Rockford
07-17 02:19 PM
can you provide the link to that blog? I cannot find it.
http://blogs.ilw.com/gregsiskind/2007/07/immigration-v-1.html#comment-76176292
http://blogs.ilw.com/gregsiskind/2007/07/immigration-v-1.html#comment-76176292
wallpaper Sylvie van der Vaart at Radio
thomachan72
09-04 02:09 PM
Good. Let us collect a list of people who died and pray for them.
I you could add their PD and Category also, would be nice.
Funniest thread and indeed your reply was the funniest for today. I cant stop laughing..really.. you answered so seriously but yet hiding so much humor in it.. wonderful.
Isn't there an online community for people from andhra? why chose IV for these prayer requests? Previously it was praying for SRK who apparently got raped at the POE and now for all dead people??
Even the thread anouncing the members who got freedom this month is being drowned by these discussions. There is enough to celebrate this month...lot of our brothers / sisters have been greened...let us celebrate their freedom and forget our misseries for some time.
I you could add their PD and Category also, would be nice.
Funniest thread and indeed your reply was the funniest for today. I cant stop laughing..really.. you answered so seriously but yet hiding so much humor in it.. wonderful.
Isn't there an online community for people from andhra? why chose IV for these prayer requests? Previously it was praying for SRK who apparently got raped at the POE and now for all dead people??
Even the thread anouncing the members who got freedom this month is being drowned by these discussions. There is enough to celebrate this month...lot of our brothers / sisters have been greened...let us celebrate their freedom and forget our misseries for some time.
virginia_desi
05-15 12:15 PM
Thanks for your reply.
My understanding is there can be only one AOS at any time.
- So if the AOS is applied based on the EB3 140, can another AOS be filed based on EB2?
- If a AOS has been applied based on EB3, can it be "upgraded" to EB2 ??
Thanks.
There can only one AOS as the main beneficiary. You can have another AOS where you are a dependent or may be a family based AOS.
Once AOS is filed under EB3, it can't be simply upgraded to EB2.
However, what happens if one gets a RFE on I-140 and there is a pending I-485. Are you allowed to refile using EB3 approved petition if the dates are still current for EB3?
My understanding is there can be only one AOS at any time.
- So if the AOS is applied based on the EB3 140, can another AOS be filed based on EB2?
- If a AOS has been applied based on EB3, can it be "upgraded" to EB2 ??
Thanks.
There can only one AOS as the main beneficiary. You can have another AOS where you are a dependent or may be a family based AOS.
Once AOS is filed under EB3, it can't be simply upgraded to EB2.
However, what happens if one gets a RFE on I-140 and there is a pending I-485. Are you allowed to refile using EB3 approved petition if the dates are still current for EB3?
2011 Sylvie van der Vaart at Radio Regenbogen Awards 2011
royus77
09-22 07:40 PM
This is a good bill for people who are already on H1 and EAD ...what's wrong that in bringing the jobs back home ?
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desi3933
05-15 04:17 PM
I believe that in the original post, Keerthi indicated that he was in India.
I apologize for the confusion.
I understood that you have replied for mchhokar's question.
Is it ok to file H1b while L1 is on appeal.. IS USCIS ok with this fact.. Filing the visas simultaneously under two categorie?
Please accept my apologizes and thanks for the clarification.
I apologize for the confusion.
I understood that you have replied for mchhokar's question.
Is it ok to file H1b while L1 is on appeal.. IS USCIS ok with this fact.. Filing the visas simultaneously under two categorie?
Please accept my apologizes and thanks for the clarification.
lakshman.easwaran
07-20 02:35 PM
Folks, I have been reading this. My lawyer send me G325 only. I haven't filed as of yet. Should I file G325A instead.
Use G325A since it has four pages. Each page will be sent to different places written at the left bottom of each page. My lawyer sent me G325A.
Use G325A since it has four pages. Each page will be sent to different places written at the left bottom of each page. My lawyer sent me G325A.
