GMKrishna
05-04 09:12 PM
I wanted to share my success story of getting I-485s re-opened with the help of IV last week. Let me start with the end result first and those interested in details could read further!
Synopsis
After 4 months wait since the wrongful denial of our 485s, I contacted Immigration Voice (IV) core team for help on April 25, 2011 as a last resort. On the next day morning (April 26th), I received a phone call from USCIS Headquarters in D.C. and the officer informed that Service Center approved my MTR and reopened 485s, and I should receive system updates in a day. At the end of the day, I got email updates confirming re-opening of 485s. It was an incredible moment in my life to receive a call from USCIS about my case. I am very grateful to the IV leadership and its deep relationships within USCIS and DHS. Prior to contacting IV, I filed an expedite request with USCIS, contacted Ombudsman, and contacted my Senator as well. I received standard responses but no positive result. Adding fuel to the fire, my EAD was due to expire in July 2011.
At the end, even though I never anticipated issues with my 485, I was very happy to see that my active participation with IV�s advocacy efforts over the last few years opened up several options for me to seek help.
Prologue
During the middle of last year my attorney moved their offices and we filed a new G-28 for address change. After couple of months of this address change, during early Nov�2010 USCIS apparently sent a NOID asking for AC21 employment letter to the old address of the attorney. USCIS did not send text or email even though both me and my attorney subscribed to the notifications. USCIS did not even send a copy of this notice to me. After 30 days of original notice, USCIS updated their system that their mail was returned. This was the first time we came to know about the outstanding notice from USCIS. We immediately contacted USCIS and requested for a copy of NOID. In the meantime, 33 days elapsed, and USCIS promptly denied I-485s of me and my family. I have been working on EAD and it was due to expire in July 2011.
Life after denials
I requested my company for AC21 letter and after receiving the employment letter, my attorney filed I-290B MTR around the end of Dec�2011. I continued to work as usual using my EAD. After couple of months of waiting, I requested USCIS to expedite. Their response was to wait 30 days. Nothing happened. Then, I simultaneously contacted my Senator�s office and Ombudsman. I promptly received responses that they would look into this and I should expect a response from USCIS within 15 days. Based on these responses, I should have received approval by the first week of April. Again, nothing happened until the 3rd week of April. I was becoming wary of my EAD expiry and applying for renewal within 90 days of expiry.
IV�s Advocacy Days in D.C.
I have been a donor for the last few years and actively participated in advocacy days of 2010 and 2011. During this year�s advocacy event, I met IV core team and explained my case. Based on their advice, I waited to see if USCIS responds by mid of April. After long wait and exhausting all options, I requested help from IV. As I mentioned, within 24 hours, I got the approval of MTR and our status was restored!
Though not everyone gets into this kind of trouble, it is very heartening to note that there is someone (IV) behind us to help when in need.
Final Request to Readers:
As someone who associated with IV for the last few years and after going through this ordeal with USCIS, I recommend all those waiting in line or waiting to be in line (for GC) to start associating with IV. No matter how little time or money you could afford to work with IV, every minute and every cent is well worth it! Please Get Involved with IV! Thanks.
Synopsis
After 4 months wait since the wrongful denial of our 485s, I contacted Immigration Voice (IV) core team for help on April 25, 2011 as a last resort. On the next day morning (April 26th), I received a phone call from USCIS Headquarters in D.C. and the officer informed that Service Center approved my MTR and reopened 485s, and I should receive system updates in a day. At the end of the day, I got email updates confirming re-opening of 485s. It was an incredible moment in my life to receive a call from USCIS about my case. I am very grateful to the IV leadership and its deep relationships within USCIS and DHS. Prior to contacting IV, I filed an expedite request with USCIS, contacted Ombudsman, and contacted my Senator as well. I received standard responses but no positive result. Adding fuel to the fire, my EAD was due to expire in July 2011.
At the end, even though I never anticipated issues with my 485, I was very happy to see that my active participation with IV�s advocacy efforts over the last few years opened up several options for me to seek help.
Prologue
During the middle of last year my attorney moved their offices and we filed a new G-28 for address change. After couple of months of this address change, during early Nov�2010 USCIS apparently sent a NOID asking for AC21 employment letter to the old address of the attorney. USCIS did not send text or email even though both me and my attorney subscribed to the notifications. USCIS did not even send a copy of this notice to me. After 30 days of original notice, USCIS updated their system that their mail was returned. This was the first time we came to know about the outstanding notice from USCIS. We immediately contacted USCIS and requested for a copy of NOID. In the meantime, 33 days elapsed, and USCIS promptly denied I-485s of me and my family. I have been working on EAD and it was due to expire in July 2011.
