zerozerozeven
04-10 03:29 PM
163,000 applns for general and more than 31,200 applns for advanced degree.
wallpaper mailing thank you notes to
chanduv23
05-11 12:00 PM
This is a suggestion for members using AILA tool. While we appreciate AILA for creating these useful tools, IV is not part of this AILA campaign.
If you want to use the AILA tool. Use your own letter and not AILA letter. Make sure not to use words like 'H1B' and 'illegal/undocumented' in the letter. Lawmaker offices will look at it and will not even care to read it fully. They will assume it is for H1B increase or about illegal immigration. Sometimes you will get an automated reply that has nothing to do with your issues you raised in your letter.
There are some good letter templates in http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3999
and some of them do not use H1B word at all. They are totally focussed on 'Green card'. You can choose to use any one of them. As we see the progress on CIR IV will have its own webfax and call the lawmakers campaign.
Will do that Pappu, thanks.
If you want to use the AILA tool. Use your own letter and not AILA letter. Make sure not to use words like 'H1B' and 'illegal/undocumented' in the letter. Lawmaker offices will look at it and will not even care to read it fully. They will assume it is for H1B increase or about illegal immigration. Sometimes you will get an automated reply that has nothing to do with your issues you raised in your letter.
There are some good letter templates in http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3999
and some of them do not use H1B word at all. They are totally focussed on 'Green card'. You can choose to use any one of them. As we see the progress on CIR IV will have its own webfax and call the lawmakers campaign.
Will do that Pappu, thanks.
JunRN
09-17 10:10 AM
Once this bill passed the Committee, there are more work to do. We need to call again so that it will be put to vote at the Full House level and then, at the Senate.
I sent "Thank you!!!" flowers to Sen. Menendez for sponsoring the same bill in the Senate.
Let's call again today. Time is precious.
I sent "Thank you!!!" flowers to Sen. Menendez for sponsoring the same bill in the Senate.
Let's call again today. Time is precious.
2011 wedding thank you card
skd
01-12 02:17 PM
Skd, it was nice of you .. I gave you green :)
God Bless everyone and everywhere.
God Bless everyone and everywhere.
more...
cagedcactus
04-06 11:05 AM
while it is good to hear from USCIS, who pretends to be running smooth in law makers' eyes, it is also disappointing that nothing is being done to resolve. Numerous amounts of attempts have been made by pro immigration parties, but nothing has passed that can help the cause immensely. They just continue to run as they feel necessary, and regardless of how many senetors I have met, the outcome has been same. Lots of promises and no action.
This is huge moneymaking machine for USA that will continue to be so. Why the heck would they jeopardise their income on EAD and AP renewals? :rolleyes:
we are in for long ride.... have been in for a long time, and it is just getting longer....
This is huge moneymaking machine for USA that will continue to be so. Why the heck would they jeopardise their income on EAD and AP renewals? :rolleyes:
we are in for long ride.... have been in for a long time, and it is just getting longer....
cyclone_p
06-21 12:24 AM
Hello :
My EAD is valid till August 10, 2010. This is my second EAD. 1st filed with I-485 in 2007 and second renewed in 2008.
First Renewal Attempt :
I therefore sent my papers to my employer in early April 2010 (120 days in advance). My employer to 10 days to file with USCIS (Snail Mail - Phoenix Lockbox). Then USCIS took another 30 days to look at my papers. They rejected it. Reason :
The check amount is incorrect, or has not been provided. Please review the Form Instructions for fee information. Please resubmit the application/petition package with the appropriate fees to the USCIS address listed on the bottom of this notice.
The eligibility code you provide on your I-765 requires proof that an I-485 has been submitted. Please resubmit your Form I-765 with a copy of your Form I-485 receipt notice (I-797).
Turns out my employer did provide checks were provided in the correct amount but the name on the check was incorrect "USCIS Vermont Office"...Go figure.
Further, I had never received my I-485 receipt notice in mail (filed when the flood gates opened in July/August 2007). I had however received my ASC FP notice and had used it in my previous EAD renewal in 2008. I had sent in a copy of this with my paperwork. That did not seem to have worked. So I called USCIS NSC and they informed me that I need to attach a cover letter with my application explaining that I did not receive the I-797 for the I-485.
