Citizenship Interview Story
I had my interview today morning (2/6/2012) and I got "Congratulations, your application is recommended for approval." letter at the end .
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Guestbook Entry for Anil Thakur , United States
Name
Anil Thakur
Country
United States
State
New Jersey
Guestbook Entry for Ghazenfer Mansoor , United States
Name
Ghazenfer Mansoor
Country
United States
State
Virginia
Comment
We have a great experience working with Rajiv and his team. Vikas Varma was very professional and thorough. They prepared the RFE response of a very completed case so great that we got the approval of a very tough case. Its really worth the money they charge. We would like to continue using the services of LORK in the future.
Guestbook Entry for Latha Thata , United States
Name
Latha Thata
Country
United States
State
Wisconsin
Comment
I've been working with LORK the last 5 years, and it has always been a pleasure working with them. They've dealt some tough cases for us, and I have immense confidence, when they are handling our cases. Recently, we had our L1 petition approved, and we are very impressed with extent of details covered. It was a pleasure working with Vikas Varma, and LORK's attitude of making sure the employer's reputation is not at stake at the USCIS.
Guestbook Entry for Rahman , United States
Name
Rahman
Country
United States
State
NJ
Comment
Me and my employer worked with Mr. Khanna's firm for GC process. It took almost 4 years for us to get GC. Solving complex case with care and experience is what we got. Thanks a million to Mr. Khanna, Mathew and all case managers who helped in every way possible. If any of you need to get GC done, please contact Mr. Khanna without any 2nd thought.
He is just the best attorney you can ever work with for all of your immigration needs. God bless him and the entire team.
H-1 Quota issues for students
Q. I am a student graduating in December with my Masters degree. I have an offer from an university. I understand that universities apply for exempt-H1B. I also understand that exempt H1B's cannot be transferred to non-exempt H1B's.
Will I be able to work in the period from April to October 1st with the private company, when my non-exempt H1B is still in process? Will accepting this offer be a problem if i want to move to a private firm later?
Filing EB1 while EB2 AOS is pending
I am thinking about applying for green card under EB-1A or EB-1B. Currently I have an approved I-140 (2005, EB2). I have a few questions:
Q.a) Is the EB1A or EB1-B I-140 premium processed?
Q.b) Do I need to submit another set of I-485 with the EB-1 application even though the EB-2 I-485 are pending with USCIS?
Q.c) Which option would be better for me - EB-1A or EB-1B? I am currently an associate professor at XXX University.
Filing EB1 while EB2 AOS is pending
I am thinking about applying for green card under EB-1A or EB-1B. Currently I have an approved I-140 (2005, EB2). I have a few questions:
Q.a) Is the EB1A or EB1-B I-140 premium processed?
Q.b) Do I need to submit another set of I-485 with the EB-1 application even though the EB-2 I-485 are pending with USCIS?;
Q.c) Which option would be better for me - EB-1A or EB-1B? I am currently an associate professor at XXX University.
Start-up applying for H-1 and AC21 for employees
Question details
If a new start-up IT consulting company wants to transfer H1 of a prospective employee who is already on H1 and working for his current H1 sponsor, what are the issues and feasibility for such a transfer?
How can such a start-up IT consulting company go about hiring AC21 eligible folks on EAD? May this is the safest route in the beginning until the company gets more employees and grows revenue?
Will the AOS of the prospective employee be safe if he is the only employee of this company in the beginning. Of course the company wants to expand in the future but has to start somewhere.
H-1 by Start-up Companies
AC21 Portability and Related Issues
Quote:
Both me & my wife have EAD and have our full time job. My question is , it is possible for us to start a new LLC ??
Further questions on AC21
Question details
I got laid off from work from my present employer on October 31, 2008 and I have 3 questions.
Presently, my employer has sponsored both my H1B (completed initial period of 6 years) and Green Card (EB-2, with priority date 2006). I have filled my I-485 in July 2007 and is currently pending. My I-140 has been approved 2 years ago and my employer promised that he will not revoke it. I have approved EAD & AP both for the primary and dependent.
Quote:
I would like to be on my H1B even with the new employer. To my knowledge we should file a new H1B within a month but due to the market situation if I have to get on to EAD then can I get back to H1B? If yes then with in how many days should I apply for H1B?
Working for two companies on EAD
Question details
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.
Working abroad while AOS pending
Question details
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.
Guestbook Entry for Chins Chinnasamy, United States
Name
Chins Chinnasamy
Country
United States
State
Massachusetts
Comment
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.
Compensation for H-1 lay off
Question details
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.
Guestbook Entry for Ramamurty changalvala, United States
Name
Ramamurty changalvala
Country
United States
State
North Carolina
Comment
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.
DOS Publishes Revised J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Skills List
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.
USCIS Reopens Fiscal Year 2009 H-2B Petition Filing Period
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.
ICE Announces Major Reforms to Immigration Detention System
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."
Guestbook Entry for Div Patel, United States
Name
Div Patel
Country
United States
State
PA
Comment
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.
USCIS Update on Case Status Inquiries with the Service Centers
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:
USCIS Explains Employment-Related Notification Requirements for Petitioners of Religious Workers
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.
CSC Updates - 08/12/09
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.
Visa Bulletin - September 2009
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
Number 12
Volume IX
Washington, D.C.
Green Card
Visa Bulletin - September 2009
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers.
I had wonderful experience working with Rajiv and his team. Vikas Varma was very professional and prompt in responding and providing necessary information to me to take the appropriate steps. Rajiv's whole team is very professional and I would recommend to all my friends.