raysaikat
03-28 06:53 PM
Dear All,
I currently hold an F1 visa and am enrolled in a PhD program. I want to discontinue PhD and work on an H1B visa. I have an MS degree from a US University and had used up the OPT period in the past.
My questions are as follows:
Is it legal to quit the PhD program and file for H1B if someone is willing to hire me?
Yes.
Given this is the Month of March/April if I get a job now how may I be able to work for an employer?
You will not be able to start working until your H1-B status kicks in. I think H1-B for the current fiscal year (Oct'09-Sep'10) is exhausted. If that's the case, then your employer has to apply for the H1-B visa when the application window opens on April 1, 2010, and you will not be able to start working until Oct 1, 2010.
If you can get CPT approved by your school, then you can work for the employer during the summer months.
How do I maintain status until October 1st? I have been in the PhD program for just one year. Is it possible to file for a pre-completion OPT for the PhD program and start working for an employer to get H1B and eventually quit PhD?
You cannot apply for OPT until you finish (or about to finish) your Ph.D. requirements (including the dissertation).
If your school officials and your department approves, then you might be able to do a CPT. But that means you cannot quit school.
If you cannot get a CPT, then it might be simplest to go back to your home country after you have your H1-B approval in hand and wait it out.
If the change of status from F1 -H1B is approved will visa stamping in India be an issue? (I got my current F1 visa only after clearance for a 221g case).
Not really. The consulate may again ask for security clearance, or other documents, and may delay the approval, etc., but the fact that you quit your Ph.D. wouldn't particularly be held against you, though you should be prepared to answer why you did that to the IO.
Thank you very much for your help.
I currently hold an F1 visa and am enrolled in a PhD program. I want to discontinue PhD and work on an H1B visa. I have an MS degree from a US University and had used up the OPT period in the past.
My questions are as follows:
Is it legal to quit the PhD program and file for H1B if someone is willing to hire me?
Yes.
Given this is the Month of March/April if I get a job now how may I be able to work for an employer?
You will not be able to start working until your H1-B status kicks in. I think H1-B for the current fiscal year (Oct'09-Sep'10) is exhausted. If that's the case, then your employer has to apply for the H1-B visa when the application window opens on April 1, 2010, and you will not be able to start working until Oct 1, 2010.
If you can get CPT approved by your school, then you can work for the employer during the summer months.
How do I maintain status until October 1st? I have been in the PhD program for just one year. Is it possible to file for a pre-completion OPT for the PhD program and start working for an employer to get H1B and eventually quit PhD?
You cannot apply for OPT until you finish (or about to finish) your Ph.D. requirements (including the dissertation).
If your school officials and your department approves, then you might be able to do a CPT. But that means you cannot quit school.
If you cannot get a CPT, then it might be simplest to go back to your home country after you have your H1-B approval in hand and wait it out.
If the change of status from F1 -H1B is approved will visa stamping in India be an issue? (I got my current F1 visa only after clearance for a 221g case).
Not really. The consulate may again ask for security clearance, or other documents, and may delay the approval, etc., but the fact that you quit your Ph.D. wouldn't particularly be held against you, though you should be prepared to answer why you did that to the IO.
Thank you very much for your help.
wallpaper map of massachusetts cities.
tb2904
03-27 09:13 AM
Nothing wrong with sharing happiness :)
...proves to who?? Would we be just making ourselves happy??
...proves to who?? Would we be just making ourselves happy??
panacea
08-09 07:57 PM
anybody? I'm also in similar kind of situation.
2011 Massachusetts,
overseas
10-06 09:29 PM
irrational - Sorry to say this is little bit unlucky case. This happened to me also. My case got transferred to VSC from TSC in July 2009 and from then it is sitting there with no progress. Taken info pass but no use. (Yet to think about the next steps!).
I applied for EAD and AP in Aug last week and got the approved copies in Sep second week. I sent the application to TSC.
mmanurker - Can you please tell me how long your application was present in VSC? Also did you do anything to move it back to TSC or NSC.
