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05-17 12:40 PM
Last week we became members of Global Alliance of Hospitality Attorneys (http://www.hospitalitylawyer.com/index.php?id=47), this will allow us to serve our clients even better and offer solution to the ever changing global workforce that the hospitality industry is facing.
Whether transferring employees between international properties or employing management trainees, immigration is an integral part of the hospitality industry. The top seven visa types utilized by the hospitality industry are the J-1, H-3,H2B, L-1,E2, TN and H-1B. The following is a brief outline of each of these visa types:
E2 Visa (http://www.h1b.biz/lawyer-attorney-1137174.html)
This is also known as the nonimmigrant investor visa. It is a temporary category that is granted in two-year to five year increments with no limits on the number of extensions. In comparison, the H-2B is limited to 10 months with 3 extensions. The E-2 category is available to citizens of countries that have a treaty of trade or commerce with the U.S. such as the Holland, France and the UK The State Department does not require any specific size investment. Rather it says the business owner must invest a "substantial amount of capital" that generates "more than enough income to provide a minimal living for the treaty investor and his or her family.".
An E-2 allows European nationals to manage investments that are at least 50% Euro owned. The visa requires that the U.S. investment be substantial and generates a substantial income. While there are no hard and fast figures on what the minimum investment amount is, the USCIS generally require a business investment of $150,000 or more, but the investment amount depends on the nature of the business. For example, opening up a restaurant in downtown San Diego would require 500,000 dollars while opening up a Catering business firm may only require start up costs of $70,000. This is why there is no fixed figure on a minimum investment amount.
The E-2 investor must show that its return on investment is more than what is necessary to merely support the investor in the U.S. Another example illustrates how this works. An E-2 investor wishes to establish a French Bakery and will invest $35,000 to buy the equipment. He expects the Bakery to generate $60,000 in gross sales. This business would probably not qualify because the gross income generated would not be substantial. The Bakery would only generate enough money to support the investor.
H2B Visa (http://www.h1b.biz/lawyer-attorney-1137785.html)
Temporary nonimmigrant classifications that allow noncitizens to come to the United States to perform temporary or seasonal work that is nonagricultural (such as hospitality or resort work) if persons capable of performing such a service or labor cannot be found in this country. Up to 66,000 new visas are available each year in this category. The number has been reached increasingly earlier every year. In Fiscal Year 2007, the first half of the cap was reached 3 days before the year began and the second half was met 4 months before the period began. From March of 2005 through September of 2007, returning workers were exempt from counting toward that cap due to the lack of temporary workers. Congress is considering renewing this popular policy.
Employer's need must be temporary: Visas are only authorized if the employer can demonstrate a "temporary" need, that is, less than one year, and that the need is either a "one-time occurrence," a "seasonal need," a "peakload need" or an "intermittent need." The employer cannot use this category for permanent and long-term labor needs.
Employee's intent must be temporary: The nonimmigrant worker must intend to return to his or her country upon expiration of his or her authorized stay. The worker may be required to prove ties to his or her home country.
J1 Visa
For seasonal/temporary employment, there is the J-1 Summer Work/Travel Program, which allows foreign college or university students to work in the U.S. during their summer vacation.
This type of J-1 classification is valid for four months and allows the students to assist
companies in meeting current labor demands. In addition, the biggest benefit to this type of J-1 classification is that the foreign students can do any type of work for the company. It is not necessary for the work to be related to the student�s degree.
The Management Trainee J-1 visa classification is another viable option and is valid for twelve to eighteen months and considered relatively easy to obtain. The potential trainees must possess a post-secondary degree or professional certificate and one year of work experience in their occupational field from outside the U.S. Five years of work experience in their occupational field can also be used in place of the post-secondary degree or professional certificate.
H3 Visa
The H3 has become a popular option for many of our Hotel clients and we use it for certain trainees that need advanced training that is NOT available in their home countries.
An application for an H-3 visa requires the prior filing with a BCIS service center of a petition by the foreign national�s prospective trainer on Form I-129 with an H Supplement, a training program including the names of the prospective trainees, and the proper filing fee. The petition may be filed for multiple trainees so long as they will be receiving the same training for the same period of time at the same location. Additionally, the petition must indicate the source of any remuneration received by the trainee and any benefits that will accrue to the petitioning organization for providing the training. The trainee must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent by having an unabandoned residence in a foreign country. There are no numerical limits on the number of H-3 petitions issued each year. H-3 visas are not based on college education.
Upon approval of the petition, an I-797 Notice of Action of approval is issued by the service center. The foreign national submits the I-797 approval notice to an American consulate abroad with Form DS-156 and, if necessary, the DS-157 and other forms required by the consulate to obtain an H-3 visa stamp. A foreign national in the United States may apply for change of status to H-3.
TN Visa
NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement. It creates special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada and Mexico. The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals to work in the United States. Permanent residents, including Canadian permanent residents, are not able to apply to work as a NAFTA professional.
The Conditions for Professionals from Mexico and Canada to Work in the United States
* Applicant should be a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
* Profession must be on the NAFTA list; - Hotel Manager is a NAFTA category
* Position in the U.S. requires a NAFTA professional;
* Mexican or Canadian applicant is to work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job, for a U.S. employer (see documentation required). Self employment is not permitted;
* Professional Canadian or Mexican citizen has the qualifications of the profession
Requirements for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens usually do not need a visa as a NAFTA Professional, although a visa can be issued to qualified TN visa applicants upon request. However, a Canadian residing in another country with a non-Canadian spouse and children would need a visa to enable the spouse and children to be able to apply for a visa to accompany or join the NAFTA Professional, as a TD visa holder.
L1 Visa
L-1 category is meant for aliens coming to the United States on temporary assignment for the same or an affiliated employer for which the alien worked abroad for at least one year within the proceeding three years. Many large hotel chanins have takes advantage of this visa to bring top executives to the US locations or workers with specialized skills. The alien must be employed in a managerial or executive capacity (L-1A) or one involving specialized knowledge (L-1B). There is no annual limit on the number issued.
