raju_abc
07-22 11:45 AM
Hi Thanks for your inputs.
But both the employers are consultant.
One is in Fremont CA and other in Pittsburg. Both are offering almost same salary.
So which should be an better option, if they have a similar better client list?
But both the employers are consultant.
One is in Fremont CA and other in Pittsburg. Both are offering almost same salary.
So which should be an better option, if they have a similar better client list?
vinay@ocean
06-09 12:39 AM
Thanks a lot for the VISA issue....
Cant i travel via germany to india with stolen visa issue ?
Cant i travel via germany to india with stolen visa issue ?
logiclife
08-02 02:19 PM
If I were you, I would spend a couple of hundred dollars and do a paid phone consultation with a lawyer, probably a good one at that. And send questions ahead of time so that the lawyer too does his research before talking to you on the phone.
When you decisions can have a lasting effect on your career, you may not want to rely on advice on forums. Members here are not lawyers.
If you do get advice here, then be aware of the chances that it could be not applicable to your situation.
Good Luck.
When you decisions can have a lasting effect on your career, you may not want to rely on advice on forums. Members here are not lawyers.
If you do get advice here, then be aware of the chances that it could be not applicable to your situation.
Good Luck.
paskal
03-15 06:17 PM
The maximum duration of a J-1 is 7 years but the visa is issued 1 year at a time (royal pain). Therefore there is nothing such as a transfer. When residency is over, if you get a fellowship the program files with ECFMG the necessary papers to prove that it's an accredited program etc It is ECFMG that sponsors you not your program/hospital. Each year the program informs ECFMG on your progress and based on that a new sponsorship for another year is granted.
After my first fellowship i was board certified. In order to specialize further I (and my new department) had to convince ECFMG that there was some merit in the whole proposal. anyway long story, they did sponsor me and I did another 2 years thus completing the entire 7 year period.
As for GC, my employer just started the process and insisted on choosing an expensive corporate lawyer they have worked with before. She is in no hurry and I don't know when I will even have a priority date let alone a GC. This is after 11 years here. such fun....
After my first fellowship i was board certified. In order to specialize further I (and my new department) had to convince ECFMG that there was some merit in the whole proposal. anyway long story, they did sponsor me and I did another 2 years thus completing the entire 7 year period.
As for GC, my employer just started the process and insisted on choosing an expensive corporate lawyer they have worked with before. She is in no hurry and I don't know when I will even have a priority date let alone a GC. This is after 11 years here. such fun....
more...
singhsa3
08-14 10:52 PM
Employment Based (EB) Green Card (GC) Laws
• The yearly GC quota is 140K. This includes GC for spouse and children. On an average, GCs are given to ~60K families.
• Each country is allotted 7% (of 140K) GCs (equally distributed among EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3) plus any unused visa from other countries. For India, average numbers of EB GCs issued in last seven years were 32K (~12K families).
• As per USCIS Ombudsman report
o Between 2001-07, USCIS was not able process all applications and hence ~155K GCs went waste as unused GCs in a year can not be reused in following years. This was most likely due to resource constraints.
o The report estimates the submission of 500K-750K (yes 500K+) AOS applications between June 1 and August 17 2007.
o FBI security checks may be the single biggest obstacle to the timely and efficient delivery of immigration benefits.
• There were ~200K pending EB Adjustment of Status (AOS) or I-1485 applications as of June 1st.
• So far EAD renewal has been taking around 3 months. Due to the volume of applications, EAD renewal may take 3-9 months. Thus, you may have to apply for renewal more frequently.
• FBI security check backlog is likely to get worse, because the August USCIS fee increase has prompted a 50 percent rise in new naturalization applications so far this year.
• EB Immigration reform does not have enough support in Congress (failure of SKILL, STEM ..). As a matter of fact, it does not even get enough support to make it debatable, let alone final voting.
• The laws need to be changed and the process improved to fix the situation.
What does it mean?
• There will be around 1Million AOS/I-485) applications by Aug 17 which will take 1M/140K = 7+ years to clear the backlog. Thus, late priority dates will remain retrogressed for several years.