I applied for EAD and AP in Aug last week and got the approved copies in Sep second week. I sent the application to TSC.
mmanurker - Can you please tell me how long your application was present in VSC? Also did you do anything to move it back to TSC or NSC.
more...
harryom
03-24 06:05 PM
:oCan anyone explain to me how to create new thread, I don't see any options.
Thanks Gurus':o
Mr. HarryOm,
I was really hoping to get my question answered thru this thread. Can you please open another thread for yours ?
Thanks,
ampudhukode
Thanks Gurus':o
Mr. HarryOm,
I was really hoping to get my question answered thru this thread. Can you please open another thread for yours ?
Thanks,
ampudhukode
neel_gump
05-12 03:20 PM
Security Checks : How and Why
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Fact Sheet on April 25, 2006 regarding security checks under the U.S. immigration system. The purpose of the article is to explain the various types of security checks. As many MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers know, security checks have become a real source of contention, as they slow case processing for indeterminate periods of time. The fact sheet may be a reaction to growing unrest surrounding security check delays in processing both nonimmigrant and immigrant cases.
Background on Security Checks
All those who apply for immigration benefits must undergo criminal and national security background checks. The USCIS emphasized that these checks are performed on all applicants, and are not targeted at or against any particular group. These checks expanded after 9/11. The USCIS points out that most cases proceed without incident and in a timely fashion. They acknowledge, however, that some cases are held up for more than a year because of delays in the security checks.
Why Security Checks are Conducted
The background checks are aimed at identifying individuals who are a risk to national security, or are seeking otherwise to cause harm to the U.S. They are also designed to identify people attempting to abuse the immigration system. The USCIS will not grant an immigration benefit before the security checks are complete, regardless of the length of the delays. The USCIS states that they are working with the FBI and other agencies to try to increase the speed of the security checks.
We note that expediting the security checks not only benefits legitimate applicants who suffer from the delays, but serves the very purpose of the checks. The USCIS states that they have located various violent criminals, drug traffickers, and persons with links to terrorism through these checks. Clearly, no one wants dangerous individuals remaining within the U.S. To the extent that the background checks are being performed on applicants within the country, however, delays in the completion can serve to permit some of those applicants to remain in the U.S. lawfully during the time it takes the USCIS to complete the checks. For example, one who has a properly filed I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status pending is lawfully in the U.S. and is eligible for work authorization. If such a person is a threat, then a security check that drags on for a year or more only serves to extend that person's time in the United States. Thus, there is a security interest in not only performing proper checks, but in performing them in a timely fashion.
How Security Checks Work
The USCIS uses three types of checks as a standard background review for a variety of cases. They have the authority to conduct other sorts of background checks, if needed.
IBIS Name Checks Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) name checks are a generally quick manner of checking information from multiple government agencies that is in a combined database to determine if there is any information that is relevant to the decision in a particular case. The results are usually available quickly, but it may take more time to investigate any information revealed by the IBIS check.
FBI Fingerprint Checks Fingerprint checks are conducted by the FBI for many types of applications, but not all. Many of our clients and readers who are I-485 Adjustment of Status applicants are familiar with these checks, which provide any criminal background information on the adjustment applicant. The responses, according to the USCIS, are generally forwarded within one to two days. If there is a match, then the USCIS will get a criminal history sheet. This information will be reviewed to see if it affects eligibility for the benefit sought.
Sometimes, this information does not reflect the disposition or outcome of a particular crime. Thus, it is important for applicants to have proof, in the form of a certified copy of the disposition, in order to address the issue with the immigration officer. The USCIS notes that expungements or pardons, etc, must be reported. Anyone with a question about what has to be revealed should speak with an immigration attorney. It is important to understand that matters not considered to be convictions for general legal purposes, may be considered convictions for an immigration purpose. It also is important to have a good understanding of what happened in any criminal matter. We often meet individuals who are unable to explain how their cases ended - which is key in analyzing the impact a criminal charge has on the immigration status and eligibility for future benefits. Of course, we also strongly recommend that everyone comply with the law in all respects to avoid any criminal charge, whatsoever.
