
old_hat
04-27 09:51 PM
http://www.dhs.gov/journal/leadership/
* USCIS has increased the emphasis on processing employment-based petitions. Our goal is to complete adjudication on the older I-140 petitions and to process newer petitions within our targeted processing time of four months. We are making progress toward this goal and anticipate reaching this goal by the end of September 2009.
* USCIS is issuing employment authorization documents valid for two years, as needed.
* USCIS is working with the State Department to make sure we use every available visa number. In 2007, we had more visas available in the family-based categories than were needed, so as permitted by law, we transferred those available family-based visas for use in the employment-based application process.
I recognize that this is a difficult and complex situation and USCIS is working hard to make improvements and to increase transparency in our processes.
Mike Aytes
Acting Deputy Director, USCIS
* USCIS has increased the emphasis on processing employment-based petitions. Our goal is to complete adjudication on the older I-140 petitions and to process newer petitions within our targeted processing time of four months. We are making progress toward this goal and anticipate reaching this goal by the end of September 2009.
* USCIS is issuing employment authorization documents valid for two years, as needed.
* USCIS is working with the State Department to make sure we use every available visa number. In 2007, we had more visas available in the family-based categories than were needed, so as permitted by law, we transferred those available family-based visas for use in the employment-based application process.
I recognize that this is a difficult and complex situation and USCIS is working hard to make improvements and to increase transparency in our processes.
Mike Aytes
Acting Deputy Director, USCIS
CADude
11-08 12:46 PM
per USCIS released information approx 655K AOS pending application as of end of Sept 2007.
It's also has 281K EAD & 188K AP pending applications.
So long way to go for GC journey...
Source: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/APPLICATIONS%20FOR%20IMMIGRATION%20BENEFITS_Septem ber07.pdf
It's also has 281K EAD & 188K AP pending applications.
So long way to go for GC journey...
Source: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/APPLICATIONS%20FOR%20IMMIGRATION%20BENEFITS_Septem ber07.pdf
Soul
06-12 07:32 PM
lol you really want it? :P
Dhundhun
10-13 04:16 PM
Visited several countries.
Whenever, visa interview was for Technical Presentations, Business Meeting and Business Development, I used purely formal dress (Black polished shoes, black/dark grey trousers, white/light blue, a good tie, appropriate hair style).
For engineering roles, business casual, casual shoes, black/grey/brown trouser (I never used jeans), shirt with light stripe/check.
For H-1B, it has been business casual as role was engineering.
I got every time visa - virtually no questions asked - almost within minutes. I faced questions like: Out of 14-15 stamiping these are only few questions asked
In US consulate Ottawa: Business Casual
Q: Why you want to go to US?
A: Some of my friends driving to NY, I want to join them for shopping
In US consulate Delhi: Business Casual
Q: Last time we gave you Visa and you did not go, why?
A: I did enough shopping before friends went to NY and so dropped the idea of going.
In US consulate Mexico: Formal
Q: Why do you need Visa Revalidation, you could have continued to work without it.
A: Company have plans to send me for business meeting in other countries.
My input and thinking is that appropriate dress helps - and in this context, I mentioned understanding of appropriate as above.
Good Luck
Whenever, visa interview was for Technical Presentations, Business Meeting and Business Development, I used purely formal dress (Black polished shoes, black/dark grey trousers, white/light blue, a good tie, appropriate hair style).
For engineering roles, business casual, casual shoes, black/grey/brown trouser (I never used jeans), shirt with light stripe/check.
For H-1B, it has been business casual as role was engineering.
I got every time visa - virtually no questions asked - almost within minutes. I faced questions like: Out of 14-15 stamiping these are only few questions asked
In US consulate Ottawa: Business Casual
Q: Why you want to go to US?
A: Some of my friends driving to NY, I want to join them for shopping
In US consulate Delhi: Business Casual
Q: Last time we gave you Visa and you did not go, why?
A: I did enough shopping before friends went to NY and so dropped the idea of going.
In US consulate Mexico: Formal
Q: Why do you need Visa Revalidation, you could have continued to work without it.
A: Company have plans to send me for business meeting in other countries.
My input and thinking is that appropriate dress helps - and in this context, I mentioned understanding of appropriate as above.
Good Luck
more...
gsc999
04-18 09:39 PM
I asked this question few days ago but no one responded. I guess nothing is going on. Why do they waste tax payers money by introducing bills and not acting on them.
