gc28262
01-29 11:21 PM
E-Verify was a bargaining chip for Senate Democrats against Senate Republicans.
What happened was - When Senator Menendez from NJ (Dem.) floated the Visa Recapture Bill; he said that he and other Dems will only support Permanent extension of E-Verify a bill designed to extend it for four additional years; if the Senate Republicans support Visa Recapture Bill.
But the Visa Recapture Bill didn't happen.
So, E-Verify also didn't happen.
However, as a Last Minute "ideal gift" from the Great President Bush to all Legal Immigrants; he issued an Executive order to extend E-Verify till March 06, 2009.
Therefore, E-Verify is active today in the system.
Now, House and Senate Republicans want to permanently extend E-Verify after March 06, 2009; especially the antis and yes NumbersUSA.So, they added this amendment to extend E-Verify for additional 4 years in the Stimulus Bill that passed this Wednesday.
However, the Stimulus Bill has to pass the Senate to become law. Thus, permanent extension of E-Verify has nothing to do with giving Stimulus money to only legal immigrants. It, is just that two immigrant hating politicians added the clause to the bill; in the hopes of seeing it pass. But IT SHOULD FAIL!!!
Again the question remains, how does it affect us ?
Are you saying Visa recapture was tied to E-verify in the past administration and so passing E-Verify without recapture will kill the chances of recapture ?
Situation has changed now. It is a new administration now and power has titled in favor of democrats both in house and senate. Democrats don't have to appease GOP to get any bill passed now.
What happened was - When Senator Menendez from NJ (Dem.) floated the Visa Recapture Bill; he said that he and other Dems will only support Permanent extension of E-Verify a bill designed to extend it for four additional years; if the Senate Republicans support Visa Recapture Bill.
But the Visa Recapture Bill didn't happen.
So, E-Verify also didn't happen.
However, as a Last Minute "ideal gift" from the Great President Bush to all Legal Immigrants; he issued an Executive order to extend E-Verify till March 06, 2009.
Therefore, E-Verify is active today in the system.
Now, House and Senate Republicans want to permanently extend E-Verify after March 06, 2009; especially the antis and yes NumbersUSA.So, they added this amendment to extend E-Verify for additional 4 years in the Stimulus Bill that passed this Wednesday.
However, the Stimulus Bill has to pass the Senate to become law. Thus, permanent extension of E-Verify has nothing to do with giving Stimulus money to only legal immigrants. It, is just that two immigrant hating politicians added the clause to the bill; in the hopes of seeing it pass. But IT SHOULD FAIL!!!
Again the question remains, how does it affect us ?
Are you saying Visa recapture was tied to E-verify in the past administration and so passing E-Verify without recapture will kill the chances of recapture ?
Situation has changed now. It is a new administration now and power has titled in favor of democrats both in house and senate. Democrats don't have to appease GOP to get any bill passed now.
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karanp25
08-03 02:10 AM
No worries...i am in same situation...did my FP early this yr. EAD renewal card says "No FP available".
Sorry - did not check this thread till today
My RD was July 11 for both of us - got Ead for me Aug 2 with 2 yr validity
hers is still pending
Mine shows no FP on file even though I did FP in Oct 07 ( less than 1 yr) That kinda worries me
Anyways PD is May 04 EB3 - so long way to go - and besides caring at this point when I see PD of 2006 getting GC
Sorry - did not check this thread till today
My RD was July 11 for both of us - got Ead for me Aug 2 with 2 yr validity
hers is still pending
Mine shows no FP on file even though I did FP in Oct 07 ( less than 1 yr) That kinda worries me
Anyways PD is May 04 EB3 - so long way to go - and besides caring at this point when I see PD of 2006 getting GC
StukAtBEC
02-16 10:19 PM
Folks,
I need to invoke AC21 at the earliest. I have applied my 485 and I-140 concurrently on Aug 17th. It has just been over 183 days. My 140 is still pending. Due to some reasons, I have to leave my current employer immodestly.
