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I'm from Bangladesh and am pursuing a non-thesis Master’s degree in Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University. My area of specialization is Geotechnical Engineering. I’ll graduate with my degree in May 2025 after completing a co-op with one of the top Engineering and construction companies in the United States. The company also offered me a full-time position after my graduation so that I could continue my work with them. Many PhD candidates from my country with a master's degree are applying for EB2-NIW using their citations and research experience.
1. Since I lack a prominent research background (basically, I have no experience at all in terms of publication/citation), do I have a chance of getting approval for EB2-NIW?
2. Is citation/research compulsory for EB2-NIW to get approved?
3. If I want to apply in the future, how should I prepare my profile to increase my chances? I’m more interested in working in the industry than in research and academia.
4. I want to mention that, from my experience, there is a huge demand for geotechnical engineers in the civil engineering industry, but not many people, especially Americans, are pursuing this major. Can I use this fact to show national interest?
Two general questions,
1. What are the benefits of filing an EB2 NIW for a person whose I-140 has already been approved by an employer in the same category apart from NIW, not depending on your employer? Also, can you get your I140 approved priority date to your NIW?
2. Is it possible to renew the H-1B visa stamp before expiration? For example, if my H1B expires on November 1st and I apply for a visa stamp in October with approved extension I797, Would I be able to renew it?
I am currently on an H-1B visa. I am planning to start a business with my brother who is a US citizen and needs some guidance.
1) Until the business is operational and generating revenue, can I just be a partner in the company without doing any work visa application with it?
2) Can I have more than a 50% share in that company? If so, would that impact anyhow my H-1B with the current company?
3) In the future, if I want to file for concurrent or full-time H-1b through the new company, is it difficult to get it approved if my brother and I are the partners of the company?
4) Once I am on an H-1B visa in this new company, can the company file for my green card in the EB-1 or EB-2 category?
5) Does the company need to meet any specific conditions before sponsoring for H-1B and Employee-Based Green Card such as being E-Verified or having at least few citizens before hiring non-citizens?
I'm on F-1 OPT with a STEM MS Degree. If I put a startup, I will be performing my roles directly related to the degree.
1) To establish employer-employee relations would having a board of directors be sufficient during STEM OPT?
2) If I apply for EB2-NIW and get I-140 approval then can I immediately shift to other non-tech roles within my startup (CTO -> CEO) Or do I have to wait for 6 months before doing that, all the while when I-485 is pending?
3) If I shift immediately and use I-485 EAD instead of F-1 EAD, then can that lead to I-485 being rejected?
Should I wait at least 6 months before using I-485 EAD? Also, if the startup fails, does that discontinue my I-485 process having approved I-140?
I entered the US to complete my Masters on an F-1 visa in 2018, I got my H1B visa approved in Oct 2022. I was planning to go for a green card through the EB2 NIW route. I have a few questions, which are as follows:
1. Suppose that I got EB2 NIW approved and I am waiting in queue for a green card, but I went back to India and worked in India (employer may or may not be related to the US). Can I collect my GC whenever the priority date becomes current?
2. Suppose that I have already applied for an EB2 NIW visa but then I build my profile and want to apply for an EB1 visa, can I do that?
3. When can I start my business/startup during the EB2 NIW application process? or Do I need to wait until the visa is approved to start a business?
4. When can my wife start working on an H4 visa? Is it during the EB2 NIW application process? Does she need to wait until the visa is approved?
I am currently doing my bachelor's in Computer Science outside the US, my goal is to work in an industry that generally doesn't sponsor visas. I was born in Canada, so just a ROW backlog. Since I can't rely on anyone sponsoring H1B or even TN(also not a TN classified job), I will need a green card before working in the industry.
I'm wondering how difficult it is to get an EB2-NIW with just a bachelor's (exceptional ability), can you explain the process and criteria for this if possible?
My field is adjacent to AI/ML right now I'm doing an internship as an Undergraduate research assistant and by the end, I should have 6 internships (not sure if this helps). The criteria I'm going for (obviously just a guess right now) I'm planning to get a few certifications for AI/ML (from reputable organizations).
I will have a degree in the field. I'm already a member of a few organizations in my field. I can get my professors, managers during my internships and other peers, to write recommendation letters for me.
Can you provide some context as to what they are looking for in this category and it would be great if you could give some recommendations on what I can do to build a solid case. I'm already a member of a few organizations in my field (eg: IEEE and BCS)
My perm got approved on Oct 5, 2023. I am an Indian citizen with a priority date from my previous employer filing as March 28, 2012. As per the Oct 2023 visa bulletin, I am current under the “Dates for Filing” chart for EB2 and the “Final Action Date” chart for EB3. My employer's immigration firm insists on filing my I140, I485, I765, I131, and I693 under EB2 instead of EB3 for my case. So two questions:
1) Can you please explain the pros and cons of filing under EB2 and the pros and cons of filing under EB3?
2) As the EB3 “Final Action Date” chart is current for my priority date. Wouldn’t it be better for my case to be filed under EB3 instead of EB2, ensuring my 485 will get decided faster if filed under EB3 instead of EB2? Isn’t it?
I have an EB3 I-140-based EAD currently. If I set up a software firm for myself, can I sponsor EB2 or EB1 I-140 for myself? The main reason why I want to sponsor myself is I would not be under the constant fear that my employer may withdraw my I-140 for one or other reason. I will be able to work for myself. Is there any rule that stops me from filing an employment-based immigration petition for myself?
I started working in the USA at my current company as a technical engineer, and they sponsored my GC application under the EB2 category. Recently, I was promoted to a manager position where I now oversee a team of 10 individuals. I'm wondering if I qualify to apply for a GC under the EB1 category based on my managerial role.
What are the available avenues to pursue a GC under EB1 as a manager in my current situation?
How much time does the EB-2 green card process take for a Chinese born?
My PD - July 2014 EB2. I have a pending 485 and got EAD and AP.
I’m a manager in my current company and manage teams in India and the US.
I would like to know how to upgrade to EB1 as International Manager.
Is it required that I work outside the US for one year?
If I visit India and work for 3-4 months, can the accumulated time over 2-3 years be used for upgrading to EB1?
I would also like to know if we can renew EAD from India and keep the current 485 processes on track.
How does EB-1C portability work?
I also have a question about the EB1C portability of the priority date. Say, If I have I-140 approved under EB1C and have a particular priority date. For some reason, if I need to or want to change employers and I do not qualify for EB1C with other employers. My new employer can file I-140 under EB-2, or I can file EB-2 NIW myself. I have both options. The question is whether I can use the priority date of the earlier approved I-140 petition under EB1C to the new employer's EB-2 petition and file AOS.
Background: Applied I-485 application under EB3 after downgrade from EB2 in 2020. Refiled another I- 485 application under EB2 in 2021. Received EAD/ AP combo card from EB3 application in Jan 2022. Used it to travel out of country in July 2022. Green card approved in EB2 category while out of country. Entered USA using the Advance Parole from EB3 in August 2022 as the green card was in mailbox in USA. At Port of Entry, I informed them about the approval of I-485. However, they paroled me in for 1 year until August 2023 and stamped Advance pare in my passport. I collected my physical card from the mailbox after reaching my home.
Question
What is my status now- Green card or Advance parole? Any impact on my green card status with that AP stamp as I used AP from EB3 after approval of green card from EB2? I did not receive any notice form USCIS about withdrawing EB3 application after they granted green card under EB2. Should I ask USCIS to cancel the EB3 application or assume that it is automatically canceled by USCIS?
Background:
1) PD - Initial Filing - EB2 MAR 2014 (Two Different EB2 filings with two different employers A and B)
3) Downgraded to EB3 with Employer B (New Petition but using the same EB2 PERM with Employer B) In Nov 2020, Filed I-485 Concurrently
3) Change to a different Full-Time AC21 - Same or Similar Role (Employer C) - Using AOS EAD
4) I-485 Got Approved in E26 Category (EB-2) before any I-485J submission whatsoever.
4) Initiated an inquiry with the Congressman to confirm this card is legitimate for usage and no errors / issues; still waiting on USCIS Response.
5) Spouse's I-485 also Got Approved about 2 weeks AFTER this inquiry was already sent over to USCIS (E27 Category).
Questions:
1) Suppose that a congressman's written response from USCIS comes back affirmative for legitimacy of the approvals quoting USCIS discretionary authority. There is also a recent trend of many such approved cases where the applicant had at least one prior approved EB-2 petition with PD current - so this situation does not seem to be unique any more.
Should we still then pursue USCIS E-Request / I-90 submission avenues from our side - would it really be worth to continue stretching this any further at that point ?
2) You had indicated that until notified otherwise, this LPR card can be used for Travel Purposes. Can it also be used to say take up a second week-end / part time job, renewal of driver's licenses etc. ?
3) If you use this card for any of the above purposes, and unfortunately USCIS response were to be negative, do you lose your status - have to do any reinstatement etc. particularly in the travel situation usage of LPR Card ?
4) Can you continue using your AOS EAD / AP instead during this seemingly weird time window, since that also is a USCIS-issued valid non-expired travel and work authorization ? In general, can you continue its usage until the expiry date, regardless of your I-485 status ?
Can I change my profession after getting a Green Card? I received my GC in EB2 as an Accountant. Now, I see the salaries in the software/IT sector to be much higher.
1) Is it possible for current PhD students to apply for EB-2 NIW?
I have been through websites where they have said It's Possible, but then why is it not possible for current MS students?
2) Is it possible to work and study in F-1 OPT after completing the degree?
1. My previous employer applied for my GC and it just got approved on 07/15/2022.
(a): I have EB3 and EB2 I-140 approved from the same employer.
(b): Filed 485 based on EB3 priority date and received EAD and AP.
(c): No interfiling done to move from EB3 to EB2 and GC got approved.
2. I joined a new employer 5 months ago using H1B with mutual understanding with my previous employer. In case needed, I would join them back. No I-485J transfer has been done so far.
Q: Can I continue to work with my new employer using my GC instead of H-1B?
I have a question regarding the AC21 180 days rule. My I-485 Green Card was approved under EB2 category in March 2022. I changed my employer in October 2021 but my new employer filed AC21 I-485j only in February 2022 when my PD got current. When can I change jobs if I get a better offer? Do I need to work for 180 days with this employer since I-485j filing date?
In total, I have worked for 9 months for this employer (5 months before filing AC21 and 4 months after GC approval).
1) I-485 Filed under EB 3 Downgrade - More than one year back and pending
2)Independent I140 Approved both in EB2 and EB3 (Not as Amendment)
3) Currently working on H1B Work Authorization
4) I-485 EAD and AP Available but never used (EB3 Category)
Questions: -
1) If you change your job but by transferring your H1B (Change of Employer) and NOT use EAD, would the AC21 still apply (Same or Similar Job constraint) if you want to keep the I-485 alive?2) You said the last call that for Same of Similar Determination - USCIS Looks at all aspects:
a) Do the Job Duties and Actual Job Title need to be a dollar-to-dollar match?
b) Job Location Changes (One City/State to Another) and Job Mode Changes (From Onsite to Hybrid or Fully Remote) - Allowed?
c) Compensation Differentials - Positive or Negative - Any specific considerations/grey areas
I'm an Indian national living in the USA.
