Guestbook Entry for Uma Swamy, United States
Name
Uma Swamy
Country
United States
State
CA
Search
Guestbook Entry for Suresh Joshi , United States
Name
Suresh Joshi
Country
United States
State
VA
Comment
I and my family received our GC stamping on June 25th,2001. I started the whole process in Oct 1998 with Rajiv Khanna as my attorney. He is a lawyer of great standing and has helped me at every point in the whole process. I must mention here that the paperwork done under his guidance has been perfect and I had no RFE's except at the last stage for an employment letter. This substantially reduces the total time of this lengthy process. I am specifically mentioning this because I have seen some of my friends stuck for years in the process because of careless paperwork. Also I had some problem regarding the evaluation of my education and Rajiv's correct strategy helped me and I could come out of the problem. I found the staff in his office in general and with a special mention of Suman Bhasin, Laila Lehman, Shivani Sharma and Diane Lombardo, very co-operative. Thanks to Rajiv and his staff.
Green Card through several categories
Question details
I got married last month ! My husband is a GC holder and next year is going to become Citizen , I have my GC (I-140- Approved) with a priority date of September 2019 on EB3 . What are my best options here ? Do I wait for him to become a citizen and then apply for my GC through his citizenship ? Or shall I apply GC now through his GC status, before he becomes a citizen ? Or shall I wait for mine ? Will my pending GC still be valid if I apply through my spouse ?
You should apply through as many green card categories as are available to you. The family-based green card can be upgraded once he becomes a US citizen. You will be able to get and keep the green card through whichever category comes through first.
FAQ Transcript
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments and blog on immigration.com
Immigration QnA with Rajiv, Nov 18, 2021(conversation with Yudi on behalf of students&professionals)
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
Immigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/immigrationdotcom
Rajiv in QnA with Students, H-1B Professionals (Hosted by Onboard), Nov 23, 2021
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
Immigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney
Immigration QnA with Rajiv, Dec 2, 2021(conversation with Yudi on behalf of students&professionals)
SUBSCRIBE to Immigration.com YouTube Channel for further updates.
Immigration.com, Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna PC, US Immigration Attorney
USCIS Extends Transitional Parole for CNMI Long-Term Resident Status Applicants
Release Date
USCIS announced today that it will automatically extend parole and employment authorization, if applicable, for parolees who timely applied for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) long-term resident status.
PERM Processing Times (as of 11/30/2021)
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | June 2021 |
| Audit Review | February 2021 |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | June 2021 |
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
Dec 9, 2021 Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)
Citizenship and Naturalization
Discussion Topics, Thursday, December 09, 2021:
FAQ: Working for two employers on W-2 using the GC-EAD || STEM extension denied based on approved H-1B pending for withdrawal at a USCIS service center || Correcting names on passports, visas, and other documents || Options to remain in status: F-1 visa expired, H-1B approved for consular processing, but not stamped.
Leaving employer while an I-140 is pending
Question details
I am in a situation where my current employer has filed PERM and as per the timelines there are high chances that it will be approved till January. And as per immigration team in the current company says it could take a week or two to file for I-140. I am going to pay for premium processing. But at the same time, I have accepted an offer from another company and the start date is 31st January. I am sure that I-140 would not get approved till then. Can I pay for premium processing, leave after they file the I-140 and before it gets approved? Will it go through?
PS: As per company's policies they don't revoke I-140 of the employees if they leave before 6 months.
Theoretically, an I-140 does not require you to be continued to be employed by the petitioning employer. You could leave after applying, but if there is an RFE, the employer would not be motivated to respond to it. As a practical matter, there is a second difficulty as well.
FAQ Transcript
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments and blog on immigration.com
Extension of EAD for H-4 and EAD for L-2
Question details
I am on my H-1B and my wife is currently on her H-4. With the new bill does she still need to wait for my I-140 to be approved?
There is no new bill, just a policy clarification. And, yes, she will have to wait per the law.
FAQ Transcript
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments and blog on immigration.com
Obtaining H-1 Extension beyond 6 years
Question details
My 6 year period of H1b visa expires in Dec 2010 and my labor application is still pending for approval. It was filed in February 2009. Am I eligible to apply for a visa extension , if so when should I apply for that? I assume I still have time.
H-1 extension beyond six years can be obtained under two circumstances:
First, indefinite H-1 extensions in one-year increments can be obtained, if the I-140 (or I-485) was filed and the green card process was started a year ago. The GC process is started for:
- Labor Certification based cases (including PERM) the date for the begining of the countdown is the date when the labor certification is officially received:
- for PRE PERM cases - by the local office (SWA); and
USCIS Memo on Improving the Filing and Review Process for Motions to Reopen or Reconsider
A USCIS memo to CIS Ombudsman responding to his recommendation states that USCIS establish more uniform filing and review procedures for motions to reopen and reconsider among field offices and service centers as well as improve communication of those procedures to customers and stakeholders.
USCIS Issues Guidance for Surviving Spouses of U.S. Citizens
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued guidance on requesting deferred action for surviving spouses of U.S. citizens who died before the second anniversary of their marriage. Surviving spouses qualify for this temporary program if they were married to, but not legally separated from, their U.S. citizen spouse at the time of that spouse's death; did not remarry; and are currently residing in the United States.
Clarification Regarding H-2B Petitions Filed by Certain Associations on Behalf of Their Members
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would like to clarify to associations and their members certain regulatory requirements for filing petitions for H-2B classification on behalf of foreign workers. We are issuing this clarification so that the public can be better informed of filing requirements and avoid unnecessary denials of individual petitions that may be otherwise approvable. We have noticed a particular type of filing error in many H-2B petitions filed by certain associations on behalf of their members.
F-1 COS RFE; No ties with home country; 6 Years of H-1 over
Last week we received an approval for a difficult change of status RFE. We were retained to respond to an RFE for a client who had no ties to his home country (India). Six years of his H-1 were over and he was trying to get into F-1 status. He had been working and studying in Europe before coming to USA on H-1. We presented the facts of our client's background with complete honesty and sincerity. No games (which is the way all our cases are presented). I am glad to report that as has always been my belief, truthful presentation works.
Team Notes
Rohit
Nonimmigrant Visas
Federal Contractors Required to Use E-Verify Beginning Sept. 8, 2009
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is reminding federal contractors and subcontractors that effective Sept. 8, 2009, they will be required to use the E-Verify system to verify their employees’ eligibility to work in the United States. In July, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano strengthened employment eligibility verification by announcing the Administration’s support for the regulation that will award federal contracts only to employers who use E-Verify to check employee work authorization.
USCIS Continues Accepting I-693 Form In Spite of 08/31/09 Expiration Date
USCIS will accept the I-693 medical exam form with the 06/05/08 revision date, in spite of the 08/31/09 expiration date. This will continue till OMB approves the revised form.
Guestbook Entry for Raj V, United States
Name
Raj V
Country
United States
State
TX
Comment
I would like to express my sincere thanks to Rajiv, Leslie and everyone else at the Law Offices of Rajiv S Khanna for the excellent work done on my Green Card case. We received approvals for our I-485s yesterday and are delighted! Mine was a case requiring porting of priority dates from EB3 to EB2 and Rajiv's firm did an excellent job of that. They are very response to my queries and have an excellent system in place to support us thru all phases of the GC process. They are also cutting edge in terms of using technology. Excellent firm and would definitely recommend it. Thanks!!
Guestbook Entry for Ashish Agrawal, United States
Name
Ashish Agrawal
Country
United States
State
New Jersey
Comment
Hi Rajiv, I want to take this moment and offer you my utmost gratitude and thankfulness for your support and cooperation in my Green Card process. My case was little complicated as I had another I-485 with another lawyer with different job descriptions but same company. But with your expertise there was no RFE . This has been possible by the perseverance and dedication that was offered by your office. And I want to specially thank Amrita who has been exceptionally helpful to me for all these years. I must have contacted her zillion times for questions and concerns that never left me alone. But she always maintained her professional outlook and gave me the best guidance. This entire immigration process was only possible through your support. I will highly recommend your law firm for all immigration matters. Its the best indeed. Regards, Ashish Agrawal
Advance Copy of Technical Corrections to H-2B Labor Certification Process
An advance copy of technical changes contains a correction to the H-2B labor certification process. To be published in the Federal Register September 3, 2009.
The Final Rule re-engineers the application filing and review process by centralizing processing and by enabling employers to conduct pre-filing recruitment of United States (U.S.) workers.
I-485 AOS Pending, Employer's Bankruptcy
Question details
My company (an LLC) is filing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to restructure debt. They are planning to emerge out of Bankruptcy filing as a "C corp" company. We were told that there wont be any interruption to the day-to-day business.
1. How does it effect my H1B visa and GC application (filed I-485 - pending)?
2. Do I need to re-apply (transfer) H1 B to the new company or can I send an amendment?
3. Do I need to file AC 21 portability or send an amendment to pending I-485 application?
1. If your job remains the same and regular salary continues to be paid I see no issue for H-1 or green card.
2. An amendment should be filed, though it is debatable if it is required.
3. In my view, AC21 port is easier.
USCIS Updates H-1B Count for FY 2010
As of August 28, 2009, approximately 45,100 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.
CBP's Trusted Traveler Program Denials
To qualify for one of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Programs, all applicants must voluntarily undergo a thorough background check against criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, agriculture, and terrorist indices to include biometric fingerprint checks, and a personal interview with a CBP Officer.
Guestbook Entry for Vineet, United States
Name
Vineet
Country
United States
State
NJ
Comment
Hello everyone Thanks to everyone in the law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, particularly to Amrita Ji, Rajiv Ji, Mathew and Rita. Amrita Ji has been very patient in explaining the process from the very beginning. My GC process started in the old labor process. Still I got it after about five and a half years of efforts - which is pretty impressive. Thanks everyone, once again. Regards Vineet
My wife and I received our GC within 28 months for the whole process with Rajiv S. Khanna as our attorney. Rajiv is an expert on Immigration Laws and is straight up and abreast of rules & regulations and is strict about the law and stays strictly as defensive. He helped us at every point in the whole process. We never get any problem or incompletion about the paperwork done under his guidance, which has been perfect. Perfect paperwork reduces the total time of this lengthy process. We are greatly thankful to Diane Lombardo, who is always available and is happy to responds calmly and peacefully. Also many, many thanks to Leila, Suman, Lakshmi, Shivani and other staff members who are very co-operative and would return calls & e-mails promptly. In short Rajiv and his staff made the whole process very easy, simple and painless. We are really glad that we chose this Law firm. We are greatly pleased with Rajiv and his staff as far as their professionalism, courtesy and promptness regarding my GC. Many of my friends and employees of our company went through Rajiv and all of them are also happy like me. We are thankful to Rajiv and his staff.