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08-31 09:40 AM
USCIS has released a new interim memo which clarified the method of analysis by USCIS officers that they must use in adjudicating Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, filed for 1) Alien of Extraordinary Ability EB1A cases; 2) Outstanding Professor or Researcher EB1B cases; and 3) Alien of Exceptional Ability EB2 cases. The requirements for these types of I-140 petitions have not changed but this new method of evaluating the merits of cases may adversely impact those applying for immigration in these categories. This interim memo is a response to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Kazarian v. USCIS on March 4, 2010. In the Kazarian ruling, the court held that USCIS was being too strict in deciding EB1A petitions by requiring extensive citation evidence and specific types of peer review work in order to meet the EB1A criteria. However, the court did rule that USCIS could consider evidence such as extensive citations in making a final merits review of the case to determine whether an alien is at the very top of his or her field.
In essence, the new USCIS interim memo breaks the evaluation process up into two parts � 1) evaluating whether the applicant meets the baseline criteria for the immigration category and 2) determining whether the applicant�s evidence demonstrates the required high level of expertise for the immigration category. In the second part of the review process the USCIS will evaluate the evidence to see if, as a whole, it proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the applicant is at the very top of his or her field of endeavor. This article will explain how the evaluation will be handled for affected EB1A and EB1B I-140 petitions.
For the first step in evaluating EB1A cases, the officer will check to see if evidence is provided to show that the applicant has met at least three of the following ten criteria:
1. Documentation of the alien's receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
2. Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
3. Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media relating to the alien's work in the field for which classification is sought;
4. Evidence of the alien's participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization for which classification is sought;
5. Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
6. Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
7. Evidence of the display of the alien's work in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases;
8. Evidence that the alien has performed in a leading or critical role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
9. Evidence that the alien has commanded a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in the field;
10. Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts, as shown by box office receipts or record, cassette, compact disk, or video sales.
After the officer has determined by a preponderance of the evidence that at least three of these criterion have been met, he or she moves into the second part of the review. For EB1A cases, the second part of the review involves determining whether the applicant has achieved a level of expertise indicating that he or she is one of a small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor, he or she has shown sustained national or international acclaim, and his or her achievements have been recognized in the field of expertise. This basically means that the officer will look at all the evidence as a whole and determine if the case is approvable. This new standard may decrease the number of approved cases since, by implementing this secondary review process, USCIS officers have the discretion to deny cases even if three EB1A criteria have been technically met.
New Evaluation Process For EB1B Cases
For the first step in evaluating EB1B cases, the officer will check to see if evidence is provided to show that the applicant has met at least two of the following six criteria:
1. Documentation of the alien's receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
2. Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
3. Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media relating to the alien's work in the field for which classification is sought;
4. Evidence of the alien's participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization for which classification is sought;
5. Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
6. Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
For the second part of the review for EB1B cases, the officer will make a final merit determination on whether or not the applicant has, by a preponderance of the evidence, demonstrated that he or she is recognized internationally as outstanding in a specific academic area. Therefore, simply showing that two of the criterion have been met does not necessarily mean that the case will be approved. This, in turn, greatly expands the USCIS officer�s discretion in deciding which cases to approve.
Prior to this USCIS memo, the evidence was evaluated only in the context of meeting the necessary criteria for each type of case. Now by adding a second �final determination on the merits� phase of review, USCIS officers have more flexibility in denying cases or issuing Request For Evidence notices even if the baseline criteria has been met. This memo essentially gives the USCIS officer wider discretion in adjudicating EB1 cases since it has added a new level of review which follows a fairly subjective standard. As a result it is very possible that immigration through the EB1A, EB1B, and EB2 Exceptional Ability categories will become more difficult than it has been in the past. However, due to the recent immigrant visa retrogression for people born in India and China, there is an increasing number of Chinese and Indians who choose to apply through the EB1A or EB1B categories rather than wait for visa availability in the EB2 category. Hence, we recommend to consult a qualified immigration professional before proceeding with EB1 and EB2 cases.
