Jaime
06-13 01:58 PM
If you are on EB3 then you ARE retrogressed. The entire world (which includes Brazil) is retrogressed on EB3. Now, if you meant to write "EB2" then that's another story...
paseo santa lucia. Paseo Santa Lucia 2007,
srinivas_o
05-08 02:27 PM
I am also in the same boat. If the current employer does not like me to move to a new position, is there anything the current employer can do stop getting GC?
My I-140 approved and I-485 is pending more than 180 days and priority date is Aug 2004 (EB3).
I got a good offer and want to leave the current employer by shifting to EAD from H1. What would be the worst case scenario the present employer can do to stop getting GC or what else I might need from him in the future regarding GC processing?
Gurus, please help.
My I-140 approved and I-485 is pending more than 180 days and priority date is Aug 2004 (EB3).
I got a good offer and want to leave the current employer by shifting to EAD from H1. What would be the worst case scenario the present employer can do to stop getting GC or what else I might need from him in the future regarding GC processing?
Gurus, please help.
paseo santa lucia. Paseo Santa Lucia by
mpadapa
02-16 10:29 PM
we sure can make that good news happen provided we all make the admin campaign a success. Can we??
I have a feeling some good news is round the corner this "Election Year". Lets all keep our fingers crossed for any improvements in the increase of Visa numbers.
I have a feeling some good news is round the corner this "Election Year". Lets all keep our fingers crossed for any improvements in the increase of Visa numbers.
paseo santa lucia. El Paseo Santa Lucia
roxychaney
03-02 11:39 AM
Just out of curiousity, does traditional painting qualify?
o yea, guess i should have asked this before posting!
o yea, guess i should have asked this before posting!
more...
paseo santa lucia. PASEO SANTA LUCIA 01.
AXM
12-12 04:34 PM
My question is if the AP has an expiration date, does the officer's parole stamp supercedes that or not? thanks
AM
AM
paseo santa lucia. Paseo Sta. Lucia Pictures
shan74
01-12 07:49 PM
Thanks and wait for ur response. Also i wanted to know whether my employer or lawyer will come to know if i apply for FOIA, and will it affect my application. Another thing is my employer is not responding whether my 140 is approved or not. so i really don;t know the status of my application and he is not willing to give me the receipt #.
So please let me know will it affect my application.
thanks
So please let me know will it affect my application.
thanks
more...
paseo santa lucia. Paseo Santa Lucía en
voldemar
03-20 12:09 PM
I believe if I-140 approved and was approved 120 days ago then employer cannot withdraw the application otherwise employer can always withdraw itEmployer can withdraw I-140 anytime. Don't be confused with AC21 wording - I-140 remains valid if it was approved and I-485 is pending for more than 180 days, even if I-140 has been withdrawn by employer.
paseo santa lucia. al paseo santa lucia se
phillyag
07-20 02:14 PM
Any expected timelines for getting the receipt notice from USCIS? I filed on Jul17th.
more...
paseo santa lucia. del Paseo Santa Lucia les
anandrajesh
05-04 01:56 PM
wellwishergc..
looks like u have some more knowledge in these matters. My ex employer got a 45day letter filed in Oct2003 EB2 case. they replied to go ahead with the case. When the labor approves and in a scenario, that employer has no project at the point of time to hire me back, can he file my 140 and then the 485...??
That employer is not a consulting company and thus needs a position for me and is a big-big company. If I request them they will file the 140, but will taht be okay if I am not working at that time...??
thx
Yes, you dont have to be employed by the company to file for I-140. They can do GC as a "Prospective Employee" & for "future employment". The only downside to that is they look at lot of company's details, like ability to pay, returns for the last few years and so on. But if your company is a big company that shldnt be an issue.
looks like u have some more knowledge in these matters. My ex employer got a 45day letter filed in Oct2003 EB2 case. they replied to go ahead with the case. When the labor approves and in a scenario, that employer has no project at the point of time to hire me back, can he file my 140 and then the 485...??
