roseball
03-03 03:10 PM
AGI = American Greencard for Indians
Please add this to the immigration acronyms thread started today...:).......:D........:p
Please add this to the immigration acronyms thread started today...:).......:D........:p
franklin
06-15 04:02 PM
You don't HAVE an A# yet - it is the number you get on your greencard
The A# is a case number that USCIS assigns to certain people, and then (usually, for exceptions see below) stays with you for the rest of your life, much like a Social Security Number. Most people get their A# when they apply for adjustment of status. It is also assigned if you apply for an employment authorization document (such as an F-1 OPT), a V visa, find yourself in deportation proceedings, and in a number of other situations.
Many USCIS forms ask for the A#. If you do not have one yet, simply write "None".
There actually are four separate types of A#. You can tell them apart by the number of digits and the first digit. The first kind is an eight-digit A#. These are manually assigned at local offices. If you have one of these numbers, simply treated it as if it was "0" plus the number. Nine-digit A#'s that start with the digit 1 are used for employment authorization cards, usually related to students. Nine-digit A#'s that start with the digit 3 are used for fingerprint tracking of V visa applicants. All other nine-digit A#'s (these actually always start with a 0) are permanent A#'s and remain permanently with you for life.
Therefore, the rule is: if you are asked for an A# and have one, always give this A#, regardless of whether it starts with a 0, 1 or 3. If you have both a 0-A# and a 1-A# or a 3-A#, then use the one that starts with a 0.
The A# is a case number that USCIS assigns to certain people, and then (usually, for exceptions see below) stays with you for the rest of your life, much like a Social Security Number. Most people get their A# when they apply for adjustment of status. It is also assigned if you apply for an employment authorization document (such as an F-1 OPT), a V visa, find yourself in deportation proceedings, and in a number of other situations.
Many USCIS forms ask for the A#. If you do not have one yet, simply write "None".
There actually are four separate types of A#. You can tell them apart by the number of digits and the first digit. The first kind is an eight-digit A#. These are manually assigned at local offices. If you have one of these numbers, simply treated it as if it was "0" plus the number. Nine-digit A#'s that start with the digit 1 are used for employment authorization cards, usually related to students. Nine-digit A#'s that start with the digit 3 are used for fingerprint tracking of V visa applicants. All other nine-digit A#'s (these actually always start with a 0) are permanent A#'s and remain permanently with you for life.
Therefore, the rule is: if you are asked for an A# and have one, always give this A#, regardless of whether it starts with a 0, 1 or 3. If you have both a 0-A# and a 1-A# or a 3-A#, then use the one that starts with a 0.
jthomas
04-28 02:29 PM
Thanks for the info.
Are you presently working?
J Thomas
Travelled back from India today by continental flight from mumbai till newark non stop. My H1b is expiring on 19th june. Had a ISSUELESS entry. The guy asked your petition is valid only till 19th June. I replied I am going to file an extension. he said you will be needing to reenter the country after it. I said "yes, I know". He said he is going to give in I-94 valid till 29th june just in case if I have any issues. That is 10 more days after my petition is expring.
Guy was very nice and supporting. We shared some jokes . he notices that by passport has writing that If I take citizenship of any other country than I have to surrender the passport. he asked "india dont allow dual citizenship". I said "No". he replied "It sucks" and we laughed together.
My advice dont let current recession effect your trip. If you need any more information PM me. I will be happy to assist.
Also, just I wanted to share the information becuase many people seemed worried about this.
Good luck :) :) :) :)
Are you presently working?
J Thomas
Travelled back from India today by continental flight from mumbai till newark non stop. My H1b is expiring on 19th june. Had a ISSUELESS entry. The guy asked your petition is valid only till 19th June. I replied I am going to file an extension. he said you will be needing to reenter the country after it. I said "yes, I know". He said he is going to give in I-94 valid till 29th june just in case if I have any issues. That is 10 more days after my petition is expring.
Guy was very nice and supporting. We shared some jokes . he notices that by passport has writing that If I take citizenship of any other country than I have to surrender the passport. he asked "india dont allow dual citizenship". I said "No". he replied "It sucks" and we laughed together.
