I would like to thank Mr. Mathew Chako and his team, in particular, Heather, for their professionalism and dedication to customers for making my Green Card process as smooth as it was. Even with an instance where I made a huge silly mistake that could have dire consequences, Mathew and Heather were extremely swift and professional in following up with USCIS with the required steps completed to ensure I did not get in trouble. And my process still went through without a problem. I got my Family-based Green Card within 7 months. Not to mention that Mathew and his team have always been responsive to my emails as well as phone calls. Heather is always available via phone for guidance which gave me an extra sense of security.
I am sure Mathew and his team will keep doing wonders for their clients, given that clients also fulfill all requirements for the process. I could not thank these guys enough. It is through their hard work and attention to every aspect of the case that I got my Green Card in less than expected time. KEEP IT UP !!!
Feb. 11, 2011
Introduction
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it is now issuing employment and travel authorization on a single card for certain applicants filing an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, Form I-485.
Questions and Answers
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.
For updates, see my blog page on Obama's Immigration Action.
Takeaway points for legal immigration from President Obama’s executive action:
1. USCIS is “about to” publish the final rule on H-4 work authorization. That will make it possible for certain spouses of H-1 holders to get work authorization.
2. Improving employment-based green card backlogs by:
a. Making visa issuance more efficient so no immigrant visas are wasted;
b. Providing for better AC21 rules and other ways to keep immigrant visas intact after a change of jobs. USCIS will clarify what constitutes “same or similar” job so that AC21 will not stop workers from getting promotions or even changing to related jobs within their field. USCIS must clear the path to career progression for green card applicants.
3. Expandingfurther the OPT time for STEM students, but creating tighter control on which universities/schools/degrees are eligible and ensure local workers are protected (Implement some sort of a “mini PERM?”).
4. Creating opportunities for foreign “inventors, researchers and founders of start-up” companies to come to the USA through an existing program called “National Interest Waiver.” Unfortunately for India, this is an EB-2 category program requiring several years of wait. But the following parole program will help:
a. Creating a parole (which is usually a temporary, but very quick measure and could eventually lead to a green card) program so that on a case-by-case bases, “inventors, researchers and founders of start-up” companies can be brought quickly into the USA where:
i.They have raised financing in the USA; OR
ii.Otherwise hold the promise of innovation and job creation through development of new technologies OR cutting edge research
5. Creating guidelines for exceptionally qualified or advanced degreed individuals to come to the USA through an existing program called “National Interest Waiver.” As noted, unfortunately for India, this is an EB-2 category program requiring several years of wait. But the parole option above could be helpful.
6. Providing clear guidance on L-1B program as to who can qualify.
Hi, I took consultation with Rajiv sir twice for my sister-in-laws immigration issue. The first consultation showed us the path to keep immigration status current. Also, the consultation gave lot of confidence and relived our stress. Rajiv sir is excellent in his knowledge and he is well prepared to answer our questions during the actual consultation over phone. I am very much satisfied with the consultation provided by Mr. Rajiv. I can clearly see there is a helping mentality rather than just a service. Rajiv sir is very professional and gave us one free consulation when we requested for paid consultation for few questions. He is very promt in responding to regular emails with specific question, ofcourse without any charge. Rajiv sir, Thank you very much for everything. Regards, Siva