meridiani.planum
06-20 12:18 PM
I would like to appeal to all the people who want to travel outside the country and would need a new visa stamp to come back to US....please...please...please do not take this risk unless it is a family emergency (a life and death situation rather than a brother,sister getting married).
Cant attend own brothers wedding because we are scared of the possibility of MAYBE getting a delayed visa stamping?? what kind of life is that? ....
Cant attend own brothers wedding because we are scared of the possibility of MAYBE getting a delayed visa stamping?? what kind of life is that? ....
samcam
05-19 11:15 AM
Simple reason, you get access to the members only forums.. Very informative.. Also, only way to help yourself is by helping a bigger cause.. come join us and contribute!!
I have attached a screenshot of the members only forums... Take a look!
I have attached a screenshot of the members only forums... Take a look!
Ann Ruben
07-23 11:37 PM
The AC21 determination of whether a new job is in "the same or similar occupation" is made based on a comparison of the new job duties and those set forth on the original labor certification application. Job titles are not controlling. So, you need to have a copy of your original LC application and then compare the job description it contains to the duties of the new position.
USCIS has not provide much guidance on what will or will not qualify as the "same or similar" occupational classification. What little guidance exists comes from a 2005 memo to Service Centers from Michael Aytes:
"Question 3. What is “same or similar” occupational classification for purposes of I-140 portability?
Answer: When making a determination if the new employment is the “same or similar” occupational classification in comparison to the employment in the initial I-140, adjudicators should consider the following factors:
A. Description of the job duties contained in the ETA 750A or the initial I-140 and the job duties of the new employment to determine if they are the “same or similar” occupational classification.
B. The DOT code and/or SOC code assigned to the initial I-140 employment for petitions that have a certified ETA 750A or consider what DOT and/or SOC code is appropriate for the position for an initial I-140 that did not require a certified ETA 750A. Then consider the DOT code and/or SOC code, whichever is appropriate for the new position to make a determination of “same or similar” occupational classification.
C. A substantial discrepancy between the previous and the new wage. (See Question 5 of this section for further clarification).
Question 5. Should service centers or district officers use a difference in the wage offered on the approved labor certification and initial I-140, and the new employment as basis for denial in adjustment portability cases?
Answer: No. As noted above the relevant inquiry is if the new position is the same or similar occupational classification to the alien’s I-140 employment. A difference in the wage offered on the approved labor certification, initial I-140 and the new employment cannot be used as a basis of a denial. However, a substantial discrepancy between the previous and the new wage may be taken into consideration as a factor in determining if the new employment is 'same or similar.'"
The bottom line is that in order to establish that your new position is in the same or similar occupational classification, you must first compare the specific job duties described in the original application for labor certification to the specific job duties of the new position. Nothing from USCIS specifically addresses what percentage of identical job duties would be required, but the closer to 100% the better. Job titles do not matter, job duties do. Next, you need to find the DOT USDOL/Office of Administrative Law Judges Home Page and/or SOC Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System codes written on your original LC/I-140 and compare the occupational descriptions for those codes to the job duties of your new position. USCIS has never indicated what percentage of identical/similar job duties will suffice in either of the comparisons. Most likely it must be more than 50%, and the closer to 100% the better. Finally, a substantial difference in salary is not determinative, but, in a close case may lead to a denial. To combat this, reference can be made to the DOL's Online Wage Library FLCDataCenter.com current wage survey for the occupation. If the new salary is within the range indicated for the original SOC occupation, you can make a strong argument that the increase is due to the passage of time and not to a change in occupational classification.
USCIS has not provide much guidance on what will or will not qualify as the "same or similar" occupational classification. What little guidance exists comes from a 2005 memo to Service Centers from Michael Aytes:
"Question 3. What is “same or similar” occupational classification for purposes of I-140 portability?
Answer: When making a determination if the new employment is the “same or similar” occupational classification in comparison to the employment in the initial I-140, adjudicators should consider the following factors:
A. Description of the job duties contained in the ETA 750A or the initial I-140 and the job duties of the new employment to determine if they are the “same or similar” occupational classification.
B. The DOT code and/or SOC code assigned to the initial I-140 employment for petitions that have a certified ETA 750A or consider what DOT and/or SOC code is appropriate for the position for an initial I-140 that did not require a certified ETA 750A. Then consider the DOT code and/or SOC code, whichever is appropriate for the new position to make a determination of “same or similar” occupational classification.