That employer is not a consulting company and thus needs a position for me and is a big-big company. If I request them they will file the 140, but will taht be okay if I am not working at that time...??
thx
Yes, you dont have to be employed by the company to file for I-140. They can do GC as a "Prospective Employee" & for "future employment". The only downside to that is they look at lot of company's details, like ability to pay, returns for the last few years and so on. But if your company is a big company that shldnt be an issue.
paseo santa lucia. El Paseo Santa Lucia
gkaplan
04-22 02:37 PM
thanks again:
more questions:o
1. i think my company needs to apply for LCA frst, right?what things should be done (roughly) before applying for LCA? and approximately how much time is required for those things?
2. how long does it take to get approved for LCA? (if the company does everything correctly?)
3. once LCA arrives, then the company just needs to fill the required H1B forms and send them to USCIS, right? approximately how much time is required for those things?
4. once the forms arrive at the USCIS, as long as I pay extra $1000, will I be eligible for preium processing?
5. what happens after USCIS gives an ok? and a 'no ok"?
6. if everthing happens before october 1st,2010 and i get an OK from USCIS, will I be officially on H1B after october 1st 2010?
7. if everthing happens after october 1st,2010 and i get an OK from USCIS, what will be?
Thanks again, i know i';m being an idiot with so many questions but I'm just trying to understand exactly what's and how's happenning these things.
Thank you again.
more questions:o
1. i think my company needs to apply for LCA frst, right?what things should be done (roughly) before applying for LCA? and approximately how much time is required for those things?
2. how long does it take to get approved for LCA? (if the company does everything correctly?)
3. once LCA arrives, then the company just needs to fill the required H1B forms and send them to USCIS, right? approximately how much time is required for those things?
4. once the forms arrive at the USCIS, as long as I pay extra $1000, will I be eligible for preium processing?
5. what happens after USCIS gives an ok? and a 'no ok"?
6. if everthing happens before october 1st,2010 and i get an OK from USCIS, will I be officially on H1B after october 1st 2010?
7. if everthing happens after october 1st,2010 and i get an OK from USCIS, what will be?
Thanks again, i know i';m being an idiot with so many questions but I'm just trying to understand exactly what's and how's happenning these things.
Thank you again.
more...
paseo santa lucia. Mexico: PASEO SANTA LUCIA
arihant
10-26 10:43 AM
last year i applied for H1 transfer in the midweek of Oct-05 and got the approval on mid week of Feb-06. :cool:
Thanks Masti for your response.
Anybody else have any experiences from this year?
Thanks.
Thanks Masti for your response.
Anybody else have any experiences from this year?
Thanks.
paseo santa lucia. Santa Lucía Riverwalk photos
boreal
09-23 12:07 PM
Hi boreal,
I had a problem with my wifes AP- they had not acted on it for 4 months I asked them to expedite it since we wanted to visit my father in law who was hospitalized for a medical condition- they did not respond to that request so I contacted my Senators office and asked if they could assist in this matter. They asked me for some medical documentation and faxed it to USCIS.. I noticed yesterday that her online status had changed to document mailed..we are still to get it but are optimistic that we should receive it soon.
In the absence of any compelling circumstances though I am not sure how it would work. but I would definitely recommend contacting your Senators office.
Thanks seeking_GC..i dont have such emergencies though...not visiting home country for four years probably wont qualify as an emergency :-)
I had a problem with my wifes AP- they had not acted on it for 4 months I asked them to expedite it since we wanted to visit my father in law who was hospitalized for a medical condition- they did not respond to that request so I contacted my Senators office and asked if they could assist in this matter. They asked me for some medical documentation and faxed it to USCIS.. I noticed yesterday that her online status had changed to document mailed..we are still to get it but are optimistic that we should receive it soon.
In the absence of any compelling circumstances though I am not sure how it would work. but I would definitely recommend contacting your Senators office.
Thanks seeking_GC..i dont have such emergencies though...not visiting home country for four years probably wont qualify as an emergency :-)
more...
paseo santa lucia. Paseo Santa Lucia 2007,
alterego
05-09 07:54 PM
The Employer won`t be touching the I-140 or any other related GC apps.About the time frame for getting same or similar job...I am seriously keeping my fingers crossed!!!!