FBI Name Checks These name checks are required for many applications, and are different from the fingerprint checks. These involve a check of various law enforcement files and generally take about two weeks. The USCIS reports that 80 percent of these result in a "no match." This means that there is no matching record. For the remaining 20 percent, there is some match, and the matter has to be reviewed in more detail, in part to determine whether the applicant is the same individual as the person on record. These matters generally are resolved in six months. The USCIS reports that less than one percent of these take longer than six months. Such cases can be quite complex and sensitive and are not complete until all of the information is obtained and resolved.
Of course, given the volume of cases, one percent is still a great many people. Moreover, delays of six months, in addition to all of the other processing timeframes, can be significant and life-affecting. The impact on lives goes well beyond anxiety and stress, depending upon the situation.
Conclusion
The USCIS states that some delays are inevitable due to the sheer volume of cases. Background checks are considered pending when the FBI or other responsible agency has not responded or when there is a response that requires further investigation. According to the USCIS, the resolution of some cases is time consuming and labor intensive, and can take months or even years. At the local office level, "sweeps" of cases are performed to see which ones are cleared through the background check system and can be finalized. While the background check is underway, the USCIS does not share the information that has been uncovered or the status of any investigation with the applicant or the applicant's attorney.
We at the Murthy Law Firm appreciate this insight. We all understand the need for background checks on applicants for U.S. immigration benefits. The time that it takes, however, is a concern both from the benefits and security points of view. We would urge that ample resources be made available so that these matters can be resolved in a timely fashion. If there is a case so complex that years are required to find a resolution, the individual is potentially in the United States while it is ongoing. The potential risk makes this rather an urgent matter for our country and the safety of our people.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Fact Sheet on April 25, 2006 regarding security checks under the U.S. immigration system. The purpose of the article is to explain the various types of security checks. As many MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers know, security checks have become a real source of contention, as they slow case processing for indeterminate periods of time. The fact sheet may be a reaction to growing unrest surrounding security check delays in processing both nonimmigrant and immigrant cases.
Background on Security Checks
All those who apply for immigration benefits must undergo criminal and national security background checks. The USCIS emphasized that these checks are performed on all applicants, and are not targeted at or against any particular group. These checks expanded after 9/11. The USCIS points out that most cases proceed without incident and in a timely fashion. They acknowledge, however, that some cases are held up for more than a year because of delays in the security checks.
Why Security Checks are Conducted
The background checks are aimed at identifying individuals who are a risk to national security, or are seeking otherwise to cause harm to the U.S. They are also designed to identify people attempting to abuse the immigration system. The USCIS will not grant an immigration benefit before the security checks are complete, regardless of the length of the delays. The USCIS states that they are working with the FBI and other agencies to try to increase the speed of the security checks.
We note that expediting the security checks not only benefits legitimate applicants who suffer from the delays, but serves the very purpose of the checks. The USCIS states that they have located various violent criminals, drug traffickers, and persons with links to terrorism through these checks. Clearly, no one wants dangerous individuals remaining within the U.S. To the extent that the background checks are being performed on applicants within the country, however, delays in the completion can serve to permit some of those applicants to remain in the U.S. lawfully during the time it takes the USCIS to complete the checks. For example, one who has a properly filed I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status pending is lawfully in the U.S. and is eligible for work authorization. If such a person is a threat, then a security check that drags on for a year or more only serves to extend that person's time in the United States. Thus, there is a security interest in not only performing proper checks, but in performing them in a timely fashion.
How Security Checks Work
The USCIS uses three types of checks as a standard background review for a variety of cases. They have the authority to conduct other sorts of background checks, if needed.
IBIS Name Checks Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) name checks are a generally quick manner of checking information from multiple government agencies that is in a combined database to determine if there is any information that is relevant to the decision in a particular case. The results are usually available quickly, but it may take more time to investigate any information revealed by the IBIS check.
