chanduv23
06-19 12:23 PM
Wow! Thank you everyone for your input!
So how does one surrender a Green Card abroad - do they have to go to a US Consular Office/Embassy?
Yes, my dad took his expired GC to the Chennai Consulate when he went for his visitor's visa stamping and let the first level screening officer know that he has this document - she then made a note of it (I think) and asked my dad to hand it over the VO during the interview. When my dad handed it to the VO - he was looking and gazing at it for a while and then took it inside and had a small discussion with a couple of people and then filled out a form and had a notary notorize it and asked my dad to fill out the form and gave my dad a copy and then put it in an envelope and attached this to my dad's visitor's visa file.
So how does one surrender a Green Card abroad - do they have to go to a US Consular Office/Embassy?
Yes, my dad took his expired GC to the Chennai Consulate when he went for his visitor's visa stamping and let the first level screening officer know that he has this document - she then made a note of it (I think) and asked my dad to hand it over the VO during the interview. When my dad handed it to the VO - he was looking and gazing at it for a while and then took it inside and had a small discussion with a couple of people and then filled out a form and had a notary notorize it and asked my dad to fill out the form and gave my dad a copy and then put it in an envelope and attached this to my dad's visitor's visa file.
bigboy007
01-15 04:49 PM
This happened with my wife case too. Company applied on June 1 , no update till dec ending , changed to premium processing as we have to go out of country got the approval in two days and copy in 7 days. I think its deliberate. But we are happy that we have it in hand. You cant do anything with this but rather give them extra 1000$ they want.
chanduv23
01-06 07:12 PM
We hope to start the New Year with a new vigor and focus on community building and community participations. A stronger community built on mutual trust and participation is what we need today. Let the New Year be the new beginning, where we don’t feel alone.
We all are anxious about ours and our family’s future, not only from the immigration standpoint but also from the point of view of direction of the economy of the country.
We as a community have a great potential to help each other. Our members are ambitious and work for various prominent companies in the USA at various levels and they are working harder to reach great heights. As someone had eloquently put it, it does not matter what you know but it matters whom you know.
So let us start by building a community so strong that we all feel like a part of a family. Let us get to know each other better. Let our families get to know each other better. Let us leverage each other strength and overcome personal weaknesses.
In that regard, we are organizing a informal social meet and greet lunch at
Akbar Restaurant,
21 Cortlandt St,
Edison, NJ
on
January 26th at 12:30PM.
Everyone will be responsible for their own expenses.
Just in case you were wondering, there is not going to be any particular agenda and absolutely NO money solicitations. It is an informal networking event.
In past, several of us (including myself), naively but with very good intention, had pursued some goals aggressively without giving due thoughts to the after affect on the community. That was a mistake.
We are in process of preparing plan for 2008 that will include several items like Job fairs, Immigration lawyers conferences, Seminars by community leaders (from corporate and entrepreneurs ) , lawmakers meeting etc. These are some loft goals and the Tri State Leads in few days will be sending more details on it. You all will have roles to play in that.
Please RSVP via a private message to IV member id "singhsa3" or email
Sanjeev - email id "sanjiv@immigrationvoice.org"
I am posting this message on behalf of "singhsa3" who is currently coordinating the efforts in the New Jersey Area.
This is a great opportunity for people to get a sense of what is happening and to feel a part of the community. Please bring yiour families, inform your friends, bring as many people as possible. We want members to take up a more committed role and to feel good and strong about being an Immigration Voice member and being a part of this wonderful community.
We all are anxious about ours and our family’s future, not only from the immigration standpoint but also from the point of view of direction of the economy of the country.
We as a community have a great potential to help each other. Our members are ambitious and work for various prominent companies in the USA at various levels and they are working harder to reach great heights. As someone had eloquently put it, it does not matter what you know but it matters whom you know.
So let us start by building a community so strong that we all feel like a part of a family. Let us get to know each other better. Let our families get to know each other better. Let us leverage each other strength and overcome personal weaknesses.
