GreenCard4US
03-20 04:57 PM
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200903210312.htm
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Washington (PTI): In a blow to Indian professionals, the U.S. on Friday announced additional measures for hiring of foreign specialists under the H-1B visa work programme making it more difficult for the companies receiving federal aid money to hire overseas workers.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the measures to enforce the provisions of the new Employ American Workers Act (EAWA) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which prohibits hiring of H-1B visa holders by American companies who receive the federal aid money. Indian nationals account for bulk of the coveted H-1B visas.
These measures come about ten days before the USCIS starts accepting petitions for new H-1B visas for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009.
"Under this legislation any company that has received covered funding and seeks to hire new H-1B workers is considered an 'H-1B dependent employer'.
All H-1B dependent employers must make additional attestations to the U.S. Department of Labour (DOL) when filing the Labour Condition Application (LCA)," the USCIS said.
"USCIS reminds petitioners that a valid LCA must be on file with DOL at the time the H-1B petition is filed with USCIS," it said.
This means that if the petitioner indicates on its petition that it is subject to the EAWA, but the Labour Condition Application does not contain the proper attestations relating to H-1B dependent employers, USCIS will deny the H-1B petition, the statement said.
Besides, the USCIS is revising Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, to include a question asking whether the petitioner has received covered funding.
USCIS is expected to post this revised form on its web site in time for the next cap subject to H-1B filing period that begins on April l.
While USCIS encourages petitioners, whenever possible, to use the most up-to-date form, USCIS will not require use of the revised form in time for the start of the filing period for fiscal year 2010, it said.
At the same time, USCIS urged H-1B petitioners who have already prepared packages for mailing using the previous Form I-129 (January 2009 version) to complete only the page in the revised version of the Form I-129 (March 2009) which has the new question on EAWA attestation requirements and to file this single page with the prepared package.
USCIS said EAWA applies to any Labour Condition Application (LCA) and/or H-1B petition filed on or after February 17, involving any employment by a new employer, including concurrent employment and regardless of whether the beneficiary is already in H-1B status.
The EAWA also applies to new hires based on a petition approved before February 17, 2009, if the H-1B employee had not actually commenced employment before that date.
However, EAWA does not apply to H-1B petitions seeking to change the status of a beneficiary already working for the employer in another work-authorised category. It also does not apply to H-1B petitions seeking an extension of stay for a current employee with the same employer.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Washington (PTI): In a blow to Indian professionals, the U.S. on Friday announced additional measures for hiring of foreign specialists under the H-1B visa work programme making it more difficult for the companies receiving federal aid money to hire overseas workers.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the measures to enforce the provisions of the new Employ American Workers Act (EAWA) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which prohibits hiring of H-1B visa holders by American companies who receive the federal aid money. Indian nationals account for bulk of the coveted H-1B visas.
These measures come about ten days before the USCIS starts accepting petitions for new H-1B visas for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009.
"Under this legislation any company that has received covered funding and seeks to hire new H-1B workers is considered an 'H-1B dependent employer'.
All H-1B dependent employers must make additional attestations to the U.S. Department of Labour (DOL) when filing the Labour Condition Application (LCA)," the USCIS said.
"USCIS reminds petitioners that a valid LCA must be on file with DOL at the time the H-1B petition is filed with USCIS," it said.
This means that if the petitioner indicates on its petition that it is subject to the EAWA, but the Labour Condition Application does not contain the proper attestations relating to H-1B dependent employers, USCIS will deny the H-1B petition, the statement said.
Besides, the USCIS is revising Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, to include a question asking whether the petitioner has received covered funding.
USCIS is expected to post this revised form on its web site in time for the next cap subject to H-1B filing period that begins on April l.
While USCIS encourages petitioners, whenever possible, to use the most up-to-date form, USCIS will not require use of the revised form in time for the start of the filing period for fiscal year 2010, it said.
At the same time, USCIS urged H-1B petitioners who have already prepared packages for mailing using the previous Form I-129 (January 2009 version) to complete only the page in the revised version of the Form I-129 (March 2009) which has the new question on EAWA attestation requirements and to file this single page with the prepared package.
USCIS said EAWA applies to any Labour Condition Application (LCA) and/or H-1B petition filed on or after February 17, involving any employment by a new employer, including concurrent employment and regardless of whether the beneficiary is already in H-1B status.
The EAWA also applies to new hires based on a petition approved before February 17, 2009, if the H-1B employee had not actually commenced employment before that date.
