Thanks to Rajiv and his team. My LC was filed in Nov' 99 and got approved on Nov'12th 2000. Applying for I-140. This team is very prompt, patient, energetic and knowledgeable. The team reply to every question very carefully. Rajiv even replied to some personal immigration questions when I need to change my wife's H4 status to F1 (we went to Mexico for this). Thanks to Rajiv for all his answers and suggestions. GC is a major milestone in our life, for those who want to make a career in U.S. We need patience and above all must follow the attorney's suggestions for successfully getting the GC.
Green card experience : I would like to thank Mr Rajiv Khanna, Fidelina and their staff for all the help they provided through my Green card process. I am glad I selected them as my lawyers and would recommend others too if they want a hasle free green card processing. My Labour was done in Feb 98 and it came in under 6 months. We tried for EB2 I140 but since I did not have masters, we got an RFE. We selected EB3 as an option then but due to some confusion at the VSC side, my I140 was denied, they thought we are asking for EB2 again. My date had luckily become current at that time. Due to the quick response from Fedilina, my 140 was approved in about a week or so. That was something really extraordinary and I am glad Fidelina was handling my case. We are able to file 485 at that time, Aug 99. Got the EAD in about 3 months. But unfortunately, the dates went back. At that time, my wife’s 140 got approved in EB2 and through another lawyer. Her date was current. We were in a dilemma whether to file another 485 while earlier 485 was still pending, do CP or just wait. We finally decided to go for CP. We had our interview on 25 October at Delhi and had to wait for 2 weeks at delhi because of Name check problem. Fidelina had been nice to answer my queries every now and then through the whole process. The CP process was very smooth without any problems. If anybody has any specific question, please write to me at KHERAA@YAHOO.COM and I will be really glad to answer.
Rajiv's staff is well informed, prompt and very friendly. I had no problem during all the phases of processing. I received prompt response to my emails and Rajiv or his staff members were easily available to answer any questions. Further he has a real good system to organize and store documents; because of which I never had to refer to any of my old documents over the course of my 3.5 years of Green card processing. Further his consultation fees are reasonable. I would recommend his services.
The H-1B Program
U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields, such as scientists, engineers, or computer programmers.
For more information about the H-1B program, see the link to the left under temporary workers for H-1B Specialty Occupations and Fashion Models.
How USCIS Determines if an H-1B Petition is Subject to the FY 2013 Cap
1. Wanted to check if on an EAD one could work for 2 companies. One sponsoring the GC (Maybe part time) and other full time.
2. Updated FAQ: I have a question in similar line. Currently I am on derivative EAD. My spouse is the main applicant and I got my EAD thru her company. She still works for the same company.
We (me and my friend) have started a company in India some time back. Now, I want to start our new office in the US. Will there be any legal implications? What kind of company I can start here.. LLC or Inc? Please advise.
1. Theoretically, you can work for as many companies as you like on EAD. My concern would be the implication that you no longer have a full time job with the sponsoring company, which is a requirement for the green card.
2. Since you are on a derivative EAD, you have even more freedom than the primary applicant. Other than an S corporation (I think that requires green card under tax laws), you can form any kind of corporation (LLC, etc.), but do check on the State law.
My self and my wife are on EAD and advance parole. My wife and I are from India.
I have to work in Switzerland on my company business for some time 6 months to a year – would that affect my EAD status in the USA. I would be working for the Swiss branch of my company.The assignment is short term 6-12 months.
This is however not the company with which I started my green card. I changed jobs when I got my EAD.
But I have several questions:
1. Can I even work abroad while on EAD status - short term, i am only talking 6-12 months. if this term is 11 months is that fine? Or do i have to work in the USA only while on EAD?
2. Do I need to maintain substantial presence in the USA while on EAD. And if so what is that term of stay.
3. Updated FAQ: My case is slightly different than the above one. Currently I am on Derivative EAD, which I got through my spouse's company. (I 485 pending and more than 180 days) I was on H1B and I got laid off in March 2009. I am still finding difficult to find a job in the US. I got an offer from a company in Canada. I know that I can work there once I get canadian work permit. My wife (main applicant and EAD holder) will be working for the same company in the US. My question is how often I can come to US with my Advance Parole? will there be any problem if I visit US often? Please advise.
1. An EAD is good to work on US soil only. If you wish to work in a third country, you have to look to their laws for work permissions. You should file an AC21 portability and make sure during your entire stay abroad you have at least your Advance Parole; preferable both your AP and H-1 visa.
2. As long as the permanent job continues to exist, there is no other requirement of presence.
3. I see no problem with visiting USA as often as you like.
My family did receive the green card through the extra ordinary ability (EB1) category. We have no words to say for the inspiring, exciting and excellent work done by Rajiv and Diane through the entire process. It took just about 8 months to receive the green card. In each and every step, we met many times through the conference calls with Rajiv and Diane and they explained the process clearly and precisely. Of course, we felt always that someone from our own family guiding us in the entire GC process.
I highly recommend reader's of this testimonial to consult Mr. Khanna's immigration experts for any immigration related legal issues at any time. You will be certainly pleased to find such a great friendly group of people that are well prepared to provide you the service you deserve. I really wondered sometimes that how Rajiv and Diane find time to respond quickly for an individual in addition to deal with the other clients. Dear Rajiv and Diane, our prayers to your whole team for your selfless service to us. In future, any of Rajiv's clients who wants to apply under extraordinary ability can reach me to share my experience.
My friend is working for NASDAQ listed company in US. We were in a discussion about the compensation details available for H1B employee if the company does a lay-off and he is affected due to it. He is on end of his 6th year and just got his 7th year extension.
If something like that happen(not that it should happen) but if that happen what are the compensation he is entitled to get from the company, apart from 2 weeks pay.
There is no special protection of compensation under H-1 laws once employment is terminated. Under immigration laws, the employer is required only pay for a one-way ticket back to your home country. The protection, if any, comes from employment contracts.
I am really glad to have Rajiv as my attorney. It really helped me to get my card within 9 months. Diane is extremely fast and made my job very easy.
Reference Document: STATE 057336, 06/09
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS
1. The revised 2009 J-1 visa Exchange Visitor Skills List was published in the Federal Register (Volume 74, Number 82) on April 30, 2009.
2. The new Skills List is effective on June 28, 2009.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reopened the fiscal year 2009 H-2B petition filing period and will immediately accept new H-2B petitions. Although on Jan. 7, 2009, USCIS announced it accepted and approved a sufficient number of H-2B petitions to meet the congressionally mandated annual cap of 66,000, the Department of State received far fewer than expected requests for H-2B visas and as a result, has issued only 40,640 H-2B visas for fiscal year 2009 to date. This means that there are approximately 25,000 visas that may go unused, as they have not been granted.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Assistant Secretary John Morton announced that ICE is undertaking a major overhaul of the agency's immigration detention system.
"This change marks an important step in our ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws smartly and effectively," said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. "We are improving detention center management to prioritize health, safety and uniformity among our facilities while ensuring security, efficiency and fiscal responsibility."
I applied for my Initial H1-B Extension .I was scared as the USCIS was asking too many questions abiut the project,codes and othe evidences as I also received an RFE for my case. But I really want to thank Rajiv Khanna and his staff at the non-immigrant office who was very calm and prepared a point - to -point response and also Rajiv personally reviews all the responses sent to the USCIS. So my case was approved yesterday and I really appreciate thier work.
U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued instructions on making inquiries with the agency's four Service Centers. Customers, community-based organizations and liaison groups should follow this guidance when inquiring about case related issues. This new process standardizes customer service and streamlines processing of customer inquiries at USCIS Service Centers. To get step-by-step instructions please check attachment:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today the manner in which petitioners for religious workers must notify USCIS regarding their employment of nonimmigrant religious workers in R-1 status. The procedures are necessary to enable petitioners to comply with the notification requirements established by USCIS regulations governing the R-1 nonimmigrant classification.
Time taken for a check to be valid after the time of arrival at the USCIS - The USCIS usually processes the fee-ing in of most of the applications within 24 hours of receipt. The bank has the option to accept or reject a fee instrument that expired at the time of its deposit. If the bank for expiry rejects the fee instrument, then the bounced check procedure is implemented and pursuant to 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7) (ii), the finance center will issue a bounced check notification.
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
Number 12
Volume IX
Washington, D.C.
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers.
I filed for my H 1 visa less than a month back through Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, and got the petition letter approved today. The way Rajiv and his employees' handle each case is worth appreciating. Their dedication, support and professionalism, throughout the process is commendable. I can very confidently say that the pain they took to cover even the tiniest point is worth mentioning. This is the reason why they are so successful.
1. I had filed for H1B visa last year but the VISA consulate in Delhi denied it as they wanted Tax returns of the Client company and other details which my H1B sponsor company was not willing to share. I was really frustrated with VO at embassy. I then applied to embassy to withdrawn my H1B visa application. I got a confirmation that it has been withdrawn.
Now today after so many days when I checked my H1B status on USCIS, it said " This case has been received from the State Department with a request we review it."
Please let me know what does it mean and does it mean something serious to take care of.
2. Updated FAQ - What are the implications of H1B Visa revocation for future H1b application
1. This means that the consulate sent the case back to USCIS for review, revocation (and may be investigation of the employer). Usually, you should not have any issue with it. But from what I recall, if the case is revoked, you will be subject to the H-1 quota in future.
2. I do not see any implications for the individual unless the revocation was based upon some problem with the individual's qualifications.
As of August 7, 2009, approximately 44,900 H-1B cap-subject petitions and approximately 20,000 petitions qualifying for the advanced degree cap exemption had been filed. USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions have been received to reach the statutory limits, taking into account the fact that some of these petitions may be denied, revoked, or withdrawn.
USCIS has received 8,974 H-2B petitions for the first half of FY 2010. It has approved 8,183 and 791 are pending.
Procedures at NBC for I-485 applications that require an interview - NBC works as a pre-interview processing center for I-485 applications that require an interview. The center (NBC) also performs an “Initial Evidence Review’ for basic required documents like the birth certificate, I-693, I-864, proof of legal entry and for other documents. A case is “interview ready” once the application is placed under the scheduling queue as soon as NBC completes its pre interview processing steps and verifies the case.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds special immigrant religious workers, who have a pending or approved Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, (Form I-360), to file their Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, (Form I-485), on or before Aug. 31, 2009. Special immigrant religious workers who wish to file a Form I-360 petition with an I-485 application should also file on or before Aug. 31, 2009.
This page provides you with the most recent processing times for petitions and applications submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
The services provided by Mr. Rajiv & Ms. Suman were outstanding and the timely help during emergencies were really professional and courteous.