EB2 Predictions (Rather Calculations) - 2012

[TeddyKoochu]

Yeah agree. You know why I hate you because most of the times you are right :)

Thanks, I greatly appreciate your response. Actually unless we thrash all the assumptions we don't get to good figures. Lemme tell you your inputs were very helpful in a positive way. Once again thanks for all your time, this is a collective effort in every way. Lemme tell you something last year I was the most optimistic one in the beginning based on Trackitt, I will research this month's Trackitt and post. This thing keeps changing faster than the weather. Best wishes to you and good luck to all.

[vedu]

I just looked at pending inventory reports of October, 2010 and October 2011 and noticed that year 2010 started with pending inventory count of 168,846 (All country, all types) and year 2012 started with pending inventory count of 139,563. This means year 2012 started with significantly less number of pending I-485s as compared to year 2011. Will this have any impact on the priority dates movement for this year?

Additionally, I looked at trackitt numbers and noticed that there are 101 I-485 applications filed in October 2011 vs 125 applications filed in October 2010. This also suggests that Year 2012 started on a good note.

[yesman]

Thanks, I greatly appreciate your response. Actually unless we thrash all the assumptions we don't get to good figures. Lemme tell you your inputs were very helpful in a positive way. Once again thanks for all your time, this is a collective effort in every way. Lemme tell you something last year I was the most optimistic one in the beginning based on Trackitt, I will research this month's Trackitt and post. This thing keeps changing faster than the weather. Best wishes to you and good luck to all.
Teddy, So what is your conservative estimate for the movements in Dec, Jan and Feb bulletins (assuming that they would move forward based on CO's recent statements). Thanks in advance for your inputs.

[veni001]

I just looked at pending inventory reports of October, 2010 and October 2011 and noticed that year 2010 started with pending inventory count of 168,846 (All country, all types) and year 2012 started with pending inventory count of 139,563. This means year 2012 started with significantly less number of pending I-485s as compared to year 2011. Will this have any impact on the priority dates movement for this year?

Additionally, I looked at trackitt numbers and noticed that there are 101 I-485 applications filed in October 2011 vs 125 applications filed in October 2010. This also suggests that Year 2012 started on a good note.

vedu,
Let's look at the inventory data from a different angle,since EB3&EW is not getting or yield any spillover and EB2IC movement purely depend on SOFAD let's exclude them for comparision.

------------- 2010 ------2011------ % Change(incr.)
EB1--------- 7,595 ------14,072 -----85.28%
EB2ROWMP 9,915 ------11,520------16.19%
EB3 ---------N/A --------N/A ---------N/A
EB4---------294----------643---------118.71%
EB5---------23-----------163---------608.70%
EW----------N/A --------N/A ---------N/A
Total--------17,827------26,398------48.08%

So FY2012 started with an increase of ~8.5K (or ~48%) compared to FY2011, which could impact total SOFAD for this year.

[vedu]

Veni,

I absolutely agree with your numbers, but what amazes me is the total number of applications (139,563). This number suggests that they do not even have a one year's worth of quota, which is 140,000. I am sure that new applications will keep coming. Going forward, it will be interesting to see the rate of new I-485s coming into the system.


vedu,
Let's look at the inventory data from a different angle,since EB3&EW is not getting or yield any spillover and EB2IC movement purely depend on SOFAD let's exclude them for comparision.

------------- 2010 ------2011------ % Change(incr.)
EB1--------- 7,595 ------14,072 -----85.28%
EB2ROWMP 9,915 ------11,520------16.19%
EB3 ---------N/A --------N/A ---------N/A
EB4---------294----------643---------118.71%
EB5---------23-----------163---------608.70%
EW----------N/A --------N/A ---------N/A
Total--------17,827------26,398------48.08%

So FY2012 started with an increase of ~8.5K (or ~48%) compared to FY2011, which could impact total SOFAD for this year.

[vizcard]

Hello, I have just registered to this site. Have been following this thread for the last two days and am impressed with the depth of the discussions regarding predictions about EB2, EB3 dates. Also noticed that quite a few members are active on the site. All the discussions interest me because I'm on EB2 and my PD is 02/10. Because of the positive moment in the last few months, I've been awaiting the Dec visa bulletin. According to the current trend, I think I would be eligible to apply for 485 in about a year. I know I'm being very optimistic, Any Comments or predictions about 02/10 PD?

I think it's highly unlikely 2010s will file next year. Most of FY 2013 will be remainder of 2008 and some of 2009. But who knows what goes on in the mind of CO.

[veni001]

Veni,

I absolutely agree with your numbers, but what amazes me is the total number of applications (139,563). This number suggests that they do not even have a one year's worth of quota, which is 140,000. I am sure that new applications will keep coming. Going forward, it will be interesting to see the rate of new I-485s coming into the system.

vedu,
USCIS dash board (http://dashboard.uscis.gov/index.cfm?formtype=7&office=91&charttype=1) show significant backlog in i40 (EB1, EB2ROW-M-P) and i526(EB5), in-addition to significant increase in PERM filings/approvals (http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/quarterlydata.cfm) in FY2011(Q1-Q3).

[veni001]

Hello, I have just registered to this site. Have been following this thread for the last two days and am impressed with the depth of the discussions regarding predictions about EB2, EB3 dates. Also noticed that quite a few members are active on the site. All the discussions interest me because I'm on EB2 and my PD is 02/10. Because of the positive moment in the last few months, I've been awaiting the Dec visa bulletin. According to the current trend, I think I would be eligible to apply for 485 in about a year. I know I'm being very optimistic, Any Comments or predictions about 02/10 PD?


I think it's highly unlikely 2010s will file next year. Most of FY 2013 will be remainder of 2008 and some of 2009. But who knows what goes on in the mind of CO.

Agree, If we look at Calender Year totals for INDIA, CY2008 got more PERM approvals (http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?50-PERM-Data-and-Calculations) compared to CY2007.

[vedu]

The USCIS dashboard has two months lag. Also, in case of ROW, I-140 and I-485 are allowed to be filed concurrently. So, hopefully, the significant I-140 backlog showing up on the dashboard is already counted in the October, 2011 inventory report (?) Regarding significant increase in PERM filing/approvals, that itself may have caused significant I-140 backlog, which again hopefully is already counted in the October, 2011 inventory report. Thus, the 48% increase in I-485s you calculated makes sense.



vedu,
USCIS dash board (http://dashboard.uscis.gov/index.cfm?formtype=7&office=91&charttype=1) show significant backlog in i40 (EB1, EB2ROW-M-P) and i526(EB5), in-addition to significant increase in PERM filings/approvals (http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/quarterlydata.cfm).

[TeddyKoochu]

Friends following are the Trackitt comparisons for 2011.
EB2 ROW 2010 - 25
EB2 ROW 2011 - 63
EB1 (A+B+C) - 2010: 8 + 6 + 5 = 19
EB1 (A+B+C) - 2011: 3 + 2 + 20 = 25
Last year’s SOFAD was 30K lets split it as EB1 - 12K, EB5 - 6K, Regular Cap - 5.5K, EB2 ROW 6.5
- EB2 ROW usage is drastically down by 60%. This could really be good for SOFAD. If this trend continues
Then EB2 could well be providing very significant SOFAD.
Let’s assume decline to be 30% instead of 60%. As smaller figures do not mean smaller scale down literally they should be factored.
EB2 ROW SOFAD will be - (40-5.5) - 70/100 (40-5.5-6.5) = 34.5 - 19.6 = 15K.
- EB1 is overall in the same range down by 25%, however looking at the figures looks like the Kazarian memo is playing havoc with EB1 A & B diminishing and EB1C growing 4 fold.
Looks like EB1 should maintain the 12K SOFAD. It’s a must that the Kazarian trend is maintained or ROW decline should compensate it.
Despite high 485 inventory and high 140 figures the Trackitt trend for October is highly encouraging. This is very early days however last year this early lead was very correct. With this early trend I believe that last year’s SOFAD level may well be maintained but let’s make note that it’s an early trend and Trackitt represents only a small sample of data but the great advantage is that its well organized. For October yet another explanation could be that CO is giving away EB1, EB2 ROW and EB5 excess to EB2 I/C on a monthly basis if it is literally true.
If last year’s SOFAD level is maintained then everyone in 2007 will have GC in hand by Sep 2012, however the other indicators suggest lesser movement than this. To take the Trackitt trend concrete another 2 months of observation is required. The agencies IMHO must maintain 2 months as a buffer. Let’s all hope the Trackitt trend holds.

[TeddyKoochu]

Teddy, So what is your conservative estimate for the movements in Dec, Jan and Feb bulletins (assuming that they would move forward based on CO's recent statements). Thanks in advance for your inputs.

These are just my personal beliefs. The movement will happen only in the Dec bulletin because definitely a wave is coming by I140 and I485.
The date range could be 01-JAN-2008 to 01-MAR-2008 (Date From CO).
Actual approvals i.e. GC in hand will range from 01-NOV-2007 to 31st Dec 2007 . The Trackitt trend indicates the higher end for now otherwise with the wave of I140 and I485 it may well be the lower end.

[suninphx]

Friends following are the Trackitt comparisons for 2011.
EB2 ROW 2010 - 25
EB2 ROW 2011 - 63
EB1 (A+B+C) - 2010: 8 + 6 + 5 = 19
EB1 (A+B+C) - 2011: 3 + 2 + 20 = 25
Last year’s SOFAD was 30K lets split it as EB1 - 12K, EB5 - 6K, Regular Cap - 5.5K, EB2 ROW 6.5
- EB2 ROW usage is drastically down by 60%. This could really be good for SOFAD. If this trend continues
Then EB2 could well be providing very significant SOFAD.
Let’s assume decline to be 30% instead of 60%. As smaller figures do not mean smaller scale down literally they should be factored.
EB2 ROW SOFAD will be - (40-5.5) - 70/100 (40-5.5-6.5) = 34.5 - 19.6 = 15K.
- EB1 is overall in the same range down by 25%, however looking at the figures looks like the Kazarian memo is playing havoc with EB1 A & B diminishing and EB1C growing 4 fold.
Looks like EB1 should maintain the 12K SOFAD. It’s a must that the Kazarian trend is maintained or ROW decline should compensate it.
Despite high 485 inventory and high 140 figures the Trackitt trend for October is highly encouraging. This is very early days however last year this early lead was very correct. With this early trend I believe that last year’s SOFAD level may well be maintained but let’s make note that it’s an early trend and Trackitt represents only a small sample of data but the great advantage is that its well organized. For October yet another explanation could be that CO is giving away EB1, EB2 ROW and EB5 excess to EB2 I/C on a monthly basis if it is literally true.
If last year’s SOFAD level is maintained then everyone in 2007 will have GC in hand by Sep 2012, however the other indicators suggest lesser movement than this. To take the Trackitt trend concrete another 2 months of observation is required. The agencies IMHO must maintain 2 months as a buffer. Let’s all hope the Trackitt trend holds.

Thanks Teddy for this wonderful calculations. I really hope hr3012 becomes law someday. It's frustrating to be at mercy of someone else even if we have same/better skillset.

[vizcard]

These are just my personal beliefs. The movement will happen only in the Dec bulletin because definitely a wave is coming by I140 and I485.
The date range could be 01-JAN-2008 to 01-MAR-2008 (Date From CO).
Actual approvals i.e. GC in hand will range from 01-NOV-2007 to 31st Dec 2007. The Trackitt trend indicates the higher end for now otherwise with the wave of I140 and I485 it may well be the lower end.

I have a feeling u r right. I do believe we move to mar2008 but thats it till Q4.

[dec2007]

These are just my personal beliefs. The movement will happen only in the Dec bulletin because definitely a wave is coming by I140 and I485.
The date range could be 01-JAN-2008 to 01-MAR-2008 (Date From CO).
Actual approvals i.e. GC in hand will range from 01-NOV-2007 to 31st Dec 2007. The Trackitt trend indicates the higher end for now otherwise with the wave of I140 and I485 it may well be the lower end.

Teddy, so i couldbe on an edge to get gc in this year's quota? Pd dec31, 2007. My lawyer was working hard before new years eve :)

[beeooh]

I might not share the frustrations of some of you on this forum. But most here are on the right side of the spectrum as far as applications are concerned. But CO/VO have to deal with myriad cases with multitude of challenges, unique at times. So they approach with caution. And don't forget USCIS, DOS et.al. are federal organizations with no urge to compete or be efficient like private organizations. I haven't forgotten where I come from and how well the govt. organizations function, pun intended..:)
I'm only trying to reason.

Btw can't help but sound trite when I say how much I appreciate this forum and people behind it.


I think there is nothing wrong in criticizing CO, USCIS et.al. These individuals and organizations have been created to be inefficient so that potential immigrants could be frustrated to their wits end. How else could the wastage of visas, delays in processing H1B, ripping of employers by premium processing could be explained ?

BTW on a happier note, Wish all of Q Blog readers Happy and Prosperous Diwali. Thanks Q for creating this wonderful ecosystem that brings clarity to the whole immigration process. Congratulations to all those who have become current and pray that by next Diwali we are in a better state than we are currently.

Thanks,
Arun

[EB2Jun08]

Hi,
I am new to this thread but continuously following the thread for some time. great work by all moderators on the calculations.
Just want to share something that came in my mind.
If we look at the recent 485 pending inventory release dates they are consistent last year and this year,based on that can we expect next inventory report on Jan first week of 2012. does that mean the EB2 dates will move around 3 months each for Dec, Jan Bulletin and decide the dates for Feb bulletin based on inventory report that releases on Jan first week. this matches with the recent CO statement on Eb2 dates.

My PD is Jun 13 2008, hoping my PD getting current in FY 2012.

[imdeng]

Sorry for cluttering the forum - Q - please remove this later to appropriate location.

As I had posted, I am in India with my wife for Diwali. We went to New Delhi Embassy for our H1B stamping - our interview was fine and quick (I work for a large Univ in Business School and she works for a large bank). We got our visas back in 3-4 days - all fine - except - they had printed our Employer Names wrong - wrong campus in my case and National Association in her case instead of North America (for HSBC N A). They asked her to submit the passports back for visa correction to VFS with a cover letter. We did that. No response for a week and finally today we got an email saying that the passport is for 221(g) administrative processing.

This is such a shock to us. We are on H1B for more than 3 years and this was just a reissue of the visa. There is nothing in our background that will inspire suspicion. We even had the visa - it was their mistake that they printed our employer name wrong (BOTH OF THEM!) - and now we are stuck.

PLEASE if anyone has any thoughts on the way forward - please let me know. This is the first time I have ever had any immigration problem and don't know what to do. Please help.

[qesehmk]

imdeng very sorry to hear that.

Guys if anybody has gone through similar experience please share.

imdeng lets hope this is only administrative check with your employer or they might ask you some additional document and gets resolved quickly.


Sorry for cluttering the forum - Q - please remove this later to appropriate location.

As I had posted, I am in India with my wife for Diwali. We went to New Delhi Embassy for our H1B stamping - our interview was fine and quick (I work for a large Univ in Business School and she works for a large bank). We got our visas back in 3-4 days - all fine - except - they had printed our Employer Names wrong - wrong campus in my case and National Association in her case instead of North America (for HSBC N A). They asked her to submit the passports back for visa correction to VFS with a cover letter. We did that. No response for a week and finally today we got an email saying that the passport is for 221(g) administrative processing.

This is such a shock to us. We are on H1B for more than 3 years and this was just a reissue of the visa. There is nothing in our background that will inspire suspicion. We even had the visa - it was their mistake that they printed our employer name wrong (BOTH OF THEM!) - and now we are stuck.

PLEASE if anyone has any thoughts on the way forward - please let me know. This is the first time I have ever had any immigration problem and don't know what to do. Please help.

[sam96_77]

Please excuse me if this is the wrong forum and please direct me to the correct one.

During our recent visit to home country both me and my spouse were able to recieve duplicate copy of our birth certificates ( a pleasent surprise).

