add78
10-02 09:48 AM
This is a little tricky.
A person is in a valid H1-B status when
1) He/She is a full time employee of the Sponsoring company AND
2) Receives regularly scheduled (can be weekly/bi-weekly/monthly) salary from the same sponsoring employer which exceeds the amount mentioned in the LCA filed.
Thus, the H1-B status depends on first, an ongoing and current (a.k.a. valid at given moment) employer-employee relationship that satisfies 1) and 2) above.
#2) above is a criteria for #1) above. The employment (a.k.a. employer-employee relationship) is the primary basis (#1) which is "fulfilled" by the regular salary (#2).
In case of a lay-off, the severance pay is determined by the company policy (BTW company cannot discriminate the severance criteria between H1-Bs and GC/Citizens), so the severance could be given to the "laid-off" employee in subsequent regular paychecks or a lump sum amount, depending on company policies.
But, the very fact that he/she will receive severance (no matter over next few regular paychecks or one time payment), implies the "severed" Employer-Employee relationship, which in turn makes the person "NOT" in a valid H1-B status. However, USCIS will give the person some leeway at their discretion to find a new employer who will sponsor his new H1-B (There is no such thing as H1-B transfer, every H1-B is a new application, it's just that the person will not be counted in the cap if he/she has already been counted)
Therefore, in a lay-off situation, it is always better to start to look for a new job with a new employer that will file H1-B for the laid-off person ASAP. The longer you wait, the more you jeopardize your status.
Hope This Helps.
If my answer helped you, please consider donating to Your Own Cause, i.e. IV.
IV = I+We
A person is in a valid H1-B status when
1) He/She is a full time employee of the Sponsoring company AND
2) Receives regularly scheduled (can be weekly/bi-weekly/monthly) salary from the same sponsoring employer which exceeds the amount mentioned in the LCA filed.
Thus, the H1-B status depends on first, an ongoing and current (a.k.a. valid at given moment) employer-employee relationship that satisfies 1) and 2) above.
#2) above is a criteria for #1) above. The employment (a.k.a. employer-employee relationship) is the primary basis (#1) which is "fulfilled" by the regular salary (#2).
In case of a lay-off, the severance pay is determined by the company policy (BTW company cannot discriminate the severance criteria between H1-Bs and GC/Citizens), so the severance could be given to the "laid-off" employee in subsequent regular paychecks or a lump sum amount, depending on company policies.
But, the very fact that he/she will receive severance (no matter over next few regular paychecks or one time payment), implies the "severed" Employer-Employee relationship, which in turn makes the person "NOT" in a valid H1-B status. However, USCIS will give the person some leeway at their discretion to find a new employer who will sponsor his new H1-B (There is no such thing as H1-B transfer, every H1-B is a new application, it's just that the person will not be counted in the cap if he/she has already been counted)
Therefore, in a lay-off situation, it is always better to start to look for a new job with a new employer that will file H1-B for the laid-off person ASAP. The longer you wait, the more you jeopardize your status.
Hope This Helps.
If my answer helped you, please consider donating to Your Own Cause, i.e. IV.
IV = I+We
arnet
10-23 07:21 PM
My EAD card (renewal) has data entry error, it is USCIS mistake, so called them and they asked me to file new EAD application and send with this card to the center where it got approved. they asked me to send new EAD application with card (but no filing fee) and if it is not their problem and if it mine, then they will ask for the filing fee.
Did anyone had this experience before? please let me know the procedure, thanks.
Did anyone had this experience before? please let me know the procedure, thanks.
Blog Feeds
04-26 11:30 AM
As many of our readers know, overstaying a visa can have a serious implications on ones ability to return to the US. The USCIS can record timely departure of a visitor by collecting the I-94 card upon exit.
An I-94 is a form denoting the Arrival-Departure Record of particular foreigners used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses Form I-94 also. Form I-94 must be completed at the time of entry to the United States by foreign citizens that are being admitted into the United States in a non-immigrant visa status.
