greencard_fever
09-08 08:51 PM
Cograts!! rb_248..
Did you notice any LUD's on your case in September?..i got an RFE for my Spouse in August and responded on September 2nd after that there is Soft LUD almost every day but no status change..on my case no LUD's or what so ever last LUD was on 08/19 the day when i did my FP that's it..Guys i am frustated and feeling some how that i will miss this bus... called USCIS IO told me that both the cases are with officer not sure how reliable inof that is..Opened SR on September 3rd..guys please suggest me what else i can do:confused::confused::mad::mad::mad:
Got the cards in the mail. My online case status says the application is still pending.
Folks (those whose PDs are current this month),
Check with your attorney, in your mail boxes along with the online USCIS case status. You may get the good news in your mail box or from your attorney's office before your status is updated online.
This is what my attorney had to say:
The USCIS online status system is maintained by contract workers and is often inaccurate.
Did you notice any LUD's on your case in September?..i got an RFE for my Spouse in August and responded on September 2nd after that there is Soft LUD almost every day but no status change..on my case no LUD's or what so ever last LUD was on 08/19 the day when i did my FP that's it..Guys i am frustated and feeling some how that i will miss this bus... called USCIS IO told me that both the cases are with officer not sure how reliable inof that is..Opened SR on September 3rd..guys please suggest me what else i can do:confused::confused::mad::mad::mad:
Got the cards in the mail. My online case status says the application is still pending.
Folks (those whose PDs are current this month),
Check with your attorney, in your mail boxes along with the online USCIS case status. You may get the good news in your mail box or from your attorney's office before your status is updated online.
This is what my attorney had to say:
The USCIS online status system is maintained by contract workers and is often inaccurate.
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ssnd03
07-12 04:10 PM
I believe the only reason EB visa numbers have gone unused in recent years is due to the the inability of FBI in completing namecheck/background check in a timely FIFO fashion. As a result USCIS is unable to approve pending I485s even when the visa numbers are available. This also keeps the VISA BULLETIN doors closed for new I485s.
This (besides labor backlog) spoils the FIFO for GCs.
Fixing FBI security check process will end such visa bulletin fiasco. I believe in recent year or two USCIS has processed various applications (including I485) in a very timely fashion (ofcourse there are exceptions). But many I485s get stuck in the security check bottleneck. Since, visa number is assigned at the approval time the whole FIFO goes to hell.
DOS should be issuing VISA BULLETIN based on pending approvable I485 (meaning security check complete) and fiscal year visa availability. If former is smaller than latter then bulletin dates should move forward based on approved I140s which have not applied for AOS. This is not rocket science but simple math which is lost on DOS, USCIS & FBI.
However, fixing FBI security checks (timely completion) will restore FIFO once labor backlog is gone.
Eliminating FBI delays will restore FIFO and stop such visa bulletin fiascos.
It will not solve retrogression which is a bigger problem, but requires congressional action for number increases
BTW my AOS is pending due to indefinite background check delay.
This (besides labor backlog) spoils the FIFO for GCs.
Fixing FBI security check process will end such visa bulletin fiasco. I believe in recent year or two USCIS has processed various applications (including I485) in a very timely fashion (ofcourse there are exceptions). But many I485s get stuck in the security check bottleneck. Since, visa number is assigned at the approval time the whole FIFO goes to hell.
DOS should be issuing VISA BULLETIN based on pending approvable I485 (meaning security check complete) and fiscal year visa availability. If former is smaller than latter then bulletin dates should move forward based on approved I140s which have not applied for AOS. This is not rocket science but simple math which is lost on DOS, USCIS & FBI.
However, fixing FBI security checks (timely completion) will restore FIFO once labor backlog is gone.
Eliminating FBI delays will restore FIFO and stop such visa bulletin fiascos.
It will not solve retrogression which is a bigger problem, but requires congressional action for number increases
BTW my AOS is pending due to indefinite background check delay.
phillyag
05-30 04:43 PM
2. I140 receipt
3. I485 receipt
Would photocopies do for the above 2 docs ?
3. I485 receipt
Would photocopies do for the above 2 docs ?
