ameryki
07-20 11:17 PM
Hello,
My wife is out of the country right now and planning to return in 3 weeks. She left the country with both copies (we only received 2 copies) of AP that is valid until Sept 10th 2009. Unfortunately we don't have a photocopy of the AP document and she has misplaced the two copies she took along with her. How do we approach this situation. The doc's we do have handy are:
1- Original 485 Receipt Notice
2- Original AP filing Receipt Notice
3- Copy of AP approved screen from uscic. gov
4- Original previous AP
5- AP was issued by MSC
Any advice?
My wife is out of the country right now and planning to return in 3 weeks. She left the country with both copies (we only received 2 copies) of AP that is valid until Sept 10th 2009. Unfortunately we don't have a photocopy of the AP document and she has misplaced the two copies she took along with her. How do we approach this situation. The doc's we do have handy are:
1- Original 485 Receipt Notice
2- Original AP filing Receipt Notice
3- Copy of AP approved screen from uscic. gov
4- Original previous AP
5- AP was issued by MSC
Any advice?
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neel_gump
05-12 03:20 PM
Security Checks : How and Why
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Fact Sheet on April 25, 2006 regarding security checks under the U.S. immigration system. The purpose of the article is to explain the various types of security checks. As many MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers know, security checks have become a real source of contention, as they slow case processing for indeterminate periods of time. The fact sheet may be a reaction to growing unrest surrounding security check delays in processing both nonimmigrant and immigrant cases.
Background on Security Checks
All those who apply for immigration benefits must undergo criminal and national security background checks. The USCIS emphasized that these checks are performed on all applicants, and are not targeted at or against any particular group. These checks expanded after 9/11. The USCIS points out that most cases proceed without incident and in a timely fashion. They acknowledge, however, that some cases are held up for more than a year because of delays in the security checks.
Why Security Checks are Conducted
The background checks are aimed at identifying individuals who are a risk to national security, or are seeking otherwise to cause harm to the U.S. They are also designed to identify people attempting to abuse the immigration system. The USCIS will not grant an immigration benefit before the security checks are complete, regardless of the length of the delays. The USCIS states that they are working with the FBI and other agencies to try to increase the speed of the security checks.
We note that expediting the security checks not only benefits legitimate applicants who suffer from the delays, but serves the very purpose of the checks. The USCIS states that they have located various violent criminals, drug traffickers, and persons with links to terrorism through these checks. Clearly, no one wants dangerous individuals remaining within the U.S. To the extent that the background checks are being performed on applicants within the country, however, delays in the completion can serve to permit some of those applicants to remain in the U.S. lawfully during the time it takes the USCIS to complete the checks. For example, one who has a properly filed I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status pending is lawfully in the U.S. and is eligible for work authorization. If such a person is a threat, then a security check that drags on for a year or more only serves to extend that person's time in the United States. Thus, there is a security interest in not only performing proper checks, but in performing them in a timely fashion.
How Security Checks Work
The USCIS uses three types of checks as a standard background review for a variety of cases. They have the authority to conduct other sorts of background checks, if needed.
IBIS Name Checks Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) name checks are a generally quick manner of checking information from multiple government agencies that is in a combined database to determine if there is any information that is relevant to the decision in a particular case. The results are usually available quickly, but it may take more time to investigate any information revealed by the IBIS check.
FBI Fingerprint Checks Fingerprint checks are conducted by the FBI for many types of applications, but not all. Many of our clients and readers who are I-485 Adjustment of Status applicants are familiar with these checks, which provide any criminal background information on the adjustment applicant. The responses, according to the USCIS, are generally forwarded within one to two days. If there is a match, then the USCIS will get a criminal history sheet. This information will be reviewed to see if it affects eligibility for the benefit sought.
Sometimes, this information does not reflect the disposition or outcome of a particular crime. Thus, it is important for applicants to have proof, in the form of a certified copy of the disposition, in order to address the issue with the immigration officer. The USCIS notes that expungements or pardons, etc, must be reported. Anyone with a question about what has to be revealed should speak with an immigration attorney. It is important to understand that matters not considered to be convictions for general legal purposes, may be considered convictions for an immigration purpose. It also is important to have a good understanding of what happened in any criminal matter. We often meet individuals who are unable to explain how their cases ended - which is key in analyzing the impact a criminal charge has on the immigration status and eligibility for future benefits. Of course, we also strongly recommend that everyone comply with the law in all respects to avoid any criminal charge, whatsoever.