The family members of L-1 alien can come to the U.S. under L-2 category. However, they cannot engage in employment in the United States unless they change the status to a nonimmigrant category for which employment is allowed.
Requirements
A U.S. employer or foreign employer (must have a legal business in the U.S.) seeking to transfer a qualifying employee of the same organization must file petition with USCIS.
H1B visa
Aliens coming to the United States to perform services in a specialty occupation or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability are classified under H-1B category.
A maximum of 65,000 H-1B visas are issued every year. The H-1B visa is issued for up to three years but may be extended for another three years. Individuals cannot apply for an H-1B visa to allow them to work in the US. The employer must petition for entry of the employee.
Specialty occupation is defined as an occupation, which requires:
* Theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and
* Attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry
A specialty occupation requires theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge along with at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. For example, architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts are specialty occupations.
We have processed H1B visas for Front Desk managers, food service managers, Chefs, Public Relations specialists, and Lodging Managers as well as other specialized positions.
The above referenced visas will allow Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants to hire any type of workers needed to support their operations in the US. Hotels often face shortage in skilled labor, a careful usage of the above 7 visas will ensure constant flow of workers. Through our membership in the Global Alliance of Hospitality Attorneys, we will continue to offer our clients superior service.
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/05/hospitality_immigration_lawyer_2.html)
Whether transferring employees between international properties or employing management trainees, immigration is an integral part of the hospitality industry. The top seven visa types utilized by the hospitality industry are the J-1, H-3,H2B, L-1,E2, TN and H-1B. The following is a brief outline of each of these visa types:
E2 Visa (http://www.h1b.biz/lawyer-attorney-1137174.html)
This is also known as the nonimmigrant investor visa. It is a temporary category that is granted in two-year to five year increments with no limits on the number of extensions. In comparison, the H-2B is limited to 10 months with 3 extensions. The E-2 category is available to citizens of countries that have a treaty of trade or commerce with the U.S. such as the Holland, France and the UK The State Department does not require any specific size investment. Rather it says the business owner must invest a "substantial amount of capital" that generates "more than enough income to provide a minimal living for the treaty investor and his or her family.".
An E-2 allows European nationals to manage investments that are at least 50% Euro owned. The visa requires that the U.S. investment be substantial and generates a substantial income. While there are no hard and fast figures on what the minimum investment amount is, the USCIS generally require a business investment of $150,000 or more, but the investment amount depends on the nature of the business. For example, opening up a restaurant in downtown San Diego would require 500,000 dollars while opening up a Catering business firm may only require start up costs of $70,000. This is why there is no fixed figure on a minimum investment amount.
The E-2 investor must show that its return on investment is more than what is necessary to merely support the investor in the U.S. Another example illustrates how this works. An E-2 investor wishes to establish a French Bakery and will invest $35,000 to buy the equipment. He expects the Bakery to generate $60,000 in gross sales. This business would probably not qualify because the gross income generated would not be substantial. The Bakery would only generate enough money to support the investor.
H2B Visa (http://www.h1b.biz/lawyer-attorney-1137785.html)
Temporary nonimmigrant classifications that allow noncitizens to come to the United States to perform temporary or seasonal work that is nonagricultural (such as hospitality or resort work) if persons capable of performing such a service or labor cannot be found in this country. Up to 66,000 new visas are available each year in this category. The number has been reached increasingly earlier every year. In Fiscal Year 2007, the first half of the cap was reached 3 days before the year began and the second half was met 4 months before the period began. From March of 2005 through September of 2007, returning workers were exempt from counting toward that cap due to the lack of temporary workers. Congress is considering renewing this popular policy.
Employer's need must be temporary: Visas are only authorized if the employer can demonstrate a "temporary" need, that is, less than one year, and that the need is either a "one-time occurrence," a "seasonal need," a "peakload need" or an "intermittent need." The employer cannot use this category for permanent and long-term labor needs.
Employee's intent must be temporary: The nonimmigrant worker must intend to return to his or her country upon expiration of his or her authorized stay. The worker may be required to prove ties to his or her home country.
J1 Visa
For seasonal/temporary employment, there is the J-1 Summer Work/Travel Program, which allows foreign college or university students to work in the U.S. during their summer vacation.
This type of J-1 classification is valid for four months and allows the students to assist
companies in meeting current labor demands. In addition, the biggest benefit to this type of J-1 classification is that the foreign students can do any type of work for the company. It is not necessary for the work to be related to the student�s degree.
The Management Trainee J-1 visa classification is another viable option and is valid for twelve to eighteen months and considered relatively easy to obtain. The potential trainees must possess a post-secondary degree or professional certificate and one year of work experience in their occupational field from outside the U.S. Five years of work experience in their occupational field can also be used in place of the post-secondary degree or professional certificate.
H3 Visa
The H3 has become a popular option for many of our Hotel clients and we use it for certain trainees that need advanced training that is NOT available in their home countries.
An application for an H-3 visa requires the prior filing with a BCIS service center of a petition by the foreign national�s prospective trainer on Form I-129 with an H Supplement, a training program including the names of the prospective trainees, and the proper filing fee. The petition may be filed for multiple trainees so long as they will be receiving the same training for the same period of time at the same location. Additionally, the petition must indicate the source of any remuneration received by the trainee and any benefits that will accrue to the petitioning organization for providing the training. The trainee must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent by having an unabandoned residence in a foreign country. There are no numerical limits on the number of H-3 petitions issued each year. H-3 visas are not based on college education.
Upon approval of the petition, an I-797 Notice of Action of approval is issued by the service center. The foreign national submits the I-797 approval notice to an American consulate abroad with Form DS-156 and, if necessary, the DS-157 and other forms required by the consulate to obtain an H-3 visa stamp. A foreign national in the United States may apply for change of status to H-3.
TN Visa
NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement. It creates special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada and Mexico. The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals to work in the United States. Permanent residents, including Canadian permanent residents, are not able to apply to work as a NAFTA professional.
