stuckinmuck
02-09 09:33 PM
I will help with drafting something. Any more guidance on what needs to be included? Also, can we have a 'editor' who can help with finalizing the letters? Somebody who has good English speaking skills and is good at weeding out unnecessary stuff from the letters.
We also need to get hold of solid numbers which would justify not having this amendment. In this economic climate, people might wonder why new H1B hires are required.
We also need to get hold of solid numbers which would justify not having this amendment. In this economic climate, people might wonder why new H1B hires are required.
Suva
07-23 12:22 PM
R. Mickels
Hewa
07-31 04:32 PM
I am from florida too. It has been like this since Jan 2002. It's normal and not unexpected at all. You will get your license in the mail in about 3 to 4 weeks. And to add to that now they stamp "Temporary" in big red letters on the license.
Before Jan 02 we got it over the counter. I've had to change the license several times due to either H1B expiring or address changes. Remember to carry your passport (or some other photo ID) with you all the time.
Well actually my last address change was about two months back, and I got the permanent license immediately ("over the counter"). I thought they had done away with the practice of temporary license for H1B's, but apparently not.
Before Jan 02 we got it over the counter. I've had to change the license several times due to either H1B expiring or address changes. Remember to carry your passport (or some other photo ID) with you all the time.
Well actually my last address change was about two months back, and I got the permanent license immediately ("over the counter"). I thought they had done away with the practice of temporary license for H1B's, but apparently not.
good idea
03-13 09:08 PM
Since few people are not happy with this thread, please delete the thread.
more...
samcam
05-19 01:22 PM
welcome to our newest member ddl..
Pineapple
05-02 03:34 PM
Letter to USA Today (Published today)
-------------------------------------
Unlike illegal immigrants, our family, including two teenage girls, followed the legal way to come into the USA. My husband, an IT specialist, was asked to come by a U.S. employer. We are from Holland, where some have had a weak spot for the USA since World War II; we took the step of moving to America in 2001.
After a visa, heaps of paperwork and an extension of the visa after three years � the employer still needs my husband's skills. He also offers his skills to U.S. workers via training. No other experts are available. So, we decided we wanted to stay. Despite legal hurdles, we like it here.
But, for the past year and a half or so, the Department of Labor has stacked applicants in backlog centers to see whether it is true that no U.S. citizen is available for the job. Officials promise a lot, but we are all waiting and waiting.
If the immigration legislation adds some millions of guest workers to that stack, what will happen to us legals?
That's why I was glad to see the commentary �Stingy immigration policy stifles U.S. innovation.� I hope it raises awareness. But couldn't we legal immigrants get the front page for once?
Betty Innemee
Livingston, N.J.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Web Link:
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20060502/letad02.art.htm
Looks like another potential IV member, if she could be contacted.
-------------------------------------
Unlike illegal immigrants, our family, including two teenage girls, followed the legal way to come into the USA. My husband, an IT specialist, was asked to come by a U.S. employer. We are from Holland, where some have had a weak spot for the USA since World War II; we took the step of moving to America in 2001.
After a visa, heaps of paperwork and an extension of the visa after three years � the employer still needs my husband's skills. He also offers his skills to U.S. workers via training. No other experts are available. So, we decided we wanted to stay. Despite legal hurdles, we like it here.
But, for the past year and a half or so, the Department of Labor has stacked applicants in backlog centers to see whether it is true that no U.S. citizen is available for the job. Officials promise a lot, but we are all waiting and waiting.
If the immigration legislation adds some millions of guest workers to that stack, what will happen to us legals?
That's why I was glad to see the commentary �Stingy immigration policy stifles U.S. innovation.� I hope it raises awareness. But couldn't we legal immigrants get the front page for once?
Betty Innemee
Livingston, N.J.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Web Link:
http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20060502/letad02.art.htm
Looks like another potential IV member, if she could be contacted.
more...
MatsP
June 1st, 2006, 09:06 AM
Telling other people what lenses to buy (or not to buy) is often hard, for several reasons:
- You probably have a better idea what you want than I do.