I know there has been lot of threads discussing about risks involved with using AC21 without approved 140. But I do not have an option at this point. My PD date is Nov-2004 and the way I-140 's are being processed, it is going take at least couple more months before I can expect my 140 approval.
I have the following questions:
1) I read in Aytes memo, that if it is over 180 days, they would check for evidence that the case is approval or would have been approval had it been adjudicated within 180 days. Now, if the USCIS sends an RFE for 140 after 180 days, would it still go to my old firm's attorney? If yes, then how would we handle this scenarrio...
I work for a Big 5 Consulting firm and ability to pay should not be an issue. As far as my education is concerned, I have Bachelors in Computer Science Engineering from India and a MS in the same field in US...My experience matches the labor cert. requirements. What are the chance that I might get an RFE? I filed my application at TSC
2) Also, if the 140 is approved, it would go to my old company's attorney..right? How would I get a copy of the same.
3) If I invoke AC21 using my EAD and in the worst case scenario, if my 140 and 485 is rejected, can I then transfer my H1B to an other company (I still have some years left) or will that be a problem because I was not on H-1b at that time?
Would it be treated as a new application where in I have to try to get into the quota or it would just be a normal H-1b transfer...
Also, I'm looking for a good attorney to help me invoke AC21...Please advise!
Gurus... please help me with your suggestions.
I need to invoke AC21 at the earliest. I have applied my 485 and I-140 concurrently on Aug 17th. It has just been over 183 days. My 140 is still pending. Due to some reasons, I have to leave my current employer immodestly.
I know there has been lot of threads discussing about risks involved with using AC21 without approved 140. But I do not have an option at this point. My PD date is Nov-2004 and the way I-140 's are being processed, it is going take at least couple more months before I can expect my 140 approval.
I have the following questions:
1) I read in Aytes memo, that if it is over 180 days, they would check for evidence that the case is approval or would have been approval had it been adjudicated within 180 days. Now, if the USCIS sends an RFE for 140 after 180 days, would it still go to my old firm's attorney? If yes, then how would we handle this scenarrio...
I work for a Big 5 Consulting firm and ability to pay should not be an issue. As far as my education is concerned, I have Bachelors in Computer Science Engineering from India and a MS in the same field in US...My experience matches the labor cert. requirements. What are the chance that I might get an RFE? I filed my application at TSC
2) Also, if the 140 is approved, it would go to my old company's attorney..right? How would I get a copy of the same.
3) If I invoke AC21 using my EAD and in the worst case scenario, if my 140 and 485 is rejected, can I then transfer my H1B to an other company (I still have some years left) or will that be a problem because I was not on H-1b at that time?
Would it be treated as a new application where in I have to try to get into the quota or it would just be a normal H-1b transfer...
Also, I'm looking for a good attorney to help me invoke AC21...Please advise!
Gurus... please help me with your suggestions.
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gsvisu
07-12 02:39 PM
Some famous Indian Americans that I googled on. Will it be a good idea to approach / send them notes ?
Politics
------
Kumar P. Barve, State legislator and Majority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates
Satveer Chaudhary, state Senator in Minnesota.
Toby Chaudhuri, Democratic communications strategist.
Swati Dandekar, an Iowa State Representative
Dinesh D'Souza, a conservative commentator and author
Kris Kolluri, New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation.
Upendra Chivukula, state legislator (New Jersey General Assembly); first Indian-American elected to the NJ legislature.
Kamala Harris, District Attorney of San Francisco; first Indian-American elected as a D.A. in the United States. Her sister, Maya Harris, was made the Executive Director of the ACLU of Northern California in October 2006.
Bobby Jindal, U.S. Congressman from Louisiana; former gubernatorial candidate; Republican.
Raj Mukherji, New Jersey lobbyist and businessman.