Second Renewal Attempt :
So this time, I filed my application to the Phoenix Lockbox myself via snail mail (never efiled so thought why take a chance). I sent my own checks payable to "US Department Of Homeland Security" as mentioned in the I-765 instructions. I also included a cover letter about my missing I-485 receipt notice and sent in the I-485 ASC FP notice copy along with a printout of the pending I-485 from USCIS website.
This new app reached USCIS on June 1, 2010.
It got rejected again and reached me yesterday on June 19, 2010. Reasons...Exactly the same as before.
Needless to say, I was confused, frustrated, angry, sad...and everything in between.
Starting Third Attempt :
Given that only 50 days are left for my current EAD to expire. I e-Filed again yesterday (June 20 2010) hoping that by doing so, I will bypass the Phoenix Lockbox and will avoid the reason for rejection regarding the check.
I will be mailing my supporting documents tomorrow. They will reach USCIS on June 22 2010. The only thing/s addtional that I am sending in now are...
a) The top tear-off from the original EAD mailer (had forgotten to send it in last two times as I thought it was not necessary)
b) A request for correction on the eFiled EAD as I mentioned "Country Of Citizenship" as "USA" instead of "India" (Thanks to my frustrated mood and the poor usability of the I-765 online form).
Request advice...
I know that I will have to stop working on August 11 2010 and I can't earn for as long as I don't have a valid EAD in my hand. I also know that it does not affect my Green Card I-485 app as long as I don't work without and EAD.
So what should I do from here on? Should I wait...I still have 50 days to hope to get my renewed EAD in. Should I call USCIS and request expedited processing of my case...but I haven't even received my receipt notices yet. Should I book and INFOPASS appt...but INFOPASS appointments for I-765 are only issued if it has been more than 90 days since the application was filed?
I will really appreciate any comments/suggestion regarding my case.
My EAD is valid till August 10, 2010. This is my second EAD. 1st filed with I-485 in 2007 and second renewed in 2008.
First Renewal Attempt :
I therefore sent my papers to my employer in early April 2010 (120 days in advance). My employer to 10 days to file with USCIS (Snail Mail - Phoenix Lockbox). Then USCIS took another 30 days to look at my papers. They rejected it. Reason :
The check amount is incorrect, or has not been provided. Please review the Form Instructions for fee information. Please resubmit the application/petition package with the appropriate fees to the USCIS address listed on the bottom of this notice.
The eligibility code you provide on your I-765 requires proof that an I-485 has been submitted. Please resubmit your Form I-765 with a copy of your Form I-485 receipt notice (I-797).
Turns out my employer did provide checks were provided in the correct amount but the name on the check was incorrect "USCIS Vermont Office"...Go figure.
Further, I had never received my I-485 receipt notice in mail (filed when the flood gates opened in July/August 2007). I had however received my ASC FP notice and had used it in my previous EAD renewal in 2008. I had sent in a copy of this with my paperwork. That did not seem to have worked. So I called USCIS NSC and they informed me that I need to attach a cover letter with my application explaining that I did not receive the I-797 for the I-485.
Second Renewal Attempt :
So this time, I filed my application to the Phoenix Lockbox myself via snail mail (never efiled so thought why take a chance). I sent my own checks payable to "US Department Of Homeland Security" as mentioned in the I-765 instructions. I also included a cover letter about my missing I-485 receipt notice and sent in the I-485 ASC FP notice copy along with a printout of the pending I-485 from USCIS website.
This new app reached USCIS on June 1, 2010.
It got rejected again and reached me yesterday on June 19, 2010. Reasons...Exactly the same as before.
Needless to say, I was confused, frustrated, angry, sad...and everything in between.
Starting Third Attempt :
Given that only 50 days are left for my current EAD to expire. I e-Filed again yesterday (June 20 2010) hoping that by doing so, I will bypass the Phoenix Lockbox and will avoid the reason for rejection regarding the check.
I will be mailing my supporting documents tomorrow. They will reach USCIS on June 22 2010. The only thing/s addtional that I am sending in now are...
a) The top tear-off from the original EAD mailer (had forgotten to send it in last two times as I thought it was not necessary)
b) A request for correction on the eFiled EAD as I mentioned "Country Of Citizenship" as "USA" instead of "India" (Thanks to my frustrated mood and the poor usability of the I-765 online form).
