logiclife
10-17 03:00 PM
Hi,
I have applied for my EAD and I-485 in the month of June '07 and all that i have recieved so far is my wife's EAD. I still did not recieve my EAD nor the finger prints notice nor the 485 yet. I have to move to IL from TX now and i am in a big confusion now. I heard that the mails from the USICS will not be forwarded to any new address by the USPS. If i would want to change my address with the USCIS now will it be a good move or is there any other alternative that you all could suggest me...Please advice me on this issue and help me out of this situation.
Krishna.
Yes, the post office DOES NOT forward USCIS mail even if you fill out the "forwarding address" form at post office, I have read this somewhere.
However, you can change your address with USCIS directly with AR-11. That way, USCIS will send it to your new address. Another thing, the receipt notices will go to your lawyer if you used a lawyer. Once the receipt notices come, register those case numbers in an online customer account on USCIS and track status. Once the status is approved, (of EAD or AP), then call USCIS to confirm that the cards are being shipped to your new address.
I have applied for my EAD and I-485 in the month of June '07 and all that i have recieved so far is my wife's EAD. I still did not recieve my EAD nor the finger prints notice nor the 485 yet. I have to move to IL from TX now and i am in a big confusion now. I heard that the mails from the USICS will not be forwarded to any new address by the USPS. If i would want to change my address with the USCIS now will it be a good move or is there any other alternative that you all could suggest me...Please advice me on this issue and help me out of this situation.
Krishna.
Yes, the post office DOES NOT forward USCIS mail even if you fill out the "forwarding address" form at post office, I have read this somewhere.
However, you can change your address with USCIS directly with AR-11. That way, USCIS will send it to your new address. Another thing, the receipt notices will go to your lawyer if you used a lawyer. Once the receipt notices come, register those case numbers in an online customer account on USCIS and track status. Once the status is approved, (of EAD or AP), then call USCIS to confirm that the cards are being shipped to your new address.
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gimmemygreen
12-27 07:47 AM
Now the new price for GC is 100 grand
aviv
10-01 11:46 AM
Once your Priority date of a category is current and namechecks are cleared, it is First in first out within the country quota. At that time, earlier priority dates do not matter at all. What matters is how early you applied for your I485 (date the application was physically received by the center, and not the date a notice was sent).
Not sure how much, but PDs do matter. My is EB2 / India /July 2003 and thimgs are moving fast. I am a TSC 2nd july filer. Got my EADs, AP, fingerprint doen, LUDs etc
Also, they messed up my first EAD appl by putting down Country of Birth as USA so I reapplied on 9/14, checks were cashed on 9/19 and Card production ordered on 9/28. I'm no expert but looking at others in the same scanrio mine seems to be moving, maybe its because of the pirority date?
Not sure how much, but PDs do matter. My is EB2 / India /July 2003 and thimgs are moving fast. I am a TSC 2nd july filer. Got my EADs, AP, fingerprint doen, LUDs etc
Also, they messed up my first EAD appl by putting down Country of Birth as USA so I reapplied on 9/14, checks were cashed on 9/19 and Card production ordered on 9/28. I'm no expert but looking at others in the same scanrio mine seems to be moving, maybe its because of the pirority date?
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kevnss
03-20 12:35 PM
You are right, here is the link to see more information about the rules..
Please read A. Approved Form I-140 Visa Petitions and Form I-485 Applications and B as well on Page 2
Link: "http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/I140_AC21_8403.pdf".
I have one question with regards to changing employer. My I-140 was approved long ago (in 2005) under EB3 and was filed for AOS during July 2007. But now we re-filed labor under EB2 got approved and refiled I-140 under EB2 category. I-140 under EB2 has been filed recently so I am assuming it will take months to get it approved. Now I am thinking of switching to new employer so what are my chances to move to new employer. Sorry am not sure if this message is already posted or not.
Please read A. Approved Form I-140 Visa Petitions and Form I-485 Applications and B as well on Page 2
Link: "http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/I140_AC21_8403.pdf".
I have one question with regards to changing employer. My I-140 was approved long ago (in 2005) under EB3 and was filed for AOS during July 2007. But now we re-filed labor under EB2 got approved and refiled I-140 under EB2 category. I-140 under EB2 has been filed recently so I am assuming it will take months to get it approved. Now I am thinking of switching to new employer so what are my chances to move to new employer. Sorry am not sure if this message is already posted or not.