FBI Name Checks These name checks are required for many applications, and are different from the fingerprint checks. These involve a check of various law enforcement files and generally take about two weeks. The USCIS reports that 80 percent of these result in a "no match." This means that there is no matching record. For the remaining 20 percent, there is some match, and the matter has to be reviewed in more detail, in part to determine whether the applicant is the same individual as the person on record. These matters generally are resolved in six months. The USCIS reports that less than one percent of these take longer than six months. Such cases can be quite complex and sensitive and are not complete until all of the information is obtained and resolved.
Of course, given the volume of cases, one percent is still a great many people. Moreover, delays of six months, in addition to all of the other processing timeframes, can be significant and life-affecting. The impact on lives goes well beyond anxiety and stress, depending upon the situation.
Conclusion
The USCIS states that some delays are inevitable due to the sheer volume of cases. Background checks are considered pending when the FBI or other responsible agency has not responded or when there is a response that requires further investigation. According to the USCIS, the resolution of some cases is time consuming and labor intensive, and can take months or even years. At the local office level, "sweeps" of cases are performed to see which ones are cleared through the background check system and can be finalized. While the background check is underway, the USCIS does not share the information that has been uncovered or the status of any investigation with the applicant or the applicant's attorney.
We at the Murthy Law Firm appreciate this insight. We all understand the need for background checks on applicants for U.S. immigration benefits. The time that it takes, however, is a concern both from the benefits and security points of view. We would urge that ample resources be made available so that these matters can be resolved in a timely fashion. If there is a case so complex that years are required to find a resolution, the individual is potentially in the United States while it is ongoing. The potential risk makes this rather an urgent matter for our country and the safety of our people.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Fact Sheet on April 25, 2006 regarding security checks under the U.S. immigration system. The purpose of the article is to explain the various types of security checks. As many MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers know, security checks have become a real source of contention, as they slow case processing for indeterminate periods of time. The fact sheet may be a reaction to growing unrest surrounding security check delays in processing both nonimmigrant and immigrant cases.
Background on Security Checks
All those who apply for immigration benefits must undergo criminal and national security background checks. The USCIS emphasized that these checks are performed on all applicants, and are not targeted at or against any particular group. These checks expanded after 9/11. The USCIS points out that most cases proceed without incident and in a timely fashion. They acknowledge, however, that some cases are held up for more than a year because of delays in the security checks.
Why Security Checks are Conducted
The background checks are aimed at identifying individuals who are a risk to national security, or are seeking otherwise to cause harm to the U.S. They are also designed to identify people attempting to abuse the immigration system. The USCIS will not grant an immigration benefit before the security checks are complete, regardless of the length of the delays. The USCIS states that they are working with the FBI and other agencies to try to increase the speed of the security checks.
We note that expediting the security checks not only benefits legitimate applicants who suffer from the delays, but serves the very purpose of the checks. The USCIS states that they have located various violent criminals, drug traffickers, and persons with links to terrorism through these checks. Clearly, no one wants dangerous individuals remaining within the U.S. To the extent that the background checks are being performed on applicants within the country, however, delays in the completion can serve to permit some of those applicants to remain in the U.S. lawfully during the time it takes the USCIS to complete the checks. For example, one who has a properly filed I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status pending is lawfully in the U.S. and is eligible for work authorization. If such a person is a threat, then a security check that drags on for a year or more only serves to extend that person's time in the United States. Thus, there is a security interest in not only performing proper checks, but in performing them in a timely fashion.
How Security Checks Work
The USCIS uses three types of checks as a standard background review for a variety of cases. They have the authority to conduct other sorts of background checks, if needed.
IBIS Name Checks Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) name checks are a generally quick manner of checking information from multiple government agencies that is in a combined database to determine if there is any information that is relevant to the decision in a particular case. The results are usually available quickly, but it may take more time to investigate any information revealed by the IBIS check.
FBI Fingerprint Checks Fingerprint checks are conducted by the FBI for many types of applications, but not all. Many of our clients and readers who are I-485 Adjustment of Status applicants are familiar with these checks, which provide any criminal background information on the adjustment applicant. The responses, according to the USCIS, are generally forwarded within one to two days. If there is a match, then the USCIS will get a criminal history sheet. This information will be reviewed to see if it affects eligibility for the benefit sought.