In that regard, we are organizing a informal social meet and greet lunch at
Akbar Restaurant,
21 Cortlandt St,
Edison, NJ
on
January 26th at 12:30PM.
Everyone will be responsible for their own expenses.
Just in case you were wondering, there is not going to be any particular agenda and absolutely NO money solicitations. It is an informal networking event.
In past, several of us (including myself), naively but with very good intention, had pursued some goals aggressively without giving due thoughts to the after affect on the community. That was a mistake.
We are in process of preparing plan for 2008 that will include several items like Job fairs, Immigration lawyers conferences, Seminars by community leaders (from corporate and entrepreneurs ) , lawmakers meeting etc. These are some loft goals and the Tri State Leads in few days will be sending more details on it. You all will have roles to play in that.
Please RSVP via a private message to IV member id "singhsa3" or email
Sanjeev - email id "sanjiv@immigrationvoice.org"
I am posting this message on behalf of "singhsa3" who is currently coordinating the efforts in the New Jersey Area.
This is a great opportunity for people to get a sense of what is happening and to feel a part of the community. Please bring yiour families, inform your friends, bring as many people as possible. We want members to take up a more committed role and to feel good and strong about being an Immigration Voice member and being a part of this wonderful community.
chris
07-08 03:35 PM
Why the lawyer need some information from your wife ? ( she no need to apply any thing , since your GC is approved ).
I think best way to tralk to HR dept in your wifes company and explain them. that you will get GC soon. If they need some proof show them approval email .
If they ask to fill i9 form show the EAD as proof for employment eligibility.
New company lawer is not accepting EAD, even though we don't have written approval confiramtion
How to conivince him to use EAD unti we got the phisical card?
I think best way to tralk to HR dept in your wifes company and explain them. that you will get GC soon. If they need some proof show them approval email .
If they ask to fill i9 form show the EAD as proof for employment eligibility.
New company lawer is not accepting EAD, even though we don't have written approval confiramtion
How to conivince him to use EAD unti we got the phisical card?
more...
jonty_11
08-13 06:13 PM
BE FIRST TO GET A FREE TICKET TO HAWAI...........
What an innovative name for a thread to attract attention..............
What an innovative name for a thread to attract attention..............
gc_bulgaria
10-12 12:20 PM
I am planning for my visa in Jan at Mumbai consulate. I do not have any relatives in either mumbai/pune who can submit my documents 3 days before the appointment.
Has anyone faced this issue? I have sent them an email asking if I can mail the documents to them. Lets see what they reply. Does anyone has experience what to do in situation like this?
Thanks
You can mail your's. make sure its registered /fed ex receipt and send them a followup email to check if they received it.
Has anyone faced this issue? I have sent them an email asking if I can mail the documents to them. Lets see what they reply. Does anyone has experience what to do in situation like this?
Thanks
You can mail your's. make sure its registered /fed ex receipt and send them a followup email to check if they received it.
more...
samu
04-11 10:20 AM
Planning to apply GC in 2008 jan or sometime will it be fine. that time my H1 completes 4 yrs. How long will it take labour? will it be over by 2010?
once i file labour and if not cleared by 2010(h1 completes 6 yrs). i must go back india? right?
no other solution for this?
pls help me.
once i file labour and if not cleared by 2010(h1 completes 6 yrs). i must go back india? right?
no other solution for this?
pls help me.
jthomas
04-04 09:49 PM
I need expert advice -
My I-140 has been approved and I-485 pending for more than 18 months. I have a valid EAD & AP. I also have a valid H1-B visa valid till 2011,
that I am using for my current employment with my current employer
1. If I get laid-off, how long can I stay in US without another job?
With EAD you are okay.
2. I understand that in order to maintain my eligibility to "port" to a new employer / sponsor under AC21, I should have another job in same or similar occupation. Till I find another job, am I allowed to do some part-time job in different occupation?