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needhelp!
03-24 12:18 PM
Windows Media: http://wamu.org/audio/wamu.asx
Real Audio: http://wamu.org/audio/wamu.ram
MP3: http://wamu.org/audio/wamu.m3u
Guests:
Robert Hoffman, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Oracle
Ron Hira, Assistant Professor, Public Policy, Rochester Institute of Technology; Author, "Outsourcing America: What's Behind Our National Crisis and How We Can Reclaim American Jobs"
Mark Bartosik, Software Engineer; Member, Immigration Voice
Real Audio: http://wamu.org/audio/wamu.ram
MP3: http://wamu.org/audio/wamu.m3u
Guests:
Robert Hoffman, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Oracle
Ron Hira, Assistant Professor, Public Policy, Rochester Institute of Technology; Author, "Outsourcing America: What's Behind Our National Crisis and How We Can Reclaim American Jobs"
Mark Bartosik, Software Engineer; Member, Immigration Voice
kabeer_g
01-12 12:13 PM
All,
Background:
I am hoping you can help me with my situation here. I had an appointment on Dec 19th 2008 at New Delhi consulate for extension of my H1B. Since I had a DUI in 2006, they told me to sumit medical report. When I submitted medican report on Dec 22, 2008 they told me they would review my report and tell me to deposit my passport if everything is fine (for visa stamping). They also told me that I don't need to come myself to deposit the passport. Since I had to get back to office, I left India and used AP to enter US.
I just received an email from consulate that I should submit passport at the ND consulate. I was thinking of sending it to my home in Delhi via courier so that my brother can submit it to consulate. Once consulate sends passport to my address in New Delhi, my family would courier it back to me. I wanted to check with folks here if that is fine.
Thanks
Background:
I am hoping you can help me with my situation here. I had an appointment on Dec 19th 2008 at New Delhi consulate for extension of my H1B. Since I had a DUI in 2006, they told me to sumit medical report. When I submitted medican report on Dec 22, 2008 they told me they would review my report and tell me to deposit my passport if everything is fine (for visa stamping). They also told me that I don't need to come myself to deposit the passport. Since I had to get back to office, I left India and used AP to enter US.
I just received an email from consulate that I should submit passport at the ND consulate. I was thinking of sending it to my home in Delhi via courier so that my brother can submit it to consulate. Once consulate sends passport to my address in New Delhi, my family would courier it back to me. I wanted to check with folks here if that is fine.
Thanks
more...
gc_check
09-08 05:06 PM
Yes, A colleague case is similar to yours. Got his "Welcome" mail via USPS, Online status still show as pending, but only difference, his case is EB3, not EB2. I-485 filed during the July rush, both the primary applicant and the spouse got the welcome notice via USPS mail. LUD seems to be in August sometime. The online status is not really reliable. Still shows as case received and pending. PD is July '04. He is not sure, and his consulting his attorney, if any action required on his side. Not sure, this is a exception or more cases like this.
2010 the appearance of a rose.
gcwait2007
06-06 04:54 PM
Hi
I used to work to a client in Phx, got an interview request @ a financial firm in New york cleared it and vendor started processin' my H1 transfer. For the interview or for rellocation i wasn't paid anything. But before the start date bcoz of my credit report client rejected my offer.
But the vendor nuthin' in writing was the one who asked me to resign and bcoz of him was on bench for almost 2 1/2 months, now they say somewhere in the contract which says i have to repay all the expenses they spend on me which was close to $5000.
They sent an email sayin' i haven't provided the services to them from the start date indicated on the contract so have to repay them. Will i have to repay them jst bcoz i signed tht piece of the contract but i was rejected by the client, they said they won't try for new jobs i have to search myself as well they haven't paid me anything since they got my H1.
Do i stand any chance if i contact DOL or a lawyer not payin' them.
Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.
mk58581:
First of all, you have provided incomplete details. It appears that you are at fault for having signed an contract, with out understanding the consequences.