However, EAWA does not apply to H-1B petitions seeking to change the status of a beneficiary already working for the employer in another work-authorised category. It also does not apply to H-1B petitions seeking an extension of stay for a current employee with the same employer.
swethanjit
07-08 09:49 PM
Hello All,
I am currently on OPT which is valid till July 2009. Also, my H1-B is approved through a company X starting oct 2008. Currently I got a job with company Y on my OPT. Can I continue to work on my OPT with company Y till July 2009? OR Do I need to transfer my H1B to company Y from company X to be able to continue to work after Oct 2008?
Please help. Your guidance is truly appreciated.
Regards
Swetha.
I am currently on OPT which is valid till July 2009. Also, my H1-B is approved through a company X starting oct 2008. Currently I got a job with company Y on my OPT. Can I continue to work on my OPT with company Y till July 2009? OR Do I need to transfer my H1B to company Y from company X to be able to continue to work after Oct 2008?
Please help. Your guidance is truly appreciated.
Regards
Swetha.
jonty_11
11-02 10:14 AM
I would request people to google such trivial infomation. It is avaialble on thousands of websites
austingc
07-31 11:15 AM
Yes thats right. I never thought i would face this issue with a single line on the ETA form.
I have taken this issue with my HR, and they are changing the immigration lawyers.
As a contingency measure, my HR is applying for 1 H1 extension, just in case the I-140 is denied. I hope the USCIS adjudicator is a cool guy and get satisfied with the evidence i submit.
That’s good. In addition to the evaluation, it doesn’t hurt to get a letter from the university to show that the degree is actually computer and mathematics related.
I have taken this issue with my HR, and they are changing the immigration lawyers.
As a contingency measure, my HR is applying for 1 H1 extension, just in case the I-140 is denied. I hope the USCIS adjudicator is a cool guy and get satisfied with the evidence i submit.
That’s good. In addition to the evaluation, it doesn’t hurt to get a letter from the university to show that the degree is actually computer and mathematics related.
more...
satyasaich
06-26 09:30 PM
Dear Fellow IVians
quick update: I received the receipt notices today for EAD Renewal by mail. can't believe it, but truly received for myself and my wife.
Big question is
1.Mine is having case number as LIN08801XXXXX which is fine, because my entire GC process since past 5 years is in Nebraska Service Center. I'm the primary applicant
2.But wife's case number is different, which is NSC08801XXXXX and clearly mentioned in the notice that her case is with national benefits center, Lee's summit MO.( By the way we live in Missouri)
The entries for "Class requested" is shown as C09 in both cases, which i believe correct.
Help:
Has anybody received like this before? if it's normal, i'm not worried
If not, any clues about next steps like do i need to call somebody or call Nebraska ??? a bit worried. any help ???????
Thanks in advance
Satya
Efiling EAD does not cause LUD on I-485. Guess something else.
quick update: I received the receipt notices today for EAD Renewal by mail. can't believe it, but truly received for myself and my wife.
Big question is
1.Mine is having case number as LIN08801XXXXX which is fine, because my entire GC process since past 5 years is in Nebraska Service Center. I'm the primary applicant
2.But wife's case number is different, which is NSC08801XXXXX and clearly mentioned in the notice that her case is with national benefits center, Lee's summit MO.( By the way we live in Missouri)
The entries for "Class requested" is shown as C09 in both cases, which i believe correct.
Help:
Has anybody received like this before? if it's normal, i'm not worried
If not, any clues about next steps like do i need to call somebody or call Nebraska ??? a bit worried. any help ???????
Thanks in advance
Satya
Efiling EAD does not cause LUD on I-485. Guess something else.
wandmaker
11-07 09:38 PM
1 (800) 375-5283 and follow the voice instructions.
Please let me know, which center you opened Service Request and is there any phone number, I can call USCIS.
Please let me know, which center you opened Service Request and is there any phone number, I can call USCIS.
more...
indyanguy
03-27 01:25 PM
Can you elaborate on how the franchise thing works with respect to the investment required, the challenges in running one of these and the potential in financial returns?
Just curious to know (and am sure a lot of other people are as well)
Just curious to know (and am sure a lot of other people are as well)
akhilmahajan
06-06 08:55 AM
Gurus,
When I filed/sent my Paper based I-131 - Advance Parole (AP) form yesterday I forgot to attach the photographs along with it. I just realised it now.
Now what are the options I have. Will USCIS reject my I-131 - Advance Parole (AP) application packet and send it back or would they ask for RFE(Request for Evidence) of photograph.
Or is it OK to send the photographs and mention the Alien A# .
Has any body been through this situation before. I was planning on using AP for travel to INDIA in the few months now I guess I am in serious mess.
Your help is much appreciated.
If you dont mind, can you share what supporting documents you submitted.