Answer :- I don't think so. If you are doing a part time job and if USCIS comes to know because of 1099 you may have a problem. I don't think you will have a problem if you accept cash and a evidence you never worked but helped your friend.
3. If new employer gives me the option to move permanently to its subsidiary in another country, what are the available option for me to continue with green card processing?
Answer :- AP is used for emergency. I don't know much but one of IV members went to india and was working for his employer from india.
4. If after going out of the country , I want to come back in future before Green card approval, what will be the available options?
Answer :- Keep renewing your AP and you need to be present in US when AP is been renewed. I am not sure of it. Sorry.
My I-140 has been approved and I-485 pending for more than 18 months. I have a valid EAD & AP. I also have a valid H1-B visa valid till 2011,
that I am using for my current employment with my current employer
1. If I get laid-off, how long can I stay in US without another job?
With EAD you are okay.
2. I understand that in order to maintain my eligibility to "port" to a new employer / sponsor under AC21, I should have another job in same or similar occupation. Till I find another job, am I allowed to do some part-time job in different occupation?
Answer :- I don't think so. If you are doing a part time job and if USCIS comes to know because of 1099 you may have a problem. I don't think you will have a problem if you accept cash and a evidence you never worked but helped your friend.
3. If new employer gives me the option to move permanently to its subsidiary in another country, what are the available option for me to continue with green card processing?
Answer :- AP is used for emergency. I don't know much but one of IV members went to india and was working for his employer from india.
4. If after going out of the country , I want to come back in future before Green card approval, what will be the available options?
Answer :- Keep renewing your AP and you need to be present in US when AP is been renewed. I am not sure of it. Sorry.
more...
pret_23
01-28 04:55 PM
Ram Shriram -Google
Vinod Khosla -venture capitalist
Bharat Desai -Syntel
Vinod Khosla -venture capitalist
Bharat Desai -Syntel
abhijitp
02-12 06:13 PM
Now hang on a minute there!
There are IV volunteers leading double/triple lives juggling full time jobs, families AND full time IV work and some members have the GALL to say that:
I dont want to take the pain of "mailing the letters"
Anyone giving this excuse has ABSOLUTELY NO RIGHT from this point on to complain. This is as easy as the IV core can make it! Write those letters or SUFFER IN SILENCE
Bang on.
People discuss Visa Bulletins to no end, but why don't they pick up a pen and paper to DO SOMETHING that will render Visa Bulletins virtually meaningless ("ability to file I-485 without PD being current")?
There are IV volunteers leading double/triple lives juggling full time jobs, families AND full time IV work and some members have the GALL to say that:
I dont want to take the pain of "mailing the letters"
Anyone giving this excuse has ABSOLUTELY NO RIGHT from this point on to complain. This is as easy as the IV core can make it! Write those letters or SUFFER IN SILENCE
Bang on.
People discuss Visa Bulletins to no end, but why don't they pick up a pen and paper to DO SOMETHING that will render Visa Bulletins virtually meaningless ("ability to file I-485 without PD being current")?
more...
radhay
08-21 04:33 PM
Hi, I am in the exact same situation. USCIS approved my H1B but didn't issue I-94. Along with the H1B approval letter there was explanation why they can't issue me 'H1B status' and also suggesting me to leave country and apply for H1B visa at the consulate using the approved petition.
I didn't leave the country as my lawyer suggested this is a matter of grey area and every thing rests on Immigration's officer's interpretation and judgement. Didn't want to take chance.
The solution? we filed 'nunc-pro-tunk' petition with the proof that it was a honest mistake on part of employer and I shouldn't be penalized for that. Now I am waiting for the USCIS decision.
I have an EAD and pending 485 so I am continuing to work. In your situation if you have 485 pending/EAD you shoud be OK.
I didn't leave the country as my lawyer suggested this is a matter of grey area and every thing rests on Immigration's officer's interpretation and judgement. Didn't want to take chance.