My advice dont let current recession effect your trip. If you need any more information PM me. I will be happy to assist.
Also, just I wanted to share the information becuase many people seemed worried about this.
Good luck :) :) :) :)
gc@waiting
08-27 09:42 AM
A quick question on Canadian immigration(PR) - Can someone tell me as to typically how long the entire process takes if applied from US? Starting from aplying and getting the PR approved? thanks.
more...
rockstart
05-05 10:14 AM
I agree with your lawyers statement. She will not be counted against the quota because she already has H1. Also I would recommend premium processing when she gets a job.
Well i just sent a message to my lawyer and this is the reply i received.
"If her current H-1B has been counted against the cap before, she should be able to return to H-1B status without having to wait for the cap to reopen."
Pls comment:)
Well i just sent a message to my lawyer and this is the reply i received.
"If her current H-1B has been counted against the cap before, she should be able to return to H-1B status without having to wait for the cap to reopen."
Pls comment:)
eb3retro
10-24 03:47 PM
Once H-1B extension is received, one gets all the luxuries like any other H-1B. You can change jobs any day you want. Having that said, there are few things you have to re-do. Get the H-1B stamped if you change jobs. You have to re-start the GC process from scratch, yet you get to keep the PD and at the same time can switch to any EB catagory.
Before LC PERM process started, people didn't change jobs as LC could take any where from 2 to 4 years and re-starting the GC process was just no brainer. Now, as it takes 45days or less (theoraticaly) people easily change jobs and get H-1 transferred as well as get new GC process started and get LC in 45 days and then I-140 approved (with premium processing) in another 2 weeks.
So you once you change jobs you can get to the same stage where you are in two months if you start GC process right-away.
For tips to the other readers.
Some employers has company policy where they support the H-1 transfer (financially also) and then one has to wait for 1 or 2 years before they initiate GC process. The mostly the excuse is "Budget is fixed for a year".
One can propose a solution to this. Ask them, "What if I pay for the charges incurred for GC process if they agree to initiate right away and when s/he finishes one year of employment, reimburse the charges"
This has worked in many cases as doing such bothe employer and employee gets best of both worlds.
Great advice, I sincerely thank you for your time.
Before LC PERM process started, people didn't change jobs as LC could take any where from 2 to 4 years and re-starting the GC process was just no brainer. Now, as it takes 45days or less (theoraticaly) people easily change jobs and get H-1 transferred as well as get new GC process started and get LC in 45 days and then I-140 approved (with premium processing) in another 2 weeks.
So you once you change jobs you can get to the same stage where you are in two months if you start GC process right-away.
For tips to the other readers.
Some employers has company policy where they support the H-1 transfer (financially also) and then one has to wait for 1 or 2 years before they initiate GC process. The mostly the excuse is "Budget is fixed for a year".
One can propose a solution to this. Ask them, "What if I pay for the charges incurred for GC process if they agree to initiate right away and when s/he finishes one year of employment, reimburse the charges"
This has worked in many cases as doing such bothe employer and employee gets best of both worlds.
Great advice, I sincerely thank you for your time.
more...
njdude26
07-19 03:57 PM
My attorney today informed me just a week after he sent an email to them saying that case was closed in error they replied back saying they are reopening the case. wow that was fast...
neerajkandhari
06-05 05:28 PM
I think when Immigration asks for the proof of employment you have to provide a letter that some one is ready to Hire you if do not have that job offer you are pretty much done (485 will be rejected)
So its all about timing if you are asked to prove your future employment and if you dont have that letter that time your 485 will be rejected
So its all about timing if you are asked to prove your future employment and if you dont have that letter that time your 485 will be rejected
more...
satdal
12-31 02:18 PM
I am a July16th filer (EB3-India,May2002 PD). We just recd the FP notices on 29th Dec. Though EAD,AP were recd pretty fast, it took till Dec21st to get our FP notices generated. Both my wife and I opened SRs. We got totally different explanations on the SR response letters. Mine was a ridiculous explanation.
I also took infopass appts, but didn't see any use from them. So, my opinion is - just hang in there. You will be getting it soon ! Opening a SR or calling USCIS or even taking an infopass appt mayn't help. It's a matter of time before the FP notice comes ....Hope this info helps !
SATISH.
I also took infopass appts, but didn't see any use from them. So, my opinion is - just hang in there. You will be getting it soon ! Opening a SR or calling USCIS or even taking an infopass appt mayn't help. It's a matter of time before the FP notice comes ....Hope this info helps !
SATISH.
girishvar
08-12 07:13 AM
No
What if no birth certificate was available and we had submitted a non-availability certificate...will that lead into a RFE?
What if no birth certificate was available and we had submitted a non-availability certificate...will that lead into a RFE?
more...
ujjvalkoul
07-17 06:45 PM
contribute please.....
Those that are tearing up..u can call IV on the numbers mentioned..I just dd and congratulated the, on a job well done and pledged my contiuing support until all our oissues are resolved
Those that are tearing up..u can call IV on the numbers mentioned..I just dd and congratulated the, on a job well done and pledged my contiuing support until all our oissues are resolved
PBECVictim
07-29 02:59 PM
In Texas Service Center, they are not processing I-140 cases filed in the month July end and August. They kept the side. God knows about their future. But they are processing 2008 April and may cases also.
Where is FIFO? They should follow FIFO. Lot of those cases were BEC labor applications. So BEC guys suffered 3 yrs in backlog ceter, no justice there. No justice in USCIS even, waiting more than 1 yr for I-140 processing.
It is not fair.
Where is FIFO? They should follow FIFO. Lot of those cases were BEC labor applications. So BEC guys suffered 3 yrs in backlog ceter, no justice there. No justice in USCIS even, waiting more than 1 yr for I-140 processing.
It is not fair.
more...
485Mbe4001
03-06 03:42 PM
Hang in there, i am in a similar boat, I applied for 485 in late 2003 and missed the boat each time with namecheck, i was cleared all this while but my wife who is the primary was stuck. I am on my 4th EAD/AP, just applied for the 5time.
My 6 years of H1 expired long back, i guess we were lucky to be able to file for 485 and i could continue working on EAD.
Our great lawyer who filed an EB3 petion for my wife and 'advisied' my company 3 years back not to spend money on my labor because my wifes PD of mid 2002 was good. I know i should have broken a coconut and applied vermillion on the application before sending it off, maybe that would have changed everything :p
I filed my I485 mid 2003. I missed the boat end of 2004, some where in 2005 and then in 2007 when my dates were current. My pd is in 2002. People who filed with me have been approved and they are ready for citizenship next year :mad:, while I got my 6th EAD approved
My 6 years of H1 expired long back, i guess we were lucky to be able to file for 485 and i could continue working on EAD.
Our great lawyer who filed an EB3 petion for my wife and 'advisied' my company 3 years back not to spend money on my labor because my wifes PD of mid 2002 was good. I know i should have broken a coconut and applied vermillion on the application before sending it off, maybe that would have changed everything :p
I filed my I485 mid 2003. I missed the boat end of 2004, some where in 2005 and then in 2007 when my dates were current. My pd is in 2002. People who filed with me have been approved and they are ready for citizenship next year :mad:, while I got my 6th EAD approved
svam77
07-18 11:54 PM
Thanks a lot for all the replies. I wil wait till August 10th, if I dont get it, I will just ask my attorney to file it with a cover letter. If he hesistates, I will file I 485 myself.
more...
raysaikat
02-18 01:37 AM
All, Help me understand this.
If I look at this link below on # of immigrant visa's approved every year for for each country it shows the total for India (all category EB 1-5) as
06 -10.7k
05 -46K
04 - 39k
03 - 20k
02 - 41k
01 - 41k
Am I reading this right because this certainly is more than the country limit. Also the total # of visa's given seem to be more than the annual limit. I thought there were some 250k visas that were lost, were the limits higher during these years?
