sledge_hammer
05-15 07:12 AM
^^^^
wallpaper plant and animal cell
123456mg
07-29 04:16 AM
Hi there,
IV seems to be a terrific service to the immigration community. Kudos to the people who work hard to make it work.
Has anyone heard of cases where immigration lawyers have successfully petitioned on behalf of parents of a US baby (way before the age of 18) to become GC holders or citizens?
Hmmm..... good idea! Looks like you have a baby......
I do not think in any country there are such laws in place. Why don't you write it to US congress and see if it gets passed!! You will find yourself at the end of few million illegal latinos.
Good luck buddy!!
IV seems to be a terrific service to the immigration community. Kudos to the people who work hard to make it work.
Has anyone heard of cases where immigration lawyers have successfully petitioned on behalf of parents of a US baby (way before the age of 18) to become GC holders or citizens?
Hmmm..... good idea! Looks like you have a baby......
I do not think in any country there are such laws in place. Why don't you write it to US congress and see if it gets passed!! You will find yourself at the end of few million illegal latinos.
Good luck buddy!!
aj1234567
10-04 06:29 PM
Hi Gurus-
One of my friends had received strange letter from the consulate saying that
We are obliged to inform you that petition for temporary employment for xyz InfoTech .has been returned to the department of homeland security(DHS) for reconsideration, in your case you did not meet the necessary criteria of the visa category, we have asked DHS to revoke the petition.
With this letter we are returning your passport. no additional information or documents are required from you.
We will contact you once a final decision has been made on your application
Please advice me why they send this letter and what necessary action we need to take..
Thanks
Aj
One of my friends had received strange letter from the consulate saying that
We are obliged to inform you that petition for temporary employment for xyz InfoTech .has been returned to the department of homeland security(DHS) for reconsideration, in your case you did not meet the necessary criteria of the visa category, we have asked DHS to revoke the petition.
With this letter we are returning your passport. no additional information or documents are required from you.
We will contact you once a final decision has been made on your application
Please advice me why they send this letter and what necessary action we need to take..
Thanks
Aj
2011 +animal+cells+venn+diagram
rc0878
09-23 09:58 AM
what does the priority date column on the recipt notice say?
Does it show the actual priority date or is it blank or something else?
Does it show the actual priority date or is it blank or something else?
more...
newuser
10-06 04:06 PM
I was recently audited by Someone from Dept of Homeland Security regarding my H1-B visa status.He asked several questions regarding my position,job duties,pay,work hrs
How long I was associated with my current company, What was my previous job and job duties,How long I am in US etc.
I couldn't provide him the proof of the pay as I didn't had the pay stub to show him at that moment.
I asked him is this just rutine procedure ?He said this is recently started process to check H1B fraud.
Does any one else had same experience?
Unless you fill your profile, nobody will trust you. Anti's are trying to get some negative comments and feed their agenda
How long I was associated with my current company, What was my previous job and job duties,How long I am in US etc.
I couldn't provide him the proof of the pay as I didn't had the pay stub to show him at that moment.
I asked him is this just rutine procedure ?He said this is recently started process to check H1B fraud.
Does any one else had same experience?
Unless you fill your profile, nobody will trust you. Anti's are trying to get some negative comments and feed their agenda
vin13
09-30 01:08 PM
On mine and my spouse the online status just changed. I did not recieve any email.
more...
aamchimumbai
09-04 03:00 AM
I called my Civil Surgeon yesterday and asked her if she was willing to fill out a new I-693 form because it has been changed. Well, she was willing to fill out but said the old data (May 2008) is not valid, precisely TB test/Blood work/Physical exam. I thought it was ridiculous because all she had to do was validate her own results from the last exam. She was open for validating any vaccination records but not her own tests that she conducted.
I really don't want to spend $200/person again for the tests which she has already conducted. Anyways. I guess I'll have to pay her and get the new forms signed.
Is anyone in the same situation?
Thanks
I really don't want to spend $200/person again for the tests which she has already conducted. Anyways. I guess I'll have to pay her and get the new forms signed.
Is anyone in the same situation?
Thanks
2010 Bycytokinesis plant cell
sujan_vatrapu
01-22 02:30 PM
Why should we fight about every issue that is posted? Cant we debate it like mature people? This tendency to fight (and get emotional) over irrelevant issues will not help us any better.
