Blog Feeds
06-25 01:20 AM
VIA USCIS
Introduction
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is seeking public comment on a proposed federal rule that would adjust fees for immigration benefit applications and petitions.* The proposal, posted to the*Federal Register (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-13991.htm)*on June 11, 2010 for public viewing, would increase overall fees by a weighted average of about 10 percent but would not increase the fee for the naturalization application.
Background
USCIS is a fee-based organization with about 90 percent of its budget coming from fees paid by applicants and petitioners to obtain immigration benefits.* The law requires USCIS to conduct fee reviews every two years to determine whether it is recovering its costs to administer the nation�s immigration laws, process applications, and provide the infrastructure needed to support those activities.* This proposed rule results from a comprehensive fee review begun in 2009.*********
USCIS�s fee revenue in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 was much lower than projected, and fee revenue in fiscal year 2010 remains low.* While USCIS did receive appropriations from Congress, budget cuts of approximately $160 million have not bridged the remaining gap between costs and anticipated revenue.* A fee adjustment, as detailed in the proposed rule, is necessary to ensure USCIS recovers the costs of its operations while also meeting the application processing goals identified in the 2007 fee rule.*
Highlights of 2010 Proposed Fee Rule
The proposed fee rule would increase the average application and petition fees by approximately 10 percent.
Understanding the unique importance of naturalization, USCIS is proposing that the naturalization application fee not be increased.
The proposed rule would establish three new fees for:
Regional center designation under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program (EB-5);
Individuals seeking civil surgeon designation; and
Recovery of the cost of processing immigrant visas granted by the Department of State.
The rule also proposes to adjust fees for the premium processing service.* This would ensure that USCIS can continue to modernize to become a more efficient and effective organization.
The proposed fee structure also reduces fees for five individual applications and petitions as a result of lower processing costs:
Petition for Alien Fianc� (Form I-129F);
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539);
Application to Adjust Status From Temporary To Permanent Resident (Form I-698);
Application for Family Unity Benefits (Form I-817); and
Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document (Form N-565).*
Current and Proposed Immigration Fees
Application/Petition Description*
Current Fees*
Proposed Fees
I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
$290
$365
I-102 Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document $320 $330 I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant worker $320 $325 I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance(e) $455 $340 I-130 Petition for Alien Relative $355 $420 I-131 Application for Travel Document $305 $360 I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker $475 $580 I-290B Notice of Appeal or Motion $585 $630 I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant $375 $405 I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status $930 $985 I-526 Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur $1,435 $1,500 I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status $300 *$290 I-600/600A Orphan Petitions $670 $720 I-687 Application for Status as a Temporary Resident $710 $1,130 I-690 Application for Waiver on Grounds of Inadmissibility $185 $200 I-694 Notice of Appeal of Decision $545 $755 I-698 Application to Adjust Status From Temporary to Permanent Resident $1,370 $1,020 I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence $465 $505 I-765 Application for Employment Authorization $340 $380 I-817 Application for Family Unity Benefits $440 $435 I-824 Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition $340 $405 I-829 Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions $2,850 $3,750 Civil Surgeon Designation* *$0** $615 I-924 Application for Regional Center Under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program *$0 $6,230 N-300 Application to File Declaration of Intention* $235 $250 N-336 Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings $605 $650 N-400 Application for Naturalization $595 $595 N-470 Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes $305 $330 N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document $380 $345 N-600/N-600K Naturalization Certificate Applications $460 *$600 Waiver Forms (I-191, I-192, I-193, I-212, I-601, I-612) $545 $585 Immigrant Visa* $0 $165 Biometric Services $80 $85
Last updated:06/09/2010
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2010/06/24/uscis-seeks-public-comment-on-proposal-to-adjust-fees-for-immigration-benefits-fact-sheet.aspx?ref=rss)
Introduction
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is seeking public comment on a proposed federal rule that would adjust fees for immigration benefit applications and petitions.* The proposal, posted to the*Federal Register (http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-13991.htm)*on June 11, 2010 for public viewing, would increase overall fees by a weighted average of about 10 percent but would not increase the fee for the naturalization application.