FBI Fingerprint Checks Fingerprint checks are conducted by the FBI for many types of applications, but not all. Many of our clients and readers who are I-485 Adjustment of Status applicants are familiar with these checks, which provide any criminal background information on the adjustment applicant. The responses, according to the USCIS, are generally forwarded within one to two days. If there is a match, then the USCIS will get a criminal history sheet. This information will be reviewed to see if it affects eligibility for the benefit sought.
Sometimes, this information does not reflect the disposition or outcome of a particular crime. Thus, it is important for applicants to have proof, in the form of a certified copy of the disposition, in order to address the issue with the immigration officer. The USCIS notes that expungements or pardons, etc, must be reported. Anyone with a question about what has to be revealed should speak with an immigration attorney. It is important to understand that matters not considered to be convictions for general legal purposes, may be considered convictions for an immigration purpose. It also is important to have a good understanding of what happened in any criminal matter. We often meet individuals who are unable to explain how their cases ended - which is key in analyzing the impact a criminal charge has on the immigration status and eligibility for future benefits. Of course, we also strongly recommend that everyone comply with the law in all respects to avoid any criminal charge, whatsoever.
FBI Name Checks These name checks are required for many applications, and are different from the fingerprint checks. These involve a check of various law enforcement files and generally take about two weeks. The USCIS reports that 80 percent of these result in a "no match." This means that there is no matching record. For the remaining 20 percent, there is some match, and the matter has to be reviewed in more detail, in part to determine whether the applicant is the same individual as the person on record. These matters generally are resolved in six months. The USCIS reports that less than one percent of these take longer than six months. Such cases can be quite complex and sensitive and are not complete until all of the information is obtained and resolved.
Of course, given the volume of cases, one percent is still a great many people. Moreover, delays of six months, in addition to all of the other processing timeframes, can be significant and life-affecting. The impact on lives goes well beyond anxiety and stress, depending upon the situation.
Conclusion
The USCIS states that some delays are inevitable due to the sheer volume of cases. Background checks are considered pending when the FBI or other responsible agency has not responded or when there is a response that requires further investigation. According to the USCIS, the resolution of some cases is time consuming and labor intensive, and can take months or even years. At the local office level, "sweeps" of cases are performed to see which ones are cleared through the background check system and can be finalized. While the background check is underway, the USCIS does not share the information that has been uncovered or the status of any investigation with the applicant or the applicant's attorney.
We at the Murthy Law Firm appreciate this insight. We all understand the need for background checks on applicants for U.S. immigration benefits. The time that it takes, however, is a concern both from the benefits and security points of view. We would urge that ample resources be made available so that these matters can be resolved in a timely fashion. If there is a case so complex that years are required to find a resolution, the individual is potentially in the United States while it is ongoing. The potential risk makes this rather an urgent matter for our country and the safety of our people.
more...
indianindian2006
07-26 11:54 AM
My company attorneys are in the process of filing my AOS application per the July bulletin. I have an approved labor certification and an approved I-140. Turns out due to internal restructuring a new legal vehicle was created under the existing company and groups re-aligned. Job function and location haven't changed.
The attorneys are syaing that since the I-140 was approved prior to the restructuring, they will be filing a new successor-in-interest I-140 with my AOS application.
My question is since I had an approved I-140 is this considered an amendment to the previous i-140 and processed at I-485 adjudication stage or is it considered a brand new filing aubject to the i-140 backlog in processing.
I would appreciate a response from Logiclife (since he had posted a similar scenario) or sopmeone else in similar situations or with knowledge of the above.
What is the total number of employes your company.
The attorneys are syaing that since the I-140 was approved prior to the restructuring, they will be filing a new successor-in-interest I-140 with my AOS application.
My question is since I had an approved I-140 is this considered an amendment to the previous i-140 and processed at I-485 adjudication stage or is it considered a brand new filing aubject to the i-140 backlog in processing.