Any way, pack your bags or wait for ten years.
--
Patience my lovelies. This may be the calm before the storm, who knows.
Per some news report, a debate has been scheduled on Senate floor to debate a comprehensive immigration reform bill during last two weeks of May'07
Any way, pack your bags or wait for ten years.
--
Patience my lovelies. This may be the calm before the storm, who knows.
Per some news report, a debate has been scheduled on Senate floor to debate a comprehensive immigration reform bill during last two weeks of May'07
coolmanasip
03-22 10:54 AM
It should be safe to travel for both of you.....
I am exactly in the same situation.....EB2, I40 approved, PD June 2006, and filed 485 in the july 2007 mess... I changed my job immediately after 6 months passed in March 2008....I have not informed USCIS about job change (AC21)......and my port of entry was Washington DC (IAD) airport......
I have travellled twice using the AP, once in April 2008 and once in December 2009.....went through typical two step exit process from immigration......first time, I was asked who do I work for ---- I told the name of the new company and said I used to work for XX compnay (filing company).....no follow up questions or documents were asked for.....second time no questions at all.....
Both times, I got a feel from what they were checking is that all they check is whether your I-485 is pending or not in their system......
hope this helps...
Thanks....
I am exactly in the same situation.....EB2, I40 approved, PD June 2006, and filed 485 in the july 2007 mess... I changed my job immediately after 6 months passed in March 2008....I have not informed USCIS about job change (AC21)......and my port of entry was Washington DC (IAD) airport......
I have travellled twice using the AP, once in April 2008 and once in December 2009.....went through typical two step exit process from immigration......first time, I was asked who do I work for ---- I told the name of the new company and said I used to work for XX compnay (filing company).....no follow up questions or documents were asked for.....second time no questions at all.....
Both times, I got a feel from what they were checking is that all they check is whether your I-485 is pending or not in their system......
hope this helps...
Thanks....
more...
Pagal
07-24 04:57 PM
Hello,
If I read the USCIS news, then these are the questions I would ask myself and see if there is any serious legal concern...
1. Was I in non-pay status while working for VSG?
2. Is my job and location same as in my H-1B labor certification?
3. Are there any false documents submitted on my behalf to USCIS to support my visa petition?
If you answer no to all these questions, then legally you should be safe. However, as a further precaution, I would suggest to use AC-21 and move to another company. File a fresh labor (you can still claim the priority date from your old labor) and distance yourself from the fraudsters.
If I read the USCIS news, then these are the questions I would ask myself and see if there is any serious legal concern...
1. Was I in non-pay status while working for VSG?
2. Is my job and location same as in my H-1B labor certification?
3. Are there any false documents submitted on my behalf to USCIS to support my visa petition?
If you answer no to all these questions, then legally you should be safe. However, as a further precaution, I would suggest to use AC-21 and move to another company. File a fresh labor (you can still claim the priority date from your old labor) and distance yourself from the fraudsters.
kaisersose
05-07 01:26 PM
By virtue of your pending 485, you can stay unemployed for any length of time. But if/when CIS asks you for proof of a bonafide job offer, you should have one. Looking for a job at that time will not work.
more...

walker15
02-15 10:55 AM
Also your immigration attorney's involvement is very crucial in regard to your case.

gcisadawg
11-09 10:32 AM
According to the following document from USCIS they issued receipts for approx 150K applications for AOS in sept. So my estimate of the total back log is
June filers 75k
July - 25k
August 200k
Sept 150k
Oct 50K
Total = 500k
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/APPLICATIONS%20FOR%20IMMIGRATION%20BENEFITS_Septem ber07.pdf
If you look at the previous "Applications for Immigration benefits" update issued by USCIS, here are the numbers.
Month No of I-485 receipted
April 2007 59,266
May 2007 68,265
June 2007 69,098
July 2007 68,498
Aug2007 116,177
September 2007 157,062
These are based on notice/receipt generated dates. ( if an application is submitted on July 2nd but has a notice date of Aug10th, it would be considered as August receipted application and would not count towards July)
If they are based on receipt dates, then Sep 2007 would not have 157K! Since the free ride ended on Aug 17th!
We need to know the applications receipted in Oct 2007 to get the full picture of the July VISAGATE!
just my $0.02!
June filers 75k
July - 25k
August 200k
Sept 150k
Oct 50K
Total = 500k
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/APPLICATIONS%20FOR%20IMMIGRATION%20BENEFITS_Septem ber07.pdf
If you look at the previous "Applications for Immigration benefits" update issued by USCIS, here are the numbers.
