agc2005
11-05 05:22 PM
I got EADs for me and my wife, but photos got swaped.
Pineapple,ncgc2005, saro28:
I sopke to customer service rep and she told me to send applications with EAD cards ,photos,a note explaining the problem and no need to send the fees.
Did you guys filed to get corrected the EADs, and did you send new application with EAD and with the Fee or without fees.
Pineapple,ncgc2005, saro28:
I sopke to customer service rep and she told me to send applications with EAD cards ,photos,a note explaining the problem and no need to send the fees.
Did you guys filed to get corrected the EADs, and did you send new application with EAD and with the Fee or without fees.
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diptam
08-13 10:56 AM
Given the Current receipting situation at NSC this sounds like a Dream story and definitely an exception. By the way - whoever got this and enjoying FIFO i would want to Congratulate him/her - I'm very happy for that chap.
But just few stray good cases can't make me say that CIS following FIFO :D
Congratulations but I was wondering if you are more an exception then a rule...:confused:
But just few stray good cases can't make me say that CIS following FIFO :D
Congratulations but I was wondering if you are more an exception then a rule...:confused:
puskeygadha
05-22 10:15 AM
Hello -
if they are to terminate concurrent filing. How long would it take for
the rule to take place. This includes 2 months comment period and all
Thanks
P :)
if they are to terminate concurrent filing. How long would it take for
the rule to take place. This includes 2 months comment period and all
Thanks
P :)
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mambarg
07-27 07:04 PM
How did the attorney sign the form when you had not signed.
I had to visit my attorney's office and sign all the paperwork in his office before he filed my app.
I belileve if the attorney is remote, then he needs to send fedex package to sign the docs.
Attorney signs only as a rep if there is legal issues or court apperance is required.
Applicants signature is used to prepare the EAD card . USCIS scans the signature of applicant.
I had to visit my attorney's office and sign all the paperwork in his office before he filed my app.
I belileve if the attorney is remote, then he needs to send fedex package to sign the docs.
Attorney signs only as a rep if there is legal issues or court apperance is required.
Applicants signature is used to prepare the EAD card . USCIS scans the signature of applicant.
more...
amsgc
01-22 10:08 PM
You shouldn't confuse porting I-140 using AC21 and H-1B - these are two different things.
You can start working for a new employer - using EAD or H-1B, while your I-485 is pending.
When people say that they have used AC21, they usually mean that they are using the provisions in AC21 (clarified by the Yate's memo), to port their I-140 to a new employer after 180 days of applying for I-485.
What do yo mean by siwtching employer using AC-21 and again H1B status? Do you mean that you have a H1B with the new company? In that case isnt that just a H1B transfer? noa Ac021 switch?
You can start working for a new employer - using EAD or H-1B, while your I-485 is pending.
When people say that they have used AC21, they usually mean that they are using the provisions in AC21 (clarified by the Yate's memo), to port their I-140 to a new employer after 180 days of applying for I-485.
What do yo mean by siwtching employer using AC-21 and again H1B status? Do you mean that you have a H1B with the new company? In that case isnt that just a H1B transfer? noa Ac021 switch?
casinoroyale
01-03 01:43 PM
vxg,
How come they are doing namechecks on women? That is supposed to only for male from 17-45 years of age? Can you please clarify? what is namecheck or TechnologyAlertList (this is the only check they can likely do on women as per my understaning).
What that namecheck on YOU or on your wife?
Thanks.
I asked the same question to my attorney as last time my wife was stuck in name check in H-4 stamping. This time she was on H-1 and I asked the attorney that if she goes for H-1 and H-1 get's delayed or denied can she use AP without affecting the GC and his answer was Yes. The AP should have an approval date before she left the country i.e. AP should be approved while she was in US.
How come they are doing namechecks on women? That is supposed to only for male from 17-45 years of age? Can you please clarify? what is namecheck or TechnologyAlertList (this is the only check they can likely do on women as per my understaning).
What that namecheck on YOU or on your wife?
Thanks.
I asked the same question to my attorney as last time my wife was stuck in name check in H-4 stamping. This time she was on H-1 and I asked the attorney that if she goes for H-1 and H-1 get's delayed or denied can she use AP without affecting the GC and his answer was Yes. The AP should have an approval date before she left the country i.e. AP should be approved while she was in US.
more...
chanduv23
11-09 09:36 PM
People already sued USCIS couple of years back and lost the battle.Sad to hear about 15,000 people with their futures undecided.I also heard that many doctors are leaving US as they are unable to find a residency program.
That is correct. In the last couple of years, FMGs from UK started applying for residency programmes in the US and they had an edge over FMG from India or Pakistan and there has been stringent competition. I have heard residencies rejecting FMGs with scores 99, 99, 99 in USMLE all steps on basis that though they have the best possible scores, they do not have clinical experience.