Thanks for all the detailed inputs alterego !!!
Best advise. Try your best to have an AC21 compatible job offer by Aug/Sept time frame. I doubt you'll see any issues emerging before then.
Your status is legal as long as your 485 is pending. A job will secure your status. Work hard finding a same or similar one.
Thanks for all the detailed inputs alterego !!!
Best advise. Try your best to have an AC21 compatible job offer by Aug/Sept time frame. I doubt you'll see any issues emerging before then.
Your status is legal as long as your 485 is pending. A job will secure your status. Work hard finding a same or similar one.
paseo santa lucia. DEL PASEO SANTA LUCIA
shreekarthik
08-08 11:43 AM
Basically, you get 1 credit for a quarter of year, so 4 credits a year. If you have lived and worked 8 full years and 6 months for the year when you came and 6 months the year you depart from the country, you will,be fine. So bottom line is 40 quarters i.e. 10 Years i.e (1 quarter is 3 months) of gainfully employed time and having paid SS Taxes.
It's not per quarter. It's based on your earnings. It was around $4000 per year gross or so for 4 credits. So if u arrived in December and left in Feb with 8 years in between you would be eligible if you get paid $4000 per month.
For a lot of finance information go to http://groups.msn.com/R2IClub. For 401K information, IRA, ROTH etc search google for "RRK Limits". RRK has tonnes and tonnes of info. By planning your departure from USA you can minimize the taxes on 401K. Penalty cannot be avoided.
It's not per quarter. It's based on your earnings. It was around $4000 per year gross or so for 4 credits. So if u arrived in December and left in Feb with 8 years in between you would be eligible if you get paid $4000 per month.
For a lot of finance information go to http://groups.msn.com/R2IClub. For 401K information, IRA, ROTH etc search google for "RRK Limits". RRK has tonnes and tonnes of info. By planning your departure from USA you can minimize the taxes on 401K. Penalty cannot be avoided.
more...
paseo santa lucia. Paseo Santa Lucía: Maravilla
vicks_don
04-18 03:04 PM
thanks felix 31.
I filed it last year oct in VSC. got an rfe last month. i haven't received any case transfer notice. I am planning to answer rfe to VSC. My recepit number starts with EAC.
just one question.
when you said it was filed with NSC and now transfered to TSC. apart from the recipt from NSC that your case is transfered what else could tell us that the case is transfered..like
a) does the receipt number change
b) when we input the previous number in uscis.gov does it say that your case has been transfered.
Thanks for your reply.
I filed it last year oct in VSC. got an rfe last month. i haven't received any case transfer notice. I am planning to answer rfe to VSC. My recepit number starts with EAC.
just one question.
when you said it was filed with NSC and now transfered to TSC. apart from the recipt from NSC that your case is transfered what else could tell us that the case is transfered..like
a) does the receipt number change
b) when we input the previous number in uscis.gov does it say that your case has been transfered.
Thanks for your reply.
paseo santa lucia. Vista del Río santa Lucía.
Sakthisagar
10-04 08:49 AM
Hello,
Folks, who is in PA, Please take a print out of this document.
http://www.dot3.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/pub195nc.pdf
and show them the column, "Lawful Temporary Residents" they cannot refuse to give licence, the employees in DMV should get a training, Otherwise contact Harrisburg, PA DMV and talk to an officer, get his name and let the people who refuse, to call him and talk to him about the revised law 8 months back.
Folks, who is in PA, Please take a print out of this document.
http://www.dot3.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/pub195nc.pdf
and show them the column, "Lawful Temporary Residents" they cannot refuse to give licence, the employees in DMV should get a training, Otherwise contact Harrisburg, PA DMV and talk to an officer, get his name and let the people who refuse, to call him and talk to him about the revised law 8 months back.
more...
paseo santa lucia. Paseo Santa Lucía (el rio
kaisersose
12-07 11:54 AM
EB1 is typically for Phds with solid publications behind their belts.
In some cases the individual can sponsor himself without an employer as such people are considered a good value add to the US. In other cases, an employer has to have a bonafide job opening requiring such skills (mostly professors, research, etc.,). These people are usually given their Green cards in ceremonies unlike EB2/EB3 where the card is mailed out in a USPS envelope.
There is also an easy way. In some companies in India, people with 5-6 years of experience are promoted to Project manager roles and have a group of people reporting to them. If this company transfers them to the US to continue the same role, they become eligible for EB1. So in a typical case,
complete education at age 22 and join company x as a software engineer
get promoted to Project manager at age 27 (5 years later)
come to the US at age 28 ( a year later)
apply for GC on EB1 (directly apply for 140/485 as there is no Labor required and also PDs are current)
get GC at age 29
you are all set...get married, buy the mini-van (Odyssey or Sienna), perhaps open a India/Pakistan grocery store on the side which rents out pirated DVDs of desi movies and enjoy life!
In some cases the individual can sponsor himself without an employer as such people are considered a good value add to the US. In other cases, an employer has to have a bonafide job opening requiring such skills (mostly professors, research, etc.,). These people are usually given their Green cards in ceremonies unlike EB2/EB3 where the card is mailed out in a USPS envelope.
There is also an easy way. In some companies in India, people with 5-6 years of experience are promoted to Project manager roles and have a group of people reporting to them. If this company transfers them to the US to continue the same role, they become eligible for EB1. So in a typical case,
complete education at age 22 and join company x as a software engineer
get promoted to Project manager at age 27 (5 years later)
come to the US at age 28 ( a year later)
apply for GC on EB1 (directly apply for 140/485 as there is no Labor required and also PDs are current)
get GC at age 29
you are all set...get married, buy the mini-van (Odyssey or Sienna), perhaps open a India/Pakistan grocery store on the side which rents out pirated DVDs of desi movies and enjoy life!
paseo santa lucia. Paseo Santa Lucía Monterrey,
v2neha
04-25 11:26 AM
hello folks,
I am switching jobs after an approved I140 and over 180 days from 485 receipt.
I am expecting no problems when leaving my current company. but just incase they decide to revoke my 140,
- is it ok to file AC21 after i receive the NOID if some thing happens or is it better to file AC21 now?
one other complication is i will be changing address too. how long does it take for USCIS to update my new address in their records? the reason i am asking is if they send me RFE or NOID, i will totally miss the boat if they send it to the wrong address. i am sure they will send a copy to my attorney, but he works form my current employer and I will assume he is less likely to help. Does it help if i file G28 with my own name and my new address?
I need to join my new job in 10 days and i hev give my crrent company a notice so it is a bit urgent. Please help.
Thank you
Rex
Even if online address change thru AR-11 has not taken effect, post office will forward your mail to your new address for 12 months - make sure you fill out change of address form with postal dept immediately
I am switching jobs after an approved I140 and over 180 days from 485 receipt.
I am expecting no problems when leaving my current company. but just incase they decide to revoke my 140,
- is it ok to file AC21 after i receive the NOID if some thing happens or is it better to file AC21 now?
one other complication is i will be changing address too. how long does it take for USCIS to update my new address in their records? the reason i am asking is if they send me RFE or NOID, i will totally miss the boat if they send it to the wrong address. i am sure they will send a copy to my attorney, but he works form my current employer and I will assume he is less likely to help. Does it help if i file G28 with my own name and my new address?
I need to join my new job in 10 days and i hev give my crrent company a notice so it is a bit urgent. Please help.
Thank you
Rex
Even if online address change thru AR-11 has not taken effect, post office will forward your mail to your new address for 12 months - make sure you fill out change of address form with postal dept immediately
paseo santa lucia. Paseo Santa Lucia
reddog
01-31 12:31 AM
YOu will have to wait till your PD gets current.
