hianupam
04-26 08:17 AM
I'll. I am big foodie (from all places)...
We moved from Allentown, PA to Houston in 2008. As some of the other IVers have alluded, Houston is a BIG city (if you include the burbs that is). Most of the major roads are backed up during peak traffic hours and typical commute time start to be measured in hours.
Finding a place to live in Houston (read buying a house) can be a tough decision when you have so many choice. Things can be complicated if your spouse works and you have school going kids.
Some terms you will hear when you talk about location in houston:
1. Inside the Loop (610) which is the ring road that encircles downtown houston and the medical center. If you are not in the energy corridor, you are most likely to work within the loop. However finding a place to live within the loop can be challenging (that is if you are looking for a house in the sub 1 mil category). Good neighborhoods within the loop are riveroaks, memorial. There are some decent neighborhoods in the medical center montrose area but the schools (publlic schools) may not be to your liking.
When we moved, we initially rented near the medical center (a highrise called mosaic, opposite herman park) and put our daughter in a daycare called Creme De La Creme in downtown.
2. Inside the Beltway (8) which is the outer ring road that encircles houston. You have to be really careful if you choose to live in the area between 610 and 8 as there are some very shady areas. West (along I 10) is mostly fine.
3. Outside the beltway is where you have most of your master planned communites (read burbs). Down south (along 59) you have sugarland. West (along 10) you have Katy (and most of the energy companies). Northwest (along 290) you have Lakewood, Tomball (along 249), spring cypress etc. North (along 45) you have woodlands northeast (along 59 north) you have spring, kingwood and east (again along 45 east) is League City (read NASA).
The main things to consider are (at least I did when I bought a house)
1. Safety : There are some very shady parts of town.
2. School District (ISD)
3. Commute : Both current and future (if you were to change your place of employment). Say now you work downtown and chose to live in sugarland and a year later you found yourself a Job in the woodlands, you will have to move or deal with a 2 hour 1 way commute !
4. Availability of public transport: Which in most cases is non existent in Houston. But they do have a good commuter bus system from several places in the burbs if you work downtown. Lots of employers that have offices downtown will subsidize this. This can be a decent chunk of change as parking downtown will typically run you about $200/month.
These are the salient points that I could think of.
Let me know if you have more questions. PM me if you guys are visting Houston in the near future.
We moved from Allentown, PA to Houston in 2008. As some of the other IVers have alluded, Houston is a BIG city (if you include the burbs that is). Most of the major roads are backed up during peak traffic hours and typical commute time start to be measured in hours.
Finding a place to live in Houston (read buying a house) can be a tough decision when you have so many choice. Things can be complicated if your spouse works and you have school going kids.
Some terms you will hear when you talk about location in houston:
1. Inside the Loop (610) which is the ring road that encircles downtown houston and the medical center. If you are not in the energy corridor, you are most likely to work within the loop. However finding a place to live within the loop can be challenging (that is if you are looking for a house in the sub 1 mil category). Good neighborhoods within the loop are riveroaks, memorial. There are some decent neighborhoods in the medical center montrose area but the schools (publlic schools) may not be to your liking.
When we moved, we initially rented near the medical center (a highrise called mosaic, opposite herman park) and put our daughter in a daycare called Creme De La Creme in downtown.
2. Inside the Beltway (8) which is the outer ring road that encircles houston. You have to be really careful if you choose to live in the area between 610 and 8 as there are some very shady areas. West (along I 10) is mostly fine.
3. Outside the beltway is where you have most of your master planned communites (read burbs). Down south (along 59) you have sugarland. West (along 10) you have Katy (and most of the energy companies). Northwest (along 290) you have Lakewood, Tomball (along 249), spring cypress etc. North (along 45) you have woodlands northeast (along 59 north) you have spring, kingwood and east (again along 45 east) is League City (read NASA).
The main things to consider are (at least I did when I bought a house)
1. Safety : There are some very shady parts of town.
2. School District (ISD)
3. Commute : Both current and future (if you were to change your place of employment). Say now you work downtown and chose to live in sugarland and a year later you found yourself a Job in the woodlands, you will have to move or deal with a 2 hour 1 way commute !
4. Availability of public transport: Which in most cases is non existent in Houston. But they do have a good commuter bus system from several places in the burbs if you work downtown. Lots of employers that have offices downtown will subsidize this. This can be a decent chunk of change as parking downtown will typically run you about $200/month.
These are the salient points that I could think of.
Let me know if you have more questions. PM me if you guys are visting Houston in the near future.
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jsb
01-27 12:53 PM
Hi,
If anybody has used a lawyer for AC21, please post the lawyer details and their cost.
Thank you.
Question is why do you need a lawyer for AC21. It does not require any action, unless USCIS asks for confirmation of same/similar job offer. In any case, if you choose to take some action, just send copy of new job offer to UCSIC (by your your new employer that they have a job for you when you get your GC). The letter should have job details same/similar to what you were sponsored for.
When lawyers want to do this, they do so only to make some money.
If anybody has used a lawyer for AC21, please post the lawyer details and their cost.
Thank you.
Question is why do you need a lawyer for AC21. It does not require any action, unless USCIS asks for confirmation of same/similar job offer. In any case, if you choose to take some action, just send copy of new job offer to UCSIC (by your your new employer that they have a job for you when you get your GC). The letter should have job details same/similar to what you were sponsored for.
When lawyers want to do this, they do so only to make some money.
amar123
07-12 04:26 PM
I believe the only reason EB visa numbers have gone unused in recent years is due to the the inability of FBI in completing namecheck/background check in a timely FIFO fashion. As a result USCIS is unable to approve pending I485s even when the visa numbers are available. This also keeps the VISA BULLETIN doors closed for new I485s.
This (besides labor backlog) spoils the FIFO for GCs.
Fixing FBI security check process will end such visa bulletin fiasco. I believe in recent year or two USCIS has processed various applications (including I485) in a very timely fashion (ofcourse there are exceptions). But many I485s get stuck in the security check bottleneck. Since, visa number is assigned at the approval time the whole FIFO goes to hell.
DOS should be issuing VISA BULLETIN based on pending approvable I485 (meaning security check complete) and fiscal year visa availability. If former is smaller than latter then bulletin dates should move forward based on approved I140s which have not applied for AOS. This is not rocket science but simple math which is lost on DOS, USCIS & FBI.
However, fixing FBI security checks (timely completion) will restore FIFO once labor backlog is gone.
FBI delays is the prime reason for this fiasco.
BTW my AOS is pending due to indefinite background check delay.
Every guy thinks that his/her problem is always the biggest bottleneck
This (besides labor backlog) spoils the FIFO for GCs.
Fixing FBI security check process will end such visa bulletin fiasco. I believe in recent year or two USCIS has processed various applications (including I485) in a very timely fashion (ofcourse there are exceptions). But many I485s get stuck in the security check bottleneck. Since, visa number is assigned at the approval time the whole FIFO goes to hell.
DOS should be issuing VISA BULLETIN based on pending approvable I485 (meaning security check complete) and fiscal year visa availability. If former is smaller than latter then bulletin dates should move forward based on approved I140s which have not applied for AOS. This is not rocket science but simple math which is lost on DOS, USCIS & FBI.
However, fixing FBI security checks (timely completion) will restore FIFO once labor backlog is gone.
FBI delays is the prime reason for this fiasco.
BTW my AOS is pending due to indefinite background check delay.
Every guy thinks that his/her problem is always the biggest bottleneck
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kumar1
12-05 10:58 AM
Please do not post news from timesofindia.com over here! This is not a mirror image site of TOI. Besides, timesofindia.com is good for nothing anyway.
They put H1-B/Green Card rumors left and right on the front page. It is propaganda to get more hits and that is where it ends. Thank you.
They put H1-B/Green Card rumors left and right on the front page. It is propaganda to get more hits and that is where it ends. Thank you.
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jbr
02-27 06:55 PM
Not sure if the conference call mentioned in the previous post has already been held. I wouldn't mind joining in future calls. Thanks.
sroyc
12-11 04:24 AM
From what I understand, the annual quota is 140K. The extra 23K was the spillover from last year's FB quota and was distributed in the following order - EB1->EB2->EB3.
Perhaps unfairly, they do not have the same quotas for the spillover visas.
Does anybody know why EB3 Total number (45,650) doesn't translate into 28% of annual quota (163,037). Does it mean EB3 didn't get their fair share (forget about per country limit)? This is insane.
Perhaps unfairly, they do not have the same quotas for the spillover visas.
Does anybody know why EB3 Total number (45,650) doesn't translate into 28% of annual quota (163,037). Does it mean EB3 didn't get their fair share (forget about per country limit)? This is insane.
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sk2006
07-14 10:47 PM
Hi,
Recently I transfered my H1 B from X company to Y company & now I am going for my visa renewal. My previous employer is not providing me the experience letter. Though I am having all my paystubs, appointment letter etc. I think I need the experience letter also...So what should I do now. Please suggest me.
