locomotive36
11-04 12:17 PM
Dear Readers,
This topic may be totally off immigration and I am sorry for that.
Kindly request you to take a minute and read about this noble person - Narayanan Krishnan - a selfless real life hero!
Once a rising star, chef now feeds hungry - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/04/01/cnnheroes.krishnan.hunger/)
Please vote for him and make win the CNN Hero prize money which can be used towards his trust.
You can vote at - CNN Heroes - Special Reports from CNN.com (http://heroes.cnn.com/vote.aspx)
Please share the word around with your friends and family!
Thanks a lot... Appreciate your kind gesture!
This topic may be totally off immigration and I am sorry for that.
Kindly request you to take a minute and read about this noble person - Narayanan Krishnan - a selfless real life hero!
Once a rising star, chef now feeds hungry - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/04/01/cnnheroes.krishnan.hunger/)
Please vote for him and make win the CNN Hero prize money which can be used towards his trust.
You can vote at - CNN Heroes - Special Reports from CNN.com (http://heroes.cnn.com/vote.aspx)
Please share the word around with your friends and family!
Thanks a lot... Appreciate your kind gesture!
arnab221
11-02 12:42 PM
There we go again .. So much Hoopla.. and then we are back to square one .. Thats Normal these days .
ksairi
05-12 10:50 AM
http://www.npr.org/dmg/audioplayer.php?prgCode=TOTN&showDate=11-May-2006&segNum=1
pbojja
02-09 08:34 PM
Link - The link is not working..
Krishna/Sri, could you give me the correct link.
Thanks Krishna / Sri for very useful information. I will try this option before the other ones.
Thank you very much.
You can give it a try ..It did not work for me so I travelled . Yes you need visa for Canada .
Krishna/Sri, could you give me the correct link.
Thanks Krishna / Sri for very useful information. I will try this option before the other ones.
Thank you very much.
You can give it a try ..It did not work for me so I travelled . Yes you need visa for Canada .
more...
like_watching_paint_dry
01-13 08:33 PM
Hi: I need some help in resolving my situation. I im in the seventh year of my H1B. My I-140 got approved on April 2006 with a priority date of November 2001 date Under India EB3 Category. Since the priority dates are not current, I coulnd't file for I-485. Now, my client where I am working is offering me permanent employment on H1b and I want to know what are the options available for me without losing my previous GC status and priority dates.
1. Can I take the new employment without losing the priority dates.
2. If I lose the priority dates, can I take the employment and start the GC process again??
Your help is really appreicated to come out of the situation
You have waited very long and I think you deserve to get the green card. But under EB3 India, that wont happen for another 4-6 years to be conservative. If you were qualified for EB2 as of Nov 2001 (you held a MS or had BS + 5 yrs as of Nov 2001, you should not have any problem with retaining the old priority date while filing under EB2). Ask your client to file Perm LC under EB2 & do the I140 using the Nov 2001 PD. Then join them.If you don't qualify, do in EB3. Dont join the client if they are not stable.. better to wait with your current employer under EB3 than go EB3 with an unstable employer and risk losing it all in the worst case scenario. If they really want you that badly, they will do this under premium processing and you could be in your current state with them in a matter of a couple of months.
1. Can I take the new employment without losing the priority dates.
2. If I lose the priority dates, can I take the employment and start the GC process again??
Your help is really appreicated to come out of the situation
You have waited very long and I think you deserve to get the green card. But under EB3 India, that wont happen for another 4-6 years to be conservative. If you were qualified for EB2 as of Nov 2001 (you held a MS or had BS + 5 yrs as of Nov 2001, you should not have any problem with retaining the old priority date while filing under EB2). Ask your client to file Perm LC under EB2 & do the I140 using the Nov 2001 PD. Then join them.If you don't qualify, do in EB3. Dont join the client if they are not stable.. better to wait with your current employer under EB3 than go EB3 with an unstable employer and risk losing it all in the worst case scenario. If they really want you that badly, they will do this under premium processing and you could be in your current state with them in a matter of a couple of months.
harikapraveen
10-29 04:40 PM
Wherever you go for stamping, there will be someone on the counter before interview is conducted by visa officer who reviews the documents.