Thanks a lot.
When I filed/sent my Paper based I-131 - Advance Parole (AP) form yesterday I forgot to attach the photographs along with it. I just realised it now.
Now what are the options I have. Will USCIS reject my I-131 - Advance Parole (AP) application packet and send it back or would they ask for RFE(Request for Evidence) of photograph.
Or is it OK to send the photographs and mention the Alien A# .
Has any body been through this situation before. I was planning on using AP for travel to INDIA in the few months now I guess I am in serious mess.
Your help is much appreciated.
If you dont mind, can you share what supporting documents you submitted.
Thanks a lot.
more...
srinivasj
05-18 02:13 PM
Wow, I just tried the "yanks are coming" one. What the heck is that? Did you actually read all of that? I feel ashamed of myself when you say that. Maybe I am too busy or have very little patience. Probably useful articles, however, due to my inability to concentrate for long (I asume) I could not actually make out what that was all about :confused::confused::confused::D:D
I am not saying everything is great or I read every line of what he post....but there are at some articles from "Yanks are Coming" related to health care passage, wall street..you get some useful info in them..i am not here to argue with anyone..i just posted my thought...
I am not saying everything is great or I read every line of what he post....but there are at some articles from "Yanks are Coming" related to health care passage, wall street..you get some useful info in them..i am not here to argue with anyone..i just posted my thought...
meghanap2000
09-09 03:35 PM
This is the always problem with USCIS in porting PD. In my case they have put PD as 485 application received date. The only solution to this is ..Keep your attorney in the loop and ask them to send letters repeatedly and call the customer service center repeatedly..
There is no other way you can correct the PD. In my case I had an interview with officer and we gave both i-140 documents and told officer PD was printed wrong on interview letter. Officer said she will look into it and we dont know whether she corrected it or not.
Once your dates are current, please keep calling them and follow up thru AILA and congressman and senators office etc..This task can be done by your attorney also.
There is no other way you can correct the PD. In my case I had an interview with officer and we gave both i-140 documents and told officer PD was printed wrong on interview letter. Officer said she will look into it and we dont know whether she corrected it or not.
Once your dates are current, please keep calling them and follow up thru AILA and congressman and senators office etc..This task can be done by your attorney also.
more...
shensh
02-15 09:43 AM
In order to apply under EB1, she must be L1-A holder which means her positions before/after the internal transfer are at executive or managerial level (some companies are very strict on their definition of "executive" level, usually not for someone with 3 years experience). Otherwise she can only get L1-B for skilled worker which is not qualified for EB1.
Her best bet is to apply for H1-B, the fact that her husband is GC holder does not matter to her H1-B application as long as her employer gets her H1-B quota and 797.
Her best bet is to apply for H1-B, the fact that her husband is GC holder does not matter to her H1-B application as long as her employer gets her H1-B quota and 797.
Sai gc
05-12 09:44 AM
Hi Gurus please advice,
My 140 was approved in 2007 ,but today i got email from USCIS ,
Application Type: I140, IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR ALIEN WORKER
Current Status: Case Transfered to Another Office for Processing
On May 12, 2009, we transferred this case I140 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR ALIEN WORKER to our LINCOLN, NE location for processing and sent you a notice explaining this action. Please follow the instructions provided on the notice. We will notify you by mail when a decision is made. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283 to update your address. You can use our processing dates to estimate when your case may be processed by following the link below. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case by registering in the link below.
Any idea, what would be the possible reason for this? Please advice.
BTW I recently applied for EAD extension.
My 140 was approved in 2007 ,but today i got email from USCIS ,
Application Type: I140, IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR ALIEN WORKER
Current Status: Case Transfered to Another Office for Processing
On May 12, 2009, we transferred this case I140 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR ALIEN WORKER to our LINCOLN, NE location for processing and sent you a notice explaining this action. Please follow the instructions provided on the notice. We will notify you by mail when a decision is made. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283 to update your address. You can use our processing dates to estimate when your case may be processed by following the link below. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case by registering in the link below.
Any idea, what would be the possible reason for this? Please advice.
BTW I recently applied for EAD extension.
more...
paskal
06-20 12:52 AM
my knowledge is also limited...
but from my J1 days this is what i understood:
J1 is NOT a dual intent visa.
All J1 have some requirements to fulfill before applying for GC
For physicians it is a 2 yr Home requirement OR underserved area practice
For researchers etc a No objection is needed from the home country for a waiver
Therefore you cannot file for adjustment of status while still on a J1 unless you have the relevant waiver. It will certainly be rejected.