The Conditions for Professionals from Mexico and Canada to Work in the United States
* Applicant should be a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
* Profession must be on the NAFTA list; - Hotel Manager is a NAFTA category
* Position in the U.S. requires a NAFTA professional;
* Mexican or Canadian applicant is to work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job, for a U.S. employer (see documentation required). Self employment is not permitted;
* Professional Canadian or Mexican citizen has the qualifications of the profession
Requirements for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens usually do not need a visa as a NAFTA Professional, although a visa can be issued to qualified TN visa applicants upon request. However, a Canadian residing in another country with a non-Canadian spouse and children would need a visa to enable the spouse and children to be able to apply for a visa to accompany or join the NAFTA Professional, as a TD visa holder.
L1 Visa
L-1 category is meant for aliens coming to the United States on temporary assignment for the same or an affiliated employer for which the alien worked abroad for at least one year within the proceeding three years. Many large hotel chanins have takes advantage of this visa to bring top executives to the US locations or workers with specialized skills. The alien must be employed in a managerial or executive capacity (L-1A) or one involving specialized knowledge (L-1B). There is no annual limit on the number issued.
The family members of L-1 alien can come to the U.S. under L-2 category. However, they cannot engage in employment in the United States unless they change the status to a nonimmigrant category for which employment is allowed.
Requirements
A U.S. employer or foreign employer (must have a legal business in the U.S.) seeking to transfer a qualifying employee of the same organization must file petition with USCIS.
H1B visa
Aliens coming to the United States to perform services in a specialty occupation or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability are classified under H-1B category.
A maximum of 65,000 H-1B visas are issued every year. The H-1B visa is issued for up to three years but may be extended for another three years. Individuals cannot apply for an H-1B visa to allow them to work in the US. The employer must petition for entry of the employee.
Specialty occupation is defined as an occupation, which requires:
* Theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and
* Attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry
A specialty occupation requires theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge along with at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. For example, architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts are specialty occupations.
We have processed H1B visas for Front Desk managers, food service managers, Chefs, Public Relations specialists, and Lodging Managers as well as other specialized positions.
The above referenced visas will allow Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants to hire any type of workers needed to support their operations in the US. Hotels often face shortage in skilled labor, a careful usage of the above 7 visas will ensure constant flow of workers. Through our membership in the Global Alliance of Hospitality Attorneys, we will continue to offer our clients superior service.
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/05/hospitality_immigration_lawyer_2.html)
wallpaper Simple Cartoon Mouse clip art
DareYouFireMe
03-15 12:25 PM
No
As per my attorney, the provision of using I-140 date is for an individual. Employer's revocation has no impact.
As per my attorney, the provision of using I-140 date is for an individual. Employer's revocation has no impact.
gc_rip
07-05 09:20 AM
Hi,
I am frustrated because been in US for more than 10 years, but still don't have GC. With my current PD (Feb 05, EB3-India) expected to the GC by Oct 2023.
My GC sponsor company also holds my H1B, and applied for 10th year extension just now.
I have an offer from a Company but for India operations. The position is in India, and salary will be paid in Indian Rupees. Is there a way I can continue my GC process?
I am not sure if I can travel every year to renew my Advanced Parole (I131). Can I transfer my H1B to the parent US company, and join as an employee for Indian subsidiary? And for the business reasons only travel using the H1B stamp for the US company?
Please let me know all the possible solutions. It's very hard to abandon the GC process after a decade of wait. At the same time it is impossible for me to keep waiting for another 12 years for the GC while the kids are growing fast, and already resisting the idea of going to India. I want to avoid the forceful exit from USA in future.
Appreciate all your helpful ideas.
Thanks,
I am frustrated because been in US for more than 10 years, but still don't have GC. With my current PD (Feb 05, EB3-India) expected to the GC by Oct 2023.
My GC sponsor company also holds my H1B, and applied for 10th year extension just now.
I have an offer from a Company but for India operations. The position is in India, and salary will be paid in Indian Rupees. Is there a way I can continue my GC process?
I am not sure if I can travel every year to renew my Advanced Parole (I131). Can I transfer my H1B to the parent US company, and join as an employee for Indian subsidiary? And for the business reasons only travel using the H1B stamp for the US company?
Please let me know all the possible solutions. It's very hard to abandon the GC process after a decade of wait. At the same time it is impossible for me to keep waiting for another 12 years for the GC while the kids are growing fast, and already resisting the idea of going to India. I want to avoid the forceful exit from USA in future.
Appreciate all your helpful ideas.
Thanks,
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GCard_Dream
04-04 05:42 PM
If you have filed multiple applications like 485, EAD, AP, etc and then you move and do an address change using the AR-11 form, addresses in your pending applications will not get automatically changed. The AR-11 form doesn't change your address in the pending applications unless you filled out the AR-11 form online and specifically requested that addresses in all pending files be changed. This is so weired that the CIS would change address in their central database but the address in the pending applications wouldn't change.
If you fill out AR-11 online, it will ask you if you have any pending applications with USCIS and if so, if you want to update the address on those files. If you say yes the you would have to enter the case/receipt number of pending applications and the new address. Good luck.
Despite updating the new address 2 times, and getting hard copy confirmation, FP notices for my wife and daughter have gone to the old address twice.
With an Infopass appointment, spoke to the guy at the local USCIS office. He confirmed that the current address is what is on their records.
Wonder how things work in USCIS. Keeping my fingers crossed for future mail!!!
If you fill out AR-11 online, it will ask you if you have any pending applications with USCIS and if so, if you want to update the address on those files. If you say yes the you would have to enter the case/receipt number of pending applications and the new address. Good luck.
Despite updating the new address 2 times, and getting hard copy confirmation, FP notices for my wife and daughter have gone to the old address twice.
With an Infopass appointment, spoke to the guy at the local USCIS office. He confirmed that the current address is what is on their records.
Wonder how things work in USCIS. Keeping my fingers crossed for future mail!!!
more...
mukeshjaiswal
12-04 08:45 PM
abhi_jais:
Delhi embassy called me for re interview on Nov 10th and issued me the visa.
Best of luck to you.
Delhi embassy called me for re interview on Nov 10th and issued me the visa.