Vij Pawar, New Jersey attorney and former congressional candidate.
Ramesh Ponnuru, contributing editor at the National Review, political commentator
Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian-American congressman, was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California
S. R. Sidarth, Democratic campaign volunteer who sparked the George Allen "Macaca" incident.
Shashi Tharoor, Undersecretary General for Communications and Public Information for the United Nations. Candidate for UN general secretary post
Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC & USIBA
Nikki Haley, South Carolina legislator
Rachel Paulose first woman to become a U.S. Attorney in Minnesota, US Attorney for the District of Minnesota
Sameer Kanal, Democratic National Convention 2004 delegate for Howard Dean from Washington.
Dr. Joy Cherian Appointed by President Reagan to be first Asian and Indian American to head the Equal Employemnt Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1987
Politics
------
Kumar P. Barve, State legislator and Majority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates
Satveer Chaudhary, state Senator in Minnesota.
Toby Chaudhuri, Democratic communications strategist.
Swati Dandekar, an Iowa State Representative
Dinesh D'Souza, a conservative commentator and author
Kris Kolluri, New Jersey Commissioner of Transportation.
Upendra Chivukula, state legislator (New Jersey General Assembly); first Indian-American elected to the NJ legislature.
Kamala Harris, District Attorney of San Francisco; first Indian-American elected as a D.A. in the United States. Her sister, Maya Harris, was made the Executive Director of the ACLU of Northern California in October 2006.
Bobby Jindal, U.S. Congressman from Louisiana; former gubernatorial candidate; Republican.
Raj Mukherji, New Jersey lobbyist and businessman.
Vij Pawar, New Jersey attorney and former congressional candidate.
Ramesh Ponnuru, contributing editor at the National Review, political commentator
Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian-American congressman, was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California
S. R. Sidarth, Democratic campaign volunteer who sparked the George Allen "Macaca" incident.
Shashi Tharoor, Undersecretary General for Communications and Public Information for the United Nations. Candidate for UN general secretary post
Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC & USIBA
Nikki Haley, South Carolina legislator
Rachel Paulose first woman to become a U.S. Attorney in Minnesota, US Attorney for the District of Minnesota
Sameer Kanal, Democratic National Convention 2004 delegate for Howard Dean from Washington.
Dr. Joy Cherian Appointed by President Reagan to be first Asian and Indian American to head the Equal Employemnt Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 1987
more...
pd_recapturing
11-01 07:42 PM
This news might not be directly related to our cause but its very much relevant. Here also, they can come with similar results saying that out of all the IT jobs in US, x % have been gone to immigrants where x > 50. Opponents of our cause may use this gainst us.
NKR
06-09 12:52 PM
You got to ignore some of these statuses from certain IOs. I went for infopass end of may and I was told namecheck is pending. When i said it does not matter anymore since it has passed 180 days, he mentioned that its not official yet and gave me a document describing name check process which mentioned something about N-400 which i believe is for FB. Talked to IO over the phone a week later and I was told that its assigned to the officer and Visa Number also assigned. Got the Card Production Ordered email next day.
Congratulations. How long did it take since your PD became current till you got the card production ordered email?.
Congratulations. How long did it take since your PD became current till you got the card production ordered email?.
more...
GCard_Dream
02-22 11:38 PM
I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for the clarification.
a large number of thsoe "extra" GC were schedule A recaptures and did not affect most applicants. so really it was by profession not by country.
a large number of thsoe "extra" GC were schedule A recaptures and did not affect most applicants. so really it was by profession not by country.
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dcrtrv27
11-13 03:14 PM
I am curious. What is WOM?
To my knowledge there is no way to expedite the AOS process.
Gurus?
WOM means Writ of Mandamus. Its filing a case against USCIS when you case has been unnecessarily delayed. You need to exhaust all venues before approaching the court
To my knowledge there is no way to expedite the AOS process.
Gurus?