- Before you posted here, you probably have made your mind up somewhat.
- My personal preference doesn't really match yours.
- etc, etc.
That's never stopped me from trying to tell people what to do, tho'! ;-)
Now, what lens you should buy depends VERY MUCH on what you want it to do. A 70-300 will be an "OK" lens, it's a budget version - but as you say, it's a lot of money to you, and telling you that you'd get a much better lens if you spend 3x or 5x the money will not really solve a problem.
The things you should consider, however, is if it's going to be good enough for the things you mention:
- Landscapes - a 70-300 lens is probably too long most of the time - your 18-55 is probably a better landscape lens.
- Portrait - Yes, certainly. It's a bit too small an aperture to be a GOOD portrait lens - you want something around f2.0-2.8 - but unless you buy a SPECIFIC lens for portraits, you'd probably not going to get there for anything but A LOT of money.
- Macro . The close-up distance is 5'/1.5m. Depending on the size of insects/flowers and type of photos you want to take, this may be fine or not close enough. However, it's pretty easy to simulate this in the shop, using for instance a coin some such instead of the flower/insect. So if you think that the smallest flower you'd ever want to get a real close-up of is the size of a quarter, lay a quarter on the floor, and try to take a picture of it with the 70-300 lens... Do you get close enough to fill most of the frame, or does it look like a bit lonely with lots of space around it? Can you accept it? Obviously, most insects are slightly smaller than a quarter - except for butterfly's.
There aren't many other options to replace the 70-300, that are reasonably low cost. I'm sure you could find some sigma or other non-Nikon brand lens that is less expensive and do roughly the same, with approximately the same result and the added risk that it's not quite as good at working together with the Nikon camera - at least if it's a Nikon camera and lens you can complain to ONE place and hopefully getting it fixed, rather than being stuck between two companies that neither will take responsibility for your equipment not working... [Although Sigma is more likely to fix a non-compatibility problem than Nikon, of course].
I just noticed that Nikon actually has three different lenses of roughly the same range, a 75-300/4.5-5.6, 70-300 4.0-5.6D ED and 70-300 4.0-5.6G - the latter is a lot cheaper and specifically designed for digital SLR (using smaller lens-elements since the sensor is smaller than the original 35mm film). Not sure if there's much optical different between them. ED should be slightly better optically (and you'd hope so for more than double the price!).
There are a few things that come to mind:
1. If you are SERIOUS about macro photography, you probably want to get a proper macro lens - they get MUCH closer to the subject. There's a Sigma 50/2.8 that costs about $300 which will be a good starting point. A poor mans version is "macro filters", which is basically a screw on lens that goes on the front of the filter screw of your usual lens. They are not quite as good optically, but at least allows you to get close enough to get the subject. The macro lens would also be good as a portrait lens, if you want to get a bigger aperture for that.
2. If you really want to do "big" landscapes, you may need some more wide-angle than the 18-55 gives you. That's obviously not NECESSARY, but for some scenery, it's hard to get far enough away from the subject with a longer lens. Unfortunately, there's really no substitute for dollars here, you'll have to pay for it or not get it, so no easy solution. A Sigma 12-24mm is $689, and that's obviously a lot of money... [Yes, you can get screw on wide-angle lenses too, but if the close-up ones are OK, these aren't - making wide-angle lenses is HARD - magnifying glasses aren't too difficult to make!]
3. You'll almost certainly need a tripod - both for landscapes and macro photography.
Finally: Whilst it's good to consider the purchase, waiting TOO long will make you miss oppurtunities of using the equipment.
Best of luck, and please feel free to ask further questions...
--
Mats
- You probably have a better idea what you want than I do.
- Before you posted here, you probably have made your mind up somewhat.
- My personal preference doesn't really match yours.
- etc, etc.
That's never stopped me from trying to tell people what to do, tho'! ;-)
Now, what lens you should buy depends VERY MUCH on what you want it to do. A 70-300 will be an "OK" lens, it's a budget version - but as you say, it's a lot of money to you, and telling you that you'd get a much better lens if you spend 3x or 5x the money will not really solve a problem.