Below is my querry. On my wifes BC the city and district of birth are correct. However on the passport the birth place is listed as the district instead of the city. Would that be a problem.

for instance the BC list place of birth as City of (Name of City), District( name of district). On passport place of birth (name of district) same as the district on birth certificate.

Please let me know if someone has similar experience and/or if gurus have some insight.

thanks,

[venkimakthal]

I quick question may be silly, if my priority date is April 8, 2008 and VB cut of date is also April 8, 2008, am I eligible to apply the 485 or I need to wait VB cut of date becomes April 15, 2008 or later.

[rdsingh79]

Imdeng, sorry to hear about your situation. I went through 221(g) processing 3-4 years back (I guess it was name check, since they didn't ask me to submit any additional documents). It took ~3 months to get my Visa. Not sure if things have improved since then in terms of processing time. My employer was kind enough to wait for me and helped in every way possible. I suggest you contact your employer and explain the situation. Also you can talk to your company lawyer. They might be familiar with similar cases and associated processing times.

[rdsingh79]

You have to wait till VB cut off date move past April 8, 2008


I quick question may be silly, if my priority date is April 8, 2008 and VB cut of date is also April 8, 2008, am I eligible to apply the 485 or I need to wait VB cut of date becomes April 15, 2008 or later.

[venkimakthal]

You have to wait till VB cut off date move past April 8, 2008
Thank you, I need to pray VB cut of date need to minimum of April 15, 2008 :)

[Reader]

I am having a similar issue. In my case, the birth certificate has the correct place where the hospital is located, but the passport has incorrect city which is the very next city where she lived. My attorney is suggesting to initiate the process to correct the place of birth in the passport through a court order and have it completed by the time (if) there is a query for this discrepancy. While submitting the 485 documents, he is going to submit them as it is and use the city from the BC in the 485 application since that is the actual place of birth.


Please excuse me if this is the wrong forum and please direct me to the correct one.

During our recent visit to home country both me and my spouse were able to recieve duplicate copy of our birth certificates ( a pleasent surprise).

Below is my querry. On my wifes BC the city and district of birth are correct. However on the passport the birth place is listed as the district instead of the city. Would that be a problem.

for instance the BC list place of birth as City of (Name of City), District( name of district). On passport place of birth (name of district) same as the district on birth certificate.

Please let me know if someone has similar experience and/or if gurus have some insight.

thanks,

[indiasunil]

I quick question may be silly, if my priority date is April 8, 2008 and VB cut of date is also April 8, 2008, am I eligible to apply the 485 or I need to wait VB cut of date becomes April 15, 2008 or later.

If the date moves to Apr. 9th 2008 then you are eligible to apply for 485.:o

[nishant2200]

Teddy, thanks for ur hard work.

The EB1C growing 4 times goes well with the inventory report that shows 4k pending in EB1 India. What happens if EB1 India grabs a lot, do they retro too and get SO. Is that bad, good, any repurcussions?


Friends following are the Trackitt comparisons for 2011.
EB2 ROW 2010 - 25
EB2 ROW 2011 - 63
EB1 (A+B+C) - 2010: 8 + 6 + 5 = 19
EB1 (A+B+C) - 2011: 3 + 2 + 20 = 25
Last year’s SOFAD was 30K lets split it as EB1 - 12K, EB5 - 6K, Regular Cap - 5.5K, EB2 ROW 6.5
- EB2 ROW usage is drastically down by 60%. This could really be good for SOFAD. If this trend continues
Then EB2 could well be providing very significant SOFAD.
Let’s assume decline to be 30% instead of 60%. As smaller figures do not mean smaller scale down literally they should be factored.
EB2 ROW SOFAD will be - (40-5.5) - 70/100 (40-5.5-6.5) = 34.5 - 19.6 = 15K.
- EB1 is overall in the same range down by 25%, however looking at the figures looks like the Kazarian memo is playing havoc with EB1 A & B diminishing and EB1C growing 4 fold.
Looks like EB1 should maintain the 12K SOFAD. It’s a must that the Kazarian trend is maintained or ROW decline should compensate it.
Despite high 485 inventory and high 140 figures the Trackitt trend for October is highly encouraging. This is very early days however last year this early lead was very correct. With this early trend I believe that last year’s SOFAD level may well be maintained but let’s make note that it’s an early trend and Trackitt represents only a small sample of data but the great advantage is that its well organized. For October yet another explanation could be that CO is giving away EB1, EB2 ROW and EB5 excess to EB2 I/C on a monthly basis if it is literally true.
If last year’s SOFAD level is maintained then everyone in 2007 will have GC in hand by Sep 2012, however the other indicators suggest lesser movement than this. To take the Trackitt trend concrete another 2 months of observation is required. The agencies IMHO must maintain 2 months as a buffer. Let’s all hope the Trackitt trend holds.

[venkimakthal]

If the date moves to Apr. 9th 2008 then you are eligible to apply for 485.:o

But CO will give dates 1, 8. 15 & 22, i have to wait till 15, no other choice.

[srimurthy]

Hi Imdeng,

Sorry to hear about your situtation. If they have to change any info, they would first cross check and then make the changes and for cross checking they would issue a 221(g). I guess if you infrom your lawyer and your organization, and send them copies of the discrepencies they should be ready to answer that it was Embassy's issue when they interpreted wrongly and have to correct and the employers can provide the supporting info needed. Usually its 2 to 3 months for a 221(g), but those are even before a visa is stamped. But in your case since Visa was already approved and stamped, hope it gets done with in your vacation period.

Imdeng, sorry to hear about your situation. I went through 221(g) processing 3-4 years back (I guess it was name check, since they didn't ask me to submit any additional documents). It took ~3 months to get my Visa. Not sure if things have improved since then in terms of processing time. My employer was kind enough to wait for me and helped in every way possible. I suggest you contact your employer and explain the situation. Also you can talk to your company lawyer. They might be familiar with similar cases and associated processing times.

[sreddy]

You case looks very different. Unless some one on this forum gone thro similar issue and has better suggestion, I think following advise from your Law firm is the right thing to do.


Thanks for your reply. My father's name in everything in India is registered as Pradip (for eg all my degrees from India, school leaving certificate etc) and on my passport my middle name is Pradeep, so everything after coming to USA (my master's degree, driver's license etc) I had to use Pradeep as my father's name. So changing the name on my birth certificate will not solve my problem. I have to get an affidavit showing that the same name can be spelled in two different ways in English.

[suninphx]

Sorry for cluttering the forum - Q - please remove this later to appropriate location.

As I had posted, I am in India with my wife for Diwali. We went to New Delhi Embassy for our H1B stamping - our interview was fine and quick (I work for a large Univ in Business School and she works for a large bank). We got our visas back in 3-4 days - all fine - except - they had printed our Employer Names wrong - wrong campus in my case and National Association in her case instead of North America (for HSBC N A). They asked her to submit the passports back for visa correction to VFS with a cover letter. We did that. No response for a week and finally today we got an email saying that the passport is for 221(g) administrative processing.

This is such a shock to us. We are on H1B for more than 3 years and this was just a reissue of the visa. There is nothing in our background that will inspire suspicion. We even had the visa - it was their mistake that they printed our employer name wrong (BOTH OF THEM!) - and now we are stuck.

PLEASE if anyone has any thoughts on the way forward - please let me know. This is the first time I have ever had any immigration problem and don't know what to do. Please help.

Please explore possibility of 'working remotely', if feasible. That takes off some pressure. Hope this get resolved soon.

[natvyas]

If the date moves to 1 Mar 2008 how many applications will USCIS have (including the ones they already have)?

I did take a look at Spec's table and considered 4K porting, however I wasnt sure about the effect, the Oct approvals will have on the number of applications that will be pending review.

Regards
Nat

[imdeng]

Thanks srimurthy. Your thoughts give me hope. I am planning on working remotely but my wife's employer may not be accomodating. If anybody else have any thoughts - please share. If you don't want to clutter the main thread - then please send a PM.


Hi Imdeng,

Sorry to hear about your situtation. If they have to change any info, they would first cross check and then make the changes and for cross checking they would issue a 221(g). I guess if you infrom your lawyer and your organization, and send them copies of the discrepencies they should be ready to answer that it was Embassy's issue when they interpreted wrongly and have to correct and the employers can provide the supporting info needed. Usually its 2 to 3 months for a 221(g), but those are even before a visa is stamped. But in your case since Visa was already approved and stamped, hope it gets done with in your vacation period.

[sandeep11]

imdeng- I understand your situation, but as far as i Know there is nothing to worry about.

May be my situation will help ease your stress a little bit:

I scheduled an interview for my wife at Chennai for her H4 few years back. I was in the same situation as yours. They usually issue 221G for any stuff they take back for corrections. 221G is only way for them to track and respond to your queries. It took us 2weeks before we got back the passport. I used to call the VFS almost everyday ( its a pain but we are at their mercy).

So nothing to worry. Since you already submitted all documents relax and you should recieve the passports shortly.





Sorry for cluttering the forum - Q - please remove this later to appropriate location.

As I had posted, I am in India with my wife for Diwali. We went to New Delhi Embassy for our H1B stamping - our interview was fine and quick (I work for a large Univ in Business School and she works for a large bank). We got our visas back in 3-4 days - all fine - except - they had printed our Employer Names wrong - wrong campus in my case and National Association in her case instead of North America (for HSBC N A). They asked her to submit the passports back for visa correction to VFS with a cover letter. We did that. No response for a week and finally today we got an email saying that the passport is for 221(g) administrative processing.

This is such a shock to us. We are on H1B for more than 3 years and this was just a reissue of the visa. There is nothing in our background that will inspire suspicion. We even had the visa - it was their mistake that they printed our employer name wrong (BOTH OF THEM!) - and now we are stuck.

PLEASE if anyone has any thoughts on the way forward - please let me know. This is the first time I have ever had any immigration problem and don't know what to do. Please help.

[TeddyKoochu]

Teddy, thanks for ur hard work.

The EB1C growing 4 times goes well with the inventory report that shows 4k pending in EB1 India. What happens if EB1 India grabs a lot, do they retro too and get SO. Is that bad, good, any repurcussions?

Right now the data from Trackitt is limited, it shows EB1C growing but more than compensated by EB1 A & B declines. So for now nothing to worry, however if EB1 grows then it will reduce SOFAD. I think the heat of the inventory and I140 has not been felt yet.

[indiasunil]

Sorry for cluttering the forum - Q - please remove this later to appropriate location.

As I had posted, I am in India with my wife for Diwali. We went to New Delhi Embassy for our H1B stamping - our interview was fine and quick (I work for a large Univ in Business School and she works for a large bank). We got our visas back in 3-4 days - all fine - except - they had printed our Employer Names wrong - wrong campus in my case and National Association in her case instead of North America (for HSBC N A). They asked her to submit the passports back for visa correction to VFS with a cover letter. We did that. No response for a week and finally today we got an email saying that the passport is for 221(g) administrative processing.

This is such a shock to us. We are on H1B for more than 3 years and this was just a reissue of the visa. There is nothing in our background that will inspire suspicion. We even had the visa - it was their mistake that they printed our employer name wrong (BOTH OF THEM!) - and now we are stuck.

PLEASE if anyone has any thoughts on the way forward - please let me know. This is the first time I have ever had any immigration problem and don't know what to do. Please help.

I had same experience got my passport in two weeks with corrections, initially issued 221g.. Its just reference way to track your case. All these kind of cases, usually will take 2 to 4 weeks as i know.

Thanks,
Sunil.

[manubhai]

Sorry for cluttering the forum - Q - please remove this later to appropriate location.

As I had posted, I am in India with my wife for Diwali. We went to New Delhi Embassy for our H1B stamping - our interview was fine and quick (I work for a large Univ in Business School and she works for a large bank). We got our visas back in 3-4 days - all fine - except - they had printed our Employer Names wrong - wrong campus in my case and National Association in her case instead of North America (for HSBC N A). They asked her to submit the passports back for visa correction to VFS with a cover letter. We did that. No response for a week and finally today we got an email saying that the passport is for 221(g) administrative processing.

This is such a shock to us. We are on H1B for more than 3 years and this was just a reissue of the visa. There is nothing in our background that will inspire suspicion. We even had the visa - it was their mistake that they printed our employer name wrong (BOTH OF THEM!) - and now we are stuck.

PLEASE if anyone has any thoughts on the way forward - please let me know. This is the first time I have ever had any immigration problem and don't know what to do. Please help.

imdeng - I'd say the same as a few others here - That you just need to make sure you call them and that you will ultimately get the passports back. A lot depends on what they have asked for on 221. My wife got a 221g last year, and upon submitting all documents, she got the passport within one week. About 8 years ago, I got the wrong university name printed on my F1 visa and upon submission, got the corrected visa stamp within 2 days. (Didnt have 221g those days) The cancelled visa should read "CANCELLED WITHOUT PREJUDICE" to indicate that the visa was cancelled not because of the holder's fault.

I understand this can be a tense time. However, if you got the visa, just dont worry about it. Make sure you DO what you can DO... ie, keep a close tab on the status by making those aggravating calls to VFS and by submitting any docs they have asked for on 221. Also, keep your firm(s) in loop in case you need to delay your return ticket because of this delay. In summary - you will possibly lose some time, money, and peace, but you will get your visa soon enough.

Good luck... and update us when things get better.

[nishant2200]

This is it guys. If demand data shows up on friday, it will be friday or else monday. Betting odds are on monday for me, my brain says monday but heart says friday. Minimum 2 month move to max 5 month move of 1st april 2008.

[mysati]

Just like what several others mentioned in the forum, you need not panic. My parents had a similar experience 3 years back. Just provide whatever documents they asked for and you should be getting back your passport with a week. Like what Manubhai said, make sure that the older stamping is completely cancelled without any prejudice.




Sorry for cluttering the forum - Q - please remove this later to appropriate location.

As I had posted, I am in India with my wife for Diwali. We went to New Delhi Embassy for our H1B stamping - our interview was fine and quick (I work for a large Univ in Business School and she works for a large bank). We got our visas back in 3-4 days - all fine - except - they had printed our Employer Names wrong - wrong campus in my case and National Association in her case instead of North America (for HSBC N A). They asked her to submit the passports back for visa correction to VFS with a cover letter. We did that. No response for a week and finally today we got an email saying that the passport is for 221(g) administrative processing.

This is such a shock to us. We are on H1B for more than 3 years and this was just a reissue of the visa. There is nothing in our background that will inspire suspicion. We even had the visa - it was their mistake that they printed our employer name wrong (BOTH OF THEM!) - and now we are stuck.

PLEASE if anyone has any thoughts on the way forward - please let me know. This is the first time I have ever had any immigration problem and don't know what to do. Please help.

[cantwaitlonger]

What is the probability of the dates for EB2-IC retrogressing? If so, when and how far back? If there's any prediction for this, pls point me to it!

[leo07]

It would be an insult to "slavery" to call us slaves. I'm sure you are venting out your frustration, as I have done in the past many times in my last 14 years. But in retrospect and remembering all the previous generations who had to go through real 'slavery', I honestly think you can't call H1B a slavery by any extent. Yes, there's exploitation,as I have been exposed to such many a time, but that was totally my choice.( helplessness??)

I really wouldn't call our situation or those described in your link "slavery".

[soggadu]

gang of all.... my 140 is approved from SRC texas service center... So where would my 485 be posted to?

[leo07]

T, I agree. If the dates move to Jan 1st 2008 then we can consider it as a cautious move by CO and can expect another forward movement in Jan 2012 VB.
In all, we must continue to remember that dates could retrogress anytime in 2012. So, if you are current don't even think of waiting to file your AOS for any reason. Push the envelope out to CIS as soon as you turn current.

[leo07]

Congrats. Same Service center.(TSC). Unless your job site changed, which will require you to file amendment in the new service center.( what ever that is).It doesn't look like yours changed, so you will send your envelope to TSC.

