chanduv23
06-19 12:23 PM
Wow! Thank you everyone for your input!
So how does one surrender a Green Card abroad - do they have to go to a US Consular Office/Embassy?
Yes, my dad took his expired GC to the Chennai Consulate when he went for his visitor's visa stamping and let the first level screening officer know that he has this document - she then made a note of it (I think) and asked my dad to hand it over the VO during the interview. When my dad handed it to the VO - he was looking and gazing at it for a while and then took it inside and had a small discussion with a couple of people and then filled out a form and had a notary notorize it and asked my dad to fill out the form and gave my dad a copy and then put it in an envelope and attached this to my dad's visitor's visa file.
So how does one surrender a Green Card abroad - do they have to go to a US Consular Office/Embassy?
Yes, my dad took his expired GC to the Chennai Consulate when he went for his visitor's visa stamping and let the first level screening officer know that he has this document - she then made a note of it (I think) and asked my dad to hand it over the VO during the interview. When my dad handed it to the VO - he was looking and gazing at it for a while and then took it inside and had a small discussion with a couple of people and then filled out a form and had a notary notorize it and asked my dad to fill out the form and gave my dad a copy and then put it in an envelope and attached this to my dad's visitor's visa file.
Shams
10-24 03:06 PM
BTW my case was received by NSC on 8/15, and so was my wife's. Her EAD card status still says "Case received and Pending".
GMKrishna
05-04 09:12 PM
I wanted to share my success story of getting I-485s re-opened with the help of IV last week. Let me start with the end result first and those interested in details could read further!
Synopsis
After 4 months wait since the wrongful denial of our 485s, I contacted Immigration Voice (IV) core team for help on April 25, 2011 as a last resort. On the next day morning (April 26th), I received a phone call from USCIS Headquarters in D.C. and the officer informed that Service Center approved my MTR and reopened 485s, and I should receive system updates in a day. At the end of the day, I got email updates confirming re-opening of 485s. It was an incredible moment in my life to receive a call from USCIS about my case. I am very grateful to the IV leadership and its deep relationships within USCIS and DHS. Prior to contacting IV, I filed an expedite request with USCIS, contacted Ombudsman, and contacted my Senator as well. I received standard responses but no positive result. Adding fuel to the fire, my EAD was due to expire in July 2011.
At the end, even though I never anticipated issues with my 485, I was very happy to see that my active participation with IV�s advocacy efforts over the last few years opened up several options for me to seek help.
Prologue
During the middle of last year my attorney moved their offices and we filed a new G-28 for address change. After couple of months of this address change, during early Nov�2010 USCIS apparently sent a NOID asking for AC21 employment letter to the old address of the attorney. USCIS did not send text or email even though both me and my attorney subscribed to the notifications. USCIS did not even send a copy of this notice to me. After 30 days of original notice, USCIS updated their system that their mail was returned. This was the first time we came to know about the outstanding notice from USCIS. We immediately contacted USCIS and requested for a copy of NOID. In the meantime, 33 days elapsed, and USCIS promptly denied I-485s of me and my family. I have been working on EAD and it was due to expire in July 2011.
Life after denials
I requested my company for AC21 letter and after receiving the employment letter, my attorney filed I-290B MTR around the end of Dec�2011. I continued to work as usual using my EAD. After couple of months of waiting, I requested USCIS to expedite. Their response was to wait 30 days. Nothing happened. Then, I simultaneously contacted my Senator�s office and Ombudsman. I promptly received responses that they would look into this and I should expect a response from USCIS within 15 days. Based on these responses, I should have received approval by the first week of April. Again, nothing happened until the 3rd week of April. I was becoming wary of my EAD expiry and applying for renewal within 90 days of expiry.
IV�s Advocacy Days in D.C.
I have been a donor for the last few years and actively participated in advocacy days of 2010 and 2011. During this year�s advocacy event, I met IV core team and explained my case. Based on their advice, I waited to see if USCIS responds by mid of April. After long wait and exhausting all options, I requested help from IV. As I mentioned, within 24 hours, I got the approval of MTR and our status was restored!
Though not everyone gets into this kind of trouble, it is very heartening to note that there is someone (IV) behind us to help when in need.
