic statements.
Hope this is helpful.
akilaakka
03-09 11:15 AM
Stuck no longer in the muck,
i AM eb -2 India and NIW and was wondering what Catergory of EB-1 you got upragded to.
I will PM you with my contact info.
Thanks
Ramkrishnan
i AM eb -2 India and NIW and was wondering what Catergory of EB-1 you got upragded to.
I will PM you with my contact info.
Thanks
Ramkrishnan
more...
vine93
02-13 10:46 PM
I did this earlier.
Most of the good travel agents in India have online transfer money facility. Add their a/c to your ICICI a/c and transfer Money to them.
If you need their detail. PM me.
good luck
Most of the good travel agents in India have online transfer money facility. Add their a/c to your ICICI a/c and transfer Money to them.
If you need their detail. PM me.
good luck
meridiani.planum
10-09 01:52 PM
Visitor visa/Business visa for Germany .I have plan business trip to Germany but to get visa, German consulate web site saying they will need visa stamp in passport. My visa stamp in passport is expired and I had use AP for my last entry.
Does any have done European visa with above condition .Please share your thoughts?
Thanks
Did you call up the embassy and ask? I got a tourist visa last year from their embassy in SFO. Was on H1 and had a stamp at that point, but in general they were very helpful over the phone. So try calling the embassy...
Does any have done European visa with above condition .Please share your thoughts?
Thanks
Did you call up the embassy and ask? I got a tourist visa last year from their embassy in SFO. Was on H1 and had a stamp at that point, but in general they were very helpful over the phone. So try calling the embassy...
more...
H1B-GC
02-18 06:12 PM
ragz4u and everyone-
My 1st 3 yrs of H1B is gonna be completed this year.My DL is valid until 2009 issued by Santa Clara DMV in CA State.If i move to PA State or for that matter other state in US would DMV deny me a new Driver's License until my new H1B is extended for 3 more years??
Pls. let me know your comments!!
My 1st 3 yrs of H1B is gonna be completed this year.My DL is valid until 2009 issued by Santa Clara DMV in CA State.If i move to PA State or for that matter other state in US would DMV deny me a new Driver's License until my new H1B is extended for 3 more years??
Pls. let me know your comments!!
NKR
02-06 11:27 AM
I have NOT heard of anything that specifically prohibits H1Bs getting a mid year raise. Ask your HR where they are getting the information from?
Exactly, I would call it discrimination... Like HV000 said ask them to show the information where it says that, I don't think they have any...
Exactly, I would call it discrimination... Like HV000 said ask them to show the information where it says that, I don't think they have any...
anandrajesh
03-30 03:13 PM
I was interviewed by National Public Radio(NPR) recently abt the whole immigration stuff. This can be heard on the following link
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/03/09/PM200603098.html
My 2 cents worth of thought, that has reached the National Audience. Getting Media Attention is pretty important with this fight.
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/03/09/PM200603098.html
My 2 cents worth of thought, that has reached the National Audience. Getting Media Attention is pretty important with this fight.
hiralal
06-26 10:12 PM
good initiative ..I am in ..something is better than nothing ..as the old saying says ..lets throw as many stones on the mango tree ..gaya tho pathar ..mila tho aam ..if you miss - you just lose a stone ..if you hit, you get a green mango (green card). ..cheers !!!
Steve Mitchell
December 19th, 2004, 02:39 PM
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