The solution? we filed 'nunc-pro-tunk' petition with the proof that it was a honest mistake on part of employer and I shouldn't be penalized for that. Now I am waiting for the USCIS decision.
I have an EAD and pending 485 so I am continuing to work. In your situation if you have 485 pending/EAD you shoud be OK.
aranya
01-15 04:13 PM
Here is the form (http://www.dol.gov/esa/forms/whd/WH-4.pdf).
Let us know how it goes.
Cheers,
-b
My employer paid all my fees. The point I was trying to make was that there are lawyers who interpret differently.
Let us know how it goes.
Cheers,
-b
My employer paid all my fees. The point I was trying to make was that there are lawyers who interpret differently.
more...
vikki76
04-15 09:19 PM
I agree to every comment made about Cathay /Singopore Airlines- but what are people's experiences with Emirates?
rock581
07-18 09:08 AM
Great replies. Thank you all.
I dont want to depend on pending I485 as the only source. I want each of us to have status independent of it.
I do understand that he can apply H1 only in Apr 08 and start working from Oct 08.
I am hoping a short visit will not reset his 365 day exile. One more query I have is can he leave US for around 10 days immediately after applying for I485. Should he apply for AP along with I485 or should he wait once he comes back after his short trip on a valid L2? Will it be OK ?
I dont want to depend on pending I485 as the only source. I want each of us to have status independent of it.
I do understand that he can apply H1 only in Apr 08 and start working from Oct 08.
I am hoping a short visit will not reset his 365 day exile. One more query I have is can he leave US for around 10 days immediately after applying for I485. Should he apply for AP along with I485 or should he wait once he comes back after his short trip on a valid L2? Will it be OK ?
more...
gulute
09-16 02:57 AM
The major grievance of people on H1 was their spouses cannot work and when the ruling came into effect that the time spent on H4 will not be counted and a new 6 year term is possible, H4s massively applied for H1, and this year�s H1 quota was over on the first day itself and then the lotto! Now when the H1 is approved they are too chicken and do not want to work!
They have taken away these most coveted H1 visa numbers from qualified professionals who wanted to come and work in this country. Please don�t do this next year!
So far two, any more in the same situation! :confused:
Same situation here. As per my lawyer (good lawyer can be trusted but could be ill informed) If my wife doesn't join the employer there is no status change. No need to file any reinstatement from H4 to H1. And I have reconfirmed this a couple of times now.
If you hear anything different from a legit source please do let me know.
Other relevant details in my case is that my wife's ead/ap application was filed on 2nd July. and She is under Adjustment of Status (485) as a derivative. On a second thought, I am not sure if this is the same case as yours.
They have taken away these most coveted H1 visa numbers from qualified professionals who wanted to come and work in this country. Please don�t do this next year!
So far two, any more in the same situation! :confused:
Same situation here. As per my lawyer (good lawyer can be trusted but could be ill informed) If my wife doesn't join the employer there is no status change. No need to file any reinstatement from H4 to H1. And I have reconfirmed this a couple of times now.
If you hear anything different from a legit source please do let me know.
Other relevant details in my case is that my wife's ead/ap application was filed on 2nd July. and She is under Adjustment of Status (485) as a derivative. On a second thought, I am not sure if this is the same case as yours.
tinuverma
11-09 10:29 AM
There is a website called Google. Its amazing in that it is above nationality and responds to every "is which of the two"
Very innovative. It did not help as a lot of Junior Members were rather talking unwanted crap than discussing on the real point. I was and am hoping for something better here.
Anyone else who can actually give me the answer?
Very innovative. It did not help as a lot of Junior Members were rather talking unwanted crap than discussing on the real point. I was and am hoping for something better here.
Anyone else who can actually give me the answer?
more...
gc140
10-22 07:34 PM
Hello,
Please advice on this.
Application is filed under EB2 category.
In Labor certificate minimum education requirement is Master's
My I-140 is denied because of 3 years Bachelors degree.
I have 3 yrs bachelors + 2 years Masters + 4 yrs work exp.