Month No of I-485 receipted
April 2007 59,266
May 2007 68,265
June 2007 69,098
July 2007 68,498
Aug2007 116,177
September 2007 157,062
These are based on notice/receipt generated dates. ( if an application is submitted on July 2nd but has a notice date of Aug10th, it would be considered as August receipted application and would not count towards July)
If they are based on receipt dates, then Sep 2007 would not have 157K! Since the free ride ended on Aug 17th!
We need to know the applications receipted in Oct 2007 to get the full picture of the July VISAGATE!
just my $0.02!
more...
pan123
09-17 03:30 PM
Folks,
I need some guidance from experienced folks particularly those who hold MBBS degree from India and are already in US in medical profession.
My brother has received MBBS about 5 years go and he is doing his practice in rural area. His wife is also MBBS and also holds a diploma on OB/GYN area.
My question is if they want to immigrate to US what are various paths they can follow to get here?
Thanks in advance.
PAN123
I need some guidance from experienced folks particularly those who hold MBBS degree from India and are already in US in medical profession.
My brother has received MBBS about 5 years go and he is doing his practice in rural area. His wife is also MBBS and also holds a diploma on OB/GYN area.
My question is if they want to immigrate to US what are various paths they can follow to get here?
Thanks in advance.
PAN123
jonty_11
11-06 12:29 PM
I would suggest you to switch jobs and complain to USCIS right away instead of waiting for company A to take some action against you. This will keep the company under scrutiny of USCIS and they can unearth more mud on this company. Never put up with injustice as this encourages company A to do more of this to other employees.
Totally agree with you. However, I have been complaining abt a similar company to my local INS office for over one year now (sending letters every other month) , but to no avail. Where do we complain?
Totally agree with you. However, I have been complaining abt a similar company to my local INS office for over one year now (sending letters every other month) , but to no avail. Where do we complain?
more...

meridiani.planum
04-06 02:34 AM
inline...
I got an offer from employer B for a consulting GIG. I would like to invoke AC-21.
>> Personal choice here. However, it proves that your intent was not correct. If you think you would be stuck for many years, may be you should - you know it better, because the hassle and risk is not worth the little extra money.
-- there is no issue with intent. He has stayed for 6 months with current employer. After 6 months the law itself allows him to change sponsoring employer, so where is the question of intent?
2) Should I let USCIS know that I am changing my employment?
>> You better do inform the USCIS of your intentions (including AC21) if you want to keep the H1 visa status active. Because if you had registered all your cases (present or old past receipt notices too) at USCIS website, you would have noticed that there are recent LUDs on the first H1/? that you entered the US. Had you known this you would not have asked this question ;-)
--what are you talking about? A LUD could mean anything from a system update to your previous employer finally cancelling your H1. What recent-LUDs-on-first-H1 are you talking about?
>> (Also remember that when you use EAD : presently it means loosing H1 permanently unless you have some time left from the 6 year limit),
--Why? If you have an approved I-140 you can file an H1 extension even if yuou are on EAD. It does require you to leave the US and return to 'activate' the H1 though.
4) I am not sure how big employer B is (not sure how many employees work for them)....does it matter? Should I be concerned if employer B is a small employer?
>> It should be good to check the employee base and financial position of the new employer. The USCIS may deny your H1 transfer and leave you in a tough spot. It may also affect the 485 decision as success of AC21 is also dependent upon this.
-- USCIS has clarified that abiity-to-pay has to only be proven by original sponsoror. Where does it say that financial position of new employer is important for success of AC-21?
Here's a link to, and info from the USCIS memo:
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/immigdaily/news/2005,0520-ac21.pdf
Question 7. Should service centers or district offices request proof of �ability to pay� from successor employers in I-140 portability cases, in other
words, from the new company/employer to which someone has
ported?
Answer: No. The relevant inquiry is whether the new position is in the same or similar occupational classification as the alien�s I-140 employment.
agree with the rest of your post.
I got an offer from employer B for a consulting GIG. I would like to invoke AC-21.
>> Personal choice here. However, it proves that your intent was not correct. If you think you would be stuck for many years, may be you should - you know it better, because the hassle and risk is not worth the little extra money.
-- there is no issue with intent. He has stayed for 6 months with current employer. After 6 months the law itself allows him to change sponsoring employer, so where is the question of intent?
