lord_labaku
04-14 12:43 AM
Your friend is capable of a lot; but incapable of asking his own questions !!! Not being cynical or rubbing salt on a wound....but whats the harm in claiming that its your own problem instead of a 3rd persons.?
Given 'your friends' patents & papers in the technical field, self employment as consultant could be possible.
Also ask opinion of attorney on actually incorporating LLC....timing of incorporating such LLC after receiving RFE can be suspect.
Good luck - to your friend.
Given 'your friends' patents & papers in the technical field, self employment as consultant could be possible.
Also ask opinion of attorney on actually incorporating LLC....timing of incorporating such LLC after receiving RFE can be suspect.
Good luck - to your friend.
wallpaper hot Mandira Bedi
vindas
06-14 02:05 PM
Don't worry. I had received a call 3 years back from Department of Homeland security. They asked me that someone was taking picture from my car on the highway. someone had complained that we were taking pictures of "George Washington Bridge sign board" from our car. We had not even gone on that highway that day.
We told him that it is a wrong car. Why would we go on the highway and takie picture of the sign board. Somone have given wrong information.
After that we never got that kind of call. No issue at all.
We told him that it is a wrong car. Why would we go on the highway and takie picture of the sign board. Somone have given wrong information.
After that we never got that kind of call. No issue at all.
swamy
10-27 12:54 PM
Sen Kennedy is the reason every one of us could come even be here in the US today. Please read up on some history of legal immigration - especially the one that dismantled racial barriers. The senator might not share your focus or sense of urgency in solving EB issues first and may be more passionate about the illegal issue but that does not mean he's any less interested in legal issues or make him 'exclusively' an advocate for undocumented. Dont unnecessarily diminish anyone who is your friend - once again, go back and read up on the history of immigration especially around the 60's.
2011 Here are Mandira Bedi#39;s photos
Can45
03-03 09:46 PM
I just receive the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for?? My name check and background check is clear after 2 years.....Now I'm receive my GC so I can start traveling......All my interview was approve so now they are (order card)....Enjoy ur Holiday.......
I am trying to understand how much time i have left to wait for GC ????:confused:
How do you know you have been stuck in name check ?:eek:
I am current with my dates:
The March Visa Bulletin Priority date indicates 01 Jan 2005 (my PD date is Jan 04)
And
Nebraska Service Center Processing Dates -posted Feb 15 08- indicates a I-485 EB �processing time frame� of July 30th 07 (my Notice date is mid July 07
can it be long now ? :confused:
I am trying to understand how much time i have left to wait for GC ????:confused:
How do you know you have been stuck in name check ?:eek:
I am current with my dates:
The March Visa Bulletin Priority date indicates 01 Jan 2005 (my PD date is Jan 04)
And
Nebraska Service Center Processing Dates -posted Feb 15 08- indicates a I-485 EB �processing time frame� of July 30th 07 (my Notice date is mid July 07
can it be long now ? :confused:
more...
perm2gc
11-06 10:33 AM
Dont Think only big companies will enforce NCA..now NCA's have become a source of revenue of consulting companies.If you are going to loose the case ,you will only pay their legal expenses.. Two of my friends are have done that and it took them 2 yrs of time and cool $30,000 dollars(from their own pockets) to settle at the end...
So Dont be over confident.Pay few hundred dollars to good attorny and get his legal opinion.
So Dont be over confident.Pay few hundred dollars to good attorny and get his legal opinion.
GCBy3000
04-15 06:38 PM
Admins,
Now a days I am seeing lots of questions asked by new members. If you have some mechanisms to show whether they have registered with valid data or fake data would help the other members who spend time in answering those questions.
I would request all the new members to contribute to our cause. Join monthly contribution of $20 and help yourselves. Thanks.
Now a days I am seeing lots of questions asked by new members. If you have some mechanisms to show whether they have registered with valid data or fake data would help the other members who spend time in answering those questions.