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/statistics/statistics_1476.html
Under each link look for - Immigrant Visas Issued (by Foreign State Chargeability or Area of Birth): Fiscal Year 2006 (preliminary data)
Any unused visas are allocated to retrogressed countries in the last quarter of each year. That's why a country may get more than $10K visas.
If I look at this link below on # of immigrant visa's approved every year for for each country it shows the total for India (all category EB 1-5) as
06 -10.7k
05 -46K
04 - 39k
03 - 20k
02 - 41k
01 - 41k
Am I reading this right because this certainly is more than the country limit. Also the total # of visa's given seem to be more than the annual limit. I thought there were some 250k visas that were lost, were the limits higher during these years?
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/statistics/statistics_1476.html
Under each link look for - Immigrant Visas Issued (by Foreign State Chargeability or Area of Birth): Fiscal Year 2006 (preliminary data)
Any unused visas are allocated to retrogressed countries in the last quarter of each year. That's why a country may get more than $10K visas.
franklin
02-10 10:14 PM
It actually depends what nationality you are, since that CAN mean a huge amount of difference with the speed of getting your greencard through EB3 or EB2.
I'm in a similar situation, and could apply in the EB2 category, if I decided to change my job, however, I do have a good deal of company loyalty so I am reluctant to do that.
If I did that, my EB2 category is current, my EB3 category is retrogressed - but I value my job and quality of life at my current company higher than the risk of moving to another job JUST to get a greencard quicker
You should eligible for Eb2 by default because of your education unless your current job does not need one..
It is nothing to do with the individuals education level, a person with a PhD would qualify for an EB3 only, if that was what the job description stated
I'm in a similar situation, and could apply in the EB2 category, if I decided to change my job, however, I do have a good deal of company loyalty so I am reluctant to do that.
If I did that, my EB2 category is current, my EB3 category is retrogressed - but I value my job and quality of life at my current company higher than the risk of moving to another job JUST to get a greencard quicker
You should eligible for Eb2 by default because of your education unless your current job does not need one..
It is nothing to do with the individuals education level, a person with a PhD would qualify for an EB3 only, if that was what the job description stated
more...
SGP
10-11 10:25 AM
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
It seems that the bill S 1085 (the Reuniting Families Act (RFA) has become active again. I received e-mails from Senator Menedez and Senator Lautenberg talking about the bill. Senator Menendex mentioned the recapture employment-based visas that haven't been used in past years so that they may be used in future years. Among other things, he also mentioned that he will continue to address the concerns of employment-based visas in the context of comprehensive immigration reform. He is the sponsor of the S 1085 bill.
Senetor Lautenberg mentioned "Under current immigration law, employment-based immigration is limited to 140,000 visas, or green cards, per year. The process for obtaining employment-based visas can take years to complete, causing many of these visas to go unused. There is also an annual per-country limit that caps at seven percent the number of employment-based immigrants that can come from any one country. In some instances, this per-country cap causes employers to consider country of origin, not talent, when hiring foreign workers.
A bill has been introduced in the Senate that would address some of these delays and caps. The �Reuniting American Families Act� (S. 1085) would recapture unused employment-based visas from prior years. This bill would allow the Department of Homeland Security to issue any unused visas from Fiscal Years 1992-2007 and in the future roll over any unused visas from one year to the next. It would also increase the per-country cap for employment-based visas to ten percent of the annual total."
It seems that Senator Menendez is doing a lot of work to bring relief to all immigrants including employment based. It may be brought in the lame-duck session in December.
Please call your Senators to co-sponsor/support this bill.
I have emailed The Congressman for 12th district of NJ (Rush Holt)
It seems that the bill S 1085 (the Reuniting Families Act (RFA) has become active again. I received e-mails from Senator Menedez and Senator Lautenberg talking about the bill. Senator Menendex mentioned the recapture employment-based visas that haven't been used in past years so that they may be used in future years. Among other things, he also mentioned that he will continue to address the concerns of employment-based visas in the context of comprehensive immigration reform. He is the sponsor of the S 1085 bill.
