nozerd
05-11 09:12 AM
Folks,
I just got back from Canada yesterday. I am a PR holder landed in 2005. I had gone for my 8-11 yrs H1 stamping. Needless to say this trip I was very vigilant and observant about Toronto. Here are some thoughts.
1) When you enter Canada they will ask you to fill a customs/immigration form. On the form one question that is asked is " When were you last in Canada" also the form asks for your "current permanant address". So in my case I was last in Canada in May 2005 and I entered last week it aroused suspision. The officer asked me if I was within 2 to 5 yr room. I told him I was and I was using this trip to plan for our move. So after some questioning he let me in. I guess if that date was March 2007 instead of 2005 he may not have questioned me as much.
2) As far as lifestyle and products there is no products not available there. Every food item and consumer good is available in Canada. The grocery stores and their shelves look the same. Since the population is low most iotems are made in US and imported. Only way to know its a Canadian market is because by law all products need to be marked in English and French.
3) Malls etc are the same as US. Eaton Center or Vaughn Mills is no different then The Galleria or Katy Mills in Houston.
4) Housing is what you pay for it. It is definitely more expensive than Texas and Southern US but cheaper than California or NY. Rents are cheaper in run down areas and expensive in good areas ( duh !). In a major commercial area in a middle class building I was quoted $ 1000 for a bachelor and $ 1,200 for a 1 bedroom apt but this was all bills paid.
5) Jobs are fewer than US. Best thing to do is take a transfer with your company if they have offices there ( I know of 4 ppl who have done that). Basically if you have a US, Canadian or UK education you will be fine but iof your education is purely from India you may have a tougher time. A good option is to find a job in a border city and commute daily ( Windsor/Detroit or Foret Erie/Buffalo). I think this is a very good option if you can get a job in Detroit or Buffalo.
6) Taxes are high. I was told by many that whatever taxes you pay in US double them. Sales tax is 15% in ON where it is 8% in TX. Income tax is also higher. Higher taxes are a fact of life in Canada (no ifs ands or buts). In return you have a country where there is no fiscal or budgetary deficit and a very well funded social security system ( unlike US). You also have benefits like 9 months paid maternity leave, a pmt every month for every child you have and medical benefits.
7) Awesome public transport system. Gas is $ 1.04 or so a litrer when I was there. Insurance is expensivbe but not topo bad if you have a US license and good solid 5 yr US driving record. However its ridiculously high for non US or European immigrants.
So bottom line Canada is not US and comparing it to US is not fair. However its the closesnt to the US you will get in any other country. Its everyones personal decision and no one forces anyone to apply or mopve there. One could always takje a vacation/leave of absense and go try for a job there. Or else work in detroit/buffalo. Now detroit/buffalo is in US can you find job there ??????? or are they doomed too because of proximity to Canada:rolleyes:
I just got back from Canada yesterday. I am a PR holder landed in 2005. I had gone for my 8-11 yrs H1 stamping. Needless to say this trip I was very vigilant and observant about Toronto. Here are some thoughts.
1) When you enter Canada they will ask you to fill a customs/immigration form. On the form one question that is asked is " When were you last in Canada" also the form asks for your "current permanant address". So in my case I was last in Canada in May 2005 and I entered last week it aroused suspision. The officer asked me if I was within 2 to 5 yr room. I told him I was and I was using this trip to plan for our move. So after some questioning he let me in. I guess if that date was March 2007 instead of 2005 he may not have questioned me as much.
2) As far as lifestyle and products there is no products not available there. Every food item and consumer good is available in Canada. The grocery stores and their shelves look the same. Since the population is low most iotems are made in US and imported. Only way to know its a Canadian market is because by law all products need to be marked in English and French.
3) Malls etc are the same as US. Eaton Center or Vaughn Mills is no different then The Galleria or Katy Mills in Houston.
4) Housing is what you pay for it. It is definitely more expensive than Texas and Southern US but cheaper than California or NY. Rents are cheaper in run down areas and expensive in good areas ( duh !). In a major commercial area in a middle class building I was quoted $ 1000 for a bachelor and $ 1,200 for a 1 bedroom apt but this was all bills paid.
5) Jobs are fewer than US. Best thing to do is take a transfer with your company if they have offices there ( I know of 4 ppl who have done that). Basically if you have a US, Canadian or UK education you will be fine but iof your education is purely from India you may have a tougher time. A good option is to find a job in a border city and commute daily ( Windsor/Detroit or Foret Erie/Buffalo). I think this is a very good option if you can get a job in Detroit or Buffalo.
6) Taxes are high. I was told by many that whatever taxes you pay in US double them. Sales tax is 15% in ON where it is 8% in TX. Income tax is also higher. Higher taxes are a fact of life in Canada (no ifs ands or buts). In return you have a country where there is no fiscal or budgetary deficit and a very well funded social security system ( unlike US). You also have benefits like 9 months paid maternity leave, a pmt every month for every child you have and medical benefits.
7) Awesome public transport system. Gas is $ 1.04 or so a litrer when I was there. Insurance is expensivbe but not topo bad if you have a US license and good solid 5 yr US driving record. However its ridiculously high for non US or European immigrants.