Background
USCIS is a fee-based organization with about 90 percent of its budget coming from fees paid by applicants and petitioners to obtain immigration benefits.* The law requires USCIS to conduct fee reviews every two years to determine whether it is recovering its costs to administer the nation�s immigration laws, process applications, and provide the infrastructure needed to support those activities.* This proposed rule results from a comprehensive fee review begun in 2009.*********
USCIS�s fee revenue in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 was much lower than projected, and fee revenue in fiscal year 2010 remains low.* While USCIS did receive appropriations from Congress, budget cuts of approximately $160 million have not bridged the remaining gap between costs and anticipated revenue.* A fee adjustment, as detailed in the proposed rule, is necessary to ensure USCIS recovers the costs of its operations while also meeting the application processing goals identified in the 2007 fee rule.*
Highlights of 2010 Proposed Fee Rule
The proposed fee rule would increase the average application and petition fees by approximately 10 percent.
Understanding the unique importance of naturalization, USCIS is proposing that the naturalization application fee not be increased.
The proposed rule would establish three new fees for:
Regional center designation under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program (EB-5);
Individuals seeking civil surgeon designation; and
Recovery of the cost of processing immigrant visas granted by the Department of State.
The rule also proposes to adjust fees for the premium processing service.* This would ensure that USCIS can continue to modernize to become a more efficient and effective organization.
The proposed fee structure also reduces fees for five individual applications and petitions as a result of lower processing costs:
Petition for Alien Fianc� (Form I-129F);
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539);
Application to Adjust Status From Temporary To Permanent Resident (Form I-698);
Application for Family Unity Benefits (Form I-817); and
Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document (Form N-565).*
Current and Proposed Immigration Fees
Application/Petition Description*
Current Fees*
Proposed Fees
I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
$290
$365
I-102 Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document $320 $330 I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant worker $320 $325 I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance(e) $455 $340 I-130 Petition for Alien Relative $355 $420 I-131 Application for Travel Document $305 $360 I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker $475 $580 I-290B Notice of Appeal or Motion $585 $630 I-360 Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant $375 $405 I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status $930 $985 I-526 Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur $1,435 $1,500 I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status $300 *$290 I-600/600A Orphan Petitions $670 $720 I-687 Application for Status as a Temporary Resident $710 $1,130 I-690 Application for Waiver on Grounds of Inadmissibility $185 $200 I-694 Notice of Appeal of Decision $545 $755 I-698 Application to Adjust Status From Temporary to Permanent Resident $1,370 $1,020 I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence $465 $505 I-765 Application for Employment Authorization $340 $380 I-817 Application for Family Unity Benefits $440 $435 I-824 Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition $340 $405 I-829 Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions $2,850 $3,750 Civil Surgeon Designation* *$0** $615 I-924 Application for Regional Center Under the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program *$0 $6,230 N-300 Application to File Declaration of Intention* $235 $250 N-336 Request for Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings $605 $650 N-400 Application for Naturalization $595 $595 N-470 Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes $305 $330 N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document $380 $345 N-600/N-600K Naturalization Certificate Applications $460 *$600 Waiver Forms (I-191, I-192, I-193, I-212, I-601, I-612) $545 $585 Immigrant Visa* $0 $165 Biometric Services $80 $85
Last updated:06/09/2010
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2010/06/24/uscis-seeks-public-comment-on-proposal-to-adjust-fees-for-immigration-benefits-fact-sheet.aspx?ref=rss)
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indian1103
04-30 10:59 AM
EB2- 140 (regular)
Receipt Date: Feb 5th
Approved: Apr 26th
Receipt Date: Feb 5th
Approved: Apr 26th
waitin_toolong
11-04 09:36 AM
do a google search on this term you will find more resources
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chanduv23
10-02 10:08 AM
^^^^^^^^^^^^
more...
chanduv23
12-09 10:18 PM
^^^^
ilanbenatar
04-25 12:17 PM
Thanks man, appreciate your quick response.