I would request all the new members to contribute to our cause. Join monthly contribution of $20 and help yourselves. Thanks.
more...
anilsal
12-26 11:08 PM
Will become 3 nights in a row for you folks. But you are welcome to attend the next IL state chapter concall.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2708
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2708
2010 Mandira Bedi Hot Pics: Mandira
anai
07-19 08:03 AM
If you are sponsoring your spouse, you need to submit an affidavit of support. It is I-134. This forms needs for you to submit bank statements, tax returns etc. with it.
This is incorrect.
The easiest way to address such questions is to take a few minutes to read the instructions to the form I-485 (which is available on the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485.pdf). An affidavit of support is needed in the EB context, only if the applicant's family owns 5% percent or more of the sponsoring employer.
Sending tax forms, W-2, bank statements, etc. is part of the overdocumentation approach. But note that these are not required.
This question has been asked and answered many times. So please (a) search the forums before opening new threads and (b) read the instructions to the form.
Also, if any of the answers on this thread were useful, consider contributing to IV.
This is incorrect.
The easiest way to address such questions is to take a few minutes to read the instructions to the form I-485 (which is available on the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485.pdf). An affidavit of support is needed in the EB context, only if the applicant's family owns 5% percent or more of the sponsoring employer.
Sending tax forms, W-2, bank statements, etc. is part of the overdocumentation approach. But note that these are not required.
This question has been asked and answered many times. So please (a) search the forums before opening new threads and (b) read the instructions to the form.
Also, if any of the answers on this thread were useful, consider contributing to IV.
more...
manja
04-21 09:48 AM
Friends,
I will be relocating to Houston soon. I am new to the area. I would really appreciate if you can give your inputs on good neighborhoods, cost of living, etc.
Thanks,
nmdial
Welcome to H city! SugarLand and Katy have very good neighborhoods with lots of desis. A lot depends upon where your office located. Cost of living is in Houston is low compared to LA, NY. Homes are "affordable". But property taxes are high (average is above 3%). Food, gas and misc. services are cheap. Insurance and utility costs are high though. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
I will be relocating to Houston soon. I am new to the area. I would really appreciate if you can give your inputs on good neighborhoods, cost of living, etc.
Thanks,
nmdial
Welcome to H city! SugarLand and Katy have very good neighborhoods with lots of desis. A lot depends upon where your office located. Cost of living is in Houston is low compared to LA, NY. Homes are "affordable". But property taxes are high (average is above 3%). Food, gas and misc. services are cheap. Insurance and utility costs are high though. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
hair Mandira Bedi Hot Photos
Legal
08-03 12:42 PM
There should be a box for A number, is it blank?
I remember seeing this discussion more than a year ago. Some have A#, some don't.
My 485 notice has an A number next to "beneficiary" box with my name, 140 has name mentioned in the "applicant" box but no number.
They won't adjudicate 485 without fingerprints, but you have them done already, doubt this will be an issue.
I remember seeing this discussion more than a year ago. Some have A#, some don't.
My 485 notice has an A number next to "beneficiary" box with my name, 140 has name mentioned in the "applicant" box but no number.
They won't adjudicate 485 without fingerprints, but you have them done already, doubt this will be an issue.
more...
needhelp!
08-23 06:38 PM
I am new here, Could anyone explain what is Texas State Chapter Activation about? how does that work? thanks!
Join here (they will need your phone number)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/texasiv
Join here (they will need your phone number)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/texasiv
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rally
07-13 03:04 PM
Dont we need to wear saris and dhotis , we are followers of Gandhian principles ?
more...
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tsiger
06-20 04:48 AM
yo guys.. thanx for voting my stamp! I am in the army now and i left things behind.. i won't be able to join frequently for the next 10 months so see you later all and thanx again for voting!
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ash0210
12-02 11:53 AM
**** READ question 3 from May12,2005 MEMO (or search/read the full Memo)
20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20529 HQPRD 70/6.2.8-P To: REGIONAL DIRECTORS SERVICE CENTER DIRECTORS From: William R. Yates /S/ Associate Director for Operations United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Department of Homeland Security Date: May 12, 2005
Memorandum for Service Center Directors, et al.
Q & A ON PROCESSING OF I-140 PETITIONS AND I-485 APPLICATIONS UNDER THE I-140 PORTABILITY PROVISIONS OF �106(C) OF AC21
Question 3. What is �same or similar� occupational classification for purposes of I-140 portability?
Answer:When making a determination if the new employment is the �same or similar� occupational classification in comparison to the employment in the initial I-140, adjudicators should consider the following factors:
A. Description of the job duties contained in the ETA 750A or the initial I-140 and the job duties of the new employment to determine if they are the �same or similar� occupational classification.
B. The DOT code and/or SOC code assigned to the initial I-140 employment for petitions that have a certified ETA 750A or consider what DOT and/or SOC code is appropriate for the position for an initial I-140 that did not require a certified ETA 750A. Then consider the DOT code and/or SOC code, whichever is appropriate for the new position to make a determination of �same or similar� occupational classification.
C. A substantial discrepancy between the previous and the new wage. (See Question 5 of this section for further clarification).
Guys,
Is it ok to have a title of Business Analyst and do software development? Programmer Analyst makes more sense for the position. Like wise Is it ok to have a programmer analyst title for a systems administrator? What kind of issues can one expect if the title and job duties/resume are not in sync?
Thanks
20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20529 HQPRD 70/6.2.8-P To: REGIONAL DIRECTORS SERVICE CENTER DIRECTORS From: William R. Yates /S/ Associate Director for Operations United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Department of Homeland Security Date: May 12, 2005
Memorandum for Service Center Directors, et al.
Q & A ON PROCESSING OF I-140 PETITIONS AND I-485 APPLICATIONS UNDER THE I-140 PORTABILITY PROVISIONS OF �106(C) OF AC21
Question 3. What is �same or similar� occupational classification for purposes of I-140 portability?
Answer:When making a determination if the new employment is the �same or similar� occupational classification in comparison to the employment in the initial I-140, adjudicators should consider the following factors:
A. Description of the job duties contained in the ETA 750A or the initial I-140 and the job duties of the new employment to determine if they are the �same or similar� occupational classification.
B. The DOT code and/or SOC code assigned to the initial I-140 employment for petitions that have a certified ETA 750A or consider what DOT and/or SOC code is appropriate for the position for an initial I-140 that did not require a certified ETA 750A. Then consider the DOT code and/or SOC code, whichever is appropriate for the new position to make a determination of �same or similar� occupational classification.
C. A substantial discrepancy between the previous and the new wage. (See Question 5 of this section for further clarification).
Guys,
Is it ok to have a title of Business Analyst and do software development? Programmer Analyst makes more sense for the position. Like wise Is it ok to have a programmer analyst title for a systems administrator? What kind of issues can one expect if the title and job duties/resume are not in sync?
Thanks
more...
pictures photos Mandira bedi hot
Maverick1
11-13 05:08 PM
I asked her if it is change of address they sent she is not sure but she said usually it is the card when Current Status: is "Document mailed to applicant."
She put in a service request for me and she some one is going to contact me in 30 business days.
Goodluck.
Since you are EB3/2004/India it is probably not I485 approval unless you got EXTREMELY lucky and they processed your application out of turn.
She put in a service request for me and she some one is going to contact me in 30 business days.
Goodluck.
Since you are EB3/2004/India it is probably not I485 approval unless you got EXTREMELY lucky and they processed your application out of turn.
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chintals
09-03 01:33 PM
How did you do that? can you please provide info?
The phone number to call and would they need any information from me?
1) Call 800 and convince the person to escalate to 2nd level and speak to IIO
2) Call 800 and choose cases were seperated option which will go to respective service center and talk to IO.
Some folks are helpful and some are not.. It all depends how you approach and how you can convince.. good luck. Other option is go to Infopass.
The phone number to call and would they need any information from me?
1) Call 800 and convince the person to escalate to 2nd level and speak to IIO
2) Call 800 and choose cases were seperated option which will go to respective service center and talk to IO.
Some folks are helpful and some are not.. It all depends how you approach and how you can convince.. good luck. Other option is go to Infopass.
more...
makeup mandira-edi-hot04
eb3retro
06-19 10:07 PM
Hi
Here is my situation
My current labor shows title as Systems Analyst (EB3-I category - PD Sept 2002). The code that I can read shows 030-167014.