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ramaonline
06-15 02:13 AM
h1 is dual intent visa under the current laws it is perfectly legal to hold both h1b and ead statuses - u can be in just h1b status if u wish or get into EAD status or maintain both if the h1 is valid
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gparr
November 25th, 2005, 04:38 PM
My primary tip is patience. When the wind is blowing, even slightly, if you're patient you will start to get in tune with the wind and be able to pick out the calm moments that always occur. You just have to be ready and then get off as many shots as possible during that calm moment. I shoot as many of my flower shots as I can very early or very late in the day. By very early, I mean at or just after sunrise. The wind is usually calm for a short while until the sun starts to heat the admosphere. I've had considerable success shooting in the very soft light at or after sunset, when the wind also calms. Long shutter speeds though. Unfortunately, too many blooms aren't open until the sun is higher in the sky and you have to resort to patience.
I've also had great success with a trick Don Bevis shared. You can get thin bamboo sticks in bundles for just a couple of dollars at your local nursery. Get the longer ones. I always carry two of them with me and stick them in the ground so that they apply slight pressure to the plant stem. This cuts down considerably on the movement. Don't know where Don learned the trick, but it works.
Some use a tool called a Plamp. See it here (http://www.naturephotographers.net/gs/gswimplamp.html) I've never used one, though have been tempted. The fear I have is that any clamping device will damage the plant. I shoot a lot in the gardens of several neighbors and at the Chicago Botanic Garden and make it a point to never leave any trace of my having been there. In other words, no footprints in the flower beds, no damaged plants, nothing. Don's trick works so well because it steadies the plant without causing any damage. It doesn't always work, but it does so often enough that it's worth hauling the sticks around.
I've also read several threads on other sites where people describe using "tents" to both diffuse the light and to stop the wind. I don't have any links for solid techniques, but will try to find some. It's tempting, though yet another piece of gear to carry.
These days I make heavy use of my 5-in-1 disk for diffusion and reflection. I have the 22-in. Photoflex Multidisc (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=breadCrumb&A=search&Q=&ci=6196), which I like a lot. It's excellent for a lot of light control purposes and sometimes serves as a good wind block. There are cheaper ones, but Kevin Sadler talked me into spending more money to get a quality product and I haven't regretted it.
When all else fails, I resort to flash to get the shot. I greatly dislike using flash and only use it when I want a shot and know that it's get it now or never. If I can come back and get the shot at a calmer time without flash, I will. I do use flash on occasion if I feel that the shot needs a little spark of light, but generally not. Flash is always used on a remote cord and diffused in some way, either with the wide-angle diffuser that's built into it, or by shooting through or bouncing it off of my multidisc.
As for shooting technique, a tripod is a must. I have two, but the one I use for flower shots allows me to splay the legs out and get the camera very low and/or allows me to reverse the column (I bought a short column to replace the one that came with the tripod) and hang the camera upside down. I use a ball head with a quick release. I also almost always use a remote release and frequently use mirror lock up. It's amazing how many images I've ruined because I moved the camera by pushing the shutter button or vibration from the mirror cause the slightest blur.
But above all, getting flower shots just requires a lot of patience. Hope all of this rambling helps.
Gary
I've also had great success with a trick Don Bevis shared. You can get thin bamboo sticks in bundles for just a couple of dollars at your local nursery. Get the longer ones. I always carry two of them with me and stick them in the ground so that they apply slight pressure to the plant stem. This cuts down considerably on the movement. Don't know where Don learned the trick, but it works.
Some use a tool called a Plamp. See it here (http://www.naturephotographers.net/gs/gswimplamp.html) I've never used one, though have been tempted. The fear I have is that any clamping device will damage the plant. I shoot a lot in the gardens of several neighbors and at the Chicago Botanic Garden and make it a point to never leave any trace of my having been there. In other words, no footprints in the flower beds, no damaged plants, nothing. Don's trick works so well because it steadies the plant without causing any damage. It doesn't always work, but it does so often enough that it's worth hauling the sticks around.