Glad to hear you got your visa :) was it hard and strenious?
I do know that the standards for the film & TV industry are tougher, but I think I'll go for the O and not the EB1 which sounds like a lottery.
Best,
Ilan
Glad to hear you got your visa :) was it hard and strenious?
I do know that the standards for the film & TV industry are tougher, but I think I'll go for the O and not the EB1 which sounds like a lottery.
Best,
Ilan
more...
hopefulgc
11-05 10:24 PM
Did your company file an EB2 labor/petition on your behalf?
Hi
I my PD is July 2003 EB3 (India).
My I140 was approved in 2006 and had applied for 485, EAD, A/P in July 2007 like most of you. Yesterday LUD on my approved I140 and 485, EAD, A/P applications in USCIS changed after months. But now my approved I140 status has changed to
What is even more surprising is that it also says This is incorrect since i got the approval notice in Nov 2006.
I have NOT done any labor substitution or anything like that.
As usually our corporate lawyer and HR were useless and think this is just some system issue at USCIS. Did anyone else see this before? I was looking for other threads but couldn't find anyone else having similar issues.
Immigration gurus - any suggestions/comments? Is this normal?
Thanks!
Hi
I my PD is July 2003 EB3 (India).
My I140 was approved in 2006 and had applied for 485, EAD, A/P in July 2007 like most of you. Yesterday LUD on my approved I140 and 485, EAD, A/P applications in USCIS changed after months. But now my approved I140 status has changed to
What is even more surprising is that it also says This is incorrect since i got the approval notice in Nov 2006.
I have NOT done any labor substitution or anything like that.
As usually our corporate lawyer and HR were useless and think this is just some system issue at USCIS. Did anyone else see this before? I was looking for other threads but couldn't find anyone else having similar issues.
Immigration gurus - any suggestions/comments? Is this normal?
Thanks!
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franklin
02-09 02:39 PM
franklin...good thread.
Just would like to request you and others who are responding to this thread...to take a look at the following thread.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2700
This is one of the action items , Pappu has requested to participate several times. Can I request you and others who are visiting this thread to take a look and action.
This is going to increase IV membership too.
Absolutely. Everything we can do to increase membership must be done, I'm certainly not suggesting an either / or situation.
Yes, mad cows, golf and bad food :cool: Make mental note to search for "bad food" websites too :D
Regarding my self-deprecating comments - we always apologize! Just trying to defuse a situation before it even happens !
Just would like to request you and others who are responding to this thread...to take a look at the following thread.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2700
This is one of the action items , Pappu has requested to participate several times. Can I request you and others who are visiting this thread to take a look and action.
This is going to increase IV membership too.
Absolutely. Everything we can do to increase membership must be done, I'm certainly not suggesting an either / or situation.
Yes, mad cows, golf and bad food :cool: Make mental note to search for "bad food" websites too :D
Regarding my self-deprecating comments - we always apologize! Just trying to defuse a situation before it even happens !
more...
ksrk
01-21 06:48 PM
Yes, you get I-94 with 1 year and states AOS Pending...Basically, means, you are allowed to stay till the outcome of your I-485.
Yes, as long as you are working for the same employer. I did the same, I am on H1 right now, but used my AP last year to travel to India.
If your I-94 says AOS Pending, how are you on H1B?
If you enter the US on AP, your I-94 is stamped as "Adjusting Status" or "AOS Pending" and the expiration date on it is 1yr from date of entry (regardless of when the AP itself expires). And for this you don't need an H1B visa stamp in your passport.
With the "AOS Pending" (or equivalent stamp) on your I-94 and passport, you can't be in the country on H1B. You are "Adjusting Status" and legally in the country. Of course, to (continue to) work under this status, you will need an EAD.
Yes, as long as you are working for the same employer. I did the same, I am on H1 right now, but used my AP last year to travel to India.
If your I-94 says AOS Pending, how are you on H1B?