• Some, who could not file AOS by 08/17, may have to wait for several years (5+ years).
• Longer EAD/AP renewals cycle and 1 year validity may have the following affects.
o You will have to stop working, if your EAD is not renewed in time.
o Several employers (and rightly so) may view EAD as a temporary permit and may be reluctant to hire you.
• You have to be in the same position with same job responsibilities for an indefinite time period, otherwise your GC application will be rejected.
• If you were unmarried at the time of filing and planning to bring spouse to the USA upon marriage, you will need to continue on current status (e.g. H-1B) or wait till your PD become current.
Immigration Voice (IV) Executive and Legislative Efforts
• Lobbying is an efficient tool to influence law and rule making.
• IV was very active in lobbying for CIR 2006, which was passed in senate.
• IV grass-root effort (flower campaign + San Jose Rally) was an important reason for retraction of July Visa Bulletin.
• Due to upcoming presidential elections, next congress session in October’07 may be our only window of opportunity for several years to influence the lawmakers.
Your options: a) Struggle for several years b) Leave USA c) Help yourself by joining IV
http://immigrationvoice.org/media/forums/iv/WashingtonDC_IV_Rally_w_FactSheet.doc
• The yearly GC quota is 140K. This includes GC for spouse and children. On an average, GCs are given to ~60K families.
• Each country is allotted 7% (of 140K) GCs (equally distributed among EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3) plus any unused visa from other countries. For India, average numbers of EB GCs issued in last seven years were 32K (~12K families).
• As per USCIS Ombudsman report
o Between 2001-07, USCIS was not able process all applications and hence ~155K GCs went waste as unused GCs in a year can not be reused in following years. This was most likely due to resource constraints.
o The report estimates the submission of 500K-750K (yes 500K+) AOS applications between June 1 and August 17 2007.
o FBI security checks may be the single biggest obstacle to the timely and efficient delivery of immigration benefits.
• There were ~200K pending EB Adjustment of Status (AOS) or I-1485 applications as of June 1st.
• So far EAD renewal has been taking around 3 months. Due to the volume of applications, EAD renewal may take 3-9 months. Thus, you may have to apply for renewal more frequently.
• FBI security check backlog is likely to get worse, because the August USCIS fee increase has prompted a 50 percent rise in new naturalization applications so far this year.
• EB Immigration reform does not have enough support in Congress (failure of SKILL, STEM ..). As a matter of fact, it does not even get enough support to make it debatable, let alone final voting.
• The laws need to be changed and the process improved to fix the situation.
What does it mean?
• There will be around 1Million AOS/I-485) applications by Aug 17 which will take 1M/140K = 7+ years to clear the backlog. Thus, late priority dates will remain retrogressed for several years.
• Some, who could not file AOS by 08/17, may have to wait for several years (5+ years).
• Longer EAD/AP renewals cycle and 1 year validity may have the following affects.
o You will have to stop working, if your EAD is not renewed in time.
o Several employers (and rightly so) may view EAD as a temporary permit and may be reluctant to hire you.
• You have to be in the same position with same job responsibilities for an indefinite time period, otherwise your GC application will be rejected.
• If you were unmarried at the time of filing and planning to bring spouse to the USA upon marriage, you will need to continue on current status (e.g. H-1B) or wait till your PD become current.
Immigration Voice (IV) Executive and Legislative Efforts
• Lobbying is an efficient tool to influence law and rule making.
• IV was very active in lobbying for CIR 2006, which was passed in senate.
• IV grass-root effort (flower campaign + San Jose Rally) was an important reason for retraction of July Visa Bulletin.
• Due to upcoming presidential elections, next congress session in October’07 may be our only window of opportunity for several years to influence the lawmakers.
Your options: a) Struggle for several years b) Leave USA c) Help yourself by joining IV
http://immigrationvoice.org/media/forums/iv/WashingtonDC_IV_Rally_w_FactSheet.doc
sanju_dba
09-14 02:17 PM
There are less than 1000 replies in the I-485 voting thread and no money is required...how do you plan to sell 20K tickets to only a few "active" members?