WOM means Writ of Mandamus. Its filing a case against USCIS when you case has been unnecessarily delayed. You need to exhaust all venues before approaching the court
more...
newuser
07-11 02:30 PM
Count me in. Just sent a PM
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sumanitha
07-12 05:35 PM
Take one by one and try to answer properly.
1. What is CIS is returning visa #'s to DOS.?
There are some unused and unallocated visa numbers reported by various means. Few# got reported by consulate abroad and few reported by USCIS.
2. How USCIS and Consulate can report unused Visa #'s?
You might be reading the I-485 rejection cases by CIS and Consulate
You might be hearing about USCIS is unable to process the applications received
You might be hearing people could not able to file whose cased were current in June.
All these Visa #'s are reported back
3. To me around 20000 such numbers are available for this years quota
4. Can my applications sneak into this #?
Answer is uncertain.
If your have an old priority dates then probability is high
If you have recent 05/06/07 priority date then there could be issues in issuing an EAD. People whose PD are old will take legal action against USCIS of they do not consider their case and approve yours.
5. What would August VB have?
If they do not approve any July2 filling then here is what they will do
a) Retain petition with old PD and adjust them in Aug
b) Reject all I-485 application for candidates recent PD
They are making a decision fast, that the reason Aug VB is not yet published
6. Will USCIS reverse the new decision?
Answer is NO. Why? There is no such pattern in USCIS behavior and July time is running out.
7. How about Law suite?
:) Do not worry there is a slick chance. All govt depts. are inter related.
Don�t you think Justice dept does not know about this before issuing the reversal notification in July. All CIS communication also being forwarded to Justice dept.
State--> Immigration --> Justice are all same with different names.
I have no hope from this process. It's just building a fake hope.
8. People are still filling the application.
Candidates are filling because of advice of their attorney. When you deal with the attorney directly they will encourage you to apply because they will get the money now.
There is no guarantee that you will process your application from XYZ law firm in Oct.
If you file now through them, you are bonded with him until you hear some good news from CIS.
There is a say in India.. Always try to out of trouble and Attorney. They will tell everything is possible.
Another thing after July 16th, I am not sure if they can charge money to you directly. They will rush you to pay before just 16th.
Declaimer: I am not an attorney or do not have any background of law. This is my conclusion from reading IV and many other forums. My PD is 2007 EB2.
I dont think whatever you are saying is true...
State--> Immigration --> Justice are all same with different names.
Please be careful while you post since lot of people are viewing it.
1. What is CIS is returning visa #'s to DOS.?
There are some unused and unallocated visa numbers reported by various means. Few# got reported by consulate abroad and few reported by USCIS.
2. How USCIS and Consulate can report unused Visa #'s?
You might be reading the I-485 rejection cases by CIS and Consulate
You might be hearing about USCIS is unable to process the applications received
You might be hearing people could not able to file whose cased were current in June.
All these Visa #'s are reported back
3. To me around 20000 such numbers are available for this years quota
4. Can my applications sneak into this #?
Answer is uncertain.
If your have an old priority dates then probability is high
If you have recent 05/06/07 priority date then there could be issues in issuing an EAD. People whose PD are old will take legal action against USCIS of they do not consider their case and approve yours.
5. What would August VB have?
If they do not approve any July2 filling then here is what they will do
a) Retain petition with old PD and adjust them in Aug
b) Reject all I-485 application for candidates recent PD
They are making a decision fast, that the reason Aug VB is not yet published
6. Will USCIS reverse the new decision?
Answer is NO. Why? There is no such pattern in USCIS behavior and July time is running out.
7. How about Law suite?
:) Do not worry there is a slick chance. All govt depts. are inter related.
Don�t you think Justice dept does not know about this before issuing the reversal notification in July. All CIS communication also being forwarded to Justice dept.
State--> Immigration --> Justice are all same with different names.
I have no hope from this process. It's just building a fake hope.