If you enter the US on AP, your I-94 is stamped as "Adjusting Status" or "AOS Pending" and the expiration date on it is 1yr from date of entry (regardless of when the AP itself expires). And for this you don't need an H1B visa stamp in your passport.
With the "AOS Pending" (or equivalent stamp) on your I-94 and passport, you can't be in the country on H1B. You are "Adjusting Status" and legally in the country. Of course, to (continue to) work under this status, you will need an EAD.
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sanjay02
10-17 02:19 PM
I had a interview in Feb 2009 , keep all the documents ready. Your wife and youself can go at the same time.
1) Marriage certificate( If ur married :-))
2) All your transcripts for your schools
3) Passports
4) H1-B, EAD, AP copies, I-485 receipt # copies.
5) Any other communications you had with USCIS copies of it.
6) W-2 for last 3 yrs( if you have them), pay slips.
7) Employment letter from your employer
8) AC-21 etc.
9) Copies of your utilities bill, mortgage/lease papers.
10) Birth certificate of all applicants.
11) Family photos etc ( optional).
Interview will be in the 2nd floor not more than 20 or 25 mins. Take an lawyer/attorney with you if necessary.
Thnks
1) Marriage certificate( If ur married :-))
2) All your transcripts for your schools
3) Passports
4) H1-B, EAD, AP copies, I-485 receipt # copies.
5) Any other communications you had with USCIS copies of it.
6) W-2 for last 3 yrs( if you have them), pay slips.
7) Employment letter from your employer
8) AC-21 etc.
9) Copies of your utilities bill, mortgage/lease papers.
10) Birth certificate of all applicants.
11) Family photos etc ( optional).
Interview will be in the 2nd floor not more than 20 or 25 mins. Take an lawyer/attorney with you if necessary.
Thnks
more...
pappu
07-26 10:55 AM
pappu, the only way the labor can be transferred to new company is if the 485 has been filed for more than 180 days.
in this case, since he is unable to file 485 due to retrogression, the labor is not transferable. what may be transferable is the priority date.
no my point was--
is there an expiry date for labor approval if 140 is not filed?
in this case, since he is unable to file 485 due to retrogression, the labor is not transferable. what may be transferable is the priority date.
no my point was--
is there an expiry date for labor approval if 140 is not filed?
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senthil1
04-30 11:01 PM
I heard that you can get more updates from IV if you become donor. You can try that.
What is the agenda now?
What is the agenda now?
more...
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LegallyGC
08-11 04:13 PM
Ghost
Nice to see that u did start a new thread for this..
I think we all should get together now and make sure 2011 will be a great year for all the immigrant community.
Nice to see that u did start a new thread for this..
I think we all should get together now and make sure 2011 will be a great year for all the immigrant community.
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gemini23
07-02 03:12 PM
Srikondoji,
you can repeat something that is already said. first you said "step back". if you want to repeat, it should be "step back"..not "step aside". Simple logic. enjoy.:cool:
Originally Posted by srikondoji
Please step back. You need to grow up to know what is racism and you need to listen/read with some context in the background.
Plain reading is injurious to health and community.
I repeat "please step aside".
Please step back. You need to grow up to know what is racism and you need to listen/read with some context in the background.
Plain reading is injurious to health and community.
I repeat "please step aside".
you can repeat something that is already said. first you said "step back". if you want to repeat, it should be "step back"..not "step aside". Simple logic. enjoy.:cool:
Originally Posted by srikondoji
Please step back. You need to grow up to know what is racism and you need to listen/read with some context in the background.
Plain reading is injurious to health and community.
I repeat "please step aside".
Please step back. You need to grow up to know what is racism and you need to listen/read with some context in the background.
Plain reading is injurious to health and community.
I repeat "please step aside".
more...
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QuietFlowsTheDon
04-16 05:09 PM
flower mound is a pretty good place.
good schools, home prices are a little better than nearby irving/valley ranch/coppell. property taxes are lesser than that in most other DFW suburbs.
pm me for any other info you would need.
I am willing to move to Flower Mound, TX. Any info will be greatly appreciated!
good schools, home prices are a little better than nearby irving/valley ranch/coppell. property taxes are lesser than that in most other DFW suburbs.
pm me for any other info you would need.