So bottom line Canada is not US and comparing it to US is not fair. However its the closesnt to the US you will get in any other country. Its everyones personal decision and no one forces anyone to apply or mopve there. One could always takje a vacation/leave of absense and go try for a job there. Or else work in detroit/buffalo. Now detroit/buffalo is in US can you find job there ??????? or are they doomed too because of proximity to Canada:rolleyes:
wallpaper Ashton Kutcher told his
ita
03-30 11:57 AM
You obviously have your own reasons for pitching so adamantly for the wrapper MMS.Isn't it strange that he won't even contest the election directly?Did you hear his speech post Mumbai attacks?
Now back to financial reforms which is his forte...just so you own...
Sonia held back MMS's hand. She had him appoint the National Advisory Council (NAC) (apart from list of other councils and Congress constitutional changes that she made so the power lies directly in her hands)under her chairmanship with statutory powers to oversee the the reforms.
It's easy to blame the allies it's tough to suck in the truth when you as an individual have vested interest and not Nation's interest in mind.
All these vested interests of different individuals are the rungs of Sonia's ladder.In that sense alone she and her family are in
the right place right time.
We as individuals don't put in efforts to learn the facts(of course we have so many hurdles in our own life),when some one breaks it down for you, you try to weigh your benefit in accepting/rejecting the facts. Then wake up one day when we get the jolt of Mumbai kind of attacks(She was doing non sense with defence ministry too). Of course there is always IV to come carping( well why not?... carping on forums doesn't need any effort... also it's a good way of passing time)
I some how knew when I started sharing what I know MMS will catch up in the poll.Look how he is suddenly so popular on this thread's poll.But I still think me sharing all these facts/views is in some way good.
I believe there were some junkies called Left were holding the Govt and MMS as hostages.... Thats why there is no reform...
Now back to financial reforms which is his forte...just so you own...
Sonia held back MMS's hand. She had him appoint the National Advisory Council (NAC) (apart from list of other councils and Congress constitutional changes that she made so the power lies directly in her hands)under her chairmanship with statutory powers to oversee the the reforms.
It's easy to blame the allies it's tough to suck in the truth when you as an individual have vested interest and not Nation's interest in mind.
All these vested interests of different individuals are the rungs of Sonia's ladder.In that sense alone she and her family are in
the right place right time.
We as individuals don't put in efforts to learn the facts(of course we have so many hurdles in our own life),when some one breaks it down for you, you try to weigh your benefit in accepting/rejecting the facts. Then wake up one day when we get the jolt of Mumbai kind of attacks(She was doing non sense with defence ministry too). Of course there is always IV to come carping( well why not?... carping on forums doesn't need any effort... also it's a good way of passing time)
I some how knew when I started sharing what I know MMS will catch up in the poll.Look how he is suddenly so popular on this thread's poll.But I still think me sharing all these facts/views is in some way good.
I believe there were some junkies called Left were holding the Govt and MMS as hostages.... Thats why there is no reform...
_TrueFacts
09-04 10:57 AM
Mr. or Mrs, so called "TrueFacts", you must be ashamed of your own thoughts. On seeing this thread, you created a fake account and became a keyboard warrior. Why? What is your other avatar? Are you suffering from multiple personality syndrome?
....
RajSenthil,
Picking on me will not change the fact that YSR was a corrupt, factionist gunda, land grabber who has killed numerous people. If you have a point against that, say so.
I am providing links to that reason.
Why any one (pseudo or not) should have sympathy for the dead? Do you have sympathy for Saddam, Hitler? Facts are facts. YSR�s death has contributed to this discussion. It does not matter what my ID is, where I am and if I am Mr or Mrs.
....
RajSenthil,
Picking on me will not change the fact that YSR was a corrupt, factionist gunda, land grabber who has killed numerous people. If you have a point against that, say so.
I am providing links to that reason.
Why any one (pseudo or not) should have sympathy for the dead? Do you have sympathy for Saddam, Hitler? Facts are facts. YSR�s death has contributed to this discussion. It does not matter what my ID is, where I am and if I am Mr or Mrs.
2011 Ashton Kutcher #39;flew round the
kingkong
09-04 02:00 PM
I am from AP. And my father had first hand experience getting ripped off by this dead mans cronies when they threatened and grabbed my fathers small plot, that he had bought way back in 89, on the out-skirts of Hyd. All it took was one single threatening phone call to my father and my father signed the sale deed for the land the very next day, not asking a single penny in return. His family was more precious to him than the bloody piece of land. My father worked as a clerk in a central govt office. He is a simple man and has no clout.
I am sad that YSR is dead. I wish he survived but with 3rd degree burns and limped out his miserable life for the next 100 yrs.
I am from Kerala. not from AP.(studied in Bangalore and have friends from almost every state from India) I AM NOT A REDDY OR RAO.
Some of my friends are from Bihar (CHILDREN OF MP'S, MLA) go home for elections and lead booth capturing. They shared their experience with me.
CASTE POLITICS IS A THE RESON FOR ALL NEGATIVE COMMENTS.
IN KERALA, CASTE POLITICS IS EXISTS (just pick a candidate for a constituency), BUT NOT IN THE RANGE OF OTHER INDIAN STATES. (ESPECIALLY NORTH INDIA)
Let the people from AP, comment about him. If they give him second time, it is clear that majority like him. No doubt about it. If he is not good, why you people campaign against him by blogs for go to India and vote against him ???
I DIDN'T SUPPORT ANY POLITICIANS. But have a sympathy for a dead person and other 5 people in the accident.
This can happen to any one of us at any time. Do not rejoice in Tragedies.