In Chennai, there will be a counter after appointment letter is shown. This is where the documents will be verified. When you reach this point, inform about the discrepancies and they will take care.
My parents went to Chennai with wrong DOB. This was rectified by someone on the counter themselfs and no problems in the interview as well.:)
In Chennai, there will be a counter after appointment letter is shown. This is where the documents will be verified. When you reach this point, inform about the discrepancies and they will take care.
My parents went to Chennai with wrong DOB. This was rectified by someone on the counter themselfs and no problems in the interview as well.:)
more...
loudoggs
08-27 05:46 PM
Email VFS with your question. Everytime I have emailed them, they have replied back within 24 hrs.
Just curious, why do you want to use the special category? Book your appointment through the normal procedure as there a lot of dates available.
I just booked my dates online some 2-3 weeks back and after filling in all the forms they automatically put a note on the DS156 form that said "Visa Renewal". I already have a H-1 and am going to get my 2nd H-1 stamped.
Hope this helps.
VFS website for booking H1B stamping appointments in India seems to have added a new question when booking a H1B appointment.
The question is "Are you applying for same visa class that expired in the last 12 months?*" and they have defined the Visa renewal criteria (which I have pasted below) in order to answer this question. Yes- means you are seeking a appointment for visa renewal and No - means your appt is NOT for visa renewal.
Can somebody advice if me and my wife would fall under the visa renewal category. The last US visa on my passport is F1. My H1b status started in May 2004 and I am now in my 4rth year of H1B. In between I changed employer and my H1 is now valid upto October 2008. But I have NOT travelled outside the country after my H1B status began in May 2004. Hence I am going to get my H1B stamped for the first time. In my wife's case also her last stamp is F1 and she went from F1 to H4 this year so she is also going to get her H4 stamped for the first time. Do we answer YES (appt for visa renewal) or NO(appt not for visa renewal). We are booking a appointment at the Mumbai consulate.
The below is the visa renewal criteria as defined on the website:
Visa renewal appointments are available to visa applicants who:
have a U.S. visa that has expired less than 12 months ago.
wish to apply for the same category visa (work, business, tourist, etc.)
are Indian nationals (hold Indian passports)
are resident in the New Delhi, Chennai, or Mumbai consular districts (this category is not available to Kolkata based applicants).
The following applicants do NOT qualify for appointments in the visa renewal category:
Applicants who have never had a US visa.
Applicants who have a U.S. visa that expired more than 12 months ago.
Applicants applying for a different category visa (e.g. had a student visa, now applying for a work visa).
Non Indian passport holders
Applicants applying at the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata.
First time H4 or L2 applicants under 18 years of age. (If you have recently married a H1b or L1 visa holder but have never had a visa interview for a visa in the H/L category, you may not schedule in the renewal category.)
Applicants applying for more than one visa at the same time (e.g. F and B1/B2).
Applicants applying for entertainment/performance visas(P3 category).
Applicants applying for unskilled worker visas (H2b category).
All visa renewal applicants should bring the following documents to the Embassy/Consulate Consular Section on the day of their appointment:
Current, valid passport
Passports containing previously issued U.S. visas
As applicable, I-797 (H and L), I-20 (F & M students), DS-2019 (J visa applicants)
Just curious, why do you want to use the special category? Book your appointment through the normal procedure as there a lot of dates available.
I just booked my dates online some 2-3 weeks back and after filling in all the forms they automatically put a note on the DS156 form that said "Visa Renewal". I already have a H-1 and am going to get my 2nd H-1 stamped.
Hope this helps.
VFS website for booking H1B stamping appointments in India seems to have added a new question when booking a H1B appointment.
The question is "Are you applying for same visa class that expired in the last 12 months?*" and they have defined the Visa renewal criteria (which I have pasted below) in order to answer this question. Yes- means you are seeking a appointment for visa renewal and No - means your appt is NOT for visa renewal.
Can somebody advice if me and my wife would fall under the visa renewal category. The last US visa on my passport is F1. My H1b status started in May 2004 and I am now in my 4rth year of H1B. In between I changed employer and my H1 is now valid upto October 2008. But I have NOT travelled outside the country after my H1B status began in May 2004. Hence I am going to get my H1B stamped for the first time. In my wife's case also her last stamp is F1 and she went from F1 to H4 this year so she is also going to get her H4 stamped for the first time. Do we answer YES (appt for visa renewal) or NO(appt not for visa renewal). We are booking a appointment at the Mumbai consulate.
