EB-VoiceImmigration
02-24 08:50 PM
Moving to the Faster Lane : Changing EB3 to EB2
We at the Murthy Law Firm receive many inquiries as to whether it is possible for an individual with an employment-based, third preference (EB3) case to change to the employment-based, second preference (EB2) category. As explained in this article, it is possible for many some people to make this transition. When combined with the potential to retain the priority date from the earlier employment-based (EB) case, this can be a powerful tool for qualified individuals to obtain permanent residence, or the "green card," much earlier.
EB3 Cannot Simply be Changed to EB2
Often individuals ask whether their current EB3 cases can somehow be converted to EB2s. They will usually mention that they had enough education and/or experience to meet the EB2 requirements at the time the EB3 case was filed. The answer to this is simply, "No." The EB category of any labor certification-based case is set at the beginning, when the labor certification is prepared and filed. The category depends on the requirements specified in the labor certification. If these requirements are at the EB3 level, then the case is filed as an EB3, even if the foreign national beneficiary may have qualifications in terms of the education and work experience sufficient for an EB2 level job.
New EB2 Case Filing Based on Minimum Job Requirements
It is possible for an individual with an EB3 case to have either the existing employer / sponsor or a new employer file a new case in the EB2 category. Of course, the new position must meet the EB2 requirements, and the individual must qualify for the offered position. The starting point must always be with the job requirements, not one's own education and experience. It is the job that must fit within the EB2 category, as the law requires that the employer specify the minimum education and other qualifications for the specific job. Then, of course, the beneficiary must be able to establish that s/he meets the education and experience required for the job.
New EB2 Filing Permissible with Job Change
It is not unusual for an individual with an EB3 case to qualify for EB2. This happens when one acquires additional education and/or experience through the years during which the EB3 case has been pending. Over time, people often are promoted into jobs that may meet the EB2 requirements.
Typically, questions about potentially changing to EB2 come from individuals who have reached the point where they have filed their I-485s. They have waited for a number of years, but are suffering under the enormous waiting times in the EB3 category. Many have used AC21 to change jobs, are advancing in their careers, and now hold jobs that could meet the EB2 standards.
EB2 Filing can be with Existing or New Employer
As explained above, in order to move from EB3 to EB2 it is necessary to start over with an entirely new labor certification. This often is filed through a new employer, when an individual has moved to a different job.
It potentially could be filed through the same employer that filed the EB3 labor certification. This could be appropriate if one obtained a promotion or otherwise moved into an EB2 job. If filing through the same employer, the employee ideally should have completed the minimum years of work experience for the EB2 position before starting work with the current employer. This is because there are legal issues and potential restrictions when relying on the experience gained with the same employer to qualify for the new job. These issues should be analyzed and discussed with an attorney experienced and knowledgeable immigration law.
Transfer of Earlier Priority Date to New Case Filing
The greatest benefit to utilizing the strategy of re-filing comes in the potential to retain the priority date from the EB3 case. This option exists if the EB3 I-140 petition has been approved. If so, then it is possible to request retention of this priority date in the later-filed EB2 case. This means that it potentially is possible to transfer the earlier EB3 priority date to the later-filed EB2 case with a new or the same employer. In many cases, this means that the individual could have a current or closer-to-current priority date, thus saving many years of waiting to become eligible for permanent residence.
There are some issues with respect to retention of the priority date if the I-140 has been revoked. Generally, however, it is the policy of the USCIS to allow the retention and transfer of the earlier priority date if the I-140 petition has not been revoked by the USCIS for fraud or misrepresentation.
Is Earlier EB3 Filing Made Vulnerable by Filing New EB2?
Most people inquiring about this option are concerned about any potential risks to their current EB3 cases. There are some procedural options with respect to the final step in the re-filed cases. However, it is possible to process the new case without risk of disruption to the EB3 case. This assumes that all information provided in the course of the prior filing was accurate.
A new labor certification filing, even if not approved, would not disrupt a prior approval. The same holds true for an I-140 filing. Conversely, approvals of the labor certification and I-140 do not disrupt or displace existing approvals. It is possible to have multiple approvals of labor certifications and I-140s for the same individual. Even when the request to retain the earlier priority date from the EB3 case is granted, the prior EB3 case remains undisturbed. There is nothing transferred or taken away from the EB3 case in the process of requesting that the EB2 case be assigned the same priority date.
At the final stage, there are options as to how to complete the case. The pros and cons should be discussed with a qualified immigration attorney. It is possible to proceed with the cases essentially in parallel, allowing for two cases and two potential avenues for eventual approval of permanent residence. The best way to proceed depends upon one's situation and, ideally, should be analyzed to consider the risks and options. What is helpful to most people, however, is that they do not have to risk their current EB3 cases to try to move to EB2.