I am sad that YSR is dead. I wish he survived but with 3rd degree burns and limped out his miserable life for the next 100 yrs.
I am from Kerala. not from AP.(studied in Bangalore and have friends from almost every state from India) I AM NOT A REDDY OR RAO.
Some of my friends are from Bihar (CHILDREN OF MP'S, MLA) go home for elections and lead booth capturing. They shared their experience with me.
CASTE POLITICS IS A THE RESON FOR ALL NEGATIVE COMMENTS.
IN KERALA, CASTE POLITICS IS EXISTS (just pick a candidate for a constituency), BUT NOT IN THE RANGE OF OTHER INDIAN STATES. (ESPECIALLY NORTH INDIA)
Let the people from AP, comment about him. If they give him second time, it is clear that majority like him. No doubt about it. If he is not good, why you people campaign against him by blogs for go to India and vote against him ???
I DIDN'T SUPPORT ANY POLITICIANS. But have a sympathy for a dead person and other 5 people in the accident.
This can happen to any one of us at any time. Do not rejoice in Tragedies.
more...
chanduv23
02-13 02:06 PM
But we also have members making $30K fundraising effort successful in 7 days! Hence I believe if the IV core decides to explore the possibility of a lawsuit, we can raise enough money to hire an attorney for that.
there is a saying "if it takes 180 days for a immigrant to screw a light bulb" does not mean that "180 immigrants can screw the light bulb in 1 day".
we have thresholds and we need more active participation. These campaigns are refreshers, we are gathering more dedicated vollunteers, we want to see more people coming forward and help us.
30k in 7 days is a good positive way and we want to see this getting better, what I mean is
30K in 7 days must lead to -> 100k in 20 days must lead to -500k in 2 months - if this is a pattern - then yes we can think of big things. The community must also be ready to face any failure and take it with a pinch of salt? Are we ready for it yet?
I want the answer from the people because I do not want to sound negative :)
there is a saying "if it takes 180 days for a immigrant to screw a light bulb" does not mean that "180 immigrants can screw the light bulb in 1 day".
we have thresholds and we need more active participation. These campaigns are refreshers, we are gathering more dedicated vollunteers, we want to see more people coming forward and help us.
30k in 7 days is a good positive way and we want to see this getting better, what I mean is
30K in 7 days must lead to -> 100k in 20 days must lead to -500k in 2 months - if this is a pattern - then yes we can think of big things. The community must also be ready to face any failure and take it with a pinch of salt? Are we ready for it yet?
I want the answer from the people because I do not want to sound negative :)
Lasantha
09-29 11:07 AM
Yes, it is. I used it when I went to get my Canadian PR validated in June this year. Are you flying or driving? Make sure you do not surrender your I-94.
Take a letter from your employer and recent paystubs just in case. (They didn't ask for them but take them anyway).
I assume you know all the conditions?
Take a letter from your employer and recent paystubs just in case. (They didn't ask for them but take them anyway).
I assume you know all the conditions?
more...
andymajumder
06-02 03:42 PM
country quota is not racial discrimination...u must be a fool to say that.
To change the country quota..they have to change the whole philosophy of immigration in this country... Equal opportunity for all...
Its absurd to try to change the country quota..we must try for recapture..instead..
Why is it absurd to change the country quota? What is the use of the country quota..is it necessary for diversity? The primary basis by which a person qualifies for employment based GC is through his academic qualifications and work experience....how is deciding how many GCs you would give based on country of birth relevant in this case. What is the basis of such a rule unless you want to limit the no. of people coming from countries which produce large no. of qualified, educated people. How is this fair considering that India and China produce at least 10 times more college graduates than most other countries in the world other than the USA.
If promoting diversity was the cause, there's already a diversity GC process and people from India, China and some other countries are not eligible to apply in those categories.
If limiting people from certain ethinic backgrounds based on current population of USA is a criterion - lets get this fact straight - Indian americans are less than 0.4% of US population there are far more people of vietnamese, philipino and few other southeast asian origin in the USA. In fact if limiting people of certain ethnic background from becoming larger part of the population and maintaining racial diversity had been a criterion, people of Irish, Polish, British, German (or most EU countries) shouldn't be allowed to immigrate to US at all since people of those heritage already form large % of the population. Yet, any similarly qualified person from these countries can get a EB GC in a year or two now while an Indian has to wait 8 - 10 years.
I am quite sure a skilled civil rights lawyer can prove the current situation against Indians in EB category as case of discrimation based on country of birth, since the stated goal of the EB category is immigration based on skills and academic qualifications.
To change the country quota..they have to change the whole philosophy of immigration in this country... Equal opportunity for all...
Its absurd to try to change the country quota..we must try for recapture..instead..
Why is it absurd to change the country quota? What is the use of the country quota..is it necessary for diversity? The primary basis by which a person qualifies for employment based GC is through his academic qualifications and work experience....how is deciding how many GCs you would give based on country of birth relevant in this case. What is the basis of such a rule unless you want to limit the no. of people coming from countries which produce large no. of qualified, educated people. How is this fair considering that India and China produce at least 10 times more college graduates than most other countries in the world other than the USA.
If promoting diversity was the cause, there's already a diversity GC process and people from India, China and some other countries are not eligible to apply in those categories.