Sometimes, this information does not reflect the disposition or outcome of a particular crime. Thus, it is important for applicants to have proof, in the form of a certified copy of the disposition, in order to address the issue with the immigration officer. The USCIS notes that expungements or pardons, etc, must be reported. Anyone with a question about what has to be revealed should speak with an immigration attorney. It is important to understand that matters not considered to be convictions for general legal purposes, may be considered convictions for an immigration purpose. It also is important to have a good understanding of what happened in any criminal matter. We often meet individuals who are unable to explain how their cases ended - which is key in analyzing the impact a criminal charge has on the immigration status and eligibility for future benefits. Of course, we also strongly recommend that everyone comply with the law in all respects to avoid any criminal charge, whatsoever.
FBI Name Checks These name checks are required for many applications, and are different from the fingerprint checks. These involve a check of various law enforcement files and generally take about two weeks. The USCIS reports that 80 percent of these result in a "no match." This means that there is no matching record. For the remaining 20 percent, there is some match, and the matter has to be reviewed in more detail, in part to determine whether the applicant is the same individual as the person on record. These matters generally are resolved in six months. The USCIS reports that less than one percent of these take longer than six months. Such cases can be quite complex and sensitive and are not complete until all of the information is obtained and resolved.
Of course, given the volume of cases, one percent is still a great many people. Moreover, delays of six months, in addition to all of the other processing timeframes, can be significant and life-affecting. The impact on lives goes well beyond anxiety and stress, depending upon the situation.
Conclusion
The USCIS states that some delays are inevitable due to the sheer volume of cases. Background checks are considered pending when the FBI or other responsible agency has not responded or when there is a response that requires further investigation. According to the USCIS, the resolution of some cases is time consuming and labor intensive, and can take months or even years. At the local office level, "sweeps" of cases are performed to see which ones are cleared through the background check system and can be finalized. While the background check is underway, the USCIS does not share the information that has been uncovered or the status of any investigation with the applicant or the applicant's attorney.
We at the Murthy Law Firm appreciate this insight. We all understand the need for background checks on applicants for U.S. immigration benefits. The time that it takes, however, is a concern both from the benefits and security points of view. We would urge that ample resources be made available so that these matters can be resolved in a timely fashion. If there is a case so complex that years are required to find a resolution, the individual is potentially in the United States while it is ongoing. The potential risk makes this rather an urgent matter for our country and the safety of our people.
karthiknv143
07-31 06:14 PM
make sure is htere any filing fee check sent back in the package...
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liberty
01-09 12:53 PM
We are in process of extending visitor visa for my parents-in-law.
We have filed I -539 form thro� USCIS E-FILE. We paid $300 for extension fees. They did not ask for any documentation, so we have not sent any. We got the acknowledgement of receipt from USCIS. We applied one month before their six month stay expires. If I do not get any reply from USCIS before their stay expires, is it illegal for them to continue their stay? If anyone has gone thro� a similar situation, please provide some insight. Any expert opinion will highly appreciated.
We have filed I -539 form thro� USCIS E-FILE. We paid $300 for extension fees. They did not ask for any documentation, so we have not sent any. We got the acknowledgement of receipt from USCIS. We applied one month before their six month stay expires. If I do not get any reply from USCIS before their stay expires, is it illegal for them to continue their stay? If anyone has gone thro� a similar situation, please provide some insight. Any expert opinion will highly appreciated.
more...
amundres
01-11 02:28 AM
My I-485 was filed on Dec 1, 2006. I called USCIS and had info pass and they told me that my name check is not clear. I talked to one lawyer and he is going to charge me 3500 for WOM. He has pretty good success rate. I am reading forum where they say it is better to wait minimum 2 years. Has anyone heared any case where wom is filed after one year and it was successful. My priority date is current.
vin13
01-08 12:25 PM
Travelling on AP needs only your passport and the AP.
Supporting documents could be I-485 receipt, i-140 approval notice, other visa approval notices, recent paystubs and a 2 sentence employement letter from your current job.
Port of Entry is much simpler compared to the consulate. At the consulate, they can deny visa even if you have all the information. At Port of Entry, they are usually just looking to make sure you are coming in with a valid document. So i personally feel you should be Ok to travel.
Having a baby is not going to carry any weight at the port of entry. The IO is looking for validity of documents and not going to yeild for any pleading.
Just slide the AP documents in the photo page of your passport and let the IO know that you are entering on Advance Parole. Do not say more than what is asked for. Do not give more documents until the IO requests. They will ask you if they need. It is very simple.
Typically, they will send you to a secondary inspection. you submit the documents and wait for them to call. They will stamp the AP and give you one copy.
Philadelphia IO officers were very very friendly. I recommend Philadelphia if you are too worried.