There is a huge demand for doctors in underserved areas and the supply is far less than the demand but then very little is being done on this side.
Paskal will know more on the politics involving physicians
That is correct. In the last couple of years, FMGs from UK started applying for residency programmes in the US and they had an edge over FMG from India or Pakistan and there has been stringent competition. I have heard residencies rejecting FMGs with scores 99, 99, 99 in USMLE all steps on basis that though they have the best possible scores, they do not have clinical experience.
There is a huge demand for doctors in underserved areas and the supply is far less than the demand but then very little is being done on this side.
Paskal will know more on the politics involving physicians
2010 0601-lake-lively-alleged-ex.
GCwaitforever
08-15 10:58 AM
I am from India having masters in engineering and i have 9 years IT experience. Ofcourse my Lawyer filed in EB3 (in 2003) thinking that PD will be current in future. Now i140 cleared in EB3 . What next? Since i am in consulting company i don't have any problem sticking to company. Only problem is maintaining status. As long as i am in job no problem. Who knows market will be like this. I am just re thinking to go for EB2 filing. But not sure how many were able to clear Eb2 in PERM.How much salary required ? (My company located in Detroit).
See this and if it helps you courtesy Murthy.com (http://murthy.com/news/n_tscnsc.html)
Second I-140 Allowed without Revocation of Earlier I-140 Petition
The TSC confirmed that, in some cases it is possible for the employer to file two or more I-140 petitions for the same beneficiary, based on a single labor certification, in multiple EB categories. If the job requirements are proper for EB2, the case could be filed in either category. Thus, multiple I-140s could be filed in some cases. If the first was filed in EB3, there would be no need to withdraw it in order to file in EB2. The TSC recommended submitting copies of the approved I-140 with the later-filed I-140 petition.
This could be quite helpful in situations where the I-140 petition is incorrectly filed in the wrong, lower category. We do hear about such instances from time to time. It seems that if the I-140 was filed in EB3, but the case would meet EB2, the TSC would permit the re-filing of the I-140 petition without revocation of the earlier EB3 filing.
See this and if it helps you courtesy Murthy.com (http://murthy.com/news/n_tscnsc.html)
Second I-140 Allowed without Revocation of Earlier I-140 Petition
The TSC confirmed that, in some cases it is possible for the employer to file two or more I-140 petitions for the same beneficiary, based on a single labor certification, in multiple EB categories. If the job requirements are proper for EB2, the case could be filed in either category. Thus, multiple I-140s could be filed in some cases. If the first was filed in EB3, there would be no need to withdraw it in order to file in EB2. The TSC recommended submitting copies of the approved I-140 with the later-filed I-140 petition.
This could be quite helpful in situations where the I-140 petition is incorrectly filed in the wrong, lower category. We do hear about such instances from time to time. It seems that if the I-140 was filed in EB3, but the case would meet EB2, the TSC would permit the re-filing of the I-140 petition without revocation of the earlier EB3 filing.
more...
mohitb272
07-16 07:24 PM
Hats off to IV :) :)
Waiting for the good news...
Waiting for the good news...
hair -Gossip Girl star Blake Lively
kevnss
03-26 02:33 PM
Any one has any updates/suggestions on my issue posted above?
more...
gchope07
07-20 03:17 PM
Hi,
My lawyer used a G325-A which was not downloaded from the USCIS website but was a physical form which had 4 pages of the same form in different colors(I think blue,green,yellow and pink).
I filled the first one and it automatically carbon copied it to the other 3.
Has anybody used such a form? and it is o.k to sign the first one and have the other 3 with carbon copy signatures?
Let me know if this is o.k
My lawyer used a G325-A which was not downloaded from the USCIS website but was a physical form which had 4 pages of the same form in different colors(I think blue,green,yellow and pink).
I filled the first one and it automatically carbon copied it to the other 3.
Has anybody used such a form? and it is o.k to sign the first one and have the other 3 with carbon copy signatures?
Let me know if this is o.k
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smmakani
05-14 07:20 PM
Thanks IV Core. We are all with you.
more...
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sinhakavinash
08-13 05:42 PM
Texas Service Center :rolleyes:
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chanduv23
06-19 10:15 AM
Here is a recap from Murthy bulletin
USCIS Errors in Denying a Case
AILA Liaison requested that, where the USCIS denies a case in error, then the filing fee for a Motion to Reopen or appeal should be waived. It was suggested that the Ombudsman�s office needs to intervene in emergency cases, where time is of the essence.
Although the Ombudsman's office cannot adjudicate or approve a case, it believes that these channels may help in obtaining resolution via internal communications that recommend specific solutions.