But what if you did not turn in I-94 when you left the U.S., what should you do? US Customs provided some useful tips:
If you returned home with your Form I-94 (white) or Form I-94W (green) Departure Record in your passport, it is possible that your departure was not recorded properly.
If you departed by a commercial air or sea carrier (airlines or cruise ships), your departure from the U.S. can be independently verified, and it is not necessary to take any further action, although holding on to your outbound (from the U.S.) boarding pass - if you still have it - can help expedite your reentry next time you come back to the United States.
If you departed by land, private vessel or private plane, you will need to take steps to correct the record. If you do not validate your timely departure from the United States, or, if you cannot reasonably prove you departed within the time frame given to you when you entered, the next time you apply for admission to the U.S., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may conclude you remained in the U.S. beyond your authorized stay. If this happens, your visa may be subject to cancellation or you may be returned immediately to your foreign point of origin.
Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), visitors who remain beyond their permitted stay in the United States cannot reenter the U.S. in the future without obtaining a visa from a U.S. Consulate. So if you are a Visa Waiver Program visitor who traveled by land to either Canada or Mexico for an onward flight, it is particularly important for you to register your timely departure if your green I-94W was not taken when you exited the U.S. If you fail to do so and you arrive at a U.S. port of entry seeking admission under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa, CBP Officers may order your immediate return to a foreign point of origin. If you are a VWP visitor and you left the U.S. by an air or sea carrier, you don't need to worry.
If you failed to turn in your I-94 Departure Record, please send it, along with any documentation that proves you left the United States to:
DHS - CBP SBU
1084 South Laurel Road
London, KY 40744
Do not mail your Form I-94 Departure Record or supporting information to any U.S. Consulate or Embassy, to any other CBP Office in the United States, or to any address other than the one above. Only at this location are we able to make the necessary corrections to CBP records to prevent inconvenience to you in the future. The London, Kentucky office does not answer correspondence, so please do not ask for confirmation that your record has been updated.
To validate departure, CBP will consider a variety of information, including but not limited to:
* Original boarding passes you used to depart another country, such as Canada, if you flew home from there;
* Photocopies of entry or departure stamps in your passport indicating entry to another country after you departed the United States (you should copy all passport pages that are not completely blank, and include the biographical page containing your photograph); and
* Photocopies of other supporting evidence, such as:
* Dated pay slips or vouchers from your employer to indicate you worked in another country after you departed the United States,
* Dated bank records showing transactions to indicate you were in another country after you left the United States,
* School records showing attendance at a school outside the United States to indicate you were in another country after you left the United States, and
* Dated credit card receipts, showing your name, but, the credit card number deleted, for purchases made after you left the United States to indicate you were in another country after leaving the United States.
To assist us in understanding the situation and correct your records quickly, please include an explanation letter in English. Your statement will not be acceptable without supporting evidence such as noted above. You must mail legible copies or original materials where possible. If you send original materials, you should retain a copy. CBP cannot return original materials after processing.
We strongly urge you to keep a copy of what you send to DHS-CBP and carry it with you the next time you come to the United States in case the CBP Officer has any questions about your eligibility to enter. Carrying those materials with you will also allow your record to be corrected at the time of entry if, for some reason, the London, Kentucky office has not yet done so.
If taking short trips (30 days or less) to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands during the course of your visit to the U.S., hold onto your I-94 or I-94 (W); it should only be turned in when you leave the U.S. to return home.
Delays beyond the traveler's control, such as cancelled or delayed flights, medical emergencies requiring a doctor's care, etc. are not considered unauthorized overstays, however, you will need to bring proof of the cause of your overstay next time you travel to the U.S. in order for it to be forgiven. For airline delays, ask the airline for a letter affirming the delay or a copy of your cancelled boarding pass.
So make sure to remember to turn in your I-94's, that will eliminate any problems the next time you return to the US.
