sertasheep
03-25 11:18 AM
<EDIT>
added hyperlink to Enquiro Report
</EDIT>
Chidanand Rajaghatta is a guy who spends time in different countries and writes about his travails. Obviously, he's not completely educated on this, and I guess may be we could take this opportunity to make him and TOI aware of our efforts.
I have sent out the following email.(between asteriskes). I'll post any responses I may(will I?) receive.
**********************
Dear Mr. Rajaghatta, and Editor,
I have been a consistent reader of your articles on your travels the world over. The headline for your latest article seemed a little sensational to me, without any mention of the word "Illegal".
The NRI community(read "legal immigrants" and "legal immigrant applicants") are aware of the new Guest Worker program proposed by Mr. George Bush, but it doesn't really affect the Indian diaspora at all, because majority of us are in the US legally.
The article seemed out of context and irrelevant in a esteemed publication such as TOI. Why don't you instead write about current issues that are plaguing the NRI community? Those would be directly relevant to the concerns of affected NRIs and would draw more readers to you.
I have recently concluded a research paper(as part of my Masters program) on the inefficiencies of the US Immigration system, and its impact on applicants, especially from countries such as India and China. The outdated workflows and holes in the Immigration system have led to endless waits and affected many immigration applicants, thereby impacting US economy in terms of tax dollars, jobs lost to overseas(outsourcing), and subsequently, loss of precious foreign exchange to the home countries of these applicants.
Applicants are forced to spend precious time and effort in speculating and predicting the outcome of their immigration benefits. As per a Internet search engine study, (See Enquiro Search Engine Report, Aug 2005 http://www.enquiro.com/net-profit/Murthy-vs-Goliath.asp ), it is the website of a US Immigration Lawyer (across all practices) that gets the most eyeballs(hits), worldwide! This is testimony to the fact that several hours are spent by applicants in anticipation and speculation.
I would more than willing to collaborate and share these thoughts with you, to fuel your interest further.
May I also draw your attention to some of the grass-roots organizations fighting for these causes? One notable organization is "Immigration Voice" which is gaining great momentum.(www.immigrationvoice.org)
Best Regards
************
"Celebrate, Have Faith and Maintain Hope"--the byline of a popular immigration attorney. Isn't this quite true?
added hyperlink to Enquiro Report
</EDIT>
Chidanand Rajaghatta is a guy who spends time in different countries and writes about his travails. Obviously, he's not completely educated on this, and I guess may be we could take this opportunity to make him and TOI aware of our efforts.
I have sent out the following email.(between asteriskes). I'll post any responses I may(will I?) receive.
**********************
Dear Mr. Rajaghatta, and Editor,
I have been a consistent reader of your articles on your travels the world over. The headline for your latest article seemed a little sensational to me, without any mention of the word "Illegal".
The NRI community(read "legal immigrants" and "legal immigrant applicants") are aware of the new Guest Worker program proposed by Mr. George Bush, but it doesn't really affect the Indian diaspora at all, because majority of us are in the US legally.
The article seemed out of context and irrelevant in a esteemed publication such as TOI. Why don't you instead write about current issues that are plaguing the NRI community? Those would be directly relevant to the concerns of affected NRIs and would draw more readers to you.
I have recently concluded a research paper(as part of my Masters program) on the inefficiencies of the US Immigration system, and its impact on applicants, especially from countries such as India and China. The outdated workflows and holes in the Immigration system have led to endless waits and affected many immigration applicants, thereby impacting US economy in terms of tax dollars, jobs lost to overseas(outsourcing), and subsequently, loss of precious foreign exchange to the home countries of these applicants.
Applicants are forced to spend precious time and effort in speculating and predicting the outcome of their immigration benefits. As per a Internet search engine study, (See Enquiro Search Engine Report, Aug 2005 http://www.enquiro.com/net-profit/Murthy-vs-Goliath.asp ), it is the website of a US Immigration Lawyer (across all practices) that gets the most eyeballs(hits), worldwide! This is testimony to the fact that several hours are spent by applicants in anticipation and speculation.