Thats the key thing here, a fund drive/ monthly contribution will attract the seasonal participants, but a raffle will attract ALL ( the one who have graduated from IV ).
this way a constant fund raising process can be established.
thats my thinking, please pardon my ignorance if any!
Thats the key thing here, a fund drive/ monthly contribution will attract the seasonal participants, but a raffle will attract ALL ( the one who have graduated from IV ).
this way a constant fund raising process can be established.
thats my thinking, please pardon my ignorance if any!
more...
unseenguy
02-23 12:01 PM
Hello everyone - My company has announced a 10% across the board paycut. I am sulking over it as there is no job guarantee. I am in a big consulting org. There are no new projects coming and my project is there till end of April. I have I140 approved but I am afraid that my employer may seek to revoke it , if I leave on my own.
Gurus - Do you think it is wise to use AC21 in this situation. It will take years for me to get back to (2-3) my original salary level and if I accept the paycut and lay off happens, the future employer may seek further paycut or same salary.
My wife has already lost job and hence I am paranoid that I have taken almost 50% paycut if we consider 2 incomes. I dont think economy is THAT bad.
Gurus - Do you think it is wise to use AC21 in this situation. It will take years for me to get back to (2-3) my original salary level and if I accept the paycut and lay off happens, the future employer may seek further paycut or same salary.
My wife has already lost job and hence I am paranoid that I have taken almost 50% paycut if we consider 2 incomes. I dont think economy is THAT bad.
hsd31
05-12 10:04 AM
Please search the forums. This has been discussed multiple times (and frowned upon by some multiple times :)). The gist of it is: it is not your qualifications, but the Job requirements that determine if it is EB2 or EB3. Also, you cannot count the experience you have gained with your employer when filing for GC with the same employer. Moreover, since the July 07 fiasco, EB2 filings for tech jobs are been closely looked at by USCIS and can be subject to a Business Necessity RFE, unless the position is on the Managerial side of things. The best advice I can give you is: Consult with your lawyer since each case is unique and there could be justification for a port in certain cases.
more...
pappu
08-16 12:42 PM
Fact sheet for download
http://immigrationvoice.org/media/forums/iv/WashingtonDC_IV_Rally_w_FactSheet.doc
http://immigrationvoice.org/media/forums/iv/WashingtonDC_IV_Rally_w_FactSheet.doc
vdlrao
04-08 02:25 PM
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/LPR_FR_2007.pdf
Employment preferences, including principals and their dependents, represented 15 percent of the total LPR flow in 2007, up from 13 percent in 2006. The LPR flow for employment preferences increased 2 percent from 159,081 in 2006 to 162,176 in 2007, but was below the record of 246,877 set in 2005. The large num-ber of LPRs in the employment preferences in 2005 was primarily due to the American Competitiveness in the 21 Century Act of st2000 (AC21). This Act resulted in the recapture of 130,107 unused employment-based visa numbers from 1999 and 2000 to be made available to first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrants once the annual limit had been reached. Approximately 94,000 of those recaptured visa numbers were used in 2005, none were used in 2006, and 7,312 were used in 2007. In addition, provisions of the REAL ID Act of 2005 resulted in the recapture of 50,000 unused employment-based visas from 2001 to 2004, of which 11,950 were used in 2005, 33,335 were used in 2006, and 4,743 were used in 2007.
Employment preferences, including principals and their dependents, represented 15 percent of the total LPR flow in 2007, up from 13 percent in 2006. The LPR flow for employment preferences increased 2 percent from 159,081 in 2006 to 162,176 in 2007, but was below the record of 246,877 set in 2005. The large num-ber of LPRs in the employment preferences in 2005 was primarily due to the American Competitiveness in the 21 Century Act of st2000 (AC21). This Act resulted in the recapture of 130,107 unused employment-based visa numbers from 1999 and 2000 to be made available to first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrants once the annual limit had been reached. Approximately 94,000 of those recaptured visa numbers were used in 2005, none were used in 2006, and 7,312 were used in 2007. In addition, provisions of the REAL ID Act of 2005 resulted in the recapture of 50,000 unused employment-based visas from 2001 to 2004, of which 11,950 were used in 2005, 33,335 were used in 2006, and 4,743 were used in 2007.
more...
beautifulMind
08-24 12:14 PM
yes my date is eb3 jan 2007...I think this is part of the whole pre approval thing
I work for University since 2002 with very straightforward case hence suprised
ok..here is part 2.