Final Request to Readers:
As someone who associated with IV for the last few years and after going through this ordeal with USCIS, I recommend all those waiting in line or waiting to be in line (for GC) to start associating with IV. No matter how little time or money you could afford to work with IV, every minute and every cent is well worth it! Please Get Involved with IV! Thanks.
Synopsis
After 4 months wait since the wrongful denial of our 485s, I contacted Immigration Voice (IV) core team for help on April 25, 2011 as a last resort. On the next day morning (April 26th), I received a phone call from USCIS Headquarters in D.C. and the officer informed that Service Center approved my MTR and reopened 485s, and I should receive system updates in a day. At the end of the day, I got email updates confirming re-opening of 485s. It was an incredible moment in my life to receive a call from USCIS about my case. I am very grateful to the IV leadership and its deep relationships within USCIS and DHS. Prior to contacting IV, I filed an expedite request with USCIS, contacted Ombudsman, and contacted my Senator as well. I received standard responses but no positive result. Adding fuel to the fire, my EAD was due to expire in July 2011.
At the end, even though I never anticipated issues with my 485, I was very happy to see that my active participation with IV�s advocacy efforts over the last few years opened up several options for me to seek help.
Prologue
During the middle of last year my attorney moved their offices and we filed a new G-28 for address change. After couple of months of this address change, during early Nov�2010 USCIS apparently sent a NOID asking for AC21 employment letter to the old address of the attorney. USCIS did not send text or email even though both me and my attorney subscribed to the notifications. USCIS did not even send a copy of this notice to me. After 30 days of original notice, USCIS updated their system that their mail was returned. This was the first time we came to know about the outstanding notice from USCIS. We immediately contacted USCIS and requested for a copy of NOID. In the meantime, 33 days elapsed, and USCIS promptly denied I-485s of me and my family. I have been working on EAD and it was due to expire in July 2011.
Life after denials
I requested my company for AC21 letter and after receiving the employment letter, my attorney filed I-290B MTR around the end of Dec�2011. I continued to work as usual using my EAD. After couple of months of waiting, I requested USCIS to expedite. Their response was to wait 30 days. Nothing happened. Then, I simultaneously contacted my Senator�s office and Ombudsman. I promptly received responses that they would look into this and I should expect a response from USCIS within 15 days. Based on these responses, I should have received approval by the first week of April. Again, nothing happened until the 3rd week of April. I was becoming wary of my EAD expiry and applying for renewal within 90 days of expiry.
IV�s Advocacy Days in D.C.
I have been a donor for the last few years and actively participated in advocacy days of 2010 and 2011. During this year�s advocacy event, I met IV core team and explained my case. Based on their advice, I waited to see if USCIS responds by mid of April. After long wait and exhausting all options, I requested help from IV. As I mentioned, within 24 hours, I got the approval of MTR and our status was restored!
Though not everyone gets into this kind of trouble, it is very heartening to note that there is someone (IV) behind us to help when in need.
Final Request to Readers:
As someone who associated with IV for the last few years and after going through this ordeal with USCIS, I recommend all those waiting in line or waiting to be in line (for GC) to start associating with IV. No matter how little time or money you could afford to work with IV, every minute and every cent is well worth it! Please Get Involved with IV! Thanks.
webm
05-04 08:33 PM
Did anybody had expierence that they missed a appointment for any reason. What to do next? Go to center and request for reschedule or call national service center?
Its a worth to try..give it a shot..take Infopass or call nation server center etc..
Its a worth to try..give it a shot..take Infopass or call nation server center etc..
more...
uma001
06-10 05:19 PM
hdos,
Why are you worrying much, Why dont you go back to India and come back after one year. Then file for green card. When you do not have project for 6 months why are you worrying for green card?
If you are not married, go back to India find a nice girl get married, enjoy for one yr and come back again.By that time economy will improve and you get project easily.
Why are you worrying much, Why dont you go back to India and come back after one year. Then file for green card. When you do not have project for 6 months why are you worrying for green card?
If you are not married, go back to India find a nice girl get married, enjoy for one yr and come back again.By that time economy will improve and you get project easily.
gbof
01-28 03:46 PM
1. Sheela Murthy
2. Indra nooyi
3. Vikram Pandid
4. Google Founder
5. One of the Google Director/scientest from india - who found the Google news
6. One of the Sun micro system's co-founder was indian.
You can find lots people in the internet.