If limiting people from certain ethinic backgrounds based on current population of USA is a criterion - lets get this fact straight - Indian americans are less than 0.4% of US population there are far more people of vietnamese, philipino and few other southeast asian origin in the USA. In fact if limiting people of certain ethnic background from becoming larger part of the population and maintaining racial diversity had been a criterion, people of Irish, Polish, British, German (or most EU countries) shouldn't be allowed to immigrate to US at all since people of those heritage already form large % of the population. Yet, any similarly qualified person from these countries can get a EB GC in a year or two now while an Indian has to wait 8 - 10 years.
I am quite sure a skilled civil rights lawyer can prove the current situation against Indians in EB category as case of discrimation based on country of birth, since the stated goal of the EB category is immigration based on skills and academic qualifications.
2010 The Ashton Kutcher scandal is
Rohan99
07-30 01:20 AM
psaxena ..... Are you obsessed with GC? This thread is about amway not immigration. Try to learn differentiating
You need to Grow up instead of saying others. Use your common sense next time you post such things, Read thread topic before writing anything.
Wait a min , how much had you?? Your status is Member and Kaushal's is a Donor.. wait a min let me think who is donating and who is a FREELOADER here.
The guy is doing something to make his life better, atleast making an attempt to do something better, why do you losers are trying to demotivate and shoot him down.
No work is small or big , good or bad , work is work.. you wanna do it , just do it , else walk to out. Do not exhibit the desi attitude "I won't do it as what someone will say and also do not let any one else do it." Grow up.
You need to Grow up instead of saying others. Use your common sense next time you post such things, Read thread topic before writing anything.
Wait a min , how much had you?? Your status is Member and Kaushal's is a Donor.. wait a min let me think who is donating and who is a FREELOADER here.
The guy is doing something to make his life better, atleast making an attempt to do something better, why do you losers are trying to demotivate and shoot him down.
No work is small or big , good or bad , work is work.. you wanna do it , just do it , else walk to out. Do not exhibit the desi attitude "I won't do it as what someone will say and also do not let any one else do it." Grow up.
more...
Legal
07-23 12:28 PM
I am estimating around 75K EB2 AOS approvals this year. Please check my analysis here. The analysis is based on statistics, testimonies, and spill over from FB to EB as estimated by Ron Gother. The analysis was couple of months old. I believe it still stands.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showpost.php?p=246481&postcount=1422
Apart from total number of EB2 visas this year, one thing that is crucial here is how many visas are already used up. And thus how many visas are left for this year.
In the USCIS testimony, it was stated that they already used up 65% of the "target" in 5 months. Assuming, they used up atleast 30% more in next 5 months, there is only 5% to 10% of visas left over from their "target" number of visas. Did their "target" included spill over? No one knows. Knowing that will put us in better position to estimate the PD progress.
Though the EB2 moved until June 2006, I am hoping that most of the people before 2005 March should get approved. In that case, even if it retrogresses, it will fall back to March 2005. Once we reach March 2005, we have all statistics from DOL. So, would be easier to estimate.
There are 20 K EB visas left from the regular EB category for this fiscal and there are minimum of 20k FB visas which spill over for EB.
Thus conservative estimate 40k visas are available for use before Sep 30th. Liberal estimate the numbers could be higher.
More likley to happen is most EB-2 upto Dec 2005 getting approved, many in early 2006 getting approved.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showpost.php?p=246481&postcount=1422
Apart from total number of EB2 visas this year, one thing that is crucial here is how many visas are already used up. And thus how many visas are left for this year.
In the USCIS testimony, it was stated that they already used up 65% of the "target" in 5 months. Assuming, they used up atleast 30% more in next 5 months, there is only 5% to 10% of visas left over from their "target" number of visas. Did their "target" included spill over? No one knows. Knowing that will put us in better position to estimate the PD progress.
Though the EB2 moved until June 2006, I am hoping that most of the people before 2005 March should get approved. In that case, even if it retrogresses, it will fall back to March 2005. Once we reach March 2005, we have all statistics from DOL. So, would be easier to estimate.
There are 20 K EB visas left from the regular EB category for this fiscal and there are minimum of 20k FB visas which spill over for EB.
Thus conservative estimate 40k visas are available for use before Sep 30th. Liberal estimate the numbers could be higher.
More likley to happen is most EB-2 upto Dec 2005 getting approved, many in early 2006 getting approved.
hair Ashton Kutcher has taken aim
test101
07-03 08:11 PM
do you mind using what you wrote for emaling the media ?
thanks.
Posting here as asked by Pappu:
------
Hi Jessie,
I am contacting you today regarding the recent chain of events concerning employment-based immigrants.
I am positive you are aware of the recent debacle skilled professionals waiting for years in the immigration backlog have sufferred thanks to the Dept of State and the USCIS.
Some Facts:
- On June 13, DoS announced the July Visa Bulletin which made visa numbers available for all categories of employment-based immigrant visas, for all countries of chargeability. The July Visa Bulletin made all categories for all countries "CURRENT", giving a ray of hope to skilled professionals waiting in line for years to get a green card.
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_3258.html (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2ftravel.state.gov%2fvis a%2ffrvi%2fbulletin%2fbulletin_3258.html)
- Faced with this news, applicants and their families spent significant time and resources to put together the required documentation in a very short time, in many cases procuring important documents from their home countries and getting them couriered at considerable expense; and having family members like spouses and children fly in to the U.S. to be able to apply for a green card. Thousands of dollars were spent on this, and on the required medical checkups, and in many cases lawyers' fees, in order to submit the applications for the final stage of green card - Adjustment of Status (AOS), by filing Form I-485 by end of June so it reaches USCIS by July 2.