The below is the visa renewal criteria as defined on the website:
Visa renewal appointments are available to visa applicants who:
have a U.S. visa that has expired less than 12 months ago.
wish to apply for the same category visa (work, business, tourist, etc.)
are Indian nationals (hold Indian passports)
are resident in the New Delhi, Chennai, or Mumbai consular districts (this category is not available to Kolkata based applicants).
The following applicants do NOT qualify for appointments in the visa renewal category:
Applicants who have never had a US visa.
Applicants who have a U.S. visa that expired more than 12 months ago.
Applicants applying for a different category visa (e.g. had a student visa, now applying for a work visa).
Non Indian passport holders
Applicants applying at the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata.
First time H4 or L2 applicants under 18 years of age. (If you have recently married a H1b or L1 visa holder but have never had a visa interview for a visa in the H/L category, you may not schedule in the renewal category.)
Applicants applying for more than one visa at the same time (e.g. F and B1/B2).
Applicants applying for entertainment/performance visas(P3 category).
Applicants applying for unskilled worker visas (H2b category).
All visa renewal applicants should bring the following documents to the Embassy/Consulate Consular Section on the day of their appointment:
Current, valid passport
Passports containing previously issued U.S. visas
As applicable, I-797 (H and L), I-20 (F & M students), DS-2019 (J visa applicants)
pappu
04-24 11:14 AM
OK why dont we have that link that shows about bills anymore?? I mean on the home page...was that intentionally removed?
We removed the link and the thread. Announcing the bills in advance did not have its desired effect and motivation in members to help themselves by supporting it.
We saw members discussing the issue to its death and shooting themselves in the foot by criticizing it rather than trying to work together to get more support for it.
IV has successfully done lobby day this week. Many members from Trstate and Texas were in DC and lobbied for admin fixes as well. Some state chapter members even contributed to pay for the expenses of members that traveled to DC.
Our Lobbyists are also working on pushing the bills forward. We are privy to the details on all bills and will announce on the forum at a later date. It is time for members to help themselves by supporting the initiatives by IV and strengthen the organization.
We removed the link and the thread. Announcing the bills in advance did not have its desired effect and motivation in members to help themselves by supporting it.
We saw members discussing the issue to its death and shooting themselves in the foot by criticizing it rather than trying to work together to get more support for it.
IV has successfully done lobby day this week. Many members from Trstate and Texas were in DC and lobbied for admin fixes as well. Some state chapter members even contributed to pay for the expenses of members that traveled to DC.
Our Lobbyists are also working on pushing the bills forward. We are privy to the details on all bills and will announce on the forum at a later date. It is time for members to help themselves by supporting the initiatives by IV and strengthen the organization.
more...
shankar_thanu
06-27 10:44 AM
I have been asked by my lawyer to enter the A# from OPT card if you have one, is this right?
supreet
06-07 04:42 PM
Hi Surpreet,
Did you explore more on ARRA? Is it OK to take that benifit during AOS?
Thanks
Hi Dhundhun,
Sorry for my late response. After thinking long and hard, I have actually taken ARRA for my health insurance. I have decided not to go for Unemplyment. I read about a specific case somewhere online where an applicant got a RFE on his 485 after applying for unemployement. I am not sure if RFE was because of unemployement, but on that forum a lot of people suspected that applying for umpl could be one of the reasons.
For me, I was really running out of options, without ARRA, health insurance would have costed me over $1500 so I went for it.
Thanks
Did you explore more on ARRA? Is it OK to take that benifit during AOS?
Thanks
Hi Dhundhun,
Sorry for my late response. After thinking long and hard, I have actually taken ARRA for my health insurance. I have decided not to go for Unemplyment. I read about a specific case somewhere online where an applicant got a RFE on his 485 after applying for unemployement. I am not sure if RFE was because of unemployement, but on that forum a lot of people suspected that applying for umpl could be one of the reasons.