Most of us in this immigration thread are academically oriented. And I believe that this can be attributed to the way in which we were molded in our early life. Most of our parents would stress academic excellence over athletic and artistic abilities. They made all our choices all the way to college and maybe beyond. They would always trump every argument with the statement, "We know what is best for you."
That said, I think the comparison between western and eastern parenting in US is not completely fair. The section of Indians & Chinese immigrants in US are educated and were probably at the top of their classes in their respective countries. They excelled academically and it helped them (us) immigrate and be part of the successful strata of this country. We cannot compare these immigrants with the Western population as a whole. We should compare eastern and western parenting techniques among parents with similar backgrounds.
Successful American families produce successful kids. This is also true for families of all races. Each set of parents have their own method.
Getting greencard is not everything. We have lives beyond the greencard. We have (or will have) kids and have a responsibility towards raising them to give them the best possible skills (academic, artistic & social) to thrive in their lives. And a mature discussion in parenting methods is useful.
I urge everyone of you to make your arguments and highlight relative merits & de-merits. You may also argue whether this discussion has merit or not. But no name calling.
Nag
i totally agree, we should always listen to people with different opinions which makes us more rational, i also agree with your point that we should not compare NRIs with general population here, parenting in every culture has its pros and cons, we should look at each of it and take out good,
Most of us in this immigration thread are academically oriented. And I believe that this can be attributed to the way in which we were molded in our early life. Most of our parents would stress academic excellence over athletic and artistic abilities. They made all our choices all the way to college and maybe beyond. They would always trump every argument with the statement, "We know what is best for you."
That said, I think the comparison between western and eastern parenting in US is not completely fair. The section of Indians & Chinese immigrants in US are educated and were probably at the top of their classes in their respective countries. They excelled academically and it helped them (us) immigrate and be part of the successful strata of this country. We cannot compare these immigrants with the Western population as a whole. We should compare eastern and western parenting techniques among parents with similar backgrounds.
Successful American families produce successful kids. This is also true for families of all races. Each set of parents have their own method.
Getting greencard is not everything. We have lives beyond the greencard. We have (or will have) kids and have a responsibility towards raising them to give them the best possible skills (academic, artistic & social) to thrive in their lives. And a mature discussion in parenting methods is useful.
I urge everyone of you to make your arguments and highlight relative merits & de-merits. You may also argue whether this discussion has merit or not. But no name calling.
Nag
i totally agree, we should always listen to people with different opinions which makes us more rational, i also agree with your point that we should not compare NRIs with general population here, parenting in every culture has its pros and cons, we should look at each of it and take out good,
more...
amitga
11-15 03:48 PM
CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG...IF I94 IS EXPIRED DOES IT NOT MEAN U R OUT OF STATUS. SHOULD YOU NOT RENEW I94 BASED ON I797 ?
He got a new I-94 in H1B approval. So he has a old expired I-94 and a new I-94 valid till 2008
He got a new I-94 in H1B approval. So he has a old expired I-94 and a new I-94 valid till 2008
hair +animal+cells+venn+diagram
sumansk
10-03 10:04 PM
I am sure you are a latest filers...so just relax and forget abt it for many yrs to come unless there is a serious effort by the Govt. to reduce backlog...till then elax and dotn let your blood boil over it leading to deterioration in health and wealth....
NJOY !!!
NJOY !!!
more...
chris
02-05 09:02 PM
One time one IO told me once you file your 485 or any application means USCIS is working on your case. You have to wait until they mail a decission. (what are we going to do though :p)
Here under review means same above meaning. Since your PD is not current. Even though they are working on your case doesn't mean any thing. :p
Good luck though. (we are seeing on forums that people are getting GCs without PD's are current.) :mad:
Cris,
I just called teh number and was able to talk to the officer.. he said the case under review.. means.. Any idea.
Thanks again.
Here under review means same above meaning. Since your PD is not current. Even though they are working on your case doesn't mean any thing. :p
Good luck though. (we are seeing on forums that people are getting GCs without PD's are current.) :mad:
Cris,
I just called teh number and was able to talk to the officer.. he said the case under review.. means.. Any idea.