Received RFE on 15th June 2009.
We submitted 2 education evaluations on Sept 3rd 2009, which says my Master�s degree is equivalent to US Masters Degree.
Received denial notice on 28th Sept 2009.
After denial, Lawyer is planning to file appeal with federal court.
Does anyone have the same issue?
I read about a company called Career Consulting International (CCI)on internet, it seems they can prove my 3 yrs bachelors degree is equivalent to 4 yrs US Bachelors degree.
To proof this CCI is charging a huge amount.
Does anyone have any info about CCI?
Please advice.
Thanks.
Please advice on this.
Application is filed under EB2 category.
In Labor certificate minimum education requirement is Master's
My I-140 is denied because of 3 years Bachelors degree.
I have 3 yrs bachelors + 2 years Masters + 4 yrs work exp.
Received RFE on 15th June 2009.
We submitted 2 education evaluations on Sept 3rd 2009, which says my Master�s degree is equivalent to US Masters Degree.
Received denial notice on 28th Sept 2009.
After denial, Lawyer is planning to file appeal with federal court.
Does anyone have the same issue?
I read about a company called Career Consulting International (CCI)on internet, it seems they can prove my 3 yrs bachelors degree is equivalent to 4 yrs US Bachelors degree.
To proof this CCI is charging a huge amount.
Does anyone have any info about CCI?
Please advice.
Thanks.
pappu
11-20 01:08 PM
All pls PM each other and exchange phone numbers and emails so that you can start building your local IV community. Once you have contacted each other, you can start the action items for state chapters.
snathan
01-13 04:28 PM
Hello folks -
I am currently working on H1B, and though against the rules of H1, I was doing side consulting work. As a result, I received a 1099 Misc form from the client for whom I was doing the work.
I reported the 1099 income on my Federal 1040 tax return. Now it's time to file the I-1485 with my current employer. My employer has requested me to submit my previous year tax returns along with other documents for the filing of the I-1485.
Do you think showing business income on form 1040 will have any impact on the processing of I-485?
Also, if anyone knows of a good immigration attorney I can consult with, it would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
What you did is unauthorised employment. You can not do anything to move forward. Keep your fingers crossed and wait...
I am currently working on H1B, and though against the rules of H1, I was doing side consulting work. As a result, I received a 1099 Misc form from the client for whom I was doing the work.
I reported the 1099 income on my Federal 1040 tax return. Now it's time to file the I-1485 with my current employer. My employer has requested me to submit my previous year tax returns along with other documents for the filing of the I-1485.
Do you think showing business income on form 1040 will have any impact on the processing of I-485?
Also, if anyone knows of a good immigration attorney I can consult with, it would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
What you did is unauthorised employment. You can not do anything to move forward. Keep your fingers crossed and wait...
JazzByTheBay
09-07 03:36 PM
Here are 5 of the more frequently asked questions, and answers to those by ImmigrationVoice. Note, these also appear on immigration attorney Sheela Murthy's web site (http://www.murthy.com/bulletin.html).
Question 1. What is First Amendment? Does it apply to me? I'm on H-1 / H-4 / EAD / and have applied for I-485, etc.
Constitutional rights of an individual are applicable to everyone, including foreign nationals.
Question 2. Will I get arrested and/or deported for participating in the rally?
No, participating in rally with proper permits from city police and other authorities is legal. You cannot be arrested or deported for simply participating in the rally.
Question 3. Will participation in the rally negatively impact my current non-immigrant status or future green card application?
No, exercising your civil rights does not impact your non-immigrant status or future green card application. There are certain procedures and processes for rejecting or denying petitions and applications, it is not done on whims and moods of agencies or USCIS employees. There is a process driven by federal regulations and rejections and denials are backed up by reasons described in federal regulations and the laws. Participating in rallies, meeting with your lawmakers, exercising your civic duties, and enjoying your civil rights granted by the Constitution are not grounds for denial or rejection of petitions and applications or any other adverse action on immigration petition or application.