Life after denials
I requested my company for AC21 letter and after receiving the employment letter, my attorney filed I-290B MTR around the end of Dec�2011. I continued to work as usual using my EAD. After couple of months of waiting, I requested USCIS to expedite. Their response was to wait 30 days. Nothing happened. Then, I simultaneously contacted my Senator�s office and Ombudsman. I promptly received responses that they would look into this and I should expect a response from USCIS within 15 days. Based on these responses, I should have received approval by the first week of April. Again, nothing happened until the 3rd week of April. I was becoming wary of my EAD expiry and applying for renewal within 90 days of expiry.
IV�s Advocacy Days in D.C.
I have been a donor for the last few years and actively participated in advocacy days of 2010 and 2011. During this year�s advocacy event, I met IV core team and explained my case. Based on their advice, I waited to see if USCIS responds by mid of April. After long wait and exhausting all options, I requested help from IV. As I mentioned, within 24 hours, I got the approval of MTR and our status was restored!
Though not everyone gets into this kind of trouble, it is very heartening to note that there is someone (IV) behind us to help when in need.
Final Request to Readers:
As someone who associated with IV for the last few years and after going through this ordeal with USCIS, I recommend all those waiting in line or waiting to be in line (for GC) to start associating with IV. No matter how little time or money you could afford to work with IV, every minute and every cent is well worth it! Please Get Involved with IV! Thanks.
prabhu07
05-21 12:42 AM
(a) I am currently in L1 and have a priority date of May 2004 and I am in EB3 category
(b) I have an approved I-140
(c) My 485 has not been filed yet
(d) I just got my H1 approved and it would be effective from Oct 1 2008
So, if I change my current job from Employer A to Employer B and if Employer B agrees to take over my Green Card Process,
1) Should I re-file my I-140? (I presume the answer is Yes, but don't want to be a smart a**, wanted to get it clarified to the maximum extent possible)
2) Will my current Priority Date be carried over? That is, can I re-file my I-140 with my new Employer B with the same priority date of May 2004?
3) If I can move from Employer A to Employer B and file my new I-140, should this be done asap and before Employer A revokes my current approved I-140?
4) How much time does it take when I file I-140 with premium processing? (I can probably find this from USCIS website, but wanted to know real-time experiences)
5) Within how many days of joining my new Employer B should I file my new I-140?
6) I understand that the Employer A can revoke my I-140 and use my approved labor for any other viable applicant, but I also know that the Labor Substitution concept ceased to exist from July 2007. What is the benefit for my Employer A to revoke the I-140?
7) Last, but not the least - Should I file for a new labor where I will get a new Priority date and go back to that (god forsaken) square 1?
Thanks in advance for your time and I am finding it difficult to assimilate the answers from various posts.
(b) I have an approved I-140
(c) My 485 has not been filed yet
(d) I just got my H1 approved and it would be effective from Oct 1 2008
So, if I change my current job from Employer A to Employer B and if Employer B agrees to take over my Green Card Process,
1) Should I re-file my I-140? (I presume the answer is Yes, but don't want to be a smart a**, wanted to get it clarified to the maximum extent possible)
2) Will my current Priority Date be carried over? That is, can I re-file my I-140 with my new Employer B with the same priority date of May 2004?
3) If I can move from Employer A to Employer B and file my new I-140, should this be done asap and before Employer A revokes my current approved I-140?
4) How much time does it take when I file I-140 with premium processing? (I can probably find this from USCIS website, but wanted to know real-time experiences)
5) Within how many days of joining my new Employer B should I file my new I-140?
6) I understand that the Employer A can revoke my I-140 and use my approved labor for any other viable applicant, but I also know that the Labor Substitution concept ceased to exist from July 2007. What is the benefit for my Employer A to revoke the I-140?
7) Last, but not the least - Should I file for a new labor where I will get a new Priority date and go back to that (god forsaken) square 1?
Thanks in advance for your time and I am finding it difficult to assimilate the answers from various posts.
ys2jax
07-14 09:38 AM
i thought india EB quota had a hard constraint of 7% but 17000 seems to be much higher than that out of the total 140K, can somebody explain
kirupa
11-09 02:55 AM
Ah thanks for that reminder. I somehow completely skipped over both of them!
more...
Kodi
08-28 06:50 PM
Received 2 yr EAD, I-140 pending as of 4/18/08
sdrblr
10-28 11:11 AM
Was the threat or intimidation verbal or do you have any paper trail. This can go both ways as the company's have a right to protect their intellectual property and on the same was that non compete legal (meaning if you challenge that in the court, can the judge say yes this needs 5 years of non compete).
Take the non compete and any paper trail about the termination to an HR attorney ASAP. Also see whether any of your colleagues were impacted and go for a class action.
Hi Guys,
I am based out of NJ and was working for an imports company for more than 8 years. I have an approved I-140 with this company. This company wanted me to sign an overly broad non compete agreement which would be valid for 5 years after termination. I refused to sign this agreement and I was verbally threatened with dire consequences if I did not sign. They fired me yesterday for not signing it and also stated that they are canceling my H1. Would this be treated as wrongful termination? Is there any way that I can file a complaint with the DOL? Has the complaint to be filed thru an attorney or can I do it myself?
Good news is another company has already applied for my H1 transfer.
I will appreciate all suggestions and advices for which I thank you in advance.
Take the non compete and any paper trail about the termination to an HR attorney ASAP. Also see whether any of your colleagues were impacted and go for a class action.
Hi Guys,
I am based out of NJ and was working for an imports company for more than 8 years. I have an approved I-140 with this company. This company wanted me to sign an overly broad non compete agreement which would be valid for 5 years after termination. I refused to sign this agreement and I was verbally threatened with dire consequences if I did not sign. They fired me yesterday for not signing it and also stated that they are canceling my H1. Would this be treated as wrongful termination? Is there any way that I can file a complaint with the DOL? Has the complaint to be filed thru an attorney or can I do it myself?
Good news is another company has already applied for my H1 transfer.
I will appreciate all suggestions and advices for which I thank you in advance.
more...
ravi_hyd
10-26 10:53 PM
RD Texas: 3rd Aug
AP - Case pending
FP- Not Received
EAD - Card Prod. ordered
AP - Case pending
FP- Not Received
EAD - Card Prod. ordered
smiledoc
02-28 09:57 AM
We got our FP in sept 07. Our attorney has advised that we file earlier to be on the safer side.
I am in the same boat as well. But you answer your question - am almost sure you don't need FP to renew your EAD. Having said that - why would renew your card in June? (Considering that you might not have received your EAD till Aug-Sep'07 of last year).
I am in the same boat as well. But you answer your question - am almost sure you don't need FP to renew your EAD. Having said that - why would renew your card in June? (Considering that you might not have received your EAD till Aug-Sep'07 of last year).
more...
Caliber
05-25 06:13 AM
Fax Sent
Lasantha
03-17 01:47 PM
Good luck with that. It didn't work for me either. The Doctor's office did not even accept my insurance in the first place evn though they were in my network, I don't know why but they gave some weird excuse. I was in no mood to argue and was eager to get the medicals done so I just paid up hoping to get it reimbursed but did not see a penny from the insurance co.
did anyone get reimbursed for the medical exams - physicals and vaccinations?
i am having a hard time getting my provider submit the claims to the insurance company.
did anyone get reimbursed for the medical exams - physicals and vaccinations?
i am having a hard time getting my provider submit the claims to the insurance company.
more...
rolrblade
07-20 01:29 PM
My attorney said e-notice is fine and applied.
but in enotice it is written
Please note that this e-mail message is being sent as a
courtesy and cannot be used as evidence of nonimmigrant
status. Nor can this message be used as evidence to procure
an immigrant visa
I am worried if my packages comes back after aug 17?
read carefully to what Superdude wrote...... your answre is in there.
To file I-485 you need a I-140 RECEIPT NOTICE. You dont need an approved I-140 to file 485. If you attached your I-140 receipt notice then you are fine.
but in enotice it is written
Please note that this e-mail message is being sent as a
courtesy and cannot be used as evidence of nonimmigrant
status. Nor can this message be used as evidence to procure
an immigrant visa
I am worried if my packages comes back after aug 17?
read carefully to what Superdude wrote...... your answre is in there.
To file I-485 you need a I-140 RECEIPT NOTICE. You dont need an approved I-140 to file 485. If you attached your I-140 receipt notice then you are fine.
yagw
10-31 06:43 PM
I am planning to shift employers and I have a question:
Company A applied for my green card and I have an approved I-140, passed the 6 month mark and now planning to shift jobs on EAD. I have an offer from Company B with a condition that my offer would be permanent upon approval of my green card. I cannot work for company B till I physically have my GC. In the mean time can I work for Company C ( in a completely different field) till my GC gets approved without any issues?
To answer your questions (assuming you filed I-1485 with A - since you mention using EAD).
1. Is employer A going to withdraw the approved I-140? If yes, then you will run into some issues with the way things are going now. But you should be able to fight back (MTR etc) in the worst case. If A is not withdrawing I-140, then less problem.
2. Is Company B, that promises to employ you after GC, can they give any written statement? Here in US it is _at-will_ employment. So, you might have tough time proving it.
3. Another problem is, before they adjudicate your I-485, they might issue an RFE to check if you're still employed in same or similar position. And employment with Company C will not satisfy this requirement.
Now, I am not sure if any documents from company B will establish the fact that you will be working in same/similar occupation. You should better consult with an Immigration Attorney and better yet retain them for future.
Company A applied for my green card and I have an approved I-140, passed the 6 month mark and now planning to shift jobs on EAD. I have an offer from Company B with a condition that my offer would be permanent upon approval of my green card. I cannot work for company B till I physically have my GC. In the mean time can I work for Company C ( in a completely different field) till my GC gets approved without any issues?
To answer your questions (assuming you filed I-1485 with A - since you mention using EAD).
1. Is employer A going to withdraw the approved I-140? If yes, then you will run into some issues with the way things are going now. But you should be able to fight back (MTR etc) in the worst case. If A is not withdrawing I-140, then less problem.
2. Is Company B, that promises to employ you after GC, can they give any written statement? Here in US it is _at-will_ employment. So, you might have tough time proving it.
3. Another problem is, before they adjudicate your I-485, they might issue an RFE to check if you're still employed in same or similar position. And employment with Company C will not satisfy this requirement.
Now, I am not sure if any documents from company B will establish the fact that you will be working in same/similar occupation. You should better consult with an Immigration Attorney and better yet retain them for future.
more...
for_gc
02-11 08:46 AM
My previous company hires them and I used to deal with Chugh firm a lot. They are very good and professional. I did not see any issues.
Best of luck with your EB2.
Best of luck with your EB2.
cool_guy_onnet1
06-04 01:31 PM
Hey,
Anyone else is like me - My 9th yr H extension was receipted from VERMONT on Jan9th '08 and its almost June 9th '08 and I'm still "Pending"... The peoples i know of got it in 2-3 months , worst case is 4 months.
Earlier i had Extension from VERMONT within 1-2 months , don't know what special stuff they have found for me this time !! :rolleyes:
I am applying for premium today- Keeping my fingers crossed as I have to make a trip in last week of June.
Anyone else is like me - My 9th yr H extension was receipted from VERMONT on Jan9th '08 and its almost June 9th '08 and I'm still "Pending"... The peoples i know of got it in 2-3 months , worst case is 4 months.
Earlier i had Extension from VERMONT within 1-2 months , don't know what special stuff they have found for me this time !! :rolleyes:
I am applying for premium today- Keeping my fingers crossed as I have to make a trip in last week of June.
more...
nvmurali
06-02 02:40 PM
Hi,
I've already completed my 6 yrs on H1, have my 140 approved, applied for extension and got it (before 6 yr expiry). The extension has been approved for 3 years.
Now -- I need to change employers as my employer is asking me to become full time from consulting.
2 questions:
1. Can I use this extension to change employers?
2. Can I start the GC process with the 140 priority date? (Feb '08)?
Thanks
PS: I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.
I've already completed my 6 yrs on H1, have my 140 approved, applied for extension and got it (before 6 yr expiry). The extension has been approved for 3 years.
Now -- I need to change employers as my employer is asking me to become full time from consulting.
2 questions:
1. Can I use this extension to change employers?
2. Can I start the GC process with the 140 priority date? (Feb '08)?
Thanks
PS: I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.
pnjbindia
01-15 09:23 AM
i got frustrated and applied for PP .... came back in 3 days... they are rediculous..
more...
wandmaker
10-22 10:07 PM
Hello,
Please advice on this.
Application is filed under EB2 category.
In Labor certificate minimum education requirement is Master's
My I-140 is denied because of 3 years Bachelors degree.
I have 3 yrs bachelors + 2 years Masters + 4 yrs work exp.
Received RFE on 15th June 2009.
We submitted 2 education evaluations on Sept 3rd 2009, which says my Master�s degree is equivalent to US Masters Degree.
Received denial notice on 28th Sept 2009.
After denial, Lawyer is planning to file appeal with federal court.
Does anyone have the same issue?
I read about a company called Career Consulting International (CCI)on internet, it seems they can prove my 3 yrs bachelors degree is equivalent to 4 yrs US Bachelors degree.
To proof this CCI is charging a huge amount.
Does anyone have any info about CCI?
Please advice.
Thanks.
Everyone knows the fact
B.Sc != US Bachelors or Even B.E
B.Sc + MCA / any non professional master degree != US Masters or Even M.E
For your qualification, you can only prove that your education is equal to US Bachelors - even then you are short of 1 year experience. So, you dont qualify for EB2.
Please advice on this.
Application is filed under EB2 category.
In Labor certificate minimum education requirement is Master's
My I-140 is denied because of 3 years Bachelors degree.
I have 3 yrs bachelors + 2 years Masters + 4 yrs work exp.
Received RFE on 15th June 2009.
We submitted 2 education evaluations on Sept 3rd 2009, which says my Master�s degree is equivalent to US Masters Degree.
Received denial notice on 28th Sept 2009.
After denial, Lawyer is planning to file appeal with federal court.
Does anyone have the same issue?
I read about a company called Career Consulting International (CCI)on internet, it seems they can prove my 3 yrs bachelors degree is equivalent to 4 yrs US Bachelors degree.
To proof this CCI is charging a huge amount.
Does anyone have any info about CCI?
Please advice.
Thanks.
Everyone knows the fact
B.Sc != US Bachelors or Even B.E
B.Sc + MCA / any non professional master degree != US Masters or Even M.E
For your qualification, you can only prove that your education is equal to US Bachelors - even then you are short of 1 year experience. So, you dont qualify for EB2.
pappu
08-04 02:42 PM
Green..
May be you are joking or you didnt get my point.. I was wondering if there are any people who support these DOL sw/hw Systems are struck in Labor as well.
yes it will be funny if any of Exceed employee working in backlog center is also affcted by backlog of his labor application there.
May be you are joking or you didnt get my point.. I was wondering if there are any people who support these DOL sw/hw Systems are struck in Labor as well.
yes it will be funny if any of Exceed employee working in backlog center is also affcted by backlog of his labor application there.
pbojja
04-22 11:11 AM
Recently we have seen lot of 140 case transfers from NSC to TSC
I m starting this thread to track all the 140 transfers from NSC to TSC and approvals , Please use the below format
Type : EB3
RD to NSC : July 5 th 2007
Concurent Filing : NO
Tranfered to TSC : April 7 th 2008
Last Update : April 14 th 2008
Current Status : This case is now pending at the office to which it was transfered
Approval Date : Pending
I m starting this thread to track all the 140 transfers from NSC to TSC and approvals , Please use the below format
Type : EB3
RD to NSC : July 5 th 2007
Concurent Filing : NO
Tranfered to TSC : April 7 th 2008
Last Update : April 14 th 2008
Current Status : This case is now pending at the office to which it was transfered
Approval Date : Pending
lvaka
05-21 11:20 AM
Hi All,
While filling the EFile EAD, I am not really sure what should be filled under the Last question.. "Please provide information concerning your eligibility status"
I would appreciate if any of you who got their EAD through EFile answer this question.
Thanks
While filling the EFile EAD, I am not really sure what should be filled under the Last question.. "Please provide information concerning your eligibility status"
I would appreciate if any of you who got their EAD through EFile answer this question.
Thanks
raj_k
07-14 12:47 PM
Philippines GC numbers are almost exclusively Schedule A (nursing etc) - 23K consumption is out of the 50K that was authorized by congress as a one time adjustment in '05 - so these no:s are over and above the yearly 140K and hence does not put Philippines in the "oversubscribed" column (go figure)...
I have a Filipino friend (non schedule A) who did the entire PERM to PERManent resident thing in 11 months... As a matter of fact he had no trouble getting accepted to HBS, Wharton, U Chic & Kellogg either... Good for him, but "Under subscription" doesn't hurt you elsewhere also.. off topic!
why is there not an EB3 Philipenes with backlogs?
that would free up EB3 ROW and allow spillover
Clearly Philipenes has enough applicants to have backlog issues???
I have a Filipino friend (non schedule A) who did the entire PERM to PERManent resident thing in 11 months... As a matter of fact he had no trouble getting accepted to HBS, Wharton, U Chic & Kellogg either... Good for him, but "Under subscription" doesn't hurt you elsewhere also.. off topic!
why is there not an EB3 Philipenes with backlogs?
that would free up EB3 ROW and allow spillover
Clearly Philipenes has enough applicants to have backlog issues???
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