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/04/how_to_record_and_report_depar.html)
An I-94 is a form denoting the Arrival-Departure Record of particular foreigners used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses Form I-94 also. Form I-94 must be completed at the time of entry to the United States by foreign citizens that are being admitted into the United States in a non-immigrant visa status.
But what if you did not turn in I-94 when you left the U.S., what should you do? US Customs provided some useful tips:
If you returned home with your Form I-94 (white) or Form I-94W (green) Departure Record in your passport, it is possible that your departure was not recorded properly.
If you departed by a commercial air or sea carrier (airlines or cruise ships), your departure from the U.S. can be independently verified, and it is not necessary to take any further action, although holding on to your outbound (from the U.S.) boarding pass - if you still have it - can help expedite your reentry next time you come back to the United States.
If you departed by land, private vessel or private plane, you will need to take steps to correct the record. If you do not validate your timely departure from the United States, or, if you cannot reasonably prove you departed within the time frame given to you when you entered, the next time you apply for admission to the U.S., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may conclude you remained in the U.S. beyond your authorized stay. If this happens, your visa may be subject to cancellation or you may be returned immediately to your foreign point of origin.
Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), visitors who remain beyond their permitted stay in the United States cannot reenter the U.S. in the future without obtaining a visa from a U.S. Consulate. So if you are a Visa Waiver Program visitor who traveled by land to either Canada or Mexico for an onward flight, it is particularly important for you to register your timely departure if your green I-94W was not taken when you exited the U.S. If you fail to do so and you arrive at a U.S. port of entry seeking admission under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa, CBP Officers may order your immediate return to a foreign point of origin. If you are a VWP visitor and you left the U.S. by an air or sea carrier, you don't need to worry.
If you failed to turn in your I-94 Departure Record, please send it, along with any documentation that proves you left the United States to:
DHS - CBP SBU
1084 South Laurel Road
London, KY 40744
Do not mail your Form I-94 Departure Record or supporting information to any U.S. Consulate or Embassy, to any other CBP Office in the United States, or to any address other than the one above. Only at this location are we able to make the necessary corrections to CBP records to prevent inconvenience to you in the future. The London, Kentucky office does not answer correspondence, so please do not ask for confirmation that your record has been updated.
To validate departure, CBP will consider a variety of information, including but not limited to:
* Original boarding passes you used to depart another country, such as Canada, if you flew home from there;
* Photocopies of entry or departure stamps in your passport indicating entry to another country after you departed the United States (you should copy all passport pages that are not completely blank, and include the biographical page containing your photograph); and
* Photocopies of other supporting evidence, such as:
* Dated pay slips or vouchers from your employer to indicate you worked in another country after you departed the United States,
* Dated bank records showing transactions to indicate you were in another country after you left the United States,
* School records showing attendance at a school outside the United States to indicate you were in another country after you left the United States, and
* Dated credit card receipts, showing your name, but, the credit card number deleted, for purchases made after you left the United States to indicate you were in another country after leaving the United States.
To assist us in understanding the situation and correct your records quickly, please include an explanation letter in English. Your statement will not be acceptable without supporting evidence such as noted above. You must mail legible copies or original materials where possible. If you send original materials, you should retain a copy. CBP cannot return original materials after processing.
We strongly urge you to keep a copy of what you send to DHS-CBP and carry it with you the next time you come to the United States in case the CBP Officer has any questions about your eligibility to enter. Carrying those materials with you will also allow your record to be corrected at the time of entry if, for some reason, the London, Kentucky office has not yet done so.
If taking short trips (30 days or less) to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands during the course of your visit to the U.S., hold onto your I-94 or I-94 (W); it should only be turned in when you leave the U.S. to return home.
Delays beyond the traveler's control, such as cancelled or delayed flights, medical emergencies requiring a doctor's care, etc. are not considered unauthorized overstays, however, you will need to bring proof of the cause of your overstay next time you travel to the U.S. in order for it to be forgiven. For airline delays, ask the airline for a letter affirming the delay or a copy of your cancelled boarding pass.
So make sure to remember to turn in your I-94's, that will eliminate any problems the next time you return to the US.