Hope this helps.
Supporting documents could be I-485 receipt, i-140 approval notice, other visa approval notices, recent paystubs and a 2 sentence employement letter from your current job.
Port of Entry is much simpler compared to the consulate. At the consulate, they can deny visa even if you have all the information. At Port of Entry, they are usually just looking to make sure you are coming in with a valid document. So i personally feel you should be Ok to travel.
Having a baby is not going to carry any weight at the port of entry. The IO is looking for validity of documents and not going to yeild for any pleading.
Just slide the AP documents in the photo page of your passport and let the IO know that you are entering on Advance Parole. Do not say more than what is asked for. Do not give more documents until the IO requests. They will ask you if they need. It is very simple.
Typically, they will send you to a secondary inspection. you submit the documents and wait for them to call. They will stamp the AP and give you one copy.
Philadelphia IO officers were very very friendly. I recommend Philadelphia if you are too worried.
Hope this helps.
more...
Dhundhun
06-11 10:05 PM
I sent it using United States Postal Service (usps). I did use full zip code (75185-2401). I also used usps return receipt, which means somebody from USCIS has to sign this form.
Return receipt is problem for PO Boxes. This is unattended. Not sure who signs it. Generally they put a paper in Mail Box., and based on that someone will be picking from Post Office.
This is the reason for it - so it will be delivered.
I just use delivery confirmation for P.O. Boxes.
Return receipt is problem for PO Boxes. This is unattended. Not sure who signs it. Generally they put a paper in Mail Box., and based on that someone will be picking from Post Office.
This is the reason for it - so it will be delivered.
I just use delivery confirmation for P.O. Boxes.
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uma001
10-16 09:44 AM
Hi mattresscoil,
<<<<<<<
I think you are positioned well with a full time position and income.
Here is what I would suggest. Continue with your full time job and on the side start looking for a job and make sure that you get hold of good consulting company(ies). If they find you a position, they will/may file for the H1B Xfer. Once the H1b exfer is complete, you can go an join them.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..
I completely agree with you on the above. Can you give some more head on "get hold of good consulting company(ies)" that you mentioned above? What should be the way?
Thanks
What do you mean by good consulting company? Good consulting companies never care about H1 employees. Deloitte,accenture,IBM,Fujitsu, Cap Gemini all are good consulting companies.They place you in good projects,pay well but do not gaurantee about green card filing . Even if they promise you cant trust them. According to me, As long as you can find projects by yourself any consulting company who has good financials is a good consulting company and they will file your green card immediately. If they have good vendor contacts it will be a plus.
<<<<<<<
I think you are positioned well with a full time position and income.
Here is what I would suggest. Continue with your full time job and on the side start looking for a job and make sure that you get hold of good consulting company(ies). If they find you a position, they will/may file for the H1B Xfer. Once the H1b exfer is complete, you can go an join them.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..
I completely agree with you on the above. Can you give some more head on "get hold of good consulting company(ies)" that you mentioned above? What should be the way?
Thanks
What do you mean by good consulting company? Good consulting companies never care about H1 employees. Deloitte,accenture,IBM,Fujitsu, Cap Gemini all are good consulting companies.They place you in good projects,pay well but do not gaurantee about green card filing . Even if they promise you cant trust them. According to me, As long as you can find projects by yourself any consulting company who has good financials is a good consulting company and they will file your green card immediately. If they have good vendor contacts it will be a plus.
more...
krishna_brc
06-17 02:56 PM
Past 180 days, I-140 revocation does not create any problems. Even if you get H1 transferred, you can still get EAD renewed. Make sure new job has job duties 'same/similar' (soc codes matches)
Hi GCCOVET,
What will happen in the below scenario
Company A sponsered GC, 140 approved and 180 days passed filing 485
if we shift to company B using H1 transfer should the new job on H1 be same/similar to GC job?
Thanks,
Krishna
Hi GCCOVET,
What will happen in the below scenario
Company A sponsered GC, 140 approved and 180 days passed filing 485
if we shift to company B using H1 transfer should the new job on H1 be same/similar to GC job?
Thanks,
Krishna
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immigration_law
08-24 07:08 PM
My greencard application has stuck in name checks for 3 years. I recently filed a Writ of Mandamus. Before going to court, U.S. Attorneys filed to dismiss my case, citing that the adjustment of status is discretionary and the FBI can take as long as they want to do background checks.
I am hesitating whether to go ahead with a court hearing. In addition, I am not happy with my current lawyer.
