sunny1000
01-15 01:14 AM
Hi folks, sorry for posting this again, but I posted in the self-help area and nobody answered (I guess there's very little traffic there surprisingly)....
----
Hi Folks
I'm here in the US on a L1A visa and would like to apply for Green Card (I'm assuming i-485) soon. My wife who is currently outside of US has recently received her L2 visa within one business day I may add! So, we're waiting for her to join me here in the States within two months as she is currently working abroad and needs to wait for her bonus $...
In any case, I was thinking of applying for an EAD for her in conjunction of i-485, but I've been reading that others who are holding a H1 visa is also applying for an EAD (why on earth for?!) as you are allowed to work on H1 already no? I thought EAD is authorization to work only??
In my case, my wife needs EAD in order to work as L2 only allows her entry to the States and her visa would "clone" mine (ie. whatever my expiry date is, hers will expire).
Should I also apply for EAD too even though my L1a visa already permits me to work legally here in the US?
It is entirely up to you. People apply for EAD while on H1B just in case there are any complications with the H1B and/or they want to switch jobs.
If you think that your GC will be approved soon, you don't have to. But, if you have applied after Aug 1, 2007, you have already paid for a FREE EAD card with the I-485 application. All you have to do is to send in the I765 (EAD application).
This EAD (along with Advanced Parole) gives you an option to switch status to "adjustment of status" and move to another compamy under AC21 rules after 6 months of your I-485 filing (with an approved I140), if you wish. I am not sure if it is OK to use AC21 rules to move to another company using L1A (H1B is pretty straight forward).
----
Hi Folks
I'm here in the US on a L1A visa and would like to apply for Green Card (I'm assuming i-485) soon. My wife who is currently outside of US has recently received her L2 visa within one business day I may add! So, we're waiting for her to join me here in the States within two months as she is currently working abroad and needs to wait for her bonus $...
In any case, I was thinking of applying for an EAD for her in conjunction of i-485, but I've been reading that others who are holding a H1 visa is also applying for an EAD (why on earth for?!) as you are allowed to work on H1 already no? I thought EAD is authorization to work only??
In my case, my wife needs EAD in order to work as L2 only allows her entry to the States and her visa would "clone" mine (ie. whatever my expiry date is, hers will expire).
Should I also apply for EAD too even though my L1a visa already permits me to work legally here in the US?
It is entirely up to you. People apply for EAD while on H1B just in case there are any complications with the H1B and/or they want to switch jobs.
If you think that your GC will be approved soon, you don't have to. But, if you have applied after Aug 1, 2007, you have already paid for a FREE EAD card with the I-485 application. All you have to do is to send in the I765 (EAD application).
This EAD (along with Advanced Parole) gives you an option to switch status to "adjustment of status" and move to another compamy under AC21 rules after 6 months of your I-485 filing (with an approved I140), if you wish. I am not sure if it is OK to use AC21 rules to move to another company using L1A (H1B is pretty straight forward).
neel_gump
05-12 03:20 PM
Security Checks : How and Why
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Fact Sheet on April 25, 2006 regarding security checks under the U.S. immigration system. The purpose of the article is to explain the various types of security checks. As many MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers know, security checks have become a real source of contention, as they slow case processing for indeterminate periods of time. The fact sheet may be a reaction to growing unrest surrounding security check delays in processing both nonimmigrant and immigrant cases.
Background on Security Checks
All those who apply for immigration benefits must undergo criminal and national security background checks. The USCIS emphasized that these checks are performed on all applicants, and are not targeted at or against any particular group. These checks expanded after 9/11. The USCIS points out that most cases proceed without incident and in a timely fashion. They acknowledge, however, that some cases are held up for more than a year because of delays in the security checks.
Why Security Checks are Conducted
The background checks are aimed at identifying individuals who are a risk to national security, or are seeking otherwise to cause harm to the U.S. They are also designed to identify people attempting to abuse the immigration system. The USCIS will not grant an immigration benefit before the security checks are complete, regardless of the length of the delays. The USCIS states that they are working with the FBI and other agencies to try to increase the speed of the security checks.