- Once a Visa Bulletin for the next month is announced, USCIS accepts all applications to adjust status that are received in that month. They may not have enough visa numbers for all applications received, and as such are not bound to actually issue green cards to all applicants in the month. However, applicants and their family members can receive interim benefits after filing e.g.:
1. Employment Authorization (EAD): This is particularly important for spouses, who are often unable to work because they are on H4 visas, and do not belong to specialized occupations that would entitle them to get an H1B visa.
2. Advanced Parole: Allowing applicants to travel freely.
3. Portability: Allows applicants to change employers 180 days after filing AOS, if the new job is the same as the one they based their positions/original green card applications on. This is very important for most professionals, who are bound to a particular employer for years during the green card processing, marred by its delays and complexity.
- Early on July 2, the first day when USCIS started receiving applications for AOS, the Dept of State announced an updated Visa Bulletin, stating that USCIS has issued extraordinary number of immigrant visas (60,000) for employment-based immigrants (between the July 2007 Visa Bulletin announcement on June 13 and end of June = June 29), thus running out of any available visa numbers for the rest of the year!
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_3263.html (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2ftravel.state.gov%2fvis a%2ffrvi%2fbulletin%2fbulletin_3263.html)
- Following that, displaying amazing coordination, USCIS posted an update on its web site stating any AOS applications receivedi n the month of July will be rejected, effective immediately (July 2).
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/VisaBulletin2Jul07.pdf (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.uscis.gov%2ffiles% 2fpressrelease%2fVisaBulletin2Jul07.pdf)
In effect, this closed the available window for filing AOS applications - the entire month of July - even before it opened!
- The fact that a Visa Bulletin gets updated mid-month is unprecedented.
- The fact that the USCIS processed and adjudicated roughly the same number of AOS applications in about 15 days as they have done in the previous 10 months is both alarming and shocking!
- The American Immigrant Law Foundation is considering a class-action lawsuit agains USCIS/DoS.
- Immigration Voice (www.immigrationvoice.org (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.immigrationvoice.o rg%2f)), an organization of skilled professionals/documented immigrants is considering the same.
- Here's a Press Release from ImmigrationVoice.org:
http://www.prlog.org/10022648-no-celebration-for-thousands-of-highly-skilled-future-americans-this-july-4th.html (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.prlog.org%2f100226 48-no-celebration-for-thousands-of-highly-skilled-future-americans-this-july-4th.html)
- Also of interest, the following blog post by immigration lawyer Greg Siskind:
Full-Blown Scandal
http://blogs.ilw.com/gregsiskind/2007/07/full-blown-scan.html (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fblogs.ilw.com%2fgregsi skind%2f2007%2f07%2ffull-blown-scan.html)
- Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren has issued a statement against this move, and written to both USCIS and DoS:
http://lofgren.house.gov/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=1808 (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2flofgren.house.gov%2fPR Article.aspx%3fNewsID%3d1808)
- Following link is from Forbes, a wire story by AP that got picked up by many media outlets in the last 24 hours:
Legal Workers Lose Chance at Green Cards
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/02/ap3879453.html (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.forbes.com%2ffeeds %2fap%2f2007%2f07%2f02%2fap3879453.html)
Hoping you will be able to highlight the plight of tens of thousands of such folks who got their single glimmer of hope taken away from them in a flash, before it even became available. (Ironically, all this happened whilst in the background lawmakers were considering legalizing 12-20 million undocumented immigrants.)
Thanks,
thanks.
Posting here as asked by Pappu:
------
Hi Jessie,
I am contacting you today regarding the recent chain of events concerning employment-based immigrants.
I am positive you are aware of the recent debacle skilled professionals waiting for years in the immigration backlog have sufferred thanks to the Dept of State and the USCIS.
Some Facts:
- On June 13, DoS announced the July Visa Bulletin which made visa numbers available for all categories of employment-based immigrant visas, for all countries of chargeability. The July Visa Bulletin made all categories for all countries "CURRENT", giving a ray of hope to skilled professionals waiting in line for years to get a green card.
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_3258.html (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2ftravel.state.gov%2fvis a%2ffrvi%2fbulletin%2fbulletin_3258.html)
- Faced with this news, applicants and their families spent significant time and resources to put together the required documentation in a very short time, in many cases procuring important documents from their home countries and getting them couriered at considerable expense; and having family members like spouses and children fly in to the U.S. to be able to apply for a green card. Thousands of dollars were spent on this, and on the required medical checkups, and in many cases lawyers' fees, in order to submit the applications for the final stage of green card - Adjustment of Status (AOS), by filing Form I-485 by end of June so it reaches USCIS by July 2.
- Once a Visa Bulletin for the next month is announced, USCIS accepts all applications to adjust status that are received in that month. They may not have enough visa numbers for all applications received, and as such are not bound to actually issue green cards to all applicants in the month. However, applicants and their family members can receive interim benefits after filing e.g.:
1. Employment Authorization (EAD): This is particularly important for spouses, who are often unable to work because they are on H4 visas, and do not belong to specialized occupations that would entitle them to get an H1B visa.
2. Advanced Parole: Allowing applicants to travel freely.
3. Portability: Allows applicants to change employers 180 days after filing AOS, if the new job is the same as the one they based their positions/original green card applications on. This is very important for most professionals, who are bound to a particular employer for years during the green card processing, marred by its delays and complexity.