2) Should I let USCIS know that I am changing my employment?
>> You better do inform the USCIS of your intentions (including AC21) if you want to keep the H1 visa status active. Because if you had registered all your cases (present or old past receipt notices too) at USCIS website, you would have noticed that there are recent LUDs on the first H1/? that you entered the US. Had you known this you would not have asked this question ;-)
--what are you talking about? A LUD could mean anything from a system update to your previous employer finally cancelling your H1. What recent-LUDs-on-first-H1 are you talking about?
>> (Also remember that when you use EAD : presently it means loosing H1 permanently unless you have some time left from the 6 year limit),
--Why? If you have an approved I-140 you can file an H1 extension even if yuou are on EAD. It does require you to leave the US and return to 'activate' the H1 though.
4) I am not sure how big employer B is (not sure how many employees work for them)....does it matter? Should I be concerned if employer B is a small employer?
>> It should be good to check the employee base and financial position of the new employer. The USCIS may deny your H1 transfer and leave you in a tough spot. It may also affect the 485 decision as success of AC21 is also dependent upon this.
-- USCIS has clarified that abiity-to-pay has to only be proven by original sponsoror. Where does it say that financial position of new employer is important for success of AC-21?
Here's a link to, and info from the USCIS memo:
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/immigdaily/news/2005,0520-ac21.pdf
Question 7. Should service centers or district offices request proof of �ability to pay� from successor employers in I-140 portability cases, in other
words, from the new company/employer to which someone has
ported?
Answer: No. The relevant inquiry is whether the new position is in the same or similar occupational classification as the alien�s I-140 employment.
agree with the rest of your post.
gcisadawg
04-19 06:06 PM
When you go for a loan against the credit card balance, there are two types.
1> 0% to 1.99% short term loan with 3% transfer fee.
2> 4.99% to 5.99% LIFE time loan with 3% transfer fee.
The key thing for both the loan is...
1> Never EVER use the credit card that you used to get the loan UNTIL you repay the loan completely..
2> When you go for the loan, ensure the balance on your card is zero. If you have a balance, ask them to pay off the balance from the loan amount and send the reminder.
3> Always pay on time at least the minimum balance. Never miss a payment. Ensure this credit card doesn't have universal default clause, meaning, if you are late on any other credit card then you are considered as late on this card.
If all the above three points are acceptable, I suggest CC loans. Otherwise, look for other options.
GCisaDawg
1> 0% to 1.99% short term loan with 3% transfer fee.
2> 4.99% to 5.99% LIFE time loan with 3% transfer fee.
The key thing for both the loan is...
1> Never EVER use the credit card that you used to get the loan UNTIL you repay the loan completely..
2> When you go for the loan, ensure the balance on your card is zero. If you have a balance, ask them to pay off the balance from the loan amount and send the reminder.
3> Always pay on time at least the minimum balance. Never miss a payment. Ensure this credit card doesn't have universal default clause, meaning, if you are late on any other credit card then you are considered as late on this card.
If all the above three points are acceptable, I suggest CC loans. Otherwise, look for other options.
GCisaDawg
more...
ebizash
06-20 01:53 PM
My LC was filed as Database developer. After about 200 days of I-485, I switched job as Manager. I sent the job description to my attorney and they said I could switch as the job in same or similar "SOC Code". They also said that there is no need to let USCIS know about the change as it is optional. If USCIS issues a RFE, we will respond appropriately.
The only thing I ensured and you should ensure too is to keep all paperwork in a safe and readily accessible place. You should keep pay stubs from old company as well as new one, job description and offer letter from both employers, and a document detailing circumstances of your job change (such as you changed job because you were afraid that due to market conditions, the company may go out of business or your dept may get outsourced etc etc...)
P.S. - The attorney is a very renowned attorney and my old and current employers both are Fortune 50 companies.
PM me if you have any question....
The only thing I ensured and you should ensure too is to keep all paperwork in a safe and readily accessible place. You should keep pay stubs from old company as well as new one, job description and offer letter from both employers, and a document detailing circumstances of your job change (such as you changed job because you were afraid that due to market conditions, the company may go out of business or your dept may get outsourced etc etc...)
P.S. - The attorney is a very renowned attorney and my old and current employers both are Fortune 50 companies.
PM me if you have any question....
vicks_don
04-18 03:16 PM
All cases filed before april 1st would they be transfered to TSC or processed at VSC.
Mine was filed last october.