I've also read several threads on other sites where people describe using "tents" to both diffuse the light and to stop the wind. I don't have any links for solid techniques, but will try to find some. It's tempting, though yet another piece of gear to carry.
These days I make heavy use of my 5-in-1 disk for diffusion and reflection. I have the 22-in. Photoflex Multidisc (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=breadCrumb&A=search&Q=&ci=6196), which I like a lot. It's excellent for a lot of light control purposes and sometimes serves as a good wind block. There are cheaper ones, but Kevin Sadler talked me into spending more money to get a quality product and I haven't regretted it.
When all else fails, I resort to flash to get the shot. I greatly dislike using flash and only use it when I want a shot and know that it's get it now or never. If I can come back and get the shot at a calmer time without flash, I will. I do use flash on occasion if I feel that the shot needs a little spark of light, but generally not. Flash is always used on a remote cord and diffused in some way, either with the wide-angle diffuser that's built into it, or by shooting through or bouncing it off of my multidisc.
As for shooting technique, a tripod is a must. I have two, but the one I use for flower shots allows me to splay the legs out and get the camera very low and/or allows me to reverse the column (I bought a short column to replace the one that came with the tripod) and hang the camera upside down. I use a ball head with a quick release. I also almost always use a remote release and frequently use mirror lock up. It's amazing how many images I've ruined because I moved the camera by pushing the shutter button or vibration from the mirror cause the slightest blur.
But above all, getting flower shots just requires a lot of patience. Hope all of this rambling helps.
Gary
more...
ujjwal_p
06-10 02:19 AM
Received RFE for primary applicant (myself) and spouse.
Please submit evidence of lawful presence from October 1998 until August 17, 2007.
The documents may include the following:
A) a photo copy of form I-797 for all extensions and change of status
B) photo copy of form I-20 or IAP66 school records (front and back) including all school annotations
c) Photocopy (front and back) of applicant's Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Below is my immigration timeline
CLASS ------ VALID FROM ------ VALID TO ------ Comments
H1-B -------- 5/16/1995 -------- 5/17/1998
H1-B -------- 5/17/1998 -------- 5/17/2001
H1-B -------- 12/23/1999 ------- 6/30/2001
H1-B -------- 7/1/2001 --------- 9/30/2001
0-1 --------- 10/3/2001 ------ 10/1/2004 ------ Stamped in Chennai
EAD --------- 8/4/2004 -------- 8/3/2005 ------- EB1 denied 1/15/2005
0-1 --------- 5/13/2005 ------- 5/12/2008 ------ Stamped in Chennai
0-1 --------- 4/3/2007 --------- 3/13/2010
0-1 ---------- 5/2/2207 --------- 5/12/2009
After 1/15/05 (EB-1 denial)
- Left the country on 6/15/05 (less than 6 months)
- During this time, applied for O-1 visa and got approved
- Got visa stamping in Chennai with O-1 visa
Do you see any issues with my response ?
Pretty long timeline and multiple visa types. Not sure how O-1 works and whether it is a dual intent visa. In any case, looks like the RFE is pretty straight forward and they only need the historical documents, possibly because the record is pretty long.
**- This is not legal advise.
Please submit evidence of lawful presence from October 1998 until August 17, 2007.
The documents may include the following:
A) a photo copy of form I-797 for all extensions and change of status
B) photo copy of form I-20 or IAP66 school records (front and back) including all school annotations
c) Photocopy (front and back) of applicant's Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Below is my immigration timeline
CLASS ------ VALID FROM ------ VALID TO ------ Comments
H1-B -------- 5/16/1995 -------- 5/17/1998
H1-B -------- 5/17/1998 -------- 5/17/2001
H1-B -------- 12/23/1999 ------- 6/30/2001
H1-B -------- 7/1/2001 --------- 9/30/2001
0-1 --------- 10/3/2001 ------ 10/1/2004 ------ Stamped in Chennai
EAD --------- 8/4/2004 -------- 8/3/2005 ------- EB1 denied 1/15/2005
0-1 --------- 5/13/2005 ------- 5/12/2008 ------ Stamped in Chennai
0-1 --------- 4/3/2007 --------- 3/13/2010
0-1 ---------- 5/2/2207 --------- 5/12/2009
After 1/15/05 (EB-1 denial)
- Left the country on 6/15/05 (less than 6 months)
- During this time, applied for O-1 visa and got approved
- Got visa stamping in Chennai with O-1 visa
Do you see any issues with my response ?