Can someone recommend a good lawyer to me? Many thanks!
YL
Hi Yingli,
I am sorry you have been stuck in the FBI name check for three long years. The fact that you have a motion to dismiss filed against you is not your lawyers fault. This is the standard operating procedure for all US Attorneys across the country.
The most important thing right now is that your attorney respond to the motion and get it denied. Once this is accomplished, your attorney can shift to offense and win the case for you.
~Justin Fok
I am hesitating whether to go ahead with a court hearing. In addition, I am not happy with my current lawyer.
Can someone recommend a good lawyer to me? Many thanks!
YL
Hi Yingli,
I am sorry you have been stuck in the FBI name check for three long years. The fact that you have a motion to dismiss filed against you is not your lawyers fault. This is the standard operating procedure for all US Attorneys across the country.
The most important thing right now is that your attorney respond to the motion and get it denied. Once this is accomplished, your attorney can shift to offense and win the case for you.
~Justin Fok
more...
gc_chahiye
07-09 05:27 PM
how to change my vote then???
I dont think you can change your vote.
In any case this poll is only to get a feel of how things are out there. A wrong vote here or there does not matter
As long as 2003/2004/2005 folks who have already-filed stay in low numbers it might indicate good PD movement in those years (since numbers wont be used up so soon and USCIS/DOS might have to move dates forward to start pushing out approvals. New people will then file and the usage will climb and dates slow down again).
If, on the other hand USCIS is sitting on tons of 2003/2004 PD I-485s, then date movement is going to be slow
I dont think you can change your vote.
In any case this poll is only to get a feel of how things are out there. A wrong vote here or there does not matter
As long as 2003/2004/2005 folks who have already-filed stay in low numbers it might indicate good PD movement in those years (since numbers wont be used up so soon and USCIS/DOS might have to move dates forward to start pushing out approvals. New people will then file and the usage will climb and dates slow down again).
If, on the other hand USCIS is sitting on tons of 2003/2004 PD I-485s, then date movement is going to be slow
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Googler
08-26 10:44 AM
Asking for the WOM to be dismissed on the grounds that it is discretionary is a standard tactic -- both for citizenship and I-485. The courts aren't buying it. Depending on your district and the particular judge, your chances of getting the motion to dismiss thrown out are very good.
Yingli there is no shortage of excellent advice and templates on this thread on Immigration Portal.
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=194681&page=811
For an overview see:
http://www.ailf.org/lac/clearinghouse_mandamus.shtml
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/FBI_name_check
Good luck!
Yingli there is no shortage of excellent advice and templates on this thread on Immigration Portal.
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=194681&page=811
For an overview see:
http://www.ailf.org/lac/clearinghouse_mandamus.shtml
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/FBI_name_check
Good luck!
more...
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waitnwatch
12-13 11:01 AM
and did anybody notice that the ICE is changing its track. They are now charging these folks of stealing ID's instead of the normal illegal charge. Ultimately this is opening up the way for local law-enforcement to charge people not on immigration violations but ID theft. This is pretty innovative and must have some political backing somewhere.
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sam_hoosier
11-28 02:37 PM
I have registered on USCIS website for I-485, AP and EAD. When I logged on today I saw last updated date modified to 11/25/2007.
Email notification for all the registerd cases is turned on. I did not receive any email notification for the updates
Just wondering if some one else in the same boat not receiving emails.
I have given my hotmail email ID, if that matters ?
Any Idea ...
Did you check your junk folder ?
Email notification for all the registerd cases is turned on. I did not receive any email notification for the updates
Just wondering if some one else in the same boat not receiving emails.
I have given my hotmail email ID, if that matters ?
Any Idea ...
Did you check your junk folder ?
more...
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sayantan76
06-01 06:55 PM
It does not make sense to me how folks who are on L1 visa and manage some people can go at par with the people of Extraordinary ability .
I can understand if they holding a position where they make some policies/ generate bussiness that gonna have major impact on Employees or organizational direction ...
But I have seen some people who not at par qualified has applied for GC on EB1 category just because they are on L1 Visa it is getting expired....
But i feel that there is a big glitch in the definition of this category which many of the DESI Companies are abusing ....:(
you do not need to be on L1A to apply for EB-1 managerial as long as you meet the requirements of being a manager as per USCIS definition. also eb-1 managerial is not a self-file - it needs to be filed by employer.
I can understand if they holding a position where they make some policies/ generate bussiness that gonna have major impact on Employees or organizational direction ...