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/08/eb1_new_review_processes_based.html)
In essence, the new USCIS interim memo breaks the evaluation process up into two parts � 1) evaluating whether the applicant meets the baseline criteria for the immigration category and 2) determining whether the applicant�s evidence demonstrates the required high level of expertise for the immigration category. In the second part of the review process the USCIS will evaluate the evidence to see if, as a whole, it proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the applicant is at the very top of his or her field of endeavor. This article will explain how the evaluation will be handled for affected EB1A and EB1B I-140 petitions.
For the first step in evaluating EB1A cases, the officer will check to see if evidence is provided to show that the applicant has met at least three of the following ten criteria:
1. Documentation of the alien's receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
2. Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
3. Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media relating to the alien's work in the field for which classification is sought;
4. Evidence of the alien's participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization for which classification is sought;
5. Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
6. Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
7. Evidence of the display of the alien's work in the field at artistic exhibitions or showcases;
8. Evidence that the alien has performed in a leading or critical role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
9. Evidence that the alien has commanded a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in the field;
10. Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts, as shown by box office receipts or record, cassette, compact disk, or video sales.
After the officer has determined by a preponderance of the evidence that at least three of these criterion have been met, he or she moves into the second part of the review. For EB1A cases, the second part of the review involves determining whether the applicant has achieved a level of expertise indicating that he or she is one of a small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor, he or she has shown sustained national or international acclaim, and his or her achievements have been recognized in the field of expertise. This basically means that the officer will look at all the evidence as a whole and determine if the case is approvable. This new standard may decrease the number of approved cases since, by implementing this secondary review process, USCIS officers have the discretion to deny cases even if three EB1A criteria have been technically met.
New Evaluation Process For EB1B Cases
For the first step in evaluating EB1B cases, the officer will check to see if evidence is provided to show that the applicant has met at least two of the following six criteria:
1. Documentation of the alien's receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
2. Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
3. Published material about the alien in professional or major trade publications or other major media relating to the alien's work in the field for which classification is sought;
4. Evidence of the alien's participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization for which classification is sought;
5. Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
6. Evidence of the alien's authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional or major trade publications or other major media;
For the second part of the review for EB1B cases, the officer will make a final merit determination on whether or not the applicant has, by a preponderance of the evidence, demonstrated that he or she is recognized internationally as outstanding in a specific academic area. Therefore, simply showing that two of the criterion have been met does not necessarily mean that the case will be approved. This, in turn, greatly expands the USCIS officer�s discretion in deciding which cases to approve.
Prior to this USCIS memo, the evidence was evaluated only in the context of meeting the necessary criteria for each type of case. Now by adding a second �final determination on the merits� phase of review, USCIS officers have more flexibility in denying cases or issuing Request For Evidence notices even if the baseline criteria has been met. This memo essentially gives the USCIS officer wider discretion in adjudicating EB1 cases since it has added a new level of review which follows a fairly subjective standard. As a result it is very possible that immigration through the EB1A, EB1B, and EB2 Exceptional Ability categories will become more difficult than it has been in the past. However, due to the recent immigrant visa retrogression for people born in India and China, there is an increasing number of Chinese and Indians who choose to apply through the EB1A or EB1B categories rather than wait for visa availability in the EB2 category. Hence, we recommend to consult a qualified immigration professional before proceeding with EB1 and EB2 cases.
More... (http://www.visalawyerblog.com/2010/08/eb1_new_review_processes_based.html)
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iv_only_hope
09-30 03:13 PM
There is some potential good news on the horizon. DHS just published a notice (http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspubli...0000648072c5eb) that they intend to consolidate three of ancient CIS electronic record systems into a new database. Hopefully, this new database will yield the data the Visa Office needs.