Employer was able to speak to USICIS officer. He asked
whethere
1) I was contractor
2) from when I was employed
3) Work timings
4) exact office Location
my supervisor asked why all these questions about location and timing they said they will do a site visit
I feel if my app can trigger this than any other app could...
The USICs is just getting crazy with all the bueracacy crap
I work for University since 2002 with very straightforward case hence suprised
ok..here is part 2.
Employer was able to speak to USICIS officer. He asked
whethere
1) I was contractor
2) from when I was employed
3) Work timings
4) exact office Location
my supervisor asked why all these questions about location and timing they said they will do a site visit
I feel if my app can trigger this than any other app could...
The USICs is just getting crazy with all the bueracacy crap
perm2gc
08-02 02:17 PM
Hello All,
As it is very urgent , i kindly request anyone to reply with a detailed or on which clause is it possible to enter usa in this situation.
"My brother entered into the U.S around 2004 with
valid H1B stamping for company A. He was there only
for few months . He didnt work on any project
and he doesnt have any pay stubs. Before he left the
US, company B filed for his H1B visa . After filing
H1B he went back to india and later accepted
a different position in singapore . H1B for company B
was approved successfully after few months.
Its been nearly almost 2 years since that happened .
H1B for company B is valid till sep 2007
Now company C filed for his H1 just few weeks before
and it was approved successfully. He wants
to travel to U.S now and start working for company C .
He went to singapore U.S consulate for H1B visa
stamping for company B. Unfortunately it was rejected.
221(g) . Reason officer gave him was " u
need to have 13 years experience to take up this job".
My brother tried to explain to them . But they wouldnt
listen. Also they retained all the H1B documents
related to comapny B.Also they have put an entry in
his passport saying 221(g) and the date.
Company C is still asking him to travel to U.S , since
he has a valid visa stamping with company A until Aug
26 2006. My brother has valid H1B petition thru
company C which is valid till june 2009.
1)Is it safe and legal to travel with Visa stamping till august 2006 from company A , with 221 (g) stamped in his passport (when he went for
visa for company B), with proper H1B documents valid till 2009 from company
C?
2)Will there be questions at the port of entry ?
3)Will there be any issues because of the 221(g)
stamping in the passport (company B visa)?
4)Any chance he wont be let inside U.S ?
5)Can he show them the h1b approvals for company C ?
6)Any tips to handle the officer at POE?
7)If every thing goes smooth, will his new I-94 be
valid till june 2009 (date on his company C petition)
or just another 4 weeks (company A petition)?
8)If by any chance if he is deported, will it affect
his future prospects in the U.S?
Any little help is also appreciated.
I need answer mainly for question 1 and 8
1)Is it safe and legal to travel with Visa stamping till august 2006 from company A , with 221 (g) stamped in his passport (when he went for
visa for company B), with proper H1B documents valid till 2009 from company
C?
No Safe as he will be questioned at port of entry
2)Will there be questions at the port of entry ?
A Lot
3)Will there be any issues because of the 221(g)
stamping in the passport (company B visa)?
Yes.
4)Any chance he wont be let inside U.S ?
90%
5)Can he show them the h1b approvals for company C ?
No..as it will confusing for immigration officer with so many 797 forms.
6)Any tips to handle the officer at POE?
Can try with chinese or african-american.Little liberal
7)If every thing goes smooth, will his new I-94 be
valid till june 2009 (date on his company C petition)
or just another 4 weeks (company A petition)?
Just 4 weeks
8)If by any chance if he is deported, will it affect
his future prospects in the U.S?
Yes.. He may not not reenter US for next 10 Yrs.