I would appreciate a response from Logiclife (since he had posted a similar scenario) or sopmeone else in similar situations or with knowledge of the above.
What is the total number of employes your company.
2010 Road map - adjustable area map
singhsa3
07-25 03:51 PM
My freind, we are not protesting against anything. I found a unique idea on the forum and I am sharing with you all. Please read first sentence of my post.
now what you want to protest for? i guess it should not be misused.
now what you want to protest for? i guess it should not be misused.
more...
Dhundhun
10-09 07:06 PM
Basically, the VB just says that "Even though you waited for however number of years, gone through all the pains with employers, you are NO closer to getting GC than you were a month ago"
How pathetic is our situation? Every time I think of it as the bottom,there is a new low next month? It's just a never ending tale.
Very much true.
How pathetic is our situation? Every time I think of it as the bottom,there is a new low next month? It's just a never ending tale.
Very much true.
hair Census Maps for the State of
bigtiger
07-11 12:25 PM
just talked to Sarah...she already has indian representation..if anyone else say from China, Poland etc can contact her would be great.....anyone listening ?
more...
gg_ny
02-16 02:56 PM
http://www.immigrationportal.com/archive/index.php/t-191393.html
Please find answers to your question here. I forgot the actual pages from USCIS red book but a simple logic states that 485 background screening is atrociously longer than the one done after filing for H1B application. That means they are different (or ought to be).
Am I understanding this right ?
FOR H1/L1 They do a FBI background check
FOR I-485/CP They do a Name Check
Regarding long names, longer the better as told by my lawyer! I think they do a series of checks with: common variants, substring matches, binomial match etc. Hence (assuming you are from India) if you are (for eg.) Randy Kumar or Randy Krishnamurthysarma, you can take a guess which combination would be less common..
This is intended in a not-so-serious sense as I dont have any insight or inside view of FBI functionings...
Please someone clarify, I do have a loooong name just wanted to know what I am getting into here.
Please find answers to your question here. I forgot the actual pages from USCIS red book but a simple logic states that 485 background screening is atrociously longer than the one done after filing for H1B application. That means they are different (or ought to be).
Am I understanding this right ?
FOR H1/L1 They do a FBI background check
FOR I-485/CP They do a Name Check
Regarding long names, longer the better as told by my lawyer! I think they do a series of checks with: common variants, substring matches, binomial match etc. Hence (assuming you are from India) if you are (for eg.) Randy Kumar or Randy Krishnamurthysarma, you can take a guess which combination would be less common..
This is intended in a not-so-serious sense as I dont have any insight or inside view of FBI functionings...
Please someone clarify, I do have a loooong name just wanted to know what I am getting into here.
hot Massachusetts (MA), USA
pdakwala
04-29 12:00 AM
Thanks for your continuous support.
Who says that we will not succeed in removing the current retrogression.
Who says that IV can not achieve anything.
When you do some thing from the heart you can't go wrong. IV members are contributing second, third, fourth and some even fifth time. This shows the confidence level. Keep it up. You all have made us proud immigrants.
Thanks to all those who have contributed.
Who says that we will not succeed in removing the current retrogression.
Who says that IV can not achieve anything.
When you do some thing from the heart you can't go wrong. IV members are contributing second, third, fourth and some even fifth time. This shows the confidence level. Keep it up. You all have made us proud immigrants.
Thanks to all those who have contributed.
more...
house Massachusetts MA State Map
ksurjan
08-14 11:56 AM
I am also in the same shoes as you. Been here 9 years, filed GC in 2002, still no end in sight. I recently got a job offer from back home. Decent offer, I am told by friends, enough to sustain a good lifestyle and then save some. I am seriously comtemplating going back.
tattoo Construction Map
thomachan72
10-19 12:27 PM
Very informative replies. Thanks!!
more...
pictures Orange, MA map
smuggymba
03-15 09:34 AM
L1 has been in use for past 12 years...and the L1 holders have been working at client sites.