Right now, the CIS does not have any comprehensive database that shows how many AOS cases are pending by preference classification, priority date, and country of chargeability. The new database that is supposed to become operational within the next ten days contains information gathered from the many independent CIS databases. Supposedly, this new database will show all of this information.
Once the CIS is able to provide the State Department with this information, the Visa Office will then (for the first time) have accurate information as to the actual demand for immigrant visas. They will then be able to make more accurate adjustments to the cutoff dates in the Visa Bulletin. For some time now, they have been flying blind without accurate information.
CREDIT:RON GOTCHER
Right now, the CIS does not have any comprehensive database that shows how many AOS cases are pending by preference classification, priority date, and country of chargeability. The new database that is supposed to become operational within the next ten days contains information gathered from the many independent CIS databases. Supposedly, this new database will show all of this information.
Once the CIS is able to provide the State Department with this information, the Visa Office will then (for the first time) have accurate information as to the actual demand for immigrant visas. They will then be able to make more accurate adjustments to the cutoff dates in the Visa Bulletin. For some time now, they have been flying blind without accurate information.
CREDIT:RON GOTCHER
rgpr
03-28 06:19 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?
Given this is the Month of March/April if I get a job now how may I be able to work for an employer?
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?
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).
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?
Given this is the Month of March/April if I get a job now how may I be able to work for an employer?
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?
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).
Thank you very much for your help.
2011 Thank You Letter Format
p_kumar
10-26 01:51 PM
how does AP look like?. is it like EAD or just a piece of paper.thanks:)
more...
akhilmahajan
07-13 07:22 AM
Also invited 15 other friends to do the same.
greyhair
01-29 10:02 PM
There is no issue with going for fingerprinting after getting GC. So no big deal if that is your concern. They will not cancel your daughter's green card just because she went for fingerprinting responding to the notice received from USCIS. Don't think too much. Your GC might be in the pipeline. In the meantime, relax and enjoy the wait time.
more...
helpmeExperts
02-14 07:35 PM
i agree with crystal. If you are not yet married, i would advice to get married soon. Once if you plan to jump on EAD, it is not easy to come back to H1. If you apply for h1 extension, you have get it stamped..
ok, what would be my future wife status in case i jump to EAD after bringing her here on H4. i cant add her to 485 unless PD is current
please advice
ok, what would be my future wife status in case i jump to EAD after bringing her here on H4. i cant add her to 485 unless PD is current
please advice
2010 thank you letter examples.
starscream
04-21 05:42 PM
Hi All,
Anybody got any H1B extensions approved in the last 2 months - Please reply to this thread.
Been hearing things that H1B extensions are getting RFEd and even denied. Don't want to depend on rumors.
Thanks
Anybody got any H1B extensions approved in the last 2 months - Please reply to this thread.
Been hearing things that H1B extensions are getting RFEd and even denied. Don't want to depend on rumors.
Thanks
more...
pappu
01-27 02:03 PM
We recd. our 485 approval last week and recd. the cards in the mail earlier this week. We were interviewed at the local USCIS for our 485's, 2 weeks ago. It went really smooth and case was approved the same day as the interview.
I would like to whole-heartedly thank IV core and all IV members. This site has been an amazing resource of information & support for us thru our journey. I became a IV member during the July 2007 fiasco. We were there at the IV rally in DC in Sept 2007, have attended local chapter meetings. We will continue to support IV in it's mission.
Thanks everybody.!
EB-II (India)
PD - April 2006
Filed 485 (spouse & myself) - July 2007
485 Approved / Cards recd - January 2011.
Congrats.
After Greencard, you can actually do a lot more to help this community. We are looking for such GC holder people within IV that are interested in political advocacy. If you would like to get active contact IV.
I would like to whole-heartedly thank IV core and all IV members. This site has been an amazing resource of information & support for us thru our journey. I became a IV member during the July 2007 fiasco. We were there at the IV rally in DC in Sept 2007, have attended local chapter meetings. We will continue to support IV in it's mission.