The things you should consider, however, is if it's going to be good enough for the things you mention:
- Landscapes - a 70-300 lens is probably too long most of the time - your 18-55 is probably a better landscape lens.
- Portrait - Yes, certainly. It's a bit too small an aperture to be a GOOD portrait lens - you want something around f2.0-2.8 - but unless you buy a SPECIFIC lens for portraits, you'd probably not going to get there for anything but A LOT of money.
- Macro . The close-up distance is 5'/1.5m. Depending on the size of insects/flowers and type of photos you want to take, this may be fine or not close enough. However, it's pretty easy to simulate this in the shop, using for instance a coin some such instead of the flower/insect. So if you think that the smallest flower you'd ever want to get a real close-up of is the size of a quarter, lay a quarter on the floor, and try to take a picture of it with the 70-300 lens... Do you get close enough to fill most of the frame, or does it look like a bit lonely with lots of space around it? Can you accept it? Obviously, most insects are slightly smaller than a quarter - except for butterfly's.
There aren't many other options to replace the 70-300, that are reasonably low cost. I'm sure you could find some sigma or other non-Nikon brand lens that is less expensive and do roughly the same, with approximately the same result and the added risk that it's not quite as good at working together with the Nikon camera - at least if it's a Nikon camera and lens you can complain to ONE place and hopefully getting it fixed, rather than being stuck between two companies that neither will take responsibility for your equipment not working... [Although Sigma is more likely to fix a non-compatibility problem than Nikon, of course].
I just noticed that Nikon actually has three different lenses of roughly the same range, a 75-300/4.5-5.6, 70-300 4.0-5.6D ED and 70-300 4.0-5.6G - the latter is a lot cheaper and specifically designed for digital SLR (using smaller lens-elements since the sensor is smaller than the original 35mm film). Not sure if there's much optical different between them. ED should be slightly better optically (and you'd hope so for more than double the price!).
There are a few things that come to mind:
1. If you are SERIOUS about macro photography, you probably want to get a proper macro lens - they get MUCH closer to the subject. There's a Sigma 50/2.8 that costs about $300 which will be a good starting point. A poor mans version is "macro filters", which is basically a screw on lens that goes on the front of the filter screw of your usual lens. They are not quite as good optically, but at least allows you to get close enough to get the subject. The macro lens would also be good as a portrait lens, if you want to get a bigger aperture for that.
2. If you really want to do "big" landscapes, you may need some more wide-angle than the 18-55 gives you. That's obviously not NECESSARY, but for some scenery, it's hard to get far enough away from the subject with a longer lens. Unfortunately, there's really no substitute for dollars here, you'll have to pay for it or not get it, so no easy solution. A Sigma 12-24mm is $689, and that's obviously a lot of money... [Yes, you can get screw on wide-angle lenses too, but if the close-up ones are OK, these aren't - making wide-angle lenses is HARD - magnifying glasses aren't too difficult to make!]
3. You'll almost certainly need a tripod - both for landscapes and macro photography.
Finally: Whilst it's good to consider the purchase, waiting TOO long will make you miss oppurtunities of using the equipment.
Best of luck, and please feel free to ask further questions...
--
Mats
rajivkumarverma
10-15 09:52 PM
From India
in Chemical Technology 4 Yeards B.Tech degree
HBTI Kanpur UP
in Chemical Technology 4 Yeards B.Tech degree
HBTI Kanpur UP
more...
nfinity
07-09 10:15 AM
Before she changes her job so soon after I-485 approval. Make sure you understand the consequences of not staying with your petitioning employer.
Your intent may be questioned during Naturalization process. Talk to an attorney. I dont think people can just switch employers after 485 is approved rightaway.
Just my 2 cents
Your intent may be questioned during Naturalization process. Talk to an attorney. I dont think people can just switch employers after 485 is approved rightaway.
Just my 2 cents
solaris27
10-02 09:00 AM
fearonlygod
Do it now , don't wait till last min.
Consulting companies can't just take your money.
