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05-28 01:20 AM
They say that America is the land of opportunity, and therefore, so many people desire to Immigrate to this country.
Amid the news of an upcoming General Motors bankruptcy, the recession is not showing any signs of retreat. During these tough economic times, many institutions are trying to do their share to ease up the pain. US Citizenship and Immigration Services is not one of them. For USCIS this is business as usual.
When one applies for a US visa, whether it is for a Temporary work visa or for Permanent Residency, there is a fee charged for the processing of the application. These fees paid to the government range between $300 and $1365, depending on the type of application. While this is expensive, it is acceptable so long as it represents the actual costs of the service provided. Yet, there is a growing school of thought that USCIS currently charging fees way out of line with the actual costs.
The government should not be profiting from the fees it charges for its services. Permanent Resident and Temporary Visa applicants should not be used as cash machines for the American government. The government will already benefit from their tax dollars as they contribute to the economy. It is not right to ask immigrants to carry more than their share of the burden of paying for the general operation of government. Especially in this economic crisis.
When the government earns profits from application fees, this amounts to a form of extra taxation. Yet while other taxes in America have to be approved by Congress, visa application fees do not, making them a form of taxation without representation, and this goes against the basic principles of our democracy.
Asking individuals to cover the cost of their visa applications is fair. Using these applications to earn profits and not make any concessions in this recession is not. Immigrants are important contributors to the success of the American economy. They should be treated with respect, and not taken advantage of. We are all in this boat together.
My 2 cents.
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2009/05/the_government_should_reduce_v.html)
Amid the news of an upcoming General Motors bankruptcy, the recession is not showing any signs of retreat. During these tough economic times, many institutions are trying to do their share to ease up the pain. US Citizenship and Immigration Services is not one of them. For USCIS this is business as usual.
When one applies for a US visa, whether it is for a Temporary work visa or for Permanent Residency, there is a fee charged for the processing of the application. These fees paid to the government range between $300 and $1365, depending on the type of application. While this is expensive, it is acceptable so long as it represents the actual costs of the service provided. Yet, there is a growing school of thought that USCIS currently charging fees way out of line with the actual costs.
The government should not be profiting from the fees it charges for its services. Permanent Resident and Temporary Visa applicants should not be used as cash machines for the American government. The government will already benefit from their tax dollars as they contribute to the economy. It is not right to ask immigrants to carry more than their share of the burden of paying for the general operation of government. Especially in this economic crisis.
When the government earns profits from application fees, this amounts to a form of extra taxation. Yet while other taxes in America have to be approved by Congress, visa application fees do not, making them a form of taxation without representation, and this goes against the basic principles of our democracy.
Asking individuals to cover the cost of their visa applications is fair. Using these applications to earn profits and not make any concessions in this recession is not. Immigrants are important contributors to the success of the American economy. They should be treated with respect, and not taken advantage of. We are all in this boat together.
My 2 cents.
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2009/05/the_government_should_reduce_v.html)
stucklabor
03-22 04:01 PM
All, our last interpretation has been confirmed by one immigration lawyer, but we are trying to get more opinions. It looks like all EB visas will now have a hard 10% country cap.
Here is the latest interpretation of the country quotas. The loss of 202(a)(5) will definitely be a problem. I can't write any plainer than this, so if someone else wants to take a shot at explaining, please do.
Sec 202(a)(3):
(3) Exception if additional visas available. - If because of the application of paragraph (2) with respect to one or more foreign states or dependent areas, the total number of visas available under both subsections (a) and (b) of section 203 for a calendar quarter exceeds the number of qualified immigrants who otherwise may be issued such a visa, paragraph (2) shall not apply to visas made available to such states or areas during the remainder of such calendar quarter.
Our analysis:
This paragraph clubs together EB (subsection b of Sec 203) and Family-based (subsection a of Sec 203) immigrant visas. So if there are excess visas under both in a calendar quarter, then country quotas (paragraph 2 above) do not apply. So this leaves a lot of room for creative interpretation. Under a strict reading, the country quotas would not apply only when BOTH EB and FB categories have excess visas. FB has been oversubscribed for 10+ years.
Sec 202(a)(5):
(5) 2/ RULES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS-
(A) EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS NOT SUBJECT TO PER COUNTRY LIMITATION IF ADDITIONAL VISAS AVAILABLE- If the total number of visas available under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 203(b) for a calendar quarter exceeds the number of qualified immigrants who may otherwise be issued such visas, the visas made available under that paragraph shall be issued without regard to the numerical limitation under paragraph (2) of this subsection during the remainder of the calendar quarter.
Our analysis:
Excess visas in each EB category will first be given to oversubscribed countries in that same category. E.g., EB2 excess visas will be given to EB2 applicants from EB2 oversubscribed countries. If there are visas even after that, then they will spill over to the next lower EB category. This is the provision that is proposed to be stricken out.