For me, I was really running out of options, without ARRA, health insurance would have costed me over $1500 so I went for it.
Thanks
more...
herns
03-07 12:02 PM
So, as someone already said, if your approved 140 isn't revoked within 180 days and your 485 isn't adjudicated as well, you are ok. You may want to find a job soon though so you don't have trouble transferring
With this present economic status I think a lot of I-485 that is still pending faces layoffs or had been laid off, particularly in my field in architecture. I just wish It wont happen to those who have waited for so long to get their green card.
I was laid off last Feb. 19/ 09. I had my I-140 approved last Aug 2006 and my I-485 is still pending for more than a year now.
The day before I got laid off from work, I talked to the immigration personnel in charge in my company and he told me that they wont cancel my I-485 in case I get laid off and advice me to inform them when I found a new sponsor to carry over my I-485.
Since the law is not clear how long can I stay unemployed, would there be something to worry in my present situation? I just need an answer that could lift up my hope.Just like everybody else, Ive waited for so long for my green card, and when I landed this big company, I thought this is where I would get my Green card but that hope was shattered when I got laid off. There is no job out there and it could drag on for months.
For those who got their Green card and those who are blessed to be born in this great country, your advice or input in my situation is very much appreciated.
Thank you.
With this present economic status I think a lot of I-485 that is still pending faces layoffs or had been laid off, particularly in my field in architecture. I just wish It wont happen to those who have waited for so long to get their green card.
I was laid off last Feb. 19/ 09. I had my I-140 approved last Aug 2006 and my I-485 is still pending for more than a year now.
The day before I got laid off from work, I talked to the immigration personnel in charge in my company and he told me that they wont cancel my I-485 in case I get laid off and advice me to inform them when I found a new sponsor to carry over my I-485.
Since the law is not clear how long can I stay unemployed, would there be something to worry in my present situation? I just need an answer that could lift up my hope.Just like everybody else, Ive waited for so long for my green card, and when I landed this big company, I thought this is where I would get my Green card but that hope was shattered when I got laid off. There is no job out there and it could drag on for months.
For those who got their Green card and those who are blessed to be born in this great country, your advice or input in my situation is very much appreciated.
Thank you.
tiinap
02-01 08:22 PM
Right, the Senate is definitely the key. Because after all, right now we have a president who has always supported expanding legal immigration and look how far that has taken us in the last 8 years :).
Still, the President has important powers:
(S)he can set the course on this issue, and continue to push for CIR and shape the discussion in a positive direction, or just neglect this topic.
More importantly, the President has veto powers. If our president will be Romney, I'm afraid he'd veto bills that do anything to expand legal immigration, and just ramble on about the fence. If our president will be Hillary, I'm afraid she might gladly sign a bill that wipes out the H1B program (she has said that she wants to have a temporary worker program for agriculture only) or cuts back on EB immigration even further.
I think our fates do depend to some extent on who the next President will be. I'm just curious who should I be rooting for and who should I recommend that my U.S. citizen friends vote for, because it's hard to make sense of their message.
Still, the President has important powers:
(S)he can set the course on this issue, and continue to push for CIR and shape the discussion in a positive direction, or just neglect this topic.
More importantly, the President has veto powers. If our president will be Romney, I'm afraid he'd veto bills that do anything to expand legal immigration, and just ramble on about the fence. If our president will be Hillary, I'm afraid she might gladly sign a bill that wipes out the H1B program (she has said that she wants to have a temporary worker program for agriculture only) or cuts back on EB immigration even further.
I think our fates do depend to some extent on who the next President will be. I'm just curious who should I be rooting for and who should I recommend that my U.S. citizen friends vote for, because it's hard to make sense of their message.
more...
anilsal
03-17 12:54 PM
(I am not an attorney)
File in EB1-OR. That has slightly lower requirements than EB1-EA. Since you are in research and have a job, you may have better success with EB1-OR. I guess maybe because EB1-OR does not have premium processing, you applied in EB1-EA? (http://bit.ly/dophyK)
File regular PERM application. If your perm gets approved, then you can renew H1B in yearly increments. Once you get 140 approved, then you can renew at 3 year phases.
I recall USCIS had 140 in premium processing if your H1B was expiring soon (in few months). Check up on that.