Pretty long timeline and multiple visa types. Not sure how O-1 works and whether it is a dual intent visa. In any case, looks like the RFE is pretty straight forward and they only need the historical documents, possibly because the record is pretty long.
**- This is not legal advise.
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bmoni
12-22 08:42 PM
I thought the same thing when i read it first time ...
see the very next sentence after that statement
once the alien’s Form I-140 petition has been approved, the alien beneficiary retains his or her priority date as established by the filing of the labor certification for any future Form I-140 petitions, unless the previously approved Form I-140 petition has been revoked because of fraud or willful misrepresentation. "This includes cases where a change of employer has occurred"
If you read clearly then it says that you can keep the PD in your new employer GC process. You may loose that opportunity only if there was a fraud in the previous I140 and USICS revokes that I140.
once the alien’s Form I-140 petition has been approved, the alien beneficiary retains his or her priority date as established by the filing of the labor certification for any future Form I-140 petitions, unless the previously approved Form I-140 petition has been revoked because of fraud or willful misrepresentation.
So if your current I140 is clean then you will be able to use the PD in your next application for GC with the new employer.
see the very next sentence after that statement
once the alien’s Form I-140 petition has been approved, the alien beneficiary retains his or her priority date as established by the filing of the labor certification for any future Form I-140 petitions, unless the previously approved Form I-140 petition has been revoked because of fraud or willful misrepresentation. "This includes cases where a change of employer has occurred"
If you read clearly then it says that you can keep the PD in your new employer GC process. You may loose that opportunity only if there was a fraud in the previous I140 and USICS revokes that I140.
once the alien’s Form I-140 petition has been approved, the alien beneficiary retains his or her priority date as established by the filing of the labor certification for any future Form I-140 petitions, unless the previously approved Form I-140 petition has been revoked because of fraud or willful misrepresentation.
So if your current I140 is clean then you will be able to use the PD in your next application for GC with the new employer.
more...
chandansrs@gmail.com
06-27 05:00 PM
KrishGreen,
Thanks for your post. Can you give the contacts of the agent that you hired to get the visa stamping done? That would be helpful.
Thanks for your post. Can you give the contacts of the agent that you hired to get the visa stamping done? That would be helpful.
hot Sylvie Van Der Vaart Beauty
kish006
12-25 08:56 AM
agc2005,
Thanks for the reply.
I already send my EAD card. on Dec 11th. When did you resubmitted EAD Card and how many day USCIS took to reissue new EAD cards.
THanks
Any body who has simillary issue with AP and did you guys did. and how it took for u you to new cards.
Please send your experince.
Can I make this expedite. As I planning to go to India in Jan.
Thanks for the reply.
I already send my EAD card. on Dec 11th. When did you resubmitted EAD Card and how many day USCIS took to reissue new EAD cards.
THanks
Any body who has simillary issue with AP and did you guys did. and how it took for u you to new cards.
Please send your experince.
Can I make this expedite. As I planning to go to India in Jan.
more...
house Sylvie Van Der Vaart
Norristown
04-13 02:12 PM
I was in this situation few years back. I was on bench for 8 months (not paid). I chose not to reply to the DOL letter. I feared that accepting that I was on bench for 8 months will make you out of status.
Every time you go for H1 revalidation, you will be asked were you out of status any time.
Later I have done 3 H1 revalidations (Canada), no problems. If sending reply is not mandatory then keep quiet. Six months later my employer filed for bankruptcy.
Every time you go for H1 revalidation, you will be asked were you out of status any time.