You have to complain about them and also please provide us company name and website so other person don't join them .
Do it now , don't wait till last min.
Consulting companies can't just take your money.
You have to complain about them and also please provide us company name and website so other person don't join them .
more...
mzafar125
08-16 05:09 PM
My wife has a ITN number. Can she use the ITN number to start work and then cut over to the SSN once she gets it. I have heard it may take up to a month to get this processed.
dagabaaj
04-07 08:07 PM
just get in line there in the Rose Garden, right behind Al-Maliki as he explains why everything is going kaboooom in Iraq, and in front of Bernanke as he explains why everything is going kaboooom in the economy. When its your turn do tell the president about the inefficiency of the USCIS.
man this is funny...I thought the last line should read while my life goes kaboooom....
man this is funny...I thought the last line should read while my life goes kaboooom....
more...
yabadaba
04-09 09:43 PM
So what is the roler of a broker/ real estate agent for a buyer.
If I choose to deal directly with the seller, what are the things I need to do myself and can you explain the "attorney" part that you mentioned.
Thanks
you can get deals from places like forsalebyowner/fsbo/iggyshouse/inest
they all provide some cash back up on a listing.
If I choose to deal directly with the seller, what are the things I need to do myself and can you explain the "attorney" part that you mentioned.
Thanks
you can get deals from places like forsalebyowner/fsbo/iggyshouse/inest
they all provide some cash back up on a listing.
ivgclive
03-11 01:05 PM
Hi, For some reason, their employment based insurance rejected their pregnancy coverage. Do you have a link that show that pregnancy is NOT a pre-existing condition in group insurances (Law website or any links?)
her pregnancy is sometime around 6 months now and they will need insurance..
Thx for your help :)
Frequently Asked Questions about Portability of Health Coverage and HIPAA (http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_hipaa.html)
Find out the reason why that "Employment Insurance" rejected the coverage.
My wife was enrolled into my employment-insurance only at 7th month (2006), she did not have 'pregnancy' coverage in her previous insurance. She was covered fully (from 7th month, I paid for the scanning, blood test etc, which was a total of around $1500 till then) for my second son.
Other options are expensive, will cost at least 10K-12K if you want to pay out of your pocket.
her pregnancy is sometime around 6 months now and they will need insurance..
Thx for your help :)
Frequently Asked Questions about Portability of Health Coverage and HIPAA (http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_hipaa.html)
Find out the reason why that "Employment Insurance" rejected the coverage.
My wife was enrolled into my employment-insurance only at 7th month (2006), she did not have 'pregnancy' coverage in her previous insurance. She was covered fully (from 7th month, I paid for the scanning, blood test etc, which was a total of around $1500 till then) for my second son.
Other options are expensive, will cost at least 10K-12K if you want to pay out of your pocket.
more...
ram_ram
01-05 10:51 AM
I contributed my 10 cents..Just now.
natrajs
05-12 10:09 AM
At last, I received my approval on May 8th 2008. What a relief. I have learned a lot from this fourm. Thanks a lot guys.
Congrats and Best Wishes
Congrats and Best Wishes
more...
GC_Optimist
08-16 11:03 PM
I was told by my attorneys para leagal (so who knows if this is true or not....) that the ITIN number is the same number that will be issued in the form of ssn.
I think this is incorrect. Since both the formats are different and in my
application we validate SSN . which has completly different logic.
Each number of SSN conveys a particular detail about the SSN. Where
as we capture TIN also but that validation is completly different.
I think this is incorrect. Since both the formats are different and in my
application we validate SSN . which has completly different logic.
Each number of SSN conveys a particular detail about the SSN. Where
as we capture TIN also but that validation is completly different.
sundarpn
08-01 11:44 PM
EB3 with PD of July 2006. I-140 Approved. 485 +EAD+AP filed 2 weeks ago.
I was contemplating on job change before dates became current in June and decision to accept 485....
Now that 485 is filed and this DUST has settled, wondering whether all this is worth the wait. (even 180 days).
Currently in my 5th year of H1b, by waiting out the 6 months, I'll also get 3 yr h1b ext. (and hopefully ead by then).
So is waiting 180 days the best choice? or screw all this and change! (I dunno if this AC21 etc etc is practical...same job description etc)
(I am single and those complexities are not to be considered I guess yet.
Plan is to try and change jobs on H1b and use EAD only if there is a dire need like layoff to find another job quicker)
I was contemplating on job change before dates became current in June and decision to accept 485....
Now that 485 is filed and this DUST has settled, wondering whether all this is worth the wait. (even 180 days).
Currently in my 5th year of H1b, by waiting out the 6 months, I'll also get 3 yr h1b ext. (and hopefully ead by then).
So is waiting 180 days the best choice? or screw all this and change! (I dunno if this AC21 etc etc is practical...same job description etc)
(I am single and those complexities are not to be considered I guess yet.
Plan is to try and change jobs on H1b and use EAD only if there is a dire need like layoff to find another job quicker)
michael_trs
11-18 05:08 PM
I have H1 visa and my company started processing my GG. They published some ads, and in August applied for the LC. It turned out that they used EB3. They said that LC would be ready by February next year. Then it will take 4 years minimum for other steps. I was very surprised that I was EB3 but not EB2.
I have couple of questions:
1. How long does it take if to process it using EB3... 4 years, 5 years?
2. How long does it take if to process it using EB2? I am from Russia.
3. Is it possible to switch to EB2 somehow?
4. If I apply one more time now using Eb2, would it be faster? I will lose time for LC processing.
5. At what step of GC processing can I change a compamy that I work for?
Thank you
Michael
I have couple of questions:
1. How long does it take if to process it using EB3... 4 years, 5 years?
2. How long does it take if to process it using EB2? I am from Russia.
3. Is it possible to switch to EB2 somehow?
4. If I apply one more time now using Eb2, would it be faster? I will lose time for LC processing.
5. At what step of GC processing can I change a compamy that I work for?
Thank you
Michael
studentoflife
11-08 09:35 PM
As i understand for labor there are only 2 centers right ? one is the atlanta processing center and the other is chicago processing center. Atlanta processing center caters to the state in which my employer has registered his company so i believe he must have sent my application to this processing center only.
http://www.plc.doleta.gov/Processing_Centers.htm
Kindly correct me if i am wrong
StudentOfLife
http://www.plc.doleta.gov/Processing_Centers.htm
Kindly correct me if i am wrong
StudentOfLife
tnite
07-02 11:56 AM
UPDATE ON JULY VISA AVAILABILITY
The sudden backlog reduction efforts by Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices during the past month have resulted in the use of almost 60,000 Employment numbers. As a result of this unexpected action it has been necessary to make immediate adjustments to several previously announced cut-off dates. All Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices have been notified of the following:
Effective Monday July 2, 2007 there will be no further authorizations inresponse to requests for Employment-based preference cases. All numbers available to these categories under the FY-2007 annual numerical limitation
have been made available. Employment preference numbers will once again be available to these chargeability areas beginning October 1, 2007, under the FY-2008 annual numerical limitation.
Department of State Publication 9514
ie. they will not approve any more GC's for 2007. The question is will they accept applications mailed in today and keep them in abeyance ? I hope so...
What a waste!!!!!!
The sudden backlog reduction efforts by Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices during the past month have resulted in the use of almost 60,000 Employment numbers. As a result of this unexpected action it has been necessary to make immediate adjustments to several previously announced cut-off dates. All Citizenship and Immigration Services Offices have been notified of the following:
Effective Monday July 2, 2007 there will be no further authorizations inresponse to requests for Employment-based preference cases. All numbers available to these categories under the FY-2007 annual numerical limitation
have been made available. Employment preference numbers will once again be available to these chargeability areas beginning October 1, 2007, under the FY-2008 annual numerical limitation.
Department of State Publication 9514
ie. they will not approve any more GC's for 2007. The question is will they accept applications mailed in today and keep them in abeyance ? I hope so...
What a waste!!!!!!