kanaihya
09-28 03:05 PM
please don't reply those guys with in-appropriate subject lines ...
that is very irritating...S**t t*e F**k o*f...
thanks
Hello Guys,
Does any one here has Newark NJ as their ASC? Reason is my notice date is august 27th from TSC and I haven't received my FP notice yet. My wife has the similar issue as well. I've called USCIS atleast twice but they are not ready to open service request and are saying that the ASC must be busy.
I wanted to find out if any one of you here has notice date after august 27th and have already got FP notice from Newark (NJ) ASC.
Thanks.
that is very irritating...S**t t*e F**k o*f...
thanks
Hello Guys,
Does any one here has Newark NJ as their ASC? Reason is my notice date is august 27th from TSC and I haven't received my FP notice yet. My wife has the similar issue as well. I've called USCIS atleast twice but they are not ready to open service request and are saying that the ASC must be busy.
I wanted to find out if any one of you here has notice date after august 27th and have already got FP notice from Newark (NJ) ASC.
Thanks.
wallpaper chutes and ladders game, 1956
Becks
03-16 10:16 AM
This is very good post. I have been waiting for this news where we enter when not working for GC sponsoring employer.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
eeezzz
08-28 10:12 AM
Ron sent an inquiry and here is the answer he got
Yes I probably should have said Worldwide Employment Third. My primary concern at this point is with the China E3 cut-off date which has an extremely large amount of demand.
Ron also says
He definitely referred to China E3, not India. There has been a huge build up of Chinese E3 cases over the past few years. There has been an even larger buildup of Indian E3 over the years, but that is a given.
Visa Bulletin says
...Then with the start of the new fiscal year in October the cut-off dates would have returned to those which had applied during June. However, continued heavy demand in those categories may require the establishment of cut-off dates which are earlier than those which had applied in June....
So I predict the EB3 RoW Oct bulletin will be what it was on June Bulletin but EB3 China and India will not be the same as June bulletin.
Yes I probably should have said Worldwide Employment Third. My primary concern at this point is with the China E3 cut-off date which has an extremely large amount of demand.
Ron also says
He definitely referred to China E3, not India. There has been a huge build up of Chinese E3 cases over the past few years. There has been an even larger buildup of Indian E3 over the years, but that is a given.
Visa Bulletin says
...Then with the start of the new fiscal year in October the cut-off dates would have returned to those which had applied during June. However, continued heavy demand in those categories may require the establishment of cut-off dates which are earlier than those which had applied in June....
So I predict the EB3 RoW Oct bulletin will be what it was on June Bulletin but EB3 China and India will not be the same as June bulletin.
2011 Chutes and Ladders
vnsriv
10-10 04:24 PM
I got my GC on 09/18/07. Now my consulting company (how sponsored my GC) is having issues with the client and client is thinking to terminate the contract.
Client want to bring me to there pay roll. In other words they are offering my permanent position.
My consulting company does not have immediate opening for me.
It is not even a month that I got my GC. And I am with the same consulting company for about 6.5 years now.
Please help me. What should I do? If I accept the offer will I get problem at citizenship stage? If I do not accept offer I will loose job and I don't know how much time I have to wait till my consulting company find job for me.
Accept the offer like I am planning to do. Job is most important.
Client want to bring me to there pay roll. In other words they are offering my permanent position.
My consulting company does not have immediate opening for me.
It is not even a month that I got my GC. And I am with the same consulting company for about 6.5 years now.
Please help me. What should I do? If I accept the offer will I get problem at citizenship stage? If I do not accept offer I will loose job and I don't know how much time I have to wait till my consulting company find job for me.
Accept the offer like I am planning to do. Job is most important.
more...
ivar
06-18 10:59 PM
Hi,
I came to US in 2004, my H1 visa was sponsored by cognizant technology solutions. H1 was valid from Nov 04 to Dec 06. later on my I 94 was extended from Dec 06 to July 09 .
I changed company and joined wipro in Aug 08 and now my I 94 is now valid till July 2010.
I have never gone back to India for a visit ever since I landed in US (2004)..I now want to go to India for few months and have read that i'll have to get my visa stamped before reentering US...
My question is if i'll have any problems with visa stamping because I was originally working with cognizant and am now working with wipro?..Am I out of status since my original visa expired in 2006 ?...pls help
You have maintained legal status proved by our I94 extensions.. also take all your paystubs for visa stamping to show your job contiunity. You will be good.
I came to US in 2004, my H1 visa was sponsored by cognizant technology solutions. H1 was valid from Nov 04 to Dec 06. later on my I 94 was extended from Dec 06 to July 09 .
I changed company and joined wipro in Aug 08 and now my I 94 is now valid till July 2010.
I have never gone back to India for a visit ever since I landed in US (2004)..I now want to go to India for few months and have read that i'll have to get my visa stamped before reentering US...
My question is if i'll have any problems with visa stamping because I was originally working with cognizant and am now working with wipro?..Am I out of status since my original visa expired in 2006 ?...pls help
You have maintained legal status proved by our I94 extensions.. also take all your paystubs for visa stamping to show your job contiunity. You will be good.
lostinbeta
10-02 12:52 PM
That is great eilsoe! You have much talent with Photoshop=)
more...
chakalov
07-31 04:05 PM
Hey everyone,
I am from Florida and just filed my I-485. I went to the DMV yesterday to renew my drivers license and something unexpected happened. They took away my old license and gave a temporary one valid for 30 days. They also said they will have to verify my immigration status and once this is done they will mail my new drivers license. Has anyone had such an experience? How long did it take to get your new license?
I am from Florida and just filed my I-485. I went to the DMV yesterday to renew my drivers license and something unexpected happened. They took away my old license and gave a temporary one valid for 30 days. They also said they will have to verify my immigration status and once this is done they will mail my new drivers license. Has anyone had such an experience? How long did it take to get your new license?
2010 Chutes and Ladders game
rongha_2000
10-18 05:55 PM
Thats not true.. A few days back I read on IV forum itself that around 10K were wasted this year too.
DOS & USCIS will have all data entered into their systems once they receipt all these 320k cases. Using past USCIS processing speed as another input, DOS should be able to issue accurate EB cut-off dates in all categories.
One can only really hope that they do this more accurately atleast by next bulletin & move forward cut-off dates.
In absence of any legislative changes so far, the EB community should really push for processing efficiencies more. (So far looks like atleast no visa numbers were wasted in FY 2007)
DOS & USCIS will have all data entered into their systems once they receipt all these 320k cases. Using past USCIS processing speed as another input, DOS should be able to issue accurate EB cut-off dates in all categories.
One can only really hope that they do this more accurately atleast by next bulletin & move forward cut-off dates.
In absence of any legislative changes so far, the EB community should really push for processing efficiencies more. (So far looks like atleast no visa numbers were wasted in FY 2007)
more...
forgerator
02-22 01:55 PM
I am trying to port from EB3-EB2 from the same employer.
Prior to joining the employer, I had MS+2 years of experience. However, the lawyer applied in EB3. The job description read:
Required: BS+3
MS+1 also accepted
Experience in technologies A,B,C,D
I applied based on my MS+1 experience. Now the same company has another position with a very similar job description with a different title.
Required:MS+1
Experience in technologies A,B,C,D
Q1. Would this qualify for a EB2 position? Do I have to worry about the job descriptions being almost similar
Q2. The titles are different. But the EB2 position doesn't have "Senior" in the position title. Is there a need to worry?
Any replies are really appreciated.
isthereawayout, you and I are in exactly the same situation.
In my case , back in 2007, I was filed under EB3 for a Software Developer position, even though I had MS + 2yr exp. However the job was such that it required Bachelor + 2yr so it was filed under EB3.
Last year, I got promoted to Senior Software Developer. Employer is filing me under EB2 this time, and will use same experience as the one from EB3 , i.e. MS + 2 yr exp. However this time the job is such that it requires Bachelor + 5 yr.
The only difference I believe is the Job description of the posting itself. In that, they have requested experience in technologies which are different from the ones listed in my EB3 job description.
Hope that answers your question.
Prior to joining the employer, I had MS+2 years of experience. However, the lawyer applied in EB3. The job description read:
Required: BS+3
MS+1 also accepted
Experience in technologies A,B,C,D
I applied based on my MS+1 experience. Now the same company has another position with a very similar job description with a different title.
Required:MS+1
Experience in technologies A,B,C,D
Q1. Would this qualify for a EB2 position? Do I have to worry about the job descriptions being almost similar
Q2. The titles are different. But the EB2 position doesn't have "Senior" in the position title. Is there a need to worry?
Any replies are really appreciated.
isthereawayout, you and I are in exactly the same situation.
In my case , back in 2007, I was filed under EB3 for a Software Developer position, even though I had MS + 2yr exp. However the job was such that it required Bachelor + 2yr so it was filed under EB3.
Last year, I got promoted to Senior Software Developer. Employer is filing me under EB2 this time, and will use same experience as the one from EB3 , i.e. MS + 2 yr exp. However this time the job is such that it requires Bachelor + 5 yr.
The only difference I believe is the Job description of the posting itself. In that, they have requested experience in technologies which are different from the ones listed in my EB3 job description.
Hope that answers your question.
hair chutes and ladders game.
bestin
05-15 10:20 PM
Sorry for high jacking the thread but I wanted some info on eb2 perm and greencard over all
My qualifications are
Bachelors in engineering - 4 years
Masters in computer science - 2 years in US
Experience of 6 years in software dev
My job requires BS+5 years only , Masters in not a requirement.
Can I file in EB2 ...could you please elaborate your experience in eb2 .
Yes You Can.My 140 is still pending in EB2 category.
Mine is BE-4 Years
7 Years Experience in Indian Branch Office of the current Company + Approx 9 months outside this company.
My qualifications are
Bachelors in engineering - 4 years
Masters in computer science - 2 years in US
Experience of 6 years in software dev
My job requires BS+5 years only , Masters in not a requirement.
Can I file in EB2 ...could you please elaborate your experience in eb2 .
Yes You Can.My 140 is still pending in EB2 category.
Mine is BE-4 Years
7 Years Experience in Indian Branch Office of the current Company + Approx 9 months outside this company.
more...
sundarpn
11-17 11:33 PM
Another question is when using AC-21 to change jobs via H1b transfer, (or even EAD for that matter)
how does one bring up the topic of AC-21 to the employer?
Is is as simple a putting a condition to them saying hey "I will need an employment verification letter from you to ensure that my 485 process started with my previous employer will not be hindered."
(I am not talking desi consulting coy...but other companies where the HR person might not have a clue of what AC21 is!)
how does one bring up the topic of AC-21 to the employer?
Is is as simple a putting a condition to them saying hey "I will need an employment verification letter from you to ensure that my 485 process started with my previous employer will not be hindered."
(I am not talking desi consulting coy...but other companies where the HR person might not have a clue of what AC21 is!)
hot A Chutes and Ladders Dice
FredG
January 31st, 2005, 12:09 PM
(not a tight crop, which is probably what it sounded like I meant).The difference was probably in my interpretation, rather than in your presentation.
more...
house Chutes and Ladders (Snakes
GCEB2
07-16 08:21 PM
I guess u can apply seperately as each one holds individual H1 status
tattoo Chutes and ladders…
sapking
07-18 01:41 AM
Consult with experienced immigration attorney.
more...
pictures done to Chutes and Ladders
sunny26
08-02 04:40 PM
Hi
I dont understand what is the good news in this.EB3 may 2001? what is good in that?
Am i missing something?
EB-1s for Indians and Chinese are also expected to be current. For EB-2, India is expected to have a cut off date of January 8, 2003 and for China the cut off date will be April 22, 2005.
For EB-3, according to Jan, the worldwide cut off date will be August 1, 2002, India will be May 8, 2001 and China will be April 22, 2005.
Jan also reports that 18,000 EB-3 for Indians have been processed in this fiscal year with 8,000 of those cases approved in June and 7,000 in July. By the way, the annual EB-3 limit for Indians is 2,800 so go figure.
Also, approximately 40,000 cases were received at the Texas Service Center on July 2nd and 35,000 were received in Nebraska.
One final amazing fact that Jan has learned - USCIS requested 66,600 (666!) visa numbers from the beginning of the fiscal year through the end of May and 66,800 numbers in June and July.
I dont understand what is the good news in this.EB3 may 2001? what is good in that?
Am i missing something?
EB-1s for Indians and Chinese are also expected to be current. For EB-2, India is expected to have a cut off date of January 8, 2003 and for China the cut off date will be April 22, 2005.
For EB-3, according to Jan, the worldwide cut off date will be August 1, 2002, India will be May 8, 2001 and China will be April 22, 2005.
Jan also reports that 18,000 EB-3 for Indians have been processed in this fiscal year with 8,000 of those cases approved in June and 7,000 in July. By the way, the annual EB-3 limit for Indians is 2,800 so go figure.
Also, approximately 40,000 cases were received at the Texas Service Center on July 2nd and 35,000 were received in Nebraska.
One final amazing fact that Jan has learned - USCIS requested 66,600 (666!) visa numbers from the beginning of the fiscal year through the end of May and 66,800 numbers in June and July.
dresses Hasbro Chutes and Ladders
looneytunezez
04-23 04:42 PM
fittan,
Thanks for your reply.
But i dont have any application pending with USCIS.
My I-140 is pending but that belongs to my employer,correct?
So I am confused if I should use InfoPass or not.
LT
Thanks for your reply.
But i dont have any application pending with USCIS.
My I-140 is pending but that belongs to my employer,correct?
So I am confused if I should use InfoPass or not.
LT
more...
makeup as Chutes and ladders,
meridiani.planum
07-28 02:48 AM
My friend who is a contractor in the company where I am working, is right now on H1B. He is a very hard worker and cheerful fellow. My employer (among big5 tech companies in US) offered him fulltime position.
His EAD is going to be expired soon, as he is a july 07 filer. He is worried that if he joins my employer at this point, and if he doesn't get his EAD renewed in time, he would be in trouble.
He already sent papers for renew but haven't heard back. After six weeks, his current EAD will expire.
can anyone guide, what are his options? my employer will not file H1B. is there anything like interim EAD?
if his EAD has been pending for 90 days, USCIS says you can enquire about getting an interim EAD. I dont know of anyone recently who has got an interim EAD though...
Having said that, how long back did he apply for the renewal and at what center? Based on some stats NSC is taking anywhere from 60 to 90 days for EAD approval (even mine has now been pending for over 4 weeks). TSC has been faster. So if its NSC, and its <90 days, hang on a bit, you might just get the approval soon.
His EAD is going to be expired soon, as he is a july 07 filer. He is worried that if he joins my employer at this point, and if he doesn't get his EAD renewed in time, he would be in trouble.
He already sent papers for renew but haven't heard back. After six weeks, his current EAD will expire.
can anyone guide, what are his options? my employer will not file H1B. is there anything like interim EAD?
if his EAD has been pending for 90 days, USCIS says you can enquire about getting an interim EAD. I dont know of anyone recently who has got an interim EAD though...
Having said that, how long back did he apply for the renewal and at what center? Based on some stats NSC is taking anywhere from 60 to 90 days for EAD approval (even mine has now been pending for over 4 weeks). TSC has been faster. So if its NSC, and its <90 days, hang on a bit, you might just get the approval soon.
girlfriend CHUTES amp; LADDERS 1979~ First
abingc
08-19 12:46 PM
- Received 2 Yr EAD expiring July 2010
- Current EAD expires in Oct 2008
- 140 Still Pending
- EB2 I, Feb 07 PD
- Current EAD expires in Oct 2008
- 140 Still Pending
- EB2 I, Feb 07 PD
hairstyles game of Chutes and Ladders
LostInGCProcess
02-11 02:31 PM
sidd_k2002, Just move forward and sent the necessary sponsorship letter so that they can go ahead and get the visitors visa. Do you have any brothers and sisters living in India that are still with your parents? If so, they can show that as a reason why they would not like to stay back in US.
Stop worrying and think positive. Since Graduation is a BIG event and its once in a life-time event, the presence of parents at the honoring ceremony is the dream for every child. Your parents should convey this point to the VO.
Good Luck!!! Don't worry!!! Don't think too much!!! Just do the right thing!!! Everything should be okay...
Stop worrying and think positive. Since Graduation is a BIG event and its once in a life-time event, the presence of parents at the honoring ceremony is the dream for every child. Your parents should convey this point to the VO.
Good Luck!!! Don't worry!!! Don't think too much!!! Just do the right thing!!! Everything should be okay...
Blog Feeds
02-10 08:50 PM
Most lawyers that are versed in the H1B visa process, are getting busier and busier these days. As we are nearing the April 1, 2010 filing deadline for the H1B visa. Many speculations out there as to when will the Cap be reached this year. The economy is still in recovery mode, and employers are careful before hiring. Yet, many Immigration experts feel the Cap will be met early this year, but when is the big question.
With drastic changes to the Labor Condition Application (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2009/07/icert_portal_for_lca_filing.html)process (now taking more than 7 days to process), as well as unreasonable denials (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2009/08/h1b_visa_lawyer_about_icert_wo.html), planning early is the key to a successful H1B case this year. But in this post, I want to go back to the basics, the Cap and the legislative background.
Background
On October 21, 1998 Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the much debated American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998, Pub. L. No. 105-277 (hereinafter ACWIA). This legislation was first introduced by Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI), the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, in response to the inadequate numbers of H-1B visas available in any fiscal year. As part of the Immigration Act of 1990, Congress imposed a 65,000 per year cap on these visas. In 1997, the cap was reached prior to the end of the fiscal year. The situation grew to crisis proportions in fiscal year 1998 when all 65,000 visas numbers were taken in May of 1998.
In early March 1998, Senator Abraham introduced a bill entitled, "The American Competitiveness Act." The legislation was introduced on the heels of numerous reports and hearings concerning the high tech worker shortage in the United States. The primary goal of the legislation was to address the looming exhaustion of the H-1B professional or specialty occupation worker visa numbers. (http://www.h1b.biz/lawyer-attorney-1137085.html)
The ACWIA went through many different stages before an agreement could be reached. A complete elimination of the cap had originally been proposed by Senator Abraham. The legislation was then modified to increase the number of H-1B visa numbers available during the government fiscal year; provide additional funds for scholarships in the computer science and mathematics areas; increase enforcement of the Department of Labor component of the H-1B visa process; and provide clarification on the prevailing wage requirements of the process. The legislation also addressed permanent residence by providing for an extension of the H-1B visa should a permanent residence petition be pending, and through restructuring the allocation of the employment-based immigrant visa numbers.
This legislative game between conservative isolationists/liberal protectors of the U.S. workforce and moderate Democrats and Republicans supporting business needs and demands, caused chaos among U.S.-based businesses in need of skilled professional workers. From May 11, 1998 until October 1, 1998 U.S. businesses, research institutions and other organizations were unable to recruit foreign workers as temporary professionals. With the U.S. economy still booming and unemployment rates remaining at an all-time low, businesses, especially in the high tech sector, encountered many problems as a result of the cut-off in H-1B visa availability. These problems included, but were not limited to, taking employees off the U.S. payroll, sending employees back to their home country or to sites outside the U.S. as well as the termination of some critical development projects.
Requirements in the Statute
The ACWIA purportedly balances the need for increased professional visas numbers for foreign workers and the desire to protect the U.S. workforce. The following is a summary of the significant changes made by the legislation.
A. Temporary Increase in the Number of Professional Visas Available
There will be an increase from 65,000 to 115,000 visas for fiscal year 1999 and 2000 (through September 30, 2000). In fiscal year 2001, 107,500 visas will be available. Beginning October 1, 2001 the numbers will revert back to 65,000.
B. Electronic Postings
LCA notices may be posted electronically in situations without a bargaining representative. This provision was effective upon date of enactment.
C. Attestations Required for Employers Dependent Upon Foreign Professionals
U.S. employers of 51 or more employees, whose workforce is comprised of 15% or more foreign nationals in the H-1B category are considered dependent employers and must make certain attestations. Employers will also be considered dependent if they employ 26- 50 full time employees and have more than 12 H-1B employees or if they employ 7 -25 employees and have more than 7 H-1B employees.
The dependent employer must attest that it has not and will not displace a U.S. worker within 90 days before and 90 days after filing the visa application. This attestation carries through to employers who place employees at another worksite. The H-1B dependent employer must also attest that it has taken good faith steps to recruit U.S. workers using industry wide standards and has offered the position to any U.S. worker who is equally or better qualified for the job the foreign worker is sought.
H-1B employees with a Master�s degree or a salary of $60,000 or higher are not included in the attestation requirements and for the first 6 months following the implementation will not be included in the dependent employer calculation.
D. Increased Enforcement and Penalties for Violations
The Department of Labor may fine employers between $1,000-$35,000 per violation and preclude participation in the H-1B program for up to three years.
E. Back Benching H-1B Employees
Employers must pay H-1B nonimmigrants the wage stated on the H-1B petition even if the beneficiary is in nonproductive status. This does not apply to non-productive time due to non work related factors.
F. Benefits
Employers must offer foreign workers benefits and eligibility for insurance, disability, retirement and savings plans, stock options, etc., on the same basis as offerings made to U.S. workers.
G. Additional Fee for Use of H-1B Program
Beginning December 1, 1998, employers are required to pay an additional fee of $500 for an initial H-1B petition and for the first extension. These fees are to be used to support job training programs and scholarships for U.S. workers.
H. Prevailing Wage Computations
For institutions of higher education, related or affiliated non-profit entities or non profit or governmental research organizations, the prevailing wage shall take into account employees at such institutions in the area of employment.
I. Academic Honoraria
Payments of honoraria may now be made to B-1 and B-2 visitors for usual academic activity lasting 9 days at an academic institution or affiliated non-profit entity or a non-profit governmental research organization. No more than 5 honorarium may be received within a six month period.
Employers based in the U.S. now have a temporary reprieve when hiring foreign professionals. However, it is uncertain whether the 65,000 visas for this fiscal year will be adequate to meet the demand for this year and next. Some government officials estimate that visas will be unavailable as early as the beginning of May 2010. In addition, it is still unclear what is on the legislative horizon, reform or not. Pro Immigrants want to come with a proposal to reform legal immigration. U.S. employers employing foreign nationals in any capacity would be well advised to carefully monitor future legislative and regulatory proposals on the horizon. All I can say is that if you plan on hiring a foreign worker, you better call your lawyer now!!!
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/02/h1b_visa_lawyer_the_filing_sea.html)
With drastic changes to the Labor Condition Application (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2009/07/icert_portal_for_lca_filing.html)process (now taking more than 7 days to process), as well as unreasonable denials (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2009/08/h1b_visa_lawyer_about_icert_wo.html), planning early is the key to a successful H1B case this year. But in this post, I want to go back to the basics, the Cap and the legislative background.
Background
On October 21, 1998 Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the much debated American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998, Pub. L. No. 105-277 (hereinafter ACWIA). This legislation was first introduced by Senator Spencer Abraham (R-MI), the Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, in response to the inadequate numbers of H-1B visas available in any fiscal year. As part of the Immigration Act of 1990, Congress imposed a 65,000 per year cap on these visas. In 1997, the cap was reached prior to the end of the fiscal year. The situation grew to crisis proportions in fiscal year 1998 when all 65,000 visas numbers were taken in May of 1998.
In early March 1998, Senator Abraham introduced a bill entitled, "The American Competitiveness Act." The legislation was introduced on the heels of numerous reports and hearings concerning the high tech worker shortage in the United States. The primary goal of the legislation was to address the looming exhaustion of the H-1B professional or specialty occupation worker visa numbers. (http://www.h1b.biz/lawyer-attorney-1137085.html)
The ACWIA went through many different stages before an agreement could be reached. A complete elimination of the cap had originally been proposed by Senator Abraham. The legislation was then modified to increase the number of H-1B visa numbers available during the government fiscal year; provide additional funds for scholarships in the computer science and mathematics areas; increase enforcement of the Department of Labor component of the H-1B visa process; and provide clarification on the prevailing wage requirements of the process. The legislation also addressed permanent residence by providing for an extension of the H-1B visa should a permanent residence petition be pending, and through restructuring the allocation of the employment-based immigrant visa numbers.
This legislative game between conservative isolationists/liberal protectors of the U.S. workforce and moderate Democrats and Republicans supporting business needs and demands, caused chaos among U.S.-based businesses in need of skilled professional workers. From May 11, 1998 until October 1, 1998 U.S. businesses, research institutions and other organizations were unable to recruit foreign workers as temporary professionals. With the U.S. economy still booming and unemployment rates remaining at an all-time low, businesses, especially in the high tech sector, encountered many problems as a result of the cut-off in H-1B visa availability. These problems included, but were not limited to, taking employees off the U.S. payroll, sending employees back to their home country or to sites outside the U.S. as well as the termination of some critical development projects.
Requirements in the Statute
The ACWIA purportedly balances the need for increased professional visas numbers for foreign workers and the desire to protect the U.S. workforce. The following is a summary of the significant changes made by the legislation.
A. Temporary Increase in the Number of Professional Visas Available
There will be an increase from 65,000 to 115,000 visas for fiscal year 1999 and 2000 (through September 30, 2000). In fiscal year 2001, 107,500 visas will be available. Beginning October 1, 2001 the numbers will revert back to 65,000.
B. Electronic Postings
LCA notices may be posted electronically in situations without a bargaining representative. This provision was effective upon date of enactment.
C. Attestations Required for Employers Dependent Upon Foreign Professionals
U.S. employers of 51 or more employees, whose workforce is comprised of 15% or more foreign nationals in the H-1B category are considered dependent employers and must make certain attestations. Employers will also be considered dependent if they employ 26- 50 full time employees and have more than 12 H-1B employees or if they employ 7 -25 employees and have more than 7 H-1B employees.
The dependent employer must attest that it has not and will not displace a U.S. worker within 90 days before and 90 days after filing the visa application. This attestation carries through to employers who place employees at another worksite. The H-1B dependent employer must also attest that it has taken good faith steps to recruit U.S. workers using industry wide standards and has offered the position to any U.S. worker who is equally or better qualified for the job the foreign worker is sought.
H-1B employees with a Master�s degree or a salary of $60,000 or higher are not included in the attestation requirements and for the first 6 months following the implementation will not be included in the dependent employer calculation.
D. Increased Enforcement and Penalties for Violations
The Department of Labor may fine employers between $1,000-$35,000 per violation and preclude participation in the H-1B program for up to three years.
E. Back Benching H-1B Employees
Employers must pay H-1B nonimmigrants the wage stated on the H-1B petition even if the beneficiary is in nonproductive status. This does not apply to non-productive time due to non work related factors.
F. Benefits
Employers must offer foreign workers benefits and eligibility for insurance, disability, retirement and savings plans, stock options, etc., on the same basis as offerings made to U.S. workers.
G. Additional Fee for Use of H-1B Program
Beginning December 1, 1998, employers are required to pay an additional fee of $500 for an initial H-1B petition and for the first extension. These fees are to be used to support job training programs and scholarships for U.S. workers.
H. Prevailing Wage Computations
For institutions of higher education, related or affiliated non-profit entities or non profit or governmental research organizations, the prevailing wage shall take into account employees at such institutions in the area of employment.
I. Academic Honoraria
Payments of honoraria may now be made to B-1 and B-2 visitors for usual academic activity lasting 9 days at an academic institution or affiliated non-profit entity or a non-profit governmental research organization. No more than 5 honorarium may be received within a six month period.
Employers based in the U.S. now have a temporary reprieve when hiring foreign professionals. However, it is uncertain whether the 65,000 visas for this fiscal year will be adequate to meet the demand for this year and next. Some government officials estimate that visas will be unavailable as early as the beginning of May 2010. In addition, it is still unclear what is on the legislative horizon, reform or not. Pro Immigrants want to come with a proposal to reform legal immigration. U.S. employers employing foreign nationals in any capacity would be well advised to carefully monitor future legislative and regulatory proposals on the horizon. All I can say is that if you plan on hiring a foreign worker, you better call your lawyer now!!!
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/02/h1b_visa_lawyer_the_filing_sea.html)
sc3
10-07 05:40 PM
My I-94 has expired becoz it was issued up to my passport validity. If I have to renew it, is it a good option to cross border and get a new I-94, like going to Mexico or Canada. Please advice. I am not sure how to proceed. No one knows the procedure. Please if anyone knows, advice.
Do you have an unexpired visa? If so, just traveling out of US and coming back through port-of-entry should do the trick. For best results, try an airline travel. YMMV.
Do you have an unexpired visa? If so, just traveling out of US and coming back through port-of-entry should do the trick. For best results, try an airline travel. YMMV.
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