[leo07]

There's high probability of retrogression in EB2-IC, even if it is for couple of months through May 2012. Possible that August 1st 2007 will sustain even if the dates retrogress.

[bieber]

If the dates move to Jan 1st 2008 then we can consider it as a cautious move by CO and can expect another forward movement in Jan 2012 VB.


Leo07

I think it's opposite, if dates won't move to march1, 2008 or beyond in next bulletin I don't think there will be anymore movement in Jan/Feb

[cbpds1]

why are we talking abt predictions when CO has stated it will be atleast Mar-01-2008 ?, I think u shd predict anything more than mar 2008, isnt it? whats changed now.


This is it guys. If demand data shows up on friday, it will be friday or else monday. Betting odds are on monday for me, my brain says monday but heart says friday. Minimum 2 month move to max 5 month move of 1st april 2008.

[indiasunil]

gang of all.... my 140 is approved from SRC texas service center... So where would my 485 be posted to?

Food is ready - Wait in line - Its Buffet Queue.. :-)

[soggadu]

Food is ready - Wait in line - Its Buffet Queue.. :-)

arey uncle...when the person serving is one of us... we can stand/sit/sleep/bend any where samjhee.... also it is CO's queue not Buffet's....

coming to my question again... I got my 140 approved 2 years back when i was in texas and now i am in NJ... so where should my 485 go?????

[leo07]

bieber, Since these are assumptions over a very tiny period of time, I'm sure it can go either way. I see your point, but I'm thinking a 4 month surge would more or less indicate a highly speculative move by CO. Instead he would take 2 tiny months at a time to test his step. 4 month move would warrant an immediate retrogression as he doesn't have visas in pocket and congressmen breathing over his neck will only make his life worse.

[cbpds1]

however acc to murthy.com its going to be atleast mar 1 2008 for dec bulletin , isnt it?....im confused.


bieber, Since these are assumptions over a very tiny period of time, I'm sure it can go either way. I see your point, but I'm thinking a 4 month surge would more or less indicate a highly speculative move by CO. Instead he would take 2 tiny months at a time to test his step. 4 month move would warrant an immediate retrogression as he doesn't have visas in pocket and congressmen breathing over his neck will only make his life worse.

[leo07]

Sorry, you don't have to be confused, it's just a theory not a fact set on stone.

[leo07]

Are you with same employer? If your place of work changes/moves 25 miles outside the area in which your labor petition is filed, different set of laws apply. Please check with an attorney immediately.
btw, Did you file AR-11?


arey uncle...when the person serving is one of us... we can stand/sit/sleep/bend any where samjhee.... also it is CO's queue not Buffet's....

coming to my question again... I got my 140 approved 2 years back when i was in texas and now i am in NJ... so where should my 485 go?????

[leo07]

if VB cut off date is April 8th 2008. Only folkks whose priority date is April 7th or lower are eligible to file. April 8th and above will have to wait.

I quick question may be silly, if my priority date is April 8, 2008 and VB cut of date is also April 8, 2008, am I eligible to apply the 485 or I need to wait VB cut of date becomes April 15, 2008 or later.

[suninphx]

Are you with same employer? If your place of work changes/moves 25 miles outside the area in which your labor petition is filed, different set of laws apply. Please check with an attorney immediately.
btw, Did you file AR-11?

That is when his 'future' job location is moved. Not current Job. This comes into picture generally when employer address changes IMHO.

[leo07]

AFAIK, The location/job for which employer filed a labor and "immigration' petition(140) changes, you cannot use those petitions to file a 485. if push comes to shove,you can argue if employer is on your behalf all the time, that the petition is for a future employment and not current.

[natvyas]

Nishant

Could you please answer my question stated below?

Thanks
Nat


If the date moves to 1 Mar 2008 how many applications will USCIS have (including the ones they already have)?

I did take a look at Spec's table and considered 4K porting, however I wasnt sure about the effect, the Oct approvals will have on the number of applications that will be pending review.

Regards
Nat

[ragx08]

arey uncle...when the person serving is one of us... we can stand/sit/sleep/bend any where samjhee.... also it is CO's queue not Buffet's....

coming to my question again... I got my 140 approved 2 years back when i was in texas and now i am in NJ... so where should my 485 go?????

Soggadu,

If your employer's address (the one that sponsored your I-140) remains the same, then you have nothing to worry - check with the attorney wrt the address to send the forms.

But if your employer address changed (new location > 35mi from old address) - then you will have to start the PERM & I-140 all over again -retaining the old PD.

If you moved to a branch office in NJ and if your employer still has an office in the old address, then you can get away with a letter from the employer saying that your future employment is going to be in the original (old) location.

I had a similar issue where my employer moved the HQ from midwest to mountain region and shut down the old HQ office. I got my PERM filed (approved last month) and filed for I-140 two weeks back - retaining old PD.

Goodluck!

[indiasunil]

arey uncle...when the person serving is one of us... we can stand/sit/sleep/bend any where samjhee.... also it is CO's queue not Buffet's....

coming to my question again... I got my 140 approved 2 years back when i was in texas and now i am in NJ... so where should my 485 go?????

Does it matters ?? I am not sure, never thought of this.. I moved to 3 to 4 places after my I-140. Now in NJ.

[ragx08]

Generally, the body shoppers/consultants have a way to work around this; the employee could be moving across the country during the process - but the employer's HQ remains the same and they don't have any issues whatsoever with the process - not sure how. If you are employed with a consulting firm and moved from TX to NJ to take up new project - then you better check with your employer......

[nishant2200]

Teddy gave earlier an argument about how he feels until Nov 1st 2007, there are 2.5 k preadjudicated, 4k PWMB, and 10k new applications and also a higher density of 3k per month.

Considering the higher density 3k for December 2007 and November 2007 also:
16.5k + 6k = 22.5k for 2007 ending.

Now for Jan and Feb 2008, lets revert back to Specs estimate, and it comes to 4,988 which is like 5k, i.e. 2.5k a month, so I will just consider 2.5k a month density for simplicity sake. Hence until 1st March 2008, 22.5k + 5k = 27.5k.

Now, purely looking at previous years' trend(s), I think he should keep 30k + some buffer. If we say buffer is two months worth, and consider 2.5k average per month for 2008, we get to 3 more months for 27.5k + 7.5k = 35k, and date comes to 1st June 2008, and that is pretty darn close to what the NVC fee bills were sent for.

I personally feel CO should just go by past trend at this point, and disregard noise if any raised by USCIS about backlogs, porting and other variables, as the future so far is not in anyone's hands, just yesterday Teddy showed how at least just October trackitt trend is surprisingly pointed to high SOFAD, inspite of backlog and inventory negatives. I believe that CO's predictions are in line with these thoughts. So far so good.


Nishant

Could you please answer my question stated below?

Thanks
Nat

[nishant2200]

why are we talking abt predictions when CO has stated it will be atleast Mar-01-2008 ?, I think u shd predict anything more than mar 2008, isnt it? whats changed now.

point taken Sir. CO definitely more smarter and authority than me, I will keep my mouth shut on predictions on this Dec VB :)

[krishnav]

Hi All,

I am on H1B right now and I was changing my address through ar-11 form and for the question "You are in us as", I submitted as "Visitor".
Is that right? Or should I have set it to other and said "H1B". If I did a mistake about that, what can I do to correct it? Please advise.

Thanks.

[suninphx]

Generally, the body shoppers/consultants have a way to work around this; the employee could be moving across the country during the process - but the employer's HQ remains the same and they don't have any issues whatsoever with the process - not sure how. If you are employed with a consulting firm and moved from TX to NJ to take up new project - then you better check with your employer......

There is no work around or anything. PERM Job is advertised as head Office as base location. In job description its mentioned that employee will take assignments in different parts of US. Thats how consulting companies work (big or small).

[natvyas]

Thanks Nishant !

[ragx08]

There is no work around or anything. PERM Job is advertised as head Office as base location. In job description its mentioned that employee will take assignments in different parts of US. Thats how consulting companies work (big or small).

That explains! For a permanent job, the position is tied with the location and even if transferred to a different location (> 35mi) it is as good as changing jobs - requiring new PERM and I-140. Always wondered how the consulting firms got away with this :-)!

Thanx.

[cbpds1]

hey i was just asking to know if something changed in the past few days, thats all. Please continue to write abt it as u have been very helpful like the other gurus !!


point taken Sir. CO definitely more smarter and authority than me, I will keep my mouth shut on predictions on this Dec VB :)

[venkimakthal]

That explains! For a permanent job, the position is tied with the location and even if transferred to a different location (> 35mi) it is as good as changing jobs - requiring new PERM and I-140. Always wondered how the consulting firms got away with this :-)!

Thanx.

Thank got my consulting employer changed the location but with in 5miles, otherwise I am end up with filing PERM and I-140 again.

[ragx08]

Soggadu,

So, what is your case? Are you safe?

[ragx08]

Thank got my consulting employer changed the location but with in 5miles, otherwise I am end up with filing PERM and I-140 again.
You are lucky dude!

[venkimakthal]

Is it safe to finish the medicals now rather than running when my date becomes current? My PD April 8, 2008. Still I am not confident my date becomes current in at least Jan 2012 VB.

[pch053]

Teddy gave earlier an argument about how he feels until Nov 1st 2007, there are 2.5 k preadjudicated, 4k PWMB, and 10k new applications and also a higher density of 3k per month.

Considering the higher density 3k for December 2007 and November 2007 also:
16.5k + 6k = 22.5k for 2007 ending.

Now for Jan and Feb 2008, lets revert back to Specs estimate, and it comes to 4,988 which is like 5k, i.e. 2.5k a month, so I will just consider 2.5k a month density for simplicity sake. Hence until 1st March 2008, 22.5k + 5k = 27.5k.

Now, purely looking at previous years' trend(s), I think he should keep 30k + some buffer. If we say buffer is two months worth, and consider 2.5k average per month for 2008, we get to 3 more months for 27.5k + 7.5k = 35k, and date comes to 1st June 2008, and that is pretty darn close to what the NVC fee bills were sent for.

I personally feel CO should just go by past trend at this point, and disregard noise if any raised by USCIS about backlogs, porting and other variables, as the future so far is not in anyone's hands, just yesterday Teddy showed how at least just October trackitt trend is surprisingly pointed to high SOFAD, inspite of backlog and inventory negatives. I believe that CO's predictions are in line with these thoughts. So far so good.

nishant,
In your calculation shouldn't we also consider the # of visas that got approval in Oct'11. For example, if X I485 got approved in Oct, then the expected remaining SOFAD available for the year is 30K - X and we add some buffer on top of this. So what CO might be aiming for is (30K - X) + buffer. Now, we don't know what X is but ~6K (PDs from mid-April'07 to mid-June'07) got current during Oct and from trackitt and mittbs data it seems that a good portion on this 6K cases have been approved in Oct. Am I missing anything here?

[nishant2200]

nishant,
In your calculation shouldn't we also consider the # of visas that got approval in Oct'11. For example, if X I485 got approved in Oct, then the expected remaining SOFAD available for the year is 30K - X and we add some buffer on top of this. So what CO might be aiming for is (30K - X) + buffer. Now, we don't know what X is but ~6K (PDs from mid-April'07 to mid-June'07) got current during Oct and from trackitt and mittbs data it seems that a good portion on this 6K cases have been approved in Oct. Am I missing anything here?

Very good point pch053, it means he is in fact looking for 24k + buffer, beginning from July 15th 2007 onwards. So in fact 1st March 2008 is the farthest destination point now instead of 1st June 2008. Does that sound correct now pch? so in fact 1st march 2008 will get him 27.5k applications (from 15th july 2007 to 1st March 2008) in addition to the 6k he already dealt with.

We know that the 6k was not from FY 2011 cap as those dates were not current during the September of 2011. Hence you are correct in saying 6k SOFAD already done with.

[nishant2200]

hey i was just asking to know if something changed in the past few days, thats all. Please continue to write abt it as u have been very helpful like the other gurus !!

no no, not at all offended, I really mean it, I mean if CO himself has given a prediction, there is really very less purpose of any of giving any prediction. He is the big guy!

[pch053]

This sounds correct to me; 24K + buffer is what I think CO will be expecting. The big unknown here is what the buffer will be: 3K, 5K, 10K? I will expect at least 5K - 6K; so this might mean sometime around March'08 - April'08. If the buffer is ~10K, the dates might move to mid-2008; to me, it is safer to err on the side of have a larger buffer than not having enough pre-adjudicated visas to approve.

[nishant2200]

This sounds correct to me; 24K + buffer is what I think CO will be expecting. The big unknown here is what the buffer will be: 3K, 5K, 10K? I will expect at least 5K - 6K; so this might mean sometime around March'08 - April'08. If the buffer is ~10K, the dates might move to mid-2008; to me, it is safer to err on the side of have a larger buffer than not having enough pre-adjudicated visas to approve.

Thanks you pch. I completely agree with you. As I said earlier, you don't know what future holds. Having a huge buffer is a much better alternative than making dates current for both DOS and USCIS as they dont want the july 2007 fiasco again, although we folks would surely appreciate it, but realistic POV. At least current thought process of CO looks to be in sync with this.

[bieber]

Nishanth, Pch

This year he already had 8.5K+4k PWMB+minimum expectd porting before July 15th = atleast 15k

Even having 15k demand, he is pushing it another year (from April 15th in September bulletin to March in December), so having 5k or 10k buffer may be not his idea, I think (more than think I hope) he wants 50k filings to deal with

[pdmay2008]

nishant,
In your calculation shouldn't we also consider the # of visas that got approval in Oct'11. For example, if X I485 got approved in Oct, then the expected remaining SOFAD available for the year is 30K - X and we add some buffer on top of this. So what CO might be aiming for is (30K - X) + buffer. Now, we don't know what X is but ~6K (PDs from mid-April'07 to mid-June'07) got current during Oct and from trackitt and mittbs data it seems that a good portion on this 6K cases have been approved in Oct. Am I missing anything here?

I think CO needs more than 6K buffer to satisfy Quarterly Spill over for October/November 2012. He either can take this Buffer input in Jan/Feb 2012 or May/June 2012. In my opinion he will take it now itself as most of the people who are applying now will become demand by May/June 2012 and will raise senator/congressman enquiries.

[nishant2200]

bieber, one trick is with how much preadjudicated applications to enter next fiscal year with. I don't have an answer to this, but might be something to consider for CO.


Nishanth, Pch

This year he already had 8.5K+4k PWMB+minimum expectd porting before July 15th = atleast 15k

Even having 15k demand, he is pushing it another year (from April 15th in September bulletin to March in December), so having 5k or 10k buffer may be not his idea, I think (more than think I hope) he wants 50k filings to deal with

[nishant2200]

I think CO needs more than 6K buffer to satisfy Quarterly Spill over for October/November 2012. He either can take this Buffer input in Jan/Feb 2012 or May/June 2012. In my opinion he will take it now itself as most of the people who are applying now will become demand by May/June 2012 and will raise senator/congressman enquiries.

I think the plan for last FY was indeed to reach July in FY 2011 itself, and hence to reach June 2008 in FY 2012 and hence the NVC fee notices. The sudden acceleration in EB1 and EB2ROW and subsequent pause of September VB, I think, messed up CO's plans and now we are seeing his adjusted strategy unfold, no one of us are sure what is exactly the plan.

[nishant2200]

USCIS website has this alert:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=7826b832cdb43310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCR D&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60a RCRD

Home > NEWS > Alerts
Printer Friendly
Revised I-693 to be Introduced Nov. 1

On Nov. 1, 2011, USCIS will introduce a new, more user-friendly version of the form used to report results of medical examinations for those seeking certain immigration benefits, Report of a Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, Form I-693. Civil surgeons completing medical examinations between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011, should use the new form dated 10/11/11. However, USCIS will continue to accept the previous version, dated 7/20/10, for examinations completed between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011. Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, civil surgeons must use the new version of the form.

