kevinkris
04-21 01:53 PM
Hi greeta,
I am not sure about time frame for GC but FREEDOM is more important for me. The market is not good, if you loose the job in L1 then you have to leave
to your home country and cannot transfer your visa. If it's H1 you can always do that.
If at all there is a difference in processing times for GC for L1, i don't see any drastic difference. Instead of 6 years it may be 5 years (6 years for GC? Are you kidding me?). No big deal.
Good luck.
Rgds,
Kris
Hi,
I am working in US on L1 and my company would start my green card filling in next few months.
I also have valid H1B pettion stamped and can switch to H1B which would mean that I can work freely here at US.
But many of my friends told me that green card processing is faster on L1.
I am not able to make decision whether I should continue working on L1 or change my status to H1 to get better hike and more opportunity.
Pls can anyone tell me which would be wise choice. Is green card processing for L1 visa is faster?
Thanks in advance.
~Greeta
I am not sure about time frame for GC but FREEDOM is more important for me. The market is not good, if you loose the job in L1 then you have to leave
to your home country and cannot transfer your visa. If it's H1 you can always do that.
If at all there is a difference in processing times for GC for L1, i don't see any drastic difference. Instead of 6 years it may be 5 years (6 years for GC? Are you kidding me?). No big deal.
Good luck.
Rgds,
Kris
Hi,
I am working in US on L1 and my company would start my green card filling in next few months.
I also have valid H1B pettion stamped and can switch to H1B which would mean that I can work freely here at US.
But many of my friends told me that green card processing is faster on L1.
I am not able to make decision whether I should continue working on L1 or change my status to H1 to get better hike and more opportunity.
Pls can anyone tell me which would be wise choice. Is green card processing for L1 visa is faster?
Thanks in advance.
~Greeta
wallpaper Cristiano Ronaldo Jr is a cute
anilsal
12-02 11:41 AM
What about the case wherein the GC is for a future employment with the same company? You may be currently on H1B with the company as an engineer, but the company applies GC as a manager because you qualify for EB2.
Only if the company is stable, will it be able to get future employment GCs approved. If it is a consulting/body shopping outfit, then ...........????
Only if the company is stable, will it be able to get future employment GCs approved. If it is a consulting/body shopping outfit, then ...........????
belmontboy
12-04 10:25 PM
http://minx.cc/?post=279217
you live your life dude, don't let any other M'fer control it!!!
you live your life dude, don't let any other M'fer control it!!!
2011 Cristiano Ronaldo#39;s Son
sagar_nyc
04-21 02:03 PM
Actually GC on L1 can be really much faster because GC processing on L1 comes under special EB1 category. So if you are willing to take risk of loosing job on L1. I will recommend to go for GC under L1.
Hi greeta,
I am not sure about time frame for GC but FREEDOM is more important for me. The market is not good, if you loose the job in L1 then you have to leave
to your home country and cannot transfer your visa. If it's H1 you can always do that.
If at all there is a difference in processing times for GC for L1, i don't see any drastic difference. Instead of 6 years it may be 5 years (6 years for GC? Are you kidding me?). No big deal.
Good luck.
Rgds,
Kris
Hi greeta,
I am not sure about time frame for GC but FREEDOM is more important for me. The market is not good, if you loose the job in L1 then you have to leave
to your home country and cannot transfer your visa. If it's H1 you can always do that.
If at all there is a difference in processing times for GC for L1, i don't see any drastic difference. Instead of 6 years it may be 5 years (6 years for GC? Are you kidding me?). No big deal.
Good luck.
Rgds,
Kris
more...
mps
09-27 05:56 PM
this topic is interesting....i do buy/sell stocks usin zecco / BoA etc...which are sites where i can do day trade..im interested to venture into it...
suggestions??
If you are trying to trade based on last tick (as most of the day traders do) then online brokerage us useless for you ..consider direct access trading services ..Goodluck !
(Don't trade with money you need for housing, food, & clothing)
suggestions??