NOTE: It seems for EB1-OR, the applicant has be in tenure or tenure-track position if working for an University.
File in EB1-OR. That has slightly lower requirements than EB1-EA. Since you are in research and have a job, you may have better success with EB1-OR. I guess maybe because EB1-OR does not have premium processing, you applied in EB1-EA? (http://bit.ly/dophyK)
File regular PERM application. If your perm gets approved, then you can renew H1B in yearly increments. Once you get 140 approved, then you can renew at 3 year phases.
I recall USCIS had 140 in premium processing if your H1B was expiring soon (in few months). Check up on that.
NOTE: It seems for EB1-OR, the applicant has be in tenure or tenure-track position if working for an University.
meridiani.planum
12-19 12:45 AM
There's a quite a misconception that if h1 is canceled, it cannot be extended. It's nothing like that. Your friend can file for visa transfer (pay extra for premium processing) and get it in two weeks.
The only time you have to file a new H1 is when you leave US and remain outside for a year. Otherwise an transfer is all you need. This misconception is very widespread. Rajiv Khanna was at pains to try to exterminate this in one of his tele-conferences.
Anyhow, at this point, your friend should be talking to an attorney instead of having you make a post at this forum.
seconding this post. the H1 is still valid. It can be extended. The only two potential troubles are:
1. its been quite some time since your friend was last in status (Sept) so USCIS will liekly issue an RFE (do the transfer in premium processing) and will approve the H1 but not the updated status (you will get an I797 without an I94 at the bottom). If that happens your friend will need to leave the US and return (any border, need not go to home country) to activate teh H1.
2. if your friend stays out of status for >6 months it can impact his eligibility for greencard down the line.
The only time you have to file a new H1 is when you leave US and remain outside for a year. Otherwise an transfer is all you need. This misconception is very widespread. Rajiv Khanna was at pains to try to exterminate this in one of his tele-conferences.
Anyhow, at this point, your friend should be talking to an attorney instead of having you make a post at this forum.
seconding this post. the H1 is still valid. It can be extended. The only two potential troubles are:
1. its been quite some time since your friend was last in status (Sept) so USCIS will liekly issue an RFE (do the transfer in premium processing) and will approve the H1 but not the updated status (you will get an I797 without an I94 at the bottom). If that happens your friend will need to leave the US and return (any border, need not go to home country) to activate teh H1.
2. if your friend stays out of status for >6 months it can impact his eligibility for greencard down the line.
more...
stuckinretro
10-28 11:22 AM
One more Diwali passes by with no day light in sight!
Folks - everyday I go to sleep I wish that tomorrow the sun will rise in the west. When I wake up I see that nothing has changed.
Change is hard - but change definitely brings new hope and prosperity.
With bad economy, Green Card issues, visa retrogression, layoffs, bad stocks, housing crisis and with growing inflation - all we do is hope and strive towards betterment.
Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and I wish this Diwali will bring victory to the well deserved.
Lets all be together in turbulent times and work towards the change that we always want to see.
IV has helped us all and continue to help us. IV is nothing but all of us together. Lets all pledge our support to IV on this thread.
Folks - everyday I go to sleep I wish that tomorrow the sun will rise in the west. When I wake up I see that nothing has changed.
Change is hard - but change definitely brings new hope and prosperity.
With bad economy, Green Card issues, visa retrogression, layoffs, bad stocks, housing crisis and with growing inflation - all we do is hope and strive towards betterment.
Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and I wish this Diwali will bring victory to the well deserved.
Lets all be together in turbulent times and work towards the change that we always want to see.
IV has helped us all and continue to help us. IV is nothing but all of us together. Lets all pledge our support to IV on this thread.
vijse
12-20 06:56 PM
CBP = customs and border patrol
defferred inspection site is an office in which there are several immigration and custom officers stationed. What they do there ,i don't know .
defferred inspection site is an office in which there are several immigration and custom officers stationed. What they do there ,i don't know .
more...
deba
06-14 07:52 PM
What do you mean by AP and EAD delayed? Once you have applied for your 485 and all things considered OK, you should get your AP and EAD. If dates retrogress again, you will have to keep renewing your AP and EAD till you get your GC. How long it will take to get AP and EAD? Right now, I believe it will take a lot longer, maybe upto 6 months given the load of apps. they will receive.
saibaba
12-18 02:52 PM
Hi guys,
I wonder if anyone noticed that. I am a July 2nd filer and my priority date is not current and long will not be. But I noticed many many LUDS on my I485 and no change in messages. Has anyone noticed that too?