If… Then…
A medical examination completed before Nov. 1 Use the I-693 dated 7/20/10
A medical examination completed between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011 Use the I-693 dated 10/11/11, though USCIS will continue to accept the 7/20/10 version
A medical examination completed on or after Jan. 1, 2012 You must use the I-693 dated 10/11/11


If a medical examination completed on or after Jan. 1, 2012, is reported using an outdated form, USCIS will reject the form, requiring the applicant to return to the civil surgeon and resubmit the new form.

USCIS requires most applicants seeking to adjust to lawful permanent resident status to submit Form I-693 to report the results of a medical examination by a designated civil surgeon, confirming that an applicant is admissible to the United States on public health grounds.



Edit: seems like kd2008 already put this info on the http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?222-I-693-Medical-Exam-and-Vaccinations-when-applying-for-Green-Card-(I-485) thread in the morning today, before me.

[codesmith]

October : http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Green%20Card/Green%20Card%20Through%20a%20Job/I-485%20Employment-Based%20Inventory%20Statistics/EB%20I-485%20Pending%20Inventory%20as%20of%20October%2001 %202011.pdf

What does 233 against Aug-2007 EB2 India mean ?
How can one file 485 for Aug 2007 and it's counted in Oct Inventory report ?

[venkimakthal]

I think the plan for last FY was indeed to reach July in FY 2011 itself, and hence to reach June 2008 in FY 2012 and hence the NVC fee notices. The sudden acceleration in EB1 and EB2ROW and subsequent pause of September VB, I think, messed up CO's plans and now we are seeing his adjusted strategy unfold, no one of us are sure what is exactly the plan.

Nishant, what is NVC fee notices?

[nishant2200]

Sharing some interesting tidbits from Ron Gotcher's forum:

http://www.immigration-information.com/forums/visa-quota-and-cutoff-date-issues-66/charles-oppenheim-eb-2-china-and-india-will-advance-significantly-15576/index2.html

Ron:

"Actually, at last year's AILA California Conference, Charlie said that the USCIS has been talking with the Visa Office about the idea of allowing anyone with an approved I-140 apply for adjustment of status. I have no idea if those talks went anywhere."

"Both the USCIS and the Visa Office report that the number of upgrades dropped off significantly about a year ago."

"They do, but there is no way to know how many of those were upgrades, what priority dates and preference categories are associated with them, or whether they have already been issued visas (as in all first pref and WW second)." for the question: Hi Ron, Based on the current EB3-EB2 porting rates will the PD for EB2 still move fast? In your opinion how much would be the impact of eb3-eb2 porting on EB2 PD?

[nishant2200]

Nishant, what is NVC fee notices?

http://www.immihelp.com/immigrant-visa/

[venkimakthal]

http://www.immihelp.com/immigrant-visa/
nishant, may be silly question to ask you, just wanted to get the picture, mine is apr 8, 2008, will i suppose to get NVC fee notice

[cbpds1]

If ur option to file 485 is Consular processing then maybe, if its AOS you will not get the notice.


nishant, may be silly question to ask you, just wanted to get the picture, mine is apr 8, 2008, will i suppose to get NVC fee notice

[venkimakthal]

If ur option to file 485 is Consular processing then maybe, if its AOS you will not get the notice.
May be i am asking basic qquestions, mine I140 is approved whether it becomes CP or AOS
Edit. Never mind i m in us, i will fall under aos

[nishant2200]

nishant, may be silly question to ask you, just wanted to get the picture, mine is apr 8, 2008, will i suppose to get NVC fee notice

This comes if lawyer choose consular processing option instead of adjustment of status. I don't know where they indicate this, maybe on the I-140 application form somewhere. Consular processing cases for EB2 is very less and rare, people gives estimate of around 2% of total applications. Hence it is very likely your lawyer chose AOS and not CP, and hence you didn't get the NVC fee notice. Otherwise people with April 2008 PD have claimed to have got the fee notice.

[leo07]

AOS & CP are two mutually exclusive options available for GC. It does not matter if you are in US or not. Mostly ROW and people who are confident that the dates will be current all through their CP process, would dare CP, because you will not have the privilege of EAD. I heard it's slightly faster process, but the paper work that you need to submit is enormous. Especially, police certificates from each of the places that you lived in last 10 years. I would be roaming around the world again to collect:) so, I did not opt that.

May be i am asking basic qquestions, mine I140 is approved whether it becomes CP or AOS
Edit. Never mind i m in us, i will fall under aos

[Chilli19]

http://www.imminfo.com/News/Newsletter/2011-10-31/2011-10-31.html

[venkimakthal]

AOS & CP are two mutually exclusive options available for GC. It does not matter if you are in US or not. Mostly ROW and people who are confident that the dates will be current all through their CP process, would dare CP, because you will not have the privilege of EAD. I heard it's slightly faster process, but the paper work that you need to submit is enormous. Especially, police certificates from each of the places that you lived in last 10 years. I would be roaming around the world again to collect:) so, I did not opt that.

Thank u all, i got the answer

[leo07]

Updating the correct address in "your file" is important. They will update in all appropriate places. In short, your are good.

Thanks for reminder dec2007!


Hi All,

I am on H1B right now and I was changing my address through ar-11 form and for the question "You are in us as", I submitted as "Visitor".
Is that right? Or should I have set it to other and said "H1B". If I did a mistake about that, what can I do to correct it? Please advise.

Thanks.

[dec2007]

Updating the correct address in "your file" is important. They will update in all appropriate places. In short, your are good.

Leo07, can you include the quote to which you are responding. it is easy to understand. thanks,

[evoori]

Is it safe to finish the medicals now rather than running when my date becomes current? My PD April 8, 2008. Still I am not confident my date becomes current in at least Jan 2012 VB.
You can get your vaccines now (or assemble the records that you have been vaccinated).. but DO NOT get the civil surgeons certificate (I-693) filled.. those have very limited validity.. wait for your date to become current before you go to civil surgeon for I-693.. this has been discussed in detail in separate thread..

[pch053]

I am curious to see what people feel about the possibility of HR 3012 becoming law in a few months. Ron Gotcher is his newsletter says that this is s possibility but that doesn't imply anything. I think many other well known lawyers are also quite positive about HR 3012 and this is probably the furthest an immigration bill has come up in recent years. But, I am still not sure whether it will at become a law after the voting and I guess, we all have to wait and watch for the final outcome.

[vizcard]

I am curious to see what people feel about the possibility of HR 3012 becoming law in a few months. Ron Gotcher is his newsletter says that this is s possibility but that doesn't imply anything. I think many other well known lawyers are also quite positive about HR 3012 and this is probably the furthest an immigration bill has come up in recent years. But, I am still not sure whether it will at become a law after the voting and I guess, we all have to wait and watch for the final outcome.

Possible? Yes. Probable? No.

The bill is in the legislative process so anything's possible. But there are major hurdles (economy, elections) so makes it less probable.

PS: the only thing it has going for it is that it doesn't change anything for Americans

[krishnav]

Updating the correct address in "your file" is important. They will update in all appropriate places. In short, your are good.

Thanks for reminder dec2007!

Hi Leo07,

What do you mean by "your file"...do you mean my I485 application or do you mean my Ar11 application copy?? I am a little confused.
One more thing is I called USCIS and the customer rep said they dont deal with this kind of issue and asked me to try resubmitting the ar11 with the updated info which I did.

[nishant2200]

pch, I think the bill has huge lobbying money behind it by companies like MS, google etc. I personally feel that it has very high chance of being law. We are not asking for more green cards on this law, this is its major benefit in light of current economy. Same amount of green card which wud have gone anyway, but in FIFO.


I am curious to see what people feel about the possibility of HR 3012 becoming law in a few months. Ron Gotcher is his newsletter says that this is s possibility but that doesn't imply anything. I think many other well known lawyers are also quite positive about HR 3012 and this is probably the furthest an immigration bill has come up in recent years. But, I am still not sure whether it will at become a law after the voting and I guess, we all have to wait and watch for the final outcome.

[imdeng]

Thanks Q, srimurthy, sandeep11, indiasunil, manubhai and mysati for your thoughtful replies. I am much relieved after your advice. Since they have not asked for any documents, I am just going to keep my fingers crossed, check my email like a maniac, inform my company of the stupidity, call VFS with the regularity of going to the loo after having golgappas* and finally, send laddus* to all of you once I land back in US.

*PS> QBF - golgappas are a street food in India that are sure to give you diarrhea (although I have avoided the fate on this trip) - but they are so tasty that you can not resist them. Laddus are a kind of sweet - usually distributed on occasions of celebration.


Sorry for cluttering the forum - Q - please remove this later to appropriate location.

As I had posted, I am in India with my wife for Diwali. We went to New Delhi Embassy for our H1B stamping - our interview was fine and quick (I work for a large Univ in Business School and she works for a large bank). We got our visas back in 3-4 days - all fine - except - they had printed our Employer Names wrong - wrong campus in my case and National Association in her case instead of North America (for HSBC N A). They asked her to submit the passports back for visa correction to VFS with a cover letter. We did that. No response for a week and finally today we got an email saying that the passport is for 221(g) administrative processing.

This is such a shock to us. We are on H1B for more than 3 years and this was just a reissue of the visa. There is nothing in our background that will inspire suspicion. We even had the visa - it was their mistake that they printed our employer name wrong (BOTH OF THEM!) - and now we are stuck.

PLEASE if anyone has any thoughts on the way forward - please let me know. This is the first time I have ever had any immigration problem and don't know what to do. Please help.

[nishant2200]

Guys, CM's lawyer friend whom I have come to respect, provides this info.

Source: http://us-non-immigrants.blogspot.com

Today I talked to our attorney friend and asked him his views on statement made by Mr. Oppenheim about future movements within EB and FB category and what information they have across their law firm regarding EB2- IC

Here is his feedback as per information floating around the firm.

"Mr. Oppenheim did make those projections for EB and FB category. All the stated projections did came from Mr. Oppenheim himself. Everything other than "01 March 2008" for EB2 IC was explicitly stated. During addressing everyone in meeting Mr Oppenheim mentioned that significant movement as Big as 3-4 months is expected in December bulletin with follow on movement in Jan- Feb 2012 based on demand. I(attorney) am not sure if specific date of '01 Mar 2008' was given to specific group of people later on but was not mentioned in our presence. On asking about excessive backlog in currently released inventory and it's repercussion on the stated projections, Mr. Oppenheim mentioned that he is not aware of released data from USCIS and will look into it later. Nevertheless, he still made it very clear that some significant movement for EB2 IC is necessary to generate demand for fiscal year in order to keep cases adjudicated for processing at USCIS later in the year.

Based on released inventory it may be that Mr. Oppenheim will rethink his projected movement for EB2IC. I(attorney) believe this would mean bigger movement than 3-4 months for EB2- IC in December and early retrogression than projected in summer 2012 in such case. Mr. Oppenheim was insistent about acute need to ensure enough cases are ready for adjudication before summer 2012."

CM - I believe this is very good news but please take it with a grain of salt. Let's hope for the best and be ready for the worst.
adjudication

[Nishant_imt]

My greencard was filed in Richmond VA, I moved to another location twice since then. Also, my company is head quartered in Minneapolis, but at the time of filing, they had a branch office located in Richmond which is now closed. My I140 is approved. How does this situation affect my future greencard processing?




That explains! For a permanent job, the position is tied with the location and even if transferred to a different location (> 35mi) it is as good as changing jobs - requiring new PERM and I-140. Always wondered how the consulting firms got away with this :-)!

Thanx.

[skpanda]

Chilli19,
I saw your signature that you lost your old PD due to 221(g) at new Delhi. Can you please provide more details?

This is the firest time I am hearing this. I am going for Visa interview in New Delhi in about 20 days.. and am wondering what happend///

Thanks!




http://www.imminfo.com/News/Newsletter/2011-10-31/2011-10-31.html

[leo07]

Basically, all your pending applications with CIS will have address updated with AR-11. So, don't worry and relax.

Hi Leo07,

What do you mean by "your file"...do you mean my I485 application or do you mean my Ar11 application copy?? I am a little confused.
One more thing is I called USCIS and the customer rep said they dont deal with this kind of issue and asked me to try resubmitting the ar11 with the updated info which I did.

[venkimakthal]

You can get your vaccines now (or assemble the records that you have been vaccinated).. but DO NOT get the civil surgeons certificate (I-693) filled.. those have very limited validity.. wait for your date to become current before you go to civil surgeon for I-693.. this has been discussed in detail in separate thread..

Good Idea, thank you my friend

[vizcard]

Good Idea, thank you my friend

Edit: I called my insurance and told me that vaccinations like Hepatitis-A, Hepatitis-B, .. are 100% covered, I will get the shots done except filling the I-693 form as you said

All vaccinations should be covered. Let me know if your experience is otherwise. I'm going to check with my insurance company as well (CIGNA).

[ragx08]

My greencard was filed in Richmond VA, I moved to another location twice since then. Also, my company is head quartered in Minneapolis, but at the time of filing, they had a branch office located in Richmond which is now closed. My I140 is approved. How does this situation affect my future greencard processing?

Nishant_imt,

If the PERM was filed for a position in Richmond VA, then I guess you are in trouble. I'm not an expert - but believe in being safe than sorry. If I were you, I would check with the company attorney.

-Ragx

[natvyas]

TRIVIAL INFORMATION

Status update on Visa Bulletin page

Upcoming month's visa bulletin: December 2011 (Coming Soon)

[leo07]

AFAIK, none of these immigration related tests/vaccines are covered by insurance. I'd like to be proven wrong and save some money :)

All vaccinations should be covered. Let me know if your experience is otherwise. I'm going to check with my insurance company as well (CIGNA).

[venkimakthal]

TRIVIAL INFORMATION

Status update on Visa Bulletin page

Upcoming month's visa bulletin: December 2011 (Coming Soon)

If the VB is coming on this Friday then it will be very good news like Nov VB; otherwise it will just good news :)

[leo07]

This is normal. They do it every month

TRIVIAL INFORMATION

Status update on Visa Bulletin page

Upcoming month's visa bulletin: December 2011 (Coming Soon)

[leo07]

Vaccines and tests are good for 12 months. So, it's totally up to you. If I were you, I'd wait because getting appointment is not a big deal and it only takes 3 days to get the I-693 form from a doctor.

Good Idea, thank you my friend

[leo07]

Nishant_imt, if your PD is any where close to being current or otherwise, rush to a good attorney. Answers in these forums are not tailor made so, may not fit your situation.

That said, my experience tells me that you will have to amend your I-140 at the least. Again, I have always worked corporations and full-time, every time there's a change, I had applied for I-140 amendment.I have never been a consultant, so, I can't answer how different rules will apply.( I'm thinking they are same not sure how far you can bend the rules)



My greencard was filed in Richmond VA, I moved to another location twice since then. Also, my company is head quartered in Minneapolis, but at the time of filing, they had a branch office located in Richmond which is now closed. My I140 is approved. How does this situation affect my future greencard processing?

[girish989]

Nishant_imt, if your PD is any where close to being current or otherwise, rush to a good attorney. Answers in these forums are not tailor made so, may not fit your situation.

That said, my experience tells me that you will have to amend your I-140 at the least. Again, I have always worked corporations and full-time, every time there's a change, I had applied for I-140 amendment.I have never been a consultant, so, I can't answer how different rules will apply.( I'm thinking they are same not sure how far you can bend the rules)




I work for a extremely large consulting firm and in my labor it says - 'Various unanticipated work sites though out US'. Generally I travel to various client sites on a weekly basis. They file LCAs for each new client but my 140 has never been amended.

Hope this helps. But always contact your companies attorney. They generally have all the answers because they know your situation best.