Please mention clearly whether the contract is an employment offer? or a specific contract engagement (CON_W2) hour?. If so, what are the remuneration terms, termination terms, etc. I do not understand where is the Vendor relationship coming from? Every contract is give and take. It is definitely possible to find solution to such kind of problems. If the employer is cornering you for refund of expenses incurred, then you may have to find ways to corner him/ them if any of the contract terms were not fulfilled. One good reason can be asking for salary since commencement of employment with Employer. Whether you are in bench or not, the employer is expected to pay you. I hope you have been submitting your timesheets in a timely manner. Please keep those copies for handy incase you need to take up the matter with DOL. You need to talk some seasoned friends, who can help you to draft suitable reply to your employer. You don't need an attorney at this stage.
I wish you Good Luck.
PS: Your English is funny, I had to read your post few times to understand what you have written nuthin'; sayin'; jst bcoz tht piece
I used to work to a client in Phx, got an interview request @ a financial firm in New york cleared it and vendor started processin' my H1 transfer. For the interview or for rellocation i wasn't paid anything. But before the start date bcoz of my credit report client rejected my offer.
But the vendor nuthin' in writing was the one who asked me to resign and bcoz of him was on bench for almost 2 1/2 months, now they say somewhere in the contract which says i have to repay all the expenses they spend on me which was close to $5000.
They sent an email sayin' i haven't provided the services to them from the start date indicated on the contract so have to repay them. Will i have to repay them jst bcoz i signed tht piece of the contract but i was rejected by the client, they said they won't try for new jobs i have to search myself as well they haven't paid me anything since they got my H1.
Do i stand any chance if i contact DOL or a lawyer not payin' them.
Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.
mk58581:
First of all, you have provided incomplete details. It appears that you are at fault for having signed an contract, with out understanding the consequences.
Please mention clearly whether the contract is an employment offer? or a specific contract engagement (CON_W2) hour?. If so, what are the remuneration terms, termination terms, etc. I do not understand where is the Vendor relationship coming from? Every contract is give and take. It is definitely possible to find solution to such kind of problems. If the employer is cornering you for refund of expenses incurred, then you may have to find ways to corner him/ them if any of the contract terms were not fulfilled. One good reason can be asking for salary since commencement of employment with Employer. Whether you are in bench or not, the employer is expected to pay you. I hope you have been submitting your timesheets in a timely manner. Please keep those copies for handy incase you need to take up the matter with DOL. You need to talk some seasoned friends, who can help you to draft suitable reply to your employer. You don't need an attorney at this stage.
I wish you Good Luck.
PS: Your English is funny, I had to read your post few times to understand what you have written nuthin'; sayin'; jst bcoz tht piece
more...
lvinaykumar
05-14 01:04 PM
i dont see change in any of the dates...... :D
hair into the rose drawing,
gcnj
03-17 02:45 PM
If you do h1 transfer then the advantage is incase your 485 application gets denied for any reason you will still be in legal status ,where as in case you use EAD and any 485 denial you will be out of status immediately.
more...
swarnapuri
12-23 01:32 PM
Check the message by saturnring11 in this thread. He linked the USCIS document which states that PD is retained by the employee once the I-140 is approved unless I-140 is revoked for Fraud.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2368
Here is the link that he posted :
Look on Page 27 of the USCIS Press Release
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/afm_ch22_091206R.pdf
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2368
Here is the link that he posted :
Look on Page 27 of the USCIS Press Release
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/afm_ch22_091206R.pdf
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gcnirvana
05-12 01:42 PM
Thanks for your template but also please include IV's name wherever possible so that they can contact IV for a full coverage.
I Used their tool but sent the folllowing message
Greetings. My name is XXXXXXXXXXXXX. I
am a citizen of India and have been living in the United States for close
to 7 years on a H1b visa and work as a Senior Software Consultant catering
to various Ammerican clients and my employer is located in Irving, Texas.
My Green Card petition was filed by my employer under the EB2 category and
my I 140 petition has been approved, but I am unable to file for i485
(Adjustment of Status) because visa numbers are not available. My wife is
also on a H1b visa and is a first year resident physician at a Community
Hospital in Brooklyn, New York on a H1b visa.
Based on the fact that we have been law abiding tax paying legal
immigrants, we would like to reach out to you and let you know our issues.