Best of luck to you.
akhilmahajan
05-03 08:42 PM
that was pretty fast............ i wish everyone else is that lucky also........
more...
saibaba
01-21 04:30 PM
You can go for any reason. I recently got back using AP. They just verify if your AP is valid and let you in.
I second u...Infact I strongly advise everyone to use AP instead of taking chance with H1 stamping(keeping the PIMS,Secuirity check related delays in mind)...
At POE, they just verified my passport expiry date and AP Expiry date..and let me IN....
I second u...Infact I strongly advise everyone to use AP instead of taking chance with H1 stamping(keeping the PIMS,Secuirity check related delays in mind)...
At POE, they just verified my passport expiry date and AP Expiry date..and let me IN....
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140jibjab
02-25 04:53 PM
People like your (friend's) wife are a shame to the legal immigration community. We come here to work hard and make a better living. I don't think, this woman deserve to be admitted back to the US and I am not sorry to be rude in this case.
I think it is a Petty case. As long u can provide the Court Disposition and the ticket issued to the consular officer, You will get the Visa.. Provide as much documentation about the case to the consular officer.
SNTHAMPI , you work hard dude, don't be Hard on others.
I think it is a Petty case. As long u can provide the Court Disposition and the ticket issued to the consular officer, You will get the Visa.. Provide as much documentation about the case to the consular officer.
SNTHAMPI , you work hard dude, don't be Hard on others.
more...
rdehar
07-20 12:26 PM
Guys, I have been posting this message as a reply on a few threads, I just want to bump up to a separate thread.
This should come as a reality check for all filers (PD 1995 or PD 2007), all victims of BEC, all guys who are getting married soon and chose not to file I-485, nurses, engineers, physicians and all those who are losing hair from hyper-tension:
1. The BEC has vowed to clear all backlog by Sep '07 ( I myself got out of it just-in-time, in May '07, after spending 3 years );
2. USCIS has already announced that this year's GC quota is finished, meaning there will be no more I-485s approvals before next year's quota starts (Oct '07);
3. Filing I-485 does not equate to approval, USCIS cannot approve I-485 without forward movement of dates and filer's PD falling into that range. However, a I-485 application can be pre-adjudicated ( citation needed );
4. Almost everyone who can apply for I-485, will apply. This means USCIS has all the data ( all the numbers ) to work with and make a very accurate forward movement of dates from now on. Thus far, they have been making random guesses ( because of labor substitution among other factors? );
5. Once bitten twice shy, it is highly unlikely that USCIS will make dates 'C' ( for over-subscribed categories/countries EB2 and EB3 for China, India, Mexico and Philippines ) for next few years. They can, however, make forward movement in an orderly fashion. Remember: dates are already 'U' for everyone;
6. Whenever USCIS moves dates forward, people who could not apply now will be eligible to apply I-485 and/or I-140. These include all people who are still stuck in BEC heck. Older PD always had golden value and will continue to have golden value;
7. EAD and AP are, however, not dependent on PD. This intermittent relief is a blessing for people with recent PD, which pre-PERM filers never dreamed of;
Please draw your own conclusion(s).
By the way,
*. RIP 'Labor Substitution'. Thank God it is gone. Good riddance. Rules of game just got a lot fairer !!
This should come as a reality check for all filers (PD 1995 or PD 2007), all victims of BEC, all guys who are getting married soon and chose not to file I-485, nurses, engineers, physicians and all those who are losing hair from hyper-tension:
1. The BEC has vowed to clear all backlog by Sep '07 ( I myself got out of it just-in-time, in May '07, after spending 3 years );
2. USCIS has already announced that this year's GC quota is finished, meaning there will be no more I-485s approvals before next year's quota starts (Oct '07);
3. Filing I-485 does not equate to approval, USCIS cannot approve I-485 without forward movement of dates and filer's PD falling into that range. However, a I-485 application can be pre-adjudicated ( citation needed );
4. Almost everyone who can apply for I-485, will apply. This means USCIS has all the data ( all the numbers ) to work with and make a very accurate forward movement of dates from now on. Thus far, they have been making random guesses ( because of labor substitution among other factors? );
5. Once bitten twice shy, it is highly unlikely that USCIS will make dates 'C' ( for over-subscribed categories/countries EB2 and EB3 for China, India, Mexico and Philippines ) for next few years. They can, however, make forward movement in an orderly fashion. Remember: dates are already 'U' for everyone;
6. Whenever USCIS moves dates forward, people who could not apply now will be eligible to apply I-485 and/or I-140. These include all people who are still stuck in BEC heck. Older PD always had golden value and will continue to have golden value;
7. EAD and AP are, however, not dependent on PD. This intermittent relief is a blessing for people with recent PD, which pre-PERM filers never dreamed of;
Please draw your own conclusion(s).
By the way,
*. RIP 'Labor Substitution'. Thank God it is gone. Good riddance. Rules of game just got a lot fairer !!
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deba
06-14 07:52 PM
What do you mean by AP and EAD delayed? Once you have applied for your 485 and all things considered OK, you should get your AP and EAD. If dates retrogress again, you will have to keep renewing your AP and EAD till you get your GC. How long it will take to get AP and EAD? Right now, I believe it will take a lot longer, maybe upto 6 months given the load of apps. they will receive.
more...
BornConfused
07-03 11:12 AM
Oh... ok. Where can I see which service station the aplication should go to? I'm in NY
I'm pretty sure yours would go to Vermont, but don't take my word for it, why don't you make a quick thread and maybe someone with more experience can help you out.
I'm pretty sure yours would go to Vermont, but don't take my word for it, why don't you make a quick thread and maybe someone with more experience can help you out.
hot Free Frogs Clipart Images,
GCNOMAD
03-07 01:51 PM
Hi,
I was exactly in your same situation last year - When I re-entered the country, I was given an I-94 till the pp validity, later I renewed the pp promptly but overlooked the I-94 end date and realized it after a month. Following is my story and what I did.