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saurav_4096
04-12 09:38 AM
Gurus,
Please help me guiding in my situation:
I have been on H1B for about 2 years, I came through desi consulting company. As usual there were no bench salary and very irregular payment during project duration also, I was not paid for about 50% of time.
I had switched to another employer couple of months back, My H1B approval with new employer is still pending. recently I had got letter from Department of Labor (DOL). They are trying to investigate my previous employer if he is complying with american competitiveness and workforce improvement act(ACWIA) of 1998.
They had sent me a questioner about previous employer about salary being paid etc.
I am not sure what should I be doing in this situation:
If I reply with all facts this might effect my pending H1B status for new employer.
If I write in a way that thing were as per LC then I am lieing, which I am not comfortable with.
Third Option could be that I do not respond at all
[They had mentioned that I am NOT required to respond.]
I am seeking help from experts and forum members, what should be I doing in this situation so that my H1B transfer do not get jeopradasided.
Thanks
Saurav
Please help me guiding in my situation:
I have been on H1B for about 2 years, I came through desi consulting company. As usual there were no bench salary and very irregular payment during project duration also, I was not paid for about 50% of time.
I had switched to another employer couple of months back, My H1B approval with new employer is still pending. recently I had got letter from Department of Labor (DOL). They are trying to investigate my previous employer if he is complying with american competitiveness and workforce improvement act(ACWIA) of 1998.
They had sent me a questioner about previous employer about salary being paid etc.
I am not sure what should I be doing in this situation:
If I reply with all facts this might effect my pending H1B status for new employer.
If I write in a way that thing were as per LC then I am lieing, which I am not comfortable with.
Third Option could be that I do not respond at all
[They had mentioned that I am NOT required to respond.]
I am seeking help from experts and forum members, what should be I doing in this situation so that my H1B transfer do not get jeopradasided.
Thanks
Saurav
more...
GotFreedom?
07-22 05:38 PM
Hi guys,
I bet this question must have been asked before but I couldn't find the relevant thread so I'm asking again. Apologies if its a repeat.
I am maintaining my H1-B while my AOS is pending. Last year my wife went to India while she had valid H4 (not stamped in passport) and AP documents. She did not get her visa stamped and reentered the country using the AP with no issues. He I-94 said Parolled till Some date, March 2009. I totally forgot about it and never renewed her AP or mine. Does it pose any kind of threat to her legal status in the US and AOS?
I am still working on H1 and she is a parolee.
Thanks in advance fopr the responses.
I bet this question must have been asked before but I couldn't find the relevant thread so I'm asking again. Apologies if its a repeat.
I am maintaining my H1-B while my AOS is pending. Last year my wife went to India while she had valid H4 (not stamped in passport) and AP documents. She did not get her visa stamped and reentered the country using the AP with no issues. He I-94 said Parolled till Some date, March 2009. I totally forgot about it and never renewed her AP or mine. Does it pose any kind of threat to her legal status in the US and AOS?
I am still working on H1 and she is a parolee.
Thanks in advance fopr the responses.
mrajatish
09-17 04:19 PM
Given the current retrogression and the fact that you are from India, I would think 100 times before immigrating to US. I know this advice will be useless because you will probably think that "hey, look at this guy currently in the immigration queue and waiting for his GC, but advising my brother to do the opposite" - well, I have been in this rigmarole for too long to say that, if you have good opportunities elsewhere, think about them. If I knew about the problems of getting GC in US, I would definitely planned things a bit differently, just my 2 cents.
more...
Mumbai_girl
12-02 11:22 AM
I would very much appreciate if I could get your input in the following situation.
I have plans to travel on 7th Dec but am still waiting for my AP. The AP was aproved on 6th Nov along with my spouse's AP on the same date. He got his AP (thru lawyer) about 10 days back, but I did not receive it. Chances look bleak that I will get AP before 4th Dec (by which date I need to cancel my tickets to get a refund). However, I have a I-797 which is valid till Mar 2008. I wanted to use that to get H1 stamping in India, but when I spoke to my Lawyer, I was told that I cannot do so beacuse the 797 is expiring in 3 months.
If you have a recent experience of getting H1 stamped with your I797 expiring in a few months please do reply.
I have plans to travel on 7th Dec but am still waiting for my AP. The AP was aproved on 6th Nov along with my spouse's AP on the same date. He got his AP (thru lawyer) about 10 days back, but I did not receive it. Chances look bleak that I will get AP before 4th Dec (by which date I need to cancel my tickets to get a refund). However, I have a I-797 which is valid till Mar 2008. I wanted to use that to get H1 stamping in India, but when I spoke to my Lawyer, I was told that I cannot do so beacuse the 797 is expiring in 3 months.
If you have a recent experience of getting H1 stamped with your I797 expiring in a few months please do reply.
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BharatPremi
03-17 02:35 PM
You cant just divide 500000 by 3. The numbers are not same for all categories.
Eb1-3 all are granted 28% and I am assuming there as equal number of applications in each category though it would not be the case in reality but I was just giving a crude math example.This 500000 load was from EB1/2/3 only.In reality it is more scary for EB2/3 India particular last july filing as most filings should have been from EB2/3- China and India considering the H1 arrivals from these 2 countries during the year 2003-7. And yet in that example I did not mirror USCIS's limits such as 7%, load from previous filing which is not yet clear. Bottom line EB2 with 2004 PD will have to see a long road before becoming current.
Eb1-3 all are granted 28% and I am assuming there as equal number of applications in each category though it would not be the case in reality but I was just giving a crude math example.This 500000 load was from EB1/2/3 only.In reality it is more scary for EB2/3 India particular last july filing as most filings should have been from EB2/3- China and India considering the H1 arrivals from these 2 countries during the year 2003-7. And yet in that example I did not mirror USCIS's limits such as 7%, load from previous filing which is not yet clear. Bottom line EB2 with 2004 PD will have to see a long road before becoming current.
more...
vijjus
06-11 12:40 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/11/world/europe/11cnd-prexy.html?hp
SOFIA, Bulgaria, June 11 � As he heads home from an eight-day European swing to face a hostile Congress, President Bush lashed out today at Democrats for scheduling a vote of no confidence on his attorney general, and vowed to get his stalled immigration legislation passed, saying, �I�ll see you at the bill signing.�
SOFIA, Bulgaria, June 11 � As he heads home from an eight-day European swing to face a hostile Congress, President Bush lashed out today at Democrats for scheduling a vote of no confidence on his attorney general, and vowed to get his stalled immigration legislation passed, saying, �I�ll see you at the bill signing.�
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raju123
07-08 05:06 PM
I don't know the thinking of some people. immigration-law has nicely covered flower campaign. What is the reason to criticize?
We have very fewwwwwww friends for our cause. Mathew Oh is one of them. Do you guys want to loose few friends???? Are we going to win any battle without others support???
Please delete your negative comments and I request not to do any negative comments for like minded organization or person.
We have very fewwwwwww friends for our cause. Mathew Oh is one of them. Do you guys want to loose few friends???? Are we going to win any battle without others support???
Please delete your negative comments and I request not to do any negative comments for like minded organization or person.
more...
rb_248
03-30 10:54 AM
Try making a baby and see if it works.
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immi_seeker
07-12 10:10 PM
Thanks for the responses. Will call uscis on monday.
more...
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nirdlalegcade
02-26 12:34 AM
Hi one question,,,if I go home to my country to study using H4 while my GC is pending,then suddenly the GC was sent to my sister here in US,can my sister just mail my GC to me in my country so that if i go back here in the US,i can present my GC to the US immigration???uh!im confussed!thanks!
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rockets12345
10-31 05:50 PM
yes california service center didn't accept my H1B extension application and returned back saying we have to file it in Vermont Service Center that's what my Attorney told me if he is not lying. But the good thing is my EAD shows 10/10/2007 start date and my H1B expired on 10/11/2007.
But I still am not using EAD and have sent my H extension to Vermont and hoping for good. So for some reason if they don't approve will use my EAD from that point. But will it cause any issues in future or on 485
But lesson learnt is never hire cheap lawyers most of the time they don't know anything.
Thanks
But I still am not using EAD and have sent my H extension to Vermont and hoping for good. So for some reason if they don't approve will use my EAD from that point. But will it cause any issues in future or on 485
But lesson learnt is never hire cheap lawyers most of the time they don't know anything.
Thanks
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gova123
08-27 02:08 PM
When did this change? I got it renewed from Washington DC a year back
I think it is stated in their website and also someone in the forum was saying this. Did you happen to be in Florida when you renewed the passport last year from DC. if yes, then I can send it to DC as they seem to renew in 10 business days. Am i right...............
I think it is stated in their website and also someone in the forum was saying this. Did you happen to be in Florida when you renewed the passport last year from DC. if yes, then I can send it to DC as they seem to renew in 10 business days. Am i right...............
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ras
10-21 03:22 PM
Hi, I am in the same boat as you. Can you please provide your experience with filing the future employment I-485 and if AC21 is possible.
My question is: Can you continue to work for employer B while employer A files future employment I-485 and can we use AC-21 after 180 days without being employed with employer A?
Curious to know...
My question is: Can you continue to work for employer B while employer A files future employment I-485 and can we use AC-21 after 180 days without being employed with employer A?
Curious to know...
more...
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krishgreen
04-26 01:54 PM
Hi,
I have a appointment for H1B Visa stamping at Matamoros on May 27th. Just checking to see if anybody went for H1B Visa stamping at Matamoros lately and would like to share the experiences.
Thanks.
I have a appointment for H1B Visa stamping at Matamoros on May 27th. Just checking to see if anybody went for H1B Visa stamping at Matamoros lately and would like to share the experiences.
Thanks.
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gcformeornot
04-07 02:07 PM
As far as I know, labor subs was banned in 2007...So if labor was substituted before 2007, we need to worry....Other cases who have 140 and labor intact now need not worry abt this rule for AC21..
Correct me if this is wrong...
but in many many cases people do not know about their Labor and 140 details. Many many chose not file AC21 documents... they just move to a new employer.... some of them might have their labor substituted without them know it.....
Mind you if you look at 485 inventory.... there are thousands of them out there who have filed 485 before July 2007 and still are waiting....
Correct me if this is wrong...
but in many many cases people do not know about their Labor and 140 details. Many many chose not file AC21 documents... they just move to a new employer.... some of them might have their labor substituted without them know it.....
Mind you if you look at 485 inventory.... there are thousands of them out there who have filed 485 before July 2007 and still are waiting....
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Blog Feeds
01-27 08:30 AM
Summary
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
jr8rdt
11-12 05:32 PM
1) To invoke ac21 do you have to have EAD and ...
a) I-140 approved and 485 pending 180 days or more OR
b) I-140 pending and 485 pending 180 days or more
2)Assuming I-140 is approved and 485 has been pending for more than 180 days, has valid EAD and the person invokes ac21. What about if employer revoke the I-140 (which has been approved)...will it has effect on the GC app? or once I-140 is approved that's it. you are free...
Thanks
a) I-140 approved and 485 pending 180 days or more OR
b) I-140 pending and 485 pending 180 days or more
2)Assuming I-140 is approved and 485 has been pending for more than 180 days, has valid EAD and the person invokes ac21. What about if employer revoke the I-140 (which has been approved)...will it has effect on the GC app? or once I-140 is approved that's it. you are free...
Thanks
amsgc
04-04 02:10 PM
Signin,
You need to give more information about what whether your wife was able to file I-485 for your wife. If you are from a retrogressed country, then your wife was probably not able to file to adjust status. In that case, she is can change from H4 to F1. After the approval, her status is not dependent on yours, and you can start using EAD.
I filed my 485 in August and got married later and my wife is on H4 right now. I'm on H1 as of now. I'm not using my EAD right now, so that my wife can maintain her H4 status. I'm planning her F1 processing from H4, so that once she is on F1 officially, I want to use EAD to change employers.
Is there any risk involved here and if so, please let me know
Thanks in Advance
You need to give more information about what whether your wife was able to file I-485 for your wife. If you are from a retrogressed country, then your wife was probably not able to file to adjust status. In that case, she is can change from H4 to F1. After the approval, her status is not dependent on yours, and you can start using EAD.
I filed my 485 in August and got married later and my wife is on H4 right now. I'm on H1 as of now. I'm not using my EAD right now, so that my wife can maintain her H4 status. I'm planning her F1 processing from H4, so that once she is on F1 officially, I want to use EAD to change employers.
Is there any risk involved here and if so, please let me know
Thanks in Advance
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