I would more than willing to collaborate and share these thoughts with you, to fuel your interest further.
May I also draw your attention to some of the grass-roots organizations fighting for these causes? One notable organization is "Immigration Voice" which is gaining great momentum.(www.immigrationvoice.org)
Best Regards
************
"Celebrate, Have Faith and Maintain Hope"--the byline of a popular immigration attorney. Isn't this quite true?
wallpaper Kansas City Star Obituaries.
krishmunn
03-25 10:18 PM
Does this mean that if my salary is higher than the "prevailing wage" by more than $320, the employer can legally ask me to reimburse the $320 filing fee? I have searched very hard but could not find any memo/doc regarding this.
No. It should be greater of Prevailing or Actual wage. Actual wage is wage paid to people with same qualification/experience for similar position in your company. If there are no other employee with similar qualification/experience in similar position, actual wage is wage paid to you.
Also there are other restrictions like if you voluntarily agreed BEFORE joining, if it was a condition for employment etc.
All in all it is pretty difficult for employer to recover H1 related cost from employee (even Attorney fee ). Check this 20CFR655.731 - What is the first LCA requirement, regarding wages? (http://www.dol.gov/dol/allcfr/title_20/Part_655/20CFR655.731.htm)
Also, having a agreement which says that employee will need to repay H1 cost is illegal (Penalty clause) and not enforceable. CIS is more lenient on whcih cost employee can pay but DOL is more restrictive.
No. It should be greater of Prevailing or Actual wage. Actual wage is wage paid to people with same qualification/experience for similar position in your company. If there are no other employee with similar qualification/experience in similar position, actual wage is wage paid to you.
Also there are other restrictions like if you voluntarily agreed BEFORE joining, if it was a condition for employment etc.
All in all it is pretty difficult for employer to recover H1 related cost from employee (even Attorney fee ). Check this 20CFR655.731 - What is the first LCA requirement, regarding wages? (http://www.dol.gov/dol/allcfr/title_20/Part_655/20CFR655.731.htm)
Also, having a agreement which says that employee will need to repay H1 cost is illegal (Penalty clause) and not enforceable. CIS is more lenient on whcih cost employee can pay but DOL is more restrictive.
apb
07-17 10:23 PM
The current fee schedule will apply to all applications filed under Visa Bulletin No. 107 through August 17, 2007. (The new fee schedule that becomes effective on July 30, 2007, will apply to all other applications filed on or after July 30, 2007).
Please note that fee change will be effective for EAD/AP after July/30
Please note that fee change will be effective for EAD/AP after July/30
2011 The Kansas City Star
nortam1
09-15 02:04 PM
Can't see them. Already refreshed and deleted cookies.
Anyway, can anyone tell me what's the processing date for EAD I485 based at NSC?
Anyway, can anyone tell me what's the processing date for EAD I485 based at NSC?
more...
NolaIndian32
04-28 02:20 PM
If your I-94 is only issued until your H1B is valid or until AP is valid, you don't have to worry about extending your I-94 once that H1b or AP expire. When you renew your H1b or AP, it acts as your I-94. Matter of fact, the bottom portion of your H1b approval notice is also the new I-94.
I have travelled numerous times between the US and India since 1994 and not once did I ever worry about the validity of the I-94 because I was always "in-status".
I have travelled numerous times between the US and India since 1994 and not once did I ever worry about the validity of the I-94 because I was always "in-status".
Abhinaym
05-14 09:28 AM
My H1 sponsor informed me that the check he submitted along with my application on Wednesday 5/7 - Non-masters non-premium processing:)
Even my friend's application check seems to have been deposited by USCIS, does that mean that the case is selected in the lottery? (Or is there any other scenario?).
Thanks in advance to anyone who can throw some light on this.
Update:
I just verified that there is a receipt number on the back of the check, so that's the EAC/WAC number!