When I noticed the I-94, seriously I dint know its expiry implications, but casually mentioned it to my employer,,,for just in case reasons. They guy was so upset and put me on to the company attorney for further advice. First I was adviced to approach the local CPB office, which I did, but turned down by the CPB office saying that I need to leave the country and re-enter !!!. But its very inconsistent with different CPB offices, because I read that some CPB offices (the one in chicago I think) entertains and give a new I-94, but most of them dont. So now I was left with only one option to go out of the country and re-enter. So applied and got canada visit visa, I booked a weekend flight to Vancouver Canada, flew out and returned back in a day and I was issued a normal I-94 now untill the end date of the visa !!!. Ridiculous as it sounds, to spend that much money for nothing. But blame the broken system. Infact to avoid the canada visa option, I was shopping for flights to India, just to go for one day and come back and the travel consultant was literally laughing at me that I am going all the way for just a touch down...She cant understand my pain.
Some lessons learned from my above experiences and some points that might help you -
1. The truth is, when your I-94 expires, you immediately loose your authority to work
2. There is a misconception in H1 world that you can continue for 180 days. But the 180 days time frame is just a time window for you to leave the country. Again, you can stay here for 180 days before you leave, but you cannot work.
3. Try your luck with the nearest CPB office, if you are close to chicago you have better chance I guess, but I tried in LA and they bluntly said that I need to leave.
4. In my case, though the I-94 expired, fortunately by God's grace, I had my 485 applied / EAD approved, so the attorney said that I have no complications to continue work (dual status), but have to renew the I-94 if want to maintain the H1 status.
Take the above 4th point as its appropirate for you case.
5. When you go to the CPB office, just pretend innocent and tell that you need to renew I-94. But if they refuse, DON'T keep negotiating for long, because they may put you in trouble.
6. If CPB office visit doesnt work out, then quickly take a flight out and return back. When you go to Canada, most of the cases the airline takes the I-94 from you, if they dont, then take it away yourself.
7. Either to Canada or Mexico, dont plan on travelling by car. Fly out and fly in so that you have sure chance of getting new I-94.
8. There are ways that you can apply for the extension of I-94 here itself but your attorney has to go thru USCIS procedures and its very complicated.
After going thru all those documentation pains for applying for H1, and later after the approval after all those awfull experiences to get appointment/stamping at the american consulate in India, you get the feeling that you are fully authorized to work in US. But still that small piece of paper issued during the entry has this much importance. Its illogical that you can renew your passport sitting inside the US, but for that piece of I-94 paper you need to go out and come. Give me a reason to prove that this is not a broken system.
And before I go,,,, here is something to laugh. My wife and kid when they re-entered US, their passport expiry was before the visa end date, but guess what, their I-94 was correctly/(or mistakenly) given untill the visa end date !!! Anyway, thru some immigration officer's mistake God saved my wife and kid from going thru what I went thru...
I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck to get it in the local CPB office itself.
God Bless.
I was exactly in your same situation last year - When I re-entered the country, I was given an I-94 till the pp validity, later I renewed the pp promptly but overlooked the I-94 end date and realized it after a month. Following is my story and what I did.
When I noticed the I-94, seriously I dint know its expiry implications, but casually mentioned it to my employer,,,for just in case reasons. They guy was so upset and put me on to the company attorney for further advice. First I was adviced to approach the local CPB office, which I did, but turned down by the CPB office saying that I need to leave the country and re-enter !!!. But its very inconsistent with different CPB offices, because I read that some CPB offices (the one in chicago I think) entertains and give a new I-94, but most of them dont. So now I was left with only one option to go out of the country and re-enter. So applied and got canada visit visa, I booked a weekend flight to Vancouver Canada, flew out and returned back in a day and I was issued a normal I-94 now untill the end date of the visa !!!. Ridiculous as it sounds, to spend that much money for nothing. But blame the broken system. Infact to avoid the canada visa option, I was shopping for flights to India, just to go for one day and come back and the travel consultant was literally laughing at me that I am going all the way for just a touch down...She cant understand my pain.
Some lessons learned from my above experiences and some points that might help you -
1. The truth is, when your I-94 expires, you immediately loose your authority to work
2. There is a misconception in H1 world that you can continue for 180 days. But the 180 days time frame is just a time window for you to leave the country. Again, you can stay here for 180 days before you leave, but you cannot work.
3. Try your luck with the nearest CPB office, if you are close to chicago you have better chance I guess, but I tried in LA and they bluntly said that I need to leave.
4. In my case, though the I-94 expired, fortunately by God's grace, I had my 485 applied / EAD approved, so the attorney said that I have no complications to continue work (dual status), but have to renew the I-94 if want to maintain the H1 status.
Take the above 4th point as its appropirate for you case.
5. When you go to the CPB office, just pretend innocent and tell that you need to renew I-94. But if they refuse, DON'T keep negotiating for long, because they may put you in trouble.
6. If CPB office visit doesnt work out, then quickly take a flight out and return back. When you go to Canada, most of the cases the airline takes the I-94 from you, if they dont, then take it away yourself.
7. Either to Canada or Mexico, dont plan on travelling by car. Fly out and fly in so that you have sure chance of getting new I-94.
8. There are ways that you can apply for the extension of I-94 here itself but your attorney has to go thru USCIS procedures and its very complicated.
After going thru all those documentation pains for applying for H1, and later after the approval after all those awfull experiences to get appointment/stamping at the american consulate in India, you get the feeling that you are fully authorized to work in US. But still that small piece of paper issued during the entry has this much importance. Its illogical that you can renew your passport sitting inside the US, but for that piece of I-94 paper you need to go out and come. Give me a reason to prove that this is not a broken system.
And before I go,,,, here is something to laugh. My wife and kid when they re-entered US, their passport expiry was before the visa end date, but guess what, their I-94 was correctly/(or mistakenly) given untill the visa end date !!! Anyway, thru some immigration officer's mistake God saved my wife and kid from going thru what I went thru...
I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck to get it in the local CPB office itself.
God Bless.
more...
house Animals Clip Art Pictures
Prashanthi
06-23 05:22 PM
you cannot work until the MTR is approved
tattoo Tropical Animals Clip Art
sri_chicago
05-14 06:33 PM
Hi--
Priority Date : Feb 2006/EB3
I-140 Approved on Sept 2006
I-485 filed on 07/02/2007
Spouse I-485 online status changed to requested additional evidence on May 01,2009.
As of now either me or my attorney not received RFE letter.
Please advice how to solve this.
Priority Date : Feb 2006/EB3
I-140 Approved on Sept 2006
I-485 filed on 07/02/2007
Spouse I-485 online status changed to requested additional evidence on May 01,2009.
As of now either me or my attorney not received RFE letter.
Please advice how to solve this.
more...
pictures happy birthday cartoon
curiosity_76
12-29 04:26 PM
Let's do something together, and let the government aware of our problem.
Let's get more and more people in and make our voice heard!
Let's get more and more people in and make our voice heard!
dresses Clipart-Dolphin-Logo.gif
chanduv23
10-27 03:45 PM
Folks - everyday I go to sleep I wish that tomorrow the sun will rise in the west. When I wake up I see that nothing has changed.
Change is hard - but change definitely brings new hope and prosperity.
With bad economy, Green Card issues, visa retrogression, layoffs, bad stocks, housing crisis and with growing inflation - all we do is hope and strive towards betterment.
Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and I wish this Diwali will bring victory to the well deserved.
Lets all be together in turbulent times and work towards the change that we always want to see.
IV has helped us all and continue to help us. IV is nothing but all of us together. Lets all pledge our support to IV on this thread.
Change is hard - but change definitely brings new hope and prosperity.
With bad economy, Green Card issues, visa retrogression, layoffs, bad stocks, housing crisis and with growing inflation - all we do is hope and strive towards betterment.
Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and I wish this Diwali will bring victory to the well deserved.
Lets all be together in turbulent times and work towards the change that we always want to see.
IV has helped us all and continue to help us. IV is nothing but all of us together. Lets all pledge our support to IV on this thread.
more...
makeup Cartoon Animal Clipart
iam_amit
02-21 12:52 AM
is it safe to apply change of status from H1b to H4 while staying in US and once she gets a job can get stamping out of US as H1B with supporting docs.
H1b-H4-H1b
H1b-H4-H1b
girlfriend Royalty-free animal clipart
newbee7
07-05 07:26 AM
Ombudsman had correctly predicted this fiasco back in June before the dates were made current:
There will be severe consequences from rapid fluctuations in priority dates. If the priority date became current today, due to delayed USCIS processing and thus underutilization of visa numbers, some have predicted that within a few months as many as 500,000 to 750,000 individuals now residing in the United States under a temporary worker visa could apply for a green card. Additionally, DOL’s recent backlog elimination efforts, scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2007, are predicted to add 70,000 or more approved labor certifications yielding as many as 170,000 additional green card applications. As USCIS begins to complete these applications and request visa numbers from DOS, the 140,000 statutorily authorized visa numbers will be used. DOS then will be required to retrogress priority dates. Consequently, most applicants in this scenario will find themselves trapped where as they anticipated timely receipt of a green card, their wait exceeds seven or more years. In addition, all future employment-based green card applicants effectively would be barred from applying for many years.38
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/CISOMB_Annual%20Report_2007.pdf
USCIS is evaluated based on backlogs. They wanted to avoid the backlogs that would be seen if all were able to apply in July.
There will be severe consequences from rapid fluctuations in priority dates. If the priority date became current today, due to delayed USCIS processing and thus underutilization of visa numbers, some have predicted that within a few months as many as 500,000 to 750,000 individuals now residing in the United States under a temporary worker visa could apply for a green card. Additionally, DOL’s recent backlog elimination efforts, scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2007, are predicted to add 70,000 or more approved labor certifications yielding as many as 170,000 additional green card applications. As USCIS begins to complete these applications and request visa numbers from DOS, the 140,000 statutorily authorized visa numbers will be used. DOS then will be required to retrogress priority dates. Consequently, most applicants in this scenario will find themselves trapped where as they anticipated timely receipt of a green card, their wait exceeds seven or more years. In addition, all future employment-based green card applicants effectively would be barred from applying for many years.38
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/CISOMB_Annual%20Report_2007.pdf
USCIS is evaluated based on backlogs. They wanted to avoid the backlogs that would be seen if all were able to apply in July.
hairstyles the latest animated animal
a_yaja
04-02 03:18 PM
If an RFE has been issues, it will show up on the USCIS case status website when you type in your receipt number.
I had filed for my 6th year h1b extension without the lawyer , I did so bec the paper work was similar to my last extension ,and i saw that lots of people on the IV forum had Filed the H1b extension themselves.
Anyways, my human resource personal hired a new secretory and she some how misplaced my H1b receipt/possible RFE? , I have the EAC # from my cancel check ; when i check my status online it says case received and pending my PD is Jan08 ,2007 and the CSC is processing Jan. 13th, my question is if a RFE is issued will that be posted on the online case status website? I have asked the HR to request a duplicate copy from INS , should i also ask them to contact USCIS over the phone in addition to the written request?
I had filed for my 6th year h1b extension without the lawyer , I did so bec the paper work was similar to my last extension ,and i saw that lots of people on the IV forum had Filed the H1b extension themselves.
Anyways, my human resource personal hired a new secretory and she some how misplaced my H1b receipt/possible RFE? , I have the EAC # from my cancel check ; when i check my status online it says case received and pending my PD is Jan08 ,2007 and the CSC is processing Jan. 13th, my question is if a RFE is issued will that be posted on the online case status website? I have asked the HR to request a duplicate copy from INS , should i also ask them to contact USCIS over the phone in addition to the written request?
factoryman
06-19 01:31 PM
Don't know what the officer will do. Don't tell me I didn't tell you.
COMPARISON OF ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS VERSUS CONSULAR PROCESSING
The purpose of this page is to address the advantages and disadvantages of Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing. There are various factors that need to be considered, including the procedures, the cost, the time and the risks involved in each process.
I. TIME
Generally, Adjustment of Status Applications take about 12-15 months to be approved by the INS. In most cases, Consular Processing takes approximately 6 to 9 months, depending on which US Consulate is chosen.