If you are trying to trade based on last tick (as most of the day traders do) then online brokerage us useless for you ..consider direct access trading services ..Goodluck !
(Don't trade with money you need for housing, food, & clothing)
Dhundhun
11-18 12:52 PM
I have heard that your FP/biometrics does not have anything to with EAD.
USCIS has its own guideline of issuing EAD within 90 days. Since there was heavy work load after July, they issued without FP. For the EADs issued without FP, they are re-issuing EAD with FP.:)
USCIS has its own guideline of issuing EAD within 90 days. Since there was heavy work load after July, they issued without FP. For the EADs issued without FP, they are re-issuing EAD with FP.:)
more...
paskal
12-21 04:36 PM
/\/\/\/\/\/\
2010 Cristiano Ronaldo#39;s mother
vinay.shah73
01-17 03:12 AM
Both I and my wife had LUD update on Jan 9th. We got an RFE for her (but not me), asking for evidence regarding the bona fides of marriage. It will be great if you can share your experiences on RFE with us.
Here is what USCIS specifically requested:
1. Birth certificates of children
2. Documents of joint ownership of property such as car title, house (grant deed or rental agreement), etc.
3. Joint income tax returns
4. Joint financial accounts such as bank statements
5. Spousal insurance coverage such as health insurance and life insurance
In my original application, I had submitted the marriage certificate (in English) from India. I can resubmit that.
Things that I plan to submit:
a) Marriage certificate from India.
b) Joint US income tax returns for 2006.
c) Joint bank statement.
d) Kaiser health insurance for spouse.
e) Joint credit card statements.
We do not have kids. No car title or house on joint name. No rental agreement or utility bills on joint name. We do not have life insurance.
Please let me know if these documents sound reasonable enough to convince USCIS. If there is anything else that I can provide, please do let me know.
Thanks a lot!
vinay.shah73@gmail.com
PS: I filed I-485 in Jan 2007 under EB-1 in Nebraska Service Center. My I-140 was also approved in Jan 2007. This was not a concurrent filing. I filed I-485 after getting I-140 approved. Got finger-print, EAD, AP in April.
Here is what USCIS specifically requested:
1. Birth certificates of children
2. Documents of joint ownership of property such as car title, house (grant deed or rental agreement), etc.
3. Joint income tax returns
4. Joint financial accounts such as bank statements
5. Spousal insurance coverage such as health insurance and life insurance
In my original application, I had submitted the marriage certificate (in English) from India. I can resubmit that.
Things that I plan to submit:
a) Marriage certificate from India.
b) Joint US income tax returns for 2006.
c) Joint bank statement.
d) Kaiser health insurance for spouse.
e) Joint credit card statements.
We do not have kids. No car title or house on joint name. No rental agreement or utility bills on joint name. We do not have life insurance.
Please let me know if these documents sound reasonable enough to convince USCIS. If there is anything else that I can provide, please do let me know.
Thanks a lot!
vinay.shah73@gmail.com
PS: I filed I-485 in Jan 2007 under EB-1 in Nebraska Service Center. My I-140 was also approved in Jan 2007. This was not a concurrent filing. I filed I-485 after getting I-140 approved. Got finger-print, EAD, AP in April.
more...
WillIBLucky
12-08 08:45 AM
Why is IV very silent today? Is it a good sign or something else? Or is everyone in front of Cspan?
hair Cristiano Ronaldo#39;s mother
genius
12-14 08:06 PM
Unfortunately,kaplan doesnt issue I-20's anymore.
Are you sure than ,while the H1B is being processed ,you can live here legally?
Also what if I get use premium processing and get my H1B approved earlier,would I be able to start work before Oct 1st?
My OPT expires in May 2007 and I have my Masters from here...
Thanks in advance!!!
Are you sure than ,while the H1B is being processed ,you can live here legally?
Also what if I get use premium processing and get my H1B approved earlier,would I be able to start work before Oct 1st?
My OPT expires in May 2007 and I have my Masters from here...
Thanks in advance!!!
more...
shamu
01-12 12:37 PM
All,
Background:
I am hoping you can help me with my situation here. I had an appointment on Dec 19th 2008 at New Delhi consulate for extension of my H1B. Since I had a DUI in 2006, they told me to sumit medical report. When I submitted medican report on Dec 22, 2008 they told me they would review my report and tell me to deposit my passport if everything is fine (for visa stamping). They also told me that I don't need to come myself to deposit the passport. Since I had to get back to office, I left India and used AP to enter US.
I just received an email from consulate that I should submit passport at the ND consulate. I was thinking of sending it to my home in Delhi via courier so that my brother can submit it to consulate. Once consulate sends passport to my address in New Delhi, my family would courier it back to me. I wanted to check with folks here if that is fine.
Thanks
That is not correct, don't do this.
talk to attorney.
good luck to you.
Background:
I am hoping you can help me with my situation here. I had an appointment on Dec 19th 2008 at New Delhi consulate for extension of my H1B. Since I had a DUI in 2006, they told me to sumit medical report. When I submitted medican report on Dec 22, 2008 they told me they would review my report and tell me to deposit my passport if everything is fine (for visa stamping). They also told me that I don't need to come myself to deposit the passport. Since I had to get back to office, I left India and used AP to enter US.
I just received an email from consulate that I should submit passport at the ND consulate. I was thinking of sending it to my home in Delhi via courier so that my brother can submit it to consulate. Once consulate sends passport to my address in New Delhi, my family would courier it back to me. I wanted to check with folks here if that is fine.
Thanks
That is not correct, don't do this.
talk to attorney.
good luck to you.
hot Father: Cristiano Ronaldo
sabr
09-19 03:17 PM
Quick Q:
Lets say my H1b renewal is pending..while its pending I used EAD for a diff company than my sponsoring company( I will be with my Sponsoring company but in bench). Then my H1b gets approved. Can I still work with a diff company till I choose to go out to stamp for H1b and once am in US i can start working for my sponsoring company again?
Lets say my H1b renewal is pending..while its pending I used EAD for a diff company than my sponsoring company( I will be with my Sponsoring company but in bench). Then my H1b gets approved. Can I still work with a diff company till I choose to go out to stamp for H1b and once am in US i can start working for my sponsoring company again?
more...
house Cristiano Ronaldo has brought
eb3India
01-31 02:02 PM
I have nothing against UN and I really appreciate him for helping many guys and is numerous post on immigration portal (I wonder how he has so much time/energy to do so).
However, one needs to understand you need to help yourself by helping IV and I don't see this happening, we just have too many free riders, who are praying some how things will turns out in thier favour.
However, one needs to understand you need to help yourself by helping IV and I don't see this happening, we just have too many free riders, who are praying some how things will turns out in thier favour.
tattoo Cristiano Ronaldo: Baby Via
rishikesh75
11-09 10:47 AM
Luckily I had all but the 1st one when I entered in US. Please see the format letter below [please note that I am copying the format from a word doc & may not display correctly
Dear Sir/Madam,
In response to your letter requesting evidence for FORM I-131. Please find below mentioned details.
a. Copies of all I-94 issued- I do not have copy of I-94 that was issued to me on <>Date (my first arrival in US on H1). The original I-94 was returned to airline official at the time of boarding the flight.
The following entries are in TAB format
Date of Entry mm/DD/yyyy
Date of Exit mm/DD/yyyy
I-94 # NA
Copy Avail? N
Remarks Original I-94 was handed over to airlines staff at the time of boarding [Departed by flight xxx ]. To support my claim, please see attached passport copy that shows arrival record in India on <xxx> [pages 3-4]
b. Approval notices for extensions or change of Status- My original H1 [XXXX] expired on [XXX]. An H1 renewal notice was filed on [XXXX] and was approved on [XXX] [WAC-XXX]. I am attaching copies of both the approval notices.
c. Any other Evidence of your lawful immigrations status: I am attaching a copy of approved I-140 [SRC-XXX] and a copy of I-485 filing receipt [WAC-XXXX]
d. Evidence of relationship: I am attaching the following documents
1. Copy of my birth certificate
2. Copy of my marriage certificate
Thanks & Regards,
<Your Name>
Encl:
1. Passport copy pages displaying the visa issued ,date of entries to US on H1 and displaying the date of arrival in India [6 pages]
2. Copies of H1 approval & extension approval notice [2 pages]
3. Copies of I-94’s issued [5 pages]
4. Copy of I-140 approval [1 pages]
5. Copy of I-485 filing receipt [1 pages]
6. Copy of birth certificate [1 page]
7. Copy of marriage certificate [1 page]
Hope this helps
QUOTE=MYGCBY2010;193771]How did you respond to your RFE?.. Did you have copies of all of your I -94 ?.. Please let me know...[/QUOTE]
Dear Sir/Madam,
In response to your letter requesting evidence for FORM I-131. Please find below mentioned details.
a. Copies of all I-94 issued- I do not have copy of I-94 that was issued to me on <>Date (my first arrival in US on H1). The original I-94 was returned to airline official at the time of boarding the flight.
The following entries are in TAB format
Date of Entry mm/DD/yyyy
Date of Exit mm/DD/yyyy
I-94 # NA
Copy Avail? N
Remarks Original I-94 was handed over to airlines staff at the time of boarding [Departed by flight xxx ]. To support my claim, please see attached passport copy that shows arrival record in India on <xxx> [pages 3-4]
b. Approval notices for extensions or change of Status- My original H1 [XXXX] expired on [XXX]. An H1 renewal notice was filed on [XXXX] and was approved on [XXX] [WAC-XXX]. I am attaching copies of both the approval notices.
c. Any other Evidence of your lawful immigrations status: I am attaching a copy of approved I-140 [SRC-XXX] and a copy of I-485 filing receipt [WAC-XXXX]
d. Evidence of relationship: I am attaching the following documents
1. Copy of my birth certificate
2. Copy of my marriage certificate
Thanks & Regards,
<Your Name>
Encl:
1. Passport copy pages displaying the visa issued ,date of entries to US on H1 and displaying the date of arrival in India [6 pages]
2. Copies of H1 approval & extension approval notice [2 pages]
3. Copies of I-94’s issued [5 pages]
4. Copy of I-140 approval [1 pages]
5. Copy of I-485 filing receipt [1 pages]
6. Copy of birth certificate [1 page]
7. Copy of marriage certificate [1 page]
Hope this helps
QUOTE=MYGCBY2010;193771]How did you respond to your RFE?.. Did you have copies of all of your I -94 ?.. Please let me know...[/QUOTE]
more...
pictures cristiano ronaldo son mother.
Gravitation
12-09 08:28 PM
BTW, what are some of the online MS / MBA schools that the H1B community is attending ? Please share this information as I plan to take up one, and wanted to learn from your experirnce.
Thanks in advance.
I know many people who're going for part-time MBA, including myself. A good way of making best out of a stagnant career phase while waiting for GC.
Thanks in advance.
I know many people who're going for part-time MBA, including myself. A good way of making best out of a stagnant career phase while waiting for GC.
dresses C Cristiano Ronaldo#39;s son have
chrisj
01-17 07:26 PM
Even if the amount is just $4000, if he win the case you will have to pay his lawyer fee too. I would suggest you to resolve this by giving the actual reason. He cannot bind her to the job for 4 years.
You can talk and resolve. Most of the time if you pay back the filing fee, employers will be fine. no one want to go to court.
You can talk and resolve. Most of the time if you pay back the filing fee, employers will be fine. no one want to go to court.
more...
makeup Cristiano Ronaldo#39;s
IfYouSeekAmy
01-11 03:51 PM
Why do you even assume that the people who come here by winning the DV lottery are going to abuse the system just like that. One of the requirements to qualify for DV is high school education and work skill in addition to have been born in certain countries. Please look that up. So these people may not neccessarily have advanced degrees (although some may well have them) they are still educated and skilled people who after coming here will start working and start contributing to the society. Yes, there will be some exceptions but then I am sure there are few people in EB lines that abuse the system.
THe Lottery is the dumbest piece to obtain GC. Imagine some guy who does nothing to the USA applies, comes here sucks the $$ out of the system by coming here, staying here and enjoying all monetray benefits of a GC like unemployment benefits etc
If this passes. THere would be a huge relief among people who have advanced degrees
THe Lottery is the dumbest piece to obtain GC. Imagine some guy who does nothing to the USA applies, comes here sucks the $$ out of the system by coming here, staying here and enjoying all monetray benefits of a GC like unemployment benefits etc
If this passes. THere would be a huge relief among people who have advanced degrees
girlfriend Ronaldo#39;s sister Katia Aveiro
shivaz90
07-16 10:40 PM
It's pretty strange..I really don't understand...why the entire credit is either being given to IV...or for that matter to AILA/AILF....Everyone has contributed....
People about to file I-485 have spread the word to everyone abt the injustice done to them...whereas each organization has done its own thing...
I won't blame or taunt AILA/AILF....because the idea of class lawsuit itself would have scared a lot of people in USCIS.....that also coming from legal organization...And filing a lawsuit takes time...there r lot of things to be considered..
Well .. lets think for a second before trumpeting our victory here. And Victory, I mean is not achieved by one group over the other. Various groups and parties have put in thier efforts to find a resolution and to cast blame on one another is playing some childish games.
Lets leave out our passion for a second and think "logically" for a second - which one of this scares the s*** out of the USCIS people here - flower campaign or a Class action lawsuit by bunch of immigration lawyers? I am not doubting anyone's efforts here - but to say that we have achieved victory here is too early, too short sighted and blaming other groups for not doing much is silly. As much as the flower campaign help spread the word among the media of the plight of legal immigrants - the proposed lawsuit has made USCIS tremble in thier pants.
Sheikh - couldn't agree more here with you.
People about to file I-485 have spread the word to everyone abt the injustice done to them...whereas each organization has done its own thing...
I won't blame or taunt AILA/AILF....because the idea of class lawsuit itself would have scared a lot of people in USCIS.....that also coming from legal organization...And filing a lawsuit takes time...there r lot of things to be considered..
Well .. lets think for a second before trumpeting our victory here. And Victory, I mean is not achieved by one group over the other. Various groups and parties have put in thier efforts to find a resolution and to cast blame on one another is playing some childish games.
Lets leave out our passion for a second and think "logically" for a second - which one of this scares the s*** out of the USCIS people here - flower campaign or a Class action lawsuit by bunch of immigration lawyers? I am not doubting anyone's efforts here - but to say that we have achieved victory here is too early, too short sighted and blaming other groups for not doing much is silly. As much as the flower campaign help spread the word among the media of the plight of legal immigrants - the proposed lawsuit has made USCIS tremble in thier pants.
Sheikh - couldn't agree more here with you.
hairstyles Cristiano Ronaldo#39;s Son
bala50
12-12 06:02 PM
You don't need receipt notice. Valid AP and Passport should do.
Welcome to IV . Which state are you from. Please consider joining your state chapter.
Hi!
I have an approved H1 until 2009 but expired visa in my passport. I have AP and EAD approved. My lawyer has the original I-485 receipt notice - I only have a fax of it. I am travelling to India in Jan-08.
I am planning to re-enter the USA on AP. Do I need original I-485 receipt to re-enter? OR is AP documents enough? Do I need to carry approved H1-B notice or any other docs?
Thanks for your help!
Vivek.
Welcome to IV . Which state are you from. Please consider joining your state chapter.
Hi!