Question 4. Can my employer take action against me for participating in the rally? Do we have any obligation to inform my employer if I participate by taking a day off?
No, an employer cannot simply take action against you for having exercised your Constitutional right granted by the first amendment. Whether you inform your employer about your plans for your vacation or day off is up to you and your relationship with your employer. Usually employers do not care what their employee do with their time off from work, as long as those activities are legal.
Question 5. What kind of identification do I need to carry? Will my driver's license be enough?
Yes. Your driver's license or a state-issued identification card is enough for ID purposes.
Question 1. What is First Amendment? Does it apply to me? I'm on H-1 / H-4 / EAD / and have applied for I-485, etc.
Constitutional rights of an individual are applicable to everyone, including foreign nationals.
Question 2. Will I get arrested and/or deported for participating in the rally?
No, participating in rally with proper permits from city police and other authorities is legal. You cannot be arrested or deported for simply participating in the rally.
Question 3. Will participation in the rally negatively impact my current non-immigrant status or future green card application?
No, exercising your civil rights does not impact your non-immigrant status or future green card application. There are certain procedures and processes for rejecting or denying petitions and applications, it is not done on whims and moods of agencies or USCIS employees. There is a process driven by federal regulations and rejections and denials are backed up by reasons described in federal regulations and the laws. Participating in rallies, meeting with your lawmakers, exercising your civic duties, and enjoying your civil rights granted by the Constitution are not grounds for denial or rejection of petitions and applications or any other adverse action on immigration petition or application.
Question 4. Can my employer take action against me for participating in the rally? Do we have any obligation to inform my employer if I participate by taking a day off?
No, an employer cannot simply take action against you for having exercised your Constitutional right granted by the first amendment. Whether you inform your employer about your plans for your vacation or day off is up to you and your relationship with your employer. Usually employers do not care what their employee do with their time off from work, as long as those activities are legal.
Question 5. What kind of identification do I need to carry? Will my driver's license be enough?
Yes. Your driver's license or a state-issued identification card is enough for ID purposes.
bfadlia
10-22 01:22 PM
I can't help but notice that progress at TSC.
They were processing July 16, 2007 2 - 3 months back.
One fine day, they updated dates saying that they processed till June 16, 2007. (-ve by a month)
Last month, they made progress till June 23, 2007.
Since last month, they made a progress of one day - June 24, 2007.
Is this correct? or I am a brain dead person? unable to understand CIS processing dates, particulary going backwards really baffles me.:(
Here's my interpretation:
say last month, for EB3 ROW, the priority date was Jan 1st 2005, so they pick the cases earlier than that date and start working on them. They then say in the processing website that the oldest case they have worked on among these is july 8th. The following month, the priority date becomes May 1st 2005, so now they have to pull the cases whose priority dates are between January and May and add them to the processing queue. Some of these cases will have receipt dates earlier than July 8th, therefore the processing date this month can rightfully move back to reflect that.
But of course we also know USCIS doesnt follow a consistent process in pulling cases.
They were processing July 16, 2007 2 - 3 months back.
One fine day, they updated dates saying that they processed till June 16, 2007. (-ve by a month)
Last month, they made progress till June 23, 2007.
Since last month, they made a progress of one day - June 24, 2007.
Is this correct? or I am a brain dead person? unable to understand CIS processing dates, particulary going backwards really baffles me.:(
Here's my interpretation:
say last month, for EB3 ROW, the priority date was Jan 1st 2005, so they pick the cases earlier than that date and start working on them. They then say in the processing website that the oldest case they have worked on among these is july 8th. The following month, the priority date becomes May 1st 2005, so now they have to pull the cases whose priority dates are between January and May and add them to the processing queue. Some of these cases will have receipt dates earlier than July 8th, therefore the processing date this month can rightfully move back to reflect that.
But of course we also know USCIS doesnt follow a consistent process in pulling cases.