Request advice...
I know that I will have to stop working on August 11 2010 and I can't earn for as long as I don't have a valid EAD in my hand. I also know that it does not affect my Green Card I-485 app as long as I don't work without and EAD.
So what should I do from here on? Should I wait...I still have 50 days to hope to get my renewed EAD in. Should I call USCIS and request expedited processing of my case...but I haven't even received my receipt notices yet. Should I book and INFOPASS appt...but INFOPASS appointments for I-765 are only issued if it has been more than 90 days since the application was filed?
I will really appreciate any comments/suggestion regarding my case.
more...
permfiling
01-18 10:47 AM
If it is a big company, the lawyer fees is not small, they charge about 15K for the whole process and if they add liquidation damages(marketing efforts), it might be bigger.
Talk to them if you have not started work, you might just have to pay the H1B fees
I dont think it is reasonable amount if it is 15k then why the employer will bother for a H1 in the first place in this volatile economy...I think it is around 4000k etc
Talk to them if you have not started work, you might just have to pay the H1B fees
I dont think it is reasonable amount if it is 15k then why the employer will bother for a H1 in the first place in this volatile economy...I think it is around 4000k etc
2010 Thank You notes,
waitin_toolong
10-01 02:34 PM
because these were actually approved and assigned a number when the dates were current, they just got around to mailing the approvals now.
more...
Green.Tech
06-19 01:56 PM
Bump.
hair Happy Bride Thank You Card
GotGC??
01-02 03:15 PM
Please see in-line:
Hi everyone,
I am currently on a H4 Visa. The H4 visa on my passport expires on 20 June 2007. My husband recently got a 3 year extension on his H1 ( I 140 approved) and because of him, my H4 is also extended for 3 years (valid from 10/23/2006 to 08/07/2009 )
I intend to travel abroad in february 2007 to be back in the US by march 2007.
I have a few questions in this regard:
1. Can I travel on my current H4 visa which expires on 06/20/2007 or should I get a new H4 visa stamped with my 3 year extension before I travel?
You can travel on your current stamped H4. In fact, I'm not sure if you can even get the new H4 stamped now because they say that you can get the new approval stamped only 10 days prior to the expiry of the current one. In other words, you could get the new approval stamped after 6/10/2007 but I do not know how strictly they enfore that.
2. If I travel on my current H4 visa , is there even a remote possibility of being stopped at Immigration because of my new extension?
Technically, the visa is just permission and not a guarantee for re-entry. But I do not see how a new approved petition would affect it. Just make sure you carry the current & new approvals with you. In fact, if you present the new approval at the time of re-entry the officer can give you a I-94 with an expiry date that is the same as the expiry of the new approval !!
3. Also if I decide to travel on my current H4 visa, since I only have 4-5 months left before it expires, will US immigration pose any problems when I re-enter in US?
See above.
This is purely from my personal experience; not sure how well it applies to your specific situation. Please check with an attorney for your specific situation.
I would greatly appreciate if you can respond to my questions.
Thank you very much in advance.
Hi everyone,
I am currently on a H4 Visa. The H4 visa on my passport expires on 20 June 2007. My husband recently got a 3 year extension on his H1 ( I 140 approved) and because of him, my H4 is also extended for 3 years (valid from 10/23/2006 to 08/07/2009 )
I intend to travel abroad in february 2007 to be back in the US by march 2007.
I have a few questions in this regard:
1. Can I travel on my current H4 visa which expires on 06/20/2007 or should I get a new H4 visa stamped with my 3 year extension before I travel?
You can travel on your current stamped H4. In fact, I'm not sure if you can even get the new H4 stamped now because they say that you can get the new approval stamped only 10 days prior to the expiry of the current one. In other words, you could get the new approval stamped after 6/10/2007 but I do not know how strictly they enfore that.
2. If I travel on my current H4 visa , is there even a remote possibility of being stopped at Immigration because of my new extension?