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/04/how_to_record_and_report_depar.html)
optimystic
09-15 11:58 AM
There's actually two more
USCIS FOI :
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21456
F Cube campaign:
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?p=287470
You dont have to discuss all of these...but if there is any good thoughts/ideas you could extract from the above threads , that would be good enough.
Regards.
USCIS FOI :
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21456
F Cube campaign:
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?p=287470
You dont have to discuss all of these...but if there is any good thoughts/ideas you could extract from the above threads , that would be good enough.
Regards.
more...
sac-r-ten
04-26 11:18 AM
Sorry for your situation. Its tough for you. Guess you need to move out of country since the basis of extension (labor) is also in jeopardy. As someone said, consult a good lawyer quickly.
Good luck.
Good luck.
va_labor2002
06-17 12:53 PM
Once the Core team drafts a letter we can send that....
Any comments from Core Team Members ? Is it possible to send ? Who is going to draft a letter ?
Any comments from Core Team Members ? Is it possible to send ? Who is going to draft a letter ?
more...
Prashanthi
05-27 05:15 PM
it only makes sense to avoid a labor cert if you file under one of the EB-1 categories as this is current, you can avoid the wait for the visa numbers which is substantial. The three categories under the first preference are: (I) Persons of Extraordinary Ability, (ii) Outstanding Professors and Researchers; and (iii) Multinationals Executives or Managers.
You may qualify for the 1st or 2nd one depending on your achievements.
You may qualify for the 1st or 2nd one depending on your achievements.
skpanda
05-17 07:03 PM
This is a tricky situation. I would suggest you consult your attorney.
Since one of your parent's is Indian citizen having a Birth place Nepal and Obtaining an Indian Passport is a valid situation. There are many people who are born outside India for various reasons. Their Indian citizen parent(s) can get Indian citizenship for them.
In my opinion, you should change the place of birth in your passport as Nepal (provided you have proof). This way, it not confuse USCIS. Remember no matter which Citizenship you have, your place of birth is what determines the Chargebility.
Once you are able to change the place of birth on your passport and show Birth Certificate from Nepal you are good to go!!
Please update here about any new developments in your case!!
All the very best!
Thanks Nathan for quick response.
But what do i need to do? Do i have to change my place of birth in my indian passport? Can i have "Nepal" as place of birth in my indian passport? Do i still remain indian citizen or would it be considered a fraud? I think, my parents put india as birth place, so i dont face any difficulty in india. what does Indian constitution say about citizenzip?
Are there more people like me here? who were born outside of india, but are Indian citizens?
Thank you for help
Since one of your parent's is Indian citizen having a Birth place Nepal and Obtaining an Indian Passport is a valid situation. There are many people who are born outside India for various reasons. Their Indian citizen parent(s) can get Indian citizenship for them.
In my opinion, you should change the place of birth in your passport as Nepal (provided you have proof). This way, it not confuse USCIS. Remember no matter which Citizenship you have, your place of birth is what determines the Chargebility.
Once you are able to change the place of birth on your passport and show Birth Certificate from Nepal you are good to go!!
Please update here about any new developments in your case!!
All the very best!
Thanks Nathan for quick response.
But what do i need to do? Do i have to change my place of birth in my indian passport? Can i have "Nepal" as place of birth in my indian passport? Do i still remain indian citizen or would it be considered a fraud? I think, my parents put india as birth place, so i dont face any difficulty in india. what does Indian constitution say about citizenzip?
Are there more people like me here? who were born outside of india, but are Indian citizens?
Thank you for help
more...
Winner
10-11 09:12 PM
Dear Friend I totally agree with you. I was with one of these employers and have moved away from them. As suggested by some members you can report about these fraudulent activities to DOL. I know it is dufficult to leave these employers as they make the employees to sign bonds and try to capture all the money that they have acquired in PF etc back in the native country.
These employers are to be blamed for the current economy condition of this country and the condition of immigrants like us.