Later I have done 3 H1 revalidations (Canada), no problems. If sending reply is not mandatory then keep quiet. Six months later my employer filed for bankruptcy.
tattoo with Sylvie van der Vaart.
smartboy75
07-09 01:59 PM
USCIS has different meening for Re-entry permit and Advance parole. Infact the eligibility criteria is different for both. Look at I-131 Instructions. Its very clearly specified there.
Hope this helps.
1. Re-entry Permit - A reentry permit allows a permanent resident or conditional resident to apply for admission to the United States upon returning from abroad during the permit's validity, without having to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or consulate
2. Refugee Travel Document - A refugee travel document is issued to a person classified as a refugee or asylee, or to a permanent resident who obtained such status as a result of being a refugee or asylee in the United States. Persons who hold aslyee or refugee status, and are not permanent residents, must have a refugee travel document to return to the United States after temporary travel abroad.
3. Advance Parole Document - An advance parole document is issued solely to authorize the temporary parole of a person into the United States.
The document may be accepted by a transportation company in lieu of a visa as an authorization for the holder to travel to the United States. An advance parole document is not issued to serve in place of any required passport.
Advance parole is an extraordinary measure used sparingly to bring an otherwise inadmissible alien to the United States for a temporary period of time due to a compelling emergency. Advance parole cannot be used to circumvent the normal visa issuing procedures and is not a means to bypass delays in visa issuance.
NOTE: If you are in the United States and wish to travel abroad, you do not need to apply for advance parole if both conditions described below in A and B are met:
B. A Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, was filed on your behalf and is pending with USCIS.
However, upon returning to the United States, you must present your valid H, L, K, or V nonimmigrant visa and continue to remain eligible for that status.
Thanks for clarifying....
I mistook AP to be a re-entry permit....My bad....
Hope this helps.
1. Re-entry Permit - A reentry permit allows a permanent resident or conditional resident to apply for admission to the United States upon returning from abroad during the permit's validity, without having to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or consulate
2. Refugee Travel Document - A refugee travel document is issued to a person classified as a refugee or asylee, or to a permanent resident who obtained such status as a result of being a refugee or asylee in the United States. Persons who hold aslyee or refugee status, and are not permanent residents, must have a refugee travel document to return to the United States after temporary travel abroad.
3. Advance Parole Document - An advance parole document is issued solely to authorize the temporary parole of a person into the United States.
The document may be accepted by a transportation company in lieu of a visa as an authorization for the holder to travel to the United States. An advance parole document is not issued to serve in place of any required passport.
Advance parole is an extraordinary measure used sparingly to bring an otherwise inadmissible alien to the United States for a temporary period of time due to a compelling emergency. Advance parole cannot be used to circumvent the normal visa issuing procedures and is not a means to bypass delays in visa issuance.
NOTE: If you are in the United States and wish to travel abroad, you do not need to apply for advance parole if both conditions described below in A and B are met:
B. A Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, was filed on your behalf and is pending with USCIS.
However, upon returning to the United States, you must present your valid H, L, K, or V nonimmigrant visa and continue to remain eligible for that status.
Thanks for clarifying....
I mistook AP to be a re-entry permit....My bad....
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pappu
04-15 05:34 PM
All members are requested to be careful what you post on the forum. Senior members are requested to be vigilant and inform the moderators if you find any post that maybe offensive or from anti immigrants.
This member is not a genuine IV member. No profile information has been given and a fake email id is given.
We will check such members with incomplete profile and point them out on the forum. To avoid such embarresment, please update your profiles with full information.
Bye Bye abby17 and abby from our forums.
This member is not a genuine IV member. No profile information has been given and a fake email id is given.
We will check such members with incomplete profile and point them out on the forum. To avoid such embarresment, please update your profiles with full information.
Bye Bye abby17 and abby from our forums.
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voldemar
03-20 01:08 PM
I didnt understand your point: Is revoking an approved I140 is mandotary for the employer when an employee leaves?
No, not mandatory.