I am not an Immigration Lawyer.Better Talk to the Attorney. Its your brother's future
As it is very urgent , i kindly request anyone to reply with a detailed or on which clause is it possible to enter usa in this situation.
"My brother entered into the U.S around 2004 with
valid H1B stamping for company A. He was there only
for few months . He didnt work on any project
and he doesnt have any pay stubs. Before he left the
US, company B filed for his H1B visa . After filing
H1B he went back to india and later accepted
a different position in singapore . H1B for company B
was approved successfully after few months.
Its been nearly almost 2 years since that happened .
H1B for company B is valid till sep 2007
Now company C filed for his H1 just few weeks before
and it was approved successfully. He wants
to travel to U.S now and start working for company C .
He went to singapore U.S consulate for H1B visa
stamping for company B. Unfortunately it was rejected.
221(g) . Reason officer gave him was " u
need to have 13 years experience to take up this job".
My brother tried to explain to them . But they wouldnt
listen. Also they retained all the H1B documents
related to comapny B.Also they have put an entry in
his passport saying 221(g) and the date.
Company C is still asking him to travel to U.S , since
he has a valid visa stamping with company A until Aug
26 2006. My brother has valid H1B petition thru
company C which is valid till june 2009.
1)Is it safe and legal to travel with Visa stamping till august 2006 from company A , with 221 (g) stamped in his passport (when he went for
visa for company B), with proper H1B documents valid till 2009 from company
C?
2)Will there be questions at the port of entry ?
3)Will there be any issues because of the 221(g)
stamping in the passport (company B visa)?
4)Any chance he wont be let inside U.S ?
5)Can he show them the h1b approvals for company C ?
6)Any tips to handle the officer at POE?
7)If every thing goes smooth, will his new I-94 be
valid till june 2009 (date on his company C petition)
or just another 4 weeks (company A petition)?
8)If by any chance if he is deported, will it affect
his future prospects in the U.S?
Any little help is also appreciated.
I need answer mainly for question 1 and 8
1)Is it safe and legal to travel with Visa stamping till august 2006 from company A , with 221 (g) stamped in his passport (when he went for
visa for company B), with proper H1B documents valid till 2009 from company
C?
No Safe as he will be questioned at port of entry
2)Will there be questions at the port of entry ?
A Lot
3)Will there be any issues because of the 221(g)
stamping in the passport (company B visa)?
Yes.
4)Any chance he wont be let inside U.S ?
90%
5)Can he show them the h1b approvals for company C ?
No..as it will confusing for immigration officer with so many 797 forms.
6)Any tips to handle the officer at POE?
Can try with chinese or african-american.Little liberal
7)If every thing goes smooth, will his new I-94 be
valid till june 2009 (date on his company C petition)
or just another 4 weeks (company A petition)?
Just 4 weeks
8)If by any chance if he is deported, will it affect
his future prospects in the U.S?
Yes.. He may not not reenter US for next 10 Yrs.
I am not an Immigration Lawyer.Better Talk to the Attorney. Its your brother's future
more...
Anders �stberg
May 1st, 2005, 11:57 PM
Thanks guys!
I like that edit Fred! Make it a little more subtle and it would work really well.
Re. dust; yes it was very dry, I was there for maybe a half hour but there was a thin layer of dust all over me and the gear. I don't like it when the teeth crunch on sand from the air. The dust adds to the shots though, much like fog.
I like that edit Fred! Make it a little more subtle and it would work really well.
Re. dust; yes it was very dry, I was there for maybe a half hour but there was a thin layer of dust all over me and the gear. I don't like it when the teeth crunch on sand from the air. The dust adds to the shots though, much like fog.
matreen
12-19 01:13 AM
Is it true it is must to use EAD to invoke AC 21? I am not sure but people said I cannot use H1 but EAD to invoke Ac 21........
if you invoke AC21 means you have to use EAD not H1B......
if you invoke AC21 means you have to use EAD not H1B......
more...
pranju
05-29 09:04 PM
Donot forget to send the webfax :)
raj2007
02-18 01:36 AM
Folks,
I need to invoke AC21 at the earliest. I have applied my 485 and I-140 concurrently on Aug 17th. It has just been over 183 days. My 140 is still pending. Due to some reasons, I have to leave my current employer immodestly.
I know there has been lot of threads discussing about risks involved with using AC21 without approved 140. But I do not have an option at this point. My PD date is Nov-2004 and the way I-140 's are being processed, it is going take at least couple more months before I can expect my 140 approval.
I have the following questions:
1) I read in Aytes memo, that if it is over 180 days, they would check for evidence that the case is approval or would have been approval had it been adjudicated within 180 days. Now, if the USCIS sends an RFE for 140 after 180 days, would it still go to my old firm's attorney? If yes, then how would we handle this scenarrio...
I work for a Big 5 Consulting firm and ability to pay should not be an issue. As far as my education is concerned, I have Bachelors in Computer Science Engineering from India and a MS in the same field in US...My experience matches the labor cert. requirements. What are the chance that I might get an RFE? I filed my application at TSC
2) Also, if the 140 is approved, it would go to my old company's attorney..right? How would I get a copy of the same.
To your old employer
3) If I invoke AC21 using my EAD and in the worst case scenario, if my 140 and 485 is rejected, can I then transfer my H1B to an other company (I still have some years left) or will that be a problem because I was not on H-1b at that time?
For invokig Ac21 doesn't mean you have to use EAD..you can transfer your h1 to new employer.
Would it be treated as a new application where in I have to try to get into the quota or it would just be a normal H-1b transfer...
Also, I'm looking for a good attorney to help me invoke AC21...Please advise!
Gurus... please help me with your suggestions.
chk above
I need to invoke AC21 at the earliest. I have applied my 485 and I-140 concurrently on Aug 17th. It has just been over 183 days. My 140 is still pending. Due to some reasons, I have to leave my current employer immodestly.
I know there has been lot of threads discussing about risks involved with using AC21 without approved 140. But I do not have an option at this point. My PD date is Nov-2004 and the way I-140 's are being processed, it is going take at least couple more months before I can expect my 140 approval.
I have the following questions:
1) I read in Aytes memo, that if it is over 180 days, they would check for evidence that the case is approval or would have been approval had it been adjudicated within 180 days. Now, if the USCIS sends an RFE for 140 after 180 days, would it still go to my old firm's attorney? If yes, then how would we handle this scenarrio...
I work for a Big 5 Consulting firm and ability to pay should not be an issue. As far as my education is concerned, I have Bachelors in Computer Science Engineering from India and a MS in the same field in US...My experience matches the labor cert. requirements. What are the chance that I might get an RFE? I filed my application at TSC
2) Also, if the 140 is approved, it would go to my old company's attorney..right? How would I get a copy of the same.
To your old employer
3) If I invoke AC21 using my EAD and in the worst case scenario, if my 140 and 485 is rejected, can I then transfer my H1B to an other company (I still have some years left) or will that be a problem because I was not on H-1b at that time?
For invokig Ac21 doesn't mean you have to use EAD..you can transfer your h1 to new employer.
Would it be treated as a new application where in I have to try to get into the quota or it would just be a normal H-1b transfer...
Also, I'm looking for a good attorney to help me invoke AC21...Please advise!
Gurus... please help me with your suggestions.
chk above
more...
yabadaba
06-14 08:04 PM
lets say we dont apply for ead and ap now...will that affect filing ead and ap in the future if the priority dates retrogress?
pachai_attai
08-15 02:55 PM
I sent back a new I-693 form along with TB testresult (thru USPS). USCIS received the document on 08/14.
Today (08/15), I got a mail with contents
"Current Status: Response to request for evidence received, and case
processing has resumed"
Do you have any idea, how long it will take to approve the 485 after they receive the RFE documents.
Do they still continue to approve the cases after Aug 17th?
Today (08/15), I got a mail with contents
"Current Status: Response to request for evidence received, and case
processing has resumed"
Do you have any idea, how long it will take to approve the 485 after they receive the RFE documents.