I know there are some members in this forum who will try to shout you down and make you quite.
But I feel if one believe in what is right then one should go ahead irrespective of what others think.
Now that you have left your abusive employer, would you mind disclosing your ex-employer information?
These employers are to be blamed for the current economy condition of this country and the condition of immigrants like us.
I know there are some members in this forum who will try to shout you down and make you quite.
But I feel if one believe in what is right then one should go ahead irrespective of what others think.
Now that you have left your abusive employer, would you mind disclosing your ex-employer information?
rajuram
01-27 08:40 PM
Hey guys, I received this notice in the mail from USCIS asking me to appear for "Initial" interview for further processing of my I485. Can someone please throw some light on what that might involve?
My PD is 09/04, June 07 Filer and had an RFE back in Septmeber.
Please reply.
Are you from Rest of the world or India/china?
My PD is 09/04, June 07 Filer and had an RFE back in Septmeber.
Please reply.
Are you from Rest of the world or India/china?
more...
beautifulMind
06-29 01:55 PM
now this is confusing..should we or should we not use the A# from OPT card...Anybody else confirm this
xiaomatu
06-05 05:06 PM
Thanks for the reply. But like I mentioned, this case was approved on 5/8/2008 and the approval notice was sent on 5/8/2008 and received on 5/14/2008. Between 5/8/2008 and 5/22/2008 the status was "approved, approval notice sent".
Afterwards since 5/22/2008 the online status became "new documents sent on 5/22/2008, you should receive it within 30 days". I do not think this "new document" is the approval notice coz I even received it before they sent. Just curious what could this "New document" be. Would it change the status of my I-140 (like revoke or withdraw or RFE)?
Afterwards since 5/22/2008 the online status became "new documents sent on 5/22/2008, you should receive it within 30 days". I do not think this "new document" is the approval notice coz I even received it before they sent. Just curious what could this "New document" be. Would it change the status of my I-140 (like revoke or withdraw or RFE)?
more...
number30
06-15 11:54 AM
If Birth Certificate issue by Indian consulate then it should be ok, as it is from consulate
Birth certificate issued by Indian consulate is not accepted. It needs to be from original source. Submit as it is. If they ask later you can submit affidavit from Parents or nearest relatives.
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciprocity/reciprocity_3582.html
Birth certificate issued by Indian consulate is not accepted. It needs to be from original source. Submit as it is. If they ask later you can submit affidavit from Parents or nearest relatives.
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciprocity/reciprocity_3582.html
anilsal
07-17 12:51 AM
But that idea may face long odds. AILA's Kuck says that current law prohibits green cards from one year to be used in other years. And he thinks there is no appetite in either Congress or the White House for writing new pro-immigration legislation, after the comprehensive immigration reform proposal went down in flames earlier this summer. "I don't think they'd touch the issue with a 10-foot pole," says Kuck. "This issue has become radioactive."
Which law prohibits usage of unused visa numbers? I guess that is one of our provisions that we are demanding. :)
Which law prohibits usage of unused visa numbers? I guess that is one of our provisions that we are demanding. :)
more...
pappu
10-02 11:58 AM
This article is old (Dt:06-Sep-06) but has correctly predicted about SKILL bill going to lame-duck session.
It would be great if our core members get in touch with the executive editors of Information week (All contact information listed in informationweek.com) and send a document representing our issues. There is a good chance that it gets printed.
Information week magazine has a nationwide audience including CEO's who can push our case for lobbying. They have printed various articles in the past about HIB and Greencard issues.
http://www.informationweek.com/outsourcing/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=192503648
Regards,
Sreekanth
thanks. I have written to the magazine today and will followup in a few days. However I urge sreekanth and IV members to write to
mmcgee@cmp.com
Marianne Kolbasuk McGee
and copy
rpreston@cmp.com
Rob Preston
jpfoley@cmp.com
John Foley
cjmurphy@cmp.com
Chris Murphy
tasmith@cmp.com
Tom Smith
several emails from IV members will surely help our cause. Pls. post on this forum once you have written so that we all know how many people took action.