Blog Feeds
01-27 08:30 AM
Summary
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
More... (http://ashwinsharma.com/2011/01/25/h-1b-visa-program-reforms-are-needed-to-minimize-the-risks-and-costs-of-current-program.aspx?ref=rss)
(LINK TO FULL REPORT BELOW)
Congress created the H-1B program in 1990 to enable U.S. employers to hire temporary, foreign workers in specialty occupations. The law capped the number of H-1B visas issued per fiscal year at 65,000. Since then, the cap has fluctuated with legislative changes. Congress asked GAO to assess the impact of the cap on the ability of domestic companies to innovate, while ensuring that U.S. workers are not disadvantaged. In response, GAO examined what is known about (1) employer demand for H-1B workers; (2) how the cap affects employer costs and decisions to move operations overseas; (3) H-1B worker characteristics and the potential impact of raising the cap; and (4) how well requirements of the H-1B program protect U.S. workers. GAO analyzed data from 4 federal agencies; interviewed agency officials, experts, and H-1B employers; and reviewed agency documents and literature.
In most years, demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap: From 2000 to 2009, demand for new H-1B workers tended to exceed the cap, as measured by the numbers of initial petitions submitted by employers who are subject to the cap. There is no way to precisely determine the level of any unmet demand among employers, since they tend to stop submitting (and the Department of Homeland Security stops tracking) petitions once the cap is reached each year. When we consider all initial petitions, including those from universities and research institutions that are not subject to the cap, we find that demand for new H-1B workers is largely driven by a small number of employers. Over the decade, over 14 percent of all initial petitions were submitted by cap-exempt employers, and only a few employers (fewer than 1 percent) garnered over one-quarter of all H-1B approvals. Most interviewed companies said the H-1B cap and program created costs, but were not factors in their decisions to move R&D overseas: The 34 H-1B employers GAO interviewed reported that the cap has created some additional costs, though the cap's impact depended on the size and maturity of the company. For example, in years when visas were denied by the cap, most large firms reported finding other (sometimes more costly) ways to hire their preferred job candidates. On the other hand, small firms were more likely to fill their positions with different candidates, which they said resulted in delays and sometimes economic losses, particularly for firms in rapidly changing technology fields. Limitations in agency data and systems hinder tracking the cap and H-1B workers over time: The total number of H-1B workers in the U.S. at any one time--and information about the length of their stay--is unknown, because (1) data systems among the various agencies that process such individuals are not linked so individuals cannot be readily tracked, and (2) H-1B workers are not assigned a unique identifier that would allow for tracking them over time--particularly if and when their visa status changes. Restricted agency oversight and statutory changes weaken protections for U.S. workers: Elements of the H-1B program that could serve as worker protections--such as the requirement to pay prevailing wages, the visa's temporary status, and the cap itself--are weakened by several factors. First, program oversight is fragmented and restricted. Second, the H-1B program lacks a legal provision for holding employers accountable to program requirements when they obtain H-1B workers through a staffing company. Third, statutory changes made to the H-1B program have, in combination and in effect, increased the pool of H-1B workers beyond the cap and lowered the bar for eligibility. Taken together, the multifaceted challenges identified in this report show that the H-1B program, as currently structured, may not be used to its full potential and may be detrimental in some cases. This report offers several matters for congressional consideration, including that Congress re-examine key H-1B program provisions and make appropriate changes as needed. GAO also recommends that the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor take steps to improve efficiency, flexibility, and monitoring of the H-1B program. Homeland Security disagreed with two recommendations and one matter, citing logistical and other challenges; however, we believe such challenges can be overcome. Labor did not respond to our recommendations.
Recommendations
Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
Director:Andrew SherrillTeam:Government Accountability Office: Education, Workforce, and Income SecurityPhone:(202) 512-7252
Matters for Congressional Consideration
Recommendation: To ensure that the H-1B program continues to meet the needs of businesses in a global economy while maintaining a balance of protections for U.S. workers, Congress may wish to consider reviewing the merits and shortcomings of key program provisions and making appropriate changes as needed. Such a review may include, but would not necessarily be limited to (1) the qualifications required for workers eligible under the H-1B program, (2) exemptions from the cap, (3) the appropriateness of H-1B hiring by staffing companies, (4) the level of the cap, and (5) the role the program should play in the U.S. immigration system in relationship to permanent residency.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To reduce duplication and fragmentation in the administration and oversight of the H-1B application process, consistent with past GAO matters for congressional consideration, Congress may wish to consider eliminating the requirement that employers first submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor for certification, and require instead that employers submit this application along with the I-129 application to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for review.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the Department of Labor's ability to investigate and enforce employer compliance with H-1B program requirements, Congress may wish to consider granting the department subpoena power to obtain employer records during investigations under the H-1B program.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To help ensure the full protection of H-1B workers employed through staffing companies, Congress may wish to consider holding the employer where an H-1B visa holder performs work accountable for meeting program requirements to the same extent as the employer that submitted the LCA form.
