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
sury
11-15 04:17 PM
can anyone reply on this..!!
BMS1
11-08 01:17 PM
NO,
Family based has 1.3 Million pending applications.
AOS has only 655K. So be happy. :D
Do you mean EB based AOS alone is 655K? 1.3 million is I-130 petition which is different from AOS.
Family based has 1.3 Million pending applications.
AOS has only 655K. So be happy. :D
Do you mean EB based AOS alone is 655K? 1.3 million is I-130 petition which is different from AOS.
mrane1
08-08 03:54 PM
Sept 07! Did you enquire with them as you should now be eligible to ask them since its already sixty days have past since you got your GC!
Looks strange.
Opened SR's, infopass etc... first the reason was NC... now they just say it should be approved, no idea why its stuck... Now we are just tired... let it come whenever it has to... 11 years and still waiting :mad:
Looks strange.
Opened SR's, infopass etc... first the reason was NC... now they just say it should be approved, no idea why its stuck... Now we are just tired... let it come whenever it has to... 11 years and still waiting :mad:
more...
jonty_11
11-21 10:08 AM
Sent email to 60m
saravanaraj.sathya
08-22 04:27 PM
Pappu - Thanks for your reply. I completed my profile. I thot it was already complete. But filled out reamining fields.
I will call these people in Buffalo to find out if I can motivate them for rally..
Thank you
saravanaraj.sathya
You have not updated your profile with your full information. Please do so asap.
OK we have tons of members from Buffalo. Now it is upto you to contact them. We have several more from Rochester and Syracuse....
Can you take charge of contacting them and making phonecalls? get in touch with NY chapter and volunteer to make phonecalls to all these members:
Mkolken
Bhatya
DEVILLION696
Drajaybhora
Freidyeid
gcny2006
nkumar
brahmam
mach
GCgal
Mdforgc
But first update your profile. ONly then NY chpater will be able to help you.
I will call these people in Buffalo to find out if I can motivate them for rally..
Thank you
saravanaraj.sathya
You have not updated your profile with your full information. Please do so asap.
OK we have tons of members from Buffalo. Now it is upto you to contact them. We have several more from Rochester and Syracuse....
Can you take charge of contacting them and making phonecalls? get in touch with NY chapter and volunteer to make phonecalls to all these members:
Mkolken
Bhatya
DEVILLION696
Drajaybhora
Freidyeid
gcny2006
nkumar
brahmam
mach
GCgal
Mdforgc
But first update your profile. ONly then NY chpater will be able to help you.
more...
pom
05-27 09:16 AM
Come on, don't be modest, you deserve this!
saro28
12-26 07:57 PM
It took about 4 weeks. Do you have H1-B extension? If so, I would suggest to use that instead of waiting for AP. The AP has new date instead of old one. Good Luck in getting the AP sooner.
agc2005,
Thanks for the reply.
I already send my EAD card. on Dec 11th. When did you resubmitted EAD Card and how many day USCIS took to reissue new EAD cards.
THanks
Any body who has simillary issue with AP and did you guys did. and how it took for u you to new cards.
Please send your experince.
Can I make this expedite. As I planning to go to India in Jan.
agc2005,
Thanks for the reply.
I already send my EAD card. on Dec 11th. When did you resubmitted EAD Card and how many day USCIS took to reissue new EAD cards.
THanks
Any body who has simillary issue with AP and did you guys did. and how it took for u you to new cards.
Please send your experince.
Can I make this expedite. As I planning to go to India in Jan.
more...
desi485
05-05 10:37 AM
If this happens it will be a bad news as given environment I 140 approval takes years . Very soon there will be a backlog in I 140 stage.. They are just swaping backlog from one stage to another..
__________________
-----------------------------------------
Member of Tri State Chapter ( NJ / NY / CT )
Sent faxes to Congressmen / women for EB greencard recapture.
Eb2 India
PD : January 3 2008
I 140 : March 10 2008
LUD : March 19 2008 :
I 485 : Not yet applied.
EAD / AP : Not yet
-----------------------------------------
I was wondering, looking at your signature... Didn't u get a chance to file for 485 in July? Just curious.
__________________
-----------------------------------------
Member of Tri State Chapter ( NJ / NY / CT )
Sent faxes to Congressmen / women for EB greencard recapture.
Eb2 India
PD : January 3 2008
I 140 : March 10 2008
LUD : March 19 2008 :
I 485 : Not yet applied.
EAD / AP : Not yet
-----------------------------------------
I was wondering, looking at your signature... Didn't u get a chance to file for 485 in July? Just curious.
eastindia
08-20 12:06 PM
Ron says, The USCIS teleconference concerning implementation of PL 111-230 provided the following information:
* The effective date of the new law was August 14, 2010 and all petition submissions postmarked on or after that date are subject to the new tax.
* The new tax only applies to companies that have:
o 50 or more full and part time employees in the US; and
o At least 50% of those employees hold H1B or L status.
* If an employee has an EAD, but is working using an H1B, that employee counts toward the total. If the employee works using his or her EAD, however, the employee does not count.
* The new tax only applies to new H filings (including change of employer filings)
* The new tax DOES NOT apply to extensions or amendments
* The total new tax is $2,000, not the higher amount originally feared
* The CIS confirmed that the additional fee must be paid by the petitioner and not the employee
* Both full and part time employees count toward the 50 employee threshold
* Any L2 employees, working using an EAD, also count toward the total
* The CIS is in the process of developing a new I-129 form to capture information concerning the new fee
* The CSC and VSC are attempting to screen existing cases, with filing postmarks on or after August 14th. For those that are found likely to be subject to the new tax, they will issue RFEs
* DO NOT send checks to the CIS for the additional fee until you receive an RFE.
* New filings by exempt companies should include a signed attestation that they are not subject to the new tax.
* Best practice, use a separate check for the new fee.
* The effective date of the new law was August 14, 2010 and all petition submissions postmarked on or after that date are subject to the new tax.
* The new tax only applies to companies that have:
o 50 or more full and part time employees in the US; and
o At least 50% of those employees hold H1B or L status.
* If an employee has an EAD, but is working using an H1B, that employee counts toward the total. If the employee works using his or her EAD, however, the employee does not count.
* The new tax only applies to new H filings (including change of employer filings)
* The new tax DOES NOT apply to extensions or amendments
* The total new tax is $2,000, not the higher amount originally feared
* The CIS confirmed that the additional fee must be paid by the petitioner and not the employee
* Both full and part time employees count toward the 50 employee threshold
* Any L2 employees, working using an EAD, also count toward the total
* The CIS is in the process of developing a new I-129 form to capture information concerning the new fee
* The CSC and VSC are attempting to screen existing cases, with filing postmarks on or after August 14th. For those that are found likely to be subject to the new tax, they will issue RFEs
* DO NOT send checks to the CIS for the additional fee until you receive an RFE.
* New filings by exempt companies should include a signed attestation that they are not subject to the new tax.
* Best practice, use a separate check for the new fee.
more...
mirage41
06-13 05:04 PM
Just a quick update:
All 3 Lofgren bills will be marked up next week in the subcommittee.
IV is working with the committee members at this time and will give more updates as the bills move forward. Please continue to make calls.
What does 'marked up' mean?
All 3 Lofgren bills will be marked up next week in the subcommittee.
IV is working with the committee members at this time and will give more updates as the bills move forward. Please continue to make calls.
What does 'marked up' mean?
boldm28
04-19 03:48 PM
I asked this question few days ago but no one responded. I guess nothing is going on. Why do they waste tax payers money by introducing bills and not acting on them.
Y cant you ask the same question in your home country assuming it is India
you wont get any reply not in 100 years
Any way, pack your bags or wait for ten years.
Y cant you ask the same question in your home country assuming it is India
you wont get any reply not in 100 years
Y cant you ask the same question in your home country assuming it is India
you wont get any reply not in 100 years
Any way, pack your bags or wait for ten years.
Y cant you ask the same question in your home country assuming it is India
you wont get any reply not in 100 years
more...
drirshad
04-19 07:13 PM
Go to http://www.shusterman.com/
Got some updates as to whats going on behind the curtains ..
Gear up & give sometime to fight against the anti-immg groups who have already started contacting the law makers & congressmen ......
Got some updates as to whats going on behind the curtains ..
Gear up & give sometime to fight against the anti-immg groups who have already started contacting the law makers & congressmen ......
krishnam70
11-21 01:42 PM
Hello Gurus,
I have been searching various posts and found quite answers to quite a few questions I had in mind, but as usual I am left out with few more queries :)
Following is my current Status
Pending I-485 Application, AP valid till Dec 6th 2008 and EAD Valid till Oct 2010.