Thanks again.
hot animal cell diagram gcse.
cal_dood
12-10 04:17 PM
Babson FastTrack MBA (http://cmweb.babson.edu/MBA/progrms/fasttrack.aspx) is a very good blended learning program if you are in the New England or Portland, OR area.
Please share the information on various Master degrees that you have done/doing/planning to do along with the University/school name and website information...
Please share the information on various Master degrees that you have done/doing/planning to do along with the University/school name and website information...
more...
house +animal+cells+venn+diagram
chanduv23
04-08 04:25 PM
Literally anyone is IV. IV is you and me. We are all collectively IV.
A lot of us have done media interviews in past. Some brought in media contacts, some gave media interviews .... so if you are interested, why don't YOU represent IV and contact media personnel.
This was supposed to be addressed to the OP.
A lot of us have done media interviews in past. Some brought in media contacts, some gave media interviews .... so if you are interested, why don't YOU represent IV and contact media personnel.
This was supposed to be addressed to the OP.
tattoo Celery cell. Venn Diagram
NKR
09-22 09:00 AM
Thats what GC means to me.
On the other hand...Its just the current state of mind...
You are asking 'What is GC, is it worth it?'. But you don't ask the same thing about other things...like 'What is Money, is it worth it?' !! 'What is family, is it worth it?'
But people do enter a state of mind, where other things become more important to them than what is important to you or me (like money, family....GC etc).
.
Dude, Your PD is in early 2001 and you are so calm and composed?. I am amazed with your �current state of mind�. I hope you get your GC soon.
On the other hand...Its just the current state of mind...
You are asking 'What is GC, is it worth it?'. But you don't ask the same thing about other things...like 'What is Money, is it worth it?' !! 'What is family, is it worth it?'
But people do enter a state of mind, where other things become more important to them than what is important to you or me (like money, family....GC etc).
.
Dude, Your PD is in early 2001 and you are so calm and composed?. I am amazed with your �current state of mind�. I hope you get your GC soon.
more...
pictures animal cell venn diagram
qasleuth
09-17 11:37 AM
Why even bother?
Forget worrying about about CNN and Lou Dobbs. They are NOBODY and of no significance for the quest for immigration reform.
If CNN drops Lou that will not pass CIR or recapture. There are so much Lou Dobbs are there in USA. It is a waste of time.
Wrong and Wrong.
Lou is broadcasting his radio show from Federation for American Immigration Reform's "Hold Their Feet to the Fire" legislative advocacy event. No points for guessing what the event is advocating for. Just wait for CNN to drop Lou and Fox embraces him. It will be just in time when CIR comes back on radar.
If you have been even remotely following the healthcare debate, the fewest (however idiotic or uninformed they are) make the loudest noise, scaring lawmakers. THAT is guaranteed to affect you and I (well not senthil as he already has his GC).
Lou Dobbs | Media Matters for America (http://mediamatters.org/search/tag/lou_dobbs)
Here is a good read on the why's/what's
Timothy Karr: What Beck, Dobbs and Limbaugh Are Really Afraid Of (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-karr/what-beck-dobbs-and-limba_b_288480.html)
Forget worrying about about CNN and Lou Dobbs. They are NOBODY and of no significance for the quest for immigration reform.
If CNN drops Lou that will not pass CIR or recapture. There are so much Lou Dobbs are there in USA. It is a waste of time.
Wrong and Wrong.
Lou is broadcasting his radio show from Federation for American Immigration Reform's "Hold Their Feet to the Fire" legislative advocacy event. No points for guessing what the event is advocating for. Just wait for CNN to drop Lou and Fox embraces him. It will be just in time when CIR comes back on radar.
If you have been even remotely following the healthcare debate, the fewest (however idiotic or uninformed they are) make the loudest noise, scaring lawmakers. THAT is guaranteed to affect you and I (well not senthil as he already has his GC).
Lou Dobbs | Media Matters for America (http://mediamatters.org/search/tag/lou_dobbs)
Here is a good read on the why's/what's
Timothy Karr: What Beck, Dobbs and Limbaugh Are Really Afraid Of (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-karr/what-beck-dobbs-and-limba_b_288480.html)
dresses animal cell venn diagram
Quest99
09-14 03:54 PM
You started working for Company B before or after the H1 transfer receipt notice ?
is LCA for H1 filed after you joined company B - is it legal ?