Our main issue is career stagnation. Unavilability of visa number
(retrogression) locks us up with the same employer for years together and
does not allow us to grow careerwise and unable to make critical and life
decisions.
We duly understand that there is a 7% per country upper limit when
Visa numbers are allocated and the fact that India and China has been over
subscribed. These caps and limits are hurting us. STRIVE ACT and SKIL
Bill have provisions to raise the cap and we would like to support these
bills and the provisions.
High tech and health care are sectors where highly skilled immigrants
from all over the world are attracted to and want to contribute in the
best ways we can to pursue our American dream. We would like to contribute
to the growth and development of America in the best possible way. Please
support us and help us in our cause.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXXX
718XXXXXXXX
I Used their tool but sent the folllowing message
Greetings. My name is XXXXXXXXXXXXX. I
am a citizen of India and have been living in the United States for close
to 7 years on a H1b visa and work as a Senior Software Consultant catering
to various Ammerican clients and my employer is located in Irving, Texas.
My Green Card petition was filed by my employer under the EB2 category and
my I 140 petition has been approved, but I am unable to file for i485
(Adjustment of Status) because visa numbers are not available. My wife is
also on a H1b visa and is a first year resident physician at a Community
Hospital in Brooklyn, New York on a H1b visa.
Based on the fact that we have been law abiding tax paying legal
immigrants, we would like to reach out to you and let you know our issues.
Our main issue is career stagnation. Unavilability of visa number
(retrogression) locks us up with the same employer for years together and
does not allow us to grow careerwise and unable to make critical and life
decisions.
We duly understand that there is a 7% per country upper limit when
Visa numbers are allocated and the fact that India and China has been over
subscribed. These caps and limits are hurting us. STRIVE ACT and SKIL
Bill have provisions to raise the cap and we would like to support these
bills and the provisions.
High tech and health care are sectors where highly skilled immigrants
from all over the world are attracted to and want to contribute in the
best ways we can to pursue our American dream. We would like to contribute
to the growth and development of America in the best possible way. Please
support us and help us in our cause.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXXX
718XXXXXXXX
more...
house Black rose outline by
BharatPremi
03-19 07:59 AM
I need advice..My project ended yesterday and I have another opportunity to work on EAD. I know my current employer will not be able to find a job for me as has been the case earlier and he will remove me from payroll soon. Can I start working with new employer and do not resign from my current employer?
I need help on this as I do not want to terminate my job from my side.
Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks,
You would be resigning not terminating in case of joining a new job. Conceptually termination and resignation are completely different. Termination may have positive or negative meaning whereas resignation generally have positive meaning. Written proof of resignation is always a good. You can not do that what you want to do and if you do perhaps it will lead you towards your own grave assuming your employer and you do not have very good terms and/or relations. wih each other Suppose say if you do that, employer would simply notify USCIS to terminate your H1 as you have not resume your duty since last "so&so dates" and he may proceeding for some legal action for the the loss of so and so dollars as you did not work without notification... I mean to say if you want to play the games then your employer also can play games and perhaps it may be the master since it had to deal with many people having same mentality and might have gained better experience in that so I would suggest not to take that route. If you do not have any problems with your employer , yes certainly you can do that but again it is not advisable.
I need help on this as I do not want to terminate my job from my side.
Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks,
You would be resigning not terminating in case of joining a new job. Conceptually termination and resignation are completely different. Termination may have positive or negative meaning whereas resignation generally have positive meaning. Written proof of resignation is always a good. You can not do that what you want to do and if you do perhaps it will lead you towards your own grave assuming your employer and you do not have very good terms and/or relations. wih each other Suppose say if you do that, employer would simply notify USCIS to terminate your H1 as you have not resume your duty since last "so&so dates" and he may proceeding for some legal action for the the loss of so and so dollars as you did not work without notification... I mean to say if you want to play the games then your employer also can play games and perhaps it may be the master since it had to deal with many people having same mentality and might have gained better experience in that so I would suggest not to take that route. If you do not have any problems with your employer , yes certainly you can do that but again it is not advisable.
tattoo Blue rose by Amanda Shepherd
logiclife
12-22 06:03 PM
There is no such thing as "H1B grace period". Nowhere in Immigration laws or USCIS regulations there is anything like a fixed number.