Thanks everybody.!
EB-II (India)
PD - April 2006
Filed 485 (spouse & myself) - July 2007
485 Approved / Cards recd - January 2011.
Congrats.
After Greencard, you can actually do a lot more to help this community. We are looking for such GC holder people within IV that are interested in political advocacy. If you would like to get active contact IV.
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st4rguitar
04-14 08:44 PM
I will talk to my employer once I get my I-140 for EB3 approved and see what happens. Thanks for your response, it is appreciated :)
No problem, good luck!
No problem, good luck!
more...
go_guy123
09-16 04:38 PM
I
So, bottom line is CIR will pass after health care. But, I'll not bet too much on provisions for 'legal immigrants'. Since we are the only dog bone that 'Donkeys' have got to gain any required support for CIR. We need to work hard to get our provisions on the first draft and do everything possible to be included in the final version of the bill.
My ramblings anyways....
You are right on target....EB2/3 reform is the only bone that CIR lobby has to get
support for CIR. And they will hold EB2/3 reform hostage till that time.
So, bottom line is CIR will pass after health care. But, I'll not bet too much on provisions for 'legal immigrants'. Since we are the only dog bone that 'Donkeys' have got to gain any required support for CIR. We need to work hard to get our provisions on the first draft and do everything possible to be included in the final version of the bill.
My ramblings anyways....
You are right on target....EB2/3 reform is the only bone that CIR lobby has to get
support for CIR. And they will hold EB2/3 reform hostage till that time.
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nashim
06-06 04:38 PM
I am in the similar situation but we never know when and what documents are needed since every day immigration law is changing, keeping that in mind, I renewed mine and my spouse�s EAD
more...
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looneytunezez
04-16 01:09 PM
Per The California State Supreme Court, non-compete clauses in employment contracts are not enforceable in California, except under certain conditions.
so it all depends on your state.
so it all depends on your state.
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abracadabra
07-06 11:21 AM
Anne E. Kornblut, Washington Post National Political Reporter. Just a try to get some attention in media
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perm2gc
08-28 05:16 PM
I am a lil bit confused here. If there is a job that requires little or NO EXPERIENCE, would it be hard to find a US Citizen?Not at all ..
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chanduv23
11-21 02:14 PM
But I have a lot to be thankful for. Thanks to IV, he has his EAD and can have one less thing to worry about in his new job search.
If he is in IT - no need to worry at all. Hiring is going on in full swing which is unusual for this part of the year.
If he is in IT - no need to worry at all. Hiring is going on in full swing which is unusual for this part of the year.
more...
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greenguru
06-30 12:03 PM
Well Said, EB3 retro.
My job title is Software Engineer, can i join another company with a different job titile.
Cheers
My job title is Software Engineer, can i join another company with a different job titile.
Cheers
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cucubau
10-17 03:39 AM
It means you will be able to get your EAD in a few weeks, based on your ability to file for I-485. The real thing ... well it can take anywhere between 8-9 months to more than 3 years, depending on how quickly FBI completes your name check and how slow or fast the USCIS service center is.
Assuming I filed for I-485 before the retrogression mess.
Thanks!
Assuming I filed for I-485 before the retrogression mess.
Thanks!
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learning01
05-23 02:31 PM
Currently there is no way to pay this USD 100 from US. You have to arrange a contact, your relative etc, ask them to go to designated HDFC banks in India, pay the fees. Get the bar code # on the HDFC receipt over phone, and using that start filling an online application.
Remember, you NEED the ORIGINAL receipt to attend the visa interview. So, get it by Regd. Post or let your contact keep it in a safe place, you collect that when you meet him in India.
please tell me how can we pay $100 fee through online from USA. for getting that receipt number in order to file application for stamping?
Jc_gc
Remember, you NEED the ORIGINAL receipt to attend the visa interview. So, get it by Regd. Post or let your contact keep it in a safe place, you collect that when you meet him in India.
please tell me how can we pay $100 fee through online from USA. for getting that receipt number in order to file application for stamping?