- Early on July 2, the first day when USCIS started receiving applications for AOS, the Dept of State announced an updated Visa Bulletin, stating that USCIS has issued extraordinary number of immigrant visas (60,000) for employment-based immigrants (between the July 2007 Visa Bulletin announcement on June 13 and end of June = June 29), thus running out of any available visa numbers for the rest of the year!
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_3263.html (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2ftravel.state.gov%2fvis a%2ffrvi%2fbulletin%2fbulletin_3263.html)
- Following that, displaying amazing coordination, USCIS posted an update on its web site stating any AOS applications receivedi n the month of July will be rejected, effective immediately (July 2).
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/VisaBulletin2Jul07.pdf (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.uscis.gov%2ffiles% 2fpressrelease%2fVisaBulletin2Jul07.pdf)
In effect, this closed the available window for filing AOS applications - the entire month of July - even before it opened!
- The fact that a Visa Bulletin gets updated mid-month is unprecedented.
- The fact that the USCIS processed and adjudicated roughly the same number of AOS applications in about 15 days as they have done in the previous 10 months is both alarming and shocking!
- The American Immigrant Law Foundation is considering a class-action lawsuit agains USCIS/DoS.
- Immigration Voice (www.immigrationvoice.org (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.immigrationvoice.o rg%2f)), an organization of skilled professionals/documented immigrants is considering the same.
- Here's a Press Release from ImmigrationVoice.org:
http://www.prlog.org/10022648-no-celebration-for-thousands-of-highly-skilled-future-americans-this-july-4th.html (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.prlog.org%2f100226 48-no-celebration-for-thousands-of-highly-skilled-future-americans-this-july-4th.html)
- Also of interest, the following blog post by immigration lawyer Greg Siskind:
Full-Blown Scandal
http://blogs.ilw.com/gregsiskind/2007/07/full-blown-scan.html (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fblogs.ilw.com%2fgregsi skind%2f2007%2f07%2ffull-blown-scan.html)
- Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren has issued a statement against this move, and written to both USCIS and DoS:
http://lofgren.house.gov/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=1808 (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2flofgren.house.gov%2fPR Article.aspx%3fNewsID%3d1808)
- Following link is from Forbes, a wire story by AP that got picked up by many media outlets in the last 24 hours:
Legal Workers Lose Chance at Green Cards
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/07/02/ap3879453.html (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.forbes.com%2ffeeds %2fap%2f2007%2f07%2f02%2fap3879453.html)
Hoping you will be able to highlight the plight of tens of thousands of such folks who got their single glimmer of hope taken away from them in a flash, before it even became available. (Ironically, all this happened whilst in the background lawmakers were considering legalizing 12-20 million undocumented immigrants.)
Thanks,
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sc3
09-23 04:16 PM
Did it occur for a single moment that if some one gets out of the line, the line gets shorter? F Y I, This is NOT about me. This is about every one here. I did not dream of this situation which directly favors some one today. Simply, Not many folks knew it was going to be this bad. Folks who knew, kept quiet telling people that its NOT that bad. There is NOT going to be a single solution that benefits every one involved here. Let it be recapture, country limits or advanced degree exemption. Choice is (y)ours. We can decide to be the frogs in the well and pull the next frog down or we can work on making this pitch which can be palatable to sensible people, who understand the magnanimity of the situation
I am sorry, but ends do not justify the means. By calling people frogs in a well trying to pull down others, you are shutting down valid arguments and concerns.
If the only mentality is that if one gets out of line, the line gets shorter, there are various ways to achieve it (For example: just go on a killing spree targeting all EB applicants). We need something that is acceptable to both the politicians and the immigrants.
I am sorry, but ends do not justify the means. By calling people frogs in a well trying to pull down others, you are shutting down valid arguments and concerns.
If the only mentality is that if one gets out of line, the line gets shorter, there are various ways to achieve it (For example: just go on a killing spree targeting all EB applicants). We need something that is acceptable to both the politicians and the immigrants.
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Openarms
08-17 11:53 AM
These morons never learn lessons. He is insulting him self by bitching about it....the Officers are just doing their job to verify their system... Can you imagine that a foreigner coming to India might have to go through ordeal if Indian Official suspects that he is a terrorist just because his records show....He should not forget that US has such system to verify and let him go.... where is SRK and others showing some passion when similar thing happen to President Abul Kalam? where is SRK and others showing some passion when bombings happened and innocent people get killed time and time again in India. Did he called for such system in India??? Where is SRK and others showing some passion that we need to improve Education System so that we can be proud of as Indians again? These guys thinks every thing for me nothing for others. They got all the money in the world they want.. now what?? how much is enough for these guys....People like him should learn life lessons like this and try to change Indian peoples life so that they get respect around the world. I think that is better for all of us. As Indians we should teach them or remind them when they forget those values.
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GC_SUCK
07-10 01:39 PM
I had my candadian immigration last year. And the dead line to land was March 2007.
I was very confuse at that time about landing in Canada. Then one day my old 2002 PD labor got approved and I filed 485 in March 07. But now my canadian Immigration is expired.
Even my 485 is filed, I am thinking again to apply fresh application for Canadian Immigration. You never know what will happen to GC. So I will file again by the end of this year for Canadian Immigration.
I was very confuse at that time about landing in Canada. Then one day my old 2002 PD labor got approved and I filed 485 in March 07. But now my canadian Immigration is expired.