You are out of status(not illegal) when you stop working. If you are laid off suddenly, you are out of status.
Most people are ok coz they find new job and starting working and the "gap" in employment is usually less than a month. If its more than a month then you can face inquiries during H1B transfer to your new employer about your gap and they may ask you for missing paystubs. If you cant provide paystubs for the gap in employment between jobs, then it can go 2 ways:
1. They will give you H1 approval with I-94 attached at bottom ... meaning H1 petition is approval and the transfer is also approved.
2. If you are unluckly, the would give you just the I-797 H1 approval without the I-94 attached at the bottom of 797. That means that H1 petition for new employer is approved but the transfer is not approved. Then in that case you are required to travel out of the country and get another I-94 to get back in status.
This loosely defined grace period is a pain for those who work in consulting and switch jobs or those who get laid off without advance notice.
You are out of status(not illegal) when you stop working. If you are laid off suddenly, you are out of status.
Most people are ok coz they find new job and starting working and the "gap" in employment is usually less than a month. If its more than a month then you can face inquiries during H1B transfer to your new employer about your gap and they may ask you for missing paystubs. If you cant provide paystubs for the gap in employment between jobs, then it can go 2 ways:
1. They will give you H1 approval with I-94 attached at bottom ... meaning H1 petition is approval and the transfer is also approved.
2. If you are unluckly, the would give you just the I-797 H1 approval without the I-94 attached at the bottom of 797. That means that H1 petition for new employer is approved but the transfer is not approved. Then in that case you are required to travel out of the country and get another I-94 to get back in status.
This loosely defined grace period is a pain for those who work in consulting and switch jobs or those who get laid off without advance notice.
more...
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seahawks
07-02 12:07 AM
Guys,
Can some read the SOP in the above quote and figure out what they are trying to say?
I read it and it does mention that if you came prior to an year from filing, your G-325A does not count. I wonder why that is because Finger printing is triggered by G-325A was what I thought and its a form with 3 copies so to speak so I thought it goes to 3 different offices, who knows how it works.. anyways here is what I am doing for now..
Wait until my attorney gets back to me
Go for the FP and probably explain to them and see if anything can be done.
Wrote to my district congressman's immigration specialist who I had met before while campaigning for IV goals on CIR. Well I won't sweat it out, will see what happens I guess.
Can some read the SOP in the above quote and figure out what they are trying to say?
I read it and it does mention that if you came prior to an year from filing, your G-325A does not count. I wonder why that is because Finger printing is triggered by G-325A was what I thought and its a form with 3 copies so to speak so I thought it goes to 3 different offices, who knows how it works.. anyways here is what I am doing for now..
Wait until my attorney gets back to me
Go for the FP and probably explain to them and see if anything can be done.
Wrote to my district congressman's immigration specialist who I had met before while campaigning for IV goals on CIR. Well I won't sweat it out, will see what happens I guess.
dresses When drawing a rose,
hopefulgc
05-12 04:35 PM
while that i true... imagine where we would have been if MLk had decided to sit back..
or talk about another great soul from your motherland
...If Sherpa Tenzing had decided that he is happy climbing a knoll than conquer the heights of everest.... would he be distinguished.
As someone said, We will have to be the change, we wish to see in this world.
or talk about another great soul from your motherland
...If Sherpa Tenzing had decided that he is happy climbing a knoll than conquer the heights of everest.... would he be distinguished.
As someone said, We will have to be the change, we wish to see in this world.
more...
makeup rose drawing
gcisadawg
05-11 12:51 PM
Guys,
I have a long layover at New Delhi airport. I am reaching their at 8PM and my next flight in the morning at 7:30AM. Is there any accommodation facility within airport? Or Do i need to go to city? This is the first time, i am going through delhi airport. Any helpful comments are welcome. Thanks and appreciate your help.
There are so called 'executive lounges' in Mumbai airport. There is a good possibility of having them in Delhi Airport also. Check while you are waiting. They have people all over hawking these services. They charge around 30 to 50 USD per person.
I tried one in Mumbai airport. I paid the money, went to the shower and didnt find hotwater. When I checked they said "it is out of order"..So much for the executive lounge! I took my money back and came out!