Add famous Dr Hargobind Khurana (Noble Laureate) of India and so many immigrants from other countries including this 2008 winners
2. Indra nooyi
3. Vikram Pandid
4. Google Founder
5. One of the Google Director/scientest from india - who found the Google news
6. One of the Sun micro system's co-founder was indian.
You can find lots people in the internet.
Add famous Dr Hargobind Khurana (Noble Laureate) of India and so many immigrants from other countries including this 2008 winners
more...
desi3933
03-02 10:37 AM
Thanks SL & Lost in GC process,
Sorry for not being clear in C & D. I am in US. The question I meant to ask is about the the time that I am not physically present in US i.e. If I went for vacction in India for a month, can that one month be included in my H1B1 extension since I was not physically present in US. In other words I would file for 1.1 year extension as opposed to 1 year
One the same topic, a friend of mine got a three year extension post 6 years of H1B. When asked, his lawyer informed, if you have an approved I140 then you are elegible for 3 years extension as opposed to 1 year. Is this true. Can some refer to the right CFR's
Thanks
Senthil
If you have approved I-140 and your PD is not current, your employer can seek 3 year extension for H-1B under section 104(c) of AC21. In this case, the H-1B petition must request three years, and also include a LCA covering such period of extension sought.
____________________
Not a legal advice
US citizen of Indian origin
Sorry for not being clear in C & D. I am in US. The question I meant to ask is about the the time that I am not physically present in US i.e. If I went for vacction in India for a month, can that one month be included in my H1B1 extension since I was not physically present in US. In other words I would file for 1.1 year extension as opposed to 1 year
One the same topic, a friend of mine got a three year extension post 6 years of H1B. When asked, his lawyer informed, if you have an approved I140 then you are elegible for 3 years extension as opposed to 1 year. Is this true. Can some refer to the right CFR's
Thanks
Senthil
If you have approved I-140 and your PD is not current, your employer can seek 3 year extension for H-1B under section 104(c) of AC21. In this case, the H-1B petition must request three years, and also include a LCA covering such period of extension sought.
____________________
Not a legal advice
US citizen of Indian origin
vactorboy29
05-14 04:59 PM
Vactor,
Thanks, So what was your job requirement? Was that Bachelors?
Can you tell me that which education evaluator you use for that? I might can refer my lawyer to him.
I had my diploma in Mechanical engineering (3 - Years) and B.E. in mechanical engineering. My job requirements were Bachelor's Degree plus five years experience. I don�t remember evaluations agency name now but I will get that for you tomorrow.
Thanks, So what was your job requirement? Was that Bachelors?
Can you tell me that which education evaluator you use for that? I might can refer my lawyer to him.
I had my diploma in Mechanical engineering (3 - Years) and B.E. in mechanical engineering. My job requirements were Bachelor's Degree plus five years experience. I don�t remember evaluations agency name now but I will get that for you tomorrow.
more...
hiralal
06-18 09:56 PM
if your wife is bugging you to buy a house ...show them this article :D :D ..and it will help
-------------------------------
Female Homeowners Sadder, Fatter Than Renters
John Carney|Jun. 18, 2009, 11:27 AM|comment27
Print
Tags: Economy, Housing, Housing Crisis
Researchers from Wharton have discovered that female homeowners, on average, outweighed renters by 12 pounds.
Female homeowners were also carrying around more aggravation, making less time for leisure, and were less likely to spend time with friends.
"Home ownership can be a much more complex idea than just a straightforward expression of what we call the American dream," says Grace Wong Bucchianeri, an assistant professor of real estate at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. The story was reported on Canada.com
But what about all the good stuff that comes with owning a home? Aren't homeowners benefiting from the security and independence of owning. Not really. The research shows that when you control for things like childbirth and income, the difference in contentment vanishes.
"I don't see any strong evidence that homeowners are any happier than renters," says Bucchianeri, whose 600-woman study is under review for publication in the Journal of Urban Economics. "On the other hand, they consistently report a higher level of pain — or what you might call negative feelings — connected to their home, and that's after controlling for all kinds of demographic characteristics, their financial situation, how many children they have and so on."
-------------------------------
Female Homeowners Sadder, Fatter Than Renters
John Carney|Jun. 18, 2009, 11:27 AM|comment27
Tags: Economy, Housing, Housing Crisis
Researchers from Wharton have discovered that female homeowners, on average, outweighed renters by 12 pounds.
Female homeowners were also carrying around more aggravation, making less time for leisure, and were less likely to spend time with friends.
"Home ownership can be a much more complex idea than just a straightforward expression of what we call the American dream," says Grace Wong Bucchianeri, an assistant professor of real estate at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. The story was reported on Canada.com
But what about all the good stuff that comes with owning a home? Aren't homeowners benefiting from the security and independence of owning. Not really. The research shows that when you control for things like childbirth and income, the difference in contentment vanishes.
"I don't see any strong evidence that homeowners are any happier than renters," says Bucchianeri, whose 600-woman study is under review for publication in the Journal of Urban Economics. "On the other hand, they consistently report a higher level of pain — or what you might call negative feelings — connected to their home, and that's after controlling for all kinds of demographic characteristics, their financial situation, how many children they have and so on."
chanduv23
02-28 08:44 AM
I am in the same boat as well. But you answer your question - am almost sure you don't need FP to renew your EAD. Having said that - why would renew your card in June? (Considering that you might not have received your EAD till Aug-Sep'07 of last year).
the fact that there were so many EAD applicants through June/July - the workload will be very high on USCIS so everyone will file at the earliest ie proposed 120 days prior to expiry.
the fact that there were so many EAD applicants through June/July - the workload will be very high on USCIS so everyone will file at the earliest ie proposed 120 days prior to expiry.
more...
Aah_GC
06-01 01:37 AM
As suggested by vxb.. make sure you have your I140 approved, as long as you have that - you should be good to look at other options. If you use AC21 without I140 approval, its puts you at risk as your employer can revoke I140 even after 180 days of I1485 application. Seems like you have that figured that one out.
The thing with your TME role is, it is very explicit with the word "Marketing" in it. The concern with USCIS is it might actually object your transition from an engineering to marketing position. Not sure if you are moving with the same GC sponsoring employer (if that is the case, you should be good). But if you are thinking about a different employer, make sure you are moving with the same / similar type of roles. After all your GC labor was approved for a specific role that did not find a GC / citizen with similar skills.
Use your AC21 privelege wisely.
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone was ever able to change from Software Engineer to Technical Marketing Engineer (TME), using the AC21 portability rules. A TME needs similar level of technical skills as that of a Software Engineer, of course used for a different purpose.
A short description of this role (for those of you who don't know about this role)
The Technical Marketing Engineer role is exciting and challenging for the employee that enjoys equally working hands on with technology in the lab and marketing this knowledge to customers. Working with marketing, engineering, services and the sales channels
I really like to consider moving to TME roles. I see this as a first point to moving to Product Manager roles. One could move to Product Manager directly, but I guess the transition for a Software Engineer will be smooth, when he/she goes from Software Engineer -> TME -> Product Manager. The advantage with TME is, you can leverage your technical skills to perform this new role and then gradually hone your marketing/soft skills, to move to the Product Manager position. This is also the input I got from the Marketing Director of one of the reputed firms.
All looks good, but I am not sure if this transition to TME will be acceptable under the AC21 rules. It would be nice to know if anyone has ever able to do it successfully (without getting any RFEs/rejections). Right now, I have a feeling that I am totally stuck in the Software Engineer role and really like to explore my options.
Appreciate your thoughts on this
The thing with your TME role is, it is very explicit with the word "Marketing" in it. The concern with USCIS is it might actually object your transition from an engineering to marketing position. Not sure if you are moving with the same GC sponsoring employer (if that is the case, you should be good). But if you are thinking about a different employer, make sure you are moving with the same / similar type of roles. After all your GC labor was approved for a specific role that did not find a GC / citizen with similar skills.
Use your AC21 privelege wisely.
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone was ever able to change from Software Engineer to Technical Marketing Engineer (TME), using the AC21 portability rules. A TME needs similar level of technical skills as that of a Software Engineer, of course used for a different purpose.
A short description of this role (for those of you who don't know about this role)
The Technical Marketing Engineer role is exciting and challenging for the employee that enjoys equally working hands on with technology in the lab and marketing this knowledge to customers. Working with marketing, engineering, services and the sales channels
I really like to consider moving to TME roles. I see this as a first point to moving to Product Manager roles. One could move to Product Manager directly, but I guess the transition for a Software Engineer will be smooth, when he/she goes from Software Engineer -> TME -> Product Manager. The advantage with TME is, you can leverage your technical skills to perform this new role and then gradually hone your marketing/soft skills, to move to the Product Manager position. This is also the input I got from the Marketing Director of one of the reputed firms.
All looks good, but I am not sure if this transition to TME will be acceptable under the AC21 rules. It would be nice to know if anyone has ever able to do it successfully (without getting any RFEs/rejections). Right now, I have a feeling that I am totally stuck in the Software Engineer role and really like to explore my options.
Appreciate your thoughts on this
roseball
07-20 05:47 PM
This is news to me also. Once my current H1 expires I'm also planning to work on EAD and change to H4. One attorney adviced me to do that so that in case something happens to our I-485, I'll be on H4 and be still on status in this country to appeal for an MTR.
Another attorney told me to just work on EAD, no need to file H4 but I can if that will give me a peace of mind.
But what this attorney described here make sense too. If working on EAD invalidates H1, it should invalidate H4 also. But then again like the OP said I have known people who were on H4 and started working when they got EAD and extended their H4.
Is it different in case its the beneficiary of the I485 thats moving to H4?
Saloni, have you gotten any more info and could you please provide the link to the memo you are talking about?
The reason why this is a grey area is because USCIS has no means of tracking whether you maintained a valid H4 status (did not work) or used your EAD (put EAD info in form I-9)from your pending I-485. So they keep extending your H4 status whenever it is requested as a supplement to primary beneficiary's H1 extension. But as with any other case, its always upto the applicant to prove his or her valid immigration status in the country. As far as the rules go, you can either be on H4 status and not work, or work on EAD and be in AOS status. Hope this helps...
Another attorney told me to just work on EAD, no need to file H4 but I can if that will give me a peace of mind.
But what this attorney described here make sense too. If working on EAD invalidates H1, it should invalidate H4 also. But then again like the OP said I have known people who were on H4 and started working when they got EAD and extended their H4.
Is it different in case its the beneficiary of the I485 thats moving to H4?
Saloni, have you gotten any more info and could you please provide the link to the memo you are talking about?
The reason why this is a grey area is because USCIS has no means of tracking whether you maintained a valid H4 status (did not work) or used your EAD (put EAD info in form I-9)from your pending I-485. So they keep extending your H4 status whenever it is requested as a supplement to primary beneficiary's H1 extension. But as with any other case, its always upto the applicant to prove his or her valid immigration status in the country. As far as the rules go, you can either be on H4 status and not work, or work on EAD and be in AOS status. Hope this helps...
more...
villamonte6100
10-15 10:03 AM
Why would anybody ask for visa to issue a driver's license? How is one's driving privilege dependent upon visa? No one has ever asked me or my wife or my friends for a visa to issue a driver's license. Is this some law specific to some states?
When did you renew your DL?
Homeland Security is getting tough these days and DMV will ask for your H1 or H4 visa or EAD.
In other words, they check for your immigration status.
There is even a "SAVE" program on other states which makes it difficult to renew. The SAVE program first verifies your immigration status with USCIS, and after being cleared, then DMV could renew your DL,
When did you renew your DL?
Homeland Security is getting tough these days and DMV will ask for your H1 or H4 visa or EAD.
In other words, they check for your immigration status.
There is even a "SAVE" program on other states which makes it difficult to renew. The SAVE program first verifies your immigration status with USCIS, and after being cleared, then DMV could renew your DL,
ramaonline
06-27 03:04 PM
There is no grace period for finding a new h1b employer - but generally USCIS overlooks gaps of 1-2 months between employment assuming you are able to transfer your H1B to another employer soon
You can download the employer database from this link and apply to prospective employers - This will help in your job search
FLCDataCenter.com (http://www.flcdatacenter.com/CaseH1B.aspx)
You can download the employer database from this link and apply to prospective employers - This will help in your job search
FLCDataCenter.com (http://www.flcdatacenter.com/CaseH1B.aspx)
more...
indiablues
12-26 09:25 AM
Hi,
I stumbled across this thread and this seems to be a great initiative that is managed professionally.
I browsed though the IV website and forums and have few questions regarding who IV is representing among the employment based immigrants:
1. I've a 3 yrs baccalaureate degree from India and have filed GC in EB3 category. How do IV initiatives helps me?
2. My friend have 4yr engineering degree from India and have filed GC in EB3 category. How do IV initiatives helps him?
3. My boss has Masters Degree from India and has 10 yr of experience. He filed his GC in EB2 category. Is IV for him?
4. One of my colleagues has just graduated from an US university and he filed his GC this year in EB3 category. Is IV for him?
5. My other colleague has completed his MS from an US university and he filed his GC in EB2 category. IS IV for him?
I would appreciate if someone can answer the above questions.
Thanks,
IB
I stumbled across this thread and this seems to be a great initiative that is managed professionally.
I browsed though the IV website and forums and have few questions regarding who IV is representing among the employment based immigrants:
1. I've a 3 yrs baccalaureate degree from India and have filed GC in EB3 category. How do IV initiatives helps me?
2. My friend have 4yr engineering degree from India and have filed GC in EB3 category. How do IV initiatives helps him?
3. My boss has Masters Degree from India and has 10 yr of experience. He filed his GC in EB2 category. Is IV for him?
4. One of my colleagues has just graduated from an US university and he filed his GC this year in EB3 category. Is IV for him?
5. My other colleague has completed his MS from an US university and he filed his GC in EB2 category. IS IV for him?
I would appreciate if someone can answer the above questions.
Thanks,
IB
camarasa
07-13 06:22 PM
Why does everyone think it can only be something that the USCIS has the power/authority to act on by themselves. It's been almost two weeks since this fiasco started and they may have been meeting with the right people to put something together.
more...
setpit_gc
06-08 01:23 PM
got 1st LUD on 05/31/2009 with message change.
Soft LUDs so far:
06/02/2009,
06/03/2009,
06/05/2009,
06/07/2009
06/08/2009
Whats going on?. Any idea?.
Soft LUDs so far:
06/02/2009,
06/03/2009,
06/05/2009,
06/07/2009
06/08/2009
Whats going on?. Any idea?.
flex
10-02 02:56 PM
There's a tile based pac man fla on my site - check it out.
morchu
05-05 02:02 PM
Yes. This is probably one of the simplest RFE's to reply. Other members have provided enough details on what to include. Some more documents I can think of are:
Dependent Medical Insurance, Joint Auto Insurance, Joint lease/mortgage agreement (joint residence), flight tickets of vacation trips together.
Dont worry if you dont have "all" of the mentioned documents. I hear that USCIS attaches a barcode sticker for the reply, and having this makes them easier to track your reply.
Dependent Medical Insurance, Joint Auto Insurance, Joint lease/mortgage agreement (joint residence), flight tickets of vacation trips together.
Dont worry if you dont have "all" of the mentioned documents. I hear that USCIS attaches a barcode sticker for the reply, and having this makes them easier to track your reply.
GCMangataHai
10-21 05:24 AM
PSAM,
What do you mean by my official salary will drop. I already made the more than what evere I am whatever has been mentioned in the LC. But just now I applied for H1B renewal 3 week back. But my present salary will drop a bit. yes it is not going to be same as three week ago salary.
What do you mean by my official salary will drop. I already made the more than what evere I am whatever has been mentioned in the LC. But just now I applied for H1B renewal 3 week back. But my present salary will drop a bit. yes it is not going to be same as three week ago salary.
ck_b2001
07-26 02:56 PM
I didnt send the checks,our lawyer did.So,i dont have a clue when they were cashed.
Can any one tell the time between check cleared and Notice issued. My lawyer sent the checks and he will never bother checking his account daily for me. Hence Notice is the only thing i will get.
Can any one tell the time between check cleared and Notice issued. My lawyer sent the checks and he will never bother checking his account daily for me. Hence Notice is the only thing i will get.
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