Even my 485 is filed, I am thinking again to apply fresh application for Canadian Immigration. You never know what will happen to GC. So I will file again by the end of this year for Canadian Immigration.
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roseball
07-10 12:35 PM
Can anyone recommend any good IT consulting companies in Canada?
I need a permanent job offer to qualify for the points but most of the jobs for my skill set are either contract jobs or for relocation to USA. Please help.
Try www.cgi.com.
Its one of the top consulting companies in Canada which hire for full time positions....One of my colleagues moved to Canada last year and got a decent offer from CGI in Toronto.........Keep in mind that salaries in Canada when compared to US are not that great, not to mention high taxes.....But the peace of mind and stress free life is priceless.....
I need a permanent job offer to qualify for the points but most of the jobs for my skill set are either contract jobs or for relocation to USA. Please help.
Try www.cgi.com.
Its one of the top consulting companies in Canada which hire for full time positions....One of my colleagues moved to Canada last year and got a decent offer from CGI in Toronto.........Keep in mind that salaries in Canada when compared to US are not that great, not to mention high taxes.....But the peace of mind and stress free life is priceless.....
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ilikekilo
07-10 11:32 AM
Wish you the very best byeusa......
I might be moving to Canada next summer if there is no progress in my case here...My PD is Nov 2003 EB-3...I got my Canadian PR in May 2005 and I have until May 2008 to move.....So keeping my fingers crossed..I too work for a Canadian company in US.....Wish you good luck...
how long did it take you get your canadian PR adn when did u apply? please share
I might be moving to Canada next summer if there is no progress in my case here...My PD is Nov 2003 EB-3...I got my Canadian PR in May 2005 and I have until May 2008 to move.....So keeping my fingers crossed..I too work for a Canadian company in US.....Wish you good luck...
how long did it take you get your canadian PR adn when did u apply? please share
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satyasaich
03-19 03:06 PM
For the record, when i left one of the Big 5, they still answered for 45 day letter, LC was approved, used for someone else (in Feb/07) who is in need.
How do i know? it's very simple. There were 63 LCs pending in Philadephia BEC, which are EB2s with a priority dates in Jan / Feb2002. Some of my colleagues who were with the same company already filed 140+485 last month.
Since this is a public forum, i can not give the name of the company
My company cancelled my labor process the day I resigned, tell me which big reputed company responded to a 45 day letter even when the candidate was not working with them, so that leaves us with companies like Cybersoft who filed multiple I-140 on one labor approval or there are people who are running parallel processes just to be safe and they are buying the sub. labor,so now even if the companies intention's are good,filling I-140 multiple times creates backlog in the service centers and then it is up to your fate if your file is picked up in the numerical order, in concurrent filling it was a race who got the the GC first the original beneficiary or the person who paid price for the same labor. Who are the people opposing substitution ban or the 45 day rule if you find them you will get your answers.
How do i know? it's very simple. There were 63 LCs pending in Philadephia BEC, which are EB2s with a priority dates in Jan / Feb2002. Some of my colleagues who were with the same company already filed 140+485 last month.
Since this is a public forum, i can not give the name of the company
My company cancelled my labor process the day I resigned, tell me which big reputed company responded to a 45 day letter even when the candidate was not working with them, so that leaves us with companies like Cybersoft who filed multiple I-140 on one labor approval or there are people who are running parallel processes just to be safe and they are buying the sub. labor,so now even if the companies intention's are good,filling I-140 multiple times creates backlog in the service centers and then it is up to your fate if your file is picked up in the numerical order, in concurrent filling it was a race who got the the GC first the original beneficiary or the person who paid price for the same labor. Who are the people opposing substitution ban or the 45 day rule if you find them you will get your answers.
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samay
07-28 04:32 PM
Hello,
I have filled I-140 in last week of March 2008. My priority date(the day I file labor) is 15-Sep-2007. My labor got approved.
My I-140 is under EB2 India.
Today I checked status of my I-140 on https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/caseStatusSearchDisplay.do
It says :
Application Type: I140, IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR ALIEN WORKER
Current Status: REQUEST FOR INITIAL EVIDENCE SENT, CASE PLACED ON HOLD
On July 25, 2008, we mailed a notice requesting initial evidence in this case. Please follow the instructions on the notice to submit the evidence requested. Meanwhile, processing of this case is on hold until we either receive the evidence or the opportunity to submit it expires. Once you submit the evidence requested and a decision is made, you will be notified by mail. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your mailing address.
How much serious this is?? it says "REQUEST FOR INITIAL EVIDENCE SENT"
I am waiting for RFI/RFE details as USCIS mailed it on July, 25 2008.
Is there any difference between "REQUEST FOR INITIAL EVIDENCE SENT" and "REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE(ADDITIONAL)"?
Is this means that they are processing my case?? Once I will give response to this RFE & they find everything fine than they will approve it(Hopefully) !!!!!!!
I will really appreciate your response.
Please reply me ASAP.
Thanks.
Relax and send all the documents requested by the USCIS. They might ask you for additional documents later based on what they receive from you or may approve your case.
I have filled I-140 in last week of March 2008. My priority date(the day I file labor) is 15-Sep-2007. My labor got approved.
My I-140 is under EB2 India.
