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I am not sure I agree with you on that EAD will go invalid if the primary applicant stops working fulltime. This is because the greencard application and everything associated with it is for a FUTURE job offer.

What I am trying to see is the analysis of this situation from the point of view of an attorney. It would be great if one of the attorneys can chime in here!

Couple of more points in case it wasn't clear in my original post

1) I am the primary applicant for this greencard application.
2) The option of going to MBA after I get the greencard will not work. For one, it will take me (eb3 india) years to get it, at which point going for an MBA will be too late. Also I got this opportunity to attend a top-3 MBA after so much hardwork and I do not want that to go to waste.

How did you celebrate?
What are your changed plans now in life?

May be its a stupid question? But let me ask anyway:-

Does STEM considers BS + 5 yrs as Advanced degree? I have 140 EB2 approved with BS +9 years of experince, even though EB2 is for advanced degree but I think I may not qualify for STEM since I do not have master,,is this true?

Oracle applications, Oracle financials, Siebel, SAP are good fields to enter. Data warehousing is hot and a lot of people get trained. Consulting companies have fulltime trainers and there are a lot of courses you can take.

These are good end points. Start a little more basic to get good underpinnings.

I think, also, that if you don't know what you want to do, go for a BSc. in computer sci. If you do, take specific courses.

For system Admin, I'd recommend Redhat.com's courses. The world is going Linux. Play with it and mess it up. Re-install. All part of the fun. Hack some Bash/Perl scripts.

For coding I'd learn C first. Get good with pointers etc. Then learn Object Orientated PHP or Java. C isn't the easiest of languages, true. If you have problems, fall back to BASIC.
PHP and Java will get you started with web stuff and databases fairly quickly too. Start with Mysql. Then Postgresql. That'll get you ready for Oracle (the database) and you can then learn the applications that run on it.

If you learn the high end apps w/o learning the low end, you're code may be beautifully written but horribly inefficient.

They'll ask why an MBA/HR guy wants to be a grunt. Consider volunteering for an open source project for street cred. sourceforge.net has a bunch of projects.

how much is 40 credits ...........

Summary

(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)


Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.

In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.



Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252


Matters for Congressional Consideration


Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.

Status: In process

Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.

Status: In process

Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.

Status: In process

Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.

Status: In process

Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action


Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.

Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security

Status: In process

Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.

Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security

Status: In process

Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.

Agency Affected: Department of Labor

Status: In process

Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.

Agency Affected: Department of Labor

Status: In process

Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.








VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)



More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)

actually its a great movie title "vdlrao kaun hai"




who is vld rao?

I contributed $20 to this cause.

This will not amount to discrimination in any way. If you are not able to show the proof that you are legally entitled to staying in the country for the coming 3-5 years (and many people here are extending their H1 status every year) it will be very risky for a lender to extend a 15-30 year mortgage to you.
As a matter of fact in a very competitive market lenders most likely won't turn your application down, but will make you pay more in interest, which again does not qualify as any kind of discrimination.

I was approved a mortgage app. at very competetive rates... you can be asked by a lender whether you are a permanent resident or citizen or not, but you cannot be turned away just because your GC is still in the works.

And if someone does choose to leave the country for some reason, they sell the property or put it on rent. Hopefully, they would have bought intelligently enough so that in case they need to put the property on rent, the rent would cover the mortgage!

What is the exact reason for denial? In spite of your education evaluation as well as letter from the Registrar in India they still dont believe Maths was your major?

You should appeal. It can take a few months (4-6) but its not worth letting it go so easily. Try to get a better education evaluation done (try Sheila Danzig, she has helped some folks on immigrationportal.com). Also, ask your attorney why he is confident the appeal will work in your case (ie. what does he plan to present in the appeal that he did not include in the RFE response).

Also, start another LC in parallel if you are about to run out of your 6 years on H1, as a backup (you can get H1 extensions based on this LC while its under appeal, but if the appeal is also ultimately denied, you want to keep your options open)

I was about write the same, good advice.

I am new here, Could anyone explain what is Texas State Chapter Activation about? how does that work? thanks!

welcome to IV!!

Members from the state chapters carry out local activites at the city/state/regional levels.

This message thread 'Texas State Chapter Activation' is/was created to bring together members from Texas, when the state chapter was activated some time back.

Like explained in the above post, join/subscribe to the Texas State Chapter Yhaoo group and you will hear more from the Texas members about the local activities. Hope to see you in texasiv.

damn! sorry to hear that Chris, did you contact any congressmen? as for me, I need to take some vacation, this gc bug has bitten me and its hurting now.:)

Hey, good job on these photos. I've been down there before and I've noticed that you really have about a 10 minute window just after the sun comes up and before the sun goes down when the light pulls out details and colours out of the rock that you never saw before!