8. People are still filling the application.
Candidates are filling because of advice of their attorney. When you deal with the attorney directly they will encourage you to apply because they will get the money now.
There is no guarantee that you will process your application from XYZ law firm in Oct.
If you file now through them, you are bonded with him until you hear some good news from CIS.
There is a say in India.. Always try to out of trouble and Attorney. They will tell everything is possible.
Another thing after July 16th, I am not sure if they can charge money to you directly. They will rush you to pay before just 16th.
Declaimer: I am not an attorney or do not have any background of law. This is my conclusion from reading IV and many other forums. My PD is 2007 EB2.
I dont think whatever you are saying is true...
State--> Immigration --> Justice are all same with different names.
Please be careful while you post since lot of people are viewing it.
more...
sanju
01-26 03:55 PM
That's Great! Glad it worked out.
Cheers!!
Cheers!!
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SDdesi
06-19 09:04 PM
I just posted another alternative to saving on the vaccines:
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showpost.php?p=87048&postcount=20
Basically, if your county health dept has a program, they can give you vaccinations for dirt cheap prices. I paid only $10 per person for Td & MMR :)
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showpost.php?p=87048&postcount=20
Basically, if your county health dept has a program, they can give you vaccinations for dirt cheap prices. I paid only $10 per person for Td & MMR :)
more...
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tonyHK12
10-04 02:21 PM
I contribute no more than 10% of my pay towards my 401K. I would not contribute more than this because I don't intend to stay here for a very long time. .
I contribute just 2-4% as I don't get company match. Regardless if you get a match, I know some friends who prefer to put it in India/mother's fixed deposit accounts for 8-10% interest, or if you have a PF account still open its an option. Property prices there too may shoot up in some areas, giving a good return, while here they may stay stagnant for many years.
Some banks allow NRIs to trade stocks or mutual funds in India too.
The only reason for 401K is if you plan to retire here.
Liquidity is a big problem as you have to quit the company for withdrawal from 401K. Some 401Ks give you loan at 2-3% interest. Its kind of strange because its your own money.
I contribute just 2-4% as I don't get company match. Regardless if you get a match, I know some friends who prefer to put it in India/mother's fixed deposit accounts for 8-10% interest, or if you have a PF account still open its an option. Property prices there too may shoot up in some areas, giving a good return, while here they may stay stagnant for many years.
Some banks allow NRIs to trade stocks or mutual funds in India too.
The only reason for 401K is if you plan to retire here.
Liquidity is a big problem as you have to quit the company for withdrawal from 401K. Some 401Ks give you loan at 2-3% interest. Its kind of strange because its your own money.
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pdx_Soft_Eng
07-10 12:33 AM
as far as I know, since she had H1B already with her previous company, she can get a new H1B right now. She doesn't have to wait for Oct 2007. However, the time she spent on H4 is also used against her H1B time since H1 and H4 are both H visas and everybody gets 6 years in total. You should use this info at yor own risk. Double check with a lawyer. Maybe other members can confirm my response as well...
more...
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das0
05-27 10:38 PM
What is the Cut off date for EB candidates for the proposed CIR Bill > May 21 2005 or May 21 2007 ???
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shortchanged
08-01 06:09 PM
Unlike I485, you can appeal adverse desisions by USCIS, in I140 cases.Also try Ombudsman and local Congressman.You still have to know, what USCIS decision is.may be you will be alright without doing anything,and your I-140 will be favorably adjudicated!
Wish you all the best
Wish you all the best
more...
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bearstory
04-26 09:10 PM
Thank you everyone for your reponds. We are going to have a wedding in August, 2010. Can we fill the I30 and other forms now or we have to wait until after the wedding?
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desi3933
09-17 09:09 AM
.....
4. Second I-140 Filed - 01/2008 based on my original PERM LC.
5. Second I-140 - Approved - 02/2008
........