Technically, the visa is just permission and not a guarantee for re-entry. But I do not see how a new approved petition would affect it. Just make sure you carry the current & new approvals with you. In fact, if you present the new approval at the time of re-entry the officer can give you a I-94 with an expiry date that is the same as the expiry of the new approval !!
3. Also if I decide to travel on my current H4 visa, since I only have 4-5 months left before it expires, will US immigration pose any problems when I re-enter in US?
See above.
This is purely from my personal experience; not sure how well it applies to your specific situation. Please check with an attorney for your specific situation.
I would greatly appreciate if you can respond to my questions.
Thank you very much in advance.
more...
orangutan
02-08 10:32 PM
Some questions before I answer.
1) Did you get married in a church or did you reserve a church for marriage?
2) If you are not married how do you start immigration paper work?
If you want to start paperwork, you need to get married.If you have to get married, you need to get married before March 31.If you have to get married before March 31, you need to get your marriage license before that.If you already got married why do you need license?If you are talking about marriage certificate for applying immigration, you can apply it on line.If he goes to jail on March 31st then ask him to apply for parol to come out.
well i got marriage church, but we didn't got are license yet, because my husband have some problem in court.( he is a citzen) We'll know if he will go to jail or not in march 31.
my question is:
since we don't know if he will or not. I need to know if i can start my paper with the immigration?
because if he goes to jail.. how we will do the interview if he is not here to go?
what i can do??
somebody can help me?:confused:
1) Did you get married in a church or did you reserve a church for marriage?
2) If you are not married how do you start immigration paper work?
If you want to start paperwork, you need to get married.If you have to get married, you need to get married before March 31.If you have to get married before March 31, you need to get your marriage license before that.If you already got married why do you need license?If you are talking about marriage certificate for applying immigration, you can apply it on line.If he goes to jail on March 31st then ask him to apply for parol to come out.
well i got marriage church, but we didn't got are license yet, because my husband have some problem in court.( he is a citzen) We'll know if he will go to jail or not in march 31.
my question is:
since we don't know if he will or not. I need to know if i can start my paper with the immigration?
because if he goes to jail.. how we will do the interview if he is not here to go?
what i can do??
somebody can help me?:confused:
hot wedding thank you notes
apahilaj
07-19 07:11 AM
Hi Seahawks,
I had a question regarding your post - you mentioned that if you are filing with your spouse, there's another form you have to file. I filed along with my spouse and I did not have to fill out any special form; my attorney did not ask for any special form for my spouse and neither did he ask for my tax information.
Can you please provide details of this form you are talking about? My application has already reached USCIS in the begining of July.
Am I expecting an RFE on it? Thanks.
I had a question regarding your post - you mentioned that if you are filing with your spouse, there's another form you have to file. I filed along with my spouse and I did not have to fill out any special form; my attorney did not ask for any special form for my spouse and neither did he ask for my tax information.
Can you please provide details of this form you are talking about? My application has already reached USCIS in the begining of July.
Am I expecting an RFE on it? Thanks.
more...
house *Thank you notes
dixie
08-27 11:43 PM
I didnt make that statement because he doesnt agree with me. Go look at loveh1b's previous posts .. he is consistently against everything IV stands for.That begs the question why is he here ? Freedom of speech and all is fine and dandy, but if a person simply doesnt believe in anything we stand for then you know what to call him.
Remember, we are more than just another online rant forum.Rather, we are a lobbying /EB applicants support forum where we are supposed to discuss constructive ways to promote our agenda, just like numbersUSA and the likes promote their agenda against us.And by the way, I would really appreciate if our "friends" extend the same "freedom of speech" to us on their forums.
You may not agree with what everyone says on
these forums. It is not your business to ask them to get out.
Remember, we are more than just another online rant forum.Rather, we are a lobbying /EB applicants support forum where we are supposed to discuss constructive ways to promote our agenda, just like numbersUSA and the likes promote their agenda against us.And by the way, I would really appreciate if our "friends" extend the same "freedom of speech" to us on their forums.
