tonyHK12
02-11 11:57 AM
Thank you for your input Pappu and we appreciate your diligence in the efforts to IV. However the question is: will this bill have the potential to move forward?
The way we get this Bill and others like this to move forward is meeting lawmakers, and taking part and supporting our Advocacy days effort on April 4th and 5th this year.
The way we get this Bill and others like this to move forward is meeting lawmakers, and taking part and supporting our Advocacy days effort on April 4th and 5th this year.
karl65
11-17 12:37 AM
yes thats true .... but I guess only pig is not enough ... we need the whole animal kingdon fly before ....:D
Well...at least most of the Animal kingdom can fly.....the problem is if USCIS knows it!!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D
Well...at least most of the Animal kingdom can fly.....the problem is if USCIS knows it!!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D
kaarmaa
01-19 12:43 PM
Oh God!!
How can we stop these EB2I - EB3I fights?
What unites us? Only in our fights for superiority?
How can we stop these EB2I - EB3I fights?
What unites us? Only in our fights for superiority?
MetteBB
06-06 03:04 PM
I know ;)
more...
hmehta
09-07 11:59 AM
Same thing happened with me - since graduation I have been in the same company for 5 yrs, still as far as labor is concerned it is considered MS+0 yrs( i was very very disappointed on learning that), but changing job to get EB-2 just for this cause is a bit of over-reaction (assuming you are happy in ur current job).
I am in great need of some suggestions. I hold a MS degree in computer science and graduate in 2004 dec. Since then I have been with the same employer.
Now that he is filing for my LC. Is it difficult to get through with MS+0yrs of expereince ?
Also, at this point of time i have found other employers who is willing to do my GC in which case I will have MS+2 yrs of expereince.
Is it worth changing employer for gaining 2 yrs of expereince for my LC.
Does this really make my case more stronger ? or I am just OVER REACTING ? and doing unneccessary thing
DOES THE EXPEREINCE with MS makes it better for EB2 ?
Please let me know if there are some experts out there
I am in great need of some suggestions. I hold a MS degree in computer science and graduate in 2004 dec. Since then I have been with the same employer.
Now that he is filing for my LC. Is it difficult to get through with MS+0yrs of expereince ?
Also, at this point of time i have found other employers who is willing to do my GC in which case I will have MS+2 yrs of expereince.
Is it worth changing employer for gaining 2 yrs of expereince for my LC.
Does this really make my case more stronger ? or I am just OVER REACTING ? and doing unneccessary thing
DOES THE EXPEREINCE with MS makes it better for EB2 ?
Please let me know if there are some experts out there
rolrblade
07-20 01:26 PM
I sent in form G-325 for both me and my wife along with my I-485 instead of the G-325A as required on I-485 instructions by oversight. What do you guys recommend I do? Should I send in a new application or just send in the G-325A form with a letter stating the issue? Please help.
When did you file? How long has it been?
if you just recently filed, I would recommend that you wait for the Receipt notice of the 485 (at this stage they have not worked on your case yet) and then send the letter along with the correct form.
Atleast that way they can track it and put it where it is supposed to go. Right now, if you send it where are they going to find your form in 700K+ applications comming n and and you not even being in the system.
Consult with your attorney thugh.
Just my 2 cents.
When did you file? How long has it been?
if you just recently filed, I would recommend that you wait for the Receipt notice of the 485 (at this stage they have not worked on your case yet) and then send the letter along with the correct form.
Atleast that way they can track it and put it where it is supposed to go. Right now, if you send it where are they going to find your form in 700K+ applications comming n and and you not even being in the system.
Consult with your attorney thugh.
Just my 2 cents.
more...
vnsriv
07-19 01:53 PM
I was in the same shoes once...did some reseach and gather some info hope it will be helpful to resolve your case.
You can file spouse 485 later but not always
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following is my scenario and the advice I received from a Top (at least high fee: $250 for a 20 minute phone session) lawyer.
EB3 PD Nov 2002 I-140 Approved Jan/04 1-485 filed June 04. I got married in Dec 04 and we were back in USA in Jan 05. Unfortunately we were 2 week too late to beat the retrogression.
My lawyer told me to file wife's 485 as she is dependent and PD is not an issue. Absolutely wrong. USCIS returned her application after 5 weeks.