Today I checked status of my I-140 on https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/caseStatusSearchDisplay.do
It says :
Application Type: I140, IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR ALIEN WORKER
Current Status: REQUEST FOR INITIAL EVIDENCE SENT, CASE PLACED ON HOLD
On July 25, 2008, we mailed a notice requesting initial evidence in this case. Please follow the instructions on the notice to submit the evidence requested. Meanwhile, processing of this case is on hold until we either receive the evidence or the opportunity to submit it expires. Once you submit the evidence requested and a decision is made, you will be notified by mail. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your mailing address.
How much serious this is?? it says "REQUEST FOR INITIAL EVIDENCE SENT"
I am waiting for RFI/RFE details as USCIS mailed it on July, 25 2008.
Is there any difference between "REQUEST FOR INITIAL EVIDENCE SENT" and "REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE(ADDITIONAL)"?
Is this means that they are processing my case?? Once I will give response to this RFE & they find everything fine than they will approve it(Hopefully) !!!!!!!
I will really appreciate your response.
Please reply me ASAP.
Thanks.
Relax and send all the documents requested by the USCIS. They might ask you for additional documents later based on what they receive from you or may approve your case.
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dvb123
09-14 03:07 PM
1. I-140 premium processing will increase ROW applications
2. 29 months opt is causing ROW applicants to bypass
H1-B and go for GC directly
3. Due to pre-adjudication Labor substitution applicants with substituted priority dates are in frontline
4. Porting from EB3 to EB2 is being done for atleast 10% EB3 applicants with recapture of priority date
5. Perm was introduced in early 2005 and lot of EB2 applications labors were approved in 2005
Hence EB2 will not cross 2005. If it crosses it will come back in a month.
2. 29 months opt is causing ROW applicants to bypass
H1-B and go for GC directly
3. Due to pre-adjudication Labor substitution applicants with substituted priority dates are in frontline
4. Porting from EB3 to EB2 is being done for atleast 10% EB3 applicants with recapture of priority date
5. Perm was introduced in early 2005 and lot of EB2 applications labors were approved in 2005
Hence EB2 will not cross 2005. If it crosses it will come back in a month.
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srini1976
09-23 05:50 PM
Alright the numbers are out
http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/New%20Structure/2nd%20Level%20%28Left%20Nav%20Parents%29/Green%20Card%20-%202nd%20Level/Pending%20Form%20I-485%20Reports.pdf
We have following EB2 numbers
<=2004 7000
2005 10800
2006 19250
2007(july) 10500
==============
Total 47,700
==============
EB2-ROW have very few applicants pending as i said in my earlier message ~7200. So CIS has to approve EB2 India/China cases to meet their approval numbers.
Thanks Sachug22.
Dec 2009 Visa Bulletin & Jan 2010 Visa Bulletin should give us clear picture about EB2 - I forward movement (if USCIS does spill over every Quarter this fiscal year - Most likely I expect the spill over to occur every Quarter this fiscal year).
Other important indicator would be the spillover received by Eb2 - I till Sep 2009. If spillover is more(clearing majority of 2004 - Jan 2005 cases) that would be the best case scenario.
Overall things look very positive.
http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/New%20Structure/2nd%20Level%20%28Left%20Nav%20Parents%29/Green%20Card%20-%202nd%20Level/Pending%20Form%20I-485%20Reports.pdf
We have following EB2 numbers
<=2004 7000
2005 10800
2006 19250
2007(july) 10500
==============
Total 47,700
==============
EB2-ROW have very few applicants pending as i said in my earlier message ~7200. So CIS has to approve EB2 India/China cases to meet their approval numbers.
Thanks Sachug22.
Dec 2009 Visa Bulletin & Jan 2010 Visa Bulletin should give us clear picture about EB2 - I forward movement (if USCIS does spill over every Quarter this fiscal year - Most likely I expect the spill over to occur every Quarter this fiscal year).
Other important indicator would be the spillover received by Eb2 - I till Sep 2009. If spillover is more(clearing majority of 2004 - Jan 2005 cases) that would be the best case scenario.
Overall things look very positive.
Keeme
04-16 12:50 PM
Ultimately everything boils down to corruption. Huge money is going down in the pockets of big media houses, it is so damn obvious...Hindustan times, IBN & NDTV carried pictures of Priyanka Gandhi's children for 3 days on the front page, I never saw pictures or anything on Chandrababu Naidu, Yedirappa, Badal, Gehlot, Shivraj Chauhan or for that reason anybody....these kids are more important than our grassroot leaders ? The family is talking about "Rahul kee Shaadee" and the whole media is printing that, nobody's asking them where were you and what you did in last 5 years ???
www.theatlantic.com/doc/200904/india-modi - Intresting article on Narendra Modi.
www.theatlantic.com/doc/200904/india-modi - Intresting article on Narendra Modi.
MYGC2008
09-23 05:50 PM
By Looking into Data provided, INDIA EB2 should get more Visa this year.
Look at the Data for EB2 CHINA
for 2004 it is 123 and for 2005 it is 4100.
If the Cutoff Dates does not move for China/India ,How they going to use spillover visas?
This is really interesting
Since EB1 is Current and Rest all Eb2(except CHINA/INDIA) are current. This time there will be huge spillover.
Look at the Data for EB2 CHINA
for 2004 it is 123 and for 2005 it is 4100.
If the Cutoff Dates does not move for China/India ,How they going to use spillover visas?
This is really interesting
Since EB1 is Current and Rest all Eb2(except CHINA/INDIA) are current. This time there will be huge spillover.
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