My LUDS: 9/7, 9/11, 10/3(after FP), 12/10, 12/11, 12/15, 12/18.....
I wonder what is happening....
sorry to ask you but where wld I track all these LUD's in the case status online website?
I wonder if anyone noticed that. I am a July 2nd filer and my priority date is not current and long will not be. But I noticed many many LUDS on my I485 and no change in messages. Has anyone noticed that too?
My LUDS: 9/7, 9/11, 10/3(after FP), 12/10, 12/11, 12/15, 12/18.....
I wonder what is happening....
sorry to ask you but where wld I track all these LUD's in the case status online website?
laksmi
01-08 12:37 PM
I think H1B quota should be decreased because lots of people available with no jobs in the market, it looks like survival of fittest, even person with good skill set not getting job immediately due to new new consulting company coming into market doing irregular things like less rates etc etc�����. to survive themselves.
hi4signs
01-22 08:54 PM
I just found out that I have an employment gap of 11 months working without authorization. I applied for an I-485 in 2007 (I-140 approved) and my paralegal told me I didn't need to renew my H-1 nor apply for EA, I was covered by the pending I-485. 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??? Would they forgive 11 months of working without permit because of bad advice? I have a 9 year history of keeping my papers legal and up to date until this incident. Please help!
acecupid
06-09 12:30 PM
Our I-485 is pending and we have EAD/AP to enter the US back. We are planning to travel to INDIA end of this year and we can use our AP to return. We also have our H1B/H4 visa approval until 10/2010. The question is:
1. Should we stamp our passport with H1B/H4 visas? If yes, does anyone has information about how to take an appointment from US for Mumbai embassy?
2. Is it recommanded to have passport stamped with H1B/H4 even if we have Advance Parole?
Please help. Thanks a lot.
1. If you are currently in H1 status then my personal opinion is to continue to stay on H1 rather than become a parolee with AP entry. Ofcourse you can avoid a lot of hassles and mental tension with AP, however its good to be on H1 and keep AP as backup for re-entry.
If God forbid your I-485 gets denied for some reason, then you will still be in status based on H1. If you are a parolee at the time of denial, then you go out of status right away. Ofcourse you can file MTR and still get back in status if things work out. But having H1 is the cleanest way to maintain valid status.
You have to take the appointment from VFS website for the mumbai consulate. Keep in mind mumbai consulate process is slightly different compared to the other consulates in India. You have to send the application forms and required documentation 3 days prior to the interview date. You can get more info here : https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/Home.aspx
2.Since you already have AP, there is no harm in getting H1B stamped. If it is denied for some reason you can always come back on AP. Make sure you carry a copy of your I-485 receipt for the interview.
1. Should we stamp our passport with H1B/H4 visas? If yes, does anyone has information about how to take an appointment from US for Mumbai embassy?
2. Is it recommanded to have passport stamped with H1B/H4 even if we have Advance Parole?
Please help. Thanks a lot.
1. If you are currently in H1 status then my personal opinion is to continue to stay on H1 rather than become a parolee with AP entry. Ofcourse you can avoid a lot of hassles and mental tension with AP, however its good to be on H1 and keep AP as backup for re-entry.
If God forbid your I-485 gets denied for some reason, then you will still be in status based on H1. If you are a parolee at the time of denial, then you go out of status right away. Ofcourse you can file MTR and still get back in status if things work out. But having H1 is the cleanest way to maintain valid status.
You have to take the appointment from VFS website for the mumbai consulate. Keep in mind mumbai consulate process is slightly different compared to the other consulates in India. You have to send the application forms and required documentation 3 days prior to the interview date. You can get more info here : https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/Home.aspx
2.Since you already have AP, there is no harm in getting H1B stamped. If it is denied for some reason you can always come back on AP. Make sure you carry a copy of your I-485 receipt for the interview.
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