It would be great if our core members get in touch with the executive editors of Information week (All contact information listed in informationweek.com) and send a document representing our issues. There is a good chance that it gets printed.
Information week magazine has a nationwide audience including CEO's who can push our case for lobbying. They have printed various articles in the past about HIB and Greencard issues.
http://www.informationweek.com/outsourcing/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=192503648
Regards,
Sreekanth
thanks. I have written to the magazine today and will followup in a few days. However I urge sreekanth and IV members to write to
mmcgee@cmp.com
Marianne Kolbasuk McGee
and copy
rpreston@cmp.com
Rob Preston
jpfoley@cmp.com
John Foley
cjmurphy@cmp.com
Chris Murphy
tasmith@cmp.com
Tom Smith
several emails from IV members will surely help our cause. Pls. post on this forum once you have written so that we all know how many people took action.
shruthi07
01-14 07:20 PM
Your wife has valid legal status till July 2008. The Officer at the POE should give the I-94 date as July 2008 as visa is used only for entering the country before June 2007. If the Officer gives June 2007 date, your wife should show the latest I-797 and get the date corrected. My friend has been in the same situation and was given the later date at POE.
more...
eb3_nepa
08-13 02:32 PM
Thanks for Prompt reply.
My application got delivered at 11:31 & Received by B GERKENSMEYER.
Do u think I shoould file again using Lawyer before Aug 17?
Guys,
Please relax. There ae tonnes of people who filed on July 2nd who have not received receipt notices/checks cashed. We have all got to hang in there. Refiling without justified reason will only hinder your case especially the USCIS Receipt Updates clearly indicate backlogs for the receipts.
My application got delivered at 11:31 & Received by B GERKENSMEYER.
Do u think I shoould file again using Lawyer before Aug 17?
Guys,
Please relax. There ae tonnes of people who filed on July 2nd who have not received receipt notices/checks cashed. We have all got to hang in there. Refiling without justified reason will only hinder your case especially the USCIS Receipt Updates clearly indicate backlogs for the receipts.
shukla77
01-02 11:45 AM
Does anyone know why NSC is slow in the I140 processing that TSC? My I140 date is October 25'06 and I think I would have to get that converted into Premimum Processing if I dont get approval in next 2 months. I aksed my attorney but she has no clue about the realistic processing times.
Good Luck to all.
Shukla
Good Luck to all.
Shukla
chumki
12-18 02:21 PM
gcwait2007 ,
I was told that filing AC-21 memo to CIS is NOT mandatory under law.
why do I "have to " to file it?
one concern i have is that I joined the current company BEFORE 180 days (just 14 days before) as I got laid off from my pevious employer and the previous employer will NOT revoke the I-140
If I file AC-21 now, Will not USCIS find out that I joined before 180 days and find out I was laid off and cause unnecessary complications with RFE etc?
Please advise your thoughts
I was told that filing AC-21 memo to CIS is NOT mandatory under law.
why do I "have to " to file it?
one concern i have is that I joined the current company BEFORE 180 days (just 14 days before) as I got laid off from my pevious employer and the previous employer will NOT revoke the I-140
If I file AC-21 now, Will not USCIS find out that I joined before 180 days and find out I was laid off and cause unnecessary complications with RFE etc?
Please advise your thoughts
dreamworld
06-02 09:04 PM
The video clip has been posted on the website and the link is
www.ktvu.com/video/9315563/index.html?taf=fran
Great job IV and Pratik !!!
Well said!!!
www.ktvu.com/video/9315563/index.html?taf=fran
Great job IV and Pratik !!!
Well said!!!
factoryman
06-30 10:46 AM
and do it in PM. Someone asked is in a situation due to the attorney. He didn't seek or initiate LS.
Keep it polite. Moderators, watch and close this thread, if it becomes rowdy here.
Keep it polite. Moderators, watch and close this thread, if it becomes rowdy here.