Jc_gc
poorslumdog
09-13 11:52 AM
Hello Attorney,
My family and I fortunately got the green cards this week after a long wait. But the company where I have been working since
2001 is not doing well due to cash flow issues. Note that I never changed company since I came to the US in 2001. I have not been paid salary for the last few months. I am the last employee of the company and seems like this company may go bankrupt soon.
Luckily my wife works as Independent Contractor (Not a full time employee) and I have a part time business which are supporting my family for the last few months. My business is related to finance and investments which is different from the GC approved job profile.
Can you please help me by answering following questions.
1) What are the precautions I should take to protect my green card?
2) Can I leave the present company and start my business by forming an LLC?
3) My business is online based so I can work from my birth country India for a few months. Can I visit India for a few months until my business is fully developed?
4) Since my business is different from the GC approved job profile, will it cause any difficulty during citizenship process?
5) A friend on the forum told that it may be required to work in your labor certified job (even with diff employer) for 6 months. Can I go to India for 6 or 7 months by taking leave from the same company ( i.e without leaving the company) ? I can manage with my part time business income during this time. In this case, just working for the same job profile is sufficient or do we need to show any pay stubs (or w-2) during citizenship process?
6) Can I take re-entry permit and develop my business from India for a year and come back to the US after 1 year?
Thanks for your help in advance
If you are out of the country for six months...you will lose your GC. Dont do that mistake.
My family and I fortunately got the green cards this week after a long wait. But the company where I have been working since
2001 is not doing well due to cash flow issues. Note that I never changed company since I came to the US in 2001. I have not been paid salary for the last few months. I am the last employee of the company and seems like this company may go bankrupt soon.
Luckily my wife works as Independent Contractor (Not a full time employee) and I have a part time business which are supporting my family for the last few months. My business is related to finance and investments which is different from the GC approved job profile.
Can you please help me by answering following questions.
1) What are the precautions I should take to protect my green card?
2) Can I leave the present company and start my business by forming an LLC?
3) My business is online based so I can work from my birth country India for a few months. Can I visit India for a few months until my business is fully developed?
4) Since my business is different from the GC approved job profile, will it cause any difficulty during citizenship process?
5) A friend on the forum told that it may be required to work in your labor certified job (even with diff employer) for 6 months. Can I go to India for 6 or 7 months by taking leave from the same company ( i.e without leaving the company) ? I can manage with my part time business income during this time. In this case, just working for the same job profile is sufficient or do we need to show any pay stubs (or w-2) during citizenship process?
6) Can I take re-entry permit and develop my business from India for a year and come back to the US after 1 year?
Thanks for your help in advance
If you are out of the country for six months...you will lose your GC. Dont do that mistake.
texcan
02-24 04:27 PM
I went to red cross once to donate blood once but they refused to take since i am an immigrant who have not completed 5 years in USA so they may not take us.
i have given blood probably 10-12 times.
Red Cross may not have taken you blood for other reasons not because you are an immigrant , one major reason to deny blood donation is travel
outside US to a country that still has widesspread malaria.
India and most Southeast asian coutries among such countries is one such issues.
Please dont spread incorrect information.
I have volunteered in sports event, donated blood, build houses as volunteer and have been part of volunteer trail maintainance.....and i am an immigrant.
This country is one of the most independent and free countries on face of earth.
i have given blood probably 10-12 times.
Red Cross may not have taken you blood for other reasons not because you are an immigrant , one major reason to deny blood donation is travel
outside US to a country that still has widesspread malaria.
India and most Southeast asian coutries among such countries is one such issues.
Please dont spread incorrect information.
I have volunteered in sports event, donated blood, build houses as volunteer and have been part of volunteer trail maintainance.....and i am an immigrant.
This country is one of the most independent and free countries on face of earth.
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