Senetor Lautenberg mentioned "Under current immigration law, employment-based immigration is limited to 140,000 visas, or green cards, per year. The process for obtaining employment-based visas can take years to complete, causing many of these visas to go unused. There is also an annual per-country limit that caps at seven percent the number of employment-based immigrants that can come from any one country. In some instances, this per-country cap causes employers to consider country of origin, not talent, when hiring foreign workers.
A bill has been introduced in the Senate that would address some of these delays and caps. The �Reuniting American Families Act� (S. 1085) would recapture unused employment-based visas from prior years. This bill would allow the Department of Homeland Security to issue any unused visas from Fiscal Years 1992-2007 and in the future roll over any unused visas from one year to the next. It would also increase the per-country cap for employment-based visas to ten percent of the annual total."
It seems that Senator Menendez is doing a lot of work to bring relief to all immigrants including employment based. It may be brought in the lame-duck session in December.
Please call your Senators to co-sponsor/support this bill.
I have emailed The Congressman for 12th district of NJ (Rush Holt)
alterego
08-01 02:38 PM
Wonderful. It seem the CHC has really come around to seeing the benefit of interim relief. The sweetener for them of course is the FB visa recapture, however in spite of that it is a commendable step for them to lose their obstructionist stand, linking anything Immi related to the "earned legalisation" program.
This may all yet fall apart if the republicans see political mileage in it. They can cause a huge blow up in Sept. and use it to rally their base. However the good news is that McCain is unlikely to get much help from that, and also doing that will also alienate the Latino vote which they need desperately, so I am not convinced they are likely to do that.
Additionally given recent enforcement measures, wall, harsh immigration raids etc on one hand and the absence of H1b provisions and the generally less controversial provisions in this bill (well supported by industry whose cash they need this fall) may get past moderate republicans. If they choose not to politicize it then I think the measures stand a good chance. Of course we need to do our part, it seem clear to me that we were quite effective with our pleas to the CHC.
I would urge all the naysayers to take a look at these developments and read between the lines and get on board and feel good about your participation.
I notice that some of the least controversial measures like the EB5 program, the Conrad 30 program for physicians, and the Religious workers bill have all been kept in abeyance. Perhaps they will try to bundle a small package together later this year as a rider after the recess. I know there is a long time left, but finally a ray of hope.
I must say considering the recent movement of EB2I dates, the new interpretation of spillover rules, the extension of EAD to 2 yrs and other administrative fixes, the movement of recapture legislation in the congress etc. are all very encouraging given the drought period between 2005 and this spring. I know there are other achievements, but we need to take stock sometimes.
Thanks to IV for bringing attention to our issues and leading to these small but measurable steps. Who else would have advocated for our community?
Please keep all this in mind the next time you think about helping out.
This may all yet fall apart if the republicans see political mileage in it. They can cause a huge blow up in Sept. and use it to rally their base. However the good news is that McCain is unlikely to get much help from that, and also doing that will also alienate the Latino vote which they need desperately, so I am not convinced they are likely to do that.
Additionally given recent enforcement measures, wall, harsh immigration raids etc on one hand and the absence of H1b provisions and the generally less controversial provisions in this bill (well supported by industry whose cash they need this fall) may get past moderate republicans. If they choose not to politicize it then I think the measures stand a good chance. Of course we need to do our part, it seem clear to me that we were quite effective with our pleas to the CHC.
I would urge all the naysayers to take a look at these developments and read between the lines and get on board and feel good about your participation.
I notice that some of the least controversial measures like the EB5 program, the Conrad 30 program for physicians, and the Religious workers bill have all been kept in abeyance. Perhaps they will try to bundle a small package together later this year as a rider after the recess. I know there is a long time left, but finally a ray of hope.
I must say considering the recent movement of EB2I dates, the new interpretation of spillover rules, the extension of EAD to 2 yrs and other administrative fixes, the movement of recapture legislation in the congress etc. are all very encouraging given the drought period between 2005 and this spring. I know there are other achievements, but we need to take stock sometimes.
Thanks to IV for bringing attention to our issues and leading to these small but measurable steps. Who else would have advocated for our community?
Please keep all this in mind the next time you think about helping out.