TCS never does grean cards, WIPRO rarely does, that too in 5th year of H1. InFOSYS rarely does. CTS is the one who does many H1s, L1s and green cards, green cards in EB1.
When consulting companies are misusing H1s, why cant companies like TCS,WIPRO,CTS,HCL misuse L1s...Nobody is honest in US. Nobody is working honestly in US. Less than 1% in US are honest. And those people will be working as developer forever.
After 5 yrs...if u have 2 project outside india - u get EB1 in Infosys (of course not all but many do).
Do 1 project in USA and one in Europe and you get a tag of "Global Project Manager" and hence qualify for EB1. I personally know 3 ppl.
TCS never does grean cards, WIPRO rarely does, that too in 5th year of H1. InFOSYS rarely does. CTS is the one who does many H1s, L1s and green cards, green cards in EB1.
When consulting companies are misusing H1s, why cant companies like TCS,WIPRO,CTS,HCL misuse L1s...Nobody is honest in US. Nobody is working honestly in US. Less than 1% in US are honest. And those people will be working as developer forever.
After 5 yrs...if u have 2 project outside india - u get EB1 in Infosys (of course not all but many do).
Do 1 project in USA and one in Europe and you get a tag of "Global Project Manager" and hence qualify for EB1. I personally know 3 ppl.
dresses Massachusetts Map
txh1b
08-18 01:27 PM
WH-4 Form is meant for complaining against employer.
Please search this forum as I had posted this before a couple of times. Dont worry, DOL/USCIS is going gangbusters
after H1B employers. You first threaten sending the link to your employer. Often that works. If they dont budge then
file the WH-4. Unfortunately WH-4 may wreck the H1B petitions/extension of other employees working for that
company(bodyshopper).
WH4 has nothing to do here with this case. WH4 is not panacea for anything to everything.
Please search this forum as I had posted this before a couple of times. Dont worry, DOL/USCIS is going gangbusters
after H1B employers. You first threaten sending the link to your employer. Often that works. If they dont budge then
file the WH-4. Unfortunately WH-4 may wreck the H1B petitions/extension of other employees working for that
company(bodyshopper).
WH4 has nothing to do here with this case. WH4 is not panacea for anything to everything.
more...
makeup Click here to see a map
Robert Kumar
01-26 07:10 AM
Which US consulate did you apply? Do you already have H1B on your passport? I think the best option will be to approach your employer and have them sort this issue out. Sometimes, the consulate will request for some additional information from the employer and once they get this information, they will issue the visa.
Good luck!
I too think requesting the employer to take the action, with their lawyer. If they are good, and with no issues, they must initiate this and fix it,
but if they are not good, they may withdraw at this point and may feel "lets not get into more headaches"... in which case you may not pursue further.
I can imagine how it feels, belv me, yet, keep looking and dont give up
Good luck!
I too think requesting the employer to take the action, with their lawyer. If they are good, and with no issues, they must initiate this and fix it,
but if they are not good, they may withdraw at this point and may feel "lets not get into more headaches"... in which case you may not pursue further.
I can imagine how it feels, belv me, yet, keep looking and dont give up
girlfriend This Massachusetts Wall Map by
suren1
01-15 04:54 PM
anybody with EB3 update.. same like EB2 from AILA?....:mad:
hairstyles Massachusetts Cities and Towns
garybanz
09-26 04:20 PM
My lawyer asked for separate checks for each application.. FP is always added to I-485 fees.. But since they issued EAD receipt for you and spouse, that means definitely 2 485s... Guess you need to wait for the receipts to get the missing receipt # or you can call USCIS...
Usually how long does it take to get recipts after the check in cashed?
Thanks.
Usually how long does it take to get recipts after the check in cashed?
Thanks.
nat23
10-29 02:57 PM
I would wait to see the text of the Bill before coming to any conclusion.
Sachin_Stock
02-02 07:06 PM
Content removed.
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق