Ann Ruben
02-24 02:59 PM
Raama,
There is both good news and bad news about the situation you describe. The good news is that shoplifting merchandise with a full retail value of less than $200 in NJ is classified as a "disorderly persons offense" for which the maximum sentence of imprisonment is 6 months. Under US immigration law, your friend's wife is not inadmissible because she qualifies for the "petty offense exception". The "petty offense exception" applies as long as there is ONLY ONE conviction for which the maximum sentence is less than one year, and the actual sentence was for a term of imprisonment of less than 6 months. Accordingly, the shoplifting conviction you describe does not provide a basis to deny the H-4 visa application.
Now for the bad news. Though your wife's friend may not have been taken into custody by the police, she was arrested, charged, and convicted of a crime as those terms are defined by US immigration law. In completing the required visa application forms, she must answer "yes" to the question which asks whether she has ever been arrested, cited, charged, etc. She should be prepared to provide a court certified final disposition to the consul as well as a legal opinion letter citing and attaching the relevant statutes. The consular officer will most likely request an additional FBI clearance, and will not issue the visa until the FBI has confirmed no additional criminal history. This process can take anywhere from a few days to many months.
Hope this helps,
Ann
There is both good news and bad news about the situation you describe. The good news is that shoplifting merchandise with a full retail value of less than $200 in NJ is classified as a "disorderly persons offense" for which the maximum sentence of imprisonment is 6 months. Under US immigration law, your friend's wife is not inadmissible because she qualifies for the "petty offense exception". The "petty offense exception" applies as long as there is ONLY ONE conviction for which the maximum sentence is less than one year, and the actual sentence was for a term of imprisonment of less than 6 months. Accordingly, the shoplifting conviction you describe does not provide a basis to deny the H-4 visa application.
Now for the bad news. Though your wife's friend may not have been taken into custody by the police, she was arrested, charged, and convicted of a crime as those terms are defined by US immigration law. In completing the required visa application forms, she must answer "yes" to the question which asks whether she has ever been arrested, cited, charged, etc. She should be prepared to provide a court certified final disposition to the consul as well as a legal opinion letter citing and attaching the relevant statutes. The consular officer will most likely request an additional FBI clearance, and will not issue the visa until the FBI has confirmed no additional criminal history. This process can take anywhere from a few days to many months.
Hope this helps,
Ann
nabs501
07-27 04:05 PM
I had filed FOIA request to USCIS requesting a copy of I140 approval notice. My I140 was approved after which I changed employer. I need I140 approval notice to keep my original priority date.
But after filing G639, I got a response back from USCIS saying the case has been sent to DoS for visa approval and that I should contact DoS directly regarding the case.
Also remember, G639 form is for FOIA request for USCIS only.
You need to file a letter to DoS (google "DOS + foia" and you would see format of the letter)
Other than this,I have also filed Form I824 (Action on approved petition) with $200 filing fees requesting I140 approval from USCIS. I guess looking at the processing time, I will have to wait for another 6 months before I hear back from USCIS
But after filing G639, I got a response back from USCIS saying the case has been sent to DoS for visa approval and that I should contact DoS directly regarding the case.
Also remember, G639 form is for FOIA request for USCIS only.
You need to file a letter to DoS (google "DOS + foia" and you would see format of the letter)
Other than this,I have also filed Form I824 (Action on approved petition) with $200 filing fees requesting I140 approval from USCIS. I guess looking at the processing time, I will have to wait for another 6 months before I hear back from USCIS
milind70
08-28 10:13 AM
is it not required for the beneficiary to sign the approved labor before attaching it to the I140 petition ?
i dont think so, i never signed anything while filing for 140 ,my attorney took care of everything, i did not sign even the G 28 Form. I filed i 140 in March 2007 got approval in April /may 2007.
At 485 stage i only signed G 28 form as i was filing thru an attorney.File 485 in July 2007.
Relax chill, i think you are fine.
i dont think so, i never signed anything while filing for 140 ,my attorney took care of everything, i did not sign even the G 28 Form. I filed i 140 in March 2007 got approval in April /may 2007.
At 485 stage i only signed G 28 form as i was filing thru an attorney.File 485 in July 2007.
Relax chill, i think you are fine.
chanduv23
12-08 06:45 PM
Come on folks, time for some contributions.....
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WeldonSprings
10-28 10:22 AM
Have anybody encountered Receipting Delays at Nebraska Service Center recently. I applied for my and my wife's AP (I-131) last week, received on Oct.21 and it has not been receipted yet.
franklin
07-11 05:12 PM
Need 3 more volunteers for non bay area members to help calling bay area people!
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priti8888
01-08 03:55 PM
Is there any relation between biometrics and the final green card approval time?
I have got annecdotal info from several friends. With one exception (because of a name check process that has taken over two years!) most people receive the green card around three months after the biometrics.
Is that the case?
not true. You can be approved only if your PD is current.
I have got annecdotal info from several friends. With one exception (because of a name check process that has taken over two years!) most people receive the green card around three months after the biometrics.
Is that the case?
not true. You can be approved only if your PD is current.
allybarbar
06-22 05:18 PM
I worked in Boston. I was laid off Friday. I have been advised by 2 immigration lawyers that it is ok to file for Unemployment benefits. I filed today. I will let you know the outcome. The lady at Unemployment office seems to think there is no reason i won't get it, but shes really just a data entry person really. Fingers crossed i hear nothing.
Specifics of my case are i am an EB3 doing the i-140 and the 485 at the same time. The notice on the i140 is feb 2008 recieved april 2007, the i485 notice is oct 2007. I received an RFE in late May but it was only for the medical which they have lost. I have done that, mailed it back in and heard nothing more. When you fill out the unemployment form in MA though there is a space for your USCIS A#. That would possibly be where the information gets back to the USCIS to request a proof of employment. My lawyer said there is an outside chance i will get another RFE but its unlikely. My company has been advised to send a notice of termination to the USCIS for my old H1B anyway so unemployment is the least of my worries. We'll see. If that happens my fiance and I will have to head to the registry office earlier than the reception day we paid for. I really hope they do not ask. I know hopes not the best course, but thats what I chose to do.
Specifics of my case are i am an EB3 doing the i-140 and the 485 at the same time. The notice on the i140 is feb 2008 recieved april 2007, the i485 notice is oct 2007. I received an RFE in late May but it was only for the medical which they have lost. I have done that, mailed it back in and heard nothing more. When you fill out the unemployment form in MA though there is a space for your USCIS A#. That would possibly be where the information gets back to the USCIS to request a proof of employment. My lawyer said there is an outside chance i will get another RFE but its unlikely. My company has been advised to send a notice of termination to the USCIS for my old H1B anyway so unemployment is the least of my worries. We'll see. If that happens my fiance and I will have to head to the registry office earlier than the reception day we paid for. I really hope they do not ask. I know hopes not the best course, but thats what I chose to do.
more...
thomachan72
06-04 11:38 AM
Senate is planning to vote on THIS friday and I don't see any urgency or any heat(debate) on this topic. today they will strat debating at 2:30????
No, they said may be this Friday / next week.
No, they said may be this Friday / next week.
karthkc
05-23 01:07 PM
EAD to H1 involves a status change that while being perfectly legal was just not envisioned policy wise as being a frequent occurrence.
Accordingly, the efforts to get back into non-immigrant status from an immigrant status is unduly complicated.
The reasons the conversion is complicated is because when you come back to H1B from EAD, you literally start from scratch, meaning you count against the cap and you also do not get a full 6 year term. In your case, if you switched back, you will have to wait for the cap to be available and you will get only 1.5 years unless you quailify otherwise for a full 6 year term. It is not enough that you were already in H1B because USCIS does not care about that. To them, you are going to a new status and that means you follow the rules for that just like anyone else.
Also, since you went back from AOS, USCIS may ask for additional documentation to record the reasons you want to switch. This is supposed to be only for cases where there are legitimate reasons to switch, like your AOS application has been denied and in order to continue staying in the US and explore other options, you need to maintain legal status, etc..etc..
Personally, I think the process is designed to be cumbersome in order to discourage people from doing it.
Disclaimer: This is based on what I heard from my attorney in part and my own research. Use at your discretion...
If anyone knows more or can confirm this, that would help...
Thanks!
--Karthik
Is EAD to H1 a complicated process? If so what could be the reasons.
I still have 1.5 years on H1. I posted earlier but didn't get a clear idea.
Accordingly, the efforts to get back into non-immigrant status from an immigrant status is unduly complicated.
The reasons the conversion is complicated is because when you come back to H1B from EAD, you literally start from scratch, meaning you count against the cap and you also do not get a full 6 year term. In your case, if you switched back, you will have to wait for the cap to be available and you will get only 1.5 years unless you quailify otherwise for a full 6 year term. It is not enough that you were already in H1B because USCIS does not care about that. To them, you are going to a new status and that means you follow the rules for that just like anyone else.
Also, since you went back from AOS, USCIS may ask for additional documentation to record the reasons you want to switch. This is supposed to be only for cases where there are legitimate reasons to switch, like your AOS application has been denied and in order to continue staying in the US and explore other options, you need to maintain legal status, etc..etc..
Personally, I think the process is designed to be cumbersome in order to discourage people from doing it.
Disclaimer: This is based on what I heard from my attorney in part and my own research. Use at your discretion...
If anyone knows more or can confirm this, that would help...
Thanks!
--Karthik
Is EAD to H1 a complicated process? If so what could be the reasons.
I still have 1.5 years on H1. I posted earlier but didn't get a clear idea.
more...
pappu
08-22 08:06 PM
I don't think the core is even bothered to take up on issues like this where USCIS operations is concerned..
why wait for all these bills to get passed to recapture visas and stuff like that when the ideal solution would be to make USCIS more efficient...
Let's say Hr5882 passes in 2009... and recaptures all the lost visas ..but what will happen in 2012 ?? I assume another recapture bill would have to be passed to recapture the recaptured visas... this is all a joke....
Why cant USCIS be more efficient and transparent from the beginning but I guess the core doesn't think its important enough right now.
Wrong.
We have had meetings with USCIS, DOS in the past. In fact there was a meeting with USCIS director too in the recent past.
Wish the problems were very simple to solve. Please do not underestimate the effort of the core team just because we do not post everything we do on the public forum. You can get information from your state chapter if you have any doubts. We are also like you and are trying our best within limited resources and time. The least this community can do is not criticize the core team and take out their frustration on us. We really need everyone to support us and contribute so that we can invest more in lobbying efforts if we need to try and get some relief. Fixing a system is not easy. Our programmer friends on the forum know this how difficult it is to fix a program that is too slow and buggy!!
why wait for all these bills to get passed to recapture visas and stuff like that when the ideal solution would be to make USCIS more efficient...
Let's say Hr5882 passes in 2009... and recaptures all the lost visas ..but what will happen in 2012 ?? I assume another recapture bill would have to be passed to recapture the recaptured visas... this is all a joke....
Why cant USCIS be more efficient and transparent from the beginning but I guess the core doesn't think its important enough right now.
Wrong.
We have had meetings with USCIS, DOS in the past. In fact there was a meeting with USCIS director too in the recent past.
Wish the problems were very simple to solve. Please do not underestimate the effort of the core team just because we do not post everything we do on the public forum. You can get information from your state chapter if you have any doubts. We are also like you and are trying our best within limited resources and time. The least this community can do is not criticize the core team and take out their frustration on us. We really need everyone to support us and contribute so that we can invest more in lobbying efforts if we need to try and get some relief. Fixing a system is not easy. Our programmer friends on the forum know this how difficult it is to fix a program that is too slow and buggy!!
gcformeornot
01-22 03:22 PM
Hello,
2) We are expecting a baby girl in March (who will be born American in Atlanta) and was wondering whether or not she could sponsored us (on our request being their parents and she would only be an infant), so that we could stay legally and request the Green Cards Family Based?
Thanks!
Daniel
can apply for your family based green cards only after she is 21 years old.
2) We are expecting a baby girl in March (who will be born American in Atlanta) and was wondering whether or not she could sponsored us (on our request being their parents and she would only be an infant), so that we could stay legally and request the Green Cards Family Based?
Thanks!
Daniel
can apply for your family based green cards only after she is 21 years old.
more...
newbee7
07-05 12:14 PM
^
^
^
^
^
Lasantha
10-06 07:48 AM
same here,
we have applied every year and I often hear back from people who do win this loterry, somehow it didi not work out for us...at least, not yet!
anyway, getting ready to apply this weekend..who knows, maybe this is our lucky year..
cheers
That's what I'm talking about ! :cool:
we have applied every year and I often hear back from people who do win this loterry, somehow it didi not work out for us...at least, not yet!
anyway, getting ready to apply this weekend..who knows, maybe this is our lucky year..
cheers
That's what I'm talking about ! :cool:
more...
anilvt
07-17 12:05 AM
Anyone?
arulz
11-13 08:44 PM
Why dont you write to your COngressman or Senator?
If possible go and meet them They will help you. or even better have your employer also write to them expalining the circumstances.
Is tehre is any way for PREMIUM PROCESSING for I485 pending case?
In my case PD is current since years the I140 is approved. Backbround check etc is over. Confirmed by various sources that my case JUST needs to be picked up by IO.
I have somebusiness trips coming up. My employer want me to find out the way to get the GC faster that way there wont be any hassle for every year renewal od AP and also EADs. and then appplying VISAs which will expire along with teh AP last date.
Along with me my employer is also fed up now:p.
Our lawyer being stupid; the employer wants me to find out the way to expedite I485. Since it is in last stages I think theer could be quicker way.
I know there is the way WOM but is there any other way?:rolleyes:
If possible go and meet them They will help you. or even better have your employer also write to them expalining the circumstances.
Is tehre is any way for PREMIUM PROCESSING for I485 pending case?
In my case PD is current since years the I140 is approved. Backbround check etc is over. Confirmed by various sources that my case JUST needs to be picked up by IO.
I have somebusiness trips coming up. My employer want me to find out the way to get the GC faster that way there wont be any hassle for every year renewal od AP and also EADs. and then appplying VISAs which will expire along with teh AP last date.
Along with me my employer is also fed up now:p.
Our lawyer being stupid; the employer wants me to find out the way to expedite I485. Since it is in last stages I think theer could be quicker way.
I know there is the way WOM but is there any other way?:rolleyes:
more...
Dhundhun
11-24 05:13 AM
Nihar, let me understand your problem and explain you, what might be happening?
#1. You are doing MBA
#2. In Apr 2007, you applied for H1B through some consultant. There was oversubscription and so lottery was there. Through lottery, you got selected - but this is not H1B approval.
#3. Meanwhile your consultant (or you) got RFE, to which you replied in Aug.
#4. H1B is usually approved in Oct/Nov. You have still not in hand but you see it aapproved on USCIS site.
#5. This period is dual status, you are on OPT and H1B is approved. If you have both OPT and H1B, you continue as OPT for taxation purpose this year. Consultant will not be deducting social security.
#6. If you are on dual status, your H1B will start from Jan 2008.
#7. But if your OPT is already expired, you can only work through consultant after getting H1B papers. You remain in USA waiting for H1B to become available.
#8. If you have not requested for OPT, you are neither on OPT nor on H1B. You are just on F1 Visa. After completing MBA, if H1B is refused, you will become out of status. OPT has to be applied 3 months before the end of session.
#1. You are doing MBA
#2. In Apr 2007, you applied for H1B through some consultant. There was oversubscription and so lottery was there. Through lottery, you got selected - but this is not H1B approval.
#3. Meanwhile your consultant (or you) got RFE, to which you replied in Aug.
#4. H1B is usually approved in Oct/Nov. You have still not in hand but you see it aapproved on USCIS site.
#5. This period is dual status, you are on OPT and H1B is approved. If you have both OPT and H1B, you continue as OPT for taxation purpose this year. Consultant will not be deducting social security.
#6. If you are on dual status, your H1B will start from Jan 2008.
#7. But if your OPT is already expired, you can only work through consultant after getting H1B papers. You remain in USA waiting for H1B to become available.
#8. If you have not requested for OPT, you are neither on OPT nor on H1B. You are just on F1 Visa. After completing MBA, if H1B is refused, you will become out of status. OPT has to be applied 3 months before the end of session.
vactorboy29
06-24 04:13 PM
Make sure Hotel is Safe and not with short term stay like pros.... .Even you have to to spend little more go for that.I had very bad experience.I had lost my documents that time.
yagw
12-10 03:01 PM
The dot system if used properly is a good system as other community members can privately control the reputation of each other. Community can also identify posters who are mischief makers by giving them reds and identifying them publicly. This reduces the need for moderators significantly as moderators cannot read every post and every thread everyday. Pls suggest better ways in which we should handle reputation system.
Pappu,
This reasoning may not apply here. Lets see, what is the positive effect of "other community members controlling reputation of each other"? We are not ignoring some one's post just because he got lot of red dots. Like wise, we don't value some one's post because he got more green dots. Do we? AFAI see here, we value the post based on its content.
Also, I am not sure how this reputation system helps moderators. From seeing the posts here, the members always alerts the admin to delete some offensive posts and not the reputation points.
So the better option is, remove this reputation system and let the users call out for admins to delete posts, if it is offensive. That way, the moderators/admins don't have to read all the posts.
Or at least remove the anonymous nature of the reputation system.
I personally think, this anonymous nature of affecting some one else' reputation brings the worst out of our human nature. I have got some red dots a while back with comments like "don't answer trivial questions." I know who that person is and I am pretty sure the real intention is different.
Even though it didn't put me off from visiting IV, things like this definitely makes it not a welcoming place.
YAGW.
Pappu,
This reasoning may not apply here. Lets see, what is the positive effect of "other community members controlling reputation of each other"? We are not ignoring some one's post just because he got lot of red dots. Like wise, we don't value some one's post because he got more green dots. Do we? AFAI see here, we value the post based on its content.
Also, I am not sure how this reputation system helps moderators. From seeing the posts here, the members always alerts the admin to delete some offensive posts and not the reputation points.
So the better option is, remove this reputation system and let the users call out for admins to delete posts, if it is offensive. That way, the moderators/admins don't have to read all the posts.
Or at least remove the anonymous nature of the reputation system.
I personally think, this anonymous nature of affecting some one else' reputation brings the worst out of our human nature. I have got some red dots a while back with comments like "don't answer trivial questions." I know who that person is and I am pretty sure the real intention is different.
Even though it didn't put me off from visiting IV, things like this definitely makes it not a welcoming place.
YAGW.
capriol
01-26 07:19 PM
Folks,
I am not getting my hopes too high about the EB-485 processing dates--either for the TSC or the NSC. Correct me if I am wrong...but I think that this huge progress in the EB 485 processing dates can be attributed to the fact that EB2 (India) is retrogressed and even unavailable (currently) and EB 3 (India) is also regtrogressed, and of course, not to mention China. So, perhaps both the service centers are processing EB 485's for ROW--and thus this quite impressive forward move.
If at some point India's EB2 and 3 priority dates move by a great leap beyond what it is now (ie., if the centers start processing the July 2007 VB submissions of EB2 and 3) , then should not we expect that the processing dates of the two centers be back-logged again and thus retrogressed?
What so you folks think? Thanks.
I am not getting my hopes too high about the EB-485 processing dates--either for the TSC or the NSC. Correct me if I am wrong...but I think that this huge progress in the EB 485 processing dates can be attributed to the fact that EB2 (India) is retrogressed and even unavailable (currently) and EB 3 (India) is also regtrogressed, and of course, not to mention China. So, perhaps both the service centers are processing EB 485's for ROW--and thus this quite impressive forward move.
If at some point India's EB2 and 3 priority dates move by a great leap beyond what it is now (ie., if the centers start processing the July 2007 VB submissions of EB2 and 3) , then should not we expect that the processing dates of the two centers be back-logged again and thus retrogressed?
What so you folks think? Thanks.
jthomas
06-10 12:11 PM
Sidbee,
thank you sidbee and i would pray that you would never be in this position. Its hard to stay home without at job and secondly, with H1B laidoff its even tougher.
I was laidoff recently and i know the stress one goes through. That's the reason i am trying to help by making a IVjobhunters group. I have found my job and i have nothing to gain.
Sidbee if you cannot talk good or help please shut your mouth. . If someone is asking for help ( Laidoff means Was terminated from work for no reason of yours).
You have the right to ask your employer for one way return ticket to your home town. Its not just the international airport but till your home town, Its a law and you should get it.
I was laidoff and i took unemployment benifits, Sidbee, Give me a lecture.
J thomas
Man you are illegal in the country, And you want to pressurize your employer to follow the law.
If i was a employer , and had laid of a employee , I may not have reported the lay off, but if he tried to teach me the law , i would have surely reported it to the USCIS , as a illegal.
thank you sidbee and i would pray that you would never be in this position. Its hard to stay home without at job and secondly, with H1B laidoff its even tougher.
I was laidoff recently and i know the stress one goes through. That's the reason i am trying to help by making a IVjobhunters group. I have found my job and i have nothing to gain.
Sidbee if you cannot talk good or help please shut your mouth. . If someone is asking for help ( Laidoff means Was terminated from work for no reason of yours).
You have the right to ask your employer for one way return ticket to your home town. Its not just the international airport but till your home town, Its a law and you should get it.
I was laidoff and i took unemployment benifits, Sidbee, Give me a lecture.
J thomas
Man you are illegal in the country, And you want to pressurize your employer to follow the law.
If i was a employer , and had laid of a employee , I may not have reported the lay off, but if he tried to teach me the law , i would have surely reported it to the USCIS , as a illegal.
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