Thanks
Mine was filed last october.
Thanks
more...

uma001
08-18 05:19 PM
Guys,
I faced this problem myself. My wife was on H1 earlier and she never worked for a period of 1 year. At the beginning of the H1 period, we are expecting a baby and we took easy about her doing any job (its my fault). Later, market turned worse, it became to hard for her and her employer look for projects for her.
So, I contacted a lawyer (he is great). He told me that her status is H1 even though she is not working and she has to get back to H4. He assured me that they will for my documents more than her's and we filed as such and we don't even have her pay stubs or W2 forms.
She got in 45 days period and last week she went for H4 stamping, showing my documents. Yesterday, she got her passport back with H4 stamp.
What Nayekal says is correct. Even though technically your wife is out of status but she may gey H1 to H4 transfer approved without paystubs. Now she has to file immediately for H11 to H4
I faced this problem myself. My wife was on H1 earlier and she never worked for a period of 1 year. At the beginning of the H1 period, we are expecting a baby and we took easy about her doing any job (its my fault). Later, market turned worse, it became to hard for her and her employer look for projects for her.
So, I contacted a lawyer (he is great). He told me that her status is H1 even though she is not working and she has to get back to H4. He assured me that they will for my documents more than her's and we filed as such and we don't even have her pay stubs or W2 forms.
She got in 45 days period and last week she went for H4 stamping, showing my documents. Yesterday, she got her passport back with H4 stamp.
What Nayekal says is correct. Even though technically your wife is out of status but she may gey H1 to H4 transfer approved without paystubs. Now she has to file immediately for H11 to H4
belmontboy
09-05 03:09 AM
Apparently YSR's death killed more people than Swine Flu in India.
God I love politics !
God I love politics !

pcs
11-15 12:28 PM
You should try for emergency appointment & should be able to get it based on approved 797.
By the way, my Canadian PR is maturing & I am asked to pay landing fee & do the medical by 1st Jan 2007. Can I pay the landing fee in time but delay the medical without compromising Canadian PR ? I want postpone my landing. Can you please share your advise ??
Thanks
By the way, my Canadian PR is maturing & I am asked to pay landing fee & do the medical by 1st Jan 2007. Can I pay the landing fee in time but delay the medical without compromising Canadian PR ? I want postpone my landing. Can you please share your advise ??
Thanks
martinvisalaw
10-07 02:04 PM
I received my H-1B approval for one year but my I-797 arrived without an I-94....
The notice also states that approved I-129 has been sent to Hyderabad Consulate upon request.
Can someone provide some insight on how to proceed and what are the options? Is there a chance to obtain authorisation by re-entering through a POE? What does this mean to my future in the states. Please clarify.
You need to leave the US and return showing the new approval notice. You may be able to just go to Canada or Mexico (depending on those countries' immigration rules) and return showing the old H-1B visa and the new approval. You should do this ASAP because you have been out of status for quite a while now.
The notice also states that approved I-129 has been sent to Hyderabad Consulate upon request.
Can someone provide some insight on how to proceed and what are the options? Is there a chance to obtain authorisation by re-entering through a POE? What does this mean to my future in the states. Please clarify.
You need to leave the US and return showing the new approval notice. You may be able to just go to Canada or Mexico (depending on those countries' immigration rules) and return showing the old H-1B visa and the new approval. You should do this ASAP because you have been out of status for quite a while now.
mambarg
08-01 01:03 PM
Here is my prediction.
With July Fiasco INS has learnt their lessons.
They have potential to process and approve 40K cases in one month.
Once all receipting is done by Sept 17th for all late Aug 17th filers, they will immediately start processing all oct 08 current cases.
I think they might even issue again 40K cases in october ?
Why not ?
So it is important to quickly do the FP and after FP within 3 weeks the name check gets cleared.
So anyone who does FP in Sept and who is current in oct , be ready to get your GC soon.
I would say dont be surprised if it takes just one month to approve ?????
With July Fiasco INS has learnt their lessons.
They have potential to process and approve 40K cases in one month.
Once all receipting is done by Sept 17th for all late Aug 17th filers, they will immediately start processing all oct 08 current cases.
I think they might even issue again 40K cases in october ?
Why not ?
So it is important to quickly do the FP and after FP within 3 weeks the name check gets cleared.
So anyone who does FP in Sept and who is current in oct , be ready to get your GC soon.
I would say dont be surprised if it takes just one month to approve ?????
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