Do they still continue to approve the cases after Aug 17th?
pappu
04-23 10:23 AM
Please make sure your title of the thread is self explanatory.
Widget
06-05 11:33 AM
Take my word, your case will be approved soon. I had the same wording when my I-140 application was transferred fro CSC to TSC and I received the approval notice in one month. Relax.
My I-140 case status (NSE) used to say 150-180 days, now no more time line words in the status. Just they say they will notify you when decision is made, I thought that was because I 140 premium is coming soon, they changed the wording.
My I-140 case status (NSE) used to say 150-180 days, now no more time line words in the status. Just they say they will notify you when decision is made, I thought that was because I 140 premium is coming soon, they changed the wording.
andycool
07-18 11:05 AM
here is a brief account of my, and my spouse's, arduous but successful journey toward the coveted green cards. i hope this account helps you somehow.
(note: what you read below is all of what i am willing to share. i have spent a lot of time in typing it. i will not have the time or inclination for any elaborations or explanations!)
1. landed in the united states on f-1 visa -- september 2000.
2. arrested on misdemeanor shoplifting charge after prank went awry -- june 2001; judge dropped charge in july 2001 and also sealed and expunged the record.
3. changed from f-1 to h-1b upon accepting job offer from employer A, via about two months of c.p.t. in september 2003 (never used o.p.t.)
4. obtained labor certification in may 2004, and approval of i-140 (via eb-2) in march 2005, both via employer A. (priority date was, hence, may 2004).
5. got married in home country in june 2006; spouse landed in the united states on h-4 in november 2006.
6. graduated with advanced degree (and high academic honors) in december 2006.
7. transferred h-1b from employer A to employer B in september 2007; abandoned employer A's i-140 approval.
8. spouse, who had been on h-4 since november 2006, changed to f-1 in september 2007 to pursue advanced degree; spouse graduated in may 2009.
9. arrested in april 2008 for driving while visually impaired; convicted and punished by judge with three-month driving probation and fine.
10. obtained new labor certification in march 2008 and obtained new i-140 approval (again via eb-2) in september 2008; both via employer B.
11. mailed i-485s for self and spouse in october 2008; did not realize while mailing that the priority date had recently retrogressed (had no attorney assistance); but uscis accepted petitions, cashed checks, and processed the i-485s by sending self and spouse biometric appointments and an r.f.e. (for spouse).
12. transferred h-1b again, from employer B to employer C, in june 2009, more than 180 days after i-485s had been pending; spouse simultaneously applied for change of status from f-1 to h-4.
13. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews in october 2009 based on self's i-140 approval obtained through employer B; i-485 petitions denied because priority date had not been current when filed; self and spouse shocked and in near-panic! self began to consider restarting green card process from i-140 stage, this time via eb-1.
14. h-1b extended in december 2010 for a year, via employer C's petition; at time of extension approval, self's original six years on h-1b had elapsed.
15. re-filed i-485s in january 2010, this time with attorney's help (mainly to write cover letter).
16. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews again in june 2010, based on second i-485 petitions (based on self's i-140 approval obtained via employer B, even though at this time self was with employer C with previously denied -- for a technicality -- i-485s); i-485 petitions approved at the interview -- jai siyaram!
17. self and spouse received approval notices and "card production ordered" emails, all dated 13 days after interview.
18. received green cards and "welcome to the united states" fliers, both in july 2010, 29 days after i-485 interviews -- jai shri krishna!
notes in conclusion:
1. the green card process via employment, from h-1b through i-485, with possible multiple approvals/denials of each, is daunting due to the time and expense involved (including possible cost of attorney)
2. uscis's emphasis on technicalities can be frustrating; in our experience, approval of a i-485 is ultimately a discretion exercised by a single reviewing officer.
3. overall, applicant and any spouse/kids (a) must have maintained legal status throughout the h1b through i-485 process, and (b) must never have been convicted of felonious assault or moral turpitude.
4. in the end, applicant would find that the immigration system works, slow though it is because of congressional quotas and a somewhat slothful or myopic uscis.