You may not agree with what everyone says on
these forums. It is not your business to ask them to get out.
tattoo As you see in the photo below,
theperm
05-07 01:06 PM
How long can one stay unemployed on EAD? my pd is Nov2005 EB-2
I got laid-off on Monday I was on H1-b. The employer has notified USICS to withdraw the H1-B. But will not be revoking any GC related stuff. Was on H1-b Laid off 485 pending 180days+ have EAD :(
Your responses will be really appreciated.ASAP
I got laid-off on Monday I was on H1-b. The employer has notified USICS to withdraw the H1-B. But will not be revoking any GC related stuff. Was on H1-b Laid off 485 pending 180days+ have EAD :(
Your responses will be really appreciated.ASAP
more...
pictures Should I send a thank-you note
chantu
06-04 10:13 AM
I had a account in Bank of America, and they sent me a letter when i asked them to send a "Account verification letter for Immigration purposes" They charged me $10 for that and took around a week. See if you can open a account at a local bank and try transfering the money to that account, Before you decide on opening a account , confirm if they issue such a letter.
I advise not to do like this guy is saying. My suggesstion is if it is really not possible for you to get the letter, just send last 6 months of bank statements. And let your parent tell VO that your bank gives letter in person & you live far away from that bank. Majority cases, they will not even ask for any bank letters or statements. My suggesstion is to send both Indiana bank and HSBC bank statements for last 6 months. That will be good.
I advise not to do like this guy is saying. My suggesstion is if it is really not possible for you to get the letter, just send last 6 months of bank statements. And let your parent tell VO that your bank gives letter in person & you live far away from that bank. Majority cases, they will not even ask for any bank letters or statements. My suggesstion is to send both Indiana bank and HSBC bank statements for last 6 months. That will be good.
dresses Wedding Thank You Notes
reallow23
09-28 05:25 PM
Hello Everyone,
I need to find someone that can help me to file the Mandamus my name is been stuck over 2 years now and the USCIS still telling me it's PENDING....Please help me if anyone know a good lawyer that can file Mandamus.....
Thanks
Anan:confused:
I need to find someone that can help me to file the Mandamus my name is been stuck over 2 years now and the USCIS still telling me it's PENDING....Please help me if anyone know a good lawyer that can file Mandamus.....
Thanks
Anan:confused:
more...
makeup A #39;Thank You#39; note from a
pappu
05-13 01:38 PM
All these articles say we are hoping to get citizenship. I think this word raises more shackeles than saying getting green card. Cmon, we are only thinking GC now. Ctizinship after 5 years is somewhat of a time bound process.
Why don these articles say we are waiting for GC. This atleast will be more palatable to the anti leagl immigration forces.More importanatly it refelects our true problem as of now.
__________________________________________________ _________
That is true. Also, a lot of people do not even want to go for citizenship. Greencard is sufficient for professionals to have freedom to live and work in USA. Citizenship is not something we are all seeking.
Why don these articles say we are waiting for GC. This atleast will be more palatable to the anti leagl immigration forces.More importanatly it refelects our true problem as of now.
__________________________________________________ _________
That is true. Also, a lot of people do not even want to go for citizenship. Greencard is sufficient for professionals to have freedom to live and work in USA. Citizenship is not something we are all seeking.
girlfriend Las Vegas Wedding Thank You
Hermione
10-02 11:50 AM
Is there a real need to maintain a backup? Meaning if I need to maintain my H1 why should I apply for EAD for myself?
The only real reason why your lawyer wanted you to apply for EAD is to collect their fees. If you are maintaining H1, there is no need to EAD. If you lose your job, you will most likely have time to get an EAD, or you may even end up doing an H1 transfer.
The only real reason why your lawyer wanted you to apply for EAD is to collect their fees. If you are maintaining H1, there is no need to EAD. If you lose your job, you will most likely have time to get an EAD, or you may even end up doing an H1 transfer.
hairstyles Black Flowers Thank You Card
Blog Feeds
02-01 08:30 AM
Summary
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
Hydra
09-07 03:53 AM
Sorry people...but when other stamp are insert in the vote list ?
drona
07-08 08:00 PM
Can we please not insult anyone who is working for our cause. We need all the support we can get. Can we please be more productive in this forum.
Om Mathew is obviously a publicity freak, now he has his picture on his website. I think he wants people to look at his picture and admire him
Om Mathew is obviously a publicity freak, now he has his picture on his website. I think he wants people to look at his picture and admire him
