dummgelauft
01-25 11:37 AM
Great news. What will be greater is that not only these "students", but the people who employ them, the people who run the "university", the ones who gave accreditation to this "university" should be all loaded in a ship and dropped-off on a hitherto uninhabited island in the south pacific, with a live stream of their life made available post drop-off.
They can all happily screw each other on the island.
BTW, let one of the right wing radio shows get a hold of this news, we will not hear the end of this. The next logical step will be Steve King professing an end to F1 visas.
** Just saw that TVU is a "faith based" (a certain faith) university, no suprise that right wing talk show jac@$$e$ have not latched on to this.
They can all happily screw each other on the island.
BTW, let one of the right wing radio shows get a hold of this news, we will not hear the end of this. The next logical step will be Steve King professing an end to F1 visas.
** Just saw that TVU is a "faith based" (a certain faith) university, no suprise that right wing talk show jac@$$e$ have not latched on to this.
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styrum
03-27 11:23 PM
Then you are a hero!:D
will take care of CO.
thx
will take care of CO.
thx
uslegals
11-06 11:02 AM
Thanks bharatpremi - thats a pretty comprehensive scenario.! Very helpful indeed.!
My Infopass appt. is next week in baltimore. My EAD & AP are still pending for both me and my wife. 90 days was y'day.! USCIS recd. our EAD & AP applications on 8/7.
I have scheduled my appt. for tuesday morning. I could provide only my info (A# and receipt #) online - can i take my wife along too although she hasn't officially scheduled a appt for tuesday with me.? Do you know if they may object when we have filled ii only 1 person online but 2 show up for the appt.?
Thanks.!
My Infopass appt. is next week in baltimore. My EAD & AP are still pending for both me and my wife. 90 days was y'day.! USCIS recd. our EAD & AP applications on 8/7.
I have scheduled my appt. for tuesday morning. I could provide only my info (A# and receipt #) online - can i take my wife along too although she hasn't officially scheduled a appt for tuesday with me.? Do you know if they may object when we have filled ii only 1 person online but 2 show up for the appt.?
Thanks.!
2011 Virender Sehwag and Mr.Cricket
SDdesi
12-22 11:40 AM
Last year, my daughter's PIO card was processed in 1 day! No questions asked. I must say I have had the best experience with CGI houston so far.
I had also renewed by passport at SFO; and that too was processed in 2 weeks.
Dont forget that sometimes we ask the nerdiest questions to the consulate folks over & over again, even after a good explanation. I cant blame them for their attitude if they are at the receiving end.....
I think Meera Shankar needs to be fired. Its bloody 2010 and this is the kind of customer service the indian consulates provide - they dont pick up calls - it takes them a month to issue new passports - Always feel ashamed to be an indian any time I have to deal with these useless consulates.
The Houston consulate does not even have their address properly listed on their website.
This is what they have listed
1990, Post Oak Boulevard,
# 600, 3 Post Oak Central,
Houston TX 77056
So what is the correct address ?? Is it 1990 Post Oak Blvd or 3 Post Oak Central ?? Bunch of freaking idiots is what we have in all these US consulates.
I had also renewed by passport at SFO; and that too was processed in 2 weeks.
Dont forget that sometimes we ask the nerdiest questions to the consulate folks over & over again, even after a good explanation. I cant blame them for their attitude if they are at the receiving end.....
I think Meera Shankar needs to be fired. Its bloody 2010 and this is the kind of customer service the indian consulates provide - they dont pick up calls - it takes them a month to issue new passports - Always feel ashamed to be an indian any time I have to deal with these useless consulates.
The Houston consulate does not even have their address properly listed on their website.
This is what they have listed
1990, Post Oak Boulevard,
# 600, 3 Post Oak Central,
Houston TX 77056
So what is the correct address ?? Is it 1990 Post Oak Blvd or 3 Post Oak Central ?? Bunch of freaking idiots is what we have in all these US consulates.
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mallu
11-30 01:27 PM
http://www.durrani.com/docs/FBI%20Process.pdf
It says some applications will still be delayed . I assume of one is stuck with namecheck where FBI is waiting for response from native country, he will be waiting for eternity. Nowhere it says applications will be approved while the namecheck is pending.
It says some applications will still be delayed . I assume of one is stuck with namecheck where FBI is waiting for response from native country, he will be waiting for eternity. Nowhere it says applications will be approved while the namecheck is pending.
pkak
11-21 11:06 AM
Taking a plunge now on EAD is like drowning yourself. prices have not yet come down and will come down by 15-20 % over 5 years. there is talk about recession , job losses and more foreclosures. if you dont need the space ...DONT BUY. most of us dont need more space unless we have 2-3 grown kids who need their own rooms. renting is not same as throwing away money as you get a place to live. how does buying a home give you security ..it is more of a hassle if you are on EAD or H-1 and you need mobility after a job is lost. my friend who has good worldly experience rightly said ..buying a house now is like worrying about one more thing in life.
If buying a house had been the smart option, I would have bought it already.
Please see the attached XLS.
BTW, independent analysts predict that housing prices will fall by 20% in real terms in next 10 years.
All I am stating is that this issue can be a good talking point for the Immigration Lobby, especially as the housing market continues its slide down:)
If buying a house had been the smart option, I would have bought it already.
Please see the attached XLS.
BTW, independent analysts predict that housing prices will fall by 20% in real terms in next 10 years.
All I am stating is that this issue can be a good talking point for the Immigration Lobby, especially as the housing market continues its slide down:)
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pooja_34
12-22 03:08 PM
Again, incorrect english - Why dont you go learn english and then post here - Till then use your local language forums only !
I am not in the bed with you to take your direction
I am not in the bed with you to take your direction
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Sheila Danzig
08-18 03:50 PM
Two things
1. Responding to 8-month old post == free ad
2. Is your posting evaluation or legal advice?
Have a good day!
.
Sorry - for some reason the post showed up as new on my PC and I did not notice the date. This is evaluation advice and certainly not an ad. It is important that everyone understand what they need as many attorneys make mistakes. It was free advice. That is my only reason to be here. The vast majority of my business comes from attorneys and firms. If you can tell me how I can help and not have you think it is an ad each time, then I will do so. I see so many bad situations that could have been avoided if everyone were just a bit more informed. That is all I seek to do here.
1. Responding to 8-month old post == free ad
2. Is your posting evaluation or legal advice?
Have a good day!
.
Sorry - for some reason the post showed up as new on my PC and I did not notice the date. This is evaluation advice and certainly not an ad. It is important that everyone understand what they need as many attorneys make mistakes. It was free advice. That is my only reason to be here. The vast majority of my business comes from attorneys and firms. If you can tell me how I can help and not have you think it is an ad each time, then I will do so. I see so many bad situations that could have been avoided if everyone were just a bit more informed. That is all I seek to do here.
more...
naushit
12-12 04:23 PM
I think that the DOS (Dept of State) releases VISA Numbers on a quarterly basis. If that is the case, there should be movement in EB2 India in Jan 2007.
The other possibility always exists that the numbers were released for this quarter but the demand was SO HIGH that the net date did not move at all.
possible?? maybe!!
My understanding is (50% confidence level) , Number for next quarter ( JAN-FEB-MARCH) are already released, and accounted in this Bulletin. My logic is Oct-Nov-Dec was the 1st quarter, and thats why there was change in Oct Bulletin, If this is true...then we should not expect any change in FEB and March bulletin.
I hope I am wrong. please confirm!
The other possibility always exists that the numbers were released for this quarter but the demand was SO HIGH that the net date did not move at all.
possible?? maybe!!
My understanding is (50% confidence level) , Number for next quarter ( JAN-FEB-MARCH) are already released, and accounted in this Bulletin. My logic is Oct-Nov-Dec was the 1st quarter, and thats why there was change in Oct Bulletin, If this is true...then we should not expect any change in FEB and March bulletin.
I hope I am wrong. please confirm!
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mmj
04-20 02:50 PM
Thanks! Now we need 49,995 more :)
Just wrote to whitehouse and to my senator.
Just wrote to whitehouse and to my senator.
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desi485
10-10 07:11 PM
There are many people from these Indian Outsourcing companies who are switching to US comanies or even to local desi bodyshopping companies for various reasons...Like the ones below
1) If you are in US onsite, there is no guarantee that you would be onsite for the prolonged period you want. When the business need arises, you will have to go back at short notice. Most of the people quit these companies in US due to that reason alone.
2) They don't process GCs in general (very limited cases....)
3) Chances are that one may make more money based on the skill-set
However, if people continue to believe that these companies are just sort of "glorified body shoppers", nothing stops them.
But outsourcing is increasingly preferred by US corporates & these outsourcing companies are only going to prosper.....
Just the fact that you make more money outside is a proof of underpay.
also I read few months back that out of some 70K SWITCH ppl in usa, they filed GC for less than 100 employees. Do you think only 100 out of some 70K H1B wanted GC??? Another proof that they do not want their employees to move ahead.
Any way you argue, the truth is SWITCH is a glorified bodyshopper.
and that too glorified in india by indian media, not by US media.
1) If you are in US onsite, there is no guarantee that you would be onsite for the prolonged period you want. When the business need arises, you will have to go back at short notice. Most of the people quit these companies in US due to that reason alone.
2) They don't process GCs in general (very limited cases....)
3) Chances are that one may make more money based on the skill-set
However, if people continue to believe that these companies are just sort of "glorified body shoppers", nothing stops them.
But outsourcing is increasingly preferred by US corporates & these outsourcing companies are only going to prosper.....
Just the fact that you make more money outside is a proof of underpay.
also I read few months back that out of some 70K SWITCH ppl in usa, they filed GC for less than 100 employees. Do you think only 100 out of some 70K H1B wanted GC??? Another proof that they do not want their employees to move ahead.
Any way you argue, the truth is SWITCH is a glorified bodyshopper.
and that too glorified in india by indian media, not by US media.
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vishwak
11-10 04:02 PM
Tomm is Veterans Day holiday and as usual person who responsible might have left in noon without posting it.
I know its rotten joke, please bear with me.
I know its rotten joke, please bear with me.
more...
house This wallpaper is meant for
mmj
04-24 09:03 AM
If this the kind of response we get for something as simple to do as this - either people have stopped visiting these forums or just plain not interested in doing anything about the situation they are in.
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Pegasus503
02-20 06:46 PM
The damn thing was taken down before I could save it. Did anyone save the file?
The link just worked for me
I saved it as a pdf and doc, but the upload keeps failing so here's the text:
Office of Communications
Questions & Answers
February 20, 2008
FBI NAME CHECK POLICY
Q. How has USCIS changed its national security reporting and adjudication requirements?
A. USCIS has not changed its background check policies as those policies related to naturalization applications. Recently, the agency did modify its existing guidance for applications where the immigration laws allow for the detention and removal of individuals if actionable information from a FBI name check response is received after approval. For these types of applications, including applications for lawful permanent residence, the adjudicators will approve the application if it is otherwise approvable and the FBI name check request has been pending for more than 180 days. No application for lawful permanent residence will be approved until a definitive FBI fingerprint check and Interagency Border Inspection Services (IBIS) check are completed and resolved favorably.
Q. Why is this policy being implemented?
A. This policy change is in response to a 2005 DHS Inspector General recommendation that USCIS align its background check screening policies with those of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Q. Is this policy consistent with the national security priorities of USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security?
A. Yes. No application for lawful permanent residence will be approved until a definitive FBI fingerprint check and Interagency Border Inspection Services (IBIS) check are completed and resolved favorably. In addition, in the unlikely event that DHS receives actionable information after the application is approved, it will initiate removal proceedings. Lastly, in general these individuals have been in the United States for some time and have previously been subjected to DHS background checks.
Q. What applications are affected by this policy change?
A. Applications included in this policy are:
• I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
• I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility;
• I-687, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident Under Section 245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act; and
• I-698, Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (Under Section 245A of Public Law 99-603).
Q. How many applications for lawful permanent residence are affected by this policy change?
A. USCIS is currently aware of approximately 47,000 applications for permanent residence (I-485) cases that are otherwise approvable but for the fact that an FBI name check is pending. In a subset of these case, the FBI name check request that been pending for more than 180 days. USCIS anticipates that the majority of the cases that are subject to this policy modification will be processed by mid-March 2008.
Q. Does this policy change affect naturalization applications?
A. No. There is no change in the requirement that FBI name check, FBI fingerprint and IBIS check results be obtained and resolved prior to the adjudication of an Application for Naturalization (N-400),
Q. How long will it take for USCIS to work through these cases affected by the policy change?
A. USCIS has begun identifying the cases affected by this policy modification in each field office and service center. Each office will evaluate the pending cases and will adjust their workload accordingly. USCIS anticipates that the majority of the cases that are subject to this policy modification will be processed by mid-March 2008. We recommend that customers wait until mid-March before inquiring about their cases. This will allow each office sufficient time to identify and adjudicate pending cases.
Q. USCIS Director Gonzalez pledged in his January 17, 2008, testimony regarding naturalization backlogs before Congress not to cut corners in the adjudicative process or risk national security in the interest of production? Does this policy comply with the Director’s pledge?
A. Yes. There is no change in the requirement that FBI name check, FBI fingerprint and IBIS check results be obtained and resolved prior to the adjudication of an Application for Naturalization (N-400), For those applications for permanent residence that are affected by this policy modification, no application will be approved until a definitive FBI fingerprint check and Interagency Border Inspection Services (IBIS) check are completed and resolved favorably. USCIS will continue to initiate the FBI name check requests upon receipt of the applications and will review, monitor and track cases approved under this policy until the FBI name check is complete. In the unlikely event that DHS receives actionable information after the application is approved, it will initiate removal proceedings.
Q. The memorandum identifies I-485, I-601, I-687 and I-698 forms. Is there a plan to include other forms, specifically nonimmigrant and naturalization, in this policy?
A. No.
Q. Should customers contact USCIS through the 1-800 customer service number or make an INFOPASS appointment to visit their local office if they believe their application meets the criteria of this new policy?
A. We recommend that customers wait until mid-March before inquiring about cases affected by this policy modification. This will allow each office sufficient time to identify and adjudicate the relevant pending cases. If no action is taken by mid-March, we recommend inquiring with the USCIS customer service line at 1-800-375-5283.
Q10. Will USCIS automatically notify an applicant to appear at an Application Support Center if their fingerprints have expired?
A10. Applicants will be notified through an appointment notice if new/updated fingerprint checks are needed.
in the time it took me to copy and paste it was already posted above
The link just worked for me
I saved it as a pdf and doc, but the upload keeps failing so here's the text:
Office of Communications
Questions & Answers
February 20, 2008
FBI NAME CHECK POLICY
Q. How has USCIS changed its national security reporting and adjudication requirements?
A. USCIS has not changed its background check policies as those policies related to naturalization applications. Recently, the agency did modify its existing guidance for applications where the immigration laws allow for the detention and removal of individuals if actionable information from a FBI name check response is received after approval. For these types of applications, including applications for lawful permanent residence, the adjudicators will approve the application if it is otherwise approvable and the FBI name check request has been pending for more than 180 days. No application for lawful permanent residence will be approved until a definitive FBI fingerprint check and Interagency Border Inspection Services (IBIS) check are completed and resolved favorably.
Q. Why is this policy being implemented?
A. This policy change is in response to a 2005 DHS Inspector General recommendation that USCIS align its background check screening policies with those of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Q. Is this policy consistent with the national security priorities of USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security?
A. Yes. No application for lawful permanent residence will be approved until a definitive FBI fingerprint check and Interagency Border Inspection Services (IBIS) check are completed and resolved favorably. In addition, in the unlikely event that DHS receives actionable information after the application is approved, it will initiate removal proceedings. Lastly, in general these individuals have been in the United States for some time and have previously been subjected to DHS background checks.
Q. What applications are affected by this policy change?
A. Applications included in this policy are:
• I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status;
• I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility;
• I-687, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident Under Section 245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act; and
• I-698, Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (Under Section 245A of Public Law 99-603).
Q. How many applications for lawful permanent residence are affected by this policy change?
A. USCIS is currently aware of approximately 47,000 applications for permanent residence (I-485) cases that are otherwise approvable but for the fact that an FBI name check is pending. In a subset of these case, the FBI name check request that been pending for more than 180 days. USCIS anticipates that the majority of the cases that are subject to this policy modification will be processed by mid-March 2008.
Q. Does this policy change affect naturalization applications?
A. No. There is no change in the requirement that FBI name check, FBI fingerprint and IBIS check results be obtained and resolved prior to the adjudication of an Application for Naturalization (N-400),
Q. How long will it take for USCIS to work through these cases affected by the policy change?
A. USCIS has begun identifying the cases affected by this policy modification in each field office and service center. Each office will evaluate the pending cases and will adjust their workload accordingly. USCIS anticipates that the majority of the cases that are subject to this policy modification will be processed by mid-March 2008. We recommend that customers wait until mid-March before inquiring about their cases. This will allow each office sufficient time to identify and adjudicate pending cases.
Q. USCIS Director Gonzalez pledged in his January 17, 2008, testimony regarding naturalization backlogs before Congress not to cut corners in the adjudicative process or risk national security in the interest of production? Does this policy comply with the Director’s pledge?
A. Yes. There is no change in the requirement that FBI name check, FBI fingerprint and IBIS check results be obtained and resolved prior to the adjudication of an Application for Naturalization (N-400), For those applications for permanent residence that are affected by this policy modification, no application will be approved until a definitive FBI fingerprint check and Interagency Border Inspection Services (IBIS) check are completed and resolved favorably. USCIS will continue to initiate the FBI name check requests upon receipt of the applications and will review, monitor and track cases approved under this policy until the FBI name check is complete. In the unlikely event that DHS receives actionable information after the application is approved, it will initiate removal proceedings.
Q. The memorandum identifies I-485, I-601, I-687 and I-698 forms. Is there a plan to include other forms, specifically nonimmigrant and naturalization, in this policy?
A. No.
Q. Should customers contact USCIS through the 1-800 customer service number or make an INFOPASS appointment to visit their local office if they believe their application meets the criteria of this new policy?
A. We recommend that customers wait until mid-March before inquiring about cases affected by this policy modification. This will allow each office sufficient time to identify and adjudicate the relevant pending cases. If no action is taken by mid-March, we recommend inquiring with the USCIS customer service line at 1-800-375-5283.
Q10. Will USCIS automatically notify an applicant to appear at an Application Support Center if their fingerprints have expired?
A10. Applicants will be notified through an appointment notice if new/updated fingerprint checks are needed.
in the time it took me to copy and paste it was already posted above
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perm2gc
05-22 04:12 PM
When the one of the IV leaders is seriously considering going out of status in order to benefit from the great amnesty, you know that something is seriously messed up. Even so, I didn't expect you guys to be the first ones to give up...
Didn't you read the bill. They didn't give up but asking our fellow 400,000 highly skilled immigrants to wakeup and be part of our struggle.Many people i talked don't know about the bill itself.What a pitty !!!:mad:
Didn't you read the bill. They didn't give up but asking our fellow 400,000 highly skilled immigrants to wakeup and be part of our struggle.Many people i talked don't know about the bill itself.What a pitty !!!:mad:
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nivasch
01-31 03:04 PM
I liked ur statement
DAYLIGHT ROBBERY
DAYLIGHT ROBBERY
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raysaikat
01-09 11:56 AM
Hi,
I am joining new job using AC21 provision coming monday. My new employer does not provide medical insurance for the first month. I am eligible for after I complete 1 month.
So my question is: till the time I get medical coverage from new employer (approx. 20 - 30 days), can I invoke COBRA? I heard that one can not invoke COBRA if he or she is employed (only meant for un-employement) is this true?
Also, should I call my current insurance company for COBRA now, or I can wait if I really need to visit a doctor? is there a grace period for this? Because there is a possiblity that I may never would have to visit a doctor for next 20-30 days, but who knows!
Appreciate your answers.
Remember that you need to pay the entire cost of insurance from your own pocket for COBRA for whatever time you use it. Typically that's around $500 per month per person (depending upon the coverage, place, etc.). The only benefit of COBRA is that you can keep seeing the same doctor.
I am joining new job using AC21 provision coming monday. My new employer does not provide medical insurance for the first month. I am eligible for after I complete 1 month.
So my question is: till the time I get medical coverage from new employer (approx. 20 - 30 days), can I invoke COBRA? I heard that one can not invoke COBRA if he or she is employed (only meant for un-employement) is this true?
Also, should I call my current insurance company for COBRA now, or I can wait if I really need to visit a doctor? is there a grace period for this? Because there is a possiblity that I may never would have to visit a doctor for next 20-30 days, but who knows!
Appreciate your answers.
Remember that you need to pay the entire cost of insurance from your own pocket for COBRA for whatever time you use it. Typically that's around $500 per month per person (depending upon the coverage, place, etc.). The only benefit of COBRA is that you can keep seeing the same doctor.
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kishorek111
10-28 02:08 AM
India is India only... never compare it to US, and I do not think there is glamour attached to US green card, People who have the mind set of freedom and education and knowledge with a better quality of life still migrate to USA. There is no doubt about it India's economic grwoth comparing to US is really nothing. And never compare these two countries and never try to change the mind set of a whole generation, for business needs India have a unique culture, with lot of diversity. Still there is lot of poor familes (below the poverty line) in India, education has not reached the rural areas of India yet.
US economy is down and receission is meant to happen every 5 years in US some times to recover and job creation it takes longer if you read the US history and economics you will understand better. This time the open global media made it a big issue, that is about it. When the economy improves and things are better, again your so called glamour comes back. Glamour is in people's mind set, seeing movies and reading somebody else's writing. Still USA is far far better in living and social activities than in India.
you mean there is no freedom in India??? 80-90% of the indians who have H1 have not attended college in US and do you think these people are not educated and knowledgeable. I think you should grow up man... or might be when you get sick and get admitted in hospital and your insurance doesn't cover... you realize the importance of India...
US has its advantages... India has its advantages... just because you are in US now doesn't mean you can talk rubbish about India.... If you like US, talk good about it... but you don't need to de-grade one country to highlight another...
US economy is down and receission is meant to happen every 5 years in US some times to recover and job creation it takes longer if you read the US history and economics you will understand better. This time the open global media made it a big issue, that is about it. When the economy improves and things are better, again your so called glamour comes back. Glamour is in people's mind set, seeing movies and reading somebody else's writing. Still USA is far far better in living and social activities than in India.
you mean there is no freedom in India??? 80-90% of the indians who have H1 have not attended college in US and do you think these people are not educated and knowledgeable. I think you should grow up man... or might be when you get sick and get admitted in hospital and your insurance doesn't cover... you realize the importance of India...
US has its advantages... India has its advantages... just because you are in US now doesn't mean you can talk rubbish about India.... If you like US, talk good about it... but you don't need to de-grade one country to highlight another...
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sands_14
04-13 11:02 AM
No visa bulletins till October2007
Thats what USCIS announced 2 weeks back
So stay cool:)
Thats what USCIS announced 2 weeks back
So stay cool:)
morchu
08-01 09:58 PM
The key is that....there should not be substantial difference in the job duties and the responsibilities.
I know after we file the i-485 for 180 days, we can change our jobs. But rule is that the new job should be in the same field as the old one.
Can i change my job from a biological researcher to a biostatistician? My current job is in the field of biology, which involves lots of experiments. If I change my job to a biostatistician, which is like a programmer, do i still qualify the "similar filed" rule? thanks for your help!
I know after we file the i-485 for 180 days, we can change our jobs. But rule is that the new job should be in the same field as the old one.
Can i change my job from a biological researcher to a biostatistician? My current job is in the field of biology, which involves lots of experiments. If I change my job to a biostatistician, which is like a programmer, do i still qualify the "similar filed" rule? thanks for your help!
Macaca
01-31 08:33 AM
U.S. Proposes Rise in Immigration Fees (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/30/AR2007013001762.html).
By SUZANNE GAMBOA
The Associated Press
Wednesday, January 31, 2007; 2:47 AM
WASHINGTON -- Becoming an American citizen could soon cost almost twice as much.
The Bush administration will propose nearly doubling the fee charged applicants for U.S. citizenship and significantly increasing fees for other immigration benefits, congressional and administration officials said Tuesday.
Fees for a wide variety of immigration services would rise an average of 66 percent, said two government officials who did not want to be named in advance of the administration's formal announcement of the proposal Wednesday.
The current fee of $330 to apply for citizenship would rise to slightly less than $600, an administration official said. Other fee increases are possible for green cards conveying legal residency, which now cost $325.
Applicants also now pay a $70 fingerprinting fee in each case. Fees also are paid for things such as work permits, replacing lost green cards and petitions to adopt orphans from other countries.
The proposed fee increases would not be final until after a public comment period.
Congressional Democrats last week warned in a letter to Emilio Gonzalez, director of the Homeland Security Department's Citizenship and Immigration Services, that they planned to review the agency's analyses behind any proposed immigration fee increases.
The letter was signed by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., immigration subcommittee chairman Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., and immigration subcommittee chairwoman Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.
Immigration advocates have been bracing for the expected jump in fees. William Ramos, Washington director for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, said the increases are "just going to be devastating to our communities."
"It will basically create another obstacle for those who want to realize their dream of becoming American citizens," Ramos said.
Citizenship and Immigration Services covers its costs with application fees. The agency is required to do a fee analysis every two years to determine whether money raised from fees is covering costs. The agency last raised its fees in 2004, citing the cost of more intense background checks in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Immigrant advocates long have argued that the agency's costs cannot be absorbed by application fees. They want Congress to appropriate money to help pay costs.
Large fee increases would be heavily felt in the Asian community, where two-thirds of the population in the U.S. is foreign-born, said Traci Hong, director of the immigration program for the Asian American Justice Center.
About 70 percent of foreign-born Asians in the country become American citizens, a high rate for immigrants. Hong worried that higher naturalization fees would slow that rate.
By SUZANNE GAMBOA
The Associated Press
Wednesday, January 31, 2007; 2:47 AM
WASHINGTON -- Becoming an American citizen could soon cost almost twice as much.
The Bush administration will propose nearly doubling the fee charged applicants for U.S. citizenship and significantly increasing fees for other immigration benefits, congressional and administration officials said Tuesday.
Fees for a wide variety of immigration services would rise an average of 66 percent, said two government officials who did not want to be named in advance of the administration's formal announcement of the proposal Wednesday.
The current fee of $330 to apply for citizenship would rise to slightly less than $600, an administration official said. Other fee increases are possible for green cards conveying legal residency, which now cost $325.
Applicants also now pay a $70 fingerprinting fee in each case. Fees also are paid for things such as work permits, replacing lost green cards and petitions to adopt orphans from other countries.
The proposed fee increases would not be final until after a public comment period.
Congressional Democrats last week warned in a letter to Emilio Gonzalez, director of the Homeland Security Department's Citizenship and Immigration Services, that they planned to review the agency's analyses behind any proposed immigration fee increases.
The letter was signed by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., immigration subcommittee chairman Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., and immigration subcommittee chairwoman Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.
Immigration advocates have been bracing for the expected jump in fees. William Ramos, Washington director for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, said the increases are "just going to be devastating to our communities."
"It will basically create another obstacle for those who want to realize their dream of becoming American citizens," Ramos said.
Citizenship and Immigration Services covers its costs with application fees. The agency is required to do a fee analysis every two years to determine whether money raised from fees is covering costs. The agency last raised its fees in 2004, citing the cost of more intense background checks in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Immigrant advocates long have argued that the agency's costs cannot be absorbed by application fees. They want Congress to appropriate money to help pay costs.
Large fee increases would be heavily felt in the Asian community, where two-thirds of the population in the U.S. is foreign-born, said Traci Hong, director of the immigration program for the Asian American Justice Center.
About 70 percent of foreign-born Asians in the country become American citizens, a high rate for immigrants. Hong worried that higher naturalization fees would slow that rate.