Even my friend's application check seems to have been deposited by USCIS, does that mean that the case is selected in the lottery? (Or is there any other scenario?).
Thanks in advance to anyone who can throw some light on this.
Update:
I just verified that there is a receipt number on the back of the check, so that's the EAC/WAC number!
more...
DyersEve
10-21 01:05 AM
Alright i did a little work on the picture, and im not sure if it is better or worse so tell me what you guys think.
http://teamnerd.tripod.com/random/images2.txt
http://teamnerd.tripod.com/random/images2.txt
2010 kansas city star obituaries.
jliechty
July 25th, 2005, 08:29 PM
This is my first attempt...
Flat conversion with ACR (exp: +0.30, shadows: 0, brightness: 50, congrast: 25, sat. 0) into the sRGB color space (no need to work in a wider space as nothing was clipping with sRGB)
Light curve to increase contrast slightly
USM (amount 17%, radius 50 pixels, threshold 0) for local contrast
Image resize down for web with Bicubic Sharper
Smart Sharpen (amount 59%, radius 0.3, remove lens blur, more accurate)
convert from RGB/16 to RGB/8 and save as JPEG quality 9
That was done in a few minutes... No guarantee that I could do better if I spent more time on it, and caveat viewer that my monitor isn't calibrated at the moment because I'm waiting on XP x64 drivers from Gretag Macbeth, so if I were to guess, I would speculate that on a properly calibrated monitor the shadows wouldn't be quite as deep as I see them here, but that's a WAG.
I may try again tomorrow (er, later today - it's past my bedtime) with a bit more on the "creative" side - dodging, burning, and other selective adjustments.
Flat conversion with ACR (exp: +0.30, shadows: 0, brightness: 50, congrast: 25, sat. 0) into the sRGB color space (no need to work in a wider space as nothing was clipping with sRGB)
Light curve to increase contrast slightly
USM (amount 17%, radius 50 pixels, threshold 0) for local contrast
Image resize down for web with Bicubic Sharper
Smart Sharpen (amount 59%, radius 0.3, remove lens blur, more accurate)
convert from RGB/16 to RGB/8 and save as JPEG quality 9
That was done in a few minutes... No guarantee that I could do better if I spent more time on it, and caveat viewer that my monitor isn't calibrated at the moment because I'm waiting on XP x64 drivers from Gretag Macbeth, so if I were to guess, I would speculate that on a properly calibrated monitor the shadows wouldn't be quite as deep as I see them here, but that's a WAG.
I may try again tomorrow (er, later today - it's past my bedtime) with a bit more on the "creative" side - dodging, burning, and other selective adjustments.
more...
gsc999
06-15 03:39 PM
No need to write "None"..just leave it blank. Thats what my attorney told.
--
Thanks, I will prefer to leave it blank.
Whats with so many diff. opinion about Alien # :eek:
--
Thanks, I will prefer to leave it blank.
Whats with so many diff. opinion about Alien # :eek:
hair Kansas City Star Subscription
shalinip
03-17 12:41 PM
Need help- EB1 EA 140/485 petitions denied - how to maintain legal status
I am a research faculty in a top 25 university and my H1-B expires in Dec 2010. My concurrent self petitions of the EB1-EA of 140 and 485 were denied by TSC. I am waiting for the denial letter. My spouse is a permanent resident . What are my legal options to stay in the country?
Here is my petition break down
1-140 filed-May 2009
!-485 filed June 2009
EAD/AP Oct/Nov 2009
RFE on 140 -Feb 9 2010
Responded to RFE - Mar 11 2010
Denial posted on Mar 15.
Would filing the I-130 affect the refiling of I-140?
Appreciate inputs provided
I am a research faculty in a top 25 university and my H1-B expires in Dec 2010. My concurrent self petitions of the EB1-EA of 140 and 485 were denied by TSC. I am waiting for the denial letter. My spouse is a permanent resident . What are my legal options to stay in the country?