1) Employer A filed I-140 (EB2) which got approved with a PD: AUG-2014.
2) I switched jobs from A to Employer B.
2. a) Employer B concurrently filed I-140(EB3) and I-485/765/131. This wasn't a downgrade from EB2 to EB3. This I-140 also got approved and able to port PD: AUG-2014. Also I-765/131 got approved. But I never used them.
3)I switched jobs from B to Employer C.
3. a) Employer C only filed H1B and I-485J.
Currently, with Employer C and my EB2 final action date became current(As per the June visa bulletin). Now I technically have tw
o approved 140s(One in EB2 and the other in EB3)
Questions:
1) Can employer C do a I-485 interfiling to use I-140 (EB2) instead EB3?
2) Since my PD became current in EB2, What would be the best option for me so that I get my 485 adjudicated sooner and get the GC.
I have a question about Interfiling my GC case. My Priority Date (Aug 2014) is current in the June Visa Bulletin. I'm planning to go to India this month and return back next month. While coming back I will use my AP for POE and also My wife is already using EAD and AP.
1) Can I interfile if I use AP for entering the USA?
2) Can I go back to EB3 if the EB2 date is retrogressive?
I entered USA on AP (EB3 EAD), I have a valid H1B I-797A till May 2024 I have approved EB2 I-140 I also have RFE on my EB3 I-140 (EAD and AP received on EB3 filing)
1) How can I get back on H-1B status without going for stamping?
2) Can I interfile my EB3 485 to EB2 485 with pending EB3 I-140
I am an Indian national living in India now, working on H-1B from 2006-2011 for a small consulting company based in NY, US,. They have filed my EB2, I-140 and it got approved in 2009. I returned to India due to my personal situation in 2011. So I moved my case to Consular Processing in 2012. I got my date current during the last year 2021 and the Mumbai Embassy scheduled consular processing Interview was scheduled for last month. As soon as I received the interview call I found my sponsoring company in the US has their business. Hence, I have skipped my interview to avoid GC denial and retain the priority date.
I would like to know If I have an advanced Degree (Masters Engineering Management) and my employer filed my H-1B and if the lottery is picked can I initiate the Green Card Process? I also heard that there is a Minimum salary Cap for EB-2 Advanced degree.
The employer can start the green card process at any time, even before you join. To see the salary figures by county and profession, you can review this link - https://www.flcdatacenter.com/
I have been on H-1B for the past 16 years. Recently received my I-485 EAD after downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3. Can I work full time for my own company now in the same field or Do I still need to have an employer, if I am ok to give up H-1 status?
My EB-2 was downgraded to EB-3 in Oct 2020 and the attorney marked the amended box ( "To amend a previously filed petition") as checked.
Timeline:
I received the EAD combo card in Dec 2021. Changed the Employer (though transferred H-1) using AC21 after way more than 180 days of pending 485
My PD is June 30, 2012 Now that EB3 is retrogressed and stuck in Jan 2012., I wanted to know
1. If I interfile EB2. Will it be rejected as the amended box was checked when downgraded?
2. If we interfile, will there be an impact on the EB-3, in case they reject it
3. What is the best way now to have both EB-2 and EB-3 run side by side. What is the fastest way to get to GC in my case?
I am on H-1B visa with employer A. Have approved I-140 with priority date as Oct 2015 under EB-2. Looks like EB-2 can hit 2015 by the end of this year. With that in mind, Below are my questions:
1) Suggestions on switching employers when PD is nearing anytime soon. If I switch to employer B, what if my PD becomes current before employer B I-140 is approved? How long can I wait after my priority date becomes current to file I-485 with employer B I-140?
2) Will there be any issues for H-1B transfer and further H-1B extensions with employer B when the new PERM/I-140 is still under process?
Q: 1. If the Priority date is current in EB-3 then my I-140 and I-485 can be filed EB3 (Lower it) but you said that after EB-3 will come then I should file I-140 in EB-2. Not sure about the whole concept, if possible can you elaborate in more detail?
2. Can I-140 be filed in EB-2 and EB-3 together? Or I-140 can be filed in EB-3 first once it gets approval in EB-3 and then need to file in EB-2 or vice versa.
3. My company attorney told me that once I downgrade to EB3 then I can't upgrade to EB2.
How much unemployment gap is permitted while being on AoS EAD/AP?
Will the USCIS ask for each and every month's paystubs during the final EB2 AoS adjudication.
I have filed for I-485,EAD,AP along with EB2 to EB3 I-140 downgrade in October 2020. Got the receipt notices.
1)After 6 months of I-140 approval & I-485 pending with USCIS. Once if I switch job to new employer and use my EAD,AP. Should I have to ever come back to my employer (who sponsored my green card)before I receive green card or after I receive green card for any duration of time anytime?
2)What happens if I stay unemployed after using EAD for some days before I receive the green card? Is my I-485 automatically denied?
3)Is it possible for me to go back to EB2 line with same employer if I start using EAD and AP based on EB3 downgrade I receive?
4)Is it possible to start a company on my own using my EAD and work for my own company till I receive green card? If yes, then say I am working project to project basis consulting do I need to file any other documentation?
5)Why do people maintain H1B status even after getting EAD. Only risk I understand is I-485 denial. But if everything is clean and clear with respect to I-485 why do candidate needs to keep maintaining H1-B visa.
6)What are the risks for EAD and AP renewal. Does the candidate need to prove anything related to job/salary etc any time for renewing EAD and AP each time till I get green card.
Can you talk about this upgrade process from EB3 to EB2 for pending I-485? Does it need another I-485 application or just a letter to USCIS?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Eligibility for and the process of EB-3 to EB-2 Porting
Video Transcript
You can always go up and you can always go down as long as your PERM was filed as an EB-2. If you filed your PRM as an EB-3 then you're not going to be able to upgrade to EB-2. But if your PERM was filed as an EB-2 you can downgrade I-140 EB-3. You can go back upgrade to EB-2 if you already have an EB-2 approval. You can file a downgrade second case as EB-3 with the same PERM. FAQ in detail...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
I was in USA on h1b for 11 yrs until august 2019 as senior software engineer and moved/transferred to Canada on September 2019 as software development manager, managing 5 direct reports plus 4 second level reports with the same company in USA and Canada. And now promoted as Director, software development projects support and maintenance, before completing one year as manager. Have I-140 approved and priority date is 2012 july.<br>
1.What is my success rate of getting L1A<br>
2. Also need to re-apply my green card in EB1C, do I need to be in USA or when I am in Canada my company can apply for this. And upon EB1C I-140 Approval can I get L1A and move to USA<br>
3. Is this the correct time to apply EB1C in the next couple of months when 1 year completes or should I wait for visa ban to complete.
How can I qualify for EB-1C/International Managers or Executives
Video Transcript
1. Please discuss your job description that is intended in the foreign country outside USA with your lawyers. Make sure you plan for it from day one because if you try to plan for it a year down the line you won't succeed.
2. You can apply an EB-1C and then transfer the priority date from another case. No problem EB-2 and EB-3 can be transferred over. You can come on L-1A. You should definitely at least get your EB-1C started as quickly as possible that my opinion.
3. There is no visa ban in starting the application.
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
My wife and I are currently on EAD's since Feb 2012 when the dates became current for our priority date and we were able to apply for the I-485. She is the primary applicant and I am the dependent on her application. Since 2012 the EAD/AP card is being renewed every 2 years. With the EB3 category now going ahead of EB2 does it make sense for her to downgrade to EB3 - Apply for I-140 under EB3. I believe it takes 6 months for approval so we would essentially be doing this preemptively in anticipation of our date becoming current under EB3 in 6+ months.
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3
Video Transcript
I see no problem applying for EB-3 and then using whichever one is faster when the time comes. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
1. I got my H1b approved for a period of one year only and expires on Oct 27th, 2019. I work through a consultancy. Any precautions I can take in the future which can help me getting the H1b approved for 3 years in the upcoming H1B extension after Oct 27th, 2019. <br>
2. Any particular documents needed for getting the H1b approved for 3 years?<br>
3. If I go for stamping, do I need to be careful with social media at the port of entry? Any tips or recommendations you can give with reference to social media during port of entry? <br>
4. My EB2 priority date is Feb 4th, 2015 and I'm planning to marry a girl who is a Nepal citizen and she's on OPT right now. Can I move my priority date to EB2 Nepal category after marriage? If yes, what would be my next steps - how soon can I file for I-485 interview?
How to get H-1B approved for three years, not shorter duration
Video Transcript
1. Typically the only way you can get three year extension is if you can prove that the project will go on for three years.
2. Typically a client letter.
3. Make sure your social media is not in any way in contravention or opposition to what you have been saying to the government.
4. Once you get married you are entitled to cross chargeability and you can be charged under Nepals category which is available right now. As soon as you get married you should have your lawyers write to the government and ask for cross chargeability. Probably within a few months you could be scheduled for an interview, which again depends upon how busy the local office is. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
1. I am currently in H1-B more than 10 years in the USA and I have approved I-140 priority date Mar 2011 - EB2. My current employment is getting over in 3 weeks. And my current H1-B and I-94 expires in mid-August 2019. My question is if I am not able to find another job within my H1-B and I-94 expires on Mid August 2019. What are the options available for me to legally stay in the USA after my H1-B and I-94 expires? I have own house. Is there an exceptional case we can file GC EAD? <br>
2. Without a job how many days i can stay in USA before my I-94 expires using I-140?
Options to stay in the USA after expiration of H-1B
Video Transcript
1. I don't think you would get the tourist visa or tourist status but you can apply for it.
2. 60 days is the total time.
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
I am with my current Employer since 2008. My GC is filled in EB2 with Aug-2010 Priority Date. Only I-140 is approved so far.<br>
1) Can my employer file me under EB-3 concurrently without affecting my existing EB-2 filling?<br>
2) If yes then what is the procedure for that? Do I have to do my labor and I-140 once again?
Downgrading a case from EB2 to EB3 for priority date advantage
Video Transcript
1. Your EB-2 does not get affected. You can file EB-3/I-140 and I believe you can file a I-485 also if your dates are current.
2. Just the I-140. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
I applied for EB3 in 2011 and port to EB2, now EB3 dates are moving forward and if it reach to my priority date am I still eligible for EB3 as I initially applied for or do I need to downgrade to EB3. Will there be any questions raised?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: EB-2 approved applying for EB-3
Video Transcript
This is mostly a question of procedure and policy. The USCIS has been indicating that if you have only one I-140 approved under EB-2 but you want to file under EB-3 you have to file another I-140 using the copy of the same labor certification - perm application and get an EB-3 approval first. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
In Summary, <br>
* I worked for the same Company from 2004 to 2014 (2004 - 2011 in US on H1B, and 2011-2014 in India)<br>
* BUT, after Green card, I did not work for the Company in US.<br>
* I don't have even a single paycheck from US Company after receiving GC.<br>
* Since then, I have been working in a job with same job description that my GC was filed for.<br>
* All other history is clean. I have two US born children, Always paid taxes on time, no legal cases.<br>
I heard from reliable sources that under current circumstances, my case will be marked as fraud and there is a 99% chance that they will revoke my GC and deport me, as I didn't stay with the employer that sponsored my GC.
<br>
Questions<br>
* Should I be really concerned?<br>
* What are my options?<br>
* I have the option of going back to the same employer now. Does that help?<br>
* If my wife applies for Naturalization instead of me, is that going to be any different?
Not worked for green card sponsoring company
– – fraud implication for naturalization/citizenship
Video Transcript
This is a difficult situation. I would argue that this is fine because once you went and got the green card you took the job and you are just working for the company's operations outside the USA temporarily. So I think it's going to be a touch and go, but that is what I would argue. You definitely need to take a lawyer with you. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
I have I-140 approved in EB2, priority date is 2010. When date become current for EB3, I want to downgrade from EB2 to EB3 (I know I have to only refile I-140 and I-485 concurrent). What will happen if USCIS denied newly filed I-140 (EB3)? can I-485 also denied? If newly filed I-140 (EB3) denied, can I used my previously approved I-140 (EB2)?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: How can I downgrade from EB2 to EB3 and the consequences
Video Transcript
If we have an EB-2 approved I-140 we apply for an EB-3 approval on the same form or you can file EB-3 I-140 and I-485 concurrently if the dates are current. If you file a I-485 that is prematurely filed when the priority date of EB-2 is not current, if EB-3 is denied on which basis you had filed the I-485 then the I-485 will also be denied. I would want your lawyers to review your case very carefully. Make sure that you don't have any other issues. If the second EB-3 filing gets denied it should not have any impact on the already approved I-140 unless the second filing reveals some problem with the case that was not addressed earlier. More...
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My husband has an I-140 approved from Company A ( Priority Date April 2008 , EB2). He is now eligible for EB1 under Employer B ( He is currently on L1 A ). Can his priority date from EB2 be ported to EB1 ?
With speculations that EB-3 may go ahead of EB-2, can we port down to EB-3 from EB-2 using existing labor, in general is it risky to do that, what happens if porting is denied will we loose existing approved EB-2 petition?.
Watch the Video for this FAQ: Can EB-2 approved file for EB-3?
Video Transcript:
The way I think it will work is if you have both EB-3 and EB-2 approvals already good for you. You can use either one. If you have an EB-2 approval and you want to take advantage of the EB-3 upsurge in the Priority Dates, file for an EB-3 I-140 with a copy of the same PERM application. If the I-140 is approved quickly great, if not and the dates become current while the I-140 is still pending, with the receipt you can file an I-485. So you will have an EB-3 pending with a I-485 coming along. Now if tomorrow the dates become better, moving for EB-2 because you have both I-140s in the works, one approved and one pending or maybe both approved by that time, government will automatically give you the benefit of which ever category is moving the fastest. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
I am a staff in University of Pittsburgh and still have 3 more years to complete 6 yrs of my H1B. H1B sponsorship is an issue for me getting a new job.
1) When I apply for a NIW -EB2, can I simultaneously apply for I140, EAD, 485 simultaneously?
2) Although the green card date for Indians with EB2 is not current, can USCIS approve my EAD much earlier ( may be within a year) compared to approving 485 which might take several years?
3) Further can I use that approved EAD to change jobs by bypassing H1B sponsorship?
In you previous Conference Calls you did mention that you did post videos on USCIS accredited Universities in USA. If a person is doing an MS or MBA in US he/she needs to do it from those accredited universities inorder for the educational evaluation to be done to achieve EB2 Status.Right now I have a 3 years of Bachelors degree from India and do not qualify for EB2 and I am in EB3. I wanted to do an MS or MBA in USA.
Video Transcript
The US Department of Education maintains a list of state level agencies who can accredit programs and your university should be able to tell you who has credentials or accredited them or their programs. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
Come to US on green card EB2 (future employment base GC) consular processing. At the time of green card consular processing interview my employer offer letter mentioned my job title as “Programmer Analyst”. My employer is a consulting company and after coming to US on GC, I got my first contract project at client location (while full time with my GC sponsoring employer) with job tilte as “Architect/Project Manager”. But is it having similar job duties as my GC employment offer letter? My question is at the time of US citizenship interview will it be problem because of different job tittle between (GC offer letter and actual contact project at the client site), but similar job duties?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Change in job title after getting a green card approval
Video Transcript:
We would have to look at your job title and job description in the green card and see how different it is from the position you took on. Unfortunately for consular processing people, we don't have that same law - the AC21 same or similar job law. So I cannot really comment that this is going to be or not going to be a problem. Generally speaking, if you are going through Adjustment Of Status process and your I-485 has been pending 180 days, your I-140 is approved that means you are covered by the AC21 rules. In those circumstances, a change in job title to a same or similar job is not a problem. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
I was on H-4 visa from Feb 2014 till Dec 2015. I was on H-1 visa from Dec 2015 to April 2017. In April my H-1B transfer got denied. Hence I applied for change of status from here (April 15 2017) and now my H-4 application is under process. In Dec 2016 (while I was on H-1B visa), I had applied for GC in EB2 category with my employer. My employer told me that my labor has been approved.<br>
1: Is there a website where we can check the status of labor if it has been approved?<br>
2: When can I file for I-140? Is it true that it has to be filed within 180 days of labor approval?<br>
3: Can my GC application continue whilst being on H-4 visa? <br>
4. Does the GC process, at any stage, require the applicant to be on H-1 visa?<br>
5: I am planning to start Canada PR procedure. Will my GC application interfere with Canada PR at any point?
residence for another country simultaneously
Video Transcript:
1. You have to go through your lawyer or your employer. You won't have access to it, but definitely, there is a website.
2. Within 180 days of the labor approval.
3. Yes of course.
4. It does not.
5. I don't see any problem with it, I know that at the border the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sees that you have got two permanent residence applications going on sometimes they can raise a stink about it but in my opinion that's completely unjustified. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
I am currently on F1 in OPT status and working for Employer A, my Employer A filed for H1b this year. and I am currently waiting for my H1b approval Approval. Can my Employer start my green card process when I am in F1 status?
Watch Video on this FAQ: Can a green card be started on F-1 status?
Video Transcript
For people who are born in backed up countries where the priority dates are extremely backed up like India, China, Philippines, Mexico its dangerous to start a green card because F-1 status does not allow you to have immigrant intent whereas statuses like H-1, H-4, L-1, L-2, O-1 etc... allow you to have a dual intent. TN doesn't allow one to have a dual intent, so when you are in these kind of statuses where the dual intent is not permitted and you file a green card you run the risk of having trouble in getting any kinds of extensions, visa stamping or reentry into the U.S. But if you are born in a country like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan or Nepal or anywhere in Europe where these dates are not backed up then sometimes it is possible to get the whole green card wrapped in EB-1, EB-2 or EB-3 category within a year. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
1. Can we file multiple green cards together? If yes what will be the side effect? <br>
2. My company filed my green card in EB-2 category and I-140 is approved with priority date 2013. I want to give a try with EB1 category personally if I will try in EB-1 and let’s say it is not approved, then will it affect my EB-2 green card?<br>
3. Should job description match in EB-1 and EB-2?<br>
4. What may all possible issues occur?
Video Transcript
1. The answer is yes. You can file green cards through as many categories as you want to. Both employment as well as a mixture of employment and family or investment. Any number of green cards can be filed as long as they are being filed honestly.
2. I don't see why not.
3. It doesn't have to.
4. It all depends on the facts of each case but at least theoretically it is possible. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
My I-140 approved (India/EB2) from Employer A in June 2015, I joined Employer B in Oct 2016. Employer A sent revocation of my I-140, on USCIS website today is showing below status: "On December 7, 2016, we received your correspondence for Form I-140 ..." Will I still be eligible for 3 years of multiple H-1 extension with my approved I-140 from employer A without filing new I-140?
Watch the Video on this FAQ: Impact of the new I-140 regulations
Video Transcript:
Your revocation of the I-140 is occurring from December 7 which is before January 17 where you would have been protected. I am worried that in your case if there was a revocation you will not be allowed for multiple H-1 extensions based upon an I-140 that has been revoked. If the revocation was from January 17 onwards you would be fine, but if it is before January 17 you will no longer have the right to keep getting H-1 extensions if the employer revokes your I-140. That was the old law. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
I am a physician currently in H-1B undergoing 3 years of J-1 waiver program which is set to be completed on July end of this year. My husband got his greencard through E-B2 category (rest of the world) in early 2013 When I was still in J-1. My name was included in I-140 but could not file I-485 due to my J-1 visa. I have been married since 2006 and came to the US initially on H-4 visa before getting residency in J-1 visa. Is there a possibility of filing my I-485 directly without waiting for the long I-130 approval process? Or is there any exceptions for a situation like mine such that spouse happened to be in J1 and could not apply for a change of status at the time primary applicant applied for I-485?
Watch Video on this FAQ: J-1 Physician applying for following to join after waiver
Video Transcript:
Yes, if you are in the USA in legal status and his priority date through which he got his green card is still current you should be able to file your I-485 directly. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
I am in I-485 pending status based on EB2 and have been working on EAD since 2012. Under the new rules effective January 2017, I understand that I can file for EAD extension 180 days prior to expiration. Will EAD be considered extended automatically if the approval doesn't come before the expiration of my current EAD?
Video Transcript:
If you have a EAD based upon a I-485 approval and if you timely file, you can continue working for up to 180 days even after the current EAD expires. Also, USCIS has indicated that they will allow us to file EAD's 180 days before the expiration of your current EAD. So there are two 180 day periods - one 180 day period is you can apply that early and the second EAD period is it gets automatically extended if timely filed. More...
Note: This is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
If I may verify the processing times involved in NIW. Since it falls under EB2 category, I am assuming it may be a long time before I can get my EAD card and be able to change employers. Also, I want to confirm if there could be issues if I change employers during the process - If so, I'd prefer to change my current employer before starting with it.
You can change employers any time if you are a self-applicant and will continue to work in your stated area of national interest. But NIW priority date will take the same time as a normal EB-2 application does. See: http://www.immigration.com/visa-bulletin under employment-based category 2.
Question 1: Redo the PERM or just the I-140. If redoing the PERM again then what's new in this regulation?
Answer: After 180 days, you can extend H-1 even if 140 is withdrawn.
Question 2: It seems that there is no easy provision for EAD/AP for approved 140 applicants. So is there any point in waiting for this rule or Should I consider Visa stamping is only option for traveling outside US? Please suggest as I waited for a year or long thought they are going to give AP.
Answer: Your observation about EAD/AP is correct- no easier. I will be surprised if USCIS changes these proposed rules in any significant manner when they finalize.
Question 3: If I have consumed my 6 years of H-1B and I have approved I-140. If I go to India and of some reason I got stuck in India. After a while I want some other employer to file my H-1B petition other then with approved I-140 employer. Do the new employer can apply for my new H1b cap exempt petition based on approved i-140 from my old employer. OR New H-1B petition from the new employer comes under H-1 cap count?
Answer: You have raised two separate issues. One, the I-140 can be used to extend your H-1 through ANY employer, if it is not withdrawn within 180 days of approval. Two, you are exempt from H-1 cap if your H-1 was approved any time within the last 6 years.
Question 4: Is there any provision for promotions internally within a company that filed the petition and the I-140 is approved more than 180 days previously?
Answer: These regs will only clarify (I am not sure they really do that) what "same or similar" jobs are. That concept is crucial when your I-140 has been approved and I-485 has been pending 180 days. At that time, you can accept a same or similar job anywhere, including within the same company, and NOT have to start your green card all over again. That comes under the topic of AC21 portability.
Question 5: Is direct portability of I-140 across multiple employers, ever possible. because I-140 is a property of the Employer and not the Employee (unlike 1-485) ?.Can we suggest any other creative options, of working around this legal hurdle. a. Can PERM be made portable across multiple employers. So employees donot have to go through the hassle of the PERM filing, repeatedly. This will save, almost 4 months of pre PERM filing effort and another 8-10 months of PERM processing window.
b. Or, can the I 140 be made an Employee’s property after 180 days it is approved. If that can be done then portability of the same may be legally possible across different Employers
Answer: The Priority date IS the "property" of the employee, NOT of the employer. So, an employee can port it to any job, anywhere, any number of times. But, I do not think they are excusing us from having to refile the PERM.
Question 6: Does the 60 day grace period is accepted in this case; H-1 Ext filed before expiry of I-94, then Current H-1 and I-94 expired, then H-1 Ext denied. Can we use 60 day grace period for filing new H-1 with new employer? In what cases does this 10 day validity before and after petition dates is used. The 60-day grace period appears to apply only in those cases where an approved H-1 employment abruptly comes to an end. The proposed regs say, upto 60 days may be given: "on the basis of the cessation of the employment on which the alien’s classification was based".
Answer: The 10 days allow you enter (but, not work) upto 10 days before the date your "validity period" (approval of petition) begins, and another 10 days to leave the USA (but, not work), after that period ends.
Question 7: Emp A - I-140 Approved and Moved to Emp B. Got i-140 with Emp B and priority date retained. submitted Emp A Experience letter while fling PERM. Now I want to move to Emp C. Do I still need to get experience letter from Emp B? If I am not able to get experience letter from Emp B, Can Emp C file PERM. if so and filed new PERM and I-140 with Emp C, Can I still retain priority date even though if its not same or similar job?
Answer: There are two fundamental principles that you need to apply to your case:
1. Priority date transfer does NOT require that your jobs must be same or similar.
2. Experience letters are NOT required for priority date transfer or retention.
Question 8: Now that it is clear that there is almost nothing much in the so called reform, how can the immigrant community represent themselves forcefully, while the public comment period is in place? I understand that each one of us can go and put our comments, but is your firm, or someone else, planning to represent us? For lack of proper words, these so called reforms are a piece of trash, and only done to pretend as if reforms are taking place. It could not be worse actually.
Answer: There is a limit on what USCIS can do without action from the Congress. You can certainly write your comments and several organizations will place their comments on the record as well. NORMALLY, USCIS does not change the rules much once they have been proposed. I think US immigration policy in "skilled" immigration is distressingly short-sighted. Our adopted country does not recognize the value brought in by us.
Question 9: My I-140 already withdrawn/revoked after 180 days of initial approval date. Now after implements new rule, will it apply for my case to extend my H-1 beyond 6 years?
Answer: I cannot say for sure whether USCIS intends to apply these rules retroactively. I hope they do.
Question 10: Can you comment on what date will this become effective ? Is it after the comment period is over?
Answer: The effective date is unpredictable. Usually, it is a few months after the comments are over.
Question 11: I need to clarify regarding the I-140 EAD for H-4. If the principal applicant has I-140 approved but the priority date for that category and country in the visa bulletin is more than 10 years back, Can the dependents, such as H-4, apply for I-140 EAD without the documentation for compelling evidence? If no, what are the examples of compelling evidence?I think the regulation does very little incremental for the EB categories. As mentioned, it provides clarification rather than provide more flexibility to the household or family of EB categories. I am disappointed with the revisions that have been made.Also, the compelling evidence was not required till now. What happens to those H-4 EADs which were issued since USCIS started applications from May 27, 2015? How would those H-4 EADs which are approved on the basis of I-140 approval of principal applicant be dissolved?Also, if the spouse moves from H-4 to H-4 EAD. Can he/she move from H-4 EAD to H-1B or any other non-immigrant category? Does the form I-539 allows movement among all categories?
Answer: H-4 EAD does NOT require compelling evidence. That is a different rule: http://www.immigration.com/blogs/form-i-140-form-i-765/h-4-ead-rule-cont...
I-594 does allow movement between all categories. H-4 to H-1 is definitely no problem. I agree; I am not too thrilled with the regs. But there is a limit to what Pres. Obama can do, folks.
1. I am a Canadian physician on an H-1B (never been on J-1) which expires June 30th, 2017. I am currently doing a 2 year fellowship. I'm contemplating pursuing the physician NIW process vs EB-2 through potential employer.
For EB-2, my understanding is that I need to be eligible for a full-time physician position on the day the employer submits the ad. Since I won't complete my general residency until June 30th, 2016, my potential employer cannot begin recruitment until July 1, 2016, correct?<br>
2. In your experience, is 1 year enough time to complete the EB-2 process?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/H_VV9kV_lOg?t=1852
FAQ Transcript:
Answer 1. In this context we are talking about a PERM and not the NIW. Also remember NIW is under EB-2. Most physicians fall under the EB-2 category. Here is how a PERM can be drafted. It depends on your employers, your lawyers and you and there is no requirement that you be fully licensed. Only that you are eligible for a license, or you are at a certain level of profession shall we say maturity or advancement so it could be possible to file for a PERM depending upon what the employers requirements are and what the state rules for licensing are to file upon even before what you believe is your eligibility. Also remember rules for giving full license to residents differ from state to state. They are not the same in every state. So you have to look at the states in which you are going to start the PERM application.
Note: Your eligibility for licensing does not have to be from when the date of recruitment begins. It has to be established the date the PERM is filed and typically recruitment can last a few months. Before that your eligibility must be perfect upon the date PERM is filed and not when the recruitment begins.
Answer 2. It may or may not be, very difficult to say.
I got I-140 approved and also got EAD with EB2 category in April 2012. I need to change my employer but my employer did not give me my green card paper like I-140 approval copy, labor code etc. I have only receipt copy of I-140 and I-485. I heard about USCIS form G-884 (Returns of original documents) which use to get all green card documents from USCIS. I have following questions to ask you. Based on G-884, can I get my all green card
documents from USCIS without knowing my employer?
Form G-884 is used to request return of documents YOU had sent to USCIS (e.g., your college degrees and diplomas). Use FOIA for the purpose you are considering.
I am currently on EB-3. I have a company (say Company A) which is willing to file for my GC in EB-2 under 'Future Employment'. Do I or the 'company A' need to be aware of something on this front?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
FAQ Transcript:
There are only two things.
1. “I” the employee has the good faith intention in taking that job. You may never have to join that job but you should have the good faith intention to take up that job when the green card comes through. You may never have to do it but you should have the intention.
2. The employer must have the same good faith intention of hiring you sometime in the future. What is that time within a commercially reasonable period after you get your green card or any time before that?
Let’s say you get your green card approval today the future employer should hire you within 3,4 5 months. That is the commercial reasonable period.
So applying for a green card through a future job - can it be done and the answer is "yes" it is allowed. The employer should have ability to pay wages and that is an important thing. Other than that all that is needed is good faith intention on part of the employer and employee to give and take the job.
I got my green card base on EB-2 category. I got mail from USCIS mentioning they change my status in to Permanent resident. As well as I got my Green Card in mail this year March. But I filed my I-485 last year July.I want to change my employer. (New Employer offering similar salary as well as similar position ). Is there any legal issue. Do I have to worry about this junction ?
My I-140 was currently approved but the company is keeping the Original copy of I-140 approval with them, also they are not giving me the copy of original. The GC is filed in EB-3 and I have US masters degree and technically qualify for EB-2 category. I was waiting to get my I-140 approved and H-1 filed so I can start looking for change of job who can file in EB-2 with same PD.<br>
How important it will be for me to have the original copy of I-140 or how are the other ways which I can obtain this from the USCIS directly?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baprYGs8IzQ&t=1376
FAQ Transcript
First of all you really don’t need a copy of the I-140 approval. We have been able to get H-1 extensions as well as priority date transfers based upon just your name, social security number, date of birth , name of the old employer, but you should file a Freedom of Information Act request. If you go to the USCIS list of forms you will be able to see FOIA Freedom of Information Act. Strictly speaking it is a Privacy Act Request but they are the same form. The form is G-639. That will give you a copy of your documentation. Often time’s government gives you a copy of all your paperwork including your I-140 approvals. So doesn’t hurt to try that way. So we don’t really need it. You should be ok. But it is a good idea to have copies of everything that the government has and can share with you. So when you file the FOIA/Privacy Act Request form it’s free to file and there is no charge on it. In a few months (4-5 months) you will get copies of the documents and it could very well include I-140 approval as well.
I am in a very difficult/complex situation, the situation is as below:<br>
Have been on H-1 for 3 + 3 + 3 + 1 years (last 4 years extended based on approved I140). Have approved I-140 with priority date of June 2010 in EB-2 category. H-1 extension was denied last year hence had to leave employer A, now I am on H-4 and will be soon filing H-1 with employer B. I have following questions on which I am requesting your opinion. <br><br>
Q1. When my priority date becomes current and if I am still with employer B, can employer A still file my I-485 and that way I can then get the EAD and join him on EAD? :<br>
Q2. Further, do I have to be working with employer A on an active H-1 visa to be eligible to file EAD when my priority date becomes current? :<br>
Q3. If question 1 approach works, can I then continue to work with employer B and employer A can process my green card in parallel. :<br>
Q4. What are the risks in working for employer B when my I140 is with employer A. Note that employer A is willing to preserve my I-140 and process green card eventually without me working for him, because he is unable to find me any projects? :<br>
Q5. I do plan to file for a new GC with employer B but worry is the priority date is likely to become current before I complete GC process with B. :<br>
Q6. Do I need to be with employer A for my wife to apply H-4 EAD based on my I-140 with A (note that currently I am with employer B).
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baprYGs8IzQ&t=893
FAQ Transcript
Answer to Q1. In other words you have the intention to join both of them but you haven’t chosen yet and I think that’s quite OK as long as that intention remains and the employer’s intention remains to hire you at the present date or future date you can file a green card or even an I- 485 that’s perfectly permissible. Actually you don’t have to join them on EAD you can join them after the green card is approved as long as you have the intention to join them the green card can go forward.
Answer to Q2. No you do not.
Answer to Q 3. The answer is yes
Answer to Q 4. The problem is USCIS can always question this arrangement from a common sense perspective. This type of situation has not been questioned very frequently. In my entire twenty plus years of practice of immigration law I have had only one instance out of Chicago where this issue was raised and questioned. We get a kick back from USCIS saying well you know if he wants to work permanently for this employer why is he working for the other one why did he leave and we had a very good answer. In fact being paranoid we had prepared for that and made sure we knew what the reason was and it was genuine. This company was specialized in JD Edwards ERP and JD Edwards had lost a lot of market share so the individual in question the green card employee was a senior technical person and he went to get experience in other types of ERP. He looked at SAP and he was doing work in oracle finances and applications. He was learning all these technologies and the idea was he would be able to bring it back to the employer and they would be able to expand their ERP offerings and we were able to get that green card approved without any problem. So even though he was working for another employer the prior employer got his green card approved and once the green card was approved he joined. By the way under AC21 once the I-485 has been pending 180 days you can file an AC21 without joining the prior employer. The intent to join has to remain active in your own mind till 180 days or I-485 pendency has passed.
Answer to Q 5. I think that’s OK.
Answer to Q 6. No because the government has made it clear we just want one active I-140 we don’t care which employer it has been approved with.
I have two approved I-140`s in EB-2 from two different companies with same A# on them. One with 2009 PD and other with 2011 PD. I am working for the company with 2011 PD . 2009 case was approved after the 2011 case so we could not port the date at the time of filing for 2011 case I-140. Now my question is do I need to file for amendment to port the 2009 date? Or am I eligible for filing I-485 without the I-140 amendment? Both I-140's are alive and employer did not withdraw any of them.
I have my I-140 approved under EB-3 category, even though I have Masters Degree from accredited US University. Can I change it to EB-2 now?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXq6DaDK7AA#t=472
FAQ Transcript
The idea is once an I-140 is approved under any category EB-1/EB-2/EB-3 the priority date becomes the property of the employee. Whether the employee goes to work for a different employer or a different job completely or like a different job where you go from being a IT professional to a civil engineer you would still carry your priority date. This is not AC21. AC21 requires same or similar job but that also requires I-140 approval, I- 485 pending for 180 days. This is not that case. The priority date transfer from EB-2 to EB-3 requires only the I-140 is approved.
Hence the answer to the question is YES. If you get a job with the same employer or with a new employer that requires a masters degree or bachelors plus five year experience type of qualifications and your priority date will remain the same. The difference between AC21 and priority date carry over date is this: In AC21 you do not have to re file the green card. You can take the whole green card and take it over to a same or similar job if you’re I-140 is approved and I- 485 is pending 180 days. But in the priority date transfer you carry forward nothing. You only carry the priority date and it can be ported from EB-2 to EB-3/EB-1 to EB-2/EB2 to EB-1 it doesn’t matter. There is no requirement that the job that you are filing for is same or similar. That is the difference between AC21 and priority date transfer.
I am still in the process of getting a green card. During this process I want to change my job from a present one to another one that is more challenging than the present one. Would this in any way affect getting the green card or is it advisable not to shift jobs now?
FAQ Transcript
In this scenario we have employment based people who are good workers, very skilled people and they have a lot of trouble changing jobs or advancing in their careers because technically while the green card is going on even if you take up a promotion you could end up losing your current green card and have to start all over again - at least part of the process. So this is not a good thing.
Keeping in view with the current law what Obama had said on November 21st about his plan and finally what this bill (Immigration Innovation Act) says.
First of all under the current law if you change your employers before your I-140 approval is obtained you will lose everything. You have to start all over again. That means if you are a EB-1 based candidate your I-140 must be approved. If you are an EB-2 or EB-3 based upon the labor certification your perm application must be approved and then you’re I-140 must be approved. Remember I-140 can be filed by premium processing. So you got to get your I-140 approved very quickly. Generally speaking if you move before I-140 is approved you get nothing. If you move after I-140 is approved but before I- 485 is filed you keep your priority date and you keep the right to extend H-1 beyond six years as long as the I-140 is not revoked. This is an important concept to remember. You keep your priority date - that means when you go to the next employer you will have to start the green card all over again but your priority date will be the date the first case was filed which again is a very big advantage. The priority date is capped but here is an additional provision. if your priority dates are current and you have filed I-485 with the old employer, after 180 days of the I-485 pendency and the I-140 approval you can take any job anywhere with any employer and be able to carry the same green card forward without having to redo any work. so before I-140 you get nothing, after I-140 and before I-485 you get your priority date and the right to extend your H-1 beyond 6 years and after I-140 approval plus I-485 filing 180 days thereafter you get the right to keep your green card even if you take a slight promotion with another employer or move to an entirely different employer as long as the jobs are same or similar.
President Obama said normally applicant can only file the last step - the I-485 if the priority date is current. He said he would change that by allowing the applicant to file I-485 along with the I-140 no matter where the priority dates are. This is a big advantage. That means technically just roughly speaking once you start your green card process through PERM in a year and half you could be free to join any employer – proximately or two years at the most as long as you maintain the job category you are in. President Obama also said he is going to make it clear that advancement in career is considered to be same or similar job so that your green card will not be disturbed. And that idea has been very welcomed. Combine that with the Immigration Innovation Act you could be getting your green card much earlier than 3, 4, 5....10 years that you are waiting for right now. So all these things combined are very good signs for people in a situation such as the query above. If you have not yet got your I-140 approved and you are far from that stage it’s ok as long as you don’t have H-1 problems. If you are about to get the I-140 approved then get it approved. If you have H-1 issues beyond six years make sure the second H-1 is approved before you change employers. Once the H-1 is approved for 3 more years even if the old employer revokes the I-140 they cannot take your right to the H-1 you already got. You can start another green card and protect yourself.
Is this true ? - "If the ‘Schedule A’ application falls into the “EB-2” or Employment Based Second Preference category (the employer requires a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy or a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy + 5 years of experience), then the Adjustment of Status application can be submitted simultaneously with the Form I-140".
Concurrent filing is possible ONLY if your priority date for EB-2 is current, and not backlogged.
I am on H-1B Visa, got my I-140 approved in EB-2 Category and waiting for the dates to get current. Based on Executive Action, shall I be given any EAD ? Or at least any other forms so that I can travel and need not go for Visa Stamping and all the additional paper work.
I have heard that there is a proposal to allow filing of I-485 at the I-140 stage, without waiting for priority dates to be current. This, if implemented, would get you an EAD as well as the right to change jobs under AC21. Unfortunately, there is no clear indication about this proposal in any government document so far.
I am working on H-1B. This week, I got my I-140 petition approved that was filed in EB2. I am Indian citizen born in India. My marriage is scheduled to happen in Jan, 2015. The girl is citizen of India and was born in Nepal. I have heard that after marriage, I would be eligible to file I-485 for both myself and my (then) wife, based on cross-chargeability rules. <br>
1: Is my eligibility to file I-485 (based on the birth country of wife) and its approval thereafter dependent on discretion of USCIS? If yes, does USCIS generally approve or deny such I-485 petitions filed on the basis of cross chargeability rules? <br>
2: Is there any reason due to which my wife and I would be denied from filing I-485 and there-after getting an approval of I-485 (leaving aside fraud matters)? <br>
3: My fiancée is yet to get her passport made in India. I found that my fiancée does not have her birth certificate from Nepal. Is a birth certificate the only way to prove location of birth? If she gets her birth certificate made now, Does the USCIS create issues about a birth certificate made so many years after birth? <br>
4: In my scenario (EB2 petition, primary applicant India born, wife Nepal born Indian citizen), How long (approximately) after filing I-485 would it take to get the green card?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujMQ79pgzX8
FAQ Transcript
Here is the situation. What is Cross-Chargeability? Let me explain. Normally when we do analysis which country quota do you belong to for your employment based Green Cards we go by your country of birth. If you are born in India and you are citizen of Japan, you are still going to be charge to India not Japan. If however, your wife is born in third country in Japan you are born in India but your wife is born in Japan, you can be charge to Japan that is called Cross Charge-ability. That is very useful thing to have, because all of sudden from a heavily backed up country you go to country where dates are current.
So the problem is she is born in Nepal but does not have the birth certificate. Before I go to the birth certificate question, let me go one by one. First is, does USCIS have discretion to deny such cases? Or do they have to give me the Cross charge-ability?
The answer is they have to give the cross chargeability. This is not the question of discretion; they are not doing any favors. Once you meet the requirements and you can prove it you are entitled to your cross charge-ability. You cannot be denied your I-485 for this reason.
Now, she does not have the birth certificate from Nepal.
Birth certificate is the only way to prove the location of birth, it gets tricky. In normal circumstances if you don't have a birth certificate what you will do is you will get a certificate of non availability from the village Panchayat or Municipal corporation where she is born saying that her birth is never recorded. Then you will get two affidavits from people like her parents, who say that we know that she is born on this date, this place. In areas of cross charge-ability USCIS may require further evidence. It can be any evidence about where she lived in Nepal, things like that but if you try to register her birth now that's not going to happen.
So if you do go through the cross charge-ability and your dates are “current” typically your Green Card should be done within a year.
Hello Rajiv Ji,
Thanks for your time and responses (over the email). I have below questions.
1) I am an EB-2, with Priority date Jun-2008. Applied i-485 in Jan-2012. Cut-off date became current in July-2014. Through congressperson / infopass found that my application is in background checks.
1.a) I have given fingerprints 2.5 years ago and background checks are not cleared yet. so what are my options in expediting it?
1.b) My worry is the checks may not be cleared before next time dates become current, and I may be in the same situation again.
1.b) Can I use Writ of Mandamus? Does my case (485 pending for 2.5 years, current for 2.5 months, but background checks are not completed yet) have enough reasons to claim "unreasonable delay"?
2) I am using my EAD. My labor says "Senior Analyst" as my job title.
2.a) Can I accept a promotion with a director/managerial job title ?
2.b) or does it cause a problem / RFE in future? Duties are more or less similar and work on same software technology, but will have few direct reports and need to manage projects.
3) Can I switch to H1-B as a safe measure?
3.a) Does switching mean I am abandoning my GC?
3.b) Do I need to go out of the country for stamping or can I continue to work without going out?
3.b) what are the risks involved?
See the marked clip below from Rajiv's video recording for the answer to this question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&list=UUm4s1qwOS…
My current employer is failing the GC. Below is the job requirement. My total experience is with the current employer only (2.5 years in INDIA+4.5 years in USA)<br>
Job requirement:<br>
Education: Master’s degree, or equiv., in computer information systems or related field
Experience: At least 1 year in position offered or in design defect fixes/enhancements
I have US equivalent Master degree. My attorney said for the experience, we can show your current employer INDIA experience(2.5 years for which i worked in India for the same employer and came USA for the same employer).
Can we show current employer India experience while filing PERM?
Generally speaking, you can use the experience gained with an employer who has a tax ID number other than your petitioning employer.
I have two Bachelor's degrees from US universities. A 3-year Bachelor degree in Science and a 2-year Bachelor's degree in engineering. Will I be considered for a EB-2 visa with this?
In case I don't qualify for EB-2, my dilemma is that, I have worked approx 4 years at my current job. Should I wait another year to file EB-2 or should I just file EB-3 now? Also, do internships qualify when counting the number of years of work after school?
Internships do qualify as experience. You need to get your degrees evaluated under AACAO EDGE standards first .
I have 14 years of overall IT experience and performing Manager, Service delivery role for past 3 years. Planning to enter USA in L-1A visa. I have a team of 30 resources, working in Chennai, Shanghai and San Jose. They all report to me. <br>
My Questions:<br>
1. How long I need to wait to initiate the GC process?<br>
2. Do I have a choice of selecting the type - EB-1 vs EB-2?<br>
3. I don't have bachelors or masters degree. Will that be a barrier for applying GC?<br>
4. Should I apply ONLY through my employer or can I apply myself
1. You can apply for green card without any wait.
2. Yes, but EB-1 is a gazillion times faster for Indian-born people.
3. Degree is not a requirement for international managers/execs.
4. Your employer needs to apply.
I have a three year Bachelors from India and 16 years of experience in US. Currently I have a pending EB-3 with a PD of 10/2006. I am wondering, if I do MS here (Online or Executive course), will I then qualify for EB-2 or do I need to show progressive experience from the time I get my MS?
If the Master's degree is accredited, you do not need post-Master's experience for EB-2. There can be some issue about the 3+2 pattern of education, but an accredited Master's should fix it.
I currently have a J-1 (for four more years, no HRR). I am thinking about applying for an EB2-NIW. The question is, if I don't get the EB-2, will I have problems with traveling with my J-1? Can the officers at the airport know that I was denied an EB-2 and thus showed immigration intent?
Exhibiting immigrant intent CAN be a problem for J-1. It is not certain that you will have a problem, but the potential does exist.
I live in Bulgaria and I have a Master's Degree in Veterinary Medicine. My question is can I get a EB-2 visa if I work as a veterinary assistant in the USA ?
You can qualify for EB2 only if two conditions are met:
1. Your degree is equivalent to a U.S. advanced degree (a credentials evaluation service needs to assess that under proper standards); and
2. The job requires an advanced degree or equivalent experience.
How do I contact the USCIS Service Centers to inform that a priority date is current, that an EB case has been upgraded from EB-3 to EB-2, or that dependents have been separated from the principal applicant’s petition?
Send an email to the Nebraska Service Center at NCSCfollowup.NSC@dhs.gov or the Texas Service Center at TSC.NCSCfollowup@uscis.dhs.gov. Make sure to include the Case Number and A# of the beneficiary(s). If applicable, attached scans of any notices for the USCIS to reference.
Is it necessary for a beneficiary petitioned for Green Card under EB-2 classification (based on a U.S Master’s Degree) to have a degree from an accredited U.S. university?
A Beneficiary’s degree must be from an accredited university in order for the Beneficiary to be considered eligible for a Green Card under EB-2 classification. Evidence such as SEVIS certification or state board approval, which confirm that the university is a legitimate educational institution, is not sufficient to show accreditation for Green Card purposes. A university’s accreditation status may be determined from the following website:
http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
You may also want to watch this video Mr. Khanna prepared, “Accreditation of distance education for EB-2” and read the transcript:
http://www.immigration.com/media/eb2-green-card/accreditation-distance-…
I have a Master’s Degree in Science. I have been awarded the final Degree certificate by the University. But I completed the conventional 2 year program in just 1 year. Will USCIS see my M.Sc degree incomplete?
This is where the evaluators step in. We have had issues with USCIS in these situations. Evaluation done under EDGE database should convince USCIS.
What degrees qualify for EB-2?
In June 2007, the USCIS clarified what is considered to be equivalent to a U.S. Master’s Degree for Employment-Based Category 2. Each petition and its supporting documentation are examined on a case-by-case basis and degree equivalencies are based on the evidence presented with the individual case. However, the below is provided as a general outline:
1. U.S. Master’s Degree – As long as it is in the field required, no additional document is required.
2. Four-year Bachelor’s Degree + two-year Master’s Degree (India) – With degrees in the same or related fields, this will generally be considered the equivalent to a U.S. Master’s Degree and no additional document is required.
3. Three-year Bachelor’s Degree + three-year Master’s Degree (India) – With degrees in the same or related fields, this will generally be equivalent to a U.S. Master’s Degree and no additional document is required.
4. Three-year Bachelor’s Degree + one-year postgraduate diploma + two-year Master’s Degree (India) with degrees in the same or similar field - This would generally be considered the equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree plus one additional year of education. Therefore, the beneficiary would also need to have five years' progressive experience. If the postgraduate diploma is determined to be progressive postgraduate education that is a continuation of the three-year Bachelor’s Degree, it is possible that this would be considered the equivalent to a U.S. Master’s Degree and there would be no need to establish five years' progressive experience.
5. Three-year Bachelor’s Degree + two-year Master’s Degree (India) – Generally, this would be the equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree + one year and would require five years' progressive experience to qualify under the 2nd preference (EB-2) category.
6. Three-year Bachelor’s Degree + two-year Master’s Degree (India) + five years' progressive, post-Master’s Degree experience – Generally, the educational degrees would be determined to be the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s + one year and the beneficiary would meet the statutory requirement.
7. Three-year Bachelor’s Degree + two-year Master’s Degree + one-year postgraduate diploma (India) – Generally, this would be the equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree + one year and would require five years' progressive experience to qualify under the 2nd preference category (EB-2). If the postgraduate diploma is determined to be progressive postgraduate education that is a continuation of the three-year Bachelor’s Degree or the two-year Master’s Degree, it is possible that this would be considered the equivalent to a U.S. Master’s Degree, and there would be no need to establish five years' progressive experience.
The petition must include documentation, such as an official academic record showing that the alien has a U.S. advanced degree or a foreign equivalent degree, or an official academic record showing that the alien has a U.S. baccalaureate degree or a foreign equivalent degree and letters from current or former employers showing that the alien has at least five years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience in the specialty. The post-baccalaureate experience should reflect increasing or advancing levels of responsibility and knowledge in the specialty. The profession should be an occupation for which a baccalaureate degree or its foreign equivalent is the minimum requirement for the entry in the field.
Job requirement says BS in engineering + 5 years of exp. No alternatives mentioned in PERM.
Educational qualifications: Diploma + AMIE + M.Tech
Experience: 7 Years exp. post M.tech from previous employer and 5 years from current employer. Does this can be classified under EB-2 for the above job requirement keeping AMIE degree in view? Would it be any issue during I140 regarding the education?
The AMIE is iffy. In fact I recall an AAO decision that said they will not recognize AMIE, but then a more recent decision was a bit more wishy-washy. Anyhow, I think an EB2 must be tried. The MTech will help.
I have a 4 year bachelor's degree from India and 7 years experience. My company has applied for GC in EB-3 and my I-140 is approved. My PD is Sep 2010.My company name is now changed and they are saying that the process has to be restarted from the perm but I can keep my same PD.I checked with the lawyers to see if I'm eligible for EB2 and they said no. My job description says bachelors' degree and 3 or 5 years of experience and hence the lawyers are saying no. Their argument is that the USCIS will deny the application indicating that the job could be done by a person with 3 yrs experience. Am I qualified for EB-2?
Note these points. First, a mere name change of the employer does NOT require that green card be started all over again. Second, if the sponsoring employer stops business operations, USCIS can take away your priority date. And, third, the job must REQUIRE 5 year’s exp.
My Labour is filed in EB-3 & my PD is Oct-2003. I got my EAD in 2007. I have a BE degree from India & a work experience of 13 years. 5 in India & 8 in USA. Am I eligible for porting to EB-2? If I file a fresh EB-2 what is the process? Is it just the Perm process & I- 140 or do I need to file I- 485 again.
People with over 5 years of exp. after a 4-year degree may be ale to restart the green card under EB-2 category and then port their PD. Basically, you are redoing the PERM and I-140 for an EB-2 level job.
If one applies through EB2 category can the PERM also be avoided then?
You can avoid the need for PERM through EB-2 only if you are applying for a National Interest Waiver.
Regarding EB-2 application, which is more likely to be approved (or faster), the Master's equivalency (BS graduate to be evaluated in a university to be master's equivalent) OR the 5 years progressive experience? There's only one Occupational Therapist that I know personally who was approved and it was through the Master's equivalency (she didn't even have 5 years experience). Also, would it rely/depend on the employer's capability to support documents or does it also depend on how meticulous the lawyer is with the details to be submitted in the USCIS?
It all begins with the lawyers. So, make sure your counsel are meticulous and plan for every possible eventuality they can think of. The job HAS to be described truthfully.
My PD is EB3 - Dec 2007. I have 3+2 years of education from India which is equivalent to US Bachelors. I have 3 years of experience before joining the current empoyer. Now I have more than 10 years of experience(including the experience with the current employer). I would like to know if I can apply again in EB-2 with the same employer using the experience gained from current employer.
You can, if the job offered is more than 50% different than the job you were performing so far with the same employer.
I am with a major US university as professor for only 9 months (H1B). Physician+PhD, 16 years professional experience in Europe, 20 papers, 1 book. Am I eligible for EB2 or is it too early to apply for EB green card?
You are certainly eligible for EB2 and you must apply as soon as possible. Professorial jobs can reuse existing advertisements if they file PERM within 18 months of when the job was offered to them. You should also have your resume assessed for a simultaneous EB1 application.
I did three year bachelor of computer science degree from India in June 2005.Then I joined master of computer Applications program (M.C.A) in India in Aug 2005 (3 year program). While still being enrolled in masters degree program, I joined a full time job in a software company in Jan 2006. I was awarded master of computer applications(3 year degree)in 2008, until dec 2010 (5 years) I worked with the same company in a full time job. after i moved to us. Now I am working with US based company from 7 months as a full time employee.(total experience 5 years 7 months).Do I qualify for EB-2.
You qualify.
I have B.Sc. from Israel(06/2002) At 10/2002 I started M.Sc. At the same time I was working as QA eng.(1.5 years) and was checking exercises and exams in university.
I stopped my M.Sc. in the middle and joined the company I am working for till now. After 3 years I was relocated to US. Currently I am 4 years in relocation and decided to apply for green card. The law firm, my company works with, decided that I should be on EB3 path.
What are my chances to get the EB2 with B.Sc.(Israel)+1.5 years in QA(Israel)+3 years development(Israel)+4 years development(US)?
Your degree must be equivalent to a US Bach. degree. Incomplete degrees are not counted for EB2.
I am currently on H1B and have I-140 approved on EB-3 with a PD of Oct 06. I have overall 9 years of experience, which includes 4.5 years outside current employer. However, I had resigned my current employer an year ago and worked for a different company for an year and then joined back my current employer in Aug 2010. Since I haven't been continuously employed with current employer, I am wondering if ALL years prior to Aug 2010 can be considered for EB2 qualification.
Continuous employment is not required, but you can use the experience with the same employer ONLY if the job you used to perform and the job you will perform after the green card are more than 50% different.
I-140 App Aug 8th 08, EB2 Priority Date Mar 7th 08, H-1 In 8th Year, expiring May 12,
1.If I move to a new company (B), can I still keep my Priority Date which I have from my current company (A)?
2.Can the current company (A) withdraw my application in such a way that I loose my priority date?
1. You can keep the PD only as long as the sponsoring employer does not revoke your I-140, go out of business and USCIS does not revoke the I-140 OR, USCIS does not revoke the I-140 for fraud.
2. No.
For an employment-based green card application in the EB2 category, my employer has said that they would be willing to make the application if I am willing to pay for it. Can the employee bear the total cost of the entire process -- including attorney's processing fees, filing fees for all stages, advertising fees, EAD, advance parole fees -- from start to final stamping?
The employer is bound by law to pay for all expenses, including legal fees, associated with the PERM process (but not the rest of the green card process).
I have 3 yr BSc(Computer Science)+ 2 yr MSc(Information Technology)from India and I completed my MSc on May 2003 and I am currently working for my current employer from July 2008 and my job description requires Masters degree + 2 yrs to perform the job. Overall I started my career from Jan 2000 - Till Date. Am I eligible for EB2 please let me know? Also can u explain, will I fall into this category 3 yr bachelors degree + 2 yr masters degree = bachelors degree + 1 year and would require 5 yrs progressive experience to qualify under the EB2?
You could qualify for EB-2 under BS + 5.
I've been working for the company that is sponsoring my green card for the past 2.5 years and some of the experiences/skills required in the Job Description were acquired working with this company. Is it valid to include those skills on the Job Description? Should I have acquired those skills before?
It is possible to use the after-acquired skills only if the job in the past and the green card job are more than 50% different.
I completed my master’s degree last summer and started working with a company from 2 months.
I am in OPT status right now and I wanted to know, if I am eligible to file for Green Card process with my current employer. If yes can I file in EB2? I have 2 years IT experience in India If no, do I have to wait until I get H1b. Is the Green card process dependent on H1B?
This question requires your lawyers to assess the case. Generally speaking nothing stops you from filing a PERM application while on OPT and an Eb2 appears possible.
I am on EB3 category and have been working in the IT sector for the last 6 years and one year ago I completed my MBA too. I am currently working as a contractor and using my EAD. I am on Adjustment of status right now. Is it possible to change my category from EB3 to EB2?
It is possible, but the green card will have to be started again from PERM.
I have BSC from India + 2 years diploma in NIIT (In H1 and L1 they considered my diploma as a master degree ..I guess) in India and 10 years of experience. Can I apply GC in EB2 category?
Diplomas are unpredictable. I think EB-2 is doubtful.
I have a BE (4 years) degree in Computer Science from India and have a work experience of 7.5 years in the related field. Am I eligible to apply GC in EB2 category?
You appear to be qualified for EB-2.
I am working for one of the largest companies as mechanical engineer. I am shifting from Mechanical engineer to Product development engineer job within the same company. The job requirement is BS + 2-5 years of experience. I have
Bachelors 4 Years, Masters in USA, Research Assistant 1 year 4 months, Teaching Assistant 10 months, Experience as a Mechanical engineer 3 years 7 months.
Am I eligible for eb2 category?
The minimum requirements for the job are 2 years exp. This job does not qualify for EB-2. You do.
I have 3 years bachelors in computer science and 2 years masters in computer science in India..My education evaluation says masters..so is it possible to apply in EB-2?
It is possible, but your lawyers must assess which route is best for you: evaluate the two degrees to be equiv. to a Bach. and use Bach + 5 for EB-2 OR just use the Master's degree (risky).
I have a 4 years Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering and I am working in IT Industry for the last 13 years with documented progressive experience. Do I qualify for EB2 or EB3?
EB2 is possible
I have a 2 years B.Com from back home & a CA. I have 10yrs of Account exp, plus a CPA. My firm's lawyers refused to file EB-2 & insisted on EB-3. I know two people form another account firm with the same credentials (even same university) who filed EB-2 & got GC. When I got my H1B, I got foreign credentials evaluated & received equivalence to BBA (Accounting & Finance) based on B.Com & CA. But Lawyers insisted that for GC process USCIS won't consider CA.
Your lawyers are right in that CA is not accepted as education by USCIS. Speak with a credentials evaluation agency about Master's degrees.
Can I change jobs and file PERM and I-140 under EB2 instead prior EB3 with the new employer. How risky the situation is? I can stay with my current employer, but it is going to take at another 3 years to get my GC under EB3. My PD is Feb 2007.
You can file I-485 in the month when your priority date becomes current (and then get EAD). Priority dates are reported in the Visa Bulletin. I see no problem in carrying the priority date forward if you file an EB-2 through a new employer. As to risk, that needs to be evaluated by your lawyers.
I have a Masters in Biomedical Engineering and work in a company that implements eQMS for Biologics, Med Device and Pharma companies. I work as a Senior Consultant. If I apply for my GC, would it qualify for EB2? Also, once I start the application process, if I leave my employer and join another employer, would I have to restart the GC process from the new employer?
You COULD qualify for EB-2 depending upon your qualifications and the job requirements. If you leave before I-140 is approved, you may get nothing out of the process. But leaving after I-140 approval gets you your priority date to carry forward.
I am in the 5th year of my H1. My current employer has filed for my PERM under EB-3 category since I did not have 5 years experience before (EB-3 has 6 years backlog though EB-2 queue for me is current). I want to know is it possible to wait for I-140 approval, get 3 year extension with current employer and then switch jobs? Will I be able to get 3 more years on H1 with future employer?
It is possible and common for employer B to get H-1 extension based upon an I-140 approval of employer A. You need to speak about the details with a lawyer.
I have a BE (4 yrs) from India and MS (2 yrs) from US and have 2 years work experience. I have to start my green card process in 2011 and I have good chances of promotion to senior engineer also next year.
1. Should I wait for the promotion before starting GC process in order to qualify for EB2?
2. My company has a requirement of BS+5yrs exp for senior level. Will BS+MS+2 yrs exp be equivalent?
3. Should the job description specifically state BS+5 yrs OR MS+2yrs, or either is fine?
You need to speak with your lawyers to decide on the timing of the filing. For EB-2 a requirement of minimum Master's degree or in the alternative Bach. + 5 years of post bach experience qualifies you for an EB-2.
I have Bachelor of Business Administration (3Yrs) and Higher Diploma in Software Engineering (2Yrs) and 10 Yrs of Experience in which 7.5 Yrs of experience in required job description. Will I be eligible for EB2 Category?
Depends. If the SE diploma is post graduate (not available for undergrads) AND recognized - you MAY be eligible for EB-2.
I have to apply the GC under EB2 category. I have done my B.Sc(CS - 3 yrs) + M.Sc (CS - 2yrs) and having 9 years experience with Tech Architect - Lead(leading 5-20 peoples) position at this moment. My M.Sc(CS) has evaluated as US MS for H1 visa approval. Will I eligible ?
If your BS and MS are in the same field and are related to your work, EB-2 should work.
My EB3 I-485 is pending with PD 06/2006. My company is willing to file the new EB2 as I have Indian equivalent Masters (3+3 years) and more experience as well as increased job responsibilities. Can I accept it and do the portability to get my EB3 PD? What is the minimum wage for EB2 category? Would my current company experience counts for new EB2 category? Any suggestions on the EB2 job responsibilities?
Theoretically, this is possible. As to the practical implications, you must speak with the lawyers who will represent you in the second green card process.
I have MS in Electrical engineering with 3 yrs exp. The job requirement is for MS in Engineering + 2 yrs. Do I qualify for EB2?
Yes, you qualify for EB-2, unless the alternate requirements, if any, for the job are less than Bachelor's + 5 years exp.
I have done my Master's in computer science in US and I have 6 months experience before joining my current company. Will I be eligible for EB2 category?
If the job requires a Master's degree - yes.
I am in my final year of PhD (Semiconductor devices) at a university in US. I did my MS in the same university. I have around 5 first author publications. The jobs in my area typically require a PhD, so I was wondering what are my chances of getting green card under EB-2 category (right after I get a job in the industry)?
EB-2 chances look pretty good.
I filed Perm under EB3 category on 1-Oct-2008. I got an audit. As per your current Perm dates, they are processing Aug'08 audits. Can I file with same employer under EB2? If yes, can I also keep EB3 file running parallelly. Is there a way for me to carry EB3 PD after I-140 Approval,if I file a new EB2? I completed 4yrs 2 months on H1B already. Please suggest me if I can change my employer now to file for EB2 or not. (If there is any way i can carry my EB3 PD for EB2 or not?). My lawyer said they can not change the current EB3 file to EB2 as they did not describe it for EB2 role.
It is logically inconsistent for two jobs from the same company for the same individual. If you have a good, logical, true explanation, there is no law that says you cannot have two PERM apps for the same individual for different jobs with the same company. But you cannot transfer PD until the I-140 is approved. I see no issue with changing jobs right away. You may have just enough time.
I have 3-year Bachelor's degree, Certified Software Architect, 15+ yrs experience(including current employer), 100K+ salary. Do I qualify for EB2 under Exceptional Ability/
Under EB-1, probably no. Under EB-2, unlikely, but have your lawyers review.
My PERM application just got denied due to the recent layoff in my company. Can I apply EB2 (schedule A) to bypass the labor certification step? Will the recent PERM denial affect the Schedule A application? Is it ok to submit the schedule A application soon or I have to wait for a certain time period?
If you are qualified, you can apply for Schedule A. I cannot think of any way the PERM denial or layoffs could cause any issues and there should be no waiting to file.
I have B.Tech in Engineering from India. I have over 13 years of experience in IT.I am working as IT architect.My company is ready to process my GC.Am I eligible for EB2?
Assuming BTech is a 4-year degree, it looks like you are eligible for EB-2.
I graduated from a 4 yr US BSChE program and a 2yr MS ChE program and have been working on an H-1B for the same U.S. University as a Research Associate for 2 yrs.All my publications (2-3) are still pending and I am secondary on most of them.What requirements would the position I am promoted to need in order for me to qualify for the EB-2?
You qualify for EB-2, of course, whether or not a promotion is required is entirely up to your lawyer and the employer to determine. Any position that requires an MS OR BS = 5 years experience (progressively responsible) qualifies for EB-2 filing.
I did my BSc (3 years) in Computer Science From St Xaviers Mumbai. Then I did my MCA ( 3 years ) from REC Trichy. I have 7 years of work experience and all those years have been in IT industry.My company is going to file my GC for me. Am I eligible for EB2 category?
Yes, you are eligible for EB-2.
I have 3 yr Bachelor's degree (BSc) + 3 yr Bacheolor's degree in technology(BTech) from India and 8 years of experience. Do I qualify to apply for Green Card under EB2 category if the position requiers MS or BS+5 yr experience.
Usually, you are NOT permitted to put together two 3-year bach. degrees. So, it appears unlikely you will qualify for EB-2.
I have 7 years of experience with 3year bachelors degree + 2year masters degree from India.Job for which my GC is being filed is Bachelors degree+6yr experience. As per knowledge from different online sources 3year bach. degree+2year masters degree+5years progressive,post-masters exp.- Is considered as EB-2 Professionals with Advanced Degrees.My lawyer is saying since my bachelors(India)is a 3yr program & US bachelors degree is a 4yr program so my case falls under EB3 & not EB2. She also specified that under EB2 category the educational degree must be from a "single source" & not from combination of degrees.
Generally speaking, if BS and MS are in the same or similar fields, you should be able to combine them to arrive at a 4-year degree for EB2 purposes. You should have a shot at EB2.
I have a Masters degree from US and based on the forum and Q&A I think I'd qualify for EB2 category for GC. I am with company A and am contemplating if I should go forward with GC processing or change the job. I am completing 4 yrs on H1 by this month end and would like to make an educated decision given the companies are not eager to hire on H1 if it is completing 6 yrs soon.
Can you please let me know how long the process may take if it has to be initiated now? I would be interested in premium processing of I-140, adjustment of status and EAD.
For people born in countries that have an EB2 backlog, times can vary greatly from 3-4 years to longer depending upon a number of variables. One big advantage of getting at least to the I-140 approved stage is that you can carry your priority date to the next employer and get H-1 extension beyond six years.
I have a concern regarding EB2 application in my current employer, I will complete my 5 years experience next year and they are willing to promote me as a Clinical Specialist to count my 1 year and 1/2 as a staff/lower position with them to complete my 5years experience. My question is, is it possible that they could sponsor me for EB2 after they promote me as Clinical Specialist even if my 1 year and 1/2 experience with them?
Under the current law, it is possible to use the expience gained with the same employer if the labor certain job is more than fifty percent different from the earlier positions held with the same employer. Only a competent lawyer can help you assess the chances.
I want to know whether I am eligibile for EB2. Following are the key information. Is it a requirement to have 5 years experiences outside of US ? I have combined experiences of 6 years (US +India).
Education - B.Tech (Electronics) in 2004 from India
Experiences - 6 Years ( 3 years in India and 3 Years in US)
With a four-year Bach. Degree and more than five years of post Bach experience, you should be able to have a shot at EB2.
I am an OT practicing here in the US and came from another country. I graduated with BSOT and had an OT VOLUNTEER work for 2 years in an adult setting back home. Would that count as a part of the 5 years experience? And from that 2 years, I was not yet licensed OT for the first 6months.
GENERALLY speaking, for EB-2, there is no requirement that I know of mandating paid experience. Volunteer experience could potentially be used.
I have completed my Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science Engineering (4yrs) and working as a Subject Matter Expert in US on L1B visa with a work experience of 4yrs. I have completed 2 Microsoft certifications and AICPCU certifications. Will I be eligible for processing Green card on EB-2 category ?
You will need 5 years of post-bachelor's experience. Certifications do not usually help.
If one has an approved I-140, does he/she to move to a similar job/position/field to save the PD?
No, the job does not have to be similar. The green card has to be done again, but the PD can be ported to any job and category (EB1, EB2, EB3).
My GC application has been filed under EB3. 140 has been approved, PD-08/2008. I hold a MS degree from US and possess 5yrs work experience. I've recently been moved to a new role. While the role itself don't require a MS degree, will I be eligible to file an EB2 application if the role required a BS + 5yrs work experience?
My Wife is an Indian citizen but was born in Kuwait and is on H4 currently. Is the concept of "Cross Eligibility" applicable to my GC application? If yes, how do we take advantage of it?
You can apply for EB2 if the job requires Bach. with 5 years of post bach. exp. and yes, you can use cross chargeability. Discuss details with your lawyers.
I just want to know if I can be eligible for an EB2 visa...I have a bachelor of science in occupational therapy in the Philippines and I am taking up an advanced degree in OT online here in the US..the question is...can I apply for EB2 after I had finished the advance degree in OT?
In my opinion, if your job requires an advanced degree, you can apply for EB-2.
Let me first thank you for guiding hundreds of us with your valuable advice. My sincere thanks to you. I have a question regarding the inter-changeability of EB2 prority dates. I'm an Indian citizen and my wife is a Russian citizen, born in Russia. She will be filing as my dependent on my green card. I read on some online forums that I can user her country's priority date ("current" as of today) for the green card. Is this correct?
Yes, that is correct. This is referred to as "Cross Changeability."
I have been offered a state job, whose requirements are a Bachelor's degree with a 1 year experience. However, I have a US-based Master's degree. From what I understood from the text above, my green card can not be filed under EB2. I have talked to my employer about it and they have indicated that they are willing to help me in any way they can. If I were to request them to hire me in another position and advertise the new job requirements (Master's) after I'm hired, will I be eligible under the EB2 category?
You are correct. You will not qualify for an EB2 unless the job also legitimately requires a post graduate degree or Bach. with five years of experience at a minimum.
I have done my 5 years of Bachelors(traditional school) in IT from USA and also my 2 years of MBA through distance education(online) from accredited(Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)) University in USA.
I need to know if I qualify under EB2 Category(provided that job requires advanced degree). My employer wants to evaluate my Master degree because he thinks that Distance education is not recognized.
The key here is to find if the degree is accredited. Get together with the school.
In order to qualify for EB2 under advance degrees, is it sufficient to have a MS degree from US univ or should the job requirement state so?
The job must also require (genuinely) EB-2 level qualifications.
My PERM is approved under EB2. My education is 3 yrs Diploma+ 3 yrs B.Tech + 1.5 Yrs M.Tech + 8 yrs of exp at the time of PERM). All my education is from India. Do you see any problem with my education in I-140?
There are some variables. Generally speaking, if the BTech is supposed to be a 4-year degree and you got it in three because of your diploma, you should be fine.
Could you please advise the average time it takes to obtain GC through EB2 category? I've got Master's in International Business and 7 years of experience in the USA and EU. I got a job offer from the States and I would like to file the petition.
The biggest delay for most people is in the priority date movement. Check out the Visa Bulletin and the PERM processing times. That should give you a good idea.
Had a question regarding the EB-2 eligibility.My Perm was recently approved in EB-2 category.Had a question about education before we file the 140. I've a bachelors in Computing from UK which was a 3 year course and after that I have a Masters from UK in the computing which was a 1 year course. My question- is this qualification eligible of the EB-2 category. Just want to ensure that there is no RFE in 140.
Impossible to predict. It all depends upon the type of degrees and the language used in the Form ETA 9089
On H1B, born in India, EB2 I-140 approved but cannot apply for I-485 since PD is Nov 2008. Is cross-chargeability applicable in this case, if I marry GF who was born in country other than India/China?
Is it OK if the GF is not here right now or on other visa category than H1B? Will marrying enable both of us to file for I-485 immediately?
Cross changeability is possible if your spouse was born in a country other than your country of birth. She can file her I-485 only if she is in USA.
I have my EB2 approved by the USCIS, do I still get the chance to be denied by the US embassy for the consular interview?
It is unlikely, but possible.
I am technology professional with nearly 9 years of work experience. I am currently working as a software consultant in a trading firm in the US and will be graduating from a part time MBA program (concentrations in Finance) this december. If I plan to apply for PERM next year, will I be eligible to apply under EB-2 US Masters degree, given that my MBA in finance will help in understanding complex financial principles and writing algorithms that support day to day trading? In this case, will my previous experience be evaluated?
As long as the job requires a Master's degree and you have earned that degree by the time you file your PERM, you should be able to get EB-2.
I have worked for Company A and got my labor certificate(Approved in May 2009) and I-140(Approved in Nov 2009 under Eb-3). But company A got acquired by Company B. Company B bought major part of the assets from Company A. Both companies do same kind of business.
1. The new company B is in same County and State(but different cities).
2. I Will be doing similar or same work in a similar position.
3. H1B transfered from Company A to Company B.
1) Can company B use Company A Labor certicate and refile the I-140 again?
2) Since Company A filed I-140 on EB-3, Can Company B refile I-140 on EB2?
Generally speaking, I see this as a good opportunity to start a new PERM under EB2 and then transfer the priority date. Speak with your lawyers.
I did 3.5 years diploma in computer engineering + 3 years BS in information systems (BITS). MY labor is in process under EB2 catageory. I am worried that my i -140 is going to denied because for my education. Mr. Khanna do you have any approval cases with diploma + BS.
I think your worry is well founded. These type of cases are difficult to get approved. I am commenting in general because I do not know the exact facts. Discuss your concern with your lawyers and if possible, get a response in writing.
I filed my EB1 and EB2 NIW together, EB1 was denied but EB2 NIW was approved. I refiled EB1. I am a physician at one of top university , with many publications, presentations and offers from top league universities. There are only 12 people in the whole US that do same thing as I do in my clinical speciality. However I do not have any awards. What are the chances that my second filing of EB1 may go through.
Impossible to answer, Doc. This is like diagnosing a patient without access to the patient or his records. Impossible for me to say. I do not know your case.
I am currently petitioned under EB3 (for embassy interview already) but unfortunately is caught up with the retrogression. Can I apply for an EB2 visa? I have a Bachelor's degree (BSN), took up Medicine (equivalent of a master's degree in academe) and currently is a faculty/administrator in one of the top nursing schools in Manila, going on 5 years of service. I am likewise a PhD student (Major in Biology) in one of the top university also in Manila. Am I qualified for an EB2? If yes, is EB2 a family based peition? My parents live in New Jersey. Thank you.
The term "EB" means employment-based. EB-2 is available for people with post graduate degrees (by US standards) OR a 4 years bach. degree with five years of progressively responsible experience. You need to speak with your lawyers about applying for an EB-2 and transferring your priority date.
I received a complete official transcript and a letter confirming that I have completed all the requirements of the master degree. The university's next graduation date is Jan-30 2009 when I will get the diploma. Can I apply for EB2 on my complete official transcript or I have to wait until I get the diploma.
Generally speaking, under immigration law we focus on when the degree was completed - NOT when the formal diploma was conferred. Speak with your lawyers.
If I file under EB2 in same educational qualifications, so in which stage it would be chances to denied. I mean in Labor, 140 or 485?
Your education/qualifications are USUALLY questioned in great detail at the I-140 stage. But USCIS or DOL can question any of these matters at any stage. I have seen approved I-140's being reopened and denied at the I-485 stage.
I do have a question regarding EB2 eligibility. I earned a Bachelor degree in Science(B.Sc with Physics subject-which is not related to IT) from India(3 years) and also earned Masters in Computer (MCA in IT) (3 Years). So will I be able to file my employment Green card in EB2 category if I file my Green card in IT based company?
It is possible, but tell your lawyers to draft the PERM application carefully, so if EB2 is denied, EB3 should still be approved.
I do have a question regarding EB2 eligibility. I earned a Bachelor degree in Science(B.Sc with Physics subject-which is not related to IT) from India(3 years) and also earned Masters in Computer (MCA in IT) (3 Years). So will I be able to file my employment Green card in EB2 category if I file my Green card in IT based company?
It is possible, but tell your lawyers to draft the PERM application carefully, so if EB2 is denied, EB3 should still be approved.
My wife has a Post Professsional degree in OT from a reputed school. However, we are not sure if she qualifies for EB2 processing similar to Physical Therapists. I think she has to file like any other profession and doesnot get special consideration that PTs get. Can you please clarify?
OT's have no special category unlike physical therapists. But EB-2 may be possible. Discuss with her lawyers.
I am having 3 years of work experience. My intention is to complete my masters. Is it good to do MS with having 3 years of work experience.Please suggest me on this.Thanks in advance.
I assume you are asking whether you can process an EB-2 green card. The answer is yes, once you complete your Master's degree and take up a job that requires such degree or Bachelor's plus five years experience.