[geterdone]

I am not an expert on GC related stuff- so a basic question:

If you are on H-1 and when you apply for 485 I think you have the option to apply for EAD/AP. I guess AP is for travelling, is there any advantage in applying for EAD or is it better to stay with H-1? if you have EAD and your H-1 stamp is not current on the passport do you have to go for visa stamping or since you have EAD you can use that as the stamped visa? Also do people apply only for AP? how long are they valid? sorry for these basic questions

[krishnav]

Thanks Leo,

I am not worried about the address part as I used the same address for all the applications.
My worry was about the fact that I first submitted ar 11 saying I was a visitor (by mistake) and then resubmitted another ar 11 saying I am on H1B.
I was worried if I would be in any trouble when they do address checks and somehow see that I was a visitor and see that there is some mismatch in my status and put an RFE.
Hopefully all this should not be an issue.


Basically, all your pending applications with CIS will have address updated with AR-11. So, don't worry and relax.

[leo4ever]

Is this any important? Just read about it somewhere. May be there are scritinizing L1 more?

starting December 1, the US Consulate General in Chennai will be the US Mission to India's [ Images (http://search.rediff.com/imgsrch/default.php?MT=india) ] sole blanket L category visa acceptance and processing centre ("blanket" L visas are issued to managers, executives, or specialised knowledge professionals transferring within their company).

Companies throughout India will be requested to send blanket L applicants exclusively to Chennai for visa interviews.

The L1B and L1A categories include specialised knowledge professionals, executives and managers transferring to the US.

This change is in order to streamline the blanket L visa issuance process, and is part of the U.S. Government's ongoing effort to provide efficient visa services throughout India. It does not affect the spouses and children of L1 visa holders – they and individual L1B and L1A visa applicants may still be processed at any US Consular section in India.

This centralisation affects only the location for processing of L-1 blanket visas; it does not change the law or policy for visa processing.
http://imads.rediff.com/0/default/empty.gif (http://ads.rediff.com/5c/usbiz.rediff.com/biz-article.htm/1039763065/x16/default/empty.gif/6e69506835453677495938414277342f)


Source: http://www.rediff.com/business/report/us-l-visa-will-be-issued-only-in-chennai-from-december-1/20111101.htm

[cbpds1]

ur pd is in jun 2007, what are u doing till now :).....did u not file ur 485?


AFAIK, none of these immigration related tests/vaccines are covered by insurance. I'd like to be proven wrong and save some money :)

[leo07]

I have filed already :). I paid all these vaccination expenses out of pocket.
Thanks!

ur pd is in jun 2007, what are u doing till now :).....did u not file ur 485?

[leo07]

My 2 cents...
--apply for EAD/AP
--keep and continue H1b, Renew it if you have to for the primary employment for which you applied 485.


I am not an expert on GC related stuff- so a basic question:

If you are on H-1 and when you apply for 485 I think you have the option to apply for EAD/AP. I guess AP is for travelling, is there any advantage in applying for EAD or is it better to stay with H-1? if you have EAD and your H-1 stamp is not current on the passport do you have to go for visa stamping or since you have EAD you can use that as the stamped visa? Also do people apply only for AP? how long are they valid? sorry for these basic questions

[leo07]

At the first glance, it translates to more SOFAD next summer :)

Is this any important? Just read about it somewhere. May be there are scritinizing L1 more?

starting December 1, the US Consulate General in Chennai will be the US Mission to India's [ Images (http://search.rediff.com/imgsrch/default.php?MT=india) ] sole blanket L category visa acceptance and processing centre ("blanket" L visas are issued to managers, executives, or specialised knowledge professionals transferring within their company).

Companies throughout India will be requested to send blanket L applicants exclusively to Chennai for visa interviews.

The L1B and L1A categories include specialised knowledge professionals, executives and managers transferring to the US.

This change is in order to streamline the blanket L visa issuance process, and is part of the U.S. Government's ongoing effort to provide efficient visa services throughout India. It does not affect the spouses and children of L1 visa holders – they and individual L1B and L1A visa applicants may still be processed at any US Consular section in India.

This centralisation affects only the location for processing of L-1 blanket visas; it does not change the law or policy for visa processing.
http://imads.rediff.com/0/default/empty.gif (http://ads.rediff.com/5c/usbiz.rediff.com/biz-article.htm/1039763065/x16/default/empty.gif/6e69506835453677495938414277342f)


Source: http://www.rediff.com/business/report/us-l-visa-will-be-issued-only-in-chennai-from-december-1/20111101.htm

[cbpds1]

The bigger question is whether BO supports it?


Possible? Yes. Probable? No.

The bill is in the legislative process so anything's possible. But there are major hurdles (economy, elections) so makes it less probable.

PS: the only thing it has going for it is that it doesn't change anything for Americans

[nishant2200]

At the first glance, it translates to more SOFAD next summer :)

this L1 intratransfer work visa is the guy which torments ultimately in EB1C.

I hope this streamlining has an hidden agenda to scrutinize these candidates. There also is a dire need of labor certification with appropriate PWD for this category, so that it is certified that the salary is commensurate with someone who commands a category even above EB2.

[cbpds1]

so what happens if u have EAD/AP and they reject ur H1 during visa stamping at the consulate?


My 2 cents...
--apply for EAD/AP
--keep and continue H1b, Renew it if you have to for the primary employment for which you applied 485.

[vizcard]

so what happens if u have EAD/AP and they reject ur H1 during visa stamping at the consulate?

I believe your H1 automatically is voided once you get EAD/AP.

[nishant2200]

so what happens if u have EAD/AP and they reject ur H1 during visa stamping at the consulate?


I believe your H1 automatically is voided once you get EAD/AP.

This is my belief.

If H1 got rejected, it does not put in harm your AOS, and you can enter on AP, and work on EAD.

H1 is not voided on EAD/AP, H1 is voided on getting actual green card.

A person on EAD/AP, can go to India, continue to have H1, may not even get H1 stamped, and next time can go and get stamped, can change jobs using H1 transfer if he wishes to have H1 cushion.

[pdmay2008]

Upcoming month's visa bulletin: December 2011 (Coming Soon)

[qblogfan]

Dear friend, Thanks for your introduction of golpappas. I like street food too.

I am sorry to hear you are checked in India. I was checked in China several years ago. It took me about one month to get visa.

I would like to provide this phone number to you: 202-663-1225, extension 100.

You can call this number to check your status in DC.

It's much pain to go through the admin check and it's totally bull shit and a waste of time. Their goal is to minimize your communication/visit to your home country, thus minimize the possibility of technology transfer.



Thanks Q, srimurthy, sandeep11, indiasunil, manubhai and mysati for your thoughtful replies. I am much relieved after your advice. Since they have not asked for any documents, I am just going to keep my fingers crossed, check my email like a maniac, inform my company of the stupidity, call VFS with the regularity of going to the loo after having golgappas* and finally, send laddus* to all of you once I land back in US.

*PS> QBF - golgappas are a street food in India that are sure to give you diarrhea (although I have avoided the fate on this trip) - but they are so tasty that you can not resist them. Laddus are a kind of sweet - usually distributed on occasions of celebration.

[qblogfan]

my friend, I was busy with some research these days and I didn't post in the past several days.

now I am back and will post more!


This is my belief.

If H1 got rejected, it does not put in harm your AOS, and you can enter on AP, and work on EAD.

H1 is not voided on EAD/AP, H1 is voided on getting actual green card.

A person on EAD/AP, can go to India, continue to have H1, may not even get H1 stamped, and next time can go and get stamped, can change jobs using H1 transfer if he wishes to have H1 cushion.

[mysati]

Not being a spoilsport here or bursting your balloon of enthu. As soon as a month's VB comes out, the next month is updated on top with the standard phrase. So please wait...apka number be ayega :) (Translation: You'll get your turn/chance soon.)


Upcoming month's visa bulletin: December 2011 (Coming Soon)

[leo4ever]

this L1 intratransfer work visa is the guy which torments ultimately in EB1C.

I hope this streamlining has an hidden agenda to scrutinize these candidates. There also is a dire need of labor certification with appropriate PWD for this category, so that it is certified that the salary is commensurate with someone who commands a category even above EB2.

I hope this helps misusing EB1. May be have search to see if they are planning to do only in india or also in other countries including china.

[leo07]

Those are all hypothetical questions. Why would you go for a H1b Visa when you have AP?
What I meant by renewing H1 is to extend your legal-petition not the Visa part. may be I was not clear there.

so what happens if u have EAD/AP and they reject ur H1 during visa stamping at the consulate?

[leo07]

Not true. Only after your adjustment of status application is approved will your H1b becomes void. As Nishanth mentioned that's after your GC

I believe your H1 automatically is voided once you get EAD/AP.

[vizcard]

Not true. Only after your adjustment of status application is approved will your H1b becomes void. As Nishanth mentioned that's after your GC

Thanks for the clarification. But that brings up another question. What if the AOS gets rejected. Does the underlying H1 get cancelled?

[nishant2200]

Thanks for the clarification. But that brings up another question. What if the AOS gets rejected. Does the underlying H1 get cancelled?

no, that is why people recommend maintaining a H1 also alongwith.

[pdmay2008]

Not being a spoilsport here or bursting your balloon of enthu. As soon as a month's VB comes out, the next month is updated on top with the standard phrase. So please wait...apka number be ayega :) (Translation: You'll get your turn/chance soon.)

Thanks for the clarification. I thought it only shows up 3 or 4 days before the VB comes out.

[sandeep11]

Apply for EAD and AP. Don't use EAD if you think it would be better off to continue on H1until you get greened. You still have to pay the same fee. They don't charge you extra for EAD and AP. The fee is $985 + $85 = $1070. Its just that you will get EAD and AP just in case.

Edit: EAD + AP (both on one card) valid for 2 years



I am not an expert on GC related stuff- so a basic question:

If you are on H-1 and when you apply for 485 I think you have the option to apply for EAD/AP. I guess AP is for travelling, is there any advantage in applying for EAD or is it better to stay with H-1? if you have EAD and your H-1 stamp is not current on the passport do you have to go for visa stamping or since you have EAD you can use that as the stamped visa? Also do people apply only for AP? how long are they valid? sorry for these basic questions

[leo4ever]

Thanks for the clarification. But that brings up another question. What if the AOS gets rejected. Does the underlying H1 get cancelled?

i liked your way of having PD in signature and copied you :-)

[cbpds1]

its more abt avoiding the H1 stamping peace killing process while on "vacation" for many folks.


Apply for EAD and AP. Don't use EAD if you think it would be better off to continue on H1until you get greened. You still have to pay the same fee. They don't charge you extra for EAD and AP. The fee is $985 + $85 = $1070. Its just that you will get EAD and AP just in case.

[leo07]

Again, I feel that you are asking all hypothetical questions.
These are two separate and almost independent applications on a different points of a time line. Just because AOS is rejected doesn't mean your H1B will be rejected, however, if your h1b is rejected chances of AOS slim down significantly. Because one of the line items on your AOS is about 'Rejection' of any type of petition with CIS.





Thanks for the clarification. But that brings up another question. What if the AOS gets rejected. Does the underlying H1 get cancelled?

[vchirakala]

Guru's,

Do I have any chance of becoming current in this or next bulletin.

[sandeep11]

If not in the upcoming bulletin, you should be current in the next (Jan VB) if what CO has mentioned in the last wednesday's stakeholders meeting stands true. Atleast I am relying on it rather with a grain of salt.




Guru's,

Do I have any chance of becoming current in this or next bulletin.

[srd4gc]

If a candidate got a rejection on an F1 visa attempt before entry into US and then got the approval for the same in another attempt, should this visa rejection be included in the 485 application???



Again, I feel that you are asking all hypothetical questions.
These are two separate and almost independent applications on a different points of a time line. Just because AOS is rejected doesn't mean your H1B will be rejected, however, if your h1b is rejected chances of AOS slim down significantly. Because one of the line items on your AOS is about 'Rejection' of any type of petition with CIS.

[venkimakthal]

If not in the upcoming bulletin, you should be current in the next (Jan VB) if what CO has mentioned in the last wednesday's stakeholders meeting stands true. Atleast I am relying on it rather with a grain of salt.

I am also more over in same boat, my PD is April 08, 08, last wednesday's stakeholders meeting both Jan and Feb VB can be like Dec movement, even if CO does in Jan we will be current, lets hope for the best, cross fingers

[leo07]

YES. you got to be truthful to the best of your knowledge when you sign on the dotted line.

If a candidate got a rejection on an F1 visa attempt before entry into US and then got the approval for the same in another attempt, should this visa rejection be included in the 485 application???

[srd4gc]

Good to know...Thanks!

[Karma1979]

Filing fees for I-485 is total of $1070. Does this include your spouse or you have to pay $1070 each (a total of $2140) ??

[vchirakala]

Good luck to everyone ...

[venkimakthal]

Filing fees for I-485 is total of $1070. Does this include your spouse or you have to pay $1070 each (a total of $2140) ??

I think it will be $2140

[tackle]

I think it will be $2140
This is correct.

[Transformer]

Filing fees for I-485 is total of $1070. Does this include your spouse or you have to pay $1070 each (a total of $2140) ??

$1070 for each 485 application.

[venkimakthal]

My birth certificate is registered in 2009, I need the affidavit format for parents and relatives. Please tell me possible reasons to register too late.

[soggadu]

hi spec... just wondering if you would be updating the EB2 numbers soon like past where we can check how many were issued on monthly basis?

[soggadu]

My birth certificate is registered in 2009, I need the affidavit format for parents and relatives. Please tell me possible reasons to register too late.

I cant tell you why you registered late..... might be...i dont know... you tell me why....
check other sections and you will find a thread with Birth certificate title...it has everything you need

[ragx08]

no, that is why people recommend maintaining a H1 also alongwith.

Quick question, if we travel using AP, the i-94 issued at POE does not correspond to H1B - I guess. In that case, if for some reason the I-485 is denied, (assuming the H1B is still valid), do we have to go out of the country and get the VISA stamped and a new i-94 for that H1B at POE?

The situation could be different in the case where H1B is extended while in US.

I was under the impression that once I-485 was submitted, if AP is not used for traveling, the application is deemed abandoned. Is that true?

[Reader]

In the most recent news letter from Ron Gotcher, the following is stated. Is it really 1 in 4 get rejected? That sounds like too many. In my circle of friends, I never heard anyone who faced any sort of issue with 485... Does everyone share the same opinion?

"Statistically, the approval rate for adjustment of status last year was approximately 75%. One application in four was denied. For consular processing, the approval rate was above 99%."

[venkimakthal]

I cant tell you why you registered late..... might be...i dont know... you tell me why....
check other sections and you will find a thread with Birth certificate title...it has everything you need

I got it, thank you.

[soggadu]

Quick question, if we travel using AP, the i-94 issued at POE does not correspond to H1B - I guess. In that case, if for some reason the I-485 is denied, (assuming the H1B is still valid), do we have to go out of the country and get the VISA stamped and a new i-94 for that H1B at POE?

The situation could be different in the case where H1B is extended while in US.

I was under the impression that once I-485 was submitted, if AP is not used for traveling, the application is deemed abandoned. Is that true?

I will answer within my knowledge...
1. Once you use AP, the H1B is gone canceled
2. If AOS is denied, you should leave if on AP/EAD or even on 140 extended H1B ( there is a bill which might change this soon and allow to complete the current H1B term even it is extended on 140)
3. Even when during 485, it is not necessary to travel on AP if you have H1b stamp

[leo07]

I like you humor dude :)... keep it coming. today has been a day of such posts.

I cant tell you why you registered late..... might be...i dont know... you tell me why....
check other sections and you will find a thread with Birth certificate title...it has everything you need

[leo07]

let me try to break this apart:
"if we travel using AP, the i-94 issued at POE does not correspond to H1B - I guess." -- irrespective of what method you use to travel out/into the country a new I-94 is given at POE( white card) that has a expiry date printed on it depending on which document you submit.( H1B's expiry or AP's expiry). I don't see a point of confusion here?

"In that case, if for some reason the I-485 is denied, (assuming the H1B is still valid), do we have to go out of the country and get the VISA stamped and a new i-94 for that H1B at POE?" -- YES. if your 485 is denied, I assume you wouldn't use your AP to travel anyways, right?

"I was under the impression that once I-485 was submitted, if AP is not used for traveling, the application is deemed abandoned. Is that true?" -- No. you can use h1b or AP it's totally your choice. Applying AP is totally optional.



Quick question, if we travel using AP, the i-94 issued at POE does not correspond to H1B - I guess. In that case, if for some reason the I-485 is denied, (assuming the H1B is still valid), do we have to go out of the country and get the VISA stamped and a new i-94 for that H1B at POE?

The situation could be different in the case where H1B is extended while in US.

I was under the impression that once I-485 was submitted, if AP is not used for traveling, the application is deemed abandoned. Is that true?

[geterdone]

so if you have a valid ead/ap do you still need a valid h-1b visa stamped on your passport for re-entry to US? sorry it is too confusing for me

[sandeep11]

LOL....LOL

Now serious stuff, late registration of BC could be for various reasons. You should know the reason for late registration of your BC much better.

If your BC registration is not within the year of your birth you have to provide two affidavits along with the BC that was registered later. If there is no BC then you should provde a NABC.

This should help:

http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?163-Birth-Certificate-Related

or go to immihelp.com








My birth certificate is registered in 2009, I need the affidavit format for parents and relatives. Please tell me possible reasons to register too late.

[sandeep11]

Answer to your question is NO. Both are mutually exclusive.

EAD/AP OR H1B, its is up to you to decide which one you want to use. You can continue on H1 ( even though you apply for EAD/AP and get them, i don't see any reason why wouldn't want to apply, it is the same cost).

EAD is used to authorise you to work. If your current H1 expires and you decide to contiunue with the same employer you can either file for an extension of H1 or start using the EAD. if you decide you want to move to another employer (after 180 days of applying for 485) you can use AC21 (& EAD) to join him.

AP is a travle document, for those who wanted to avoid H1 stamping in home country can travle using AP and reenter using AP. If you have valid H1 visa you can use that too if you wanted. If you use AP you would be called a Parolee. If you use a valid H1 visa you would be called H1 visa holder. It is upto you what you wanna use.









so if you have a valid ead/ap do you still need a valid h-1b visa stamped on your passport for re-entry to US? sorry it is too confusing for me

[leo07]

"so if you have a valid ead/ap do you still need a valid h-1b visa stamped on your passport for re-entry to US?" --> NO NEED. AP is good for travel.

so if you have a valid ead/ap do you still need a valid h-1b visa stamped on your passport for re-entry to US? sorry it is too confusing for me

[leo07]

I agree with your answer "NO". But both(Ap & H1b visa) are not mutually exclusive, you can have/hold both at the same time.

Answer to your question is NO. Both are mutually exclusive.

EAD/AP OR H1B, its is up to you to decide which one you want to use. You can continue on H1 ( even though you apply for EAD/AP and get them, i don't see any reason why wouldn't want to apply, it is the same cost).

EAD is used to authorise you to work. If your current H1 expires and you decide to contiunue with the same employer you can either file for an extension of H1 or start using the EAD. if you decide you want to move to another employer (after 180 days of applying for 485) you can use AC21 (& EAD) to join him.

AP is a travle document, for those who wanted to avoid H1 stamping in home country can travle using AP and reenter using AP. If you have valid H1 visa you can use that too if you wanted. If you use AP you would be called a Parolee. If you use a valid H1 visa you would be called H1 visa holder. It is upto you what you wanna use.

[vizcard]

I agree with your answer "NO". But both(Ap & H1b visa) are not mutually exclusive, you can have/hold both at the same time.

I think he meanat that they are not dependent on each other.

[leo07]

makes sense. I read it as if A is true, B is automatically false and viz :)

I think he meanat that they are not dependent on each other.

[Reader]

I have a question regarding the prior year tax returns requested by my attorney. Do we have to usually provide just the 1040 form which the 2 pages or have to provide the entire 20+ pages given by turbotax which includes all the worksheets and supplemental forms?

[chikitsak]

He may need a copy of your W2 as well as the Tax return. I gave the entire Turbotax thing. Again, Tax return is not one of the documents required, but often submitted by the lawyers.


I have a question regarding the prior year tax returns requested by my attorney. Do we have to usually provide just the 1040 form which the 2 pages or have to provide the entire 20+ pages given by turbotax which includes all the worksheets and supplemental forms?

[sandeep11]

Sorry if caused any further confusion here. But I thought I gave enough detailed expalnation later.


I agree with your answer "NO". But both(Ap & H1b visa) are not mutually exclusive, you can have/hold both at the same time.

[leo07]

No, you didn't. I may have misread it. take it easy:)

Sorry if caused any further confusion here. But I thought I gave enough detailed expalnation later.

[leo07]

Some attorneys request and some don't. mine didn't ask for it. Reading through the forums and stuff, made me feel that it has got to do with the size of the company.
Technically not needed, but in order to beef up your application to prevent any RFE, attorneys might add this one too. My 2cents worth of knowledge on this topic:)

He may need a copy of your W2 as well as the Tax return. I gave the entire Turbotax thing. Again, Tax return is not one of the documents required, but often submitted by the lawyers.

[Kanmani]

I cant tell you why you registered late..... might be...i dont know... you tell me why....
check other sections and you will find a thread with Birth certificate title...it has everything you need
LOL

I will answer within my knowledge...
1. Once you use AP, the H1B is gone canceled
2. If AOS is denied, you should leave if on AP/EAD or even on 140 extended H1B ( there is a bill which might change this soon and allow to complete the current H1B term even it is extended on 140)
3. Even when during 485, it is not necessary to travel on AP if you have H1b stamp

In this case even if the AOS is denied, at the time of denial if the employee is working in H1b(extended using I-140) , then he could continue his employment till the end of H1b period with a chance to apply fresh GC also

[qesehmk]

Guys ..... my lawyer had answer H1 and AP by saying that
"Even if you use AP..... you are still considered on H1." Basically unless H1 is expired or one explicitely starts using EAD, H1 status doesn't go away just because you entered using AP.

Hope this helps.


LOL


In this case even if the AOS is denied, at the time of denial if the employee is working in H1b(extended using I-140) , then he could continue his employment till the end of H1b period with a chance to apply fresh GC also

[TeddyKoochu]

Upcoming month's visa bulletin: December 2011 (Coming Soon)

This is a pretty good omen for the Dec VB. Looks like the bulletin is already decided and just waiting to be published. All the best to everyone. Friends on another note get your paperwork ready sooner after you see the VB things will slow down due to the thanksgiving weekend.

[nishant2200]

This is a pretty good omen for the Dec VB. Looks like the bulletin is already decided and just waiting to be published. All the best to everyone. Friends on another note get your paperwork ready sooner after you see the VB things will slow down due to the thanksgiving weekend.

Teddy, I didn't want to say this, as I was not sure, just gut feeling, but I would agree with you and like to disagree with some posters who suggested that this update of coming soon happens on the 1st day of the month itself always. I think it tends to happen 3-4 days before the VB release.

[TeddyKoochu]

LOL....LOL

Now serious stuff, late registration of BC could be for various reasons. You should know the reason for late registration of your BC much better.

If your BC registration is not within the year of your birth you have to provide two affidavits along with the BC that was registered later. If there is no BC then you should provde a NABC.

This should help:

http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?163-Birth-Certificate-Related

or go to immihelp.com

Friends just sharing my personal experience. Those of you who have birth certificates must also review them. Both me and my wife had our birth certificates but with unique issues.
- All content including the heading must be in English. I was very confident that I had my BC but unfortunately at that time the format headings were not bilingual even though all details for the individual were in English.
- Ensure all names are correctly written and spelt out if not affidavits may still be required. Some BC's are unique like for my wife, everything was perfect except that it missed her name because her birth was registered on the day of her birth.
- Now the options are to get new birth certificates issued, there is 1 glitch here some people say that the date of registration should be from the date of birth and some say that it should be the date of issuance.
- Coming to affidavits two are required but they should be 2 people other than parents who were more than 10 years old at that time and have personal knowledge of your birth. Also ensure that these have an internationally valid stamp. My attorney did not accept school leaving certificates, marriage certificate as alternates.

[nishant2200]

got the proof.

http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?4-EB2-Predictions-(Rather-Calculations)-2011/page219

search for coming soon

you will find post 5470 by natvyas , informing us on 8/3/2011 12:49 PM PST that the page has been updated for sep bulletin coming soon. 8/3/2011 was not the start of the month, it was a wednesday. Actual Sep VB was released two business days later on the 8/8/2011 which was a monday.

If I further snoop around on the forum, I am sure I will be able to find more such instances.

I think this time also it was natvyas who informed of the coming soon update, was it...

And in fact if u see that thread, I was the guy that time telling natvyas in reply it is no big deal !! how things change.


This is a pretty good omen for the Dec VB. Looks like the bulletin is already decided and just waiting to be published. All the best to everyone. Friends on another note get your paperwork ready sooner after you see the VB things will slow down due to the thanksgiving weekend.


Teddy, I didn't want to say this, as I was not sure, just gut feeling, but I would agree with you and like to disagree with some posters who suggested that this update of coming soon happens on the 1st day of the month itself always. I think it tends to happen 3-4 days before the VB release.

[orangeca]

EB5 should be ignored completely from SOFAD going forward.

http://news.yahoo.com/almost-half-chinas-richest-want-emigrate-survey-063620562.html

[nayekal]

- Coming to affidavits two are required but they should be 2 people other than parents who were more than 10 years old at that time and have personal knowledge of your birth. Also ensure that these have an internationally valid stamp. My attorney did not accept school leaving certificates, marriage certificate as alternates.
No. You should submit 2 affidavits from any one who is more than 10 years old at the time of your birth and includes any one like a relative, family fried of your parents along with any or both of your parents. I got this clarification from my attorney.

If you have some spelling mistakes in the birth certificate, then also you should get 2 affidavits for correction from any one like a relative, family fried of your parents along with any or both of your parents.

[SmileBaba]

Friends just sharing my personal experience. Those of you who have birth certificates must also review them. Both me and my wife had our birth certificates but with unique issues.
- All content including the heading must be in English. I was very confident that I had my BC but unfortunately at that time the format headings were not bilingual even though all details for the individual were in English.
- Ensure all names are correctly written and spelt out if not affidavits may still be required. Some BC's are unique like for my wife, everything was perfect except that it missed her name because her birth was registered on the day of her birth.
- Now the options are to get new birth certificates issued, there is 1 glitch here some people say that the date of registration should be from the date of birth and some say that it should be the date of issuance.
- Coming to affidavits two are required but they should be 2 people other than parents who were more than 10 years old at that time and have personal knowledge of your birth. Also ensure that these have an internationally valid stamp. My attorney did not accept school leaving certificates, marriage certificate as alternates.

Is it ok to have a logo of state government in Hindi? For e.g. "Madhya Pradesh Shasan Satyamev Jayate" in hindi.
If this also is a problem then I don't see anyway to get over this problem. What an exercise to get a birth certificate!!!

[nayekal]

Some attorneys request and some don't. mine didn't ask for it. Reading through the forums and stuff, made me feel that it has got to do with the size of the company.
Technically not needed, but in order to beef up your application to prevent any RFE, attorneys might add this one too. My 2cents worth of knowledge on this topic:)

For most of them who are working as full time, attorney's end up getting all these documents from our HR or Accounting departments. They can get everything including W2 forms except 1040, which we have provide upon request. I asked my attorney the same question as he asked me only 6 or 7 things. He told me that he had all the data since he was doing my H1 and GC work from last 6 years and he will request me only those things, which cannot be provided by my HR. He in fact, pre-filled all 485, 131 and 765 forms for me and my wife and just asked me to fill gaps and sign them.

[gc_usa]

got the proof.

http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?4-EB2-Predictions-(Rather-Calculations)-2011/page219

search for coming soon

you will find post 5470 by natvyas , informing us on 8/3/2011 12:49 PM PST that the page has been updated for sep bulletin coming soon. 8/3/2011 was not the start of the month, it was a wednesday. Actual Sep VB was released two business days later on the 8/8/2011 which was a monday.

If I further snoop around on the forum, I am sure I will be able to find more such instances.

I think this time also it was natvyas who informed of the coming soon update, was it...

And in fact if u see that thread, I was the guy that time telling natvyas in reply it is no big deal !! how things change.

Could it be this true by releasing early bulletin , DOS want to build big pipeline early as oppose to told to AILA in 3 months steps.

DOS can ignore demand from USCIS if they do on 4th day of month and thus move far in 2008 and later they don't need to retro date once bulletin is published and good for one month.

[nayekal]

Gurus,
Please help me with your suggestions.
I am assuming that AOS Apps have been submitted by today or tomorrow. I am planning to go to India for 45 days from Jan 15th to March 1st. I don't have H1 visa stamp as I didn't go out for last 7 years (by my wife has H4 visa stamp).
Do you guys think, I will get my AP before Jan 15th?
If not, can we leave and have some mail us the AP docs?

Do I need to be present during AOS processing and if there is any RFE, will USCIS gives me enough time to come back and answer them?

[leo07]

Yes, if it's official and government logo there's no problem.

Is it ok to have a logo of state government in Hindi? For e.g. "Madhya Pradesh Shasan Satyamev Jayate" in hindi.
If this also is a problem then I don't see anyway to get over this problem. What an exercise to get a birth certificate!!!

[leo07]

As of today, from various AILA members it appears that CO had already made a decision to move the dates forward. If that is true there appears to be no reason to hold VB until next week. If the goal is to build pipeline, giving as much time for applicants to file makes most sense. So, in that case we can expect vb this week and no later than Tuesday of next week. ( again this is out of personal experience and no information obviously:))

Could it be this true by releasing early bulletin , DOS want to build big pipeline early as oppose to told to AILA in 3 months steps.

DOS can ignore demand from USCIS if they do on 4th day of month and thus move far in 2008 and later they don't need to retro date once bulletin is published and good for one month.

[leo07]

Irrespective of which Service Center you applied, processing times are more than 90 days for AP. Plus, you must count Holidays in November and December. To me, it appears to be stretching luck too much. If I were you, I wouldn't dare, even if I go I'll not be able to spend a peaceful Holiday. Again, it's more of a personal decision, I can only talk about how I would have dealt the situation


Gurus,
Please help me with your suggestions.
I am assuming that AOS Apps have been submitted by today or tomorrow. I am planning to go to India for 45 days from Jan 15th to March 1st. I don't have H1 visa stamp as I didn't go out for last 7 years (by my wife has H4 visa stamp).
Do you guys think, I will get my AP before Jan 15th?
If not, can we leave and have some mail us the AP docs?

Do I need to be present during AOS processing and if there is any RFE, will USCIS gives me enough time to come back and answer them?

[nayekal]

Irrespective of which Service Center you applied, processing times are more than 90 days for AP. Plus, you must count Holidays in November and December. To me, it appears to be stretching luck too much. If I were you, I wouldn't dare, even if I go I'll not be able to spend a peaceful Holiday. Again, it's more of a personal decision, I can only talk about how I would have dealt the situation

Thanks Leo. I will postpone my dates if I don't get AP by that time.
But do you still see any problem if I am gone( assuming I have AP in hand) during AOS processing?

[gcseeker]

Q

I just want to reconfirm what your Lawyer said . Even if one uses AP at the port of entry he will be still considered to be on H1 (validity of I-797) untill and unless the switch is explicity requested to be on EAD. Just using AP does not cancel the H1 in any way .

Also to those planning travel using AP just make sure you have rest of your documents ready to answer any questions at POE. Rule of thumb is to pack everything that you would do for an visa interview. Rest easy and have an safe trip .Dont focus on the horror stories of AP's being turned away at the POE, the instances are far less than stamped H1's reporting at an different POE and being sent back.




Guys ..... my lawyer had answer H1 and AP by saying that
"Even if you use AP..... you are still considered on H1." Basically unless H1 is expired or one explicitely starts using EAD, H1 status doesn't go away just because you entered using AP.

Hope this helps.

