andycool
07-18 11:05 AM
here is a brief account of my, and my spouse's, arduous but successful journey toward the coveted green cards. i hope this account helps you somehow.
(note: what you read below is all of what i am willing to share. i have spent a lot of time in typing it. i will not have the time or inclination for any elaborations or explanations!)
1. landed in the united states on f-1 visa -- september 2000.
2. arrested on misdemeanor shoplifting charge after prank went awry -- june 2001; judge dropped charge in july 2001 and also sealed and expunged the record.
3. changed from f-1 to h-1b upon accepting job offer from employer A, via about two months of c.p.t. in september 2003 (never used o.p.t.)
4. obtained labor certification in may 2004, and approval of i-140 (via eb-2) in march 2005, both via employer A. (priority date was, hence, may 2004).
5. got married in home country in june 2006; spouse landed in the united states on h-4 in november 2006.
6. graduated with advanced degree (and high academic honors) in december 2006.
7. transferred h-1b from employer A to employer B in september 2007; abandoned employer A's i-140 approval.
8. spouse, who had been on h-4 since november 2006, changed to f-1 in september 2007 to pursue advanced degree; spouse graduated in may 2009.
9. arrested in april 2008 for driving while visually impaired; convicted and punished by judge with three-month driving probation and fine.
10. obtained new labor certification in march 2008 and obtained new i-140 approval (again via eb-2) in september 2008; both via employer B.
11. mailed i-485s for self and spouse in october 2008; did not realize while mailing that the priority date had recently retrogressed (had no attorney assistance); but uscis accepted petitions, cashed checks, and processed the i-485s by sending self and spouse biometric appointments and an r.f.e. (for spouse).
12. transferred h-1b again, from employer B to employer C, in june 2009, more than 180 days after i-485s had been pending; spouse simultaneously applied for change of status from f-1 to h-4.
13. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews in october 2009 based on self's i-140 approval obtained through employer B; i-485 petitions denied because priority date had not been current when filed; self and spouse shocked and in near-panic! self began to consider restarting green card process from i-140 stage, this time via eb-1.
14. h-1b extended in december 2010 for a year, via employer C's petition; at time of extension approval, self's original six years on h-1b had elapsed.
15. re-filed i-485s in january 2010, this time with attorney's help (mainly to write cover letter).
16. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews again in june 2010, based on second i-485 petitions (based on self's i-140 approval obtained via employer B, even though at this time self was with employer C with previously denied -- for a technicality -- i-485s); i-485 petitions approved at the interview -- jai siyaram!
17. self and spouse received approval notices and "card production ordered" emails, all dated 13 days after interview.
18. received green cards and "welcome to the united states" fliers, both in july 2010, 29 days after i-485 interviews -- jai shri krishna!
notes in conclusion:
1. the green card process via employment, from h-1b through i-485, with possible multiple approvals/denials of each, is daunting due to the time and expense involved (including possible cost of attorney)
2. uscis's emphasis on technicalities can be frustrating; in our experience, approval of a i-485 is ultimately a discretion exercised by a single reviewing officer.
3. overall, applicant and any spouse/kids (a) must have maintained legal status throughout the h1b through i-485 process, and (b) must never have been convicted of felonious assault or moral turpitude.
4. in the end, applicant would find that the immigration system works, slow though it is because of congressional quotas and a somewhat slothful or myopic uscis.
5. i offer my best wishes to all that are reading this, regardless of citizenship. as a proud (and relieved!) new permanent resident of the united states, i say to you, "good luck and an advance welcome!"
reminder: what you read above is all of what i am willing to share. i spent a lot of time in typing it. i won't have the time or inclination for elaborations or explanations but, most sincerely, i wish you well!
Dude ,
Its indeed a long Journey ....
Enjoy
Thanks
(note: what you read below is all of what i am willing to share. i have spent a lot of time in typing it. i will not have the time or inclination for any elaborations or explanations!)
1. landed in the united states on f-1 visa -- september 2000.