We waited almost 2.5 years to finally file her application in June 07. I got approved on 23 June but we are OK since her application was filed before that
Key:
1. Get married before your GC approval (before/after 140/485 does not matter as long as you are not approved.
2. Bring spouse on H4 (No derivative status with EAD so maintain H1)
3. Keep all the documents ready (Birth certificate/Marriage certificate etc.)
4. Follow visa bulletin as soon as dates are current get medical test completed
5. File her 485 (Make sure USCIS receives it after the dates become current)
(If USCIS receives your application before dates being current they may still accept the package and reject it after couple of weeks. )
6. What if you are married before GC approval but get approved before her 485 is filed
1. Spouse out of USA
No other way but to file 'Follow to join' in home country. Spouse will not be able to entry on any other visa before his/her GC approval.
2. Spouse in USA on his/her own status ( i.e. wither H1/L1/F1 etc.)
File 485 as a derivative no special processing
3. Spouse in USA as your dependent ( i.e. H4 etc.)
he/she will be 'out of status' as soon as your GC is approved. Inspected by an immigration agent at entry point. Not on parole. You can file 485 under [Section 245(K)] within 180 days. No special processing. NO fines.
Please talk to a reputed lawyer before doing any thing.
My story
EB3 RIR PD Jul 2002,
Filed I-485 in Jun 2005 was not married at that time
Did a speedy marriage in Sept 2005 in US, wife was on H1 and submitted the papers for wife, USCIS rejected because of retrogession
Waited till Jun 2007 to get dates current, filed wife's case on 7th jun
Got my I-485 approved on 28th Jun. Still waiting for wife's receipt notices.
You can file spouse 485 later but not always
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following is my scenario and the advice I received from a Top (at least high fee: $250 for a 20 minute phone session) lawyer.
EB3 PD Nov 2002 I-140 Approved Jan/04 1-485 filed June 04. I got married in Dec 04 and we were back in USA in Jan 05. Unfortunately we were 2 week too late to beat the retrogression.
My lawyer told me to file wife's 485 as she is dependent and PD is not an issue. Absolutely wrong. USCIS returned her application after 5 weeks.
We waited almost 2.5 years to finally file her application in June 07. I got approved on 23 June but we are OK since her application was filed before that
Key:
1. Get married before your GC approval (before/after 140/485 does not matter as long as you are not approved.
2. Bring spouse on H4 (No derivative status with EAD so maintain H1)
3. Keep all the documents ready (Birth certificate/Marriage certificate etc.)
4. Follow visa bulletin as soon as dates are current get medical test completed
5. File her 485 (Make sure USCIS receives it after the dates become current)
(If USCIS receives your application before dates being current they may still accept the package and reject it after couple of weeks. )
6. What if you are married before GC approval but get approved before her 485 is filed
1. Spouse out of USA
No other way but to file 'Follow to join' in home country. Spouse will not be able to entry on any other visa before his/her GC approval.
2. Spouse in USA on his/her own status ( i.e. wither H1/L1/F1 etc.)
File 485 as a derivative no special processing
3. Spouse in USA as your dependent ( i.e. H4 etc.)
he/she will be 'out of status' as soon as your GC is approved. Inspected by an immigration agent at entry point. Not on parole. You can file 485 under [Section 245(K)] within 180 days. No special processing. NO fines.
Please talk to a reputed lawyer before doing any thing.
My story
EB3 RIR PD Jul 2002,
Filed I-485 in Jun 2005 was not married at that time
Did a speedy marriage in Sept 2005 in US, wife was on H1 and submitted the papers for wife, USCIS rejected because of retrogession
Waited till Jun 2007 to get dates current, filed wife's case on 7th jun
Got my I-485 approved on 28th Jun. Still waiting for wife's receipt notices.
xela
06-10 12:51 PM
It s been a while since i have said anything here, and mostly because it seems this has become a "everyones racist against indians" and everyone else isnt important kind of talk.
while I understand most here are from India, please refrain from putting the ROW people down and make it sound like we have no wait at all. i ve been here since 2000 and started my green card process in 2003. I m just as frustrated, but I refrain from coming here and telling everyone how ROW should get all the good stuff and the rest can go to ....
:(:confused:
we should fax/email letters to lawmakers/senators from every angle. One way of doing this would be drafting a letter with the calculation and a quote " Just for Indians, and chinese nationality for rest of the world = 1year"
We should be attacking in each and every angle so they get used to reading our issues and would come with a solution.
MAKE A NOISE
while I understand most here are from India, please refrain from putting the ROW people down and make it sound like we have no wait at all. i ve been here since 2000 and started my green card process in 2003. I m just as frustrated, but I refrain from coming here and telling everyone how ROW should get all the good stuff and the rest can go to ....
:(:confused:
we should fax/email letters to lawmakers/senators from every angle. One way of doing this would be drafting a letter with the calculation and a quote " Just for Indians, and chinese nationality for rest of the world = 1year"
We should be attacking in each and every angle so they get used to reading our issues and would come with a solution.
MAKE A NOISE
more...
frostrated
09-14 04:35 PM
I got it.
I think it will take like 1month atleast to get LCA. After LCA approval they can apply for H1 .
At this stage they might have spend money on LCA only + for attorney fee if any.
Attorneys may charge the full fee upfront so they may have incurred full legal fee , minus H1 fees.
H1 Govt fee is payid by employer so they cannot ask that . but if they paid for attorney , then they may ask for it.
Your concern about a additional insert into the contract papers. Are the contract pages numbered? if so you are safe. if not :rolleyes:
Any money spent by the employer for employment related expenses are employer expenses. you are not liable for them. If they push, inform DoL. Employment in the US is At-Will. The only clause they can enforce is to prevent you from using any of the knowledge you acquired with them (non-compete contract). As you have not worked with them, you are not yet an employee, and there is no legal standing for them to come after you.
I think it will take like 1month atleast to get LCA. After LCA approval they can apply for H1 .
At this stage they might have spend money on LCA only + for attorney fee if any.
Attorneys may charge the full fee upfront so they may have incurred full legal fee , minus H1 fees.
H1 Govt fee is payid by employer so they cannot ask that . but if they paid for attorney , then they may ask for it.
Your concern about a additional insert into the contract papers. Are the contract pages numbered? if so you are safe. if not :rolleyes:
Any money spent by the employer for employment related expenses are employer expenses. you are not liable for them. If they push, inform DoL. Employment in the US is At-Will. The only clause they can enforce is to prevent you from using any of the knowledge you acquired with them (non-compete contract). As you have not worked with them, you are not yet an employee, and there is no legal standing for them to come after you.
indio0617
10-23 11:38 AM
Significance of Priority date???
PD is important to get your dates current faster. Earlier PD will get a better shot at being current early.
After your PD becomes current your 485s are assigned visa numbers (if your FP, namechecks and processing are done) GCs are allocated based on 3 important factors : Dates must be current, date the I485 was received (FIFO as per their SOP but factors like namechecks make it unfeasable) and country of chargeability. It is thus tough to review approval trends on tracker threads and sites because of small and incomplete data set and no info on factors that influence faster or slower I485 approvals.
Coming back to the country quota, I do not know how country quotas are allocated throughout the year. How overflow happens each month/quarter and how future demand is predicted each month for the entire year when providing visas to oversubscribed countries from the quota of under subscribed countries. This will be a good topic to research.
I think 485 processing is not dependent on PD being current. It is only the adjudication or final approval for which the PD needs to be current.
All 485 processing takes place based on it's receipt date and after it is complete the application is put on hold for approval untill the PD becomes current for that application.
PD is important to get your dates current faster. Earlier PD will get a better shot at being current early.
After your PD becomes current your 485s are assigned visa numbers (if your FP, namechecks and processing are done) GCs are allocated based on 3 important factors : Dates must be current, date the I485 was received (FIFO as per their SOP but factors like namechecks make it unfeasable) and country of chargeability. It is thus tough to review approval trends on tracker threads and sites because of small and incomplete data set and no info on factors that influence faster or slower I485 approvals.
Coming back to the country quota, I do not know how country quotas are allocated throughout the year. How overflow happens each month/quarter and how future demand is predicted each month for the entire year when providing visas to oversubscribed countries from the quota of under subscribed countries. This will be a good topic to research.
I think 485 processing is not dependent on PD being current. It is only the adjudication or final approval for which the PD needs to be current.
All 485 processing takes place based on it's receipt date and after it is complete the application is put on hold for approval untill the PD becomes current for that application.
more...
cygent
02-24 01:08 AM
Some folks may have got away with it, the chance is low for an audit particularly if you earn <100k/yr. Do the research yourself independently. The conclusion will be that you CANNOT deduct these expenses. For TAX purposes Immigration has nothing to do with your work.
In addition for I-485, your EMPLOYER does NOT have to pay for it at all, since it based on the individual. I am am sure many of us have got into trouble because our "friends" or "relatives" have told us things just because they heard from other "FRIENDS" or "RELATIVES". I know of enough cases myself.
Hello IVans,
My employer did not pay for I485 expenses (USCIS fees, Lawyer expenses and Medical exam expenses). I paid all these expenses out of my pocket. Today one of my friends told me that these expenses could qualify as tax-deductible expenses. I have my doubts, but want to get you thoughts.
Thanks.
In addition for I-485, your EMPLOYER does NOT have to pay for it at all, since it based on the individual. I am am sure many of us have got into trouble because our "friends" or "relatives" have told us things just because they heard from other "FRIENDS" or "RELATIVES". I know of enough cases myself.
Hello IVans,
My employer did not pay for I485 expenses (USCIS fees, Lawyer expenses and Medical exam expenses). I paid all these expenses out of my pocket. Today one of my friends told me that these expenses could qualify as tax-deductible expenses. I have my doubts, but want to get you thoughts.
Thanks.
chanduv23
06-12 11:31 AM
Because Mahatma Gandhi was born on october.:):)
His 6years end in oct 2010.
ds
I was born in Oct too :) :)
His 6years end in oct 2010.
ds
I was born in Oct too :) :)
more...
franklin
07-13 03:28 PM
Dont we need to wear saris and dhotis , we are followers of Gandhian principles ?
We may follow the principles, but we are not all Indian. There will be a significant non Indian presence at the rally.
Please guys, I love your enthusiasm, but lets not confuse the people attending the rally :) You've now made me think for about 30mins about what I should wear tomorrow!
Official dress code, and presentation will be posted in the main thread shortly.
Trust me, we plan to make this one VERY different than illegal rallies.
We may follow the principles, but we are not all Indian. There will be a significant non Indian presence at the rally.
Please guys, I love your enthusiasm, but lets not confuse the people attending the rally :) You've now made me think for about 30mins about what I should wear tomorrow!
Official dress code, and presentation will be posted in the main thread shortly.
Trust me, we plan to make this one VERY different than illegal rallies.
murali77
07-16 02:03 PM
Thanks. If I read this correctly, it means that everyone is eligible to apply for 485.
How can you say that ? Please explain
Murali
How can you say that ? Please explain
Murali
more...
mantagon
07-24 12:32 PM
Did you say your H1 was valid till Feb 2009? In that case, at this point, you are out of status.
I have question Need Urgent reply
I have H1B valid till FEB 2009 but it is not stamped on my passport. I entered in US with AP. and my I140 got denied I have sent the appeal and received the receipt for appeal. but after sending I140 appeal my I485 got denied. I have sent appeal for I485. Not received any receipt yet.
I have renewed my EAD and travel document before I485 denial
my question Is,am i legal to stay in US. I am just confused reading different posts with different response.
can some some body help me understand this situation.
I have question Need Urgent reply
I have H1B valid till FEB 2009 but it is not stamped on my passport. I entered in US with AP. and my I140 got denied I have sent the appeal and received the receipt for appeal. but after sending I140 appeal my I485 got denied. I have sent appeal for I485. Not received any receipt yet.
I have renewed my EAD and travel document before I485 denial
my question Is,am i legal to stay in US. I am just confused reading different posts with different response.
can some some body help me understand this situation.
GooblyWoobly
07-18 06:25 PM
Wrong! Yes, you will be the new fee but then you will pay the same fee each year you renew your EAD. No fee payment only applies if you file your I-485 with the new fee structure.
If you are not planning on using EAD and she won't either then she needs to change status to H4.
Can someone else confirm this too? For Q2, I think you are wrong. Take this case....
Primary is on H1, derivative on H4, both apply for AOS, primary goes on EAD (thus invalidating H1, and in turn spouse's H4). So, the spouse just has AOS receipt number, and no H4. Is she out of status? Of course not. This is a very common scenario.
Also, for Q1, I765 is a completely different entity in the pay schedule http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/FinalUSCISFeeSchedule052907.pdf
So, why wouldn't I get the benefit of the higher fee if I pay that? Any source of information for you to say I will have to pay each year?
If you are not planning on using EAD and she won't either then she needs to change status to H4.
Can someone else confirm this too? For Q2, I think you are wrong. Take this case....
Primary is on H1, derivative on H4, both apply for AOS, primary goes on EAD (thus invalidating H1, and in turn spouse's H4). So, the spouse just has AOS receipt number, and no H4. Is she out of status? Of course not. This is a very common scenario.
Also, for Q1, I765 is a completely different entity in the pay schedule http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/FinalUSCISFeeSchedule052907.pdf
So, why wouldn't I get the benefit of the higher fee if I pay that? Any source of information for you to say I will have to pay each year?
more...
saibalagi
01-02 01:21 PM
Hi Vallabhu,
Sorry to hear you.
Pease try this edu.eval guys could help, my friend also appeal using their edu.eval
http://www.thedegreepeople.com/
Hope this can work it out.
Thanks,
Sorry to hear you.
Pease try this edu.eval guys could help, my friend also appeal using their edu.eval
http://www.thedegreepeople.com/
Hope this can work it out.
Thanks,
Jaime
09-04 10:40 AM
With 100,000 already gone, and with frustrations growing at a boiling point, the pressure being applied upon us will force us onto the path of least resistance. How long before we are all gone? If you are an American reading this, did you know that every other industralized country faces declining population? Do you really want the future population growth of the U.S>to come solely from illegal Salvadorean maids? Do you wnat the high-skilled people to move away to China and India and then see your quality of life deteriorate?
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/23/Business/US_faces_decline_in_s.shtml
U.S. faces decline in skilled workers
New study says the wait for a green card frustrates immigrants.
By Madhusmita Bora, Times Staff Writer
Published August 23, 2007
The only barrier stalling Arun Shanmugam's ascent in the corporate world is a small card that would proclaim him a permanent resident of the United States.
The green card, which isn't green in color, would help him snag the next best opportunity, launch his own company, and enjoy homestead tax rebates.
So, this year the Tampa software engineer joined a queue of more than 300,000 immigrants vying for the coveted card. But a severe backlog is forcing high-skilled workers to question their American dream.
On Wednesday, a Kansas-based private, nonpartisan foundation released a study warning that America could face a sizable reverse brain drain unless the government eases visa restrictions, increases the quota and speeds up the process. The Kauffman Foundation said that there are more than 1-million skilled immigrants including doctors, engineers, and scientists competing for the approximately 120,120 green cards issued each year.
The uncertainty of the process and the imbalance in the demand and supply could trigger a trend of highly trained immigrants returning to their country and moving elsewhere.
"It's the first time in American history that we are faced with the prospect of a reverse brain drain," said Vivek Wadhwa, Wertheim fellow with the Harvard Law School and a co-author of the study.
"There are so many business opportunities in Shanghai and Bangalore, why put up with all the immigration crap?"
Many of the green card applicants are on a six-year H-1 B visa. The non-immigrant work permit keeps them wedded to a single employer. Immigrants who have applied for a green card can continue working on an extended H-1 B visa until the card arrives. But they can't change employers, or start their own companies. Their wait time is open-ended, made longer by a Congress-mandated quota for the visas and severe backlogs in the system.
Frustrated with the system, in the last three to five years, 100,000 highly skilled Chinese and Indian immigrants have returned to their home country, Wadhwa said.
In a fiercely competitive global economy, this is the worst time for such an exodus, experts say.
"Our previous studies document that highly skilled workers accounted for one quarter of all successful high-tech start-ups in the last decade," said Robert Litan, vice president of research and policy at the Kauffman Foundation. "If we send a lot of these people back home, we will lose a disproportionate number of entrepreneurs."
And the ripple affects are already emerging in the Tampa Bay area.
"It's a huge problem," said Ray Weadock, CEO and president of Persystent Technologies. "The guys in Washington don't think much and their initial reaction is this will impact Cisco and Microsoft."
But smaller companies take a bigger hit, because they don't often have the capital to send jobs to where the labor is, Weadock said. Weadock's company, which employs Shanmugam, is toying with the idea of setting up a subsidiary in India.
Companies aren't the only ones chasing the labor market. Schools and universities are also jumping into the wagon. The population of international students in MBA programs across the country continues to dwindle, said Bob Forsythe, dean of the College of Business at University of South Florida.
"And the demand for American business schools to go deliver programs in other countries have increased," he said.
Harvard University and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management are among a growing number of schools that have a presence in India. At USF, Forsythe's team is negotiating a venture in Romania.
The visa problems here have encouraged governments worldwide to ease visa restrictions in their countries and nab the high skilled workforce.
"There's a lot of mention of Canada," said Chandra Mitchell, an immigration attorney with Tampa-based Neil F. Lewis.
Amar Nayegandhi, a USF graduate and a contract employee with the U.S. Geological Survey, has been waiting for his green card since 2002.
He may soon give up, he said. The long wait has cost him job opportunities, forced upon him a commuter marriage and restricted his economic mobility. His H1-B visa runs out in February, and even though he can extend it and continue awaiting the green card, he's contemplating leaving the country.