GCisaDawg
I have a long layover at New Delhi airport. I am reaching their at 8PM and my next flight in the morning at 7:30AM. Is there any accommodation facility within airport? Or Do i need to go to city? This is the first time, i am going through delhi airport. Any helpful comments are welcome. Thanks and appreciate your help.
There are so called 'executive lounges' in Mumbai airport. There is a good possibility of having them in Delhi Airport also. Check while you are waiting. They have people all over hawking these services. They charge around 30 to 50 USD per person.
I tried one in Mumbai airport. I paid the money, went to the shower and didnt find hotwater. When I checked they said "it is out of order"..So much for the executive lounge! I took my money back and came out!
GCisaDawg
girlfriend rose drawing outline
kumar1305
02-24 01:57 PM
I think that's what is happening. Few of the people already mentioned that they got the extension for the project period mentioned.
I do not personally know any one, this is all what I read or heard.
I do not personally know any one, this is all what I read or heard.
hairstyles Here I drew an outline of my
BimmerFAn
05-29 09:34 AM
I am posting this so that others may benefit from my experience and also not repeat the same mistakes that I made.
I originally came to the United States when I was 9 years old in 1996 as a J-2 Dependent. I finished my grammar school, high school and college here. I started working on OPT and tried to figure out a way to get an H1-B visa since I knew that I was subject to Sections 212(e) � 2 year home residency requirement, which prohibited me from obtaining H or L status or pursuing permanent residency.
It was only after I consulted with a top tier immigration attorney that I found out that in certain circumstances J-2 dependents can apply for a waiver separately of the J-1 principal. The waiver for a J-2 dependent falls under the same procedures as an Interested Government Agency (IGA) waiver, except that if selected for a waiver, the Department of State will act as the IGA on your behalf. The attorney told me that the process to obtain a waiver could take anywhere from 3 months to a year, with 6 months being the projected average.
To apply for the waiver I had to send the DOS mine and my family�s visa history, complete photocopy of my passport, translated copy of my birth certificate, a printed copy of the application I had to fill out online through the DOS website, and a statement of reason (SoR). The SoR is the most important document since it gives you a chance to persuade the Waiver Review Board that you should be allowed to remain in the United States. Basically, since I came here when I was very young, I wrote about my academic, charitable and professional contribution to American society over my 14 years here. I mentioned that I had no ties to my former home country and was financially independent from my parents. I also wrote about how my career as a CPA benefits US companies and US economy, and how US financial reporting standards are vastly different that those of my home country etc. Moreover, I submitted other materials supporting my SoR such as my academic transcripts, employment offer letter, paystubs, CPA license, letter supporting my involvement with various charities, and a letter from the J-1 principal explaining their program and my relationship to them.
The Department of State recommended me for a waiver in just 2 business days after they received my documentation. The USCIS approved the waiver a week after receipt. The attorney submitted an H1-B petition for change of status (premium processing) as soon as the DOS sent the Favorable Recommendation to the USCIS. In most cases, to apply for an AOS all you need is a copy of the favorable recommendation the USCIS will adjudicate both simultaneously under premium processing. The USCIS took 14 nerve racking days to process it, but ultimately they approved the petition.
Overall, the process to waive the 2 year HRR and obtain an H1-B visa took me only 1 month and I count myself very lucky. I wish I had acted on it sooner, but before speaking to the attorney�s I had no idea a waiver was even an option and could only think of nightmarish scenarios. I will monitor my post in order to answer any questions you may have. I would want nothing more than for others to learn and benefit from my experience and save themselves the agonizing stress that I went through.
Please find the complete timeline for my process below. From speaking with my attorney I heard that my timeline is rather extraordinary so please do not think that all processing times are exactly the same.
Applied for a Waiver with the DOS: 4/22/10
Received by DOS: 4/30/2010
Response: Favorable Recommendation 05/04/2010
Received by the USCIS @ VSC: 05/07/2010
Waiver Approved by USCIS: 05/15/2010
H1-B Filed under PP with the USCIS: 05/07/10
H1-B Received by the USCIS: 05/11/10
Decision: H1-B Approved 05/25/10
I originally came to the United States when I was 9 years old in 1996 as a J-2 Dependent. I finished my grammar school, high school and college here. I started working on OPT and tried to figure out a way to get an H1-B visa since I knew that I was subject to Sections 212(e) � 2 year home residency requirement, which prohibited me from obtaining H or L status or pursuing permanent residency.
It was only after I consulted with a top tier immigration attorney that I found out that in certain circumstances J-2 dependents can apply for a waiver separately of the J-1 principal. The waiver for a J-2 dependent falls under the same procedures as an Interested Government Agency (IGA) waiver, except that if selected for a waiver, the Department of State will act as the IGA on your behalf. The attorney told me that the process to obtain a waiver could take anywhere from 3 months to a year, with 6 months being the projected average.
To apply for the waiver I had to send the DOS mine and my family�s visa history, complete photocopy of my passport, translated copy of my birth certificate, a printed copy of the application I had to fill out online through the DOS website, and a statement of reason (SoR). The SoR is the most important document since it gives you a chance to persuade the Waiver Review Board that you should be allowed to remain in the United States. Basically, since I came here when I was very young, I wrote about my academic, charitable and professional contribution to American society over my 14 years here. I mentioned that I had no ties to my former home country and was financially independent from my parents. I also wrote about how my career as a CPA benefits US companies and US economy, and how US financial reporting standards are vastly different that those of my home country etc. Moreover, I submitted other materials supporting my SoR such as my academic transcripts, employment offer letter, paystubs, CPA license, letter supporting my involvement with various charities, and a letter from the J-1 principal explaining their program and my relationship to them.
The Department of State recommended me for a waiver in just 2 business days after they received my documentation. The USCIS approved the waiver a week after receipt. The attorney submitted an H1-B petition for change of status (premium processing) as soon as the DOS sent the Favorable Recommendation to the USCIS. In most cases, to apply for an AOS all you need is a copy of the favorable recommendation the USCIS will adjudicate both simultaneously under premium processing. The USCIS took 14 nerve racking days to process it, but ultimately they approved the petition.
Overall, the process to waive the 2 year HRR and obtain an H1-B visa took me only 1 month and I count myself very lucky. I wish I had acted on it sooner, but before speaking to the attorney�s I had no idea a waiver was even an option and could only think of nightmarish scenarios. I will monitor my post in order to answer any questions you may have. I would want nothing more than for others to learn and benefit from my experience and save themselves the agonizing stress that I went through.
Please find the complete timeline for my process below. From speaking with my attorney I heard that my timeline is rather extraordinary so please do not think that all processing times are exactly the same.
Applied for a Waiver with the DOS: 4/22/10
Received by DOS: 4/30/2010
Response: Favorable Recommendation 05/04/2010
Received by the USCIS @ VSC: 05/07/2010
Waiver Approved by USCIS: 05/15/2010
H1-B Filed under PP with the USCIS: 05/07/10
H1-B Received by the USCIS: 05/11/10
Decision: H1-B Approved 05/25/10
uumapathi
09-30 10:48 AM
r u from NBKRIST?
What is NBKRIST?
What is NBKRIST?
gg_ny
09-14 08:52 AM
The VFS website is good for FAQ. Also, their email reply service is appreciable as I had my doubts cleared in 24 hrs cycle. You can also call them, they DO answer. The dates keeps changing because, I think, of cancellations and other eventualities. Usually, people make appointments anticipating , and keep changing it as their schedules change. You can reuse your payment id for 1 year and hence one could make appointment for a date, KEEP LOOKING, and if you find another suitable, then cancel and reschedule right away. I believe the calendar is live or almost live. They do allow emergency appointments but I am not clear wehther you could do it from here or you need to be present there. Typically, if you have a good travel agent/company, they can handle it better in your favor.
VFS email id that worked for me: info@vfs-usa.co.in
Hope this helps.
As per http://www.murthyindia.com/content/em_appt.html if you're working in the US and are returning back to work, you can qualify for emergency quota. Is this a viable option? My travel dates in Aug / Sep / Oct are not confirmed yet and so I am planning to take an emergency appointment only.
VFS email id that worked for me: info@vfs-usa.co.in
Hope this helps.
As per http://www.murthyindia.com/content/em_appt.html if you're working in the US and are returning back to work, you can qualify for emergency quota. Is this a viable option? My travel dates in Aug / Sep / Oct are not confirmed yet and so I am planning to take an emergency appointment only.
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