C. A substantial discrepancy between the previous and the new wage. (See Question 5 of this section for further clarification).
Question 5. Should service centers or district officers use a difference in the wage offered on the approved labor certification and initial I-140, and the new employment as basis for denial in adjustment portability cases?
Answer: No. As noted above the relevant inquiry is if the new position is the same or similar occupational classification to the alien’s I-140 employment. A difference in the wage offered on the approved labor certification, initial I-140 and the new employment cannot be used as a basis of a denial. However, a substantial discrepancy between the previous and the new wage may be taken into consideration as a factor in determining if the new employment is 'same or similar.'"
The bottom line is that in order to establish that your new position is in the same or similar occupational classification, you must first compare the specific job duties described in the original application for labor certification to the specific job duties of the new position. Nothing from USCIS specifically addresses what percentage of identical job duties would be required, but the closer to 100% the better. Job titles do not matter, job duties do. Next, you need to find the DOT USDOL/Office of Administrative Law Judges Home Page and/or SOC Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System codes written on your original LC/I-140 and compare the occupational descriptions for those codes to the job duties of your new position. USCIS has never indicated what percentage of identical/similar job duties will suffice in either of the comparisons. Most likely it must be more than 50%, and the closer to 100% the better. Finally, a substantial difference in salary is not determinative, but, in a close case may lead to a denial. To combat this, reference can be made to the DOL's Online Wage Library FLCDataCenter.com current wage survey for the occupation. If the new salary is within the range indicated for the original SOC occupation, you can make a strong argument that the increase is due to the passage of time and not to a change in occupational classification.
rockstart
04-29 08:46 AM
I have a straight case working on H1 for same employer since 5 years. My 2nd H1 was approved on Oct 1 2007 valid till 2010. I saw a soft LUD on my H1 for 4/26/2009. I am not too worried I think it is just system update thing.
My previous attorney also mentioned the same thing. Looking at this thread it seems all soft/hard lud's were generated on Sunday, April 26th. Maybe a computer program flagged these cases.
My previous attorney also mentioned the same thing. Looking at this thread it seems all soft/hard lud's were generated on Sunday, April 26th. Maybe a computer program flagged these cases.
more...
cygent
01-06 01:25 PM
Thank you for your kind words Everybody!!
gc28262: I don't think $485 on AOS is out of the question! It feels like I have been infused with energy and so am able to better focus on career/future.
seahawks: True
pappu: You are welcome
gc28262: I don't think $485 on AOS is out of the question! It feels like I have been infused with energy and so am able to better focus on career/future.
seahawks: True
pappu: You are welcome
monkeyman
10-24 09:43 AM
Unless your parents have SSN, you can't really claim exemption. The other way you could claim exemption is, if they visitied for business reasons - such as running your motel, shop or business. For that, you'd need the B1 visa. Medical expenses are not really covered for them as far as I know (I used an insurance company for that).
Do post any further updates if you do get them. I did talk to a CPA since they came here to help me with my house and moving and painting and all that headache that comes once you buy a house. He did not file for exemptions as such. You can however claim exemptions if you had gone to India for visa stamping (flight tickets, charges etc are exempted).
Do post any further updates if you do get them. I did talk to a CPA since they came here to help me with my house and moving and painting and all that headache that comes once you buy a house. He did not file for exemptions as such. You can however claim exemptions if you had gone to India for visa stamping (flight tickets, charges etc are exempted).
more...
immihelp1
09-29 06:36 AM
Singhsa & Smisachu,
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
northstar1
07-15 08:54 PM
Guy's,
Pls take a moment to digg the washington post coverage of the SJ rally. It's made it to the first page of digg. Lets get it to the top by Monday morning.
http://digg.com/politics/The_Gandhi_Protest
Pls take a moment to digg the washington post coverage of the SJ rally. It's made it to the first page of digg. Lets get it to the top by Monday morning.
http://digg.com/politics/The_Gandhi_Protest
more...
reddymjm
05-05 04:41 PM
:)
Wow that would be nice.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18905
Wow that would be nice.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18905
mallu
04-15 10:53 AM
I got my approval y'day from TSC. This marks the end of GC journey. Been with same employer since Aug 1999 ( 9 Long years...........).
TSC waking up ?
TSC waking up ?
more...
rick_rajvanshi
12-07 12:06 PM
I won't worry about this at all as they have addressed this situation few weeks back here :
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5e0bc5afdc095110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCR D&vgnextchannel=54519c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1 RCRD
Moreover , I have found it easier to get hold of IO ( call center guy quickly handovers calls to IO ) when I call them to check for status on a my AP which is not appearing on the CaseStatus web site.
Q : I have received my receipt notice, but when I check my case online it does not appear. How do I get my case added to the system, so I can check on the progress of my case? NEW
We have had an unprecedented number of applications filed in the last few months. Our efforts to enter these applications into our systems have caused a delay in the transfer of information from our case control system to the Case Status Online system. We are seeing delays of up to three to four weeks between receipting of your application and its status being available online. We are reviewing solutions to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5e0bc5afdc095110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCR D&vgnextchannel=54519c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1 RCRD
Moreover , I have found it easier to get hold of IO ( call center guy quickly handovers calls to IO ) when I call them to check for status on a my AP which is not appearing on the CaseStatus web site.
Q : I have received my receipt notice, but when I check my case online it does not appear. How do I get my case added to the system, so I can check on the progress of my case? NEW
We have had an unprecedented number of applications filed in the last few months. Our efforts to enter these applications into our systems have caused a delay in the transfer of information from our case control system to the Case Status Online system. We are seeing delays of up to three to four weeks between receipting of your application and its status being available online. We are reviewing solutions to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
TO BE OR NO TO BE
05-17 07:37 PM
Hi Everyone,
My 7th year H1 is schedule to expire on 12/02/06. As my current employer has filed for labor cert. (PEBC) for more than 365 days, I will be eligible to file for extension after 06/02/06 (6 months before current H1 extension expires).
Now my question is:
If I want to change the Job and new employer is willing to transfer the H1, would I be able to file for H1 transfer and 8th year extension with the new employer after 06/02/06. In another word extension upto 12/02/07.
I did a paid consultation with Murthy Law firm and the Attorney told me I will be eligible for 1 year extension, he did not explained that clearly.
Has anybody in this forum experienced the same situation?
Please let me know.
Thanks!
My 7th year H1 is schedule to expire on 12/02/06. As my current employer has filed for labor cert. (PEBC) for more than 365 days, I will be eligible to file for extension after 06/02/06 (6 months before current H1 extension expires).
Now my question is:
If I want to change the Job and new employer is willing to transfer the H1, would I be able to file for H1 transfer and 8th year extension with the new employer after 06/02/06. In another word extension upto 12/02/07.
I did a paid consultation with Murthy Law firm and the Attorney told me I will be eligible for 1 year extension, he did not explained that clearly.
Has anybody in this forum experienced the same situation?
Please let me know.
Thanks!
more...
amohale
11-18 10:11 PM
Hello,
I had to go to India due to a family emergency (death in family) in middle of my project. I have a new H1B and went for Stamping at Delhi Consulate on Nov 2nd. I got issued a 221G green form, to which I submitted the document requested on same day. 3 business days later I received a email from Consulate with another 221 G green form asking for all the documents. I sent all the documents via VFS on Nov 10th.
I haven't heard back from the consulate yet. In the mean time, my husband used his contacts to approach a congresswoman who has been involved in immigration cases. She has agreed to take my case with the Consulate. But what I am seeing on the forums is that if Congresswoman write letter to the consulate can jeopardize the case by unnecessarily pressuring the Consular.
It has been little over a week I submitted documents and I see that consulate is usually taking 2-3 weeks to respond. Please suggest if I should have the congresswoman write to the consulate or wait for the it to take the natural process and pray for the best?
Any help/suggestion is appreciated.
-Ritu
I had to go to India due to a family emergency (death in family) in middle of my project. I have a new H1B and went for Stamping at Delhi Consulate on Nov 2nd. I got issued a 221G green form, to which I submitted the document requested on same day. 3 business days later I received a email from Consulate with another 221 G green form asking for all the documents. I sent all the documents via VFS on Nov 10th.
I haven't heard back from the consulate yet. In the mean time, my husband used his contacts to approach a congresswoman who has been involved in immigration cases. She has agreed to take my case with the Consulate. But what I am seeing on the forums is that if Congresswoman write letter to the consulate can jeopardize the case by unnecessarily pressuring the Consular.
It has been little over a week I submitted documents and I see that consulate is usually taking 2-3 weeks to respond. Please suggest if I should have the congresswoman write to the consulate or wait for the it to take the natural process and pray for the best?
Any help/suggestion is appreciated.
-Ritu
itstimenow
08-08 11:17 PM
I spoke with the lawyer. She asked me to get an affidavit stating the arrest reason and also what happened. She will send this as soon she gets my receipt number.
I am not having any case/docket number since this happened 4 years back.
Lawyer is saying this should be ok and this falls under misdemeanor.
Any suggestion?
If it's a misdemeanor, you should find the case/docket number from the court and get the expungement record.. also give INS all the evidences.. if all is present, you won't have any problem. and send it to INS sooner so you save time on RFE too.
I am not having any case/docket number since this happened 4 years back.
Lawyer is saying this should be ok and this falls under misdemeanor.
Any suggestion?
If it's a misdemeanor, you should find the case/docket number from the court and get the expungement record.. also give INS all the evidences.. if all is present, you won't have any problem. and send it to INS sooner so you save time on RFE too.
more...
gc_relief
04-27 03:24 PM
I have updated my profile..
gc_check
07-07 11:30 AM
Recent VB fiasco has put many of us in confusion and disappointment, but will not hold us back… Most of us must be now be moving on with what we have to do and try to get the best, we can with what we have and can and try to make things better for us.
We all have different advice from our attorneys; my attorney did not recommend sending the I-485 papers to USCIS now or did not provide any advice regarding to joining the lawsuit being discussed by AILA. Also my paper work is handled by the Immigration Attorney in my company legal department and not any external law firm.
Talked to couple of friends and some told, they still sent the AOS papers knowing it will be send back and some are in same situation like mine. . Created this poll just to get some sample data how many had files I-485
We all have different advice from our attorneys; my attorney did not recommend sending the I-485 papers to USCIS now or did not provide any advice regarding to joining the lawsuit being discussed by AILA. Also my paper work is handled by the Immigration Attorney in my company legal department and not any external law firm.
Talked to couple of friends and some told, they still sent the AOS papers knowing it will be send back and some are in same situation like mine. . Created this poll just to get some sample data how many had files I-485
more...
indianabacklog
07-27 09:40 AM
Not true. It is 30 days for the asylum based apps and 90 days for the rest.
I do not have a memo or web link, however, when I went for my fingerprinting appointment I asked about the interim EAD of the processing time dragged for my husband.
I was told that there are no facilities at any local USCIS offices for the production of interim EAD's. If your application goes beyond the 90 day time limit, you have two choices. Go to the local office and ask them to send an email to the service center to ask for them to process quickly or issue interim EAD, or call the 1 800 number directly of the service center and cut out the middle man.
I do not have a memo or web link, however, when I went for my fingerprinting appointment I asked about the interim EAD of the processing time dragged for my husband.
I was told that there are no facilities at any local USCIS offices for the production of interim EAD's. If your application goes beyond the 90 day time limit, you have two choices. Go to the local office and ask them to send an email to the service center to ask for them to process quickly or issue interim EAD, or call the 1 800 number directly of the service center and cut out the middle man.
NELLAIKUMAR
02-16 03:20 PM
Hi Nayekal,
I am in the same situation as you. My wife's employment is expected to end in the Middle of March.
1. Is it necessary to have receipt number from I-539 in hand by the time the employment is ending or is it ok to mail the I-539 after the employment end date. I am asking this since my H1 is up for extension after April 1st. I am trying to understand whether there is any risk in applying for my wife's COS H1-H4 along with my H1 extension. In this case, there would be gap of 15 days between my wife's last working day and when I plan to send documents for my H1 extension and my wife's H1-H4 COS.
2. Also, if we change it to H4, is it the end of H1. Do we have the option of switching back to H1 at later date without having to go for a fresh H1.
Can you please share your experience.
Thanks....
I am in the same situation as you. My wife's employment is expected to end in the Middle of March.
1. Is it necessary to have receipt number from I-539 in hand by the time the employment is ending or is it ok to mail the I-539 after the employment end date. I am asking this since my H1 is up for extension after April 1st. I am trying to understand whether there is any risk in applying for my wife's COS H1-H4 along with my H1 extension. In this case, there would be gap of 15 days between my wife's last working day and when I plan to send documents for my H1 extension and my wife's H1-H4 COS.
2. Also, if we change it to H4, is it the end of H1. Do we have the option of switching back to H1 at later date without having to go for a fresh H1.
Can you please share your experience.
Thanks....
delhirocks
06-25 12:51 PM
Regarding your 1st issue...My lawyer advised me to attach the scan copy with 485, but definately have the originals in hand in case there is a RFE.
I don't want to take a chance, so Iam asking my parents to send it through 2nd day fedex as well. It will cost me maybe another Rs 2-3000, but what the hell..
Hello All,
I am from India and I am getting ready to file my 485 in 1st week of July. I have an approved 140.
I have two issues I am not sure about how to procced --
1. My wife's name is wrong in her birth certificate. also, my mother's name is not present in my birth certificate. I am getting both of our parents to execute affidavits. Do these affidavits need to be originals when I submit them with my 485 appln? Or my folks in India can scan them and email me and I can submit copies with my 485 appln?
2. My passport is expiring in Oct 2007. Some people have mentioned that your passport needs to be valid for six months at the time you file for your 485 appln. Is this true? I have not found a definitive answer anywhere.
Please let me know if you know anything about these questions. Appreciate all your responses.
Thanks.
I don't want to take a chance, so Iam asking my parents to send it through 2nd day fedex as well. It will cost me maybe another Rs 2-3000, but what the hell..
Hello All,
I am from India and I am getting ready to file my 485 in 1st week of July. I have an approved 140.
I have two issues I am not sure about how to procced --
1. My wife's name is wrong in her birth certificate. also, my mother's name is not present in my birth certificate. I am getting both of our parents to execute affidavits. Do these affidavits need to be originals when I submit them with my 485 appln? Or my folks in India can scan them and email me and I can submit copies with my 485 appln?
2. My passport is expiring in Oct 2007. Some people have mentioned that your passport needs to be valid for six months at the time you file for your 485 appln. Is this true? I have not found a definitive answer anywhere.
Please let me know if you know anything about these questions. Appreciate all your responses.
Thanks.
rkp27
07-11 03:10 PM
Not every member here is a MAN (to be a Gentalman), some are women, do they not count? :)
Pople like you does not count :( ... only man and woman counts.. hope this helps you.
Pople like you does not count :( ... only man and woman counts.. hope this helps you.
meridiani.planum
07-28 02:48 AM
My friend who is a contractor in the company where I am working, is right now on H1B. He is a very hard worker and cheerful fellow. My employer (among big5 tech companies in US) offered him fulltime position.
His EAD is going to be expired soon, as he is a july 07 filer. He is worried that if he joins my employer at this point, and if he doesn't get his EAD renewed in time, he would be in trouble.
He already sent papers for renew but haven't heard back. After six weeks, his current EAD will expire.
can anyone guide, what are his options? my employer will not file H1B. is there anything like interim EAD?
if his EAD has been pending for 90 days, USCIS says you can enquire about getting an interim EAD. I dont know of anyone recently who has got an interim EAD though...
Having said that, how long back did he apply for the renewal and at what center? Based on some stats NSC is taking anywhere from 60 to 90 days for EAD approval (even mine has now been pending for over 4 weeks). TSC has been faster. So if its NSC, and its <90 days, hang on a bit, you might just get the approval soon.
His EAD is going to be expired soon, as he is a july 07 filer. He is worried that if he joins my employer at this point, and if he doesn't get his EAD renewed in time, he would be in trouble.
He already sent papers for renew but haven't heard back. After six weeks, his current EAD will expire.
can anyone guide, what are his options? my employer will not file H1B. is there anything like interim EAD?
if his EAD has been pending for 90 days, USCIS says you can enquire about getting an interim EAD. I dont know of anyone recently who has got an interim EAD though...
Having said that, how long back did he apply for the renewal and at what center? Based on some stats NSC is taking anywhere from 60 to 90 days for EAD approval (even mine has now been pending for over 4 weeks). TSC has been faster. So if its NSC, and its <90 days, hang on a bit, you might just get the approval soon.
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