I have an approved H1 until 2009 but expired visa in my passport. I have AP and EAD approved. My lawyer has the original I-485 receipt notice - I only have a fax of it. I am travelling to India in Jan-08.
I am planning to re-enter the USA on AP. Do I need original I-485 receipt to re-enter? OR is AP documents enough? Do I need to carry approved H1-B notice or any other docs?
Thanks for your help!
Vivek.
justsomeguy
07-12 06:29 PM
fellow legal immigrations - this is my first posting on immigrationvoice.
i have been following this site very closely and first of all let me congratulate the IV team - you are all doing a terrific job!
now, i have read a lot of threads where employees say their employers do not give them the I-140 receipt numbers or the approved I-140s. this is sick! this is worse than bonded labor. employers with good ethics do not play such dirty tricks. this just plain sucks :mad:
clearly, there are rules from the uscis itself that you can port your priority date to another firm as long as your labor + 140 have been approved. so NOBODY has the moral right to withhold your 140 or labor approvals. i keep hearing that "140 belongs to the company" .. good.. but what the heck does that mean ? does that mean there are laws that permit PD porting but in a way you cannot really do that coz certain companies are not willing to give u the approved 140s?... is this FAIR ? or is it time to put this as another ACTION ITEM to make it illegal for companies to withold 140 from their employees especially if they want to switch jobs ??? something to chew on...
peace!
i have been following this site very closely and first of all let me congratulate the IV team - you are all doing a terrific job!
now, i have read a lot of threads where employees say their employers do not give them the I-140 receipt numbers or the approved I-140s. this is sick! this is worse than bonded labor. employers with good ethics do not play such dirty tricks. this just plain sucks :mad:
clearly, there are rules from the uscis itself that you can port your priority date to another firm as long as your labor + 140 have been approved. so NOBODY has the moral right to withhold your 140 or labor approvals. i keep hearing that "140 belongs to the company" .. good.. but what the heck does that mean ? does that mean there are laws that permit PD porting but in a way you cannot really do that coz certain companies are not willing to give u the approved 140s?... is this FAIR ? or is it time to put this as another ACTION ITEM to make it illegal for companies to withold 140 from their employees especially if they want to switch jobs ??? something to chew on...
peace!
cool_guy_onnet1
06-01 01:28 PM
New Immigration Bill Amendment Could Help Keep Foreign Tech Workers In U.S.
A proposal to create a dual green-card system that favors high tech talent has bi-partisan support in the Senate.
By Marianne Kolbasuk McGee
InformationWeek
May 31, 2007 04:50 PM
A bi-partisan group of U.S. senators next week is expected to introduce to the immigration reform bill an amendment that proposes to retain a pool of 140,000 employer-sponsored green cards for foreign workers seeking permanent residence in the United States.
Amendment S.1249, being co-sponsored by senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Orrin Hatch (R-Pa.), and Robert Bennett (R-Utah) proposes that the U.S. create a dual green-card system that, in addition to a new merit-point green card system that's proposed in the main bill, would also keep an annual pool of 140,000 employer-sponsored based green cards for foreign workers.
The revised legislation also proposes the United States establish no limit on H-1B visas for foreign professionals with masters or doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields.
"This would set up a complementary and parallel employer-sponsored system to the merit system" said Robert Hoffman, Oracle VP of government affairs and co-chair of Compete America, a coalition of technology companies. "This system would be more like Australia's" where immigration is granted in dual programs that includes employer-based sponsorship and merit points.
By the U.S. retaining a system allowing employer-based green cards to be issued each year, businesses would have better control over the talent they'd like to keep in the U.S., say tech employers.
One of the biggest criticisms that tech employers have about the current immigration reform bill being hammered out in the Senate is the proposed merit-based green card system. The process awards individuals with points based on the person's education, skills, and other factors.
Tech companies complain that a point-based system would shift to government bureaucrats too much control about the kind of talent pool that's available to employers in U.S. Amendment S.1249 proposes retaining employer-based immigration and expanding permanent residency to those foreigners with advanced STEM degrees, said Hoffman.
The amendment also proposes eliminating caps on H-1B visas issued to foreign students who have advanced degrees from U.S. universities. Right now, in addition to the 65,000 H-1B visas issued each year by the United States, an additional 20,000 H-1B visas are available to foreign students with advanced degrees from U.S. universities. The new amendment would eliminate that annual ceiling for advanced U.S. degrees.
In addition, the amendment also proposes providing 20,000 H-1B visas annually to foreigners with advanced degrees in STEM fields from foreign schools.
"Masters and PhDs would be exempt from the cap on H-1Bs and green cards," said Hoffman.
The amendment also proposes retracting a provision in the immigration reform bill that H-1B visa holders must have degrees that match their jobs. However, under the amendment, an H-1B visa holder with a degree in mathematics could continue to apply for work in a software engineering job, even without the software engineering degree.
"We're strongly in favor of this amendment," said Hoffman. "It's the single most important amendment in this [immigration] bill," he said.
Not everyone feels the same way. In a statement, U.S tech-professional advocacy group the Programmers Guild, called the amendment "a declaration of war on American tech workers."
A proposal to create a dual green-card system that favors high tech talent has bi-partisan support in the Senate.
By Marianne Kolbasuk McGee
InformationWeek
May 31, 2007 04:50 PM
A bi-partisan group of U.S. senators next week is expected to introduce to the immigration reform bill an amendment that proposes to retain a pool of 140,000 employer-sponsored green cards for foreign workers seeking permanent residence in the United States.
Amendment S.1249, being co-sponsored by senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Orrin Hatch (R-Pa.), and Robert Bennett (R-Utah) proposes that the U.S. create a dual green-card system that, in addition to a new merit-point green card system that's proposed in the main bill, would also keep an annual pool of 140,000 employer-sponsored based green cards for foreign workers.
The revised legislation also proposes the United States establish no limit on H-1B visas for foreign professionals with masters or doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM fields.
"This would set up a complementary and parallel employer-sponsored system to the merit system" said Robert Hoffman, Oracle VP of government affairs and co-chair of Compete America, a coalition of technology companies. "This system would be more like Australia's" where immigration is granted in dual programs that includes employer-based sponsorship and merit points.
By the U.S. retaining a system allowing employer-based green cards to be issued each year, businesses would have better control over the talent they'd like to keep in the U.S., say tech employers.
One of the biggest criticisms that tech employers have about the current immigration reform bill being hammered out in the Senate is the proposed merit-based green card system. The process awards individuals with points based on the person's education, skills, and other factors.
Tech companies complain that a point-based system would shift to government bureaucrats too much control about the kind of talent pool that's available to employers in U.S. Amendment S.1249 proposes retaining employer-based immigration and expanding permanent residency to those foreigners with advanced STEM degrees, said Hoffman.
The amendment also proposes eliminating caps on H-1B visas issued to foreign students who have advanced degrees from U.S. universities. Right now, in addition to the 65,000 H-1B visas issued each year by the United States, an additional 20,000 H-1B visas are available to foreign students with advanced degrees from U.S. universities. The new amendment would eliminate that annual ceiling for advanced U.S. degrees.
In addition, the amendment also proposes providing 20,000 H-1B visas annually to foreigners with advanced degrees in STEM fields from foreign schools.
"Masters and PhDs would be exempt from the cap on H-1Bs and green cards," said Hoffman.
The amendment also proposes retracting a provision in the immigration reform bill that H-1B visa holders must have degrees that match their jobs. However, under the amendment, an H-1B visa holder with a degree in mathematics could continue to apply for work in a software engineering job, even without the software engineering degree.
"We're strongly in favor of this amendment," said Hoffman. "It's the single most important amendment in this [immigration] bill," he said.
Not everyone feels the same way. In a statement, U.S tech-professional advocacy group the Programmers Guild, called the amendment "a declaration of war on American tech workers."
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