Hi,

Fortunately, I am able to get hold one of my ex-collegues. Is one co-affidavit letter enough?

Thanks in advance.
Sangeetha K

There should be a box for A number, is it blank?

I remember seeing this discussion more than a year ago. Some have A#, some don't.

My 485 notice has an A number next to "beneficiary" box with my name, 140 has name mentioned in the "applicant" box but no number.

They won't adjudicate 485 without fingerprints, but you have them done already, doubt this will be an issue.

My understanding is that to file for I-485 one needs to be in valid non-immigrant status (which your spouse does not have as of july 17th). After a valid I485 filing, there is a relief of 180 days as per 245(K). I could be wrong. It was a serious mistake not to have filed before July 16th. But nevertheless worth a try. If USCIS does not reject the filing, you need to be careful, not to let your spouse stay inside US beyond 180 days counting from July 16th. Since at a later stage, should the application be denied,a lot more can go wrong.

Why was this thread bumped up again? This bill was introduced in Jan and has been sitting in a committee since early feb and might never see light of day.

I received a letter from BEC and it says
This Notice of Findings is the Department’s statement of its intent to deny the application.

The following reasons were attached in the document:

1. - The job opportunity has been and is clearly open to any qualified U.S worker.

The case file indicates that telephone calls were placed made to U.S. applicants but the calls failed to reach the following applicants: A,B,C (name of the applicants)

Although telephone calls were unsuccessfully places to the three U.S. applicants, no certified mailing or other attempts were made to contact the applicants. An employer must prove that its overall recruitment efforts were in good faith.


The employer may rebut this finding by:
Providing documentation that certified mail was sent to the four applicants which demonstrates the employer made the minimally acceptable effort to recruit U.S. applicants.


2. The department of labor requires that when submitting an Application for Alien Employment Certification the case file must contain two sets of original ETA 750’s Parts A and B. your case file contains only one set of original ETA750’s. The other set of 750’s in the case file are photocopies. ETA 750’s with photocopied signatures are not acceptable for processing. In order to continue processing the Application for Alien Employment Certification you must send an additional set of original ETA 750’s.

A copy of the Form ETA 750, parts A and B, have been returned in the event that any changes are necessary. The amended copies must be returned with your resubmission. Any amendments made to the ETA 750, Part A, must be initialed and dated by the employer: and any amendments made to the ETA 750, Part B, must be initialed by the alien, as appropriate.

It is the employer’s responsibility to submit the rebuttal in a timely manner directly to the certifying officer.


I got already my 7th year extension and it valid till Nov 2007. I spoke with my attorney and he seems to be positive, but he could only able to find two of the three candidates email correspondence.

Please let me know if you have faced similar situation or any suggestions. What is the possibility of my case gets approved?

sorry to hear this. There are several instances where employers have been callous or did not take adequate interest in filing the application. My experience with lawyers is also the same, especially if the lawyer is hired by the company. I would suggest members who are yet to hire an attorney to hire their own attorney instead of going with the company attorney. a company attorney will only work in the interest of the company. if you dont have a choice in this matter, then also hire your own attorney as a consultant and run each and every document by him before it is submitted to the authorities. It will keep you safe from such irregularities. Some extra money spent on having your own lawyer as a consultant is always helpful.

In your case i recommended seeking advice from multiple lawyers. submit your question to our attorney- sonal verma for the confrence call. legal advice for IV members is free in these conference calls. In future try to be on top of things wth HR with your application and be aware of all documents and proccedures instead of depending on HR and lawyers. I am sure there must be a way your situation can be sorted out. good luck.

My point exactly.

So then maybe the wait is only the 3 months (90 days) that Sen Sessions wishes to impose, correct?

I just cannot recollect where I had read that the law has to be published somewhere and there is 90 days delay (when someone can comment if necessary) and only then it becomes a law. I could be absolutely wrong though

Also, Sessions was able to get an amendment passed last time since SJC was in a tearing hurry. That might not be the case this time and they might want to implement this bill soon to 'stem the flow across the borders'. Personally I cannot wait for some new bill to take effect.

I really wish that you are right about the first point and I am right about the second ;-)

Do you have the kids who goes to School? If yes then Either Sugarland Or Katy area are usual choice. You have some apartments in Hwy 6 and 59 area. If you Work in downtown you can use park and ride from any of locations.

If you do not have kids you can get am apartment near your office So that you do not have spend time in traffic.

Thanks for the reply.

We are not in Chicago. Their POE is in Chicago. I may have to go to the local USCIS office and clarify it.

I am also checking with the Attorney.

You can go to the closest international airport's CBP. USCIS local office cannot do anything about it. Only CBP can.