nayekal
08-18 05:12 PM
Guys,
I faced this problem myself. My wife was on H1 earlier and she never worked for a period of 1 year. At the beginning of the H1 period, we are expecting a baby and we took easy about her doing any job (its my fault). Later, market turned worse, it became to hard for her and her employer look for projects for her.
So, I contacted a lawyer (he is great). He told me that her status is H1 even though she is not working and she has to get back to H4. He assured me that they will for my documents more than her's and we filed as such and we don't even have her pay stubs or W2 forms.
She got in 45 days period and last week she went for H4 stamping, showing my documents. Yesterday, she got her passport back with H4 stamp.
I faced this problem myself. My wife was on H1 earlier and she never worked for a period of 1 year. At the beginning of the H1 period, we are expecting a baby and we took easy about her doing any job (its my fault). Later, market turned worse, it became to hard for her and her employer look for projects for her.
So, I contacted a lawyer (he is great). He told me that her status is H1 even though she is not working and she has to get back to H4. He assured me that they will for my documents more than her's and we filed as such and we don't even have her pay stubs or W2 forms.
She got in 45 days period and last week she went for H4 stamping, showing my documents. Yesterday, she got her passport back with H4 stamp.
wallpaper IGN Keeps Up With Kim
rb_248
04-10 04:41 PM
USCIS RELEASES PRELIMINARY NUMBER OF FY 2009 H-1B CAP FILINGS
WASHINGTON � U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a preliminary number of nearly 163,000 H-1B petitions received during the filing period ending on April 7, 2008. More than 31,200 of those petitions were for the advanced degree category.
USCIS expects next week it will conduct the computer-generated random selection process, beginning with the selection of the 20,000 petitions under the advanced degree exemption. Those petitions not selected under the advanced degree category will join the random selection process for the cap-subject 65,000 limit.
USCIS will reject, and return filing fees for all cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, unless found to be a duplicate. USCIS will handle duplicate filings in accordance with the interim final rule published on March 24, 2008 in the Federal Register. USCIS will provide regular updates as the processing of FY 2009 H-1B cap cases continues.
WASHINGTON � U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a preliminary number of nearly 163,000 H-1B petitions received during the filing period ending on April 7, 2008. More than 31,200 of those petitions were for the advanced degree category.
USCIS expects next week it will conduct the computer-generated random selection process, beginning with the selection of the 20,000 petitions under the advanced degree exemption. Those petitions not selected under the advanced degree category will join the random selection process for the cap-subject 65,000 limit.
USCIS will reject, and return filing fees for all cap-subject petitions not randomly selected, unless found to be a duplicate. USCIS will handle duplicate filings in accordance with the interim final rule published on March 24, 2008 in the Federal Register. USCIS will provide regular updates as the processing of FY 2009 H-1B cap cases continues.
indianabacklog
02-24 12:57 PM
it was for visa stamping
Visa stamping is not necessary to remain in the US so wondering why a CPA would consider this a necessary work expense.
Visa stamping is not necessary to remain in the US so wondering why a CPA would consider this a necessary work expense.
2011 gallery_enlarged-keeping-up-
dealsnet
02-20 08:21 AM
If you filed I-485 for your son, no need to file H-4. HE can use AP to go abroad. He is in AOS status. Not out of status. You can keep H1, if you want. Not the case for dependants.
Once file I-485, you are fine.
I am starting my 10th year on H1 Visa, and thus my company has renewed a few times already. On one of those instances, through ignorance I suppose, my H1 was renewed but my dependents were not. There was an assumption, which I now understand to be wrong, that my renewal would cover my dependents as well. Since after that we have renewed for all of us successfully.
One of the dependents, the wife, traveled out of the country and re entered with a H4 Stamp, which I understand cures her status. My son, however has never done this. We all have I-485's pending and I am worried about what that means for him. I am thinking of travelling out of the country, like Canada, to get our visas stamped and re - enter on the H status.
Question is: Is there any risk in that? If we go to, say Toronto to get the visa renewal, is there any chance that they would deny him? We have the 797 approvals for all of us. The last thing I want is to get stuck outside the country. I have reason to believe we have been pre adjudicated, if this means anything, and it is possible that if I do nothing it would all work out. However, I do not want to take chances with my kid's future.
Any one have any insight? Would going to Canada and returning on H4 cure his status? And are there any risks to this strategy? Thanks for the insight.
Once file I-485, you are fine.
I am starting my 10th year on H1 Visa, and thus my company has renewed a few times already. On one of those instances, through ignorance I suppose, my H1 was renewed but my dependents were not. There was an assumption, which I now understand to be wrong, that my renewal would cover my dependents as well. Since after that we have renewed for all of us successfully.
One of the dependents, the wife, traveled out of the country and re entered with a H4 Stamp, which I understand cures her status. My son, however has never done this. We all have I-485's pending and I am worried about what that means for him. I am thinking of travelling out of the country, like Canada, to get our visas stamped and re - enter on the H status.
Question is: Is there any risk in that? If we go to, say Toronto to get the visa renewal, is there any chance that they would deny him? We have the 797 approvals for all of us. The last thing I want is to get stuck outside the country. I have reason to believe we have been pre adjudicated, if this means anything, and it is possible that if I do nothing it would all work out. However, I do not want to take chances with my kid's future.
Any one have any insight? Would going to Canada and returning on H4 cure his status? And are there any risks to this strategy? Thanks for the insight.
more...
Prashant
05-29 08:31 AM
Hi,
You can fill up these forms save and exit without picking a date ..
after u have save ur application it shouldnt take more than a minute when u want to pick a date .. I guess u got keeping looking ..
You can fill up these forms save and exit without picking a date ..
after u have save ur application it shouldnt take more than a minute when u want to pick a date .. I guess u got keeping looking ..
justAnotherFile
11-21 01:47 PM
See body of email below....
Hi,
I would like your highly successful program to do a show on the "Plight of Legal High-Skilled Immigrants". The plight of legal immigants has been lost in all the noise and focus on illegal immigration. There are about 500K legal high-skilled immigrants from around the world who are presently working in the US legally on a temporary work visa issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and in the queue for a permanent resident card also known as Green Card (GC).
There are only 140K GCs given per year for all employment based categories and the employer who sponsors the immigrant has to prove that the job cannot be filled by an American Citizen through a lbour market test. The 140K number is also used to count the spouse and children of the high skilled immigrant. So in essence there are only about 60K high skilled immigrants given a GC each year. Also there is a per country limit of 7%, so only about 5000 GCs are given to high-skilled geal immigrants from each country. This has lead to a huge backlog in GCs especially from countries which send may high-skilled immigrants like China and India. To make matters worse the Congress authorized about 250K illegal aliens a one time waiver to adjust status in the year 2000 and those numbers come out of the regular 140K per year granted to legal high-skilled immigrants.
All this has resulted in a expected wait of "8-12 years" for getting a GC for a "Play-By The Rules" legal high-skilled immigrant. Add another % years after that to get US Citizenship. Seeing these kind of numbers many talented young engineers , scientists and doctors are moving to other countries in droves. No one would like a wait for 15 years to become a naturalized citizen. America is losing a lot due to this Retrogression (Backlog) in GCs, especially when there is a global competition for Talent. The only ones who have patience to stick on is those who have already been in the waiting game for
years and have a lot at stake to leave it at this stage. And for those that chose to wait in this manner life is hell. For 7-10 years they cannot change jobs, cannot get promoted or even change job roles within the same company, cannot get transferred to a different location in same company. Any of these events will mean starting in line all over again. Also their spouses cannot work and they cannot buy homes or make other investment decisions due to the uncertainity, many who have kids in college have to pay higher tution.
I am one of these stuck in this GC hell for the last 9 years, I came to the United States as a student in 1995 to pursue graduate studies in Engineering in a top-ranked university. I have been employed legally in the US since I graduated in 1997 and been pursuing the GC dream for the last 9 years. The end is not in sight and if Congress does not pass any relief I expect the wait to last at least another 5 years.
What does it take for congress to pass some relief? Just some simple relief measures
1. Increase the numbers of GCs to 250K per year temporarily for 2-3 years to alleviate the current problem.
2. Allow to recover unused GC numbers from previous 5 years to be used to alleviate the current retrogression.
3. Do not count spouse and dependents towards the annual number
4. Do not count against the annual cap count certain high-skilled immigrants who have a advanced degree from the US and have worked in a high-skilled job legally in the United states for 3 years .
60 minutes is a highly regarded program that brings to focus issues that impact adversely law-abiding people and issues that impact America as a nation. I would request you to air a program on the plight of legal high-skilled immigrants to bring this highly important issue to national focus.
regds,
xxxxxx
Hi,
I would like your highly successful program to do a show on the "Plight of Legal High-Skilled Immigrants". The plight of legal immigants has been lost in all the noise and focus on illegal immigration. There are about 500K legal high-skilled immigrants from around the world who are presently working in the US legally on a temporary work visa issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and in the queue for a permanent resident card also known as Green Card (GC).
There are only 140K GCs given per year for all employment based categories and the employer who sponsors the immigrant has to prove that the job cannot be filled by an American Citizen through a lbour market test. The 140K number is also used to count the spouse and children of the high skilled immigrant. So in essence there are only about 60K high skilled immigrants given a GC each year. Also there is a per country limit of 7%, so only about 5000 GCs are given to high-skilled geal immigrants from each country. This has lead to a huge backlog in GCs especially from countries which send may high-skilled immigrants like China and India. To make matters worse the Congress authorized about 250K illegal aliens a one time waiver to adjust status in the year 2000 and those numbers come out of the regular 140K per year granted to legal high-skilled immigrants.
All this has resulted in a expected wait of "8-12 years" for getting a GC for a "Play-By The Rules" legal high-skilled immigrant. Add another % years after that to get US Citizenship. Seeing these kind of numbers many talented young engineers , scientists and doctors are moving to other countries in droves. No one would like a wait for 15 years to become a naturalized citizen. America is losing a lot due to this Retrogression (Backlog) in GCs, especially when there is a global competition for Talent. The only ones who have patience to stick on is those who have already been in the waiting game for
years and have a lot at stake to leave it at this stage. And for those that chose to wait in this manner life is hell. For 7-10 years they cannot change jobs, cannot get promoted or even change job roles within the same company, cannot get transferred to a different location in same company. Any of these events will mean starting in line all over again. Also their spouses cannot work and they cannot buy homes or make other investment decisions due to the uncertainity, many who have kids in college have to pay higher tution.
I am one of these stuck in this GC hell for the last 9 years, I came to the United States as a student in 1995 to pursue graduate studies in Engineering in a top-ranked university. I have been employed legally in the US since I graduated in 1997 and been pursuing the GC dream for the last 9 years. The end is not in sight and if Congress does not pass any relief I expect the wait to last at least another 5 years.
What does it take for congress to pass some relief? Just some simple relief measures
1. Increase the numbers of GCs to 250K per year temporarily for 2-3 years to alleviate the current problem.
2. Allow to recover unused GC numbers from previous 5 years to be used to alleviate the current retrogression.
3. Do not count spouse and dependents towards the annual number
4. Do not count against the annual cap count certain high-skilled immigrants who have a advanced degree from the US and have worked in a high-skilled job legally in the United states for 3 years .
60 minutes is a highly regarded program that brings to focus issues that impact adversely law-abiding people and issues that impact America as a nation. I would request you to air a program on the plight of legal high-skilled immigrants to bring this highly important issue to national focus.
regds,
xxxxxx
more...
leoindiano
07-09 05:26 PM
What is strange ?? He used PP in June when it was still available. USCIS suspended PP only for new cases to process what they already had.
I can't wait to get the chance to upgrade mine .... not that I will do anything with it for a while (other than H1B extension) but is nice to have the approval in your pocket.
:rolleyes:
Dude, please read completely. He said there was no update on USCIS case status check online but he got approval notice. Isnt that strange?
I can't wait to get the chance to upgrade mine .... not that I will do anything with it for a while (other than H1B extension) but is nice to have the approval in your pocket.
:rolleyes:
Dude, please read completely. He said there was no update on USCIS case status check online but he got approval notice. Isnt that strange?
2010 quot;Keeping Up With The
Hermione
09-27 11:09 AM
Is there anyway we can help the family featured in this thread? Like helping them with funds to hire a good lawyer or something on those lines? Reading all the threads, I am somehow thinking of going for the Indian dream now (Yes, I have the Indian citizenship)!!! 6 years and my wife still does not know if she can live in this country or not!!!
Hold your hourses until you hear the true story of this family. As I said, I tried to find their court decision online (court decisions are public documents), and it was not there. It means that they gave assumed names, also it probably means that they do not want people to read their court documents. I personally have seen asylum cases, and let me tell you, some of them are so full of lies, you would not belive your eyes (I have seen a guy who claimed his wife was beaten and denied medical services - he has never been even married!). I think their story goes like this - they came on tourist visas to visit her family, after that they stayed illegally for 2-3 years saving money to pay the lawyers, after that they paid a crooked attorney to buy some fake "proof" that they were persecuted and applied for assylum. Their application went to court, where judge suspected something was fishy. He probably asked for additional proof or obtained evidence that their documents were fake, and denied the case. That's kind of typical story for a denied asylum, and I would be very-very careful in trying to help them personally. If they get some relieve as a result of a broader legislation, like 245(i), I would not mind it at all (they will, because they have a pending I-130), but helping them while not helping people who decided not to go out with swinging lies and just stayed illegally... I would stay away from it.
The article itself is pretty good, though.
Hold your hourses until you hear the true story of this family. As I said, I tried to find their court decision online (court decisions are public documents), and it was not there. It means that they gave assumed names, also it probably means that they do not want people to read their court documents. I personally have seen asylum cases, and let me tell you, some of them are so full of lies, you would not belive your eyes (I have seen a guy who claimed his wife was beaten and denied medical services - he has never been even married!). I think their story goes like this - they came on tourist visas to visit her family, after that they stayed illegally for 2-3 years saving money to pay the lawyers, after that they paid a crooked attorney to buy some fake "proof" that they were persecuted and applied for assylum. Their application went to court, where judge suspected something was fishy. He probably asked for additional proof or obtained evidence that their documents were fake, and denied the case. That's kind of typical story for a denied asylum, and I would be very-very careful in trying to help them personally. If they get some relieve as a result of a broader legislation, like 245(i), I would not mind it at all (they will, because they have a pending I-130), but helping them while not helping people who decided not to go out with swinging lies and just stayed illegally... I would stay away from it.
The article itself is pretty good, though.
more...
unseenguy
06-16 01:12 AM
I agree with above posters.
Ask for shorter duration visa.
leave siblings out
Show strong financial position to supprt their stay in US
Show strong ties to home country. (leaving siblings out & adding grandparents care is a good thing), but also show strong monetory ties such as property in home country.
Ask for shorter duration visa.
leave siblings out
Show strong financial position to supprt their stay in US
Show strong ties to home country. (leaving siblings out & adding grandparents care is a good thing), but also show strong monetory ties such as property in home country.
hair Keeping Up With The
admin
04-02 03:08 PM
Rajatish,
Please take a look at our National Interest Fact Sheet.
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=36
Please take a look at our National Interest Fact Sheet.
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=36
more...
Blog Feeds
01-26 08:40 AM
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)
(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)
hot Keeping Up With The
gc_chahiye
10-03 03:10 AM
so when is a visa no. allocated?
say, i filed in july when visa bulletin was current and now its retrogressed to 2004. my PD is 2006. so can it happen that if all runs smooth and application is complted, i can get my GC, even tough visa bulletin may not have yet cut past my PD? so in a nut shell, visa no. is given when 485 is recipted or when its approved?
visa number is assigned at or right about just before the approval. So if the VB is 2 years away from your PD, you are not going to see an approval. After your PD is current, you might be assigned a visa number if your application was otherwise pre-adjudicated. You will see approval either that month or shortly thereafter. Again, IF your application was assigned a visa number. not all people who become current are assigned visa numbers...
say, i filed in july when visa bulletin was current and now its retrogressed to 2004. my PD is 2006. so can it happen that if all runs smooth and application is complted, i can get my GC, even tough visa bulletin may not have yet cut past my PD? so in a nut shell, visa no. is given when 485 is recipted or when its approved?
visa number is assigned at or right about just before the approval. So if the VB is 2 years away from your PD, you are not going to see an approval. After your PD is current, you might be assigned a visa number if your application was otherwise pre-adjudicated. You will see approval either that month or shortly thereafter. Again, IF your application was assigned a visa number. not all people who become current are assigned visa numbers...
more...
house It#39;s not easy keeping up with
GCcomesoon
08-25 04:38 PM
Hi
My approval happened on April 24th , 2008 . I got the physical card on 08/03/08.
Here are the case details
Thanks
GCcomesoon
Priority date - 05/2003
140 approved - 10/2006 from TSC
485,131,765 RD-6/04/2007 at TSC, notices received - 06/07/2007
CA, EB2
Wife's case returned due to some error,send it again & received on 06/17/2007 as per Fedex
Wife's case RD- 7/10/2007
my case - I131 - approved - 7/24/07
spouse case - I131- approved- 09/12/07
EAD approved for spouse - 08/20/07
EAD approved - 10/25/2007 - for me
LUD in my case - 485, - 7/11/07, 11/02/2007,11/28/2007,11/29/2007
LUD in 485 case for spouse - 10/04/2007 ( after FP ), LUD - 11/14/2007,11/28/2007,11/29/2007
FP for spouse - 08/08/07 , I rescheduled it.
FP scheduled - 10/03/07 - Done
FP scheduled - 12/12/2007 -
Case approval for me (email ) - 04/24/08
FP( for 485 ) -05/17/08
Physical card- 08/03/08
Wife 's case is still pending & no updates.. ( raised a SR , would follow up next month )
My approval happened on April 24th , 2008 . I got the physical card on 08/03/08.
Here are the case details
Thanks
GCcomesoon
Priority date - 05/2003
140 approved - 10/2006 from TSC
485,131,765 RD-6/04/2007 at TSC, notices received - 06/07/2007
CA, EB2
Wife's case returned due to some error,send it again & received on 06/17/2007 as per Fedex
Wife's case RD- 7/10/2007
my case - I131 - approved - 7/24/07
spouse case - I131- approved- 09/12/07
EAD approved for spouse - 08/20/07
EAD approved - 10/25/2007 - for me
LUD in my case - 485, - 7/11/07, 11/02/2007,11/28/2007,11/29/2007
LUD in 485 case for spouse - 10/04/2007 ( after FP ), LUD - 11/14/2007,11/28/2007,11/29/2007
FP for spouse - 08/08/07 , I rescheduled it.
FP scheduled - 10/03/07 - Done
FP scheduled - 12/12/2007 -
Case approval for me (email ) - 04/24/08
FP( for 485 ) -05/17/08
Physical card- 08/03/08
Wife 's case is still pending & no updates.. ( raised a SR , would follow up next month )
tattoo show quot;Keeping Up With The
pd052009
08-20 02:38 PM
Considering the amount for H1 transfers(Hope the economy improves a lot for easy h1 transfer), the collectable amount will be more than 600M.
more...
pictures on last week#39;s Keeping Up
trance
07-20 09:38 PM
Hey Dealsboy & Pagal,
Thanks a lot for your input. I really appreciate it.
Its a tough decision that has to be made.
Considering the fact that my wife is in the dental field and will complete her dentistry here in the US (Which is considered a graduate level Program) i was thinking may be she can apply in the EB2 category.
Do attorneys have any thoughts on this?
Thanks,
Trance
Thanks a lot for your input. I really appreciate it.
Its a tough decision that has to be made.
Considering the fact that my wife is in the dental field and will complete her dentistry here in the US (Which is considered a graduate level Program) i was thinking may be she can apply in the EB2 category.
Do attorneys have any thoughts on this?
Thanks,
Trance
dresses Keeping Up With The
GCchakravyuh
07-13 11:58 AM
you never know 'huge change in 24 hrs is ' actually a stunt to shut us up from the rally:rolleyes:
more...
makeup E!#39;s own Keeping Up With
prem_goel
12-03 10:17 PM
Thanks for the update. I have an appointment at Nogales in mid-Dec.
Can you please let me know what the Banamex draft looks like? Also, any help regarding supporting docs would be helpful.
They gave the banamex draft for $151. It just looks like a normal receipt (like grocery store receipts in US). Why do you ask?
See my previous reply for supporting docs.
Can you please let me know what the Banamex draft looks like? Also, any help regarding supporting docs would be helpful.
They gave the banamex draft for $151. It just looks like a normal receipt (like grocery store receipts in US). Why do you ask?
See my previous reply for supporting docs.
girlfriend Kim Kardashian Keeping up with
LostInGCProcess
03-03 12:02 PM
Yes, the wording is very important. When I sent the AC21 documentation, it was just a letter explaining employment details and particulars, but when I replied to NOID, they specifically requested "prospects of employment" - and we responded as "this is a full time permanent job and the prospects are good" - which means they see it as future employment.
As long as you have worked for original employer for a good period of time, stick to your skills, have good w2 history, you don't have to worry - you can always show that your prospects are good.
Though Green card if for future employment - the entire process revolves around how best you fit the future employment category - AC21 is one such rule that gives you room and flexibility.
Thanks for your quick response. I might as well ask one more question that's in my mind. Did you go thru the company's attorney or you hired yourself? I really don't trust my company's attorney as they work for the best interest of the company rather then the employees...may not be the norm but mostly its that way.
Could you PM me if you know good attorney's other then Ms Murthy (cause they are expensive)
Thanks.
As long as you have worked for original employer for a good period of time, stick to your skills, have good w2 history, you don't have to worry - you can always show that your prospects are good.
Though Green card if for future employment - the entire process revolves around how best you fit the future employment category - AC21 is one such rule that gives you room and flexibility.
Thanks for your quick response. I might as well ask one more question that's in my mind. Did you go thru the company's attorney or you hired yourself? I really don't trust my company's attorney as they work for the best interest of the company rather then the employees...may not be the norm but mostly its that way.
Could you PM me if you know good attorney's other then Ms Murthy (cause they are expensive)
Thanks.
hairstyles guest on Keeping Up with
eb3retro
09-22 07:41 PM
For some reason, I feel that this is just the beginning. Hope I am wrong..
cooldesi
01-24 11:47 PM
Your employer can file a new H1B extension petition with the documents covering the problems that caused the first denial. Now the lawyer should attach a letter notifying USCIS about the the first denial and than asking them for adjustment of status.
There is no annual cap. (or may be 300,00) on H1b extension cases. Hence in your case irrespective of your denial, you can file fresh extension one more time & making sure that you are not missing anything and a letter to USCIS mentioning your previous denial case.
I am telling you this on my own experience. And mind you this is not a time for you to be cheap. Please consult with a good lawyer.
I agree and my experience suggests that it's always better to file fresh application than mtr. this is just my personal opinion.
There is no annual cap. (or may be 300,00) on H1b extension cases. Hence in your case irrespective of your denial, you can file fresh extension one more time & making sure that you are not missing anything and a letter to USCIS mentioning your previous denial case.
I am telling you this on my own experience. And mind you this is not a time for you to be cheap. Please consult with a good lawyer.
I agree and my experience suggests that it's always better to file fresh application than mtr. this is just my personal opinion.
waitnwatch
05-30 01:02 PM
I would appreciate if you could reference the bill text (if you have), then we can together spin this news - thanks
Here is my explanation of how the new system will work -
The USCIS declares an open period for all merit based application.
Everyone on H1-B puts in an application and gets in line.
The USCIS declares the list of succesful applicants.
For oversubscribed countries (remember that the country limit is 10% of 140000) there will be unsuccessful applicants who will have to apply next year.
Those unsuccessful applicants who reach their 6th year on H1-B cannot get any more H1-B extensions because they donot have an approved I140.
So it will be goodbye to professors in Economics and Business from India and China who will not get points for either STEM or high demand occupations.
I hope this make sense.
Here is my explanation of how the new system will work -
The USCIS declares an open period for all merit based application.
Everyone on H1-B puts in an application and gets in line.
The USCIS declares the list of succesful applicants.
For oversubscribed countries (remember that the country limit is 10% of 140000) there will be unsuccessful applicants who will have to apply next year.
Those unsuccessful applicants who reach their 6th year on H1-B cannot get any more H1-B extensions because they donot have an approved I140.
So it will be goodbye to professors in Economics and Business from India and China who will not get points for either STEM or high demand occupations.
I hope this make sense.
No comments:
Post a Comment