I am willing to move to Flower Mound, TX. Any info will be greatly appreciated!
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diptam
02-18 05:38 PM
I've given you the details as a personal message (PM) in IV. check that and reply me there or to my email address. I will do the best that i can legally.
Thanks,
Diptam
Thanks Pritam , can u give me u r email id so that i can share resume
Thanks,
Diptam
Thanks Pritam , can u give me u r email id so that i can share resume
more...
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ashkam
12-03 04:18 PM
To the best of my knowledge, people like us who are waiting for Green Card are NOT eligible for any sort of unemployment benefits.
Correct me if i were wrong.
Note: Even if one earns 40 credits of work @ 1 credit per quarter which is 3months & if that person is not either Perm Resident or citizen, THEN no way one can claim for any unemployment benefits.
Because i crossed that 40 credits already and still my SS benefits statement cleary says that i'm not eligible due to the fact that i'm NOT a perm resident a.k.a Green Card Holder
Satyasaich you are wrong on multiple levels. People with an EAD are in fact eligible for unemployment insurance. Here (http://nelp.3cdn.net/5727e33f7447025233_1ym6b9eh4.pdf) is a document with more information. This is not to say that availing of that benefit might not harm your green card prospects. What you are, in fact, referring to are social security benefits which are different from unemployment benefits.
Correct me if i were wrong.
Note: Even if one earns 40 credits of work @ 1 credit per quarter which is 3months & if that person is not either Perm Resident or citizen, THEN no way one can claim for any unemployment benefits.
Because i crossed that 40 credits already and still my SS benefits statement cleary says that i'm not eligible due to the fact that i'm NOT a perm resident a.k.a Green Card Holder
Satyasaich you are wrong on multiple levels. People with an EAD are in fact eligible for unemployment insurance. Here (http://nelp.3cdn.net/5727e33f7447025233_1ym6b9eh4.pdf) is a document with more information. This is not to say that availing of that benefit might not harm your green card prospects. What you are, in fact, referring to are social security benefits which are different from unemployment benefits.
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immi_enthu
09-28 06:03 PM
Some have the July 2nd receipt date but other have a later date especially if your case has been transferred from NSC to CSC and then back to NSC.:rolleyes:
yes I am :D and there are many July 2nd filers who have July 2nd as the receipt date and may not receive the EAD by Oct 1st. I may not either. I guess I am not that lucky here.
yes I am :D and there are many July 2nd filers who have July 2nd as the receipt date and may not receive the EAD by Oct 1st. I may not either. I guess I am not that lucky here.
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perseus
07-17 01:04 AM
here is a brief account of my, and my spouse's, arduous but successful journey toward the coveted green cards. i hope this account helps you somehow.
(note: what you read below is all of what i am willing to share. i have spent a lot of time in typing it. i will not have the time or inclination for any elaborations or explanations!)
1. landed in the united states on f-1 visa -- september 2000.
2. arrested on misdemeanor shoplifting charge after prank went awry -- june 2001; judge dropped charge in july 2001 and also sealed and expunged the record.
3. changed from f-1 to h-1b upon accepting job offer from employer A, via about two months of c.p.t. in september 2003 (never used o.p.t.)
4. obtained labor certification in may 2004, and approval of i-140 (via eb-2) in march 2005, both via employer A. (priority date was, hence, may 2004).
5. got married in home country in june 2006; spouse landed in the united states on h-4 in november 2006.
6. graduated with advanced degree (and high academic honors) in december 2006.
7. transferred h-1b from employer A to employer B in september 2007; abandoned employer A's i-140 approval.
8. spouse, who had been on h-4 since november 2006, changed to f-1 in september 2007 to pursue advanced degree; spouse graduated in may 2009.
9. arrested in april 2008 for driving while visually impaired; convicted and punished by judge with three-month driving probation and fine.
10. obtained new labor certification in march 2008 and obtained new i-140 approval (again via eb-2) in september 2008; both via employer B.