2. arrested on misdemeanor shoplifting charge after prank went awry -- june 2001; judge dropped charge in july 2001 and also sealed and expunged the record.
3. changed from f-1 to h-1b upon accepting job offer from employer A, via about two months of c.p.t. in september 2003 (never used o.p.t.)
4. obtained labor certification in may 2004, and approval of i-140 (via eb-2) in march 2005, both via employer A. (priority date was, hence, may 2004).
5. got married in home country in june 2006; spouse landed in the united states on h-4 in november 2006.
6. graduated with advanced degree (and high academic honors) in december 2006.
7. transferred h-1b from employer A to employer B in september 2007; abandoned employer A's i-140 approval.
8. spouse, who had been on h-4 since november 2006, changed to f-1 in september 2007 to pursue advanced degree; spouse graduated in may 2009.
9. arrested in april 2008 for driving while visually impaired; convicted and punished by judge with three-month driving probation and fine.
10. obtained new labor certification in march 2008 and obtained new i-140 approval (again via eb-2) in september 2008; both via employer B.
11. mailed i-485s for self and spouse in october 2008; did not realize while mailing that the priority date had recently retrogressed (had no attorney assistance); but uscis accepted petitions, cashed checks, and processed the i-485s by sending self and spouse biometric appointments and an r.f.e. (for spouse).
12. transferred h-1b again, from employer B to employer C, in june 2009, more than 180 days after i-485s had been pending; spouse simultaneously applied for change of status from f-1 to h-4.
13. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews in october 2009 based on self's i-140 approval obtained through employer B; i-485 petitions denied because priority date had not been current when filed; self and spouse shocked and in near-panic! self began to consider restarting green card process from i-140 stage, this time via eb-1.
14. h-1b extended in december 2010 for a year, via employer C's petition; at time of extension approval, self's original six years on h-1b had elapsed.
15. re-filed i-485s in january 2010, this time with attorney's help (mainly to write cover letter).
16. self and spouse invited for i-485 interviews again in june 2010, based on second i-485 petitions (based on self's i-140 approval obtained via employer B, even though at this time self was with employer C with previously denied -- for a technicality -- i-485s); i-485 petitions approved at the interview -- jai siyaram!
17. self and spouse received approval notices and "card production ordered" emails, all dated 13 days after interview.
18. received green cards and "welcome to the united states" fliers, both in july 2010, 29 days after i-485 interviews -- jai shri krishna!
notes in conclusion:
1. the green card process via employment, from h-1b through i-485, with possible multiple approvals/denials of each, is daunting due to the time and expense involved (including possible cost of attorney)
2. uscis's emphasis on technicalities can be frustrating; in our experience, approval of a i-485 is ultimately a discretion exercised by a single reviewing officer.
3. overall, applicant and any spouse/kids (a) must have maintained legal status throughout the h1b through i-485 process, and (b) must never have been convicted of felonious assault or moral turpitude.
4. in the end, applicant would find that the immigration system works, slow though it is because of congressional quotas and a somewhat slothful or myopic uscis.
5. i offer my best wishes to all that are reading this, regardless of citizenship. as a proud (and relieved!) new permanent resident of the united states, i say to you, "good luck and an advance welcome!"
reminder: what you read above is all of what i am willing to share. i spent a lot of time in typing it. i won't have the time or inclination for elaborations or explanations but, most sincerely, i wish you well!
Dude ,
Its indeed a long Journey ....
Enjoy
Thanks
.jpg "Kristen Stewart Elle")
needGCcool
09-03 10:46 PM
My PD is current - Going for consular processing a good idea?
i dont know how much u...but changing the option is not like picking a different item from menu..............this requires a lot more documesnts + time..........
i dont know how much u...but changing the option is not like picking a different item from menu..............this requires a lot more documesnts + time..........
frostrated
07-06 03:36 PM
you might want to check that yourself. From what I know, your status when you enter on AP is no longer valid. Your I-94 that you receive will reflect the status you are allowed into the country. To work in H1B status, you will either need to enter in H1 status, or adjust your status to that of H1B. Dont make a wrong move and start accuring time for working without authorization. work without authorization is grounds for deporting.
Okay, i checked and I stand corrected. if you are returning the same employer, then you can continue in H1B status. Here is a link that might answer all your questions.
Z&A - Advance Parole (http://www.hooyou.com/advanceparole/h1bv-ap.html)
Okay, i checked and I stand corrected. if you are returning the same employer, then you can continue in H1B status. Here is a link that might answer all your questions.
Z&A - Advance Parole (http://www.hooyou.com/advanceparole/h1bv-ap.html)
gcformeornot
12-31 09:39 PM
it up....^^^^
more...
sundarpn
07-19 10:54 PM
jack_suv, nice post and a good start.
I am sort of category 4. BUT want to change jobs after 6 months of filing 485 and want to continue on H1 despite having EAD so that I can get my future spouse on H4. (then add/file her 485 when dates become current)
If I change to a new employer after 6 months (NOT on EAD but on H1b transfer):
1. Will my 485 remain in good standing? Will still need support form the ex-employer? I hope not and 485 receipt notice will suffice.
2. Can I get 3 yr extension of H1b from the new employer (as I have I-140 copy).
3. Can I file my spouses 485 whenever the dates become current (despite working for a new employer on H1b.)
I am sort of category 4. BUT want to change jobs after 6 months of filing 485 and want to continue on H1 despite having EAD so that I can get my future spouse on H4. (then add/file her 485 when dates become current)
If I change to a new employer after 6 months (NOT on EAD but on H1b transfer):
1. Will my 485 remain in good standing? Will still need support form the ex-employer? I hope not and 485 receipt notice will suffice.
2. Can I get 3 yr extension of H1b from the new employer (as I have I-140 copy).
3. Can I file my spouses 485 whenever the dates become current (despite working for a new employer on H1b.)
senthil1
04-30 11:01 PM
I heard that you can get more updates from IV if you become donor. You can try that.
What is the agenda now?
What is the agenda now?
more...
bestia
07-19 01:03 PM
My lawyer did not ask for Tax return for filing i-485 .He just asked for W-2's only ??
Is Tax Return for last 3 years is required document ?
Tax returns absolutely not required. Even W2s are not required. But without W2s USCIS will more likely issue RFE, they would want to see them. My accountant told me that a lot of his clients received RFEs for tax returns, so it's good to have them in right order in case...
Your tax returns will show the case if you worked also for someone else illegaly - USCIS might want to verify that.
Is Tax Return for last 3 years is required document ?
Tax returns absolutely not required. Even W2s are not required. But without W2s USCIS will more likely issue RFE, they would want to see them. My accountant told me that a lot of his clients received RFEs for tax returns, so it's good to have them in right order in case...
Your tax returns will show the case if you worked also for someone else illegaly - USCIS might want to verify that.
Domino
09-14 01:24 PM
Thank you raysaikat.
I just see one more option-- NIW...
Hope at least one of these would work in the end.
I just see one more option-- NIW...
Hope at least one of these would work in the end.
more...
dummgelauft
05-15 09:45 AM
Hey, what you think or say does not matter. This is what lawyers are for, go hire an attorney.
Oh! I might have forgotten that you might be working for a desi consultant, who will pad your resume to make it look like Kernigan's or Ritchie's. ..maybe they can qualify you for EB-1...
Oh! I might have forgotten that you might be working for a desi consultant, who will pad your resume to make it look like Kernigan's or Ritchie's. ..maybe they can qualify you for EB-1...
as_rudra
07-26 12:47 PM
You can change the address of you I-485 application online at
https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa
I have done this when i moved at the end of May. I also recieved a confirmation mail that the address on my application has changed.
Hope that helps!
https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa
I have done this when i moved at the end of May. I also recieved a confirmation mail that the address on my application has changed.
Hope that helps!
more...
voicerj
04-04 10:55 AM
When you are in USA and want to adjustment of status with USCIS then only you need to fill out I 485. If you are in USA or not and want to apply for gc at abroad consulate then you select option in I 140 form which will route your I 140 once approved to NVC. NVC keep I 140 with them until they think date will be current soon. and they send out fee invoice.
If you pay fees and still your date doesn't become current for year , you loose fees since consulate return file back to NVC after a while. Generally NVC be little cautious and guess date so applicant don't loose fees, from this I think if any one get fees notice beyond July 2007 then we can safely say that date will be atleast there at the end of year.I read online that one lawyer mentioned his / her client got fee notice for Nov 2007 case. To me date will go upto Nov 2007 by Sep 2011. I would like to find if more people are getting such fee invoice mail / email.
gc_on_demand - Thanks Man, i just forgot about CP. Got it ! Lost in my own world and hoping something works out this fiscal.
If you pay fees and still your date doesn't become current for year , you loose fees since consulate return file back to NVC after a while. Generally NVC be little cautious and guess date so applicant don't loose fees, from this I think if any one get fees notice beyond July 2007 then we can safely say that date will be atleast there at the end of year.I read online that one lawyer mentioned his / her client got fee notice for Nov 2007 case. To me date will go upto Nov 2007 by Sep 2011. I would like to find if more people are getting such fee invoice mail / email.
gc_on_demand - Thanks Man, i just forgot about CP. Got it ! Lost in my own world and hoping something works out this fiscal.
boni
03-28 04:22 PM
well I have the same problem as next year I plan to be a full-time student and part-time on job.....my LC is also pending....will it effect GC..Is chanding H1 to part-time doable...what if LC is clear....can it be done later at any time i mean full-time student and part-time job....
@sabbygirl99 Could u pls let me know what course of action u took in this regard.
Has anyone ever seen this scenario before??!
Part time worker but a full time student - all on a part time H1 visa? I have talked to one lawyer and a couple of admissions officers. They all say that it should be OK (but they are not crazy about it) but I want to talk to someone that actually did it.
Is anyone out there like that??? Thanks!!
Sincerely,
Need To Move on With My Life
@sabbygirl99 Could u pls let me know what course of action u took in this regard.
Has anyone ever seen this scenario before??!
Part time worker but a full time student - all on a part time H1 visa? I have talked to one lawyer and a couple of admissions officers. They all say that it should be OK (but they are not crazy about it) but I want to talk to someone that actually did it.
Is anyone out there like that??? Thanks!!
Sincerely,
Need To Move on With My Life
more...
coolmanasip
07-19 10:35 AM
tnite.... thanks for the detailed reply........I forwarded this exchange to him........should make him happy and relaxed!!!
Thanks much!
Thanks much!
lost
01-27 02:07 PM
We need to have a massive participation for our question to get noticed........and today is already Thrusday!
more...
minimalist
10-08 02:25 PM
Did you take original 485 receipt with you?
I went to the Arlington DMV today. They took copies of my I-485 and EAD. They said they will send a letter to my home in 7 to 10 days, if I'm eligible for a drivers license. I went a month back when I didn't have the EAD with me and they did not even accept my documents for faxing it to Richmond. Man...its getting crazier everyday.
Please post back your experience here. Thanks for starting the thread.
I went to the Arlington DMV today. They took copies of my I-485 and EAD. They said they will send a letter to my home in 7 to 10 days, if I'm eligible for a drivers license. I went a month back when I didn't have the EAD with me and they did not even accept my documents for faxing it to Richmond. Man...its getting crazier everyday.
Please post back your experience here. Thanks for starting the thread.
logiclife
06-08 06:05 PM
Premium processing is not against american values or any other values.
Just because its the government you are dealing with here instead of a private company does not mean there should not be options for faster service for extra fee.
If premium processing is against American values, then in that case, express-mail offered by USPS for extra charge is against American values. Express mail does not slow down first-class 39-cent mail but it provides an ALTERNATIVE to a consumer or citizen to go with better quality service for a fee. For a few dollars, you mail would reach somewhere overnight instead of 3 days.
Also, by that token, first-class travel is against American values? Would you rather that it go away too?
Premium processing is not going to slow down regular processing. But it offers an alternative to employers or employees if they want expedited service for extra money etc.
Just because its the government you are dealing with here instead of a private company does not mean there should not be options for faster service for extra fee.
If premium processing is against American values, then in that case, express-mail offered by USPS for extra charge is against American values. Express mail does not slow down first-class 39-cent mail but it provides an ALTERNATIVE to a consumer or citizen to go with better quality service for a fee. For a few dollars, you mail would reach somewhere overnight instead of 3 days.
Also, by that token, first-class travel is against American values? Would you rather that it go away too?
Premium processing is not going to slow down regular processing. But it offers an alternative to employers or employees if they want expedited service for extra money etc.
more...
sanjeev_2004
05-26 03:08 PM
As for as my knowlege pending I140s wont be effected. Senior members can currect me if i am wrong.
Thx.
Thx.
laksmi
02-18 05:10 PM
when a person is on H1B and out of project and no paystubs, Will there be any issue with 485 processing.
Any H employer is supposed to pay the minimum wage to the employee , so paystub seems natural in this process. But if you are genuine and just missed the paystubs for some reason you can send some alternatives :
a) Timesheet signed.
b) benefits confirmation ,
c) email correspondence to indirectly prove that you were working in H1 status and getting paid
Hope this helps
Any H employer is supposed to pay the minimum wage to the employee , so paystub seems natural in this process. But if you are genuine and just missed the paystubs for some reason you can send some alternatives :
a) Timesheet signed.
b) benefits confirmation ,
c) email correspondence to indirectly prove that you were working in H1 status and getting paid
Hope this helps
Maverick1
11-21 09:16 PM
Similar Question:
I have not left the USA for the last 5 years. I have since extended my H1- thrice. So I have 3 new I-94's and the old one that is stapled in the passport. I-94 is taken at the airport when you depart, to record your departure and also to see if you were residing legally on a valid stay. Question: They always take the one stapled in your pasport. (That in my case shows an expired stay.) so should I give them the latest I-94 when I depart?.
You give all of them (stapled together preferably). Make copies of all of them and keep for future.
I have not left the USA for the last 5 years. I have since extended my H1- thrice. So I have 3 new I-94's and the old one that is stapled in the passport. I-94 is taken at the airport when you depart, to record your departure and also to see if you were residing legally on a valid stay. Question: They always take the one stapled in your pasport. (That in my case shows an expired stay.) so should I give them the latest I-94 when I depart?.
You give all of them (stapled together preferably). Make copies of all of them and keep for future.
p_kumar
01-27 03:40 PM
The last time i talked to iio, she said they are processing I485s received in Apr, 2007 and they will start mine in 2 or 3 months.(mine was received on july 24th and pd is eb3 oct 2003). she said, they will process the applications even if the pd is not current but only approve if the pd is current.
conchshell
04-24 08:22 AM
Breaking news on http://www.immigration-law.com :
04/24/2008: House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee Hearing Today at 2:00 p.m. on "Wasted Visas, Growing Backlogs"
* This is the first in a series of hearings on immigration reforms which the House is scheduled to hear hereon. For the list of witnesses and the testimonies, please stay tuned to this website.
Does anyone has more insight to this. What we at IV can contribute to this hearing?
This is the official link on the website:
http://judiciary.house.gov/oversight.aspx?ID=435
04/24/2008: House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee Hearing Today at 2:00 p.m. on "Wasted Visas, Growing Backlogs"
* This is the first in a series of hearings on immigration reforms which the House is scheduled to hear hereon. For the list of witnesses and the testimonies, please stay tuned to this website.
Does anyone has more insight to this. What we at IV can contribute to this hearing?
This is the official link on the website:
http://judiciary.house.gov/oversight.aspx?ID=435
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