Its likely possible you may have signed some contract with them in the offer letter, you can keep the communication only thru emails. And ask them for a copy for the basis for their standing.
Sorry I should have been more clear.
I never worked for Company B , I am still with Company A. Company B just got the LCA approved (and they claim that they have filed for the H1b transfer). The start date with Company B as per the offer letter is 1 week from now. I informed them that I cannot join them 1 week before.
I have same set of copies (offer letter) that I signed them, I couldn't find anything which says anything about $3000. All it says "At Will" in nature. All of a sudden these guys are coming with a 3 months story which I am not seeing and there is no evidence.
I am afraid if they will insert a paper or something like that with in the offer letter, don't know..these guys will do anything.
is LCA for H1 filed after you joined company B - is it legal ?
Its likely possible you may have signed some contract with them in the offer letter, you can keep the communication only thru emails. And ask them for a copy for the basis for their standing.
Sorry I should have been more clear.
I never worked for Company B , I am still with Company A. Company B just got the LCA approved (and they claim that they have filed for the H1b transfer). The start date with Company B as per the offer letter is 1 week from now. I informed them that I cannot join them 1 week before.
I have same set of copies (offer letter) that I signed them, I couldn't find anything which says anything about $3000. All it says "At Will" in nature. All of a sudden these guys are coming with a 3 months story which I am not seeing and there is no evidence.
I am afraid if they will insert a paper or something like that with in the offer letter, don't know..these guys will do anything.
more...
makeup 4th grade plant cell diagram
sanju
04-08 05:37 PM
Trying to reach you guys for a while now.
1. How many active users are there as of today.
2. What are the media we have connection with.
Thanks.
I saw your questions earlier and knew the answers as they are available online. I ignored your questions earlier in the day, now I am glad that I did because you deserve answers to anything.
Get lost.
.
1. How many active users are there as of today.
2. What are the media we have connection with.
Thanks.
I saw your questions earlier and knew the answers as they are available online. I ignored your questions earlier in the day, now I am glad that I did because you deserve answers to anything.
Get lost.
.
girlfriend animal cell venn diagram
kabeer_g
01-12 12:17 PM
This is absolutely illegal. Never never do this.
So can you please suggest what do I do in this case. Only other option I can think of is telling the New Delhi consulate that I will be back in country in April and can submit my passport then.
I am hoping leaving India and entering US on Advance Parole was fine. It is not like my H1B had been denied. They needed additional documentation (medical report), which I submitted. After that they told me it would take them 2-3 weeks to process additional information. Since I did not have that much time, I left the country.
So can you please suggest what do I do in this case. Only other option I can think of is telling the New Delhi consulate that I will be back in country in April and can submit my passport then.
I am hoping leaving India and entering US on Advance Parole was fine. It is not like my H1B had been denied. They needed additional documentation (medical report), which I submitted. After that they told me it would take them 2-3 weeks to process additional information. Since I did not have that much time, I left the country.
hairstyles animal cell venn diagram
Blog Feeds
01-26 08:40 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)
Bpositive
01-06 05:44 AM
My wife was on OPT and working off a valid approval notice. It is a first time H1 stamping. She has a Phd in biology and therefore the 221g which includes a 'invitation letter'. The instructions are confusing. On the 221g, it asks for a scanned document and the email ack says send only .txt.
fromnaija
10-30 02:05 PM
Basically you are correct but if you are a little paranoid about your status you may take gc_chahiye's advice as expressed above. The choice is yours.
Please correct me if I am wrong i.e. I can continue working as I have already applied for my H1 extension and whatever the H1 extension response is based on that if it is approved I can stay on H1 else if extension denied for some reason then at that point I can move to EAD and file a new I-9 Form with my employer and continue my work.
Thanks
Please correct me if I am wrong i.e. I can continue working as I have already applied for my H1 extension and whatever the H1 extension response is based on that if it is approved I can stay on H1 else if extension denied for some reason then at that point I can move to EAD and file a new I-9 Form with my employer and continue my work.
Thanks
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