Physicians who get a waiver move to an H1 during their 3 year practice requirement. The NIW is a special case here, 485 filing is permitted but no approval till 5 years are over.
hope that's helpful.
but from my J1 days this is what i understood:
J1 is NOT a dual intent visa.
All J1 have some requirements to fulfill before applying for GC
For physicians it is a 2 yr Home requirement OR underserved area practice
For researchers etc a No objection is needed from the home country for a waiver
Therefore you cannot file for adjustment of status while still on a J1 unless you have the relevant waiver. It will certainly be rejected.
Physicians who get a waiver move to an H1 during their 3 year practice requirement. The NIW is a special case here, 485 filing is permitted but no approval till 5 years are over.
hope that's helpful.
dish
03-23 11:46 AM
Is the talent bill already introduced in the senate ?
TALENT Bill
A bill to Keep America Innovative �Through the Advancement of Legal and Educated New Talent�
H-1B and Nonimmigrant Visa System:
� Exempts U.S. Educated Knowledge (USEK) workers with advanced degrees from the H-1B cap. (�101)
� Restores H-1B1 visa numbers to the overall cap. (�201)
� Creates a market-based H-1B cap where unused visas fall forward annually. (�201)
� Establishes a �W� visa for professionals as a first step to permanent residence that permits entry or change of status to the new nonimmigrant category under the condition that the employer files a labor certification or immigrant petition within 18 months of initial admission. (�201)
� Eliminates 214(b) for certain non-immigrants. (�203)
� Extends foreign students� post curricular OPT to 24 months. (�203)
Employment-based Immigrant Visa System:
� Revises the current EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 and EB-4 worker preference categories, exempting an expanded EB-1 group from the EB cap, including USEK workers who have earned an advanced degree. Additionally, exempts the expanded EB-1 group from the requirement of labor attestation. (�102)
� Subjects the revised EB-2 and EB-3 group of workers to the annual cap and either labor attestation without recruitment or labor attestation with recruitment. (�102)
� Subjects the revised EB-4 group of workers to the annual cap and labor certification. (�102)
(OR in the alternative)
� Exempts USEK workers with advanced degrees from the EB cap. (�102)
� Exempts USEK workers with advanced degrees from the labor certification requirement. Recognizes that American employers need to hire the best-qualified personnel, and not just �minimally qualified� labor, to remain competitive. (�102)
(AND)
� Creates a market-based EB cap where unused visas fall forward annually, and exempts EB-1s, while eliminating per-country quotas. (�202)
� Includes reconciliation language that allows those pending in the EB backlogs to file for an immigrant petition, without regard to the EB cap. Such an adjustment of status application could not be approved until a visa became available. (�102)
� Exempts EB immigrant spouses and children from the cap. (�202)
Additional �Band-Aids�:
� Requires a pre-certification processing system for petitions. (�301)
� Enforces AC21 30 day and six-month processing times. (�301)
� Extends L-1 status in one-year increments for those caught in the EB backlogs. (�302)
� Provides for continued work authorization and travel upon a timely filing of a renewal application to extend authorization for 240 days. (�303)
� Permits work authorization for spouses of specialty occupation (H-1B) professionals. (�201)
TALENT Bill
A bill to Keep America Innovative �Through the Advancement of Legal and Educated New Talent�
H-1B and Nonimmigrant Visa System:
� Exempts U.S. Educated Knowledge (USEK) workers with advanced degrees from the H-1B cap. (�101)
� Restores H-1B1 visa numbers to the overall cap. (�201)
� Creates a market-based H-1B cap where unused visas fall forward annually. (�201)
� Establishes a �W� visa for professionals as a first step to permanent residence that permits entry or change of status to the new nonimmigrant category under the condition that the employer files a labor certification or immigrant petition within 18 months of initial admission. (�201)
� Eliminates 214(b) for certain non-immigrants. (�203)
� Extends foreign students� post curricular OPT to 24 months. (�203)
Employment-based Immigrant Visa System:
� Revises the current EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 and EB-4 worker preference categories, exempting an expanded EB-1 group from the EB cap, including USEK workers who have earned an advanced degree. Additionally, exempts the expanded EB-1 group from the requirement of labor attestation. (�102)
� Subjects the revised EB-2 and EB-3 group of workers to the annual cap and either labor attestation without recruitment or labor attestation with recruitment. (�102)
� Subjects the revised EB-4 group of workers to the annual cap and labor certification. (�102)
(OR in the alternative)
� Exempts USEK workers with advanced degrees from the EB cap. (�102)
� Exempts USEK workers with advanced degrees from the labor certification requirement. Recognizes that American employers need to hire the best-qualified personnel, and not just �minimally qualified� labor, to remain competitive. (�102)
(AND)
� Creates a market-based EB cap where unused visas fall forward annually, and exempts EB-1s, while eliminating per-country quotas. (�202)
� Includes reconciliation language that allows those pending in the EB backlogs to file for an immigrant petition, without regard to the EB cap. Such an adjustment of status application could not be approved until a visa became available. (�102)
� Exempts EB immigrant spouses and children from the cap. (�202)
Additional �Band-Aids�:
� Requires a pre-certification processing system for petitions. (�301)
� Enforces AC21 30 day and six-month processing times. (�301)
� Extends L-1 status in one-year increments for those caught in the EB backlogs. (�302)
� Provides for continued work authorization and travel upon a timely filing of a renewal application to extend authorization for 240 days. (�303)
� Permits work authorization for spouses of specialty occupation (H-1B) professionals. (�201)
more...