Thanks,
Sangeetha K
Dear Sangeetha,
For H1B you may not need exp letter.
However for I140, you will and you can get experience letter from Ex-Colleagues or Ex-Manager. It worked for me.
Recently I transfered my H1 B from X company to Y company & now I am going for my visa renewal. My previous employer is not providing me the experience letter. Though I am having all my paystubs, appointment letter etc. I think I need the experience letter also...So what should I do now. Please suggest me.
Thanks,
Sangeetha K
Dear Sangeetha,
For H1B you may not need exp letter.
However for I140, you will and you can get experience letter from Ex-Colleagues or Ex-Manager. It worked for me.
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anindya1234
06-01 02:39 PM
I dont know about others but for me stuck with the same compay for 5 years. I really want to move on !!
Everybody has the same problem buddy
Everybody has the same problem buddy
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ds37
06-12 10:33 AM
Why before October?
Because Mahatma Gandhi was born on october.:):)
His 6years end in oct 2010.
ds
Because Mahatma Gandhi was born on october.:):)
His 6years end in oct 2010.
ds
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gcadream
02-24 01:33 PM
I'm due for my H1 visa extn as it is going to expire in Apr-2010 and my employer is going to do it anytime soon. I have heard that these days USICS is extending the H1 based on the project end date mentioned on Purchase Order, if that is the case then
[1] does it mean that we can get extn only for 6 months or so instead of 3 yrs [if your I-140 is approved]?
[2] And after six months do we again have to file for extn and pay all the fees again ?
Any help on this issue is highly appreciated.
Waiting to hear back from all of you.
[1] does it mean that we can get extn only for 6 months or so instead of 3 yrs [if your I-140 is approved]?
[2] And after six months do we again have to file for extn and pay all the fees again ?
Any help on this issue is highly appreciated.
Waiting to hear back from all of you.
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crystal
07-08 02:02 PM
Could be the side effect of logiclife bashing of immigration lawyers :D I'm sorry but why he did not say IV... i'm not trying to offened anybody people from all over are sending as well. it would make it better if he said the legal immigrant community
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sanin
01-16 05:51 PM
Hi,
I was working with company A since June to Dec 07. and Now I got offer with company B which they are filing my H1 transfer.
but i dont have the last 2 months (Nov & Dec) paystubs from company A (have paystubs from June to Oct). because my employer always give me latest 2 months the paystubs but i have proof of Bank Acccount mentioning the payroll information in bank account for month of Nov & Dec 07.
So does the Bank Account statement will be valid for H1 transfer ?
Please reply me ASAP.
sanin.
I was working with company A since June to Dec 07. and Now I got offer with company B which they are filing my H1 transfer.
but i dont have the last 2 months (Nov & Dec) paystubs from company A (have paystubs from June to Oct). because my employer always give me latest 2 months the paystubs but i have proof of Bank Acccount mentioning the payroll information in bank account for month of Nov & Dec 07.
So does the Bank Account statement will be valid for H1 transfer ?
Please reply me ASAP.
sanin.
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ruchigup
08-22 03:11 PM
Doesnt make sense to pay $2500 for retaining the lawyer, they are trying to squeeze maximum out of you. If you are changing employer ask if the new company has an immigration lawyer and you can have him for your services. If they dont have any one you can engage services of your own immigration lawyer and have the new lawyer sign the G-28 form. Also please post the name of law firm and your employer so that others can be cautious.
I am changing my employer and wanted to retain the services of legal firm representing current employer. Upon asking that I want to retain their services after I leave current employer, I have been told to pay upfront retainer fee of $2500.
- Is it normally the case? I have been told that this fee will be put in my account with the firm and used to pay the charges for the services I request.
- If with God's grace my case is approved without requiring attorney's help, is this retainer refundable in full (I have asked attorney this question and waiting for thier reply). Anybody has a similar experience.
New employer has Fragomen and I heard there is lot of negative air about their procedures on PERM. Current employer legal firm is Baker McKenzie.
I am kind of reluctant to have Fragomen as my attorney representation
I am changing my employer and wanted to retain the services of legal firm representing current employer. Upon asking that I want to retain their services after I leave current employer, I have been told to pay upfront retainer fee of $2500.
- Is it normally the case? I have been told that this fee will be put in my account with the firm and used to pay the charges for the services I request.
- If with God's grace my case is approved without requiring attorney's help, is this retainer refundable in full (I have asked attorney this question and waiting for thier reply). Anybody has a similar experience.
