cableching
05-21 12:33 AM
The example he has given is a special case. The guy needs H1, because his son was out of status. Something is missing in the case. The child came to US 10 years back on B2 and stayed on B2 forever without extending or changing the status???
We need H1 only when we are not married or we have not filed I-485 for the dependants.
We need H1 only when we are not married or we have not filed I-485 for the dependants.
wallpaper to Draw a Big X-Mas Tree
gsc999
06-26 12:16 PM
Harry Reid will use "CLAY PIGEON" maneuver, a rarely used tool to expedite the passage of the immigration bill. More later when Senate reconvenes @ 2:15 ET
What is Clay Pigeon:
"The tactic gets its name from the target used in skeet shooting, which explodes into bits as it is hit. In the Senate, an amendment is the target, and any one senator can demand that it be divided into separate fragments to be voted on piecemeal.
Under the tentative plan, Reid as early as Friday would launch his target _ an amendment encompassing all 22 proposals _ and shoot it into its component pieces. The Senate would then vote on ending debate on the immigration measure, which would take 60 votes and limit discussion of the bill to 30 more hours. After that interval, all 22 amendments would have to be voted on, with little opportunity for foes to interfere."
http://news.aol.com/elections-blog/2...geon-maneuver/
What is Clay Pigeon:
"The tactic gets its name from the target used in skeet shooting, which explodes into bits as it is hit. In the Senate, an amendment is the target, and any one senator can demand that it be divided into separate fragments to be voted on piecemeal.
Under the tentative plan, Reid as early as Friday would launch his target _ an amendment encompassing all 22 proposals _ and shoot it into its component pieces. The Senate would then vote on ending debate on the immigration measure, which would take 60 votes and limit discussion of the bill to 30 more hours. After that interval, all 22 amendments would have to be voted on, with little opportunity for foes to interfere."
http://news.aol.com/elections-blog/2...geon-maneuver/
hope2007
04-15 11:46 AM
changing job location...
2011 Tree dreams drawings
akred
07-25 08:04 PM
I have found that SBI is the most cost effective one. There is some inconvienience as you have to register with them, but every transfer after that can be accomplished with a fax to their offices.
more...
logiclife
03-26 08:20 PM
Working off the books is illegal ofcourse.
Because firstly, you are breaking the immigration law by working on H4. Also you are breaking the tax laws by working off the books, since you dont pay taxes and the employer doesnt pay the payroll tax. And no one pays the medicare and social security tax that is supposed to be paid.
Working without pay:
A lot of H4s have asked that why cant we work as a volunteer where there is no pay. This might be a grey area and you may want to check with a lawyer before you work on H4 without pay. It could be legal but its really not that black and white.
Because firstly, you are breaking the immigration law by working on H4. Also you are breaking the tax laws by working off the books, since you dont pay taxes and the employer doesnt pay the payroll tax. And no one pays the medicare and social security tax that is supposed to be paid.
Working without pay:
A lot of H4s have asked that why cant we work as a volunteer where there is no pay. This might be a grey area and you may want to check with a lawyer before you work on H4 without pay. It could be legal but its really not that black and white.
qualified_trash
11-30 12:11 PM
I have Labor (PERM) and I140 approved from my current employer.
can I apply trasfer and extension with new employer.
Advice is highly appreciated.
you can!!
BUT, your new employer has to do your PERM and I140 all over again. you can retain your old PD though!!
can I apply trasfer and extension with new employer.
Advice is highly appreciated.
you can!!
BUT, your new employer has to do your PERM and I140 all over again. you can retain your old PD though!!
more...
pns27
06-28 04:34 PM
Please don't create any new thred.. Please close it .. We already have 4 threds going with different rumers.. No need to put another one..
My answer is - No body knows what will happen.. So just chill and enjoy..
Hi ramus can you point to the others threads going on this subject?:o I did check other threads to put this info. In fact I don�t want create any new threads. After looking for one that is appropriate, which I did not find, I started this one. The closest one would be the �June 1st filers - receipt � which is a diffrent subject.
This is not a rumor, this a fact and I thought I should share with all so that every one will chill, take it easy and will not stressout in anticipation of 485 approval.
thx.
My answer is - No body knows what will happen.. So just chill and enjoy..
Hi ramus can you point to the others threads going on this subject?:o I did check other threads to put this info. In fact I don�t want create any new threads. After looking for one that is appropriate, which I did not find, I started this one. The closest one would be the �June 1st filers - receipt � which is a diffrent subject.
This is not a rumor, this a fact and I thought I should share with all so that every one will chill, take it easy and will not stressout in anticipation of 485 approval.
thx.
2010 Scenery Drawings Children
wandmaker
01-02 02:30 AM
1. can she forget about the H-1, not respond to the 221(g) and travel back on advance parole and start working on EAD?
2. If after submission of 221(g) her visa gets rejected, can she still use the Advance Parole to travel to US and work on her EAD?
3. Any other options/advice?
If time is not the key then please submit the documents/information requested by consular post. At the worst case scenario, you can very well use AP to re-enter and EAD to continue employment. Get a second opinion with your attorney. Good luck
2. If after submission of 221(g) her visa gets rejected, can she still use the Advance Parole to travel to US and work on her EAD?
3. Any other options/advice?
If time is not the key then please submit the documents/information requested by consular post. At the worst case scenario, you can very well use AP to re-enter and EAD to continue employment. Get a second opinion with your attorney. Good luck
more...
naveenarjun
09-11 05:24 PM
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/special/immigration/5124255.html
hair some drawings for the kids
perm2gc
08-24 10:22 PM
If I were you, I would read the "captions" before responding.:mad: come out of box dude
more...
ashkam
12-15 08:37 AM
Probably his problems are due to H 4 visa situation where as his 140 approved and got EAD.
Option 1) Get work on EAD, send your wife back to India and get her on Follow To Join.
Option 2) H1 transfer, she can stay. Apply labor/140 again and port the 140 priority date apply for 485, when date becomes current.
But option 1 is far far better, even it needs little sacrifise from your spouse point of view.
Or she can continue to stay by switching to F1 status.
Thai is the best way.
Why would he have to redo his labor and I-140? Why can't he just use AC21 even with H1 transfer?
I would say the best option (if possible) is to try and get his wife on an F1 visa as a backup plan for the fall 2009 semester.
Option 1) Get work on EAD, send your wife back to India and get her on Follow To Join.
Option 2) H1 transfer, she can stay. Apply labor/140 again and port the 140 priority date apply for 485, when date becomes current.
But option 1 is far far better, even it needs little sacrifise from your spouse point of view.
Or she can continue to stay by switching to F1 status.
Thai is the best way.
Why would he have to redo his labor and I-140? Why can't he just use AC21 even with H1 transfer?
I would say the best option (if possible) is to try and get his wife on an F1 visa as a backup plan for the fall 2009 semester.
hot coloring pictures for kids
rockstart
05-19 03:40 PM
Its not 40,000 labor or 140's dude every GC is minimum 2 (applicant + spouse) in some cases if you add children then it can consume 3-4 visa's from the quota and that is what is making the line even more longer.
If I assume that every year EB3-India gets 5000 GC-Visa. From 2001 - 2008 Total = 40,000 EB3-India Visas
Is number of applications in 2001 and 2002 is > 40,000.
Its very hard to believe.
If I assume that every year EB3-India gets 5000 GC-Visa. From 2001 - 2008 Total = 40,000 EB3-India Visas
Is number of applications in 2001 and 2002 is > 40,000.
Its very hard to believe.
more...
house animal drawings for kids
suresh.emails
01-23 11:34 AM
Well,
The following is the process to schedule parents visiting visa interview online (assuming both Mother and Father are above 45 years old)
1. Pay HDFC Visa fee for $131. If you have paid visa fee on or before December 31, 2007, then take a Demand Draft for $31 (eqv in INR) and present the same during the interview process.
2. Wait for 2 days to activate the bar code.
3. Fill the D-156 and D-157 forms online thru VFS website and wait for dates to show up. Remember such filled application will be valid for 7 days and meanwhile , if interview dates show up, then one can schedule interview.
4. The BEST TIME FOR interview dates check up is early morning 5 AM EST thru 7:30 AM EST. ( I did little research during my parents interview schedule).
5. Filling the D-156 and D-157 online does not mean that, they will be automatically submitted to US consulate. You have to take print out D-156 back to back and D-157 on single page. Then you sign and date the form (if you have filled it on behalf of your parents). Send the forms to parents. They also need to sign the forms.
6. Remember, one have to write applicant names in their NATIVE language (ex: Telugu/Tamil/Kannada etc..,) on 3'rd column of D-157 form.
7. Send notarized affidavit for support I-134 form.
8. All supporting documents
9. If your current H1-B visa is expired. then send your Receipt Notice/H1-B extension approved notice as a proof of your Current STATUS at USA.
10. If you have valid H1-B visa stamping, then send the same along with H1-B I-797 approval notice.
11. If you are on EAD/GC, send your copied of EAD/GC.
12. In case, if you are sponsoring your in-laws. Then send your suppose Date of Birth certificate, passport copies, marriage certificate along with your documents.
13. Educate your parents with all possible questions/answers they may face during the interview.
14. Advice your parents not to lie during the interview process. ask them to answer frankly.
Let me know if you need more information for visiting visa. I can/may answer all possible questions.
P.S: My parents got their visiting visa stamped during the second attempt.
The following is the process to schedule parents visiting visa interview online (assuming both Mother and Father are above 45 years old)
1. Pay HDFC Visa fee for $131. If you have paid visa fee on or before December 31, 2007, then take a Demand Draft for $31 (eqv in INR) and present the same during the interview process.
2. Wait for 2 days to activate the bar code.
3. Fill the D-156 and D-157 forms online thru VFS website and wait for dates to show up. Remember such filled application will be valid for 7 days and meanwhile , if interview dates show up, then one can schedule interview.
4. The BEST TIME FOR interview dates check up is early morning 5 AM EST thru 7:30 AM EST. ( I did little research during my parents interview schedule).
5. Filling the D-156 and D-157 online does not mean that, they will be automatically submitted to US consulate. You have to take print out D-156 back to back and D-157 on single page. Then you sign and date the form (if you have filled it on behalf of your parents). Send the forms to parents. They also need to sign the forms.
6. Remember, one have to write applicant names in their NATIVE language (ex: Telugu/Tamil/Kannada etc..,) on 3'rd column of D-157 form.
7. Send notarized affidavit for support I-134 form.
8. All supporting documents
9. If your current H1-B visa is expired. then send your Receipt Notice/H1-B extension approved notice as a proof of your Current STATUS at USA.
10. If you have valid H1-B visa stamping, then send the same along with H1-B I-797 approval notice.
11. If you are on EAD/GC, send your copied of EAD/GC.
12. In case, if you are sponsoring your in-laws. Then send your suppose Date of Birth certificate, passport copies, marriage certificate along with your documents.
13. Educate your parents with all possible questions/answers they may face during the interview.
14. Advice your parents not to lie during the interview process. ask them to answer frankly.
Let me know if you need more information for visiting visa. I can/may answer all possible questions.
P.S: My parents got their visiting visa stamped during the second attempt.
tattoo Photos and drawings of kids#39;
fromnaija
07-20 04:34 PM
You will need to file an immigrant petition (Form I-130) for your child and wait for its approval. Your child will have to wait overseas until his/her priority is current. Thereafter, there will be some form of consular processing and the child will obtain an immigrant visa. Thereafter you can bring your child to the USA. It is a long process......
Caveat: I am not an attorney. You may want to confirm this solution with your lawyer.
I and my spouse both have green card. We have a kid who was born in INDIA. He has not visited USA till now. The kid is about 2 years.
We are planning to bring the kid by end of this year to USA.
So what visa should we apply for him we are not sure :confused:
A friend told that he had a baby born to him in india and came to usa with in the 1st 6 month to USA and since both parents were having green card, at port of entry in USA, the kid also got greencard for 5 years this was couple of years back.
But in my case, the kid is 2 years AND also not sure what is the procedure now. Is it still true by default the kids automatically gets the green card at port of entry (Is there any age limit I hope may be till < 13 yrs) if parents posses valid green card. Please help me in this situation.
Thanks in advance, ;)
Caveat: I am not an attorney. You may want to confirm this solution with your lawyer.
I and my spouse both have green card. We have a kid who was born in INDIA. He has not visited USA till now. The kid is about 2 years.
We are planning to bring the kid by end of this year to USA.
So what visa should we apply for him we are not sure :confused:
A friend told that he had a baby born to him in india and came to usa with in the 1st 6 month to USA and since both parents were having green card, at port of entry in USA, the kid also got greencard for 5 years this was couple of years back.
But in my case, the kid is 2 years AND also not sure what is the procedure now. Is it still true by default the kids automatically gets the green card at port of entry (Is there any age limit I hope may be till < 13 yrs) if parents posses valid green card. Please help me in this situation.
Thanks in advance, ;)
more...
pictures animal drawings for kids
eyeopeners05@yahoo.com
06-02 12:55 PM
July 07 485 filer with pd of July 2003 in EB3.
EAD and AP available and can be used for AC21.
Current H1 valid till 2010 July
Got married after filing 485 and so wife does not have EAD etc and is on H4.
Another company wants me to come to their company using EAD as they dont want to file h1. Can I use EAD under AC21 and switch jobs while my wife is still on H4 ?
Is the EAD/AOS status change applicable only when going in and out of the country ? If we decide to stay in the USA till we get a GC, does it matter if I use EAD to change jobs though my wife is on H4 ?
EAD and AP available and can be used for AC21.
Current H1 valid till 2010 July
Got married after filing 485 and so wife does not have EAD etc and is on H4.
Another company wants me to come to their company using EAD as they dont want to file h1. Can I use EAD under AC21 and switch jobs while my wife is still on H4 ?
Is the EAD/AOS status change applicable only when going in and out of the country ? If we decide to stay in the USA till we get a GC, does it matter if I use EAD to change jobs though my wife is on H4 ?
dresses whitman m children a tree
leoindiano
03-17 12:50 PM
I agree, I wanted to take everybodys perspective on my guess. Also, 2004 is the only year which can be predictable, after that everything went haywire for EB2.
more...
makeup member of tree drawings
veni001
02-03 07:32 PM
Hey there, I have a three year bachelor's (from Australia) and an American CPA. I believe the two can be evaluated to an Ameircan Master's equivalent. Please, check with your lawyers. It should be possible.
CPA is certification not a degree so i don't think it can be evaluated towards a degree equivalence:confused:
CPA is certification not a degree so i don't think it can be evaluated towards a degree equivalence:confused:
girlfriend Christmas present drawing
quizzer
10-23 04:28 PM
Libra,
Congrats!!! Did it take an year for the RFE itself???
Romesh and naresh,
Any updates?
thanks,
Congrats!!! Did it take an year for the RFE itself???
Romesh and naresh,
Any updates?
thanks,
hairstyles Your kids can color their nov
sganny
01-26 01:12 PM
Proud.
Andhra bags 7 of top 10 IIT ranks - The Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Andhra-bags-7-of-top-10-IIT-ranks/articleshow/5978951.cms)
HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh hit a jackpot with its students bagging seven of the top 10 ranks in IIT-Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the results of which were declared on Wednesday. In fact, the state claimed the coveted top two ranks of IIT-JEE, with A Jitendar Reddy from Warangal emerging as the national topper followed by Uday K Shah from Hyderabad.
Others from the state who bagged top ranks include Madhu Kiran (fourth), K Satwik (sixth), Janardhan Reddy (seventh) Sabarish Nikhil (eighth) and Neeraj Gopal (ninth). An estimated 30% of the 50,000 students who wrote the examination from the state cleared the test this year, with over 500 of them making it to the top 2,000 in the open category. A total of 65,000 students had written the examination from the southern region.
Andhra students also scored well in the reserved category with OBC students from the state bagging seven out of the top 15 ranks in this section. Among reserved categories including SC, ST, OBC and physically handicapped (PH) the state secured over 50 ranks in the top 200 slab.
Officials from IIT-Madras, who were in charge of the results, said Andhra students already account for 21% of the total student strength in IITs. "One should not be surprised by the performance of these students as they have traditionally done well. This year, the percentage of students from the state in the IITs might be higher than 25%," said T S Natarajan, director, IIT-JEE.
While IIT-Madras, which conducted the examination, was criticized for the errors in mathematics and physics question papers, IIT experts said such errors could have actually worked in favour of the students from Andhra as not many would have been able to crack some of ambiguous questions. "Most front-rankers from the state cracked these ambiguous questions, which might have given them an edge over others," said K V Raghunath, vice-chairman, Narayana Group of Colleges whose students bagged five of the top seven ranks. Some other experts noted that a tough maths paper helped garner top ranks as students from the state have traditionally done well in the subject.
This is from May, 2010. when I saw the posting, I was wondering, how come IIT results in Jan and opened up the link and saw this was from 2010. what was your point about bringing this up now?
Andhra bags 7 of top 10 IIT ranks - The Times of India (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Andhra-bags-7-of-top-10-IIT-ranks/articleshow/5978951.cms)
HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh hit a jackpot with its students bagging seven of the top 10 ranks in IIT-Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the results of which were declared on Wednesday. In fact, the state claimed the coveted top two ranks of IIT-JEE, with A Jitendar Reddy from Warangal emerging as the national topper followed by Uday K Shah from Hyderabad.
Others from the state who bagged top ranks include Madhu Kiran (fourth), K Satwik (sixth), Janardhan Reddy (seventh) Sabarish Nikhil (eighth) and Neeraj Gopal (ninth). An estimated 30% of the 50,000 students who wrote the examination from the state cleared the test this year, with over 500 of them making it to the top 2,000 in the open category. A total of 65,000 students had written the examination from the southern region.
Andhra students also scored well in the reserved category with OBC students from the state bagging seven out of the top 15 ranks in this section. Among reserved categories including SC, ST, OBC and physically handicapped (PH) the state secured over 50 ranks in the top 200 slab.
Officials from IIT-Madras, who were in charge of the results, said Andhra students already account for 21% of the total student strength in IITs. "One should not be surprised by the performance of these students as they have traditionally done well. This year, the percentage of students from the state in the IITs might be higher than 25%," said T S Natarajan, director, IIT-JEE.
While IIT-Madras, which conducted the examination, was criticized for the errors in mathematics and physics question papers, IIT experts said such errors could have actually worked in favour of the students from Andhra as not many would have been able to crack some of ambiguous questions. "Most front-rankers from the state cracked these ambiguous questions, which might have given them an edge over others," said K V Raghunath, vice-chairman, Narayana Group of Colleges whose students bagged five of the top seven ranks. Some other experts noted that a tough maths paper helped garner top ranks as students from the state have traditionally done well in the subject.
This is from May, 2010. when I saw the posting, I was wondering, how come IIT results in Jan and opened up the link and saw this was from 2010. what was your point about bringing this up now?
mbartosik
11-09 05:42 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7087846.stm
Actually there were two issues.
1) UK gov changed qualifying period for "indefinite leave to stay" from 4 years to 5 years. Without a grand father clause. UK gov won this.
2) NHS (state heath system) discriminated against those with UK work visa without "indefinite leave to say". That is called a Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
For comparison with US system
indefinite leave to say == green card. Much easier to get in UK, wait time fixed at 5 years (up from 4).
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme == H1B H4 and L1 L2 but I think like having an EAD also.
I wonder given this ruling if those affected can now sue the NHS (National Health Service) over this for compensatory damages.
Actually there were two issues.
1) UK gov changed qualifying period for "indefinite leave to stay" from 4 years to 5 years. Without a grand father clause. UK gov won this.
2) NHS (state heath system) discriminated against those with UK work visa without "indefinite leave to say". That is called a Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
For comparison with US system
indefinite leave to say == green card. Much easier to get in UK, wait time fixed at 5 years (up from 4).
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme == H1B H4 and L1 L2 but I think like having an EAD also.
I wonder given this ruling if those affected can now sue the NHS (National Health Service) over this for compensatory damages.
eb3_nepa
04-27 06:12 PM
Not sure if this has been posted before. If not here goes. This is on immigration-law.com.
Does IV know anything about this?
04/25/2009: On-Going USCIS Efforts to Reduce Backlog in Employment-Based Immigration Applications<br><br>
Lately, I-140 and EB-485 applicants have been receiving envelopes from the Service Centers with their long-awaited approval notices, particularly those cases which were filed during and after the FY 2007 July Visa Bulletin fiasco period. Along with the development, information has been released by the stake-holder agencies of the Department of State and the USCIS indicating that there has been efforts on the part of the USCIS to eliminate employment-based immigation backlogs. In releasing the May 2009 Visa Bulletin, the State Department confirmed that the USCIS had been taking out EB visa numbers en masse exhausting all the EB-3 visa numbers available for the rest of FY 2009. This report is consistent with the information released by the USCIS on its projected processing time to four months for the employment-based I-140 petitions and EB-485 applications by the end of FY 2009, which is September 30, 2009. The goal appears to have contributed to the exhaustion of annually allocated employment-based visa numbers so that no EB visa numbers be unused or wasted by the end of FY 2009. The commitment to this goal of the USCIS is reaffirmed by yesterday's release of Mr. Michael Ayte's report on the employment-based visa processing times in the Leadership Journal of the DHS. Considering a huge backlog and processing delays in the employment-based immigration petitions and 485 applications for almost two years as affected primarily by the FY 2007 July Visa Bulletin fiasco, the recent event that evolved in the USCIS processing time change is certainly a welcome news for waiters who have suffered from the past backlogs.
<br><br>
What have tirbuted to this change? The long-term strategy for reduction of processing times for immigration benefits applications appears to be launch of "Transformation Program" that intended to achieve reduction of processing times by turning current paper-based application and processing system into complete electronization system and process focusing on the concept of digital "account" databases within approximately a period of five years. However, this program has experienced a snag. However, lately the DHS disclosed its multi-billion dollar contract with the IBM for two programs. One is to convert all the existing files and date into digitazition and the other is to develop and implement electronic application and processing system. Reportedly, for this purpose, the IBM reenforced its operation in India and the work is underway. However, report indicates that the first phase appears to focus on the digitazation of existing database rather than implementation of electronic application and processing system. Overall, the goal of the contract appears to be completed in the next five years. It thus appears that the current efforts of elimination of backlogs within this fiscal year do not rely on the progress of this program. The big momentum was created by the Congress appropriating fund for USCIS human resources. Thanks to the Congress action to give fund for hiring additional 2,000 resources, the USCIS recxruited and trained new hires who joined the USCIS field offices including Service Centers and local district and field offices, initially focusing on the job of elimination of huge naturalization applications. USCIS had been reporting that the hurdle for reduction of employment-based immigration cases was the mountain of naturalization applications that poured in around the time of FY 2007 July Visa Bulletin fiasco. Now, the naturalization application backlog is under control, inreased resources are becoming available for the employment-based immigration files. Another important factor that has contributed to the agency's recent move was the implementation name-check reduction agreement between the FBI and the DHS and the USCIS policy to complete adjudicaion of EB-485 applications when the FBI name check failed to complete within 180 days. The third factor that cannot be discounted nor minimized is the new DHS leadership's move and commitment for the elimination of the employment-based immigration case backlogs. As people may recall, the Secretary Napolitano of the DHS issued a directive to report the state of backlogs in the immigration benefit applications and the USCIS leaders plan for reduction or elimination of such backlogs. With all of the above developments combined, the employment-based immgrant community is continuously expected to witness the reduction of processing times, at least for a short term. However, long-term reduction or elimination of EB case processing backlog is likely to depend on success of the IBM contract digitization program of the USCIS. This needs continuing internal and external political support, and we hope that the Congress extends its strong support, particularly considering importance of the successful reengineering program to accomodate the potentially forthcoming avalanche and flood gate opening for case loads for the USCIS when the country passes the Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation.
Does IV know anything about this?
04/25/2009: On-Going USCIS Efforts to Reduce Backlog in Employment-Based Immigration Applications<br><br>
Lately, I-140 and EB-485 applicants have been receiving envelopes from the Service Centers with their long-awaited approval notices, particularly those cases which were filed during and after the FY 2007 July Visa Bulletin fiasco period. Along with the development, information has been released by the stake-holder agencies of the Department of State and the USCIS indicating that there has been efforts on the part of the USCIS to eliminate employment-based immigation backlogs. In releasing the May 2009 Visa Bulletin, the State Department confirmed that the USCIS had been taking out EB visa numbers en masse exhausting all the EB-3 visa numbers available for the rest of FY 2009. This report is consistent with the information released by the USCIS on its projected processing time to four months for the employment-based I-140 petitions and EB-485 applications by the end of FY 2009, which is September 30, 2009. The goal appears to have contributed to the exhaustion of annually allocated employment-based visa numbers so that no EB visa numbers be unused or wasted by the end of FY 2009. The commitment to this goal of the USCIS is reaffirmed by yesterday's release of Mr. Michael Ayte's report on the employment-based visa processing times in the Leadership Journal of the DHS. Considering a huge backlog and processing delays in the employment-based immigration petitions and 485 applications for almost two years as affected primarily by the FY 2007 July Visa Bulletin fiasco, the recent event that evolved in the USCIS processing time change is certainly a welcome news for waiters who have suffered from the past backlogs.
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What have tirbuted to this change? The long-term strategy for reduction of processing times for immigration benefits applications appears to be launch of "Transformation Program" that intended to achieve reduction of processing times by turning current paper-based application and processing system into complete electronization system and process focusing on the concept of digital "account" databases within approximately a period of five years. However, this program has experienced a snag. However, lately the DHS disclosed its multi-billion dollar contract with the IBM for two programs. One is to convert all the existing files and date into digitazition and the other is to develop and implement electronic application and processing system. Reportedly, for this purpose, the IBM reenforced its operation in India and the work is underway. However, report indicates that the first phase appears to focus on the digitazation of existing database rather than implementation of electronic application and processing system. Overall, the goal of the contract appears to be completed in the next five years. It thus appears that the current efforts of elimination of backlogs within this fiscal year do not rely on the progress of this program. The big momentum was created by the Congress appropriating fund for USCIS human resources. Thanks to the Congress action to give fund for hiring additional 2,000 resources, the USCIS recxruited and trained new hires who joined the USCIS field offices including Service Centers and local district and field offices, initially focusing on the job of elimination of huge naturalization applications. USCIS had been reporting that the hurdle for reduction of employment-based immigration cases was the mountain of naturalization applications that poured in around the time of FY 2007 July Visa Bulletin fiasco. Now, the naturalization application backlog is under control, inreased resources are becoming available for the employment-based immigration files. Another important factor that has contributed to the agency's recent move was the implementation name-check reduction agreement between the FBI and the DHS and the USCIS policy to complete adjudicaion of EB-485 applications when the FBI name check failed to complete within 180 days. The third factor that cannot be discounted nor minimized is the new DHS leadership's move and commitment for the elimination of the employment-based immigration case backlogs. As people may recall, the Secretary Napolitano of the DHS issued a directive to report the state of backlogs in the immigration benefit applications and the USCIS leaders plan for reduction or elimination of such backlogs. With all of the above developments combined, the employment-based immgrant community is continuously expected to witness the reduction of processing times, at least for a short term. However, long-term reduction or elimination of EB case processing backlog is likely to depend on success of the IBM contract digitization program of the USCIS. This needs continuing internal and external political support, and we hope that the Congress extends its strong support, particularly considering importance of the successful reengineering program to accomodate the potentially forthcoming avalanche and flood gate opening for case loads for the USCIS when the country passes the Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation.