Per most lawyers it is not mandotory. Yes ofcourse employers "can" revoke but the question is it necessary for their interests and how? Employers will not be bound to employ you after you get green card. AC21 protects employee - not employer.
Revocation of an approved I140 by USCIS is may be for other reasons like incorrect info when its applied or something like that.I'm not discussing any "other reasons". Only USCIS denial of already approved application because of Ability to Pay when they add up all pending I-485 cases with I-140 pending or approved within one company. In that case if employer withdraw I-140 it could not be added to a pile of pending or approved I-140 - employer is not obliged to pay this employee.
No, not mandatory.
Per most lawyers it is not mandotory. Yes ofcourse employers "can" revoke but the question is it necessary for their interests and how? Employers will not be bound to employ you after you get green card. AC21 protects employee - not employer.
Revocation of an approved I140 by USCIS is may be for other reasons like incorrect info when its applied or something like that.I'm not discussing any "other reasons". Only USCIS denial of already approved application because of Ability to Pay when they add up all pending I-485 cases with I-140 pending or approved within one company. In that case if employer withdraw I-140 it could not be added to a pile of pending or approved I-140 - employer is not obliged to pay this employee.
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02-01 08:30 AM
Summary
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
girlfriend 19: Sylvie van der Vaart
Can45
03-03 09:46 PM
I just receive the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for?? My name check and background check is clear after 2 years.....Now I'm receive my GC so I can start traveling......All my interview was approve so now they are (order card)....Enjoy ur Holiday.......
I am trying to understand how much time i have left to wait for GC ????:confused:
How do you know you have been stuck in name check ?:eek:
I am current with my dates:
The March Visa Bulletin Priority date indicates 01 Jan 2005 (my PD date is Jan 04)
And
Nebraska Service Center Processing Dates -posted Feb 15 08- indicates a I-485 EB �processing time frame� of July 30th 07 (my Notice date is mid July 07
can it be long now ? :confused:
I am trying to understand how much time i have left to wait for GC ????:confused:
How do you know you have been stuck in name check ?:eek:
I am current with my dates:
The March Visa Bulletin Priority date indicates 01 Jan 2005 (my PD date is Jan 04)
And
Nebraska Service Center Processing Dates -posted Feb 15 08- indicates a I-485 EB �processing time frame� of July 30th 07 (my Notice date is mid July 07
can it be long now ? :confused:
hairstyles Sylvie van der Vaart
genius
12-14 05:34 PM
My OPT expires around May.I believe the best way is to join some school rather than going for any other Visa Category?isnt it?
Btw ,I asked many lawyers about the OPT extension and they said there is a very little chance that USCIS will approve it unless you have a very very good reason.They are not fools afterall...
I have a Masters from here..and I will be on my F1 again.Offcourse as expected ,the H1B is going to run out in less than a month next year.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
once again.I will aplly for H1B in April and my OPT expires sometime in May?
Does Kaplan provide courses that issue an I-20?
Thanks in advance!!!!
Btw ,I asked many lawyers about the OPT extension and they said there is a very little chance that USCIS will approve it unless you have a very very good reason.They are not fools afterall...
I have a Masters from here..and I will be on my F1 again.Offcourse as expected ,the H1B is going to run out in less than a month next year.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
once again.I will aplly for H1B in April and my OPT expires sometime in May?
Does Kaplan provide courses that issue an I-20?
Thanks in advance!!!!
Soul
06-12 07:32 PM
lol you really want it? :P
hopein07
02-09 10:32 AM
I fully believe in court systems in USA, and feel that we should file the lawsuit. The bills like CIR or SKIL wont see the daylight in political fights
Read below what happened to the court case in UK.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Breaking_news_Indian_docs_lose_case_against_Britis h_govt/articleshow/1586856.cms
You can simply FORGET ABOUT LAWUSUITS etc.
Read below what happened to the court case in UK.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Breaking_news_Indian_docs_lose_case_against_Britis h_govt/articleshow/1586856.cms
You can simply FORGET ABOUT LAWUSUITS etc.
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