venky08
06-24 03:39 PM
thanks ArkBird, desi3933, cvk90, gc_lover for your replies...i will talk to my lawyer on Monday...and go with his advice...
Madhuri
08-30 08:04 PM
But if somebody wants to be in Canada for citizenship he has to stay there at least 3 years. After this period if he gets a fresh H1 for the same company and assuming that hsi PD is current, I am wondering if he can still file I-485 based on I-140 approved 3 years ago?
It is an interesting question i am also worried about. I was told by my company attorney that i need to file I-140 asap as USCIS is in process of changing how long you can wait with approved LC before filing I-140. Once you have I-140 approved, basically you can come back to the US on an H-1 to work for the company (you will need a new h-1, even if you have a 3 yr. extension based on approved I-140). Then if and when the priority dates become current you should be able to file for I-485
It is an interesting question i am also worried about. I was told by my company attorney that i need to file I-140 asap as USCIS is in process of changing how long you can wait with approved LC before filing I-140. Once you have I-140 approved, basically you can come back to the US on an H-1 to work for the company (you will need a new h-1, even if you have a 3 yr. extension based on approved I-140). Then if and when the priority dates become current you should be able to file for I-485
more...
sbmallik
05-04 10:59 AM
Thanks, You are right I havent applied for my I485 yet. I am only concerened about when I return back to US, will there is any issues at POE due to my long absence on H1B?
Really appreciate all the answers!!
You can't maintain H-1B status while physically residing in India. But, you can still have your GC process running.
An absence won't be of any consequence as long as the visa is valid and you are employed by the same employer.
Really appreciate all the answers!!
You can't maintain H-1B status while physically residing in India. But, you can still have your GC process running.
An absence won't be of any consequence as long as the visa is valid and you are employed by the same employer.
immiusa
04-09 01:26 PM
Congrats. Very long wait. I am happy for you. Seems USCIS is trying to close all old applications. That is good sign for all long wait memebers
ponnuswamyp
06-30 07:31 PM
1) did it myself..
2) yep i changed address, no rfes for anything..
Eb3Retro, Did you sign G-28 initially for your (previous employer's) attorney to represent? if so how did you change the representation?
2) yep i changed address, no rfes for anything..
Eb3Retro, Did you sign G-28 initially for your (previous employer's) attorney to represent? if so how did you change the representation?
shamin_a
12-09 10:54 AM
Is Visa recapture part of this bill?
ksircar
01-26 09:05 AM
Thanks ksircar;
Want to explore on Caribbean options too. However a question is how can we file for Advance Parole as it requires the applicant to be in US at the time of application, otherwise AOS gets invalid. And if at all we choose her to be here for AP application, it would hinder the education.
Thanks
Venu
AP remains valid for one year and you need to apply for AP in such a way so that for AP renewal your daughter will be in US during vacation etc. In the worst case, she has to fly from Caribbean to Miami (or any nearest US port) just to apply for AP and go back. These are the hassels you need to overcome if you want to send your daughter to MED school without a GC. I did the same with my daughter. You can PM me if you want to discuss in detail.
Good luck.
Want to explore on Caribbean options too. However a question is how can we file for Advance Parole as it requires the applicant to be in US at the time of application, otherwise AOS gets invalid. And if at all we choose her to be here for AP application, it would hinder the education.
Thanks
Venu
AP remains valid for one year and you need to apply for AP in such a way so that for AP renewal your daughter will be in US during vacation etc. In the worst case, she has to fly from Caribbean to Miami (or any nearest US port) just to apply for AP and go back. These are the hassels you need to overcome if you want to send your daughter to MED school without a GC. I did the same with my daughter. You can PM me if you want to discuss in detail.
Good luck.
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