But I have seen some people who not at par qualified has applied for GC on EB1 category just because they are on L1 Visa it is getting expired....
But i feel that there is a big glitch in the definition of this category which many of the DESI Companies are abusing ....:(
you do not need to be on L1A to apply for EB-1 managerial as long as you meet the requirements of being a manager as per USCIS definition. also eb-1 managerial is not a self-file - it needs to be filed by employer.
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piyu7444
04-07 07:22 PM
To be very clear what I�m saying below is what I heard from a friend. I do not have a first hand knowledge
My friend�s neighbor works full time for BOfA and went visiting to India in March and went to the Consulate in Hyd for stamping, his stamping was rejected with a reason that his H1 was sponsored by a TARP funded company. Now if this is true this could just be becasue at that point USCIS had not come out with its TARP guidelines and the situation now may be different. My friend knows this because the victim here called him to take care of his belongings in the APT etc..
Now I also work for a TARP bank full time and get to hear this from other colleges. Again I want to reiterate, I do not have first hand info. This was told to me by a friend whose neighbor now is supposedly stuck in India for a min of 6 months
If this guy in question was working for BOFA before this TARP CRAP was introduced the embassy can not deny him h1b stamp as he would have an approved petition and any petition approved before TARP CRAP law came into its existence can not be denied on the basis of TARP CRAP law.
I really doubt that his h1b was denied due to TARP.
My friend�s neighbor works full time for BOfA and went visiting to India in March and went to the Consulate in Hyd for stamping, his stamping was rejected with a reason that his H1 was sponsored by a TARP funded company. Now if this is true this could just be becasue at that point USCIS had not come out with its TARP guidelines and the situation now may be different. My friend knows this because the victim here called him to take care of his belongings in the APT etc..
Now I also work for a TARP bank full time and get to hear this from other colleges. Again I want to reiterate, I do not have first hand info. This was told to me by a friend whose neighbor now is supposedly stuck in India for a min of 6 months
If this guy in question was working for BOFA before this TARP CRAP was introduced the embassy can not deny him h1b stamp as he would have an approved petition and any petition approved before TARP CRAP law came into its existence can not be denied on the basis of TARP CRAP law.
I really doubt that his h1b was denied due to TARP.
more...
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sankap
07-05 03:28 PM
http://online.wsj.com/article_print/SB118359095890657571.html
Reversal Frustrates Green-Card Applicants
By MIRIAM JORDAN
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: July 5, 2007
The U.S. government's surprise offer, then abrupt reversal, of an opportunity for thousands of skilled foreign workers to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. highlights the problems of the overtaxed immigration system and the frenzy that results from a rare chance to apply for a green card.
The scramble has put tens of thousands of workers and their families in limbo after many of them and their employers spent thousands of dollars in hopes of securing permanent residency. It may result in a class-action lawsuit against the government by frustrated applicants.
The problem began June 12 when the government seemed to open the door for thousands of foreign workers and their families to end the long wait to apply for a green card. That is when the State Department published a Visa Bulletin, which is a monthly notice closely watched by immigration attorneys and their clients because it determines who is eligible to file a green-card application the next month. The June bulletin announced that practically all skilled foreign workers who had been previously deemed eligible for an employer-sponsored visa could now take the final step of applying for a green card.
By law, the U.S. can issue about 140,000 employment-based green cards each year. Last year, the government fell short by about 10,000, despite the long waiting list; leftover visas can't be rolled over to the next year. The June announcement aimed to prevent the visa slot from going to waste, according to a State Department spokeswoman.
[Green-Card Limbo]
The announcement was greeted with a mix of jubilation and panic by thousands of engineers, lab scientists and other high-skilled foreigners who had waited years for their place in line. Working ahead of a July 2 date for filing the application, intending immigrants rushed to gather documents, complete paperwork and obtain medical exams. Many of their dependents -- such as children enrolled in college overseas -- boarded planes for the U.S. to meet a requirement that all family members be present at the time of filing.
"The bulletin created a land rush among legal immigrants desperate to finalize their green-card applications," said Steve Miller, a Seattle-based immigration attorney and head of the state chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Then, on July 2, the State Department issued an "update" that reversed the previous bulletin. It stated, effective immediately, there would be no further authorizations for employment-based cases. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which processes the applications, said it would instead simply process existing applications to meet this year's quota. "We already had sufficient applications pending without new applicants," an agency spokesman said.
Mike Aytes, head of domestic operations for the USCIS, said all 147,141 employment-based green cards have now been issued for the year. "We are very sympathetic to the fact that people really had expectations � Folks spent a lot of time and effort, but it turned out they couldn't file, after all," he said.