5. i offer my best wishes to all that are reading this, regardless of citizenship. as a proud (and relieved!) new permanent resident of the united states, i say to you, "good luck and an advance welcome!"
reminder: what you read above is all of what i am willing to share. i spent a lot of time in typing it. i won't have the time or inclination for elaborations or explanations but, most sincerely, i wish you well!
Dude ,
Its indeed a long Journey ....
Enjoy
Thanks
(note: what you read below is all of what i am willing to share. i have spent a lot of time in typing it. i will not have the time or inclination for any elaborations or explanations!)
1. landed in the united states on f-1 visa -- september 2000.
2. arrested on misdemeanor shoplifting charge after prank went awry -- june 2001; judge dropped charge in july 2001 and also sealed and expunged the record.
3. changed from f-1 to h-1b upon accepting job offer from employer A, via about two months of c.p.t. in september 2003 (never used o.p.t.)
4. obtained labor certification in may 2004, and approval of i-140 (via eb-2) in march 2005, both via employer A. (priority date was, hence, may 2004).
5. got married in home country in june 2006; spouse landed in the united states on h-4 in november 2006.
6. graduated with advanced degree (and high academic honors) in december 2006.
7. transferred h-1b from employer A to employer B in september 2007; abandoned employer A's i-140 approval.
8. spouse, who had been on h-4 since november 2006, changed to f-1 in september 2007 to pursue advanced degree; spouse graduated in may 2009.
9. arrested in april 2008 for driving while visually impaired; convicted and punished by judge with three-month driving probation and fine.
10. obtained new labor certification in march 2008 and obtained new i-140 approval (again via eb-2) in september 2008; both via employer B.
11. mailed i-485s for self and spouse in october 2008; did not realize while mailing that the priority date had recently retrogressed (had no attorney assistance); but uscis accepted petitions, cashed checks, and processed the i-485s by sending self and spouse biometric appointments and an r.f.e. (for spouse).
12. transferred h-1b again, from employer B to employer C, in june 2009, more than 180 days after i-485s had been pending; spouse simultaneously applied for change of status from f-1 to h-4.
13. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews in october 2009 based on self's i-140 approval obtained through employer B; i-485 petitions denied because priority date had not been current when filed; self and spouse shocked and in near-panic! self began to consider restarting green card process from i-140 stage, this time via eb-1.
14. h-1b extended in december 2010 for a year, via employer C's petition; at time of extension approval, self's original six years on h-1b had elapsed.
15. re-filed i-485s in january 2010, this time with attorney's help (mainly to write cover letter).
16. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews again in june 2010, based on second i-485 petitions (based on self's i-140 approval obtained via employer B, even though at this time self was with employer C with previously denied -- for a technicality -- i-485s); i-485 petitions approved at the interview -- jai siyaram!
17. self and spouse received approval notices and "card production ordered" emails, all dated 13 days after interview.
18. received green cards and "welcome to the united states" fliers, both in july 2010, 29 days after i-485 interviews -- jai shri krishna!
notes in conclusion:
1. the green card process via employment, from h-1b through i-485, with possible multiple approvals/denials of each, is daunting due to the time and expense involved (including possible cost of attorney)
2. uscis's emphasis on technicalities can be frustrating; in our experience, approval of a i-485 is ultimately a discretion exercised by a single reviewing officer.
3. overall, applicant and any spouse/kids (a) must have maintained legal status throughout the h1b through i-485 process, and (b) must never have been convicted of felonious assault or moral turpitude.
4. in the end, applicant would find that the immigration system works, slow though it is because of congressional quotas and a somewhat slothful or myopic uscis.
5. i offer my best wishes to all that are reading this, regardless of citizenship. as a proud (and relieved!) new permanent resident of the united states, i say to you, "good luck and an advance welcome!"
reminder: what you read above is all of what i am willing to share. i spent a lot of time in typing it. i won't have the time or inclination for elaborations or explanations but, most sincerely, i wish you well!
Dude ,
Its indeed a long Journey ....
Enjoy
Thanks
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