II. CONSULATE NOTIFICATION
The decision to consular process often turns on the issue of whether the overseas consulate will accept an application without notification from the INS via the National Visa Center (NVC). At present only a handful of Consulates will accept such an application. The usual course calls for the INS to send notice of the approval of the I-140 to the NVC in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which then notifies the particular consulate.
From time to time, an I-824 is required in order to Consular Process. In these scenarios, Consular processing takes in excess of one year and is almost never a good option. Because some consulates are realizing that the I-824 processing times at the Service Centers are unreasonably lengthy, several Consulates have opted to allow consular processing in their discretion without the requirement of the notification from the NVC. Under this process, the AC I-140 (attorney certified I-140), the attorney directly sends the Consulate a certified copy of the I-140 approval notice.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you choose the AC I-140 process. First, not all consulates recognize it. Second, some Consulates may later switch to an approach where they demand the I-824. Third, some of the consulates who do accept ACI-140 do so only on grounds of hardship, such as the aging out of a child.
III. 180 DAY PORTABILITY RULE
Persons whose I-485s have been pending at the INS for 180 days or longer are ordinarily eligible to transfer to a new employer without abandoning their I-485 Adjustment of Status Application. The rules surrounding the 180 Day Portability are new and can be complex. However, the Portability rule can provide great relief to employees who are concerned that future lay-offs or Reductions In Force may cause their permanent Residency Applications to fail. Because of several liberalized I-485 rules, it usually a poor choice to opt for Consular Processing.
IV. LOCAL ISSUES
Each consulate has its own nuances. Most U.S. Consulates require police certificates for all applicants 16 years or older covering all periods that they have resided in a foreign country. This requirement does not exist in the case of adjustment of status. The consular officers also require a certified copy of any military records, whereas this is not required in adjustment of status applications. The consulate in Manila will only accept birth certificates issued by the National Statistics Office. A person who does not have all the documents at the time of the interview will need to appear for a second interview.
In all cases however, the medical exams have to be completed by a designated doctor in that country. In London, the medical exams are completed the same day as the interview. However, in Johannesburg, Chennai, and Mumbai, the medical exams have to be completed at least two weeks before the interview. Essentially, this means the employee will need to spend approximately three weeks overseas or will require two trips overseas.
In most cases, interview notices are generated approximately 30 days prior to the actual interview. As a practical matter, families need to depart the U.S. immediately upon receipt of an interview notice in order to have plenty of time to complete the medical exam.
In addition to the general procedural differences between the two processes, there are more stringent requirements in consular processing. For example, it is generally easier to obtain waivers of certain medical grounds for exclusion, such as HIV, if you are Adjusting.
V. COSTS
Another issue that should be analyzed is the cost associated with each process. The major monetary difference is travel costs. Plainly, you only need to pay for a flight overseas if you are Consular processing. This can be burdensome and costly where there are several family members.
Another factor that may indirectly affect the costs to the employer and employee is the time that will be required to be spent outside of the United States. During the adjustment of status process, a person can continue their employment in the United States while the case is processing. In consular processing cases, they are required to be out of the U.S. for approximately a month, assuming no problems arise in their case. If problems do arise in their case, they may need to stay overseas longer than anticipated. Alternatively, they could, in most cases, come back to the U.S. but would need to travel to the consulate again for a follow-up interview. Obviously, this adds to additional time away from work and additional expenses. In addition, for employees who have school age children, this would require the child's absence from school.
VI. RISKS
The major factor in deciding whether to choose adjustment of status or consular processing is the risk involved. By far, consular processing is much more risky than the adjustment of status process. First, consular processing provides less opportunity for attorney assistance. In the adjustment of status process, the attorneys prepare the application and file it with the INS. If the INS has a Request for Additional Evidence or any issues in the case, the information is sent to the attorney at which time the attorney can review the issues with the client and submit a response. In consular processing, the consulates do not allow the person to be represented by an attorney during the interview. Sometimes the attorney can stay in the waiting room and address any questions that the applicant has, but is not allowed to actually represent them at the interview.
Second, consular processing involves a personal interview whereas the adjustment of status does not. Of course, any time that there is a personal interview, there is more risk that the applicant will say something unfavorable to his case. It also provides the officer with more time to go in depth into the applicant's immigration history or any issues of excludability. For example, if the employee's job title or job duties have changed at all since the filing of the labor certification then there is more of a chance that the consulate will focus on this issue and could deny the application. In contrast, in adjustment of status the INS does not delve into the exact job duties, (e.g. specific tools, utilities, software) but rather focuses on the job title, salary, and whether there is a continued offer of employment.
Third, consular officers sometimes work with a mindset of distrust because they are accustomed to seeing fraudulent cases. Keep in mind that Manila, Mumbai, and Chennai are high fraud posts.
Fourth, anyone who has been unlawfully present in the United States and is subject to the 3/10 year bar would immediately trigger that bar once he departed the U.S. Clearly, a person in this situation should not even consider consular processing as such as decision would be fatal.
Finally, and most importantly, a denial of a visa at a Consulate post cannot be appealed.
VII. EMPLOYMENT FOR SPOUSES
Spouses can obtain employment authorization while their Application for Adjustment of Status is pending at the INS. They are ineligible for work authorization while their Consular Processing Application is pending.
VIII. CONCLUSION
In sum, consular processing can be advantageous in some situations. However, the decision to do consular processing should be made on a case-by-case basis based upon the particular consulate and the facts of each case. Ordinarily, Adjustment of Status is the better approach.
any members planning consular processing in delhi ???
please respond
COMPARISON OF ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS VERSUS CONSULAR PROCESSING
The purpose of this page is to address the advantages and disadvantages of Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing. There are various factors that need to be considered, including the procedures, the cost, the time and the risks involved in each process.
I. TIME
Generally, Adjustment of Status Applications take about 12-15 months to be approved by the INS. In most cases, Consular Processing takes approximately 6 to 9 months, depending on which US Consulate is chosen.