Here is the latest interpretation of the country quotas. The loss of 202(a)(5) will definitely be a problem. I can't write any plainer than this, so if someone else wants to take a shot at explaining, please do.
Sec 202(a)(3):
(3) Exception if additional visas available. - If because of the application of paragraph (2) with respect to one or more foreign states or dependent areas, the total number of visas available under both subsections (a) and (b) of section 203 for a calendar quarter exceeds the number of qualified immigrants who otherwise may be issued such a visa, paragraph (2) shall not apply to visas made available to such states or areas during the remainder of such calendar quarter.
Our analysis:
This paragraph clubs together EB (subsection b of Sec 203) and Family-based (subsection a of Sec 203) immigrant visas. So if there are excess visas under both in a calendar quarter, then country quotas (paragraph 2 above) do not apply. So this leaves a lot of room for creative interpretation. Under a strict reading, the country quotas would not apply only when BOTH EB and FB categories have excess visas. FB has been oversubscribed for 10+ years.
Sec 202(a)(5):
(5) 2/ RULES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS-
(A) EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS NOT SUBJECT TO PER COUNTRY LIMITATION IF ADDITIONAL VISAS AVAILABLE- If the total number of visas available under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 203(b) for a calendar quarter exceeds the number of qualified immigrants who may otherwise be issued such visas, the visas made available under that paragraph shall be issued without regard to the numerical limitation under paragraph (2) of this subsection during the remainder of the calendar quarter.
Our analysis:
Excess visas in each EB category will first be given to oversubscribed countries in that same category. E.g., EB2 excess visas will be given to EB2 applicants from EB2 oversubscribed countries. If there are visas even after that, then they will spill over to the next lower EB category. This is the provision that is proposed to be stricken out.
dreamworld
11-07 12:44 PM
Thank you everyone for the responses.
Dreamworld, Could you let me know what kind of supporting documents are needed. Thanks in advance.
masti_Gai is right...
Your parents should provide your address as the USA residence address while filling the form at port of entry. Sometimes the immigration officer at port of entry may call you to verify.
Dreamworld, Could you let me know what kind of supporting documents are needed. Thanks in advance.
masti_Gai is right...
Your parents should provide your address as the USA residence address while filling the form at port of entry. Sometimes the immigration officer at port of entry may call you to verify.
ronhira
10-05 03:08 PM
not bad..... not bad at all....
when u want to make any change anywhere...... the most difficult bunch of people will be u r own.... they will be the most difficult to convince..... and no matter what you do.... u r own kind will be the first to fault u...... if you can deal with it...... if you can see beyond that..... u'll find u r work is much easier that u imagined......
when u want to make any change anywhere...... the most difficult bunch of people will be u r own.... they will be the most difficult to convince..... and no matter what you do.... u r own kind will be the first to fault u...... if you can deal with it...... if you can see beyond that..... u'll find u r work is much easier that u imagined......
more...
Berkeleybee
03-27 07:34 PM
Prolegalimmi,
Our team is in contact with NPR. Are you working with sunil on this?
Thanks,
Berkeleybee
Our team is in contact with NPR. Are you working with sunil on this?
Thanks,
Berkeleybee
abc
06-03 12:48 PM
What happens if the current company withdraws the labour after you have moved to the new company.
Is your h1b 8th year extn invalid..
Is your h1b 8th year extn invalid..
more...
CRAZYMONK
09-25 11:29 AM
Hi,
I just got approved for H-1B this year and I have some questions. I'm from a small country where they do not easily let their citizens to become citizens of other counties. So unless it's for educational purpose (undergraduate/graduate), they will not renew my passport for me.
My passport expires at the end of this year, and I was wondering if it's possible to obtain the following with an expired passport:
a) H-1B extension
b) PERM
c) green card
If it's not possible to obtain any of them with an expired passport, I must enroll in a graduate school to renew my passport. (Before my passport expires) I really prefer not to do this.
I would really appreciate if you could reply with cases you've seen or experienced in the past.
Thanks in advance.
I don't think you would be able to get through any of the list with the expired passport. If you are applying for it before your passport expires, I think you should be good.
By the way which country you are from?
I just got approved for H-1B this year and I have some questions. I'm from a small country where they do not easily let their citizens to become citizens of other counties. So unless it's for educational purpose (undergraduate/graduate), they will not renew my passport for me.
My passport expires at the end of this year, and I was wondering if it's possible to obtain the following with an expired passport:
a) H-1B extension
b) PERM
c) green card
If it's not possible to obtain any of them with an expired passport, I must enroll in a graduate school to renew my passport. (Before my passport expires) I really prefer not to do this.
I would really appreciate if you could reply with cases you've seen or experienced in the past.
Thanks in advance.
I don't think you would be able to get through any of the list with the expired passport. If you are applying for it before your passport expires, I think you should be good.
By the way which country you are from?
meda
05-13 08:40 AM
Just got response for my SR saying there is a RFE on my case and the letter is sent to my attorney. No update or no SLUD, LUD online. No RFE on spouse case but still waiting.
more...
pappu
09-23 01:32 AM
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1999333595666035699&hl=en
Voice of America coverage. (in Hindi)
Voice of America coverage. (in Hindi)
pnjbindia
04-11 06:26 PM
Lasanthe,
Thanks.
When I applied for my wife's AOS 3 weeks ago as a derivative, my lawyer also wrote in the cover letter to consider my case in cross chargeability.
But I have not seen any LUDs on my case yet. One point is that , may be I have to wait till my wife has got her FP cleared? Or can I get my case approved before hers? My FP is cleared....
Do you think they can give me the GC before my wife? Or they both have to come at the sametime... she is my AOS dependent, but i am using her country for cross chargeability.... any thoughts....
Thanks.
When I applied for my wife's AOS 3 weeks ago as a derivative, my lawyer also wrote in the cover letter to consider my case in cross chargeability.
But I have not seen any LUDs on my case yet. One point is that , may be I have to wait till my wife has got her FP cleared? Or can I get my case approved before hers? My FP is cleared....
Do you think they can give me the GC before my wife? Or they both have to come at the sametime... she is my AOS dependent, but i am using her country for cross chargeability.... any thoughts....
more...
bsbawa10
02-12 05:22 PM
I would love to, as it will help IV community also, but unfortunately it is not very easy in a company to request change of lawyer when the lawyer is good one. I see from many comments here that the Chugh Firm is a good one. And the employer also feels the same. So what grounds can I request them change their processes which they are following for nearly 200 employees. It will be hard. Cant even ask..
You are right. For a good lawyer, you should not ask to change, but for bad one for sure you should. I never questioned my company's lawyer who is from Chicago. The worst lawyer ever possible: never replied to email, never responded to phone and never communicated: what she was doing. She filed my case in EB3 without consulting me or my knowledge even (I had two Masters and international research) and I came to know about it many years later when I thought I could be getting green card any day and guess what i came to know that not from the lawyer but from USCIS.
You are right. For a good lawyer, you should not ask to change, but for bad one for sure you should. I never questioned my company's lawyer who is from Chicago. The worst lawyer ever possible: never replied to email, never responded to phone and never communicated: what she was doing. She filed my case in EB3 without consulting me or my knowledge even (I had two Masters and international research) and I came to know about it many years later when I thought I could be getting green card any day and guess what i came to know that not from the lawyer but from USCIS.
Hewa
09-21 10:26 PM
Did everyone get receipt and transfer notice? I ask because I only got Transfer notice, and lawyer is not responding about whether he received a receipt notice(with July 2nd date ) also.
TIA
I485, EAD applications delivered on 7/23/2007 to NSC.
Transfer Notice says I485 transfered to TSC from CSC
Transfer Notice has receipt date Sept. 14
Transfer Notice has notice date Sept. 17
Transfer Notice receipt starts with WAC
No other receipt for I485 or EAD.
I140 Approved Nov. 14 2006 NSC
EB3 ROW
TIA
I485, EAD applications delivered on 7/23/2007 to NSC.
Transfer Notice says I485 transfered to TSC from CSC
Transfer Notice has receipt date Sept. 14
Transfer Notice has notice date Sept. 17
Transfer Notice receipt starts with WAC
No other receipt for I485 or EAD.
I140 Approved Nov. 14 2006 NSC
EB3 ROW
more...
cherupally
09-10 10:36 PM
I got an RFE on I-485 for the incomplete medicals. The RFE says that a 'specific' test results are missing and they need that test results to complete my application. I went to the same doctor and the lady there said, I did take that 'specific' test last year when I had medicals, but doctor forgot to mention that results in I-693. She said she is going to fill out a new I-693 form with all the results including the missing one (from old results) and will give me that sealed cover. Will this be enough? or do I need to take that 'specific' tests now and send the results?
I am planning to send the results tomorrow overnite.
Also, my Immigration Office number is 009 with TSC. Anybody got any approvals from this IO?
I am planning to send the results tomorrow overnite.
Also, my Immigration Office number is 009 with TSC. Anybody got any approvals from this IO?
xtronics
11-02 10:26 AM
Thanks Prashanti
What is the approximate time for the perm labor to get approved in current situation? I know we can apply for premium processing for I-140. Premium processing is 3 months?
Please let us know when you get a chance.
What is the approximate time for the perm labor to get approved in current situation? I know we can apply for premium processing for I-140. Premium processing is 3 months?
Please let us know when you get a chance.
more...
vverma17
08-19 06:44 PM
Jingi I might not be able to help you, but I am also expecting RFE for my wife. Just anxious to know what was you RD and at which Service center.
mzdial
March 22nd, 2004, 10:41 PM
I am trying to score the publisher's courtside tickets for the Heat game. I'll bring a 300 to the game and see if someone says something from the sidelines there.. :-)
more...
morchu
06-01 04:54 PM
1. Indian passport holders are exempt from the 6-month rule. Link.... I will search when I get time and post.
2. Regarding intention of permanent residence, see "greg siskind" s explanation on a similar topic (after GC) here: http://www.visalaw.com/06feb1/2feb106.html
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?p=344473#post344473
Greg mentioned that....
"There are no black and white tests for what will be deemed to be an abandonmnet of permanent residency. Rather, USCIS will look at a variety of factors to determine a person's intent. Financial ties to the US, maintain a US employer, maintaining a residence in the US, keeping a car registered in the US, family remaining behind, etc. can all be evidence."
Hi Morchu,
I searched travel.state.gov with 'six-month rule', but couldn't come up with anything specific to this. Can you please post me the link? And I have an Indian Passport.
Ok, so how can one prove his intention at the POE for GC?
....would appreciate your reply.
2. Regarding intention of permanent residence, see "greg siskind" s explanation on a similar topic (after GC) here: http://www.visalaw.com/06feb1/2feb106.html
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?p=344473#post344473
Greg mentioned that....
"There are no black and white tests for what will be deemed to be an abandonmnet of permanent residency. Rather, USCIS will look at a variety of factors to determine a person's intent. Financial ties to the US, maintain a US employer, maintaining a residence in the US, keeping a car registered in the US, family remaining behind, etc. can all be evidence."
Hi Morchu,
I searched travel.state.gov with 'six-month rule', but couldn't come up with anything specific to this. Can you please post me the link? And I have an Indian Passport.
Ok, so how can one prove his intention at the POE for GC?
....would appreciate your reply.
anilsal
12-18 09:03 PM
We were so close to getting the SKIL bill cleared..........
pnjbindia
04-11 02:11 PM
LASANTHE,
I know you are a very active member of this community and I have been following your posts for a while. Congrats on the GC!! Did you call them -TSC to remind them to process your application as your dates recently became current?
I got married this year to a person from ROW category. As such, my dates are current and I applied 485 for my wife and also asked my application to be considered in ROW. No LUDs on my case so far :(.. I have gotten receipts for my spouse. I am not sure how to shout out to TSC to process my application in ROW. .... any ideas...
I know you are a very active member of this community and I have been following your posts for a while. Congrats on the GC!! Did you call them -TSC to remind them to process your application as your dates recently became current?
I got married this year to a person from ROW category. As such, my dates are current and I applied 485 for my wife and also asked my application to be considered in ROW. No LUDs on my case so far :(.. I have gotten receipts for my spouse. I am not sure how to shout out to TSC to process my application in ROW. .... any ideas...
bestia
10-31 03:03 AM
... but in order to raise the money for EB5, we would have to sell our business and that would put us in breach of our visa conditions.
stylepoet, I don't see where is a problem for E2/EB5 situation for countries with treaties. The problem is for countries who don't have treaties with the US, and their people don't have a chance for E2. But on this I understand the position of US government. Look. You are allowed to do you business here, on E2. If you do a serious business then your business should worth at least $1m. If it is, then you will qualify for EB5. Also, you don't need to sell your business nowhere. $1m can be a loan (even from a friend or relative), anything. As long as it's a real investment, and as long as it's a legitimate business. I think it's fair.
Also, I've read that CIS scrutinizes EB5 in great detail, since it's an easy path for all kinda bad people with money. But they approve if they are convinced that everything is legitimate.
stylepoet, I don't see where is a problem for E2/EB5 situation for countries with treaties. The problem is for countries who don't have treaties with the US, and their people don't have a chance for E2. But on this I understand the position of US government. Look. You are allowed to do you business here, on E2. If you do a serious business then your business should worth at least $1m. If it is, then you will qualify for EB5. Also, you don't need to sell your business nowhere. $1m can be a loan (even from a friend or relative), anything. As long as it's a real investment, and as long as it's a legitimate business. I think it's fair.
Also, I've read that CIS scrutinizes EB5 in great detail, since it's an easy path for all kinda bad people with money. But they approve if they are convinced that everything is legitimate.
shantanup
04-08 12:17 PM
This question put me to shame. We are trying to become US citizens and we do not even know Havaii is a US state.
Before posting this did you even think that the ship may be crossing international waters and US immigration laws may not hold good in that region? Were you not too quick to judge one's competency?
Before posting this did you even think that the ship may be crossing international waters and US immigration laws may not hold good in that region? Were you not too quick to judge one's competency?
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