Conclusion
At the Murthy Law Firm, we have successfully utilized the strategy discussed in this article for many of our clients by filing for each a new EB2 case with the same or a new employer. While it requires starting over with a new labor certification, for many it offers a significant advantage in terms of timing when the earlier priority date can be retained. MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers who wish to explore this option further should contact the Murthy Law Firm to help them with this process or for a consultation to determine whether it is appropriate for them.
Copyright � 2010, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved
We at the Murthy Law Firm receive many inquiries as to whether it is possible for an individual with an employment-based, third preference (EB3) case to change to the employment-based, second preference (EB2) category. As explained in this article, it is possible for many some people to make this transition. When combined with the potential to retain the priority date from the earlier employment-based (EB) case, this can be a powerful tool for qualified individuals to obtain permanent residence, or the "green card," much earlier.
EB3 Cannot Simply be Changed to EB2
Often individuals ask whether their current EB3 cases can somehow be converted to EB2s. They will usually mention that they had enough education and/or experience to meet the EB2 requirements at the time the EB3 case was filed. The answer to this is simply, "No." The EB category of any labor certification-based case is set at the beginning, when the labor certification is prepared and filed. The category depends on the requirements specified in the labor certification. If these requirements are at the EB3 level, then the case is filed as an EB3, even if the foreign national beneficiary may have qualifications in terms of the education and work experience sufficient for an EB2 level job.
New EB2 Case Filing Based on Minimum Job Requirements
It is possible for an individual with an EB3 case to have either the existing employer / sponsor or a new employer file a new case in the EB2 category. Of course, the new position must meet the EB2 requirements, and the individual must qualify for the offered position. The starting point must always be with the job requirements, not one's own education and experience. It is the job that must fit within the EB2 category, as the law requires that the employer specify the minimum education and other qualifications for the specific job. Then, of course, the beneficiary must be able to establish that s/he meets the education and experience required for the job.
New EB2 Filing Permissible with Job Change
It is not unusual for an individual with an EB3 case to qualify for EB2. This happens when one acquires additional education and/or experience through the years during which the EB3 case has been pending. Over time, people often are promoted into jobs that may meet the EB2 requirements.
Typically, questions about potentially changing to EB2 come from individuals who have reached the point where they have filed their I-485s. They have waited for a number of years, but are suffering under the enormous waiting times in the EB3 category. Many have used AC21 to change jobs, are advancing in their careers, and now hold jobs that could meet the EB2 standards.
EB2 Filing can be with Existing or New Employer
As explained above, in order to move from EB3 to EB2 it is necessary to start over with an entirely new labor certification. This often is filed through a new employer, when an individual has moved to a different job.
It potentially could be filed through the same employer that filed the EB3 labor certification. This could be appropriate if one obtained a promotion or otherwise moved into an EB2 job. If filing through the same employer, the employee ideally should have completed the minimum years of work experience for the EB2 position before starting work with the current employer. This is because there are legal issues and potential restrictions when relying on the experience gained with the same employer to qualify for the new job. These issues should be analyzed and discussed with an attorney experienced and knowledgeable immigration law.
Transfer of Earlier Priority Date to New Case Filing
The greatest benefit to utilizing the strategy of re-filing comes in the potential to retain the priority date from the EB3 case. This option exists if the EB3 I-140 petition has been approved. If so, then it is possible to request retention of this priority date in the later-filed EB2 case. This means that it potentially is possible to transfer the earlier EB3 priority date to the later-filed EB2 case with a new or the same employer. In many cases, this means that the individual could have a current or closer-to-current priority date, thus saving many years of waiting to become eligible for permanent residence.
There are some issues with respect to retention of the priority date if the I-140 has been revoked. Generally, however, it is the policy of the USCIS to allow the retention and transfer of the earlier priority date if the I-140 petition has not been revoked by the USCIS for fraud or misrepresentation.
Is Earlier EB3 Filing Made Vulnerable by Filing New EB2?
Most people inquiring about this option are concerned about any potential risks to their current EB3 cases. There are some procedural options with respect to the final step in the re-filed cases. However, it is possible to process the new case without risk of disruption to the EB3 case. This assumes that all information provided in the course of the prior filing was accurate.
A new labor certification filing, even if not approved, would not disrupt a prior approval. The same holds true for an I-140 filing. Conversely, approvals of the labor certification and I-140 do not disrupt or displace existing approvals. It is possible to have multiple approvals of labor certifications and I-140s for the same individual. Even when the request to retain the earlier priority date from the EB3 case is granted, the prior EB3 case remains undisturbed. There is nothing transferred or taken away from the EB3 case in the process of requesting that the EB2 case be assigned the same priority date.
At the final stage, there are options as to how to complete the case. The pros and cons should be discussed with a qualified immigration attorney. It is possible to proceed with the cases essentially in parallel, allowing for two cases and two potential avenues for eventual approval of permanent residence. The best way to proceed depends upon one's situation and, ideally, should be analyzed to consider the risks and options. What is helpful to most people, however, is that they do not have to risk their current EB3 cases to try to move to EB2.
Conclusion
At the Murthy Law Firm, we have successfully utilized the strategy discussed in this article for many of our clients by filing for each a new EB2 case with the same or a new employer. While it requires starting over with a new labor certification, for many it offers a significant advantage in terms of timing when the earlier priority date can be retained. MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers who wish to explore this option further should contact the Murthy Law Firm to help them with this process or for a consultation to determine whether it is appropriate for them.
Copyright � 2010, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved
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coopheal
04-12 03:01 PM
Gurus, I just got an email about RFE on 485 application for both of us (myself and wife). My PD is Sep 2006, EB2, not sure why the application got opened and whats the RFE about. I am still working on h1 (renewed based on approved 140) and still has 1.5 years left. Is someone on the same boat, i mean RFE's on 485 though PD is not current??? If the RFE is about my employment, would my wife also get the RFE ?? I am with the same employer from almost 6 years.Do i get the copy of RFE too or just the attorney?? Thanks Guys, appreciate your help ....
Don't worry much its more than like going to be a medical RFE.
I had an RFE recently with similar status. See thread....
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=24601
Don't worry much its more than like going to be a medical RFE.
I had an RFE recently with similar status. See thread....
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=24601
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satishku_2000
10-05 06:53 PM
If your jobs requires masters in computers or equivalent experience in computer related field.. get ready to answers to questions such as "How a 3 year degree in zoology or botany is equivalent to masters in computer science" at I 140 stage. One has to be ready for possible denial at 140 stage too.. Given the way NSC is processing 140s now a days , you should probably have a plan B in place if you dont have enough time left on H1b
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fromnaija
08-21 03:43 PM
From http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=25
"The annual limit for EB visa numbers is 140,000. This number also includes the dependents of an EB applicant. In addition there is a per-country limit set at 7% of the total."
By these numbers, it looks like there are 7%x140K = 9,800 GC approvals for India in each year. If we factor in 1 dependent for each GC applicant, the number of primary applicants approved is roughly 9,800/2 = 4900 Indians per year. And this supposedly includes the EB1, EB2, EB3 categories. If we divide that equally, it could mean hardly 4900/3 =1633 primary applicants get approved each year in each category !! Is my inferences incorrect ? [someone tell me its better than this]
I don't know how many Indians are waiting for their GCs, but it sure seems like everybody I meet on the street is waiting for his GC .. so, I guess its going to be a long long wait.
[I am an Indian and hence, I took the example of Indians above. I guess the numbers are similar for all other countries. My Labor PD is Jul-2002]
That is not the whole story. Unused visas from other countries are added into the pool for over-subscribed countries. For instance last year, India got about 49,000 immigrant visas in the EB category, while my country got only 1350.
"The annual limit for EB visa numbers is 140,000. This number also includes the dependents of an EB applicant. In addition there is a per-country limit set at 7% of the total."
By these numbers, it looks like there are 7%x140K = 9,800 GC approvals for India in each year. If we factor in 1 dependent for each GC applicant, the number of primary applicants approved is roughly 9,800/2 = 4900 Indians per year. And this supposedly includes the EB1, EB2, EB3 categories. If we divide that equally, it could mean hardly 4900/3 =1633 primary applicants get approved each year in each category !! Is my inferences incorrect ? [someone tell me its better than this]
I don't know how many Indians are waiting for their GCs, but it sure seems like everybody I meet on the street is waiting for his GC .. so, I guess its going to be a long long wait.
[I am an Indian and hence, I took the example of Indians above. I guess the numbers are similar for all other countries. My Labor PD is Jul-2002]
That is not the whole story. Unused visas from other countries are added into the pool for over-subscribed countries. For instance last year, India got about 49,000 immigrant visas in the EB category, while my country got only 1350.
more...
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seaken75
10-12 03:36 AM
I am scheduling an Infopass appointment at my local USCIS office in the hope of getting an interim EAD. It has been more than 90 days since they received my application.
I have a few questions:
1. What do i need to bring?
2. What should i expect?
3. What kind of questions would they ask?
Your experience in this matter is great appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
I have a few questions:
1. What do i need to bring?
2. What should i expect?
3. What kind of questions would they ask?
Your experience in this matter is great appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
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jettu77
07-17 06:40 PM
So, they were decided on July 13th itself...