Already applied for AP extension for me and my wife on Oct 10 2008 and awaiting for Approval.
I had travelled once on my AP in April 2008 for a week to Visit my sick mother... I understand that this Puts me on parolee status. But Please NOTE that I am still with my H1B Status with my employer. Didn't use my EAD for I-9 forms.
After returning, my employer applied for my H1B extension for 3 years ( I already completed my 6 yrs of H1B). It is already approved and I have a Approved/Valid H1B document till May 30 2011.
From the info in some posts, I understood that this extension puts me back into H1B Status.
Now the actual question :
-------------------------
I had to Visit India in Jan 2009. I already booked my tickets for Jan4th (you know how it is , you always have to book earlier ), with an anticipation that I will get my AP extension Approved before that time. (I gave 3 months time for myself)
If I get my AP approved before I leave then NO Issues, I will again use my AP to re-enter USA in Feb 2009.
But let's assume I don't get it Approved before I leave.
a) Am I allowed to travel outside USA while my AP is Pending ?
b) If allowed, Can my AP get approved while I am outside US (i.e in India) ? Or will they Cancel my AP application?
c) I know I should get my H1B Visa stamping done while in India to re-enter on H1B Status. Do you see any problems that the consular officer/POE officer can create like
why did I leave the country while my AP application is Pending ?
Why are applying for H1B Visa while you could have used your AP?
I appreciate your detailed answers.
Thanks
Ibbu I answered your questions in other threads you opened. It is not advisable to open multiple threads with same topic. I do understand your anxiety in getting answers but to open multiple threads is only going to knock off people and you might not get responses which could lead to discussions and answers for you. There are multiple threads on the same topic with people in similar situations which could be applicable to you. Please do some research and reading..
cheers
kris
I have been searching various posts and found quite answers to quite a few questions I had in mind, but as usual I am left out with few more queries :)
Following is my current Status
Pending I-485 Application, AP valid till Dec 6th 2008 and EAD Valid till Oct 2010.
Already applied for AP extension for me and my wife on Oct 10 2008 and awaiting for Approval.
I had travelled once on my AP in April 2008 for a week to Visit my sick mother... I understand that this Puts me on parolee status. But Please NOTE that I am still with my H1B Status with my employer. Didn't use my EAD for I-9 forms.
After returning, my employer applied for my H1B extension for 3 years ( I already completed my 6 yrs of H1B). It is already approved and I have a Approved/Valid H1B document till May 30 2011.
From the info in some posts, I understood that this extension puts me back into H1B Status.
Now the actual question :
-------------------------
I had to Visit India in Jan 2009. I already booked my tickets for Jan4th (you know how it is , you always have to book earlier ), with an anticipation that I will get my AP extension Approved before that time. (I gave 3 months time for myself)
If I get my AP approved before I leave then NO Issues, I will again use my AP to re-enter USA in Feb 2009.
But let's assume I don't get it Approved before I leave.
a) Am I allowed to travel outside USA while my AP is Pending ?
b) If allowed, Can my AP get approved while I am outside US (i.e in India) ? Or will they Cancel my AP application?
c) I know I should get my H1B Visa stamping done while in India to re-enter on H1B Status. Do you see any problems that the consular officer/POE officer can create like
why did I leave the country while my AP application is Pending ?
Why are applying for H1B Visa while you could have used your AP?
I appreciate your detailed answers.
Thanks
Ibbu I answered your questions in other threads you opened. It is not advisable to open multiple threads with same topic. I do understand your anxiety in getting answers but to open multiple threads is only going to knock off people and you might not get responses which could lead to discussions and answers for you. There are multiple threads on the same topic with people in similar situations which could be applicable to you. Please do some research and reading..
cheers
kris
more...
Lord Rahl
03-05 10:51 PM
Hello and thanks for letting me know Lord Rahl. Sorry about that - I am just new here. I posted my own thread for it to hopefully be entered. And thank you for your compliment! I also like your self portrait drawing! I like to sketch with pen and ink or pencil myself. I have seen some great entries so far! :)
Don't worry about it. I'm sure it will be entered once Kirupa gets around to checking this section. You'll see quite a few uniqe styles and great entries from members of this site. Quite the talented bunch.
And welcome to the forums!:thumb2:
Don't worry about it. I'm sure it will be entered once Kirupa gets around to checking this section. You'll see quite a few uniqe styles and great entries from members of this site. Quite the talented bunch.
And welcome to the forums!:thumb2:
maine_gc
04-20 02:00 PM
I-94 also does not have the date written
more...
shantak
03-18 06:45 PM
If you have left your I-140 company, that I-140 is dead. No wonder you have not heard back. It's not pending, it's cancelled. I-140 is employer based and therefore if USCIS said they were not satisfied with place of work, which reads: not enough income for the company to be able to pay you the salary declared in the I140 app. If you did not reply to their show-cause within the time frame stated, your I-140 application is deemed abandoned.
How will an I-140 gets cancelled just because he left the company. GC is for future employment, that should have nothing to do with the current employment. Same with Place of work issue, place of issue on H1 has nothing to do with I-140
As amit has suggested approaching Senators will do wonders (atleast for some)
How will an I-140 gets cancelled just because he left the company. GC is for future employment, that should have nothing to do with the current employment. Same with Place of work issue, place of issue on H1 has nothing to do with I-140
As amit has suggested approaching Senators will do wonders (atleast for some)
immigrationvoice1
02-27 01:08 PM
Hope this documents appears in the sites run by the "anti-employment based immigrants" supporters.
priderock
06-28 04:09 PM
I hope Geeta will reduce your pain.
I asked her , but her boyfriend would not agree:)
I asked her , but her boyfriend would not agree:)
GCapplicant
10-12 04:04 PM
I am also from NJ-I have to get FP from HAckensack-NJ thats my nearest .
When we called USCIS she said its delay because of traffic in ASC in our location.So they have to correspond with them,when ever they get a reminder in their system.
So as of now they havnt mailed...waiting for FP.
I hope the process does not delay further beacuse of this FP...I wish they do fast.
I just wonder NJ is a populated area and they have only two ASC...one in newark and another in Hackensack.I hope it doesnt take months for this FP.
Does name check start after FP?
My ND is Sep/11.
When we called USCIS she said its delay because of traffic in ASC in our location.So they have to correspond with them,when ever they get a reminder in their system.
So as of now they havnt mailed...waiting for FP.
I hope the process does not delay further beacuse of this FP...I wish they do fast.
I just wonder NJ is a populated area and they have only two ASC...one in newark and another in Hackensack.I hope it doesnt take months for this FP.
Does name check start after FP?
My ND is Sep/11.
gc_check
07-12 05:51 AM
Our lawyer Company has decided to file the AOS application in July
I work for a big 5 Software company & our lawyer Littler Global had taken a stand on July that they will not file our AOS application after the June VB was revoked/amended on July 2nd.
Surprisingly , today we have received a mail from them that that keeping in view our best interest they have decided to file our AOS case in July regardless of CIS receipting them.
Wanted to share this information as it may be helpful for you folks too ...
Vivek
Looks like most of the Attorney's who told, they will not file after the July 2nd revision of VB, are now planning to file anyway. Think the decission could have influenced after the Tuesday's Aila Conf. Call. My Attorney finally gave updates that they would have all the 485's completed and ready to go while monitoring the situation and action of AILA/USCIS and will file if is of the best interest to the applicant. Also, the reason they are holding back now is also, what if, USCIS neither receipts nor rejects the applications and hold them and argue they cannot take an action as the cases are subject to litigation.... then it could be even worse.... Any thoughts on this...Folks share your communication with your attorney's if any details worth sharing.
I work for a big 5 Software company & our lawyer Littler Global had taken a stand on July that they will not file our AOS application after the June VB was revoked/amended on July 2nd.
Surprisingly , today we have received a mail from them that that keeping in view our best interest they have decided to file our AOS case in July regardless of CIS receipting them.
Wanted to share this information as it may be helpful for you folks too ...
Vivek
Looks like most of the Attorney's who told, they will not file after the July 2nd revision of VB, are now planning to file anyway. Think the decission could have influenced after the Tuesday's Aila Conf. Call. My Attorney finally gave updates that they would have all the 485's completed and ready to go while monitoring the situation and action of AILA/USCIS and will file if is of the best interest to the applicant. Also, the reason they are holding back now is also, what if, USCIS neither receipts nor rejects the applications and hold them and argue they cannot take an action as the cases are subject to litigation.... then it could be even worse.... Any thoughts on this...Folks share your communication with your attorney's if any details worth sharing.
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