I-140 is approved in 2005. 485 Applied in June 2007.
8th year on H1B - H1 Valid till November 2009.
I have offer to join one of big 5 IT Firms as Project Manager( working at client through them from past 4 years), however due to the "Same or Similar" clause , I am confused and kind of nervous as well that it may impact my GC application as the job title is not similar to what is on the labor.
This is great company to work for and Salary raise is about 15-20% from current and about 90% higher than what is on the labor. Would this create any issue?
I had kind of made up my mind that I will go ahead and join and skip notifying USCIS of AC21 and will deal with it if and when I receive the RFE, but the prospective employer's immigration guys are telling that they have policy and their attorney will prepare a letter for invoking AC21 and send that to USCIS.
Just tired of waiting for GC and losing the opportunities, What options do I have ?
� Should I stay put and continue to wait till I get GC in hand?
� If new employer notify USCIS with AC21 letter that my new title is PM or something else (but not same or similar to what is on Labor)
- Would USCIS makes the decision on my 485 right there saying it's a no go?
- or Would they send me the RFE later on when my PD is current?
- What if I say I am willing to go back to my old employer on the title that is on the labor, in the situation of RFE - would USCIS accepts that (I have good relationship with my current employer and they are mid size company)
Any Suggestion - Anybody?
Need to make the decision in next couple of days.
hey man, if i were you, i wouldn't do this..i personally changed jobs twice in ac21 and would not do this change..
Here is my situation
My current labor shows title as Systems Analyst (EB3-I category - PD Sept 2002). The code that I can read shows 030-167014.
I-140 is approved in 2005. 485 Applied in June 2007.
8th year on H1B - H1 Valid till November 2009.
I have offer to join one of big 5 IT Firms as Project Manager( working at client through them from past 4 years), however due to the "Same or Similar" clause , I am confused and kind of nervous as well that it may impact my GC application as the job title is not similar to what is on the labor.
This is great company to work for and Salary raise is about 15-20% from current and about 90% higher than what is on the labor. Would this create any issue?
I had kind of made up my mind that I will go ahead and join and skip notifying USCIS of AC21 and will deal with it if and when I receive the RFE, but the prospective employer's immigration guys are telling that they have policy and their attorney will prepare a letter for invoking AC21 and send that to USCIS.
Just tired of waiting for GC and losing the opportunities, What options do I have ?
� Should I stay put and continue to wait till I get GC in hand?
� If new employer notify USCIS with AC21 letter that my new title is PM or something else (but not same or similar to what is on Labor)
- Would USCIS makes the decision on my 485 right there saying it's a no go?
- or Would they send me the RFE later on when my PD is current?
- What if I say I am willing to go back to my old employer on the title that is on the labor, in the situation of RFE - would USCIS accepts that (I have good relationship with my current employer and they are mid size company)
Any Suggestion - Anybody?
Need to make the decision in next couple of days.
hey man, if i were you, i wouldn't do this..i personally changed jobs twice in ac21 and would not do this change..
girlfriend hot photos of mandira bedi
Blog Feeds
01-27 08:30 AM
Summary
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
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kartikiran
11-09 05:21 PM
Done.
I would have liked another field which asks how much money has been moved away from USA due to uncertainty with the wait for green card.
Personally, I wish I had parked my savings money in USA, but due to green card limbo I ended up moving all that money outside to another country to invest.
Only reason, I am not sure where my life would end without knowing an answer to my green card application.
I think this is a key point which is missing in the survey.
I would have liked another field which asks how much money has been moved away from USA due to uncertainty with the wait for green card.
Personally, I wish I had parked my savings money in USA, but due to green card limbo I ended up moving all that money outside to another country to invest.
Only reason, I am not sure where my life would end without knowing an answer to my green card application.
I think this is a key point which is missing in the survey.
pa_arora
07-16 01:18 PM
I liked ur signature...BTW what country r u from?
eastwest
12-05 12:11 AM
Count me in for $100.00
Go IV Team....
Thanks
Go IV Team....
Thanks
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