Sunny_Bhaaji
12-28 12:44 AM
RFE for I-140
I had applied for I-140 Dec last year(2006) EB3 and was checking for update and found that an RFE has been sent on Dec 12. To whom is RFE sent....My company had done all the paperwork...is it to our company lawyer or me....Please advise
I had applied for I-140 Dec last year(2006) EB3 and was checking for update and found that an RFE has been sent on Dec 12. To whom is RFE sent....My company had done all the paperwork...is it to our company lawyer or me....Please advise
GCBy3000
09-25 02:33 PM
If this is derivative, then how come H1 obtained should be counted towards H4. H1 is standalone and should not be counted.
Again, my wife is on H4 for 6 years and I did not get into 485 stage. Now she wants to go to India and come back after a one year break. If she comes back after a year on new H1, it would be fine for her. If she come back on H4, can she get a H1 after one year?
Any idea, whether this is possible?
I'm not a lawyer, but my assumption would be that this is cannot be changed by an USCIS memo. Why? Because H4 is simply a derivative status which means that it obeys all the rules pertinent to the primary beneficiary's status plus additional restrictions imposed to the particular classification by law. H status is restricted to 6 year continuous presence in the US.
It would be helpful to find the definition of a derivative status; INA does not provide such definition, but I'm sure they wouldn't be using these words loosely without a proper definition.
So my guess would be is that the answer to the question of "decoupling" H4 and H1b time will boil down to the answer to another question: what really defines a derivative status.
Again, my wife is on H4 for 6 years and I did not get into 485 stage. Now she wants to go to India and come back after a one year break. If she comes back after a year on new H1, it would be fine for her. If she come back on H4, can she get a H1 after one year?
Any idea, whether this is possible?
I'm not a lawyer, but my assumption would be that this is cannot be changed by an USCIS memo. Why? Because H4 is simply a derivative status which means that it obeys all the rules pertinent to the primary beneficiary's status plus additional restrictions imposed to the particular classification by law. H status is restricted to 6 year continuous presence in the US.
It would be helpful to find the definition of a derivative status; INA does not provide such definition, but I'm sure they wouldn't be using these words loosely without a proper definition.
So my guess would be is that the answer to the question of "decoupling" H4 and H1b time will boil down to the answer to another question: what really defines a derivative status.
jagan13
02-21 09:18 AM
HRPRO,
I could go in person , but since I submitted it thru mail, I am not sure if they will even give it to me personally. As of right now, i am planning on waiting it out till the end of 8 weeks atleast, which will be the end of next week.
satishav,
I am from KY and currently they need to validate all the original documents, proof of address,etc before they issue this blue form, whih identifies the last date of your legal status and the DMV issues the license till that date. I already tried with copied on the original passport but the guy in the administrative office refused to issue the form.
aaren253,
Sorry about the lost passport.
rockstart,
I believe there were a lot of delays between 09 and 10, based on my research. Lately, it seems to be about 40 working days. Hopefully, my passport has the same processing timeline. As I mentioned in my post, both my checks(application fee and returm mailing fee) were cashed on 24th Jan which to me is still unclear, as my appointment date was on 24th Dec and my documents were received by the embassy on 31st Dec. I am not sure what they were upto with my passport, till 24th Jan.
Jagan
I could go in person , but since I submitted it thru mail, I am not sure if they will even give it to me personally. As of right now, i am planning on waiting it out till the end of 8 weeks atleast, which will be the end of next week.
satishav,
I am from KY and currently they need to validate all the original documents, proof of address,etc before they issue this blue form, whih identifies the last date of your legal status and the DMV issues the license till that date. I already tried with copied on the original passport but the guy in the administrative office refused to issue the form.
aaren253,
Sorry about the lost passport.
rockstart,
I believe there were a lot of delays between 09 and 10, based on my research. Lately, it seems to be about 40 working days. Hopefully, my passport has the same processing timeline. As I mentioned in my post, both my checks(application fee and returm mailing fee) were cashed on 24th Jan which to me is still unclear, as my appointment date was on 24th Dec and my documents were received by the embassy on 31st Dec. I am not sure what they were upto with my passport, till 24th Jan.
Jagan
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