We note that expediting the security checks not only benefits legitimate applicants who suffer from the delays, but serves the very purpose of the checks. The USCIS states that they have located various violent criminals, drug traffickers, and persons with links to terrorism through these checks. Clearly, no one wants dangerous individuals remaining within the U.S. To the extent that the background checks are being performed on applicants within the country, however, delays in the completion can serve to permit some of those applicants to remain in the U.S. lawfully during the time it takes the USCIS to complete the checks. For example, one who has a properly filed I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status pending is lawfully in the U.S. and is eligible for work authorization. If such a person is a threat, then a security check that drags on for a year or more only serves to extend that person's time in the United States. Thus, there is a security interest in not only performing proper checks, but in performing them in a timely fashion.
How Security Checks Work
The USCIS uses three types of checks as a standard background review for a variety of cases. They have the authority to conduct other sorts of background checks, if needed.
IBIS Name Checks Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) name checks are a generally quick manner of checking information from multiple government agencies that is in a combined database to determine if there is any information that is relevant to the decision in a particular case. The results are usually available quickly, but it may take more time to investigate any information revealed by the IBIS check.
FBI Fingerprint Checks Fingerprint checks are conducted by the FBI for many types of applications, but not all. Many of our clients and readers who are I-485 Adjustment of Status applicants are familiar with these checks, which provide any criminal background information on the adjustment applicant. The responses, according to the USCIS, are generally forwarded within one to two days. If there is a match, then the USCIS will get a criminal history sheet. This information will be reviewed to see if it affects eligibility for the benefit sought.
Sometimes, this information does not reflect the disposition or outcome of a particular crime. Thus, it is important for applicants to have proof, in the form of a certified copy of the disposition, in order to address the issue with the immigration officer. The USCIS notes that expungements or pardons, etc, must be reported. Anyone with a question about what has to be revealed should speak with an immigration attorney. It is important to understand that matters not considered to be convictions for general legal purposes, may be considered convictions for an immigration purpose. It also is important to have a good understanding of what happened in any criminal matter. We often meet individuals who are unable to explain how their cases ended - which is key in analyzing the impact a criminal charge has on the immigration status and eligibility for future benefits. Of course, we also strongly recommend that everyone comply with the law in all respects to avoid any criminal charge, whatsoever.
FBI Name Checks These name checks are required for many applications, and are different from the fingerprint checks. These involve a check of various law enforcement files and generally take about two weeks. The USCIS reports that 80 percent of these result in a "no match." This means that there is no matching record. For the remaining 20 percent, there is some match, and the matter has to be reviewed in more detail, in part to determine whether the applicant is the same individual as the person on record. These matters generally are resolved in six months. The USCIS reports that less than one percent of these take longer than six months. Such cases can be quite complex and sensitive and are not complete until all of the information is obtained and resolved.
Of course, given the volume of cases, one percent is still a great many people. Moreover, delays of six months, in addition to all of the other processing timeframes, can be significant and life-affecting. The impact on lives goes well beyond anxiety and stress, depending upon the situation.
Conclusion
The USCIS states that some delays are inevitable due to the sheer volume of cases. Background checks are considered pending when the FBI or other responsible agency has not responded or when there is a response that requires further investigation. According to the USCIS, the resolution of some cases is time consuming and labor intensive, and can take months or even years. At the local office level, "sweeps" of cases are performed to see which ones are cleared through the background check system and can be finalized. While the background check is underway, the USCIS does not share the information that has been uncovered or the status of any investigation with the applicant or the applicant's attorney.
We at the Murthy Law Firm appreciate this insight. We all understand the need for background checks on applicants for U.S. immigration benefits. The time that it takes, however, is a concern both from the benefits and security points of view. We would urge that ample resources be made available so that these matters can be resolved in a timely fashion. If there is a case so complex that years are required to find a resolution, the individual is potentially in the United States while it is ongoing. The potential risk makes this rather an urgent matter for our country and the safety of our people.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Fact Sheet on April 25, 2006 regarding security checks under the U.S. immigration system. The purpose of the article is to explain the various types of security checks. As many MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers know, security checks have become a real source of contention, as they slow case processing for indeterminate periods of time. The fact sheet may be a reaction to growing unrest surrounding security check delays in processing both nonimmigrant and immigrant cases.
Background on Security Checks
All those who apply for immigration benefits must undergo criminal and national security background checks. The USCIS emphasized that these checks are performed on all applicants, and are not targeted at or against any particular group. These checks expanded after 9/11. The USCIS points out that most cases proceed without incident and in a timely fashion. They acknowledge, however, that some cases are held up for more than a year because of delays in the security checks.
Why Security Checks are Conducted
The background checks are aimed at identifying individuals who are a risk to national security, or are seeking otherwise to cause harm to the U.S. They are also designed to identify people attempting to abuse the immigration system. The USCIS will not grant an immigration benefit before the security checks are complete, regardless of the length of the delays. The USCIS states that they are working with the FBI and other agencies to try to increase the speed of the security checks.
We note that expediting the security checks not only benefits legitimate applicants who suffer from the delays, but serves the very purpose of the checks. The USCIS states that they have located various violent criminals, drug traffickers, and persons with links to terrorism through these checks. Clearly, no one wants dangerous individuals remaining within the U.S. To the extent that the background checks are being performed on applicants within the country, however, delays in the completion can serve to permit some of those applicants to remain in the U.S. lawfully during the time it takes the USCIS to complete the checks. For example, one who has a properly filed I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status pending is lawfully in the U.S. and is eligible for work authorization. If such a person is a threat, then a security check that drags on for a year or more only serves to extend that person's time in the United States. Thus, there is a security interest in not only performing proper checks, but in performing them in a timely fashion.
How Security Checks Work
The USCIS uses three types of checks as a standard background review for a variety of cases. They have the authority to conduct other sorts of background checks, if needed.
IBIS Name Checks Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) name checks are a generally quick manner of checking information from multiple government agencies that is in a combined database to determine if there is any information that is relevant to the decision in a particular case. The results are usually available quickly, but it may take more time to investigate any information revealed by the IBIS check.
FBI Fingerprint Checks Fingerprint checks are conducted by the FBI for many types of applications, but not all. Many of our clients and readers who are I-485 Adjustment of Status applicants are familiar with these checks, which provide any criminal background information on the adjustment applicant. The responses, according to the USCIS, are generally forwarded within one to two days. If there is a match, then the USCIS will get a criminal history sheet. This information will be reviewed to see if it affects eligibility for the benefit sought.
Sometimes, this information does not reflect the disposition or outcome of a particular crime. Thus, it is important for applicants to have proof, in the form of a certified copy of the disposition, in order to address the issue with the immigration officer. The USCIS notes that expungements or pardons, etc, must be reported. Anyone with a question about what has to be revealed should speak with an immigration attorney. It is important to understand that matters not considered to be convictions for general legal purposes, may be considered convictions for an immigration purpose. It also is important to have a good understanding of what happened in any criminal matter. We often meet individuals who are unable to explain how their cases ended - which is key in analyzing the impact a criminal charge has on the immigration status and eligibility for future benefits. Of course, we also strongly recommend that everyone comply with the law in all respects to avoid any criminal charge, whatsoever.
FBI Name Checks These name checks are required for many applications, and are different from the fingerprint checks. These involve a check of various law enforcement files and generally take about two weeks. The USCIS reports that 80 percent of these result in a "no match." This means that there is no matching record. For the remaining 20 percent, there is some match, and the matter has to be reviewed in more detail, in part to determine whether the applicant is the same individual as the person on record. These matters generally are resolved in six months. The USCIS reports that less than one percent of these take longer than six months. Such cases can be quite complex and sensitive and are not complete until all of the information is obtained and resolved.
Of course, given the volume of cases, one percent is still a great many people. Moreover, delays of six months, in addition to all of the other processing timeframes, can be significant and life-affecting. The impact on lives goes well beyond anxiety and stress, depending upon the situation.
Conclusion
The USCIS states that some delays are inevitable due to the sheer volume of cases. Background checks are considered pending when the FBI or other responsible agency has not responded or when there is a response that requires further investigation. According to the USCIS, the resolution of some cases is time consuming and labor intensive, and can take months or even years. At the local office level, "sweeps" of cases are performed to see which ones are cleared through the background check system and can be finalized. While the background check is underway, the USCIS does not share the information that has been uncovered or the status of any investigation with the applicant or the applicant's attorney.
We at the Murthy Law Firm appreciate this insight. We all understand the need for background checks on applicants for U.S. immigration benefits. The time that it takes, however, is a concern both from the benefits and security points of view. We would urge that ample resources be made available so that these matters can be resolved in a timely fashion. If there is a case so complex that years are required to find a resolution, the individual is potentially in the United States while it is ongoing. The potential risk makes this rather an urgent matter for our country and the safety of our people.
amsgc
02-19 12:50 AM
Count me in.
GCaspirations
10-04 03:46 PM
Hey Fellow IVers who had filed application at NSC and it was transferred to CSC and back to NSC pls. take the poll and keep updating your statistics!
As this poll is specifically for the cases transferred from NSC -- CSC --- NSC, can you add more options, like the receipt notices generated between Aug 25 to Sept 10, Sept 11 to Sept 25 and Sept 25 to current.
There would be lot of people in these three categories.
Very much intrested in knowing status of all the cases that have transferred from NSC to CSC and back to NSC.
As this poll is specifically for the cases transferred from NSC -- CSC --- NSC, can you add more options, like the receipt notices generated between Aug 25 to Sept 10, Sept 11 to Sept 25 and Sept 25 to current.
There would be lot of people in these three categories.
Very much intrested in knowing status of all the cases that have transferred from NSC to CSC and back to NSC.
more...
GCapplicant
10-01 10:14 AM
As a point of revenge ,let's see what the anti's do this time.Let the CIR go thru...no doubt in that...as both the parties love illegals.
Atleast the Anti's will face a failure in few months.A small :)
We will be on Q :p as usual.Who care's...Life goes on.
Of course USCIS has to upgrade - A load of application are going to flood them ...DOL will also work as fast as they can.
Atleast the Anti's will face a failure in few months.A small :)
We will be on Q :p as usual.Who care's...Life goes on.
Of course USCIS has to upgrade - A load of application are going to flood them ...DOL will also work as fast as they can.
kvrr
03-20 04:59 PM
Here is the link from USCIS website:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=34dd9b5d82420210VgnVCM1000004718190aRCR D&vgnextchannel=e7d696cfcd6ff110VgnVCM1000004718190a RCRD
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=34dd9b5d82420210VgnVCM1000004718190aRCR D&vgnextchannel=e7d696cfcd6ff110VgnVCM1000004718190a RCRD
more...
gunabcd
06-21 03:24 PM
If black and whites are acceptable then i think you can make copies of an existing one, just make sure you copy it at your employers copier that too in the working hours, that's the Cheapest way of doing it.:D
zeta7
03-25 08:50 PM
Thanks guys for advise and kind words. Unfortunately, I did not apply for AP assuming I will get it stamped as was the case in 2005 when I had no problems.
Any possibilty of applying for AP now?
Pls. advise.
RV
As far as I know you must be in the US to apply for AP. But even if you could apply it probably won't serve your time interests since it takes at least 3 months to get it processed; and these days it would probably take up to 4-5 months. I applied for AP in November, I still haven't received it.
Any possibilty of applying for AP now?
Pls. advise.
RV
As far as I know you must be in the US to apply for AP. But even if you could apply it probably won't serve your time interests since it takes at least 3 months to get it processed; and these days it would probably take up to 4-5 months. I applied for AP in November, I still haven't received it.
more...
lskreddy
08-14 12:05 PM
all the best to you! If you are serious about this, then you may want to go easy on visiting iv and start checking out: http://www.r2iclubforums.com/forums/
I spend a few good hours a week on that site. :-)
Some of the writings are pretty motivating...
I spend a few good hours a week on that site. :-)
Some of the writings are pretty motivating...
sk.aggarwal
05-01 12:26 PM
It all depends on how short you are..Following are options
1. Housing loan from India: Secured loan but very high interest rate, not very difficult to get
2. Personal loan from India: Unsecured loan with very high rate. Not very sure abt this.
3. Personal loan from US: rate between 8-12%. Max amount is around 20K USD
4. Home equity line of credit: If you own a home and have equity. You should be a loan against it at very reasonable rate. and I think, it has some tax benefits also ..
5. Loan against your 401K: you can get 50% of your 401K at around 5-6%. But you will have repay if you leave your employer.
1. Housing loan from India: Secured loan but very high interest rate, not very difficult to get
2. Personal loan from India: Unsecured loan with very high rate. Not very sure abt this.
3. Personal loan from US: rate between 8-12%. Max amount is around 20K USD
4. Home equity line of credit: If you own a home and have equity. You should be a loan against it at very reasonable rate. and I think, it has some tax benefits also ..
5. Loan against your 401K: you can get 50% of your 401K at around 5-6%. But you will have repay if you leave your employer.
more...
HRPRO
05-04 01:26 PM
Hello experts,
My situation:
1) H1- I have completed 6 years on H1 in Oct 2010.Out of six years,I stayed out of US for more than 1.5 years.
2) EAD- I had ead since 2007 but started using it since Oct 2010 for first emplyer.
Now using ead for working with the present (second) employer as a permanent employee.
3) AP- getting AP regularly since 2007.Used AP twice in 2010 and once in 2011.Initially my H1 emplyer asked me to use it,since I was not on project.
In 2011, I used it,since my H1 was also expired.
4) I-485 - filed in July 2007 only for myself on EB3( my family didn't able to come to US during that period)
PD July 2006
Earlier my family was situated in India and had H4, so they were able to travel.Since kids are studying ,they prefered to stay there for education.
Now I am in difficult situation, since if family decides to come to US after the education, they won't be able to travel , since they lost their dependent status.
Using travel visa won't be helpful for longer stay.
My previous H1 emplyer told me that the family greencard applications could be filed once the PD becomes current.Based on present dates,it is going to take 5-6 years.
Options: Is it possible to convert from ead to H1?[I want to use H1 only for the family to maintain their H4 status.With H4, they could be able to travel as per the situation.
Since I am working as a permanent employee, it will be easy to renew/maintain H1.
Is it possible to convert ead to H1? What could be the consequences?
Please advice.:confused:
Thanks
You can switch back to a H-1 and have an EAD in parallel. In fact it is a safer bet and gives you the flexibility to travel easily. I would not recommend you use the EAD unless you have to and stay on H as long as possible. But irrespective of whether you use your EAD or not, do not let it expire and dont forget to renew it. Just keep your options open.
HRP
My situation:
1) H1- I have completed 6 years on H1 in Oct 2010.Out of six years,I stayed out of US for more than 1.5 years.
2) EAD- I had ead since 2007 but started using it since Oct 2010 for first emplyer.
Now using ead for working with the present (second) employer as a permanent employee.
3) AP- getting AP regularly since 2007.Used AP twice in 2010 and once in 2011.Initially my H1 emplyer asked me to use it,since I was not on project.
In 2011, I used it,since my H1 was also expired.
4) I-485 - filed in July 2007 only for myself on EB3( my family didn't able to come to US during that period)
PD July 2006
Earlier my family was situated in India and had H4, so they were able to travel.Since kids are studying ,they prefered to stay there for education.
Now I am in difficult situation, since if family decides to come to US after the education, they won't be able to travel , since they lost their dependent status.
Using travel visa won't be helpful for longer stay.
My previous H1 emplyer told me that the family greencard applications could be filed once the PD becomes current.Based on present dates,it is going to take 5-6 years.
Options: Is it possible to convert from ead to H1?[I want to use H1 only for the family to maintain their H4 status.With H4, they could be able to travel as per the situation.
Since I am working as a permanent employee, it will be easy to renew/maintain H1.
Is it possible to convert ead to H1? What could be the consequences?
Please advice.:confused:
Thanks
You can switch back to a H-1 and have an EAD in parallel. In fact it is a safer bet and gives you the flexibility to travel easily. I would not recommend you use the EAD unless you have to and stay on H as long as possible. But irrespective of whether you use your EAD or not, do not let it expire and dont forget to renew it. Just keep your options open.
HRP
Lasantha
02-20 11:20 AM
Can you do that even if the earlier I-140 is from another employer?
I think the answer is Yes.
You may be able to do this by replacing the underlying 140 of your 485 application with the older one. It should be possible. Talk to a lawyer.
I think the answer is Yes.
You may be able to do this by replacing the underlying 140 of your 485 application with the older one. It should be possible. Talk to a lawyer.
more...
saileshdude
10-06 08:58 PM
Ombudsman helps in certain limited circumstances, particularly when an adverse decision by USCIS puts you in emergency situation. Following link should help determine when to contact them:-
DHS | CIS Ombudsman - Case Problems (http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/editorial_0497.shtm)
Hey Jungalee,
I just sent you a PM. Can you reply to that.
Thanks.
DHS | CIS Ombudsman - Case Problems (http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/editorial_0497.shtm)
Hey Jungalee,
I just sent you a PM. Can you reply to that.
Thanks.
k_usa
08-23 08:19 PM
If you do not get an infopass, you can put your home zipcode to a different one and try so it will search the nearest ASC.
more...
liberty
10-25 09:23 PM
Are the kids allowed in the office?
velu07
06-26 10:05 AM
If you paper filed your EAD and have done finger printing recently that could be the reason for 485 LUD. Its my opinion after every finger printing there will be an LUD in 485
more...
Macaca
02-08 09:28 AM
Can L1A/B apply for GC? Any differences in GC process for L1A/B? Thanks.
pointlesswait
07-18 04:55 PM
you could have applied for h1 extension with the old employer and got 3 years extension...
since you changed your job..and you have less than 1 year of time left for yoru 6 years of h1 to expire..i am sorry mate ..looks like you cannot get h1 extension..(as ur new labor PD) shoudl be atleast 1 year old...get my drift..
> you shoudl have got ur h1 extended and changed your job
> or u shoudl have started ur GC process atleast 1 year before the 6 year expires..
gurus..shed some light!
since you changed your job..and you have less than 1 year of time left for yoru 6 years of h1 to expire..i am sorry mate ..looks like you cannot get h1 extension..(as ur new labor PD) shoudl be atleast 1 year old...get my drift..
> you shoudl have got ur h1 extended and changed your job
> or u shoudl have started ur GC process atleast 1 year before the 6 year expires..
gurus..shed some light!
DareYouFireMe
02-11 08:12 PM
I think you should reach out to the new employer, involve his legal team. EMPLOYER DO NOT LET EMPLOYEES OUT OF STATUS. Not good for them either. you still have time. Also, obtain I-140 /LC docs from past employer. if he is not willing to share then reach out to the freedom of information website. Even though your employer has withdrawn application, as per my lawyer you can use your PD.
plusme
10-19 09:37 AM
Hi,
While filling the Labor my attorney used my education (Bachelor's degree BSc Comp Science and one year of diploma in computer science) and as well as the experience which was 8 yrs in 2008 for EB3. Then my labor got approved. So we applied for I140, then USCIS had an RFE on my case saying this education is not enough so my attorney prepared some documents showing this BSc Comp science is equivalent to US 4 yrs degree. Then in a month time immediatly I got my I140 denied, So after that my attorney appealed with I290 form, Still got rejected in 3 months then again my attorney re-appealed to it by adding some more information to it. So now the status is showing as Initial review with AAO.
While filling the Labor my attorney used my education (Bachelor's degree BSc Comp Science and one year of diploma in computer science) and as well as the experience which was 8 yrs in 2008 for EB3. Then my labor got approved. So we applied for I140, then USCIS had an RFE on my case saying this education is not enough so my attorney prepared some documents showing this BSc Comp science is equivalent to US 4 yrs degree. Then in a month time immediatly I got my I140 denied, So after that my attorney appealed with I290 form, Still got rejected in 3 months then again my attorney re-appealed to it by adding some more information to it. So now the status is showing as Initial review with AAO.
s416504
05-20 01:06 PM
I think NID is looking reply from the guy who has finished bachlor from Diploma in Engg. If some one/your friends has gone through this path. please send your reply. That will help for whole community also.
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