It is important that the entire process with USCIS be followed in terms of filing the appeal or motion to reconsider (MTR) or other process. The CIS Ombudsman's office may attempt to intervene to resolve particular matters, but the individual or employer needs to follow the particular agency's guidelines and not miss any deadline or assume that the Ombudsman will resolve all legal concerns within a particular timeframe.
Folks - if we are not willing to help ourselves, we will have to go through these burden. So plese come forward.
If Authorities know about issues that are common and widespread - then necessary steps will be taken to correct them - otherwise we are all bound to suffer
USCIS Errors in Denying a Case
AILA Liaison requested that, where the USCIS denies a case in error, then the filing fee for a Motion to Reopen or appeal should be waived. It was suggested that the Ombudsman�s office needs to intervene in emergency cases, where time is of the essence.
Although the Ombudsman's office cannot adjudicate or approve a case, it believes that these channels may help in obtaining resolution via internal communications that recommend specific solutions.
It is important that the entire process with USCIS be followed in terms of filing the appeal or motion to reconsider (MTR) or other process. The CIS Ombudsman's office may attempt to intervene to resolve particular matters, but the individual or employer needs to follow the particular agency's guidelines and not miss any deadline or assume that the Ombudsman will resolve all legal concerns within a particular timeframe.
Folks - if we are not willing to help ourselves, we will have to go through these burden. So plese come forward.
If Authorities know about issues that are common and widespread - then necessary steps will be taken to correct them - otherwise we are all bound to suffer
more...
pictures A Beautiful Blake Lively
485Mbe4001
05-14 07:09 PM
Thanks guys for all the hard work and continuing efforts.
When i started jumping up and down, my lawyers gently reminded me that my PD will be current on June 1 and not as of today :p
When i started jumping up and down, my lawyers gently reminded me that my PD will be current on June 1 and not as of today :p
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chanduv23
06-30 07:59 AM
Chanduv23,
What about RFE without being current? Can it also be taken as Pre-adjudicated? Pls advise.
Thank you
Yes, RFEs could be a part of preadjudication. But at times people do receive random RFEs too. If you are lucky, you can get the answer from a officer on whether your case is preadjudicated or not.
What about RFE without being current? Can it also be taken as Pre-adjudicated? Pls advise.
Thank you
Yes, RFEs could be a part of preadjudication. But at times people do receive random RFEs too. If you are lucky, you can get the answer from a officer on whether your case is preadjudicated or not.
more...
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alterego
08-21 07:19 PM
Congrats. on getting out of the queue!
Was your a physician HPSA NIW or another type of NIW?
Was your a physician HPSA NIW or another type of NIW?
girlfriend In Honor Of Blake Lively
CCC
07-05 02:19 PM
Hello,
I am in desparate need of some advice. I have an approved I-140 (11/28/2006) and my 485 was filed under my wife's GC application in June 07. I would like to leave my current company A and join another company B asap. I have 3 days to accept the offer.
a. Is it possible for me to port my I-140 to company B?
b. If its possible will i be able to keep the PD?
I did some research on the AC21 act and it seems that its ok to move companies after 180 days of getting the EAD card. But I could not figure out if the I-140 could also be ported over to company B.
Thanks in advance.
I am in desparate need of some advice. I have an approved I-140 (11/28/2006) and my 485 was filed under my wife's GC application in June 07. I would like to leave my current company A and join another company B asap. I have 3 days to accept the offer.
a. Is it possible for me to port my I-140 to company B?
b. If its possible will i be able to keep the PD?
I did some research on the AC21 act and it seems that its ok to move companies after 180 days of getting the EAD card. But I could not figure out if the I-140 could also be ported over to company B.
Thanks in advance.
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perm2gc
08-24 11:42 AM
People who did BSc and BA...have gotten thier Gc approved recently...by getting pre-approved..LC's applying in e2-rir even though they do not qualify in EB2.people who did MS from top schools and stayed with good companies are in e2/ e3 categories are in BEC.....What an irony..
Is there any use in comming here as a student?? anymore..
You can still come as a student if your intent is to study in US but if you want them to hand over GC after you complete a degree then dont come ..You may have got master/phd degree from top universities which does not mean you qualify for immediate GC.. If you feel that people with BSC or BA have cheated the system so are you... Student Visa is to Study in US but not for Permanent Immigration to US
Is there any use in comming here as a student?? anymore..
You can still come as a student if your intent is to study in US but if you want them to hand over GC after you complete a degree then dont come ..You may have got master/phd degree from top universities which does not mean you qualify for immediate GC.. If you feel that people with BSC or BA have cheated the system so are you... Student Visa is to Study in US but not for Permanent Immigration to US
Soul
06-14 07:02 AM
Haha :beam:
Blog Feeds
02-01 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)
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)
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