"I have friends who have gone back simply frustrated with the setup," he said. "I am asking myself if this is really worth it."
Shanmugam of Persystent Technologies says he, too, will only wait for about a year before considering giving up his spot in the line and heading back to his native India.
"This is not the only place to be anymore," he said. "You can find better opportunities everywhere."
By the numbers
200,000: Employment-based applicants waiting for labor certification in 2006 - the first step in the U.S. immigration process.
50,132: Pending I-140 applications - the second step of the immigration process. That's seven times the total in 1996 of 6,743.
125,421: Estimated applicants residing abroad who were waiting for permanent residency status.
100,000: Estimated number of highly skilled Chinese and Indian immigrants who have returned to their home country in recent years.
Highlights of Kauffman Foundation reports
- Foreign nationals are contributing to one out of four of all the global patents filed in the United States.
- One quarter of all tech companies nationwide and 52 percent of tech companies in the Silicon Valley were founded by immigrants.
- More than 1-million skilled workers and their families (scientists, doctors, engineers, Ph.D. researchers) are waiting for green cards. About 120,0000 green cards are issued each year with a 7 percent limit per country.
-Hundreds of thousands of skilled immigrant workers may get frustrated with the waiting process that could be 6 to 10 years and leave the United States. The reverse brain drain could be critical to Americans corporations and hurt the country's competitiveness in a global economy.
- Immigrant-founded companies produced $52-billion in revenues and employed 450,000 workers in 2006.
Madhusmita Bora can be reached at mbora@sptimes.com or (813) 225-3112.
[Last modified August 22, 2007, 23:19:43]
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/23/Business/US_faces_decline_in_s.shtml
U.S. faces decline in skilled workers
New study says the wait for a green card frustrates immigrants.
By Madhusmita Bora, Times Staff Writer
Published August 23, 2007
The only barrier stalling Arun Shanmugam's ascent in the corporate world is a small card that would proclaim him a permanent resident of the United States.
The green card, which isn't green in color, would help him snag the next best opportunity, launch his own company, and enjoy homestead tax rebates.
So, this year the Tampa software engineer joined a queue of more than 300,000 immigrants vying for the coveted card. But a severe backlog is forcing high-skilled workers to question their American dream.
On Wednesday, a Kansas-based private, nonpartisan foundation released a study warning that America could face a sizable reverse brain drain unless the government eases visa restrictions, increases the quota and speeds up the process. The Kauffman Foundation said that there are more than 1-million skilled immigrants including doctors, engineers, and scientists competing for the approximately 120,120 green cards issued each year.
The uncertainty of the process and the imbalance in the demand and supply could trigger a trend of highly trained immigrants returning to their country and moving elsewhere.
"It's the first time in American history that we are faced with the prospect of a reverse brain drain," said Vivek Wadhwa, Wertheim fellow with the Harvard Law School and a co-author of the study.
"There are so many business opportunities in Shanghai and Bangalore, why put up with all the immigration crap?"
Many of the green card applicants are on a six-year H-1 B visa. The non-immigrant work permit keeps them wedded to a single employer. Immigrants who have applied for a green card can continue working on an extended H-1 B visa until the card arrives. But they can't change employers, or start their own companies. Their wait time is open-ended, made longer by a Congress-mandated quota for the visas and severe backlogs in the system.
Frustrated with the system, in the last three to five years, 100,000 highly skilled Chinese and Indian immigrants have returned to their home country, Wadhwa said.
In a fiercely competitive global economy, this is the worst time for such an exodus, experts say.
"Our previous studies document that highly skilled workers accounted for one quarter of all successful high-tech start-ups in the last decade," said Robert Litan, vice president of research and policy at the Kauffman Foundation. "If we send a lot of these people back home, we will lose a disproportionate number of entrepreneurs."
And the ripple affects are already emerging in the Tampa Bay area.
"It's a huge problem," said Ray Weadock, CEO and president of Persystent Technologies. "The guys in Washington don't think much and their initial reaction is this will impact Cisco and Microsoft."
But smaller companies take a bigger hit, because they don't often have the capital to send jobs to where the labor is, Weadock said. Weadock's company, which employs Shanmugam, is toying with the idea of setting up a subsidiary in India.
Companies aren't the only ones chasing the labor market. Schools and universities are also jumping into the wagon. The population of international students in MBA programs across the country continues to dwindle, said Bob Forsythe, dean of the College of Business at University of South Florida.