Status: In process
Comments: When we determine what steps the Congress has taken, we will provide updated information.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Recommendation: To help ensure that the number of new H-1B workers who are subject to the cap--both entering the United States and changing to H-1B status within the United States--does not exceed the cap each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should take steps to improve its tracking of the number of approved H-1B applications and the number of issued visas under the cap by fully leveraging the transformation effort currently under way, which involves the adoption of an electronic petition processing system that will be linked to the Department of State's tracking system. Such steps should ensure that linkages to the Department of State's tracking system will provide Homeland Security with timely access to data on visa issuances, and that mechanisms for tracking petitions and visas against the cap are incorporated into U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' business rules to be developed for the new electronic petition system.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To address business concerns without undermining program integrity, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services should, to the extent permitted by its existing statutory authority, explore options for increasing the flexibility of the application process for H-1B employers, such as (1) allowing employers to rank their applications for visa candidates so that they can hire the best qualified worker for the jobs in highest need; (2) distributing the applications granted under the annual cap in allotments throughout the year (e.g. quarterly); and (3) establishing a system whereby businesses with a strong track-record of compliance with H-1B regulations may use a streamlined application process.
Agency Affected: Department of Homeland Security
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the transparency and oversight of the posting requirement on the Labor Condition Application (LCA), as part of its current oversight role, the Employment and Training Administration should develop and maintain a centralized Web site, accessible to the public, where businesses must post notice of the intent to hire H-1B workers. Such notices should continue to specify the job category and worksite location noted on the LCA and required by statute on current noncentralized postings.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its investigations of employer compliance with H-1B requirements, the Employment and Training Administration should provide Labor's Wage and Hour Division searchable access to the LCA database.
Agency Affected: Department of Labor
Status: In process
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
VIEW FULL REPORT (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1126.pdf)
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obviously
08-27 05:57 PM
Folks, the key is here to articulate the interests and educate lawmakers on why amelioration and terminal relief is required. Walking out of workplaces does not reflect the value that legal immigrants bring to the economy. What's needed is a pithy powerful message on why it is important to support those who are in the legal line for immigrating to the USA> We dont seek it as an entitlement, nor do we seek social promotion. Our goal is to get what is available per current policy. We must highlight the pain we face ...
Talking about aalking out of work places might make one feel good and 'in control'. Reality is, you are only jeopardizing your job, career and goodwill. An illegal who is fired can 'melt away' and find another job. Are you willing to risk it all and leave the country? For one day of protest, in a form and manner that befits a 20th century mentality?
If we have to make ourselves heard with RESPECT and RECOGNITION, our actions must merit these values. We cannot bleed by a hundred cuts and expect to find what we need.
Let us get non emotional about this, collect DATA and present it OBJECTIVELY through repeated messaging. Positioning, timing and delivery is key.
Walking out of work on Oct 24 is NOT the answer, IMHO.
Obviously,
Talking about aalking out of work places might make one feel good and 'in control'. Reality is, you are only jeopardizing your job, career and goodwill. An illegal who is fired can 'melt away' and find another job. Are you willing to risk it all and leave the country? For one day of protest, in a form and manner that befits a 20th century mentality?
If we have to make ourselves heard with RESPECT and RECOGNITION, our actions must merit these values. We cannot bleed by a hundred cuts and expect to find what we need.
Let us get non emotional about this, collect DATA and present it OBJECTIVELY through repeated messaging. Positioning, timing and delivery is key.
Walking out of work on Oct 24 is NOT the answer, IMHO.
Obviously,
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