ChainReaction
10-09 07:06 PM
Hello guys,
I applied for I140 & I485 + EAD concurrently at the Texas service center on July 19th. I got the receipts dated Sept 11 on Sept 17 and a week later I got the EAD's. My priority date is Feb 04.
I live in New Jersey and I would assume my FP appointment will be at the NewArk USCIS center. I still did not get any FP notification yet and I started to worry because on the tracker a lot of people with the same dates did get one already. Should I worry or is OK for now ? Is New Jersey more crowded than other states and that is the reason for delay ??? Anybody else in the same boat ??
I know they consider the application abandoned if I have an appointment and don't go. If, god forbid, the letter is lost in the mail, is there any way I can find out if I have an appointment ?
I have don't have a lawyer so they will not send a copy of the FP appointment letter to the lawyer.
Please help !
:(:(:(:(
I am a June 25th filer, and i got my receipt for 485/131/765 on Sept 10th and haven't received any EAD or AP and no LUD as well forget about FP. I called TSC multiple time and was told first to wait till 90 days of filling ,then 30 days past receipt now 4 more weeks; since they are heavily backlogged busy in issuing receipts for 485 filer.
When i contacted my lawyer he told me the same he is still waiting for the receipts for some of his clients who filed in July/August and reassured me that if or when a receipt is issued he will also get a receipt notice, and will contact me ... so don't worry to much regarding FP misplacement and relax it will come... after all it is National security, if the US is not concerned regarding it then why should you .;)
By the way my PD is March,2003
I applied for I140 & I485 + EAD concurrently at the Texas service center on July 19th. I got the receipts dated Sept 11 on Sept 17 and a week later I got the EAD's. My priority date is Feb 04.
I live in New Jersey and I would assume my FP appointment will be at the NewArk USCIS center. I still did not get any FP notification yet and I started to worry because on the tracker a lot of people with the same dates did get one already. Should I worry or is OK for now ? Is New Jersey more crowded than other states and that is the reason for delay ??? Anybody else in the same boat ??
I know they consider the application abandoned if I have an appointment and don't go. If, god forbid, the letter is lost in the mail, is there any way I can find out if I have an appointment ?
I have don't have a lawyer so they will not send a copy of the FP appointment letter to the lawyer.
Please help !
:(:(:(:(
I am a June 25th filer, and i got my receipt for 485/131/765 on Sept 10th and haven't received any EAD or AP and no LUD as well forget about FP. I called TSC multiple time and was told first to wait till 90 days of filling ,then 30 days past receipt now 4 more weeks; since they are heavily backlogged busy in issuing receipts for 485 filer.
When i contacted my lawyer he told me the same he is still waiting for the receipts for some of his clients who filed in July/August and reassured me that if or when a receipt is issued he will also get a receipt notice, and will contact me ... so don't worry to much regarding FP misplacement and relax it will come... after all it is National security, if the US is not concerned regarding it then why should you .;)
By the way my PD is March,2003
wallpaper They go see movies together.
kprgroup
08-03 05:21 AM
My EAD details
Mailed Date : 5/24/10
Received Date : 5/26/10
Notice Date: 06/03/10
Checks Cashed: Yes
File Type: Paper/E-filed/Lawyer - Lawyer
Service Center/Lockbox : TSC
RFE DATE: N/A
RFE Description: N/A
SR Opened: Yes ( 07/26/2010)
InfoPass: NO
Current EAD Expiry: 9/03/10
Approval Date:
Approval Desc:
EAD Validity:
I have opened SR @( 07/26/2010) and got the reply back by mail below
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The status of the Service Request is
Case type:-- I765
The status of this service request is: Due to the high volume of expedite requests for this case type, we are strictly enforcing the criteria that has been set for these expedite requests.
Since the date we received your case, we denied your case and send a notice of explaining our decision to you on 06/25/2010 to the file we have on the file
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is this denial of service request or denial of EAD Renewal?
I am confused. Lawyer or I never received any denial notice so for and online case status showing initial review with LUD of 06/26/2010.
What should I do now? Please let me know.
Thx
KPR
Mailed Date : 5/24/10
Received Date : 5/26/10
Notice Date: 06/03/10
Checks Cashed: Yes
File Type: Paper/E-filed/Lawyer - Lawyer
Service Center/Lockbox : TSC
RFE DATE: N/A
RFE Description: N/A
SR Opened: Yes ( 07/26/2010)
InfoPass: NO
Current EAD Expiry: 9/03/10
Approval Date:
Approval Desc:
EAD Validity:
I have opened SR @( 07/26/2010) and got the reply back by mail below
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The status of the Service Request is
Case type:-- I765
The status of this service request is: Due to the high volume of expedite requests for this case type, we are strictly enforcing the criteria that has been set for these expedite requests.
Since the date we received your case, we denied your case and send a notice of explaining our decision to you on 06/25/2010 to the file we have on the file
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is this denial of service request or denial of EAD Renewal?
I am confused. Lawyer or I never received any denial notice so for and online case status showing initial review with LUD of 06/26/2010.
What should I do now? Please let me know.
Thx
KPR
ineedhelp
07-22 11:45 AM
Hi All,
Thank you for your overwhelming response. I did spoke to an attorney and rightfully got sucked out with $$ but it gave me some peace of mind for sure.
1. His recommendation was that the maximum penalty in my case would be 10,000 $ + 2 months notice as given i my policy. Apart from this wipro cannot claim any more and again this could be challenged if asked for in USA but would work in wipro's favor if it is claimed in India.
2. But he did mentioned that many of other clauses could be challenged.
3. He also cautioned me that Wipro cannot be bounded to give my Experience letter :(
Bottom line is i'm ready to pay 10,000$ + remaining 4 weeks notice and get a clean exit. Yes some of you might argue otherwise but i thought from my personal perspective this is right decision as i have plans to get my GC processed.
@JRG, hope this helps u.
@reddyram,LONGGCQUE, gc28262, pagal, crazymonk ... I'm greatful to each one of you. @LONGGCQUE your specifc response was most helpful to me as it ideally match with my situation without any disrespect to others as each one of your suggestions have made to stand up against Wipro!!
Thanks Again.
ineedhelp (may be in future i will help as well!!! Time to change my user id :)
Thank you for your overwhelming response. I did spoke to an attorney and rightfully got sucked out with $$ but it gave me some peace of mind for sure.
1. His recommendation was that the maximum penalty in my case would be 10,000 $ + 2 months notice as given i my policy. Apart from this wipro cannot claim any more and again this could be challenged if asked for in USA but would work in wipro's favor if it is claimed in India.
2. But he did mentioned that many of other clauses could be challenged.
3. He also cautioned me that Wipro cannot be bounded to give my Experience letter :(
Bottom line is i'm ready to pay 10,000$ + remaining 4 weeks notice and get a clean exit. Yes some of you might argue otherwise but i thought from my personal perspective this is right decision as i have plans to get my GC processed.
@JRG, hope this helps u.
@reddyram,LONGGCQUE, gc28262, pagal, crazymonk ... I'm greatful to each one of you. @LONGGCQUE your specifc response was most helpful to me as it ideally match with my situation without any disrespect to others as each one of your suggestions have made to stand up against Wipro!!
Thanks Again.
ineedhelp (may be in future i will help as well!!! Time to change my user id :)
2011 Katherine Heigl, meanwhile
GCisLottery
11-02 10:35 AM
Folks,
Please don't give wrong information so authoritatively :)
Labor Certification(LC) for Green Card processing has nothing to with Labor Condition Agreement(LCA) attached to H1-B.
If you moved to a different state from intended work place when your employer filed H1-B (extension included), your company need to get a new LCA.
Do not confuse between (Permanent) Labor Certification from Labor Condition Agreement, simply because of the abbreviations(LC vs LCA).
Disclaimer: I'm NOT an immigration specialist. This can not be taken as an immigration advice.
Please don't give wrong information so authoritatively :)
Labor Certification(LC) for Green Card processing has nothing to with Labor Condition Agreement(LCA) attached to H1-B.
If you moved to a different state from intended work place when your employer filed H1-B (extension included), your company need to get a new LCA.
Do not confuse between (Permanent) Labor Certification from Labor Condition Agreement, simply because of the abbreviations(LC vs LCA).
Disclaimer: I'm NOT an immigration specialist. This can not be taken as an immigration advice.
more...
Honda
09-08 11:40 PM
Thanks. No LUDs. Just got it in the mail straight. Try contacting your senator or congressperson.
Congrats...
Congrats...
logiclife
04-15 06:54 PM
I have been in this situation but my work location changed more than 100miles within the same state. My attorney asked me to start another labor.
1. If you think that you will move back one the 485 is adjucated, then you dont have to worry. OTherwise, you have file a new labor. Atleast you are safe since your 140 is approved. You can port your PD.
2. If it is within few miles then it should not affect. Still you have to check with your attorney. Few miles sometimes puts you in different couty or state or even in different country. So the term "Few Miles" is relative one and it is better to check with attorney.
By making you file for new labor, your attorney has played it too safe. In your case, filing a new labor was not neccesary. Please read below and check with an immigration lawyer for advice. I AM NOT A LAWYER but this advice is based on 2 different lawyers I have talked to regarding my own case where I moved from Phoenix, to Reno after my labor was filed.
Here is the deal when changing the location while GC is pending:
1. You can change location during your pending GC. But your job description must not change. Also, you have to move back to the location where your GC was filed, ONLY IF your 485 is processed and approved in less than 180 days from filing (I dont think USCIS will ever be that efficient and process 485 petitions in less than 180 days). That's because your option of AC21 of changing employers and locations (within the same job description, you cant work at a gas station or McDonalds) kicks in after 180 days of filing 485. If your 485 is approved in less than 180 days, then yes, you have to go back to the original location where your Greencard was filed because you dont have the AC21 options of switching employers and locations during your 485 stage ... which is available ONLY AFTER 180 days have passed in the processing of your 485 file.
So as long as your 485 takes longer than 180 days, you can continue to work at your new location even though you GC and labor was filed at a previous location.
2. After 180 days of filing 485, you can change employers using your EAD and change locations. No limit. But it has to be the same job description. You cannot start working as a manager if your Greencard was filed for the position of a programmer.
1. If you think that you will move back one the 485 is adjucated, then you dont have to worry. OTherwise, you have file a new labor. Atleast you are safe since your 140 is approved. You can port your PD.
2. If it is within few miles then it should not affect. Still you have to check with your attorney. Few miles sometimes puts you in different couty or state or even in different country. So the term "Few Miles" is relative one and it is better to check with attorney.
By making you file for new labor, your attorney has played it too safe. In your case, filing a new labor was not neccesary. Please read below and check with an immigration lawyer for advice. I AM NOT A LAWYER but this advice is based on 2 different lawyers I have talked to regarding my own case where I moved from Phoenix, to Reno after my labor was filed.
Here is the deal when changing the location while GC is pending:
1. You can change location during your pending GC. But your job description must not change. Also, you have to move back to the location where your GC was filed, ONLY IF your 485 is processed and approved in less than 180 days from filing (I dont think USCIS will ever be that efficient and process 485 petitions in less than 180 days). That's because your option of AC21 of changing employers and locations (within the same job description, you cant work at a gas station or McDonalds) kicks in after 180 days of filing 485. If your 485 is approved in less than 180 days, then yes, you have to go back to the original location where your Greencard was filed because you dont have the AC21 options of switching employers and locations during your 485 stage ... which is available ONLY AFTER 180 days have passed in the processing of your 485 file.
So as long as your 485 takes longer than 180 days, you can continue to work at your new location even though you GC and labor was filed at a previous location.
2. After 180 days of filing 485, you can change employers using your EAD and change locations. No limit. But it has to be the same job description. You cannot start working as a manager if your Greencard was filed for the position of a programmer.
more...
Ennada
09-13 12:25 PM
EB2 and EB3 at one point were in the same boat. Now that EB2 is advancing and is way ahead of EB3, the EB3 applicants are upset and angry. Their anger is very much justified. However, their anger should not be directed towards EB2 applicants.
As I pointed out in another post, we are all players here and we are all playing by the rules. The system is not fair. Anger should be directed towards the system and not towards EB2s.
"hate the game, don't hate the playa....Chris Rock" is appropriate here.
Most of the EB2s, if not all, are supportive of reform and are supportive towards EB3 friends. The anger may lead to the disruption of this support.
We are all in this together. We all need to stay together.
As I pointed out in another post, we are all players here and we are all playing by the rules. The system is not fair. Anger should be directed towards the system and not towards EB2s.
"hate the game, don't hate the playa....Chris Rock" is appropriate here.
Most of the EB2s, if not all, are supportive of reform and are supportive towards EB3 friends. The anger may lead to the disruption of this support.
We are all in this together. We all need to stay together.
2010 Katherine Heigl (Photo#39;s)
jayleno
01-09 07:15 PM
I know 4 people and voted only once. Aren't you concerned that the data may not show you the exact picture? :p
talking about only personal friends or co-workers. Please do not vote yes if its some body you don't know but heard of.
talking about only personal friends or co-workers. Please do not vote yes if its some body you don't know but heard of.
more...
vicks_don
04-18 03:04 PM
thanks felix 31.
I filed it last year oct in VSC. got an rfe last month. i haven't received any case transfer notice. I am planning to answer rfe to VSC. My recepit number starts with EAC.
just one question.
when you said it was filed with NSC and now transfered to TSC. apart from the recipt from NSC that your case is transfered what else could tell us that the case is transfered..like
a) does the receipt number change
b) when we input the previous number in uscis.gov does it say that your case has been transfered.
Thanks for your reply.
I filed it last year oct in VSC. got an rfe last month. i haven't received any case transfer notice. I am planning to answer rfe to VSC. My recepit number starts with EAC.
just one question.
when you said it was filed with NSC and now transfered to TSC. apart from the recipt from NSC that your case is transfered what else could tell us that the case is transfered..like
a) does the receipt number change
b) when we input the previous number in uscis.gov does it say that your case has been transfered.
Thanks for your reply.
hair Katherine Heigl as Rae LaCoste
Googler
02-17 07:52 PM
See more discussion here (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showpost.php?p=224161&postcount=211).
more...
raysaikat
04-22 01:41 PM
I think i understand:) Thank you.
As I might have already mentioned, i've been working for a company for 2 years now with my EAD, they are willing to sponsor for H1B. so as long as my J principal has a waiver, then my company shoulnd face any problems on applying for a H1B right?
Could you please explain "As long as the H1-B quota is not exhausted and the petition was correctly filed". ? Is there a deadline to apply for H1B ?
i really appreciate your opinoins, thank you very much.
Talk to the immigration attorney your company is using. You (guys) do need a home residency requirement waiver to be eligible to work on H1-B. IIRC, the waiver has to come from both your home country as well as US. Anyway, I am not well conversant on J visas.
There is an annual 65,000 visa limit for H1-B visas. There is an additional 20,000 visas for M.S. degree holders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines from US universities. Non-profit organizations and US universities are exempt from the quota limit.
The application time window for H1-B that takes effect on Oct 1, 2010 opens on April 1, 2010 (i.e., H1-B VISA starts from the start of the fiscal year, and application for that opens in the previous April). A few years back all 65,000 VISAs would get exhausted within a couple of days after the window opened (i.e., by April 3-4, all VISAs would be gone). AFAIK, the H1-B quota for 2010 (i.e., for H1-B VISAs that would start from Oct 1, 2010) is not yet exhausted. But it is always a very good idea to do the petition as soon as you can.
As I might have already mentioned, i've been working for a company for 2 years now with my EAD, they are willing to sponsor for H1B. so as long as my J principal has a waiver, then my company shoulnd face any problems on applying for a H1B right?
Could you please explain "As long as the H1-B quota is not exhausted and the petition was correctly filed". ? Is there a deadline to apply for H1B ?
i really appreciate your opinoins, thank you very much.
Talk to the immigration attorney your company is using. You (guys) do need a home residency requirement waiver to be eligible to work on H1-B. IIRC, the waiver has to come from both your home country as well as US. Anyway, I am not well conversant on J visas.
There is an annual 65,000 visa limit for H1-B visas. There is an additional 20,000 visas for M.S. degree holders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines from US universities. Non-profit organizations and US universities are exempt from the quota limit.
The application time window for H1-B that takes effect on Oct 1, 2010 opens on April 1, 2010 (i.e., H1-B VISA starts from the start of the fiscal year, and application for that opens in the previous April). A few years back all 65,000 VISAs would get exhausted within a couple of days after the window opened (i.e., by April 3-4, all VISAs would be gone). AFAIK, the H1-B quota for 2010 (i.e., for H1-B VISAs that would start from Oct 1, 2010) is not yet exhausted. But it is always a very good idea to do the petition as soon as you can.
hot katherine heigl movies. 110---05---Katherine-Heigl-
joydiptac
09-30 05:33 PM
AILA Leadership Has Just Posted the Following:
Dear Director Mayorkas:
Last week in a speech you ...
More... (http://ailaleadership.blogspot.com/2009/09/rfe-hell-and-increased-uscis-filing.html)
What is AILA complaining about?
The fee increase? really??:D
or Increased business that they are getting because of RFEs or that USCIS has become efficient and has pre-adjudicated most of the waiting applications by interviewing, RFEs and actual site visits.
Oops! Did I just say that. My bad! Sorry! I should probably have said "Naughty USCIS!!!" USCIS is closing files that AILA wants to remain open forevverr so that the juice keeps flowing.:D
AILA - consider rephrasing your statements these are too transparent. And ... Speak for yourself.
READ THIS:
We the immigrants (customers of USCIS) are perfectly fine with RFEs and interviews and site visits as long as it leads to PRE-ADJUDICATION and green card. Most of us don't even mind paying extra to end this wait. If AILA is really concerned about us please try to do something in that direction so that we can get relief by recapture or thru new legislation or admin fixes.
Dear Director Mayorkas:
Last week in a speech you ...
More... (http://ailaleadership.blogspot.com/2009/09/rfe-hell-and-increased-uscis-filing.html)
What is AILA complaining about?
The fee increase? really??:D
or Increased business that they are getting because of RFEs or that USCIS has become efficient and has pre-adjudicated most of the waiting applications by interviewing, RFEs and actual site visits.
Oops! Did I just say that. My bad! Sorry! I should probably have said "Naughty USCIS!!!" USCIS is closing files that AILA wants to remain open forevverr so that the juice keeps flowing.:D
AILA - consider rephrasing your statements these are too transparent. And ... Speak for yourself.
READ THIS:
We the immigrants (customers of USCIS) are perfectly fine with RFEs and interviews and site visits as long as it leads to PRE-ADJUDICATION and green card. Most of us don't even mind paying extra to end this wait. If AILA is really concerned about us please try to do something in that direction so that we can get relief by recapture or thru new legislation or admin fixes.
more...
house Katherine Heigl Money
kaisersose
05-22 12:01 PM
I think it would be best if they allow us to apply for 485 regardless of priority date once 140 is approved .
I think the chances of that happening are very slim.
The general opinion is, EAD + AP is really not very different from the green card, especially after the introduction of AC21. This is why there is a "qualifying factor" for 485 applications - the PD should be current to just get into the queue.
Allowing 485 applications when PDs are not current is dangerously close in effect to removing the GC Quota and for this reason, it is unlikely to happen.
I think the chances of that happening are very slim.
The general opinion is, EAD + AP is really not very different from the green card, especially after the introduction of AC21. This is why there is a "qualifying factor" for 485 applications - the PD should be current to just get into the queue.
Allowing 485 applications when PDs are not current is dangerously close in effect to removing the GC Quota and for this reason, it is unlikely to happen.
tattoo I pooped on Katherine Heigl#39;s
suriajay12
04-06 07:44 AM
Very good one.. USCIS is acknowledging here the severe wait periods. A good sign when (if) trying to fix a problem. Recognizing that there is one..
Good job in posting this article.
Good job in posting this article.
more...
pictures ashton kutcher newest movie
bhasky25
08-13 02:17 PM
The fee increase is only for companies which has more 50% of their employees on H1B visa. So counting 85K visa's for 4 years is not correct.
dresses Katherine Heigl Goes Dark
Waitingnvain
08-08 06:08 AM
Anyone who is contributing to SS should receive a statement every year. Check this site out, it may have some info that you are looking for: www.socialsecurity.gov
more...
makeup katherine heigl
plreddy
08-20 12:51 PM
My 485 was approved on 8/11/2008 , where as wife's case is still pending.
PLREDDY
PLREDDY
girlfriend KATHERINE HEIGL will star in
tinku01
07-15 03:10 PM
MY PD is June 2004 at Delhi consulate. Lets see what happens. Hey any one could update about PCC (Police Clearance Certificate). if my date becomes current in Aug then would not have time to go to any US consulate to get the PCC.
In this case how we should get the PCC for consular processing:cool:
In this case how we should get the PCC for consular processing:cool:
hairstyles Buy and Download movie page
perm2gc
07-16 07:14 PM
They have been talking about this lawsuit for a long time now. I wonder when they will actually file it. Though they claim that they will file it this week, I would trust them only when they actually do file the lawsuit.:D
they will file once every attorney made enough money by filing our i485 based on their never going to be filed lawsuit:D
they will file once every attorney made enough money by filing our i485 based on their never going to be filed lawsuit:D
anurag
02-12 02:12 PM
Freakin_GC,
I am in the same boat as you. My wife was born in another country besides India, hence the Cross Chargeability. However our (Wife and my) 485s have been filed already. I am not sure how to get into the ROW boat.
All I can offer now is that I'll post whatever I hear from my lawyer. Let me know what you can find from your end.
Regards,
Anurag
I am in the same boat as you. My wife was born in another country besides India, hence the Cross Chargeability. However our (Wife and my) 485s have been filed already. I am not sure how to get into the ROW boat.
All I can offer now is that I'll post whatever I hear from my lawyer. Let me know what you can find from your end.
Regards,
Anurag
perm2gc
12-22 06:08 PM
Efren Hernandez III, Director of the Business and Trade Services Branch at INS in Washington, D.C. announced in late December 2001 that the INS does not recognize or provide any "grace period" for maintaining status after employment termination. Mr. Hernandez explained this strict interpretation by reasoning that there is no difference between H1B holders and other non-immigrants, like students, to justify a stay in the U.S. beyond the explicit purpose of their admission. Mr. Hernandez admits that this may cause hardship to some terminated or laid off H1B workers, but believes that the INS position is legally justified.
Although the INS' strict interpretation of the law may have legal justification, the result to others seems harsh and unreasonable, considering the fact that the lay off or termination is completely beyond the control of the H1B worker. This strict INS position may also appear to be contrary to the purpose of allowing H1B workers admission to the U.S. since they helped to fill a critical need in our economy when the U.S. was suffering acute shortages of qualified, skilled workers. Perhaps, it would be more fair if the INS were to allow a reasonable grace period, perhaps 60 days, as mentioned in the June 19, 2001 INS Memo.
H1B workers should not be equated to other non-immigrants. For example, H1Bs can be distinguished from students. Students, in most cases, have exclusive control over whether they can maintain their status. Generally they determine whether they remain in school and satisfy the purpose of their admission to the U.S. If they choose not to remain in school, or they do not maintain certain passing grades or do not have sufficient funds, then they are no longer considered to be students maintaining their status and should return to their home countries. On the other hand, H1B workers enter the U.S. to engage in professional employment based on the needs of U.S. employers. They do not have exclusive control over whether they are laid off.
Although we are in a soft economy with massive employee cutbacks in a variety of fields, many of these H1B workers are able to find new employment within reasonable timeframes. Some companies, at least, are in need of these workers. Salaries have dropped in many cases and recruitment of workers from outside the U.S. has significantly slowed; but, to a large extent, the need for these existing workers remains. It would benefit U.S. companies and suit the purpose of the H1B visa program to allow a reasonable grace period for these laid-off H1B workers to seek new employment within a realistic time frame.
Adding to the woes of H1B workers, Mr. Hernandez addressed the issue of extensions of stay following brief status lapses. In short, the regulations require that an individual be in status at the time an extension of status is requested. Failure to maintain status will result in the H1B petition being granted, if appropriate, without an extension of stay. No I-94 card will be attached to the approval notice. Instead, the beneficiary will be directed to obtain a visa at a U.S. consulate in a foreign country and, only afterward, will return to lawful H1B status by re-entering the U.S. Although INS has a regulation that allows the Service to overlook brief lapses in status, extraordinary circumstances are required. Mr. Hernandez stated that even very short lapses in status are not justified in the context of terminated H1B workers, absent extraordinary circumstances.
Mr. Hernandez specifically negated the existence of a ten-day grace period following employment termination. There are ten-day grace periods allowed in three other instances. These are (a) the H1B worker can be admitted to the U.S. up to 10 days prior to the validity of his/her petition; (b) the H1B worker has a ten-day grace period following the expiration of the period of admission; and (c) in the case of denials of extensions, the H1B worker is given up to ten days to depart the U.S. Unfortunately, termination of employment is not covered by any of these exceptions. Some find it hard to see why a terminated H1B worker should be treated any differently from the H1B worker whose period of H1B admission has expired. There is far less warning and predictability in cases of layoffs or of other terminations.
Rumors are also circulating about a 30-day grace period should INS deny an H1B petition or extension of status and require the person to depart the U.S. There is also a 60-day time frame, proposed by the INS itself in the June 19, 2001 Memo, analyzing the American Competitiveness in the Twenty First Century Act (AC21). In this memo, the INS discussed the law allowing a person to be eligible for H1B extensions beyond 6 years if the person previously held either H1B status or had an H1B visa. The INS surmised that the law envisioned that one who previously held H1B status should be entitled, possibly up to 60 days, to the benefits of that section of AC21. Efren Hernandez clarified that none of these grace periods applies in the case of an H1B worker who is terminated or laid off
Although the INS' strict interpretation of the law may have legal justification, the result to others seems harsh and unreasonable, considering the fact that the lay off or termination is completely beyond the control of the H1B worker. This strict INS position may also appear to be contrary to the purpose of allowing H1B workers admission to the U.S. since they helped to fill a critical need in our economy when the U.S. was suffering acute shortages of qualified, skilled workers. Perhaps, it would be more fair if the INS were to allow a reasonable grace period, perhaps 60 days, as mentioned in the June 19, 2001 INS Memo.
H1B workers should not be equated to other non-immigrants. For example, H1Bs can be distinguished from students. Students, in most cases, have exclusive control over whether they can maintain their status. Generally they determine whether they remain in school and satisfy the purpose of their admission to the U.S. If they choose not to remain in school, or they do not maintain certain passing grades or do not have sufficient funds, then they are no longer considered to be students maintaining their status and should return to their home countries. On the other hand, H1B workers enter the U.S. to engage in professional employment based on the needs of U.S. employers. They do not have exclusive control over whether they are laid off.
Although we are in a soft economy with massive employee cutbacks in a variety of fields, many of these H1B workers are able to find new employment within reasonable timeframes. Some companies, at least, are in need of these workers. Salaries have dropped in many cases and recruitment of workers from outside the U.S. has significantly slowed; but, to a large extent, the need for these existing workers remains. It would benefit U.S. companies and suit the purpose of the H1B visa program to allow a reasonable grace period for these laid-off H1B workers to seek new employment within a realistic time frame.
Adding to the woes of H1B workers, Mr. Hernandez addressed the issue of extensions of stay following brief status lapses. In short, the regulations require that an individual be in status at the time an extension of status is requested. Failure to maintain status will result in the H1B petition being granted, if appropriate, without an extension of stay. No I-94 card will be attached to the approval notice. Instead, the beneficiary will be directed to obtain a visa at a U.S. consulate in a foreign country and, only afterward, will return to lawful H1B status by re-entering the U.S. Although INS has a regulation that allows the Service to overlook brief lapses in status, extraordinary circumstances are required. Mr. Hernandez stated that even very short lapses in status are not justified in the context of terminated H1B workers, absent extraordinary circumstances.
Mr. Hernandez specifically negated the existence of a ten-day grace period following employment termination. There are ten-day grace periods allowed in three other instances. These are (a) the H1B worker can be admitted to the U.S. up to 10 days prior to the validity of his/her petition; (b) the H1B worker has a ten-day grace period following the expiration of the period of admission; and (c) in the case of denials of extensions, the H1B worker is given up to ten days to depart the U.S. Unfortunately, termination of employment is not covered by any of these exceptions. Some find it hard to see why a terminated H1B worker should be treated any differently from the H1B worker whose period of H1B admission has expired. There is far less warning and predictability in cases of layoffs or of other terminations.
Rumors are also circulating about a 30-day grace period should INS deny an H1B petition or extension of status and require the person to depart the U.S. There is also a 60-day time frame, proposed by the INS itself in the June 19, 2001 Memo, analyzing the American Competitiveness in the Twenty First Century Act (AC21). In this memo, the INS discussed the law allowing a person to be eligible for H1B extensions beyond 6 years if the person previously held either H1B status or had an H1B visa. The INS surmised that the law envisioned that one who previously held H1B status should be entitled, possibly up to 60 days, to the benefits of that section of AC21. Efren Hernandez clarified that none of these grace periods applies in the case of an H1B worker who is terminated or laid off
No comments:
Post a Comment