Your lawyer is right. Since you have an active and approved I-140, your I-485 can NOT be denied. Even if it is denied by mistake, it can be re-opened by MTR.
You should relax, in other words.
That is the advantage of having multiple immigrant petitions (one or more combination of I-140 and I-130).
Good Luck to you.
*** Not a legal advise ***
4. Second I-140 Filed - 01/2008 based on my original PERM LC.
5. Second I-140 - Approved - 02/2008
........
Your lawyer is right. Since you have an active and approved I-140, your I-485 can NOT be denied. Even if it is denied by mistake, it can be re-opened by MTR.
You should relax, in other words.
That is the advantage of having multiple immigrant petitions (one or more combination of I-140 and I-130).
Good Luck to you.
*** Not a legal advise ***
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gaurav_sh2
07-18 10:20 AM
what is your country of birth? I know dates never went current to sep'08 for india...
pappu
04-08 12:03 PM
Please add your details in IV tracker
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_tracker&Itemid=63
and we can see the total cases in EB3
http://immigrationvoice.org/index.php?option=com_tracker&Itemid=63
and we can see the total cases in EB3
raysaikat
09-13 03:56 PM
Hello,
I have a question about obtaining and O-1 visa (or possibly EB-1 Green Card). I did hire an attorney , but would like another look at the situation.
I am a musician, about 2 months after the end of OPT, presently in USA, with a PhD and many awards so I should qualify for O-1.
Unless you have won a grammy or a similar award, you do not necessarily qualify. Here are the requirement from USCIS:
1. Nomination for and/or recipient of significant national or international awards or prizes in his/her field (e.g. Academy, Emmy, Grammy, or Director’s Guild Award)
OR
• At least three of the following apply to him/her:
o Performed a lead, starring or critical role for organizations and establishments of distinguished reputation.
o A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed success.
o Received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the alien’s field.
o Commands/ed high salary or other remuneration for services as compared to others in the alien’s field.
o Other comparable evidence
Aliens in the Motion Picture or TV Industry
The type of evidence that is required to establish “extraordinary achievement” in the motion picture or TV industry is in some ways similar to the type of evidence submitted to show “extraordinary ability” in the arts. The standard that must be met, however, is higher. To establish “extraordinary ability in the arts” it is enough to show a high level of achievement. For “extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or TV industry” a very high level of accomplishment is required.
When you file your petition, you must try to provide evidence of as many categories as possible. Usually the point is that what you have achieved is not *usual*. E.g., *winning* an assistantship in your graduate school does not count.
As advised, I needed an employer to sponsor the visa. My attorney suggested that Part-time is not recommendable at all. I researched and could not find if the position need to be necessarily Full-time? I have only a part time job currently and many freelancing opportunities.
Also, since the nature of my profession is freelancing (meaning I need to perform, teach...on many different places), can I be self-employed for O-1?
O-1 is the employer's petition, not yours. So you do need to have an employer. However, if you can prove that your field is traditionally self-employed, then you can have a US agent. I do not know what is a US agent; ask your lawyer.
We already filed the petition for O-1 (with the part-time employer as a sponsor) and the current status is: Additional Information/Proof Needed. We still don't have the letter stating what is needed, but I worry it's not a good sign. What do you think?
And lastly, IF it happens that O-1 is not approved, can I still apply for EB-1 Green Card?
Thank you for your answers!
EB-1 petition (assuming it is the EB-1A) standards are as follows. They are very similar to O-1 and stricter, however, legally EB1-A requirements are independent of O-1 requirement (i.e., you cannot argue that if your O-1 is approved, then EB1-A must also be approved with the same set of evidences):
Aliens with extraordinary ability are those with "extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation." You must be one of "that small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor," to be granted this classification. For example, if you receive a major internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, you will qualify for an EB-1 classification. Other awards may also qualify if you can document that the award is in the same class as a Nobel Prize. Since few workers receive this type of award, alternative evidence of EB-1 classification based on at least three of the types of evidence outlined below, is permitted. The worker may submit "other comparable evidence" if the following criteria do not apply:
Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence;
Membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members; [It is not sufficient to be a member of an organization where you are member just by the virtue of your profession, or just because you cared to apply]
Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
Evidence that the alien has judged the work of others, either individually or on a panel; [Grading your student's work does not count! If you are a judge in American Idol, Project Runway, etc., those would definitely count]
Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field;
Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
Evidence that the alien's work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases;
Performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations;
Evidence that the alien commands a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field;
Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts.