In the July 2 announcement, USCIS said it was "rejecting applications" to secure green cards, and the agency spokesman said it would return the paperwork of all the applicants. New cases will be entertained again in the government's next fiscal year, starting Oct. 1. However, applicants must wait their turn again, which might not happen for years.
News of the revocation of the previously announced bulletin dashed the hopes of thousands of foreign workers, many of them currently on an H-1B professional visa normally valid for up to six years. These workers face the possibility of being forced to return home if their visa expires before they get the chance to apply for a green card.
"My employer and I spent tens of thousands of dollars preparing for the day when we could file for our Change in Status application, only to have the [government] pull the rug out from under us," said Lawrence LeBlanc, a Canadian executive at AES Corp. in Arlington, Virginia. "We were devastated to hear this unprecedented news. We're not sure how we're going to tell our children."
Because there are more employer-based applicants for immigrant visas than are available each year, people wait each month to see whether they have gotten to the front of the line. Often people wait years for the green light to apply, especially if they come from countries like India and China.
The June 12 announcement set off a stampede to government-approved doctors, because green-card applicants must pass medical exams. Apurva Pratap, a Seattle-based senior manager for a multinational corporation, said he and his wife traveled 40 miles for a medical exam after they couldn't secure an appointment in town. To fulfill a requirement for a vaccination, they waited eight hours in a line that snaked around a mobile unit in Tacoma. Mr. Pratap, a native of India, has been in the U.S. since 1999.
A spokeswoman for the American Immigration Lawyers Association said it has called for a congressional investigation. An affiliated organization is expected to take legal action via a class-action lawsuit. "This is an example of how badly our immigration system is broken," says Kathleen Walker, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Write to Miriam Jordan at miriam.jordan@wsj.com1
Reversal Frustrates Green-Card Applicants
By MIRIAM JORDAN
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: July 5, 2007
The U.S. government's surprise offer, then abrupt reversal, of an opportunity for thousands of skilled foreign workers to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. highlights the problems of the overtaxed immigration system and the frenzy that results from a rare chance to apply for a green card.
The scramble has put tens of thousands of workers and their families in limbo after many of them and their employers spent thousands of dollars in hopes of securing permanent residency. It may result in a class-action lawsuit against the government by frustrated applicants.
The problem began June 12 when the government seemed to open the door for thousands of foreign workers and their families to end the long wait to apply for a green card. That is when the State Department published a Visa Bulletin, which is a monthly notice closely watched by immigration attorneys and their clients because it determines who is eligible to file a green-card application the next month. The June bulletin announced that practically all skilled foreign workers who had been previously deemed eligible for an employer-sponsored visa could now take the final step of applying for a green card.
By law, the U.S. can issue about 140,000 employment-based green cards each year. Last year, the government fell short by about 10,000, despite the long waiting list; leftover visas can't be rolled over to the next year. The June announcement aimed to prevent the visa slot from going to waste, according to a State Department spokeswoman.
[Green-Card Limbo]
The announcement was greeted with a mix of jubilation and panic by thousands of engineers, lab scientists and other high-skilled foreigners who had waited years for their place in line. Working ahead of a July 2 date for filing the application, intending immigrants rushed to gather documents, complete paperwork and obtain medical exams. Many of their dependents -- such as children enrolled in college overseas -- boarded planes for the U.S. to meet a requirement that all family members be present at the time of filing.
"The bulletin created a land rush among legal immigrants desperate to finalize their green-card applications," said Steve Miller, a Seattle-based immigration attorney and head of the state chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Then, on July 2, the State Department issued an "update" that reversed the previous bulletin. It stated, effective immediately, there would be no further authorizations for employment-based cases. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which processes the applications, said it would instead simply process existing applications to meet this year's quota. "We already had sufficient applications pending without new applicants," an agency spokesman said.
Mike Aytes, head of domestic operations for the USCIS, said all 147,141 employment-based green cards have now been issued for the year. "We are very sympathetic to the fact that people really had expectations � Folks spent a lot of time and effort, but it turned out they couldn't file, after all," he said.
In the July 2 announcement, USCIS said it was "rejecting applications" to secure green cards, and the agency spokesman said it would return the paperwork of all the applicants. New cases will be entertained again in the government's next fiscal year, starting Oct. 1. However, applicants must wait their turn again, which might not happen for years.