Here is my petition break down
1-140 filed-May 2009
!-485 filed June 2009
EAD/AP Oct/Nov 2009
RFE on 140 -Feb 9 2010
Responded to RFE - Mar 11 2010
Denial posted on Mar 15.
Would filing the I-130 affect the refiling of I-140?
Appreciate inputs provided
more...
eeezzz
06-12 01:32 PM
Thanks for the link. That clarifies that the new package fee of $1010 encompasses the EAD/AP renewal for the life of 485. If one had used the old fee structure then the new fee for I 765 (EAD) - $ 340 and I 131 Advance Parole - $ 305.
I would think that if you pay $645 (EAD and AP) for the renewal that would also be good for the life of the 485, though the link doesn't explicitly state that. Does anyone have any more info on that?
Thanks.
Can someone confirm that if you file I-485 with old fee system and pay for the new fee when you renew EAD and AP, do you still need to pay again on your 2nd time renewal ?
I would think that if you pay $645 (EAD and AP) for the renewal that would also be good for the life of the 485, though the link doesn't explicitly state that. Does anyone have any more info on that?
Thanks.
Can someone confirm that if you file I-485 with old fee system and pay for the new fee when you renew EAD and AP, do you still need to pay again on your 2nd time renewal ?
hot The Kansas City Star#39;s beat
EternityInLimbo
05-02 09:55 PM
Well, i feel its more of a Policy decision.If they really want to do something fast they will do it anyhow.The best example is how this woman from canada i guess,who got US citizenship in 2 days,yes its right '2 days' so she can represent US in the ongoing Winter Olympics at Turin.
Even CA state used to abjudicate Labor cases in 1 Months Time back until 2000.Later on 0 approval cases from then on.Surprising??
Absolutely it's a policy decision: not only in terms of prioritization of activities but in terms of resource allocation. DOL insists they have enough resources to meet their goals. They have to report how well they're doing on their annual federal scorecard, and if they set their objectives low enough, they get an "A"... that is, if activities serving non-voters were even being tracked as one of their objectives.
One of the clerks at my immigrations law firm said the word was, DOL was prioritizing getting cases into the Permanent Backlog System, as opposed to allocating staff/resources into completing reviews. Don't know if this is old news posted elsewhere or consistent with what others have heard, but if this is the case, it would explain why approvals have been few and far between.
Even CA state used to abjudicate Labor cases in 1 Months Time back until 2000.Later on 0 approval cases from then on.Surprising??
Absolutely it's a policy decision: not only in terms of prioritization of activities but in terms of resource allocation. DOL insists they have enough resources to meet their goals. They have to report how well they're doing on their annual federal scorecard, and if they set their objectives low enough, they get an "A"... that is, if activities serving non-voters were even being tracked as one of their objectives.
One of the clerks at my immigrations law firm said the word was, DOL was prioritizing getting cases into the Permanent Backlog System, as opposed to allocating staff/resources into completing reviews. Don't know if this is old news posted elsewhere or consistent with what others have heard, but if this is the case, it would explain why approvals have been few and far between.
more...
house kansas city star newspaper.
Macaca
12-15 01:41 PM
My lawyer had the following lines on this issue:
However, on a positive note, you are eligible for a special benefit for persons born in India subject to immigrant visa retrogression issues. Since you have an approved I-140 visa petition, you will qualify for a 3-year extension of H-1B visa status, with subsequent extensions possible.
It appears that the 3 year extension may not applicable to all countries. If you are not from India, you may like to check. If you check, please post the results for other persons. Thanks.
yes you will eventually get a 3 year extension after you run out of 6 year term (assuming the new company files perm and the retrogression is still there and your I140 is approved then......)
However, on a positive note, you are eligible for a special benefit for persons born in India subject to immigrant visa retrogression issues. Since you have an approved I-140 visa petition, you will qualify for a 3-year extension of H-1B visa status, with subsequent extensions possible.
It appears that the 3 year extension may not applicable to all countries. If you are not from India, you may like to check. If you check, please post the results for other persons. Thanks.
yes you will eventually get a 3 year extension after you run out of 6 year term (assuming the new company files perm and the retrogression is still there and your I140 is approved then......)
tattoo Welcome to the Kansas City
ss777
09-16 10:25 PM
I know a friend who faced exact situation you described here. His lawyer also answered the same way your lawyer replied. He is doing fine with the approved I-140 and the original I-485 (based on first I-140(eventually denied)). He was told USCIS automatically "consolidates the cases". His attorney did not send any request for consolidation or something like that. This happened about an year back and he successfully made an overseas trip and returned on AP. This makes me feel you are OK and your lawyer is correct.
more...
pictures from The Kansas City Star.
desi3933
01-23 01:18 PM
....
Today I got a RFE requesting proof of authorization to work since my h-1 expired, and realized I couldn't be working when I hired a real lawyer to take care of this case and she informed me so. How to respond my RFE???
....
.....
Please provide following details -
1. H1 (and I-94) validity dates
2. Date of filing for EAD and I-485
3. Date of EAD approval
____________________
Not a legal advice.
US Citizen of Indian Origin
Today I got a RFE requesting proof of authorization to work since my h-1 expired, and realized I couldn't be working when I hired a real lawyer to take care of this case and she informed me so. How to respond my RFE???
....
.....
Please provide following details -
1. H1 (and I-94) validity dates
2. Date of filing for EAD and I-485
3. Date of EAD approval
____________________
Not a legal advice.
US Citizen of Indian Origin
dresses kansas city star masthead. of
Anysia
02-28 05:40 AM
Hi!
One of my friends H1 was denied recently for not having Masters.
Whats interesting is that she has already cleared NY state licensing exam and holds valid new york physical therapist license. NY does not require physical therapists to have masters.
Since NY already verified her qualifications before awarding her license and one would assume USCIS would take that into consideration ...apperently not!
I guess only option at this point to appeal and go back to school and get Masters!
You are right...the best solution is to go back to school and get masters. I just found out of at least 4 cases with same reason of denial...lack of masters degree. And Im not even applying for a renewal visa, it was a visa transfer. So in a sense I already have a visa and im not an "entry level" therapist. I am going to see another lawyer--(hopefully someone I can trust to handle my case) this monday. Ill keep you posted.
To Markelli, I dont know how this new ruling will play for you but I suggest you start school now! theres a lot of online courses--accredited ones. Having an approved I-140 might make a difference...Please consult your lawyer now. December is only 10 months away.
I hope I'll get through this too...I havent applied for GC and since its going to be employment-based, I dont know what will happen in the future. Uncertainties really scares me now. If my case gets fix, ill still get that freaking doctorate degree...ive leanred my lesson.
One of my friends H1 was denied recently for not having Masters.
Whats interesting is that she has already cleared NY state licensing exam and holds valid new york physical therapist license. NY does not require physical therapists to have masters.
Since NY already verified her qualifications before awarding her license and one would assume USCIS would take that into consideration ...apperently not!
I guess only option at this point to appeal and go back to school and get Masters!
You are right...the best solution is to go back to school and get masters. I just found out of at least 4 cases with same reason of denial...lack of masters degree. And Im not even applying for a renewal visa, it was a visa transfer. So in a sense I already have a visa and im not an "entry level" therapist. I am going to see another lawyer--(hopefully someone I can trust to handle my case) this monday. Ill keep you posted.
To Markelli, I dont know how this new ruling will play for you but I suggest you start school now! theres a lot of online courses--accredited ones. Having an approved I-140 might make a difference...Please consult your lawyer now. December is only 10 months away.
I hope I'll get through this too...I havent applied for GC and since its going to be employment-based, I dont know what will happen in the future. Uncertainties really scares me now. If my case gets fix, ill still get that freaking doctorate degree...ive leanred my lesson.
more...
makeup kansas city star masthead. by
gandalf_gray
06-02 11:33 AM
Nothing would change. If any, it'd be for better I guess.