Department of State Publication 9514
CA/VO:July 13, 2007
Department of State Publication 9514
CA/VO:July 13, 2007
more...
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pbuckeye
06-25 04:07 PM
Agree with Teddy that your petition's case detail substantially changed during the application process. I believe, that was the main reason for the denial.
Consult an attorney and try to file a fresh case. Good luck.
Consult an attorney and try to file a fresh case. Good luck.
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imneedy
02-05 10:12 AM
Shahuja and Raju,
thanks for your reply, let's hope you get them soon.
thanks for your reply, let's hope you get them soon.
more...
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satyakb
03-21 09:32 PM
We would like to Thank every onefor providing detailed advices - considering various aspects of life.
Will surely update the thread when we make a final decision.
Will surely update the thread when we make a final decision.
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pandu_hawaldar
10-17 02:44 PM
First you should fill up all the forms. (156/157) for you and your spouse, then it will let you go ahead and ask to select a date and then it will ask you to put some email address, where a link will be sent to download forms and sign them. You can click on back button and fill in more than one email id to make sure that you receive the link in one of 'em. 157 is required for certain age upto 55 years.
more...
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alisa
03-26 11:10 PM
I was reading up on gift tax. Normally, it is the donor (the person giving the gift) that pays the gift tax (if at all.)
What if your family (who lives outside the USA, and does not have greencard/citizenship) sends you some money, in excess of $12k.
Now, they don't file US taxes, so they don't pay any gift tax.
And this is not declared as an income in your income tax statement.
Do we have to pay any kind of gift tax or anything on it?
Do we have to declare it anywhere?
What if your family (who lives outside the USA, and does not have greencard/citizenship) sends you some money, in excess of $12k.
Now, they don't file US taxes, so they don't pay any gift tax.
And this is not declared as an income in your income tax statement.
Do we have to pay any kind of gift tax or anything on it?
Do we have to declare it anywhere?
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sujith1
07-07 06:05 PM
Yes - 485 can only be applied if ithe dates are current
Thanks for the valuable information. But we all know the I-485 process take long period of time. Mean time if I marry again, do I have to wait for the priority date to be current in order to Apply I-485 for my new wife?
thanks
balan.
Thanks for the valuable information. But we all know the I-485 process take long period of time. Mean time if I marry again, do I have to wait for the priority date to be current in order to Apply I-485 for my new wife?
thanks
balan.
more...
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InTheMoment
06-05 07:55 PM
In such cases, the PO Box owner or auth rep. takes the note that is left in the PO Box and collects the mail piece. This also applies for signature confirmation and other USPS services that requires a signature
The online status of my package on USPS tracking page shows same message as yours. It just struck me that how can a certified mail be delivered to the agency if one is sending it to a PO Box. I mean how can USPS get a delivery signature from a real person if the address is not a physical address, but a PO Box number. Any thoughts?
The online status of my package on USPS tracking page shows same message as yours. It just struck me that how can a certified mail be delivered to the agency if one is sending it to a PO Box. I mean how can USPS get a delivery signature from a real person if the address is not a physical address, but a PO Box number. Any thoughts?
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RandyK
10-02 03:06 PM
If the employer is in good financially, then somehow it was not proved to th USCIS when you submitted the docs for the RFE.
If you can prove the company is in good fin cond. applealing probably is the best option than starting all over
If you can prove the company is in good fin cond. applealing probably is the best option than starting all over
more...
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GCEB2
09-20 09:01 PM
Hi... Can any one tell me which are the afforable places in California to buy home. It can be town home or single family homes, Bet 300k to 400k.
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rheoretro
08-08 07:33 PM
...of meaningless "predictions."
more...
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maximus777
01-14 01:04 PM
How did an EB3 2004 app get approved? Did you port?
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kevinkris
02-18 02:42 PM
Is it something like appeal for a denial?
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gc_in_30_yrs
09-12 01:35 PM
What to advertise??
We need to start recruitment process. For this it requires job advertisements for 5 weeks in a row, complete the recruitment process.
We need to start recruitment process. For this it requires job advertisements for 5 weeks in a row, complete the recruitment process.
redgreen
08-04 01:38 PM
If she is on H4, as long as H1 is valid she can continue legally in US. I do not see any reason for her to go back.
She can file I-485 as a dependent, since she is still the wife of the I-485 primary applicant.
She can file I-485 as a dependent, since she is still the wife of the I-485 primary applicant.
Pria
01-10 09:49 AM
Thanks for the information. As suggested, I sent two PP size photos along with the docs.
Pria
Pria
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