[sandeep11]

Teddy, is it true that affidavits have to be from two people other than parents. In my opinion the affidavits can be from parenets too. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Coming to affidavits two are required but they should be 2 people other than parents who were more than 10 years old at that time and have personal knowledge of your birth


Friends just sharing my personal experience. Those of you who have birth certificates must also review them. Both me and my wife had our birth certificates but with unique issues.
- All content including the heading must be in English. I was very confident that I had my BC but unfortunately at that time the format headings were not bilingual even though all details for the individual were in English.
- Ensure all names are correctly written and spelt out if not affidavits may still be required. Some BC's are unique like for my wife, everything was perfect except that it missed her name because her birth was registered on the day of her birth.
- Now the options are to get new birth certificates issued, there is 1 glitch here some people say that the date of registration should be from the date of birth and some say that it should be the date of issuance.
- Coming to affidavits two are required but they should be 2 people other than parents who were more than 10 years old at that time and have personal knowledge of your birth. Also ensure that these have an internationally valid stamp. My attorney did not accept school leaving certificates, marriage certificate as alternates.

[sandeep11]

Sorry but I beg to differ. Irrespective of whether you have valid H1 or not, if you use AP to reenter US you are stamped as a parolee. There is nothing wrong or to be scared of being stamped as parolee.

Scenario 1: You have H1 till Dec 2012 but no visa stamped and meanwhile if you use AP to reenter then you are stamped as parolee at POE. Just before your H1 expires you decide you wanted to be on H1 and file for an extension and your extension is approved you automatically fall back to H1 status.

Scenario 2: You have H1 till Dec 2012 also visa stamped and meanwhile if you travle outside US and use AP to reenter ( doesn't make sense since you already have H1 visa but just in case) then you are stamped as parolee at POE too. Next time you leave the country and you decide to come back on H1 visa which is still valid you automatically fall back to H1 status.

In short if you use AP you are considered a parolee at POE. Again there is nothing wrong in being stamped as a Parolee.

This is my knowledge, I might be wrong and would be happy to corerct myself.






Q

I just want to reconfirm what your Lawyer said . Even if one uses AP at the port of entry he will be still considered to be on H1 (validity of I-797) untill and unless the switch is explicity requested to be on EAD. Just using AP does not cancel the H1 in any way .

Also to those planning travel using AP just make sure you have rest of your documents ready to answer any questions at POE. Rule of thumb is to pack everything that you would do for an visa interview. Rest easy and have an safe trip .Dont focus on the horror stories of AP's being turned away at the POE, the instances are far less than stamped H1's reporting at an different POE and being sent back.

[TeddyKoochu]

Teddy, is it true that affidavits have to be from two people other than parents. In my opinion the affidavits can be from parenets too. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Coming to affidavits two are required but they should be 2 people other than parents who were more than 10 years old at that time and have personal knowledge of your birth

Sandeep in my case the lawyer insisted on affidavits from 2 people other than parents. So I gave one from my grandmother and uncle and my wife from her uncle and aunt. Luckily for both me and my wife everyone who signed the affidavits was part of a joint family living together at that time. My lawyer is a very rigid guy and does not answer questions and even when he answers does only in very few words, I have seen people submit affidavits from parents but on most affidavits on BC have to give the details about parents, so in that regard it maybe better that the affidavits come from others.

[Reader]

I think I am in big trouble now. Just now found out that I am missing one of the approval notices for my wife in between. I don't have any clue on how I could have lost that. I am going to check with my company tomorrow whether they have a copy of the H4 approval notice for my wife. If they don't have it, what are my options? I am going to check with my attorney tomorrow. But really want to know some opinion from the experts so that I can sleep today. (-:

[gcdedo]

Sandeep in my case the lawyer insisted on affidavits from 2 people other than parents. So I gave one from my grandmother and uncle and my wife from her uncle and aunt. Luckily for both me and my wife everyone who signed the affidavits was part of a joint family living together at that time. My lawyer is a very rigid guy and does not answer questions and even when he answers does only in very few words, I have seen people submit affidavits from parents but on most affidavits on BC have to give the details about parents, so in that regard it maybe better that the affidavits come from others.
My attorney said one affidavit signed by both father and mother will suffice. The registration date on my Birth Ceritficate is more than 1 year from birth.

[TeddyKoochu]

I think I am in big trouble now. Just now found out that I am missing one of the approval notices for my wife in between. I don't have any clue on how I could have lost that. I am going to check with my company tomorrow whether they have a copy of the H4 approval notice for my wife. If they don't have it, what are my options? I am going to check with my attorney tomorrow. But really want to know some opinion from the experts so that I can sleep today. (-:

If corresponding to that notice the visa is stamped on your wife’s passport you should be ok. Hopefully your attorney should have it though.

[Reader]

If corresponding to that notice the visa is stamped on your wife’s passport you should be ok. Hopefully your attorney should have it though.

Thanks Teddy. I am missing two of her H4 approval notices. One from 2001 when she first came to US and another one from 2007. I am having the H4 visa stamped in the PP for both of these periods.

[vizcard]

the lawyer should have them... if not, i believe you can get a reprint

[nishant2200]

gc_usa, and friends, another one for proof.

http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?4-EB2-Predictions-%28Rather-Calculations%29-2011/page138

go to post number 3428 by neospeed indicating the page got updated with coming soon for august visa bulletin. this was on 7/6/2011 12:47 PM PST wednesday. And august visa bulletin was published 2 business days later on 7/11/2011 monday.




got the proof.

http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?4-EB2-Predictions-(Rather-Calculations)-2011/page219

search for coming soon

you will find post 5470 by natvyas , informing us on 8/3/2011 12:49 PM PST that the page has been updated for sep bulletin coming soon. 8/3/2011 was not the start of the month, it was a wednesday. Actual Sep VB was released two business days later on the 8/8/2011 which was a monday.

If I further snoop around on the forum, I am sure I will be able to find more such instances.

I think this time also it was natvyas who informed of the coming soon update, was it...

And in fact if u see that thread, I was the guy that time telling natvyas in reply it is no big deal !! how things change.


Could it be this true by releasing early bulletin , DOS want to build big pipeline early as oppose to told to AILA in 3 months steps.

DOS can ignore demand from USCIS if they do on 4th day of month and thus move far in 2008 and later they don't need to retro date once bulletin is published and good for one month.

[leo07]

AP in hand it's a totally different game. yes, there is little risk, but 99% of population travel with AP. In fact, AP is meant exactly for that purpose :)

Thanks Leo. I will postpone my dates if I don't get AP by that time.
But do you still see any problem if I am gone( assuming I have AP in hand) during AOS processing?

[leo07]

Guys,

let's not confuse actual H1B approval ( allowed to work for company x ) document with H1B Visa ( travel purpose). Same with EAD ( employment purpose) & AP(Travel) document. You can have all 4 at the same time or a minimum of EAD or H1B approval to work and stay in the US. A minimum of AP or H1B approval to travel. If you have both, it's totally upto you as to what you submit at the POE. No one forces you. Even if you are working on EAD, if your H1B approval is valid and you have a valid h1b visa, yo can still travel with H1B Visa.( not ideal, but still ok).


Sorry but I beg to differ. Irrespective of whether you have valid H1 or not, if you use AP to reenter US you are stamped as a parolee. There is nothing wrong or to be scared of being stamped as parolee.

Scenario 1: You have H1 till Dec 2012 but no visa stamped and meanwhile if you use AP to reenter then you are stamped as parolee at POE. Just before your H1 expires you decide you wanted to be on H1 and file for an extension and your extension is approved you automatically fall back to H1 status.

Scenario 2: You have H1 till Dec 2012 also visa stamped and meanwhile if you travle outside US and use AP to reenter ( doesn't make sense since you already have H1 visa but just in case) then you are stamped as parolee at POE too. Next time you leave the country and you decide to come back on H1 visa which is still valid you automatically fall back to H1 status.

In short if you use AP you are considered a parolee at POE. Again there is nothing wrong in being stamped as a Parolee.

This is my knowledge, I might be wrong and would be happy to corerct myself.

[visagcinfo]

Reader,
When getting H4 stamping for the spouse from abroad while coming to USA for the first time, only primary applicant's H1b approval is required. Spouse will not have H4 (I-797) approval. Dependent visa is issued based on primary applicant's H1b.
When a spouse goes for stamping during vacation or a long stay outside USA, primary applicant's H1b approval is what is required.
I am sure about the first scenario. 2nd scenario - I am not too sure. My wife had valid H4 extension when she went for stamping during her trip alone to India couple of times - she used that and my H1b approval/extension.



Thanks Teddy. I am missing two of her H4 approval notices. One from 2001 when she first came to US and another one from 2007. I am having the H4 visa stamped in the PP for both of these periods.

[Reader]

visagcinfo, Thank you so much. The first thing I saw after coming to work is your update and you made my day.


Reader,
When getting H4 stamping for the spouse from abroad while coming to USA for the first time, only primary applicant's H1b approval is required. Spouse will not have H4 (I-797) approval. Dependent visa is issued based on primary applicant's H1b.
When a spouse goes for stamping during vacation or a long stay outside USA, primary applicant's H1b approval is what is required.
I am sure about the first scenario. 2nd scenario - I am not too sure. My wife had valid H4 extension when she went for stamping during her trip alone to India couple of times - she used that and my H1b approval/extension.

[vizcard]

My wife has a I-797 for her H4. She was on H1 and then went on H4. But she definitely did have a H4 797. When she went for her stamping, she took HER H4 797 and my H1 797.

[srimurthy]

I agree with the info provided by visagcinfo.
Also you will have a I-797 for dependents if you are applying for a H4 extension while in US. Lets say all continued to stay in US without going out of coutnry for 7 years. In this case when we apply for H1 extension and H4 extensions for dependents, the Primary is allocated a receipt number and all dependents with reference to the Primary H1 are allocated another receipt number.


visagcinfo, Thank you so much. The first thing I saw after coming to work is your update and you made my day.

[Eb2_Dec07]

Reader,

Not sure if you are aware . there is a form I824 that you can submit ( Fee 405 USD) to get a duplicate copy of an approved visa . In this case you will need to fill 2 forms with the information . You will need the EAC #/ or whatever application # you must have had on the receipt . Either you get a copy from your lawyer or not , I would recommend you get those copies from USCIS . I have one missing myself and I applied I 824 to get a copy.




Reader,
When getting H4 stamping for the spouse from abroad while coming to USA for the first time, only primary applicant's H1b approval is required. Spouse will not have H4 (I-797) approval. Dependent visa is issued based on primary applicant's H1b.
When a spouse goes for stamping during vacation or a long stay outside USA, primary applicant's H1b approval is what is required.
I am sure about the first scenario. 2nd scenario - I am not too sure. My wife had valid H4 extension when she went for stamping during her trip alone to India couple of times - she used that and my H1b approval/extension.

[nishant2200]

Q, any info from ur source, at least about release date whereabout of VB?

[srimurthy]

Man these people know the ways to make money. $400 for a copy.
I just scan any receipt or any time that comes from USCIS and have them stored, so that would be one place instead of looking into files and digging. I know scanning everything was not that prominent in 2000.


Reader,

Not sure if you are aware . there is a form I824 that you can submit ( Fee 405 USD) to get a duplicate copy of an approved visa . In this case you will need to fill 2 forms with the information . You will need the EAC #/ or whatever application # you must have had on the receipt . Either you get a copy from your lawyer or not , I would recommend you get those copies from USCIS . I have one missing myself and I applied I 824 to get a copy.

[Reader]

Actually, It is my bad. I was trying to find the 797 approval notices for H4 when she came to US for the first time and the second one was after another long vacation where I got a brand new H1. So, in both times, there would not be any approval notices for H4 and visa was issued based on my H1. She has all the other H4 approval notices for the exentsions she got it while in US.


Reader,

Not sure if you are aware . there is a form I824 that you can submit ( Fee 405 USD) to get a duplicate copy of an approved visa . In this case you will need to fill 2 forms with the information . You will need the EAC #/ or whatever application # you must have had on the receipt . Either you get a copy from your lawyer or not , I would recommend you get those copies from USCIS . I have one missing myself and I applied I 824 to get a copy.

[suninphx]

Can we move all H1B, AP , EAD , I797 related discussions to appropriate thread please?

[immitime]

Man these people know the ways to make money. $400 for a copy.
I just scan any receipt or any time that comes from USCIS and have them stored, so that would be one place instead of looking into files and digging. I know scanning everything was not that prominent in 2000.

One of the reason the dates are not moving on EB-3 India China is they are cash cows for USCIS the salary of USCIS employees and the day to day expense is met by this kind of over fee!... USCIS/DOS together play tricks in our life! in the name of LAW.. and politicians give back ground music for that. And of course business lobby controls politicians if you guys seen the "Occupy Wallstreet" interview with Mike Moore, you will under stand what corporate greed is and why economy is like programmed Software!

[TheTexan]

Dont' mean to derail... you cannot possibly believe to what Michael Moore says....

[natvyas]

Gentlemen/Ladies

Maybe we should use this thread for visa date calculations and predictions only. The other discussions can be moved to a different thread.

Just a suggestion

Regards
Nat

[vizcard]

Sooooo... can we expect the VB out by Friday ?

[nishant2200]

Sooooo... can we expect the VB out by Friday ?

I fully expect that.

[Eb2_Dec07]

Nishant , I also read somewhere yesterday that they might want to release the VB possibly this friday considering fewer working days this month and next , wanting to give enough room for filing applications. Anyway , the sooner the better. This friday hopefully for a good weekend.

BTW I just got my vaccination Blood work results from my pcp and was advised by pcp 2 vaccinations not required and scheduled medicals next week.



I fully expect that.

[soggadu]

One of the reason the dates are not moving on EB-3 India China is they are cash cows for USCIS the salary of USCIS employees and the day to day expense is met by this kind of over fee!... USCIS/DOS together play tricks in our life! in the name of LAW.. and politicians give back ground music for that. And of course business lobby controls politicians if you guys seen the "Occupy Wallstreet" interview with Mike Moore, you will under stand what corporate greed is and why economy is like programmed Software!

WOW...you really think so? so you think this is all a conspiracy? dude...you and every1 know the dates are not moving because of unavailability of numbers.... dont be offended but i really cant help raise my voice when people who are so knowledgeable think like this... waise... when is ur time immitime :-)

[soggadu]

Nishant , I also read somewhere yesterday that they might want to release the VB possibly this friday considering fewer working days this month and next , wanting to give enough room for filing applications. Anyway , the sooner the better. This friday hopefully for a good weekend.

BTW I just got my vaccination Blood work results from my pcp and was advised by pcp 2 vaccinations not required and scheduled medicals next week.

Friday come... bulletin come.... all happies .... hahaha... all go through lawyer torture... all go through vaccine puncture... hahaha.... me have more friends like me... hahaha.... pocket hole duniya gol GC bol.... hahaha....

[TeddyKoochu]

Friends let me just list out some of the precautions about the I485 photographs. I learnt these the hard way; this is my attorney’s version. I spent my Diwali evening doing these again for me and my wife. 6 identical phographs are required in all.
- Even if you wear spectacles these photographs should be without spectacles.
- Most important for ladies their ears should be visible not covered with long hair.
- Get a few extras done just in case your attorneys loose them.
Good luck to everyone for the Dec VB. This is one thing you can do in advance.

[immitime]

WOW...you really think so? so you think this is all a conspiracy? dude...you and every1 know the dates are not moving because of unavailability of numbers.... dont be offended but i really cant help raise my voice when people who are so knowledgeable think like this... waise... when is ur time immitime :-)

Dates are not moving, one of the fact is unavailability. Please read my first line once again "One of the Reason" I think you took this as I completely believe in this theory!!! but that is one of the ingredient my immitime is 2004. Planning to port.:-) lot of odds on porting!

[Eb2_Dec07]

Man these people know the ways to make money. $400 for a copy.
I just scan any receipt or any time that comes from USCIS and have them stored, so that would be one place instead of looking into files and digging. I know scanning everything was not that prominent in 2000.

Murthy, I can share the frustration when we end up ponying up heavy fees on these applications. But I don't mind as long as USCIS has enough manpower coming from the fee we pay and as long as that converts in to some sort of effiency building in processing GC. btw it really stung my paunch when I wrote that check for 405 USD . USCIS supposedly mailed me the approval which I never received. Upon callin them they said they did not see a return mail and they deem it delivered. I checked with my post office umpteen times and they cant trace the mail. So anyway I wanted to get the duplicate and applied.

[gc_usa]

Friends let me just list out some of the precautions about the I485 photographs. I learnt these the hard way; this is my attorney’s version. I spent my Diwali evening doing these again for me and my wife. 6 identical phographs are required in all.
- Even if you wear spectacles these photographs should be without spectacles.
- Most important for ladies their ears should be visible not covered with long hair.
- Get a few extras done just in case your attorneys loose them.
Good luck to everyone for the Dec VB. This is one thing you can do in advance.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/visaphotoreq_5334.html

"If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo."

Looks like he is referring "Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash."

[Eb2_Dec07]

teddy, where did you get your photographs done . Does the typical passport photograph meet those USCIS stated dimensional requirements for photos .


Friends let me just list out some of the precautions about the I485 photographs. I learnt these the hard way; this is my attorney’s version. I spent my Diwali evening doing these again for me and my wife. 6 identical phographs are required in all.
- Even if you wear spectacles these photographs should be without spectacles.
- Most important for ladies their ears should be visible not covered with long hair.
- Get a few extras done just in case your attorneys loose them.
Good luck to everyone for the Dec VB. This is one thing you can do in advance.

[soggadu]

Dates are not moving, one of the fact is unavailability. Please read my first line once again "One of the Reason" I think you took this as I completely believe in this theory!!! but that is one of the ingredient my immitime is 2004. Planning to port.:-) lot of odds on porting!

port it... i personally know so many people who ported and are happily ever after... wish you all the best immi, tumhara time jaroor avega...

[soggadu]

CAUTION TO ALL
______________

Guys and gals, you all are thinking too much in depth about this whole process, it is very easy and shouldnt take more than 2 hrs to fill up the forms and couple of more days to get the other things done.

When experienced people share their views, it doesnt mean they are 100% right, but they share so that people like us are covered even in worst case scenarios...

I would say take a step back ya all and enjoy the moment rather than having so many doubts in mind...

[TeddyKoochu]

http://travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/visaphotoreq_5334.html

"If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo."

Looks like he is referring "Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash."

Thanks for the details. Yes it is definitely time for me to search for a new attorney; I had to be bound to this guy because of my employer. He is too rigid with things. Maybe there was glare in my case but it is good to read the official USCIS link.

[immitime]

port it... i personally know so many people who ported and are happily ever after... wish you all the best immi, tumhara time jaroor avega...

Thank You soggadu. I enjoy your posts always.. Jaroor ayega ...Mera bhi "immitime" ane wala hai!

[TeddyKoochu]

teddy, where did you get your photographs done . Does the typical passport photograph meet those USCIS stated dimensional requirements for photos .

You can get them done anywhere, just tell them its a US passport photo they will do the rest. I did mine at CVS, try any of the places like COSTCO, SAMS, Walgreens etc. Good to have this thing done correctly in advance.

[Eb2_Dec07]

Guys , I just realized my latest H1 approval with my current employer has overextended beyond 6 years of overall h1b tenure. My 6th year should end Oct 2012, however when I took my new job this Jan 2011, my validity dates on 797 & 94 is up till 2014. Well I called my attorney and he says just leave it at that for now.
I'm expecting PD to become current via my spouse( pd 4th dec 07) . Hopefully by october 2012 I will have an approved ead and dont have to deal with this h1b over extension. What scared me was I read somewhere in the forums that although uscis makes mistakes they might still hold the applicant liable to staying with in the limit of allowed regulations of 6 years . Just thought I would share this , not sure if anyone of you have had similar exp.

[soggadu]

You can get them done anywhere, just tell them its a US passport photo they will do the rest. I did mine at CVS, try any of the places like COSTCO, SAMS, Walgreens etc. Good to have this thing done correctly in advance.

2 cents which can save so many cents... got them done at CVS who charged 9.99 for first 2 fotos and then 29 cents for next 2. The awesome thing is they have a 2 dollar off coupon on their website which makes it even yummy deal... so ... 9.99+.29+.29-2 is your total and taxes extra of course... thnx to teddy bhai for pointing me in this direction last month...

[nishant2200]

2 cents which can save so many cents... got them done at CVS who charged 9.99 for first 2 fotos and then 29 cents for next 2. The awesome thing is they have a 2 dollar off coupon on their website which makes it even yummy deal... so ... 9.99+.29+.29-2 is your total and taxes extra of course... thnx to teddy bhai for pointing me in this direction last month...

"teddy bhai" - never thought of this verbiage in my wildest imagination. Hilarious... :D

[gc0907]

I wear glasses but always take it off for Passport photos, required for any purpose. The one I got two weeks ago for 485/EAD were also without glasses. And my attorney asked for only 4 photos because now EAD/AP is combined.
Also, I got one at CVS which wasn't good and had little background shadow so I went to Costco and got them. Came out nice.


Thanks for the details. Yes it is definitely time for me to search for a new attorney; I had to be bound to this guy because of my employer. He is too rigid with things. Maybe there was glare in my case but it is good to read the official USCIS link.

[gc0907]

Lucky you. My CVS charged me 9.99+9.99+tax. Came out with a little background shadow on my right side. Was very poor customer service. I noticed the shadow the day I was going to post the 485 to my lawyer. Finally went to Costco and got it done fot $5 x 2 +tax.

[TeddyKoochu]

2 cents which can save so many cents... got them done at CVS who charged 9.99 for first 2 fotos and then 29 cents for next 2. The awesome thing is they have a 2 dollar off coupon on their website which makes it even yummy deal... so ... 9.99+.29+.29-2 is your total and taxes extra of course... thnx to teddy bhai for pointing me in this direction last month...

Thanks Sogaddu bhai !. My wife is good at these things I will let her know. In our case since we went through it twice savings if any were neutralized.


Lucky you. My CVS charged me 9.99+9.99+tax. Came out with a little background shadow on my right side. Was very poor customer service. I noticed the shadow the day I was going to post the 485 to my lawyer. Finally went to Costco and got it done fot $5 x 2 +tax.

I had the same issue with one outlet, they asked for $60, went to another one there the manager was quite knowledgeable and did it exactly as Sogaddu describes.

[vchirakala]

Guys,

Please help. Kindly let me know if anyone have the sample draft for "Birth Certificate Not Available"

Thanks and regards

[soggadu]

Guys,

Please help. Kindly let me know if anyone have the sample draft for "Birth Certificate Not Available"

Thanks and regards


tunteratandaaaannnn (james bond music) help is on the way... did you check the thread with Birth certificate title...check it and let me know, i will send you another one if not available...dont worry it is very easy to get it done...

http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?163-Birth-Certificate-Related&highlight=birth+certificate

[Karma1979]

Try http://www.epassportphoto.com take picture yourself, upload and take print out at your local Photoshop.

[arikepudi]

I am a newbie here in this forum. Quick Question, How much a attroney charge for filing apart form 485 fees? My attorney is charging 2K for both of us. Is it ok ?

[soggadu]

I am a newbie here in this forum. Quick Question, How much a attroney charge for filing apart form 485 fees? My attorney is charging 2K for both of us. Is it ok ?

lawyers charge any where from 600 to 4000 for this.... mine charges 2K too.... i am not sure if it is ok or not, as i dont have a choice, i dont think much on it :-) ...

[venkimakthal]

lawyers charge any where from 600 to 4000 for this.... mine charges 2K too.... i am not sure if it is ok or not, as i dont have a choice, i dont think much on it :-) ...

2k is for wife and husband I-485 filing?

[gc_usa]

lawyers charge any where from 600 to 4000 for this.... mine charges 2K too.... i am not sure if it is ok or not, as i dont have a choice, i dont think much on it :-) ...

$2400.00 for both. + $1070 each AOS fee and $70 doc copy and shipping charge.

[vchirakala]

Soggadu,

Please help. Do we have it to take the Birth Certificate Not Available only from the municipality what we mentioned in the passport or will any Local Magistrate will do ?

[soggadu]

Soggadu,

Please help. Do we have it to take the Birth Certificate Not Available only from the municipality what we mentioned in the passport or will any Local Magistrate will do ?

I believe non availability certificate(it is a form actually) comes from municipality only.... any one says otherwise??? also, it is good to contact lawyer....

[vchirakala]

Can you please send me the format for Birth Certificate Not Available ...I spoke to my attorney and she says I cannot write the letter for them.

[gc0907]

Check these out:

http://www.immihelp.com/birth-certificate/non-availability-birth-certificate.html

And Birth Certificate (http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?163-Birth-Certificate-Related)related thread.


Can you please send me the format for Birth Certificate Not Available ...I spoke to my attorney and she says I cannot write the letter for them.

[leo07]

immitime, with all due respect, you made me laugh :) No wonder you believe Michael Moore who believes 9/11 is also a conspiracy:)

One of the reason the dates are not moving on EB-3 India China is they are cash cows for USCIS the salary of USCIS employees and the day to day expense is met by this kind of over fee!... USCIS/DOS together play tricks in our life! in the name of LAW.. and politicians give back ground music for that. And of course business lobby controls politicians if you guys seen the "Occupy Wallstreet" interview with Mike Moore, you will under stand what corporate greed is and why economy is like programmed Software!

[tackle]

Lucky you. My CVS charged me 9.99+9.99+tax. Came out with a little background shadow on my right side. Was very poor customer service. I noticed the shadow the day I was going to post the 485 to my lawyer. Finally went to Costco and got it done fot $5 x 2 +tax.

I did this:
1. Took photos on my own, standing as close to the wall to avoid shadows
2. Copied the photos to PC
3. Did auto color correction on picasa
4. Downloaded paint.net (http://www.getpaint.net/) (free image editor) and removed background (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iRuRoZvRTU) and made it white. This step is not needed if background is already white or off-white.
5. Went to http://www.idphoto4you.com/, chose Country: USA, Print Size: 4x6 and uploaded the photo.
6. The site automatically did facial recognition and automatically set the correct crop size. I verified that that the photo is good by looking at the preview image on top right. When I was happy with the photo, clicked on "Make Photo"
7. Right clicked and saved the image to desktop. If you open it on PC the photo will be small. But the photo will still be in 300dpi which will look good if printed on 4x6. (if you chose 5x7 in step 5, photo must be printed on 5x7 photo size).
8. Logged in to my samsclub photos account, uploaded the photo and ordered several prints. 1 print = 13 cents. I ordered additional prints so that if I make a mistake when cutting the photos, I have backup.
9. Picked up photos from samsclub and cut them.

And it costed me < $1 for photos for both myself and my wife.

Unfortunately, I wasted $15 at samsclub before I decided to take photos myself. I got my photo done at samsclub and didn't like how it turned out. I wear glasses and there was glare on the photos. If you are taking photo yourself at home, I recommend taking photos without glasses or tilting the glasses down (instead of resting glasses on ears, rest it about an inch on top of your ear) when taking the photo.

Having got the photos done at samsclub and also at home, I'm much more happier with the photos that I took at home. If I had known that I could just get it done myself before I went to samsclub, I wouldn't have wasted $15 there.

[leo07]

Sounds reasonable. I haven't seen attorneys file anything for $9.99 any where. Dude, if it's a penny more or penny less, trust your attorney at this moment and maintain a relationship at this crucial juncture.

I am a newbie here in this forum. Quick Question, How much a attroney charge for filing apart form 485 fees? My attorney is charging 2K for both of us. Is it ok ?

[gc_usa]

I did this:
1. Took photos on my own, standing as close to the wall to avoid shadows
2. Copied the photos to PC
3. Did auto color correction on picasa
4. Downloaded paint.net (http://www.getpaint.net/) (free image editor) and removed background (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iRuRoZvRTU) and made it white. This step is not needed if background is already white or off-white.
5. Went to http://www.idphoto4you.com/, chose Country: USA, Print Size: 4x6 and uploaded the photo.
6. The site automatically did facial recognition and automatically set the correct crop size. I verified that that the photo is good by looking at the preview image on top right. When I was happy with the photo, clicked on "Make Photo"
7. Right clicked and saved the image to desktop. If you open it on PC the photo will be small. But the photo will still be in 300dpi which will look good if printed on 4x6. (if you chose 5x7 in step 5, photo must be printed on 5x7 photo size).
8. Logged in to my samsclub photos account, uploaded the photo and ordered several prints. 1 print = 13 cents. I ordered additional prints so that if I make a mistake when cutting the photos, I have backup.
9. Picked up photos from samsclub and cut them.

And it costed me < $1 for photos for both myself and my wife.

Unfortunately, I wasted $15 at samsclub before I decided to take photos myself. I got my photo done at samsclub and didn't like how it turned out. I wear glasses and there was glare on the photos. If you are taking photo yourself at home, I recommend taking photos without glasses or tilting the glasses down (instead of resting glasses on ears, rest it about an inch on top of your ear) when taking the photo.

Having got the photos done at samsclub and also at home, I'm much more happier with the photos that I took at home. If I had known that I could just get it done myself before I went to samsclub, I wouldn't have wasted $15 there.

I have been doing since long time. I only paid once for photo for OPT EAD card. I never had issue with picture in any consulate. This method works cost almost nothing.

[username]

I did this:
1. Took photos on my own, standing as close to the wall to avoid shadows
2. Copied the photos to PC
3. Did auto color correction on picasa
4. Downloaded paint.net (http://www.getpaint.net/) (free image editor) and removed background (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iRuRoZvRTU) and made it white. This step is not needed if background is already white or off-white.
5. Went to http://www.idphoto4you.com/, chose Country: USA, Print Size: 4x6 and uploaded the photo.
6. The site automatically did facial recognition and automatically set the correct crop size. I verified that that the photo is good by looking at the preview image on top right. When I was happy with the photo, clicked on "Make Photo"
7. Right clicked and saved the image to desktop. If you open it on PC the photo will be small. But the photo will still be in 300dpi which will look good if printed on 4x6. (if you chose 5x7 in step 5, photo must be printed on 5x7 photo size).
8. Logged in to my samsclub photos account, uploaded the photo and ordered several prints. 1 print = 13 cents. I ordered additional prints so that if I make a mistake when cutting the photos, I have backup.
9. Picked up photos from samsclub and cut them.

And it costed me < $1 for photos for both myself and my wife.

Unfortunately, I wasted $15 at samsclub before I decided to take photos myself. I got my photo done at samsclub and didn't like how it turned out. I wear glasses and there was glare on the photos. If you are taking photo yourself at home, I recommend taking photos without glasses or tilting the glasses down (instead of resting glasses on ears, rest it about an inch on top of your ear) when taking the photo.

Having got the photos done at samsclub and also at home, I'm much more happier with the photos that I took at home. If I had known that I could just get it done myself before I went to samsclub, I wouldn't have wasted $15 there.

In case if you don't have samsclub membership than use Walmart.com.

[leo07]

holy moly....I've paid a ton for photos..:)

I have been doing since long time. I only paid once for photo for OPT EAD card. I never had issue with picture in any consulate. This method works cost almost nothing.

[codesmith]

Can you please send me the format for Birth Certificate Not Available ...I spoke to my attorney and she says I cannot write the letter for them.

Hi Chirakala,
this is what I did.

1 Get the non-availability certificate from local muncipal office.
2 The non-avl cert is in local language, so get it translated into english.
The translated cert should "look" in tersm of format same as original.
3 Get the affidavit from translator that this is correct translation and he/she knows local language and english.
4 get 2 affidavits from parents or relatives that you were born on xxx date at XXX place.

I got the affidavits notarised on 100 Rs Stamp paper.
* * My PD is not yet current.