I have a question about obtaining and O-1 visa (or possibly EB-1 Green Card). I did hire an attorney , but would like another look at the situation.
I am a musician, about 2 months after the end of OPT, presently in USA, with a PhD and many awards so I should qualify for O-1.
Unless you have won a grammy or a similar award, you do not necessarily qualify. Here are the requirement from USCIS:
1. Nomination for and/or recipient of significant national or international awards or prizes in his/her field (e.g. Academy, Emmy, Grammy, or Director’s Guild Award)
OR
• At least three of the following apply to him/her:
o Performed a lead, starring or critical role for organizations and establishments of distinguished reputation.
o A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed success.
o Received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the alien’s field.
o Commands/ed high salary or other remuneration for services as compared to others in the alien’s field.
o Other comparable evidence
Aliens in the Motion Picture or TV Industry
The type of evidence that is required to establish “extraordinary achievement” in the motion picture or TV industry is in some ways similar to the type of evidence submitted to show “extraordinary ability” in the arts. The standard that must be met, however, is higher. To establish “extraordinary ability in the arts” it is enough to show a high level of achievement. For “extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or TV industry” a very high level of accomplishment is required.
When you file your petition, you must try to provide evidence of as many categories as possible. Usually the point is that what you have achieved is not *usual*. E.g., *winning* an assistantship in your graduate school does not count.
As advised, I needed an employer to sponsor the visa. My attorney suggested that Part-time is not recommendable at all. I researched and could not find if the position need to be necessarily Full-time? I have only a part time job currently and many freelancing opportunities.
Also, since the nature of my profession is freelancing (meaning I need to perform, teach...on many different places), can I be self-employed for O-1?
O-1 is the employer's petition, not yours. So you do need to have an employer. However, if you can prove that your field is traditionally self-employed, then you can have a US agent. I do not know what is a US agent; ask your lawyer.
We already filed the petition for O-1 (with the part-time employer as a sponsor) and the current status is: Additional Information/Proof Needed. We still don't have the letter stating what is needed, but I worry it's not a good sign. What do you think?
And lastly, IF it happens that O-1 is not approved, can I still apply for EB-1 Green Card?
Thank you for your answers!
EB-1 petition (assuming it is the EB-1A) standards are as follows. They are very similar to O-1 and stricter, however, legally EB1-A requirements are independent of O-1 requirement (i.e., you cannot argue that if your O-1 is approved, then EB1-A must also be approved with the same set of evidences):
Aliens with extraordinary ability are those with "extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation." You must be one of "that small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor," to be granted this classification. For example, if you receive a major internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, you will qualify for an EB-1 classification. Other awards may also qualify if you can document that the award is in the same class as a Nobel Prize. Since few workers receive this type of award, alternative evidence of EB-1 classification based on at least three of the types of evidence outlined below, is permitted. The worker may submit "other comparable evidence" if the following criteria do not apply:
Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence;
Membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members; [It is not sufficient to be a member of an organization where you are member just by the virtue of your profession, or just because you cared to apply]
Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
Evidence that the alien has judged the work of others, either individually or on a panel; [Grading your student's work does not count! If you are a judge in American Idol, Project Runway, etc., those would definitely count]
Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance to the field;
Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
Evidence that the alien's work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases;
Performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations;
Evidence that the alien commands a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field;
Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts.