lazycis
02-13 01:11 PM
WDude, Googler, I am not against removing per country limits. But we need to have a cool head, think straight, objective and use facts. I just think it will be next to impossible to change the INA to remove those quotas so it's better to concentrate efforts on 1) visa recapture; 2) EB quota increase. Visas were lost mostly because of NC issue.
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senthil1
06-15 04:53 PM
H1b cap is 65k+ 20K for US master degree and remaining are exemptions. Total approimately 125K were issued on 2007.
"H1B numbers were 125K in 2007"
Holly cow ! I always thought H1B cap is set to 65K (except for a few years in early 2000) :-)
The 125K which you mentioned is popularly used by anti-immigrant lobbys to push their argument. It includes all H1B transfers NOT only the fresh H1.
So, if X get his H1 in 2006 and change to a new company in 2007 , you will count X against 2006 as well as 2007 giving a false number. However, if X applies for a GC, it is not 2X applying for GC --- just X .
Recapture bill will help a lot in clearing the backlog. For future EB GC, if the dependents are not counted for immigrant visa, it will be much cleaner. Not all L1 and H1 apply for GC. Mostly the major Indian IT companies DO NOT sponsor GC (and as you know they are the major users of L1).
"H1B numbers were 125K in 2007"
Holly cow ! I always thought H1B cap is set to 65K (except for a few years in early 2000) :-)
The 125K which you mentioned is popularly used by anti-immigrant lobbys to push their argument. It includes all H1B transfers NOT only the fresh H1.
So, if X get his H1 in 2006 and change to a new company in 2007 , you will count X against 2006 as well as 2007 giving a false number. However, if X applies for a GC, it is not 2X applying for GC --- just X .
Recapture bill will help a lot in clearing the backlog. For future EB GC, if the dependents are not counted for immigrant visa, it will be much cleaner. Not all L1 and H1 apply for GC. Mostly the major Indian IT companies DO NOT sponsor GC (and as you know they are the major users of L1).
gman
08-03 09:21 PM
I am EB3-ROW with PD of Feb 2006. My I-140 (filed as systems analyst) is approved and I filed my I4285 in Aug 16, 2007 (RD). I have approved EAD and AP good until Nov 21, 2008. I have been offered a job as Director of Software Development at another company in the same state. Because my I-485 has been pending for over 180 days I'm assuming I should be able to take the job under AC21. The new job seems a natural progression to my career (a promotion of course) but the USCIS has not issued definite guidelines on how to define a "similar" job. What's your advice on this? Should I take the job?
Thanks,
Thanks,
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vpadman
02-13 10:17 AM
Somebody suggested earlier that we should all contact our lawyers , and ask why they have not filed lawsuits yet.
I think the reason for this is quite simple. Lawyers are happy with the current system, so that they can continue to charge money, consulting fees etc.
Do you guys really think lawyers care about it? They are happy charging $200 for a 15 minutes consultation.
I have nothing against the lawyers, they are running a business and need to maximize profit.
I think the reason for this is quite simple. Lawyers are happy with the current system, so that they can continue to charge money, consulting fees etc.
Do you guys really think lawyers care about it? They are happy charging $200 for a 15 minutes consultation.
I have nothing against the lawyers, they are running a business and need to maximize profit.
more...
gomirage
06-14 12:23 AM
so what are the ones that fall below on points supposed to do ? pack and leave after 10 plus years of being here ?
The point system would only apply to new applicants. All those already in line will proceed according to existing system. Worked well in Canada's system.
The point system would only apply to new applicants. All those already in line will proceed according to existing system. Worked well in Canada's system.
Legal
07-22 02:12 PM
Here's an Apr-2006 EB2-I approval posted today on Murthy forum:
http://murthyforum.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=1024039761&f=1474093861&m=8351049171
suspect he is spreading rumor. not clear what his country of chargeability is, since he did not respond to this question.
http://murthyforum.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=1024039761&f=1474093861&m=8351049171
suspect he is spreading rumor. not clear what his country of chargeability is, since he did not respond to this question.
more...
jhaalaa
01-13 05:19 PM
IV Core and Administrators
1. AOS applicants using EAD are presently unaffected (if they do not have H1) by this memo. Could you please inquire from USCIS contacts, in case more similar "guidelines" are being planned for folks using EADs?
2. Also is something more being planned/announced for AC21's "same or similar" criteria? A while back we had a thread collecting evidences and suggestions from the IV members about its interpretation. Please help provide a status update about the meetings with USCIS, IV core group discussions and plans, etc.
Thanks for all your efforts.
Best Wishes for all.
1. AOS applicants using EAD are presently unaffected (if they do not have H1) by this memo. Could you please inquire from USCIS contacts, in case more similar "guidelines" are being planned for folks using EADs?
2. Also is something more being planned/announced for AC21's "same or similar" criteria? A while back we had a thread collecting evidences and suggestions from the IV members about its interpretation. Please help provide a status update about the meetings with USCIS, IV core group discussions and plans, etc.
Thanks for all your efforts.
Best Wishes for all.
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Lasantha
02-15 01:35 PM
Hey Bestia,
Any wild guesses how far the dates could move for April (if at all)? I have March 05 and pretty excited.
Dyana, I thought you are the primary applicant. In your case - yeah, you are free to use EAD once you get it. It's your husband who should be maintaining 180 days, "same or similar", etc. I got my EAD on 11th week (I am primary applicant). Some people get earlier, some later.
You have good chance of approval, because we are current and I suspect we will be current several months from now. I-485 approval is like a lottery. It can be approved in 1 month or your application can rot for years. Lottery :)
Any wild guesses how far the dates could move for April (if at all)? I have March 05 and pretty excited.
Dyana, I thought you are the primary applicant. In your case - yeah, you are free to use EAD once you get it. It's your husband who should be maintaining 180 days, "same or similar", etc. I got my EAD on 11th week (I am primary applicant). Some people get earlier, some later.
You have good chance of approval, because we are current and I suspect we will be current several months from now. I-485 approval is like a lottery. It can be approved in 1 month or your application can rot for years. Lottery :)
more...
Kushal
07-27 07:15 PM
Absolutely. To amway guys:- No means NO/NOT INTERESTED.. PERIOD.. I don't care whether you were flipping burgers or dream to become a millionaire. Do it yourself . Just don't harass people. Next time you will be arrested if you harass people.
Nobody harassing anyone. You are doing it to yourself. If you are not interested why would they bother you?
Arrested?? make me laugh...please go ahead.
Nobody harassing anyone. You are doing it to yourself. If you are not interested why would they bother you?
Arrested?? make me laugh...please go ahead.
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hiralal
05-31 12:51 AM
I agree but complete removal of county quota is almost impossible ...diversity is just a name !!! US political system in super advanced in many ways(US contitution was written centuries ago and is much better than Indian ..remember the foreigner becoming PM issue and multi party mess that India has) ..my guess would be that country quota limits were introduced to prevent one country nationals from becoming a eventual majority . ofcourse the migration from south Am is another issue)
and hence a better bet would be recapture ..
and hence a better bet would be recapture ..
more...
vamsi_poondla
05-02 09:34 PM
Language is a very hot boiled subject. We have to be a bit practical about what makes it work. Anti-hindi agitations have other roots as well. Understanding Dravidian history needs an open mind. Same is the case with everything about India.
IMO, India is not formed with a single ethnic group colonizing almost empty land and forming a nation based on some principles and later vast immigration followed by years on assimilation based on melting pot concept. It is more of an idea that is formed politically. All 4 south Indian states having a vast culture being ordered to use one language perhaps backfired fueled by resentment against upper castism that existed in Congress during that time.
Again, it is not either supporting or criticizing any event. That is what happened. We have all Hindi movies being super hit in Chennai. Once can walk in any street in Chennai and transact in English. I find many auto-drivers or even common man,go out of way to help when I speak in English in Chennai. So, please dont stereotype,
Coming back to the point, if we had gone for Hindi as a national and sole business language, (I dont like insisting any thing in a democracy), we would have perhaps missed IT/BPO wave and most of us will not be here in this forum.
IMO, India is not formed with a single ethnic group colonizing almost empty land and forming a nation based on some principles and later vast immigration followed by years on assimilation based on melting pot concept. It is more of an idea that is formed politically. All 4 south Indian states having a vast culture being ordered to use one language perhaps backfired fueled by resentment against upper castism that existed in Congress during that time.
Again, it is not either supporting or criticizing any event. That is what happened. We have all Hindi movies being super hit in Chennai. Once can walk in any street in Chennai and transact in English. I find many auto-drivers or even common man,go out of way to help when I speak in English in Chennai. So, please dont stereotype,
Coming back to the point, if we had gone for Hindi as a national and sole business language, (I dont like insisting any thing in a democracy), we would have perhaps missed IT/BPO wave and most of us will not be here in this forum.
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Legal
07-21 08:13 PM
The unused Employment Based visas will be added to the following year's Family Based visas.
CAN ANY ONE BELIEVE THEY GAVE 10,326 "UNUSED" EB NUMBERS TO FAMILY BASED IN THE YEAR 2006?? AMAZING.
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/LPR_FR_2007.pdf
Another concern I have on your estimation is it looks like unlimited categories (immediate relatives) eat into the overall numbers. But it looks like FB is guaranteed minimum of 226,000 each year.
CAN ANY ONE BELIEVE THEY GAVE 10,326 "UNUSED" EB NUMBERS TO FAMILY BASED IN THE YEAR 2006?? AMAZING.
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/LPR_FR_2007.pdf
Another concern I have on your estimation is it looks like unlimited categories (immediate relatives) eat into the overall numbers. But it looks like FB is guaranteed minimum of 226,000 each year.
more...
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i-luv-tofu
07-21 12:16 PM
Hi,
I made a ton money. Just give me your information - name, email, phone# & I will refer you. You will be very happy & make others as well!
My desi neighbor told me about it recently. What are your experience with Amway Quickstar. Have you guys made money from it?
I made a ton money. Just give me your information - name, email, phone# & I will refer you. You will be very happy & make others as well!
My desi neighbor told me about it recently. What are your experience with Amway Quickstar. Have you guys made money from it?
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kalyan
12-13 01:00 PM
Either way, be cautious and thoughtable before you fight against the state
Also, i saw in CNN, for some (who are mexican's also), they served in US military (they are not here legallY) and got the Green Card becoz they shared the nations passion in Iraq.
Think some thing like that here too rather than challenge the state and constitution
If you talk with Caste like in India, may be somewhere down the line, you might ask a state for indians (which is like kashmir for muslims).
Also, i saw in CNN, for some (who are mexican's also), they served in US military (they are not here legallY) and got the Green Card becoz they shared the nations passion in Iraq.
Think some thing like that here too rather than challenge the state and constitution
If you talk with Caste like in India, may be somewhere down the line, you might ask a state for indians (which is like kashmir for muslims).
more...
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krishnam70
07-11 07:36 PM
TN is not a modified H1B. With TN you do not have a dual intent: you cannot apply for a green card straight through TN status -- you would have to adjust your status to H1, L1, or any other immigrant status and only then apply for a green card.
TN is given for two years. Your wife can just as easily file for a TN in her occupation. Yes, you need an employer in the USA to get TN status, but I don't see a big problem with it. I work for a relatively small company (about 90 employees), and we hire people from all over the world. Our recruitment personnel conducts online and phone interviews, and a job offer can be made before the candidate ever visits our state.
With TN you get stamped at the border -- and welcome back to the USA! :)
Another interesting idea about Canada-USA work/immigration popped up today in conversation with my immigration lawyer. If you have a managerial position in a company that has offices in USA and Canada, you can jump on L1 visa. This will let you file in EB-1 category if you want to go for a green card. There are some additional requirements: you need to work as a manager in the company's branch in Canada for at least a year; when you apply for a green card, the company will need to prove that the Canadian office will keep operating after you get your green card and leave Canada. Nevertheless, it's a possibility that is definitely better than EB-3 or EB-2.
Using NEXUS.. doing my research..
TN is given for two years. Your wife can just as easily file for a TN in her occupation. Yes, you need an employer in the USA to get TN status, but I don't see a big problem with it. I work for a relatively small company (about 90 employees), and we hire people from all over the world. Our recruitment personnel conducts online and phone interviews, and a job offer can be made before the candidate ever visits our state.
With TN you get stamped at the border -- and welcome back to the USA! :)
Another interesting idea about Canada-USA work/immigration popped up today in conversation with my immigration lawyer. If you have a managerial position in a company that has offices in USA and Canada, you can jump on L1 visa. This will let you file in EB-1 category if you want to go for a green card. There are some additional requirements: you need to work as a manager in the company's branch in Canada for at least a year; when you apply for a green card, the company will need to prove that the Canadian office will keep operating after you get your green card and leave Canada. Nevertheless, it's a possibility that is definitely better than EB-3 or EB-2.
Using NEXUS.. doing my research..
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ash27
05-29 01:26 PM
For all those who are stating that filing in EB1 should not matter, please withdraw your application and let other people in line move ahead. Give me 1 simple reason, why should we not raise this issue. In hindi, there s an old saying "boondh boond karge ghara bartha hain"....
I will request all of you to send letters to USCIS to raise this issue and lets have a close scrutiny of all EB1 applicants received/filed....I understand that this is not the solution but i am pi***** at people using loopholes all the time.....
I will request all of you to send letters to USCIS to raise this issue and lets have a close scrutiny of all EB1 applicants received/filed....I understand that this is not the solution but i am pi***** at people using loopholes all the time.....
more...
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GetGC08
07-30 05:01 PM
Both these are separate processes and note that the I-140 is for a future job.So relax.
Hello Samay,
I just received RFE for I-140.
I-140 Details:
I have applied I-140 under EB2 India.
I have BS(3 years) with computer science & MCA(MS 3 years) in computer science. So total 6 years of education in computer science(3 yrs BS + 3 yrs MS).
Also I have 1.5 years(18 months) of experience after completing my MS. I have submitted my experience letter at the time of filling labor But USCIS didn't ask anything regarding experience.
In labor(PERM) we mentioned Masters required
& Major field of study is Computers.
Do I qualify for EB2??Plz let me know.
RFE details:
1) Degree evaluation(what's the procedure?)
&
2) They want most recent W2 for 2007.
In 2007(W2) I got paid $59K(gross) & in LCA(H1B) prevailing wage mentioned is $55k.
In labor(PERM) prevailing wage mentioned is $63K & offered wage mentioned is $ 65K.
Difference between W2 & Prevailing wage in labor(PERM) is $4000($63K - $59K).
Difference between W2 & Offered wage in labor(PERM) is $6000($65K - $59K).
Is this a serious problem???
My labor already got approved.
My company is financially very good.
Now which wage USCIS consider or match with W2??
I will really appreciate your response.
Thanks.
Hello Samay,
I just received RFE for I-140.
I-140 Details:
I have applied I-140 under EB2 India.
I have BS(3 years) with computer science & MCA(MS 3 years) in computer science. So total 6 years of education in computer science(3 yrs BS + 3 yrs MS).
Also I have 1.5 years(18 months) of experience after completing my MS. I have submitted my experience letter at the time of filling labor But USCIS didn't ask anything regarding experience.
In labor(PERM) we mentioned Masters required
& Major field of study is Computers.
Do I qualify for EB2??Plz let me know.
RFE details:
1) Degree evaluation(what's the procedure?)
&
2) They want most recent W2 for 2007.
In 2007(W2) I got paid $59K(gross) & in LCA(H1B) prevailing wage mentioned is $55k.
In labor(PERM) prevailing wage mentioned is $63K & offered wage mentioned is $ 65K.
Difference between W2 & Prevailing wage in labor(PERM) is $4000($63K - $59K).
Difference between W2 & Offered wage in labor(PERM) is $6000($65K - $59K).
Is this a serious problem???
My labor already got approved.
My company is financially very good.
Now which wage USCIS consider or match with W2??
I will really appreciate your response.
Thanks.
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NolaIndian32
02-13 11:20 AM
Ok - so what is it going to cost us to get a consult with Rajiv Khanna? Anyone know this? Until we have more details on this, I commit $25 for this first consultation. (I will gladly raise the commitment once I know how much this will cost and if IV Core Members support this initiative).
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tikka
07-03 11:19 PM
http://digg.com/politics/Rep_Lofgren_Issues_Statement_on_Updated_Visa_Bulle tin
http://digg.com/politics/U_S_Withdraws_Offer_of_60_000_Job_Based_Visas_Ange ring_Immigration_Lawyer/who
IF WE GET 100 digs on the ny times it will stay on most popular for a while.
Also, you can DIGG the comments!!
http://digg.com/politics/U_S_Withdraws_Offer_of_60_000_Job_Based_Visas_Ange ring_Immigration_Lawyer/who
IF WE GET 100 digs on the ny times it will stay on most popular for a while.
Also, you can DIGG the comments!!
digmetalq
09-04 03:47 AM
True_facts, you cannot denigrate dead people. I know you are coward, because you cant say what you can say with your own ID. Go to every village in AP, people are better off now than 5 years ago,that's YSR's legacy. YSR improved irrigation, infrastructure across state and percapita income in state.
I know one Andhra CM called Chandra Babu Naidu who was NTR's son in law, he was the one who reformed the software industry in India, and it was because of the enterprising software engineers working in US made the world realise how Indian engineers are good not only in innovation but also enterprising. Example Bill Gates was the first one to discover the potential.
I know one Andhra CM called Chandra Babu Naidu who was NTR's son in law, he was the one who reformed the software industry in India, and it was because of the enterprising software engineers working in US made the world realise how Indian engineers are good not only in innovation but also enterprising. Example Bill Gates was the first one to discover the potential.
ajaypr
06-24 01:24 PM
Why should we punish people who play by the rules? Charles Oppenheim, Guru of the Visa Office in the State Department, has confirmed what we warned employment-based (EB) immigrants about in our June 2009 newsletter. Not only are EB-3 numbers unavailable for the rest of the fiscal year and EB-2 numbers for persons born in China and India oversubscribed, but the situation is going to get worse, much worse. Mr. Oppenheim states that the EB-1, EB-4 and EB-5 categories are all experiencing greatly increased demand, so much so that the EB-4 category (religious workers and special immigrants) may retrogress this...
More... (http://blogs.ilw.com/carlshusterman/2009/06/grim-outlook-for-eb-visa-numbers.html)
This is what I received from a immigration lawyer ......
LATEST GRIM VISA BULLETIN PROJECTIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARDS ILLUSTRATE NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
There are few things that clearly demonstrate the overarching need for immigration reform than the most recent information provided by the U.S. Department of State's (DOS) Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin provides information on the availability of immigrant visa numbers, which dictates when foreign nationals may apply for green cards under various preference categories. The July installment of the Visa Bulletin shows complete unavailability for the vast majority of employment-based cases. Moreover, DOS projections show that demand for higher-preference green card categories could reach record levels, which would lead to backlogs in these categories where green card numbers were traditionally available in the past.
The Visa Bulletin establishes "cut-off" dates based on the demand for green cards versus the amount actually available under immigration law to each specific employment-based (and family-based) category per country for each fiscal year. As it assesses green card demand in relation to availability, the DOS may move these cut-off dates forward or back, or not at all. When the DOS believes that all immigrant visa numbers in a particular category will be exhausted (or allocated) by the end of a particular fiscal year (i.e., September 30th), it will indicate an "unavailability" of numbers (marked as "U") in the Visa Bulletin. The law prevents any single country from overuse of immigrant visa numbers during a particular fiscal year. As a result, foreign nationals born in countries from which there is significant immigration to the U.S. will typically have a separate "cut-off" date (and longer waiting times for an available green card number) in the Visa Bulletin.
An individual's priority date or "place in line" for a visa number under the employment-based categories is the date on which his or her employer files a labor certification or immigrant visa petition with the government. Individuals assigned priority dates that are earlier than the relevant preference category cut-off date noted in the Visa Bulletin are eligible to move to the last step in the employment-based green card process - either processing of an adjustment of status application with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or processing of an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad. When the category is "unavailable," individuals cannot file for adjustment of status or receive an immigrant visa.
In the most recent Visa Bulletin, immigrant visa numbers continue to be unavailable for all third preference (EB-3) employment-based cases. Third preference cases comprise the majority of pending employment-based green card cases, as they include positions requiring at minimum either a bachelor's degree or two years of work experience.
The July Visa Bulletin indicates that the first, second and fourth and fifth preference employment categories remain current for July. However, since demand in the second. preference category for individuals from China and India exceeds the per-country limitations, these two countries have second-preference cut-off dates of January 2000.
Overall, the July Visa Bulletin continues a substantial decrease in green card availability over the government's 2009 fiscal year. Admittedly, the retrogression, or backward movement of the cut-off dates, has been more common for employment-based green card numbers in recent years. Yet the complete exhaustion of EB-3 numbers and the sharp decline in India and China's EB-2 numbers are staggering reversals given the slow yet steady improvement in these cut-off dates during the present fiscal year.
DOS has projected that, as a result of significant filings in the EB-4 and EB-5 categories, there will be fewer numbers to supplement the EB-1 and EB-2 categories. In previous years, thousands of unused EB-4 and EB-5 numbers "spilled over" into other preference categories. However, greater-than-anticipated EB-4 and EB-5 usage, as well as greater demand in the EB-1 category itself, will create an even greater dearth of available "spill over" immigrant visa numbers in the EB-2 category.
In addition, the DOS has indicated that the EB-1 category for individuals born in India or China may backlog or retrogress later this summer, and may do so again in the coming fiscal year. Predictably, prognostications for the EB-2 category for India and China are also quite grim - in the next month or two, the EB-2 category could become unavailable. In particular, USCIS has indicated that it has about 25,000 EB-2 India cases and "significant numbers" of cases for Chinese nationals that have been reviewed and are simply awaiting visa number availability. This category has a typical fiscal-year limit of 2,800, plus any remaining numbers from the EB-1, EB-4 and EB-5 categories.
With respect to the EB-3 category, the DOS has stated that the worldwide, China and Mexico quotas for the EB-3 category will become available again with the start of the new fiscal year in October 2009, with a projected cut-off date of March 1, 2003 for each. However, the EB-3 India quota may have a November 1, 2001 cut-off date.
The federal quotas limiting employment-based green card numbers have remained unchanged since 1990, nearly two decades ago. Since that time, the United States has undergone unprecedented expansion, technological development, and cultural diversification, in large part through immigration. During this progress, skilled immigrants have continued one of our country's oldest and proudest traditions - the search for better lives for their families, and the desire to contribute to and to participate in our free society. Still, these quotas remain stagnant, potentially stifling the future of our nation's ability in the 21st century to prosper as an economic competitor in our world, to build a broad-based infrastructure in our localities, and to live together as families in our homes.
A quarter-century prior to 1990, major revisions to the immigration quotas sparked a historic influx of individuals to our nation of immigrants. In 1965, this broad-based increase in immigration levels across all preference categories allowed some of the world's most talented individuals to come to our shores and share their knowledge as academics, increase our economic fortunes as innovators and entrepreneurs, build vibrant communities as leaders and organizers, and inspire with their tales of strife and triumph as refugees. For many ethnicities and nationalities, the "post-65" generation was the real beginning of their stories in America.
Faced with a major financial downturn and an increasingly competitive global economy, our country cannot choose the path of closed borders and restricted immigration. At this very moment, historically restrictive nations are expanding their immigration policies and attracting valuable immigrants otherwise bound for our shores.
Absent relief provided by potential legislation, there will be substantial backlogs for nationals of India and China in all categories for many years. Careful and strategic planning for employers and foreign nationals entering into or engaged in the immigrant visa process will be necessary while we continue to advocate zealously for reform to address these antiquated quotas.
These green card backlogs illustrate the need for comprehensive immigration reform. In particular, a long-overdue increase in employment-based green card availability would play a major role in making future generations of individuals feel welcome to come to our nation of immigrants and in spurring sorely needed innovation and prosperity.
More... (http://blogs.ilw.com/carlshusterman/2009/06/grim-outlook-for-eb-visa-numbers.html)
This is what I received from a immigration lawyer ......
LATEST GRIM VISA BULLETIN PROJECTIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED GREEN CARDS ILLUSTRATE NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
There are few things that clearly demonstrate the overarching need for immigration reform than the most recent information provided by the U.S. Department of State's (DOS) Visa Bulletin. The Visa Bulletin provides information on the availability of immigrant visa numbers, which dictates when foreign nationals may apply for green cards under various preference categories. The July installment of the Visa Bulletin shows complete unavailability for the vast majority of employment-based cases. Moreover, DOS projections show that demand for higher-preference green card categories could reach record levels, which would lead to backlogs in these categories where green card numbers were traditionally available in the past.
The Visa Bulletin establishes "cut-off" dates based on the demand for green cards versus the amount actually available under immigration law to each specific employment-based (and family-based) category per country for each fiscal year. As it assesses green card demand in relation to availability, the DOS may move these cut-off dates forward or back, or not at all. When the DOS believes that all immigrant visa numbers in a particular category will be exhausted (or allocated) by the end of a particular fiscal year (i.e., September 30th), it will indicate an "unavailability" of numbers (marked as "U") in the Visa Bulletin. The law prevents any single country from overuse of immigrant visa numbers during a particular fiscal year. As a result, foreign nationals born in countries from which there is significant immigration to the U.S. will typically have a separate "cut-off" date (and longer waiting times for an available green card number) in the Visa Bulletin.
An individual's priority date or "place in line" for a visa number under the employment-based categories is the date on which his or her employer files a labor certification or immigrant visa petition with the government. Individuals assigned priority dates that are earlier than the relevant preference category cut-off date noted in the Visa Bulletin are eligible to move to the last step in the employment-based green card process - either processing of an adjustment of status application with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or processing of an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad. When the category is "unavailable," individuals cannot file for adjustment of status or receive an immigrant visa.
In the most recent Visa Bulletin, immigrant visa numbers continue to be unavailable for all third preference (EB-3) employment-based cases. Third preference cases comprise the majority of pending employment-based green card cases, as they include positions requiring at minimum either a bachelor's degree or two years of work experience.
The July Visa Bulletin indicates that the first, second and fourth and fifth preference employment categories remain current for July. However, since demand in the second. preference category for individuals from China and India exceeds the per-country limitations, these two countries have second-preference cut-off dates of January 2000.
Overall, the July Visa Bulletin continues a substantial decrease in green card availability over the government's 2009 fiscal year. Admittedly, the retrogression, or backward movement of the cut-off dates, has been more common for employment-based green card numbers in recent years. Yet the complete exhaustion of EB-3 numbers and the sharp decline in India and China's EB-2 numbers are staggering reversals given the slow yet steady improvement in these cut-off dates during the present fiscal year.
DOS has projected that, as a result of significant filings in the EB-4 and EB-5 categories, there will be fewer numbers to supplement the EB-1 and EB-2 categories. In previous years, thousands of unused EB-4 and EB-5 numbers "spilled over" into other preference categories. However, greater-than-anticipated EB-4 and EB-5 usage, as well as greater demand in the EB-1 category itself, will create an even greater dearth of available "spill over" immigrant visa numbers in the EB-2 category.
In addition, the DOS has indicated that the EB-1 category for individuals born in India or China may backlog or retrogress later this summer, and may do so again in the coming fiscal year. Predictably, prognostications for the EB-2 category for India and China are also quite grim - in the next month or two, the EB-2 category could become unavailable. In particular, USCIS has indicated that it has about 25,000 EB-2 India cases and "significant numbers" of cases for Chinese nationals that have been reviewed and are simply awaiting visa number availability. This category has a typical fiscal-year limit of 2,800, plus any remaining numbers from the EB-1, EB-4 and EB-5 categories.
With respect to the EB-3 category, the DOS has stated that the worldwide, China and Mexico quotas for the EB-3 category will become available again with the start of the new fiscal year in October 2009, with a projected cut-off date of March 1, 2003 for each. However, the EB-3 India quota may have a November 1, 2001 cut-off date.
The federal quotas limiting employment-based green card numbers have remained unchanged since 1990, nearly two decades ago. Since that time, the United States has undergone unprecedented expansion, technological development, and cultural diversification, in large part through immigration. During this progress, skilled immigrants have continued one of our country's oldest and proudest traditions - the search for better lives for their families, and the desire to contribute to and to participate in our free society. Still, these quotas remain stagnant, potentially stifling the future of our nation's ability in the 21st century to prosper as an economic competitor in our world, to build a broad-based infrastructure in our localities, and to live together as families in our homes.
A quarter-century prior to 1990, major revisions to the immigration quotas sparked a historic influx of individuals to our nation of immigrants. In 1965, this broad-based increase in immigration levels across all preference categories allowed some of the world's most talented individuals to come to our shores and share their knowledge as academics, increase our economic fortunes as innovators and entrepreneurs, build vibrant communities as leaders and organizers, and inspire with their tales of strife and triumph as refugees. For many ethnicities and nationalities, the "post-65" generation was the real beginning of their stories in America.
Faced with a major financial downturn and an increasingly competitive global economy, our country cannot choose the path of closed borders and restricted immigration. At this very moment, historically restrictive nations are expanding their immigration policies and attracting valuable immigrants otherwise bound for our shores.
Absent relief provided by potential legislation, there will be substantial backlogs for nationals of India and China in all categories for many years. Careful and strategic planning for employers and foreign nationals entering into or engaged in the immigrant visa process will be necessary while we continue to advocate zealously for reform to address these antiquated quotas.
These green card backlogs illustrate the need for comprehensive immigration reform. In particular, a long-overdue increase in employment-based green card availability would play a major role in making future generations of individuals feel welcome to come to our nation of immigrants and in spurring sorely needed innovation and prosperity.