New employer has Fragomen and I heard there is lot of negative air about their procedures on PERM. Current employer legal firm is Baker McKenzie.
I am kind of reluctant to have Fragomen as my attorney representation
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leoindiano
08-03 12:23 PM
I have the notice of action for my I-140 approval. It doesn't mention an A# anywhere. Are you sure about this?
There should be a box for A number, is it blank?
There should be a box for A number, is it blank?
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capriol
12-02 11:32 AM
hey dude I hv an appointment on 10 dec as well in Mumbai! Its 10 am. However I wont be able to share acco with you as I will be coming from somewhere else.
Anyway, just finished sorting up all the docs. Good luck to you too. :)
Dear Friend:
I will also be going to the Kolkata Consulate to get my H1B stamped in May 2008 (HIB expires Aug 2008). Since getting an appointment at the US Consulate requires a prior payment of visa fees at a Consulate designated bank, I would apprecitae if you would let me know how this process works: I.e: (1) How to pay the visa application fee and the visa issuance fee at that bank; and (2) how to book an appointment at the Consulate at Kolkata. Thanks again.
Anyway, just finished sorting up all the docs. Good luck to you too. :)
Dear Friend:
I will also be going to the Kolkata Consulate to get my H1B stamped in May 2008 (HIB expires Aug 2008). Since getting an appointment at the US Consulate requires a prior payment of visa fees at a Consulate designated bank, I would apprecitae if you would let me know how this process works: I.e: (1) How to pay the visa application fee and the visa issuance fee at that bank; and (2) how to book an appointment at the Consulate at Kolkata. Thanks again.
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genius
12-14 05:34 PM
My OPT expires around May.I believe the best way is to join some school rather than going for any other Visa Category?isnt it?
Btw ,I asked many lawyers about the OPT extension and they said there is a very little chance that USCIS will approve it unless you have a very very good reason.They are not fools afterall...
I have a Masters from here..and I will be on my F1 again.Offcourse as expected ,the H1B is going to run out in less than a month next year.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
once again.I will aplly for H1B in April and my OPT expires sometime in May?
Does Kaplan provide courses that issue an I-20?
Thanks in advance!!!!
Btw ,I asked many lawyers about the OPT extension and they said there is a very little chance that USCIS will approve it unless you have a very very good reason.They are not fools afterall...
I have a Masters from here..and I will be on my F1 again.Offcourse as expected ,the H1B is going to run out in less than a month next year.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
once again.I will aplly for H1B in April and my OPT expires sometime in May?
Does Kaplan provide courses that issue an I-20?
Thanks in advance!!!!
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nrk
10-06 06:07 PM
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grupak
11-26 04:42 PM
To all IV members (and others), who have decided not to participate in the rally due to various reasons, I request you to give a very serious thought, and consideration, before reaching the final decision.
WD, I will either participate in the rally if my schedule allows it (I teach) or contribute towards it.
WD, I will either participate in the rally if my schedule allows it (I teach) or contribute towards it.
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amsgc
04-22 09:05 PM
I was just going over PERM data (http://www.flcdatacenter.com/CasePerm.aspx) for FY 2005 and 2006. I found that 19,515 cases were approved for India, for cases filed between March 2005-Dec 31 2005. This includes EB2 and EB3. This is smaller than what I was expecting.
Anybody have any data on LCs approved (India) for cases filed b/w Jan 04-Mar05?
Anybody have any data on LCs approved (India) for cases filed b/w Jan 04-Mar05?
eb2india
01-17 05:39 PM
I had the same problem. I got the card valid for only 2 months instead of one year. I submitted a new application along with which I submitted all the required documents as if I was filing for a new card. Additionally I submitted the Original card which had the typo and a letter explaining the typo. I did not submit any fee. I got my new card after two months. Please go through the instructions on the EAD application which contains information about replacement card.
pappu
04-13 11:16 AM
We have to first have confidence on our own strengths. We are a 10.5K strong group and well poised to become the largest grassroots advocacy organization of high skilled immigrants.
Key lawmaker offices now know us. We have appeared in top media. We have the best Lobbyists in the country working for us.
No other organization can claim such success in 1 year since inception. All we need is support of $20/month from members in order to continue this effort and grow it.
Key lawmaker offices now know us. We have appeared in top media. We have the best Lobbyists in the country working for us.
No other organization can claim such success in 1 year since inception. All we need is support of $20/month from members in order to continue this effort and grow it.
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