"And the demand for American business schools to go deliver programs in other countries have increased," he said.
Harvard University and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management are among a growing number of schools that have a presence in India. At USF, Forsythe's team is negotiating a venture in Romania.
The visa problems here have encouraged governments worldwide to ease visa restrictions in their countries and nab the high skilled workforce.
"There's a lot of mention of Canada," said Chandra Mitchell, an immigration attorney with Tampa-based Neil F. Lewis.
Amar Nayegandhi, a USF graduate and a contract employee with the U.S. Geological Survey, has been waiting for his green card since 2002.
He may soon give up, he said. The long wait has cost him job opportunities, forced upon him a commuter marriage and restricted his economic mobility. His H1-B visa runs out in February, and even though he can extend it and continue awaiting the green card, he's contemplating leaving the country.
"I have friends who have gone back simply frustrated with the setup," he said. "I am asking myself if this is really worth it."
Shanmugam of Persystent Technologies says he, too, will only wait for about a year before considering giving up his spot in the line and heading back to his native India.
"This is not the only place to be anymore," he said. "You can find better opportunities everywhere."
By the numbers
200,000: Employment-based applicants waiting for labor certification in 2006 - the first step in the U.S. immigration process.
50,132: Pending I-140 applications - the second step of the immigration process. That's seven times the total in 1996 of 6,743.
125,421: Estimated applicants residing abroad who were waiting for permanent residency status.
100,000: Estimated number of highly skilled Chinese and Indian immigrants who have returned to their home country in recent years.
Highlights of Kauffman Foundation reports
- Foreign nationals are contributing to one out of four of all the global patents filed in the United States.
- One quarter of all tech companies nationwide and 52 percent of tech companies in the Silicon Valley were founded by immigrants.
- More than 1-million skilled workers and their families (scientists, doctors, engineers, Ph.D. researchers) are waiting for green cards. About 120,0000 green cards are issued each year with a 7 percent limit per country.
-Hundreds of thousands of skilled immigrant workers may get frustrated with the waiting process that could be 6 to 10 years and leave the United States. The reverse brain drain could be critical to Americans corporations and hurt the country's competitiveness in a global economy.
- Immigrant-founded companies produced $52-billion in revenues and employed 450,000 workers in 2006.
Madhusmita Bora can be reached at mbora@sptimes.com or (813) 225-3112.
[Last modified August 22, 2007, 23:19:43]
smisachu
12-08 12:08 PM
If you are making 200K+/yr, just bite your lip and stay put. There are very very few careers which give you such a good pay scale.
I don't think you can do a MS in CompSci with out a BS with same specialization as far as understanding subject matter goes, but you could possibly do an MS in Information systems or similar.
But it all depends on your GRE score. If you have a high GRE score with good percentile in quantitative section then you could get into a good program.
I came to canada in 2000.I have been in USA Since 2003.
I started the GC process in Ohio, moved to bay area in 2006,stated the process again, recaptured old PD( EB2 all the way). Was hoping to get GC in Aug 2008 when my PD was current for 2 months. Hope will get it this year.
After moving to bay area I saw lots of engineer,mostly software, seemed happy with jobs. Started doing some search and found that this is one of the least stressful jobs in US with great salary and growth potential. There is no more growth in my field and it is very stressful and draining.
Thanks for the views guys, would like to know if can do MS with a bachelors in non engineering field.
I don't think you can do a MS in CompSci with out a BS with same specialization as far as understanding subject matter goes, but you could possibly do an MS in Information systems or similar.
But it all depends on your GRE score. If you have a high GRE score with good percentile in quantitative section then you could get into a good program.
I came to canada in 2000.I have been in USA Since 2003.
I started the GC process in Ohio, moved to bay area in 2006,stated the process again, recaptured old PD( EB2 all the way). Was hoping to get GC in Aug 2008 when my PD was current for 2 months. Hope will get it this year.
After moving to bay area I saw lots of engineer,mostly software, seemed happy with jobs. Started doing some search and found that this is one of the least stressful jobs in US with great salary and growth potential. There is no more growth in my field and it is very stressful and draining.
Thanks for the views guys, would like to know if can do MS with a bachelors in non engineering field.
kumarh1b
01-22 04:16 PM
Hi,
My H1B extension got denied, I have n't got the denial notice yet. Can someone please advice what options do i have with out going out of status? and how long i can stay in this country?. My current I94 expired in sept 2009.
Please advice.
My H1B extension got denied, I have n't got the denial notice yet. Can someone please advice what options do i have with out going out of status? and how long i can stay in this country?. My current I94 expired in sept 2009.
Please advice.
arnet
09-17 07:11 PM
disclaimer: i'm nt an immigration attroney, so please consult one for exact situation, as laws and procedures are constantly changing.
I'm NOT in medical field but writing based on what i heard..thought might be useful for you.....below is the most common way of coming to US for MBBS degree holders in india....
they can write USMLE exam (check www.usmle.org) and if they pass the step1, step2, step3 exams they can apply to US universities (atleast few of them based on the score) for MD residency programs which is usually four years course.
some say step1 and step2 is enough to apply but step3 gives more advantage but nt sure. BUT CHECK THE ELIGILIBITY FOR EXAM AND DO RESEARCH ON THESE COURSE AND OTHER TOPICS TO GET EXACT DETAILS...
they can come here in H1 or J1 visa if they get into residency programs but check the procedures. but in general, after residency program, they need to work 3 yrs in underreserved areas (mostly 30-50 miles away from city, nt bad, oppurtunites are good there).
writing USMLE and getting into residency programs is really very very tough as more competition now and need very top score and their previous experience, degree/diplomas, research, etc helps.
if they both try and one get it through, then the one who get it into residency program can come into J1 or H1 visa and others can come in H4 visa (dependents-children and spouse).
they will be paid atleast 40-50k per yr during the residency (four yrs) and after that based on their work and experience, they will paid more atleast >100k per yr.
regd greencard, i think, they can apply only after 3yrs of working in under-reserved areas. some say they wont have to do labor because they get waiver because they worked 3 yrs in under-reserved areas but for this you need to consult an immigration lawyer.
but for all this, they have to first COLLECT all the details and CHECK THE ELIGILIBITY FOR ALL THIS...they have to plan properly because while studying for USMLE or during this entire process, it is nt easier but they have to undergo a LOT of stress as they might think we are doing well in india why we moved here. but remember, it pays them in long run, it depends on each one how they look.
good luck....:)
Folks,
I need some guidance from experienced folks particularly those who hold MBBS degree from India and are already in US in medical profession.
My brother has received MBBS about 5 years go and he is doing his practice in rural area. His wife is also MBBS and also holds a diploma on OB/GYN area.
My question is if they want to immigrate to US what are various paths they can follow to get here?
Thanks in advance.
PAN123
I'm NOT in medical field but writing based on what i heard..thought might be useful for you.....below is the most common way of coming to US for MBBS degree holders in india....
they can write USMLE exam (check www.usmle.org) and if they pass the step1, step2, step3 exams they can apply to US universities (atleast few of them based on the score) for MD residency programs which is usually four years course.
some say step1 and step2 is enough to apply but step3 gives more advantage but nt sure. BUT CHECK THE ELIGILIBITY FOR EXAM AND DO RESEARCH ON THESE COURSE AND OTHER TOPICS TO GET EXACT DETAILS...
they can come here in H1 or J1 visa if they get into residency programs but check the procedures. but in general, after residency program, they need to work 3 yrs in underreserved areas (mostly 30-50 miles away from city, nt bad, oppurtunites are good there).
writing USMLE and getting into residency programs is really very very tough as more competition now and need very top score and their previous experience, degree/diplomas, research, etc helps.
if they both try and one get it through, then the one who get it into residency program can come into J1 or H1 visa and others can come in H4 visa (dependents-children and spouse).
they will be paid atleast 40-50k per yr during the residency (four yrs) and after that based on their work and experience, they will paid more atleast >100k per yr.
regd greencard, i think, they can apply only after 3yrs of working in under-reserved areas. some say they wont have to do labor because they get waiver because they worked 3 yrs in under-reserved areas but for this you need to consult an immigration lawyer.
but for all this, they have to first COLLECT all the details and CHECK THE ELIGILIBITY FOR ALL THIS...they have to plan properly because while studying for USMLE or during this entire process, it is nt easier but they have to undergo a LOT of stress as they might think we are doing well in india why we moved here. but remember, it pays them in long run, it depends on each one how they look.
good luck....:)
Folks,
I need some guidance from experienced folks particularly those who hold MBBS degree from India and are already in US in medical profession.
My brother has received MBBS about 5 years go and he is doing his practice in rural area. His wife is also MBBS and also holds a diploma on OB/GYN area.
My question is if they want to immigrate to US what are various paths they can follow to get here?
Thanks in advance.
PAN123
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