II. CONSULATE NOTIFICATION
The decision to consular process often turns on the issue of whether the overseas consulate will accept an application without notification from the INS via the National Visa Center (NVC). At present only a handful of Consulates will accept such an application. The usual course calls for the INS to send notice of the approval of the I-140 to the NVC in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which then notifies the particular consulate.
From time to time, an I-824 is required in order to Consular Process. In these scenarios, Consular processing takes in excess of one year and is almost never a good option. Because some consulates are realizing that the I-824 processing times at the Service Centers are unreasonably lengthy, several Consulates have opted to allow consular processing in their discretion without the requirement of the notification from the NVC. Under this process, the AC I-140 (attorney certified I-140), the attorney directly sends the Consulate a certified copy of the I-140 approval notice.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you choose the AC I-140 process. First, not all consulates recognize it. Second, some Consulates may later switch to an approach where they demand the I-824. Third, some of the consulates who do accept ACI-140 do so only on grounds of hardship, such as the aging out of a child.
III. 180 DAY PORTABILITY RULE
Persons whose I-485s have been pending at the INS for 180 days or longer are ordinarily eligible to transfer to a new employer without abandoning their I-485 Adjustment of Status Application. The rules surrounding the 180 Day Portability are new and can be complex. However, the Portability rule can provide great relief to employees who are concerned that future lay-offs or Reductions In Force may cause their permanent Residency Applications to fail. Because of several liberalized I-485 rules, it usually a poor choice to opt for Consular Processing.
IV. LOCAL ISSUES
Each consulate has its own nuances. Most U.S. Consulates require police certificates for all applicants 16 years or older covering all periods that they have resided in a foreign country. This requirement does not exist in the case of adjustment of status. The consular officers also require a certified copy of any military records, whereas this is not required in adjustment of status applications. The consulate in Manila will only accept birth certificates issued by the National Statistics Office. A person who does not have all the documents at the time of the interview will need to appear for a second interview.
In all cases however, the medical exams have to be completed by a designated doctor in that country. In London, the medical exams are completed the same day as the interview. However, in Johannesburg, Chennai, and Mumbai, the medical exams have to be completed at least two weeks before the interview. Essentially, this means the employee will need to spend approximately three weeks overseas or will require two trips overseas.
In most cases, interview notices are generated approximately 30 days prior to the actual interview. As a practical matter, families need to depart the U.S. immediately upon receipt of an interview notice in order to have plenty of time to complete the medical exam.
In addition to the general procedural differences between the two processes, there are more stringent requirements in consular processing. For example, it is generally easier to obtain waivers of certain medical grounds for exclusion, such as HIV, if you are Adjusting.
V. COSTS
Another issue that should be analyzed is the cost associated with each process. The major monetary difference is travel costs. Plainly, you only need to pay for a flight overseas if you are Consular processing. This can be burdensome and costly where there are several family members.
Another factor that may indirectly affect the costs to the employer and employee is the time that will be required to be spent outside of the United States. During the adjustment of status process, a person can continue their employment in the United States while the case is processing. In consular processing cases, they are required to be out of the U.S. for approximately a month, assuming no problems arise in their case. If problems do arise in their case, they may need to stay overseas longer than anticipated. Alternatively, they could, in most cases, come back to the U.S. but would need to travel to the consulate again for a follow-up interview. Obviously, this adds to additional time away from work and additional expenses. In addition, for employees who have school age children, this would require the child's absence from school.
VI. RISKS
The major factor in deciding whether to choose adjustment of status or consular processing is the risk involved. By far, consular processing is much more risky than the adjustment of status process. First, consular processing provides less opportunity for attorney assistance. In the adjustment of status process, the attorneys prepare the application and file it with the INS. If the INS has a Request for Additional Evidence or any issues in the case, the information is sent to the attorney at which time the attorney can review the issues with the client and submit a response. In consular processing, the consulates do not allow the person to be represented by an attorney during the interview. Sometimes the attorney can stay in the waiting room and address any questions that the applicant has, but is not allowed to actually represent them at the interview.
Second, consular processing involves a personal interview whereas the adjustment of status does not. Of course, any time that there is a personal interview, there is more risk that the applicant will say something unfavorable to his case. It also provides the officer with more time to go in depth into the applicant's immigration history or any issues of excludability. For example, if the employee's job title or job duties have changed at all since the filing of the labor certification then there is more of a chance that the consulate will focus on this issue and could deny the application. In contrast, in adjustment of status the INS does not delve into the exact job duties, (e.g. specific tools, utilities, software) but rather focuses on the job title, salary, and whether there is a continued offer of employment.
Third, consular officers sometimes work with a mindset of distrust because they are accustomed to seeing fraudulent cases. Keep in mind that Manila, Mumbai, and Chennai are high fraud posts.
Fourth, anyone who has been unlawfully present in the United States and is subject to the 3/10 year bar would immediately trigger that bar once he departed the U.S. Clearly, a person in this situation should not even consider consular processing as such as decision would be fatal.
Finally, and most importantly, a denial of a visa at a Consulate post cannot be appealed.
VII. EMPLOYMENT FOR SPOUSES
Spouses can obtain employment authorization while their Application for Adjustment of Status is pending at the INS. They are ineligible for work authorization while their Consular Processing Application is pending.
VIII. CONCLUSION
In sum, consular processing can be advantageous in some situations. However, the decision to do consular processing should be made on a case-by-case basis based upon the particular consulate and the facts of each case. Ordinarily, Adjustment of Status is the better approach.
any members planning consular processing in delhi ???
please respond
like_watching_paint_dry
09-22 06:02 PM
Thanks, what a pain. I just did a Google Business search and did not find any branches of it in USA. Is there anyway we can get this done while in US? My appt is on Monday, this means I have to go to Canada on Friday to get this deposit slip? :mad:
Just saw your question... you may be in Canada today. Well AFAIK they allow you to go and get the payment taken care of after you have checked in. But it's a hassle you want to avoid, especially if the nearest branch is not across the street or something.
Hope it went well for you...
Just saw your question... you may be in Canada today. Well AFAIK they allow you to go and get the payment taken care of after you have checked in. But it's a hassle you want to avoid, especially if the nearest branch is not across the street or something.
Hope it went well for you...
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