News of the revocation of the previously announced bulletin dashed the hopes of thousands of foreign workers, many of them currently on an H-1B professional visa normally valid for up to six years. These workers face the possibility of being forced to return home if their visa expires before they get the chance to apply for a green card.
"My employer and I spent tens of thousands of dollars preparing for the day when we could file for our Change in Status application, only to have the [government] pull the rug out from under us," said Lawrence LeBlanc, a Canadian executive at AES Corp. in Arlington, Virginia. "We were devastated to hear this unprecedented news. We're not sure how we're going to tell our children."
Because there are more employer-based applicants for immigrant visas than are available each year, people wait each month to see whether they have gotten to the front of the line. Often people wait years for the green light to apply, especially if they come from countries like India and China.
The June 12 announcement set off a stampede to government-approved doctors, because green-card applicants must pass medical exams. Apurva Pratap, a Seattle-based senior manager for a multinational corporation, said he and his wife traveled 40 miles for a medical exam after they couldn't secure an appointment in town. To fulfill a requirement for a vaccination, they waited eight hours in a line that snaked around a mobile unit in Tacoma. Mr. Pratap, a native of India, has been in the U.S. since 1999.
A spokeswoman for the American Immigration Lawyers Association said it has called for a congressional investigation. An affiliated organization is expected to take legal action via a class-action lawsuit. "This is an example of how badly our immigration system is broken," says Kathleen Walker, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Write to Miriam Jordan at miriam.jordan@wsj.com1
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Ann Ruben
01-20 09:09 AM
Abhay,
Was the RFE for the I-485 or for the I-140? If for the I-485, has the I-140 been approved? What evidence was requested?
Ann
Was the RFE for the I-485 or for the I-140? If for the I-485, has the I-140 been approved? What evidence was requested?
Ann
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CADude
04-09 01:29 PM
Please appply EAD renewal in 120 days advance. You will get in time. :)
If I work on EAD and do not get the EAD card before it gets expires, do I need to inform my employer about the status. If I inform them they will be removing my name from the payroll and it will be hard to include it again. It is like my job getting terminated.
If I work on EAD and do not get the EAD card before it gets expires, do I need to inform my employer about the status. If I inform them they will be removing my name from the payroll and it will be hard to include it again. It is like my job getting terminated.
payur
09-07 02:50 PM
As I understand, your GC application is based on your husband's I-140.
Does your husband work for a different employer or the same employer as yours?
If different, you can kick your employer's A$$ and they can't do a thing.
If same, they may be blackmailing you because your husband's GC depends on them for some time - 3 more months.
If it is the second case, why don't you just work on H1 for the next 3 months and then do whatever you want..
BTW, he can not do any damage to you or your pending GC in any way by cancelling your H1.. Doing it will put them in bad light for wasting a precious H1 visa by misrepresenting the facts..
What a co-incidence....:):):)
Does your husband work for a different employer or the same employer as yours?
If different, you can kick your employer's A$$ and they can't do a thing.
If same, they may be blackmailing you because your husband's GC depends on them for some time - 3 more months.
If it is the second case, why don't you just work on H1 for the next 3 months and then do whatever you want..
BTW, he can not do any damage to you or your pending GC in any way by cancelling your H1.. Doing it will put them in bad light for wasting a precious H1 visa by misrepresenting the facts..
What a co-incidence....:):):)
thomachan72
06-01 06:48 AM
My company has filed for EB-1 multinational manager for me.....I was on L1A earlier. I dont think the process is as fast as some folks think......specially since for EB1 manager category I140 premium processing is not allowed......
I guess the requirement for L1A is that one should be managing a business, people and processes...... and should have been employed in managerial capacity for the same company outside US......once L1A is done (it takes 5-6 days under premium procesing).....my understanding is that it establishes a strong basis for EB1 filing
Hey dont you think there should be some minim qualifications before you could be filed for as manager, for eg:- MBA or something like that? The so called friend of this guy is not a manager but is going to be made into a manager just for the EB1 purpose. How can they do that. I believe this is a Indian consulting company!!
I guess the requirement for L1A is that one should be managing a business, people and processes...... and should have been employed in managerial capacity for the same company outside US......once L1A is done (it takes 5-6 days under premium procesing).....my understanding is that it establishes a strong basis for EB1 filing
Hey dont you think there should be some minim qualifications before you could be filed for as manager, for eg:- MBA or something like that? The so called friend of this guy is not a manager but is going to be made into a manager just for the EB1 purpose. How can they do that. I believe this is a Indian consulting company!!
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