So you dont know what the "last" action would be. If your L1 extension gets approved immediately with premium processing and H1 approval comes later with COS, then you dont have to go out.
If the situation is reversed, then it would be 1st or 3rd scenario, since 2nd scenario is not applicable.
just one more Qn:
My L1 ends Sep 3rd week.
If I decide not to do extension, is it ok to stay in US for those 2 weeks until Oct1. so I can start working under H1 ?
those 14 days out-of-status : How bad is it ?
thanks.
So you dont know what the "last" action would be. If your L1 extension gets approved immediately with premium processing and H1 approval comes later with COS, then you dont have to go out.
If the situation is reversed, then it would be 1st or 3rd scenario, since 2nd scenario is not applicable.
just one more Qn:
My L1 ends Sep 3rd week.
If I decide not to do extension, is it ok to stay in US for those 2 weeks until Oct1. so I can start working under H1 ?
those 14 days out-of-status : How bad is it ?
thanks.
girlfriend kansas city star masthead. of
vandanaverdia
09-10 12:31 PM
I think it is a good idea to have T-shirts made available in DC too. This will make it easier for people who haven't had the chance/time to order online, buy them in DC itself. Any thoughts????
hairstyles The Kansas City Star
Lacris
07-18 01:39 AM
They might return urs , simple.
:confused:
Could you answer this? We applied in march for 140/485. I have EAD, AP and FP done.The problem is that I don't remember seing the I-140 application among the papers we had to sign, and nothing just for my husband to sign, which would be normal, since he's the primary applicant. I thought at the time that I-140, being thru the employer doesn't have to be filed personally? Do you think it's possible the I-140 was accepted by mistake without the signature or should I enquire more and maybe my husband signed it at work and doesn't remember?
Thank you
:confused:
Could you answer this? We applied in march for 140/485. I have EAD, AP and FP done.The problem is that I don't remember seing the I-140 application among the papers we had to sign, and nothing just for my husband to sign, which would be normal, since he's the primary applicant. I thought at the time that I-140, being thru the employer doesn't have to be filed personally? Do you think it's possible the I-140 was accepted by mistake without the signature or should I enquire more and maybe my husband signed it at work and doesn't remember?
Thank you
pappu
06-08 12:17 PM
Lets discuss Post-CIR on one thread only.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4917
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4917
dpp
06-28 02:50 PM
I have an important question that I need to ask here. What is going to be Job title in employment verification letter. For example if I work in company as a Software consultant and H1B states that I am Programmer Analysts and my PERM labor has stated Software Programmer Engineer.
So out of these 3 which one will going to be in my employment letter. I am unable to get in touch with attorney thru company and our HR doesnt know what to write in Employement letter. Any advise from people who already got their employement letter from their employer.
Thanks
INeedAllGreen
You need to use "Programmer Analyst" for Employment verification letter, but Employment offer letter, you need to use "Software Programmer Engineer".
This is 100% correct.
Employment verification letter is for current occupation what you mentioned in LCA when applying for H1. If you say something else, then you are voilating what you mentioned. Then it is going to problem if a strict USCIS officer observes that.
But for Employment offer letter, since it is for future emploment, you need to have the title mentioned in PERM application.
So out of these 3 which one will going to be in my employment letter. I am unable to get in touch with attorney thru company and our HR doesnt know what to write in Employement letter. Any advise from people who already got their employement letter from their employer.
Thanks
INeedAllGreen
You need to use "Programmer Analyst" for Employment verification letter, but Employment offer letter, you need to use "Software Programmer Engineer".
This is 100% correct.
Employment verification letter is for current occupation what you mentioned in LCA when applying for H1. If you say something else, then you are voilating what you mentioned. Then it is going to problem if a strict USCIS officer observes that.
But for Employment offer letter, since it is for future emploment, you need to have the title mentioned in PERM application.
No comments:
Post a Comment