11. mailed i-485s for self and spouse in october 2008; did not realize while mailing that the priority date had recently retrogressed (had no attorney assistance); but uscis accepted petitions, cashed checks, and processed the i-485s by sending self and spouse biometric appointments and an r.f.e. (for spouse).
12. transferred h-1b again, from employer B to employer C, in june 2009, more than 180 days after i-485s had been pending; spouse simultaneously applied for change of status from f-1 to h-4.
13. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews in october 2009 based on self's i-140 approval obtained through employer B; i-485 petitions denied because priority date had not been current when filed; self and spouse shocked and in near-panic! self began to consider restarting green card process from i-140 stage, this time via eb-1.
14. h-1b extended in december 2010 for a year, via employer C's petition; at time of extension approval, self's original six years on h-1b had elapsed.
15. re-filed i-485s in january 2010, this time with attorney's help (mainly to write cover letter).
16. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews again in june 2010, based on second i-485 petitions (based on self's i-140 approval obtained via employer B, even though at this time self was with employer C with previously denied -- for a technicality -- i-485s); i-485 petitions approved at the interview -- jai siyaram!
17. self and spouse received approval notices and "card production ordered" emails, all dated 13 days after interview.
18. received green cards and "welcome to the united states" fliers, both in july 2010, 29 days after i-485 interviews -- jai shri krishna!
notes in conclusion:
1. the green card process via employment, from h-1b through i-485, with possible multiple approvals/denials of each, is daunting due to the time and expense involved (including possible cost of attorney)
2. uscis's emphasis on technicalities can be frustrating; in our experience, approval of a i-485 is ultimately a discretion exercised by a single reviewing officer.
3. overall, applicant and any spouse/kids (a) must have maintained legal status throughout the h1b through i-485 process, and (b) must never have been convicted of felonious assault or moral turpitude.
4. in the end, applicant would find that the immigration system works, slow though it is because of congressional quotas and a somewhat slothful or myopic uscis.
5. i offer my best wishes to all that are reading this, regardless of citizenship. as a proud (and relieved!) new permanent resident of the united states, i say to you, "good luck and an advance welcome!"
reminder: what you read above is all of what i am willing to share. i spent a lot of time in typing it. i won't have the time or inclination for elaborations or explanations but, most sincerely, i wish you well!
(note: what you read below is all of what i am willing to share. i have spent a lot of time in typing it. i will not have the time or inclination for any elaborations or explanations!)
1. landed in the united states on f-1 visa -- september 2000.
2. arrested on misdemeanor shoplifting charge after prank went awry -- june 2001; judge dropped charge in july 2001 and also sealed and expunged the record.
3. changed from f-1 to h-1b upon accepting job offer from employer A, via about two months of c.p.t. in september 2003 (never used o.p.t.)
4. obtained labor certification in may 2004, and approval of i-140 (via eb-2) in march 2005, both via employer A. (priority date was, hence, may 2004).
5. got married in home country in june 2006; spouse landed in the united states on h-4 in november 2006.
6. graduated with advanced degree (and high academic honors) in december 2006.
7. transferred h-1b from employer A to employer B in september 2007; abandoned employer A's i-140 approval.
8. spouse, who had been on h-4 since november 2006, changed to f-1 in september 2007 to pursue advanced degree; spouse graduated in may 2009.
9. arrested in april 2008 for driving while visually impaired; convicted and punished by judge with three-month driving probation and fine.
10. obtained new labor certification in march 2008 and obtained new i-140 approval (again via eb-2) in september 2008; both via employer B.
11. mailed i-485s for self and spouse in october 2008; did not realize while mailing that the priority date had recently retrogressed (had no attorney assistance); but uscis accepted petitions, cashed checks, and processed the i-485s by sending self and spouse biometric appointments and an r.f.e. (for spouse).
12. transferred h-1b again, from employer B to employer C, in june 2009, more than 180 days after i-485s had been pending; spouse simultaneously applied for change of status from f-1 to h-4.
13. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews in october 2009 based on self's i-140 approval obtained through employer B; i-485 petitions denied because priority date had not been current when filed; self and spouse shocked and in near-panic! self began to consider restarting green card process from i-140 stage, this time via eb-1.
14. h-1b extended in december 2010 for a year, via employer C's petition; at time of extension approval, self's original six years on h-1b had elapsed.
15. re-filed i-485s in january 2010, this time with attorney's help (mainly to write cover letter).
16. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews again in june 2010, based on second i-485 petitions (based on self's i-140 approval obtained via employer B, even though at this time self was with employer C with previously denied -- for a technicality -- i-485s); i-485 petitions approved at the interview -- jai siyaram!
17. self and spouse received approval notices and "card production ordered" emails, all dated 13 days after interview.
18. received green cards and "welcome to the united states" fliers, both in july 2010, 29 days after i-485 interviews -- jai shri krishna!
notes in conclusion:
1. the green card process via employment, from h-1b through i-485, with possible multiple approvals/denials of each, is daunting due to the time and expense involved (including possible cost of attorney)
2. uscis's emphasis on technicalities can be frustrating; in our experience, approval of a i-485 is ultimately a discretion exercised by a single reviewing officer.
3. overall, applicant and any spouse/kids (a) must have maintained legal status throughout the h1b through i-485 process, and (b) must never have been convicted of felonious assault or moral turpitude.
4. in the end, applicant would find that the immigration system works, slow though it is because of congressional quotas and a somewhat slothful or myopic uscis.
5. i offer my best wishes to all that are reading this, regardless of citizenship. as a proud (and relieved!) new permanent resident of the united states, i say to you, "good luck and an advance welcome!"
reminder: what you read above is all of what i am willing to share. i spent a lot of time in typing it. i won't have the time or inclination for elaborations or explanations but, most sincerely, i wish you well!
pcs
07-30 04:11 PM
I like many others got a PERM labor & got 140 based on PERM labor.
Recenty , I applied 485 (based on this 140 )in this mad rush
Meanwhile, I have also received Labor approval ( from the same employer) from backlog center with an EARLIER PD .
The question is ..... Can I change the PD based on EARLIER PD after I have filed 485 ?????
I am sure many of us double PDs & might need to find an answer to this ?
can someone help ??
Thanks
Recenty , I applied 485 (based on this 140 )in this mad rush
Meanwhile, I have also received Labor approval ( from the same employer) from backlog center with an EARLIER PD .
The question is ..... Can I change the PD based on EARLIER PD after I have filed 485 ?????
I am sure many of us double PDs & might need to find an answer to this ?
can someone help ??
Thanks
chanduv23
03-14 08:44 PM
This is more pertinent to Physicians - I heard that following residency or J1 expiration one has to return to home country for 5 yrs. I have the following questions
- What are the options for Fellowships and how do they weigh against the fellowship options for H1 holders ?
- How difficult is it to obtain J1 waivers ?
- Is the new J1 conrad law beneficial ?
- Can someone share their success story of converting J1 to another visa, Thanks all
A lot of people do get waiver jobs and convert to H1b. But the job locations will not be in cities and will be in remote areas, I am not sure how they do it but there seems to be a network through which all this happens. I have heard that the waiver process is very expensive and lawyers charge a hefty sum. If I get some info, I will pass it on to you.
I was under the impression that the home residency requirement for J1 is 2 years and not 5 years. Please check with that too.
- What are the options for Fellowships and how do they weigh against the fellowship options for H1 holders ?
- How difficult is it to obtain J1 waivers ?
- Is the new J1 conrad law beneficial ?
- Can someone share their success story of converting J1 to another visa, Thanks all
A lot of people do get waiver jobs and convert to H1b. But the job locations will not be in cities and will be in remote areas, I am not sure how they do it but there seems to be a network through which all this happens. I have heard that the waiver process is very expensive and lawyers charge a hefty sum. If I get some info, I will pass it on to you.
I was under the impression that the home residency requirement for J1 is 2 years and not 5 years. Please check with that too.
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