Leo07
02-01 03:03 PM
Good luck!
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JunRN
09-17 10:10 AM
Once this bill passed the Committee, there are more work to do. We need to call again so that it will be put to vote at the Full House level and then, at the Senate.
I sent "Thank you!!!" flowers to Sen. Menendez for sponsoring the same bill in the Senate.
Let's call again today. Time is precious.
I sent "Thank you!!!" flowers to Sen. Menendez for sponsoring the same bill in the Senate.
Let's call again today. Time is precious.
nsveta
04-22 01:16 PM
Hi, This is my first post here and I need some guidance regarding new-H1 under FY2010 quota.
--One of my friend told me about this company in Chicago who is doing H-1s and apparently the quota is not over yet. I am in India and
--Is it advisable to get my H01 filed at this time?
--What if the USCIS asks client letters? They said, the company will take care of it if that happens -- is that even legal to say that?
--What is the probably the CAP will be met by that time they file my H-1 in the next 2 weeks? And am not sure if the attorney returns the money in that case.
Please suggest. Thanks
--One of my friend told me about this company in Chicago who is doing H-1s and apparently the quota is not over yet. I am in India and
--Is it advisable to get my H01 filed at this time?
--What if the USCIS asks client letters? They said, the company will take care of it if that happens -- is that even legal to say that?
--What is the probably the CAP will be met by that time they file my H-1 in the next 2 weeks? And am not sure if the attorney returns the money in that case.
Please suggest. Thanks
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add78
05-19 03:52 PM
Good Morning.
hahahaha too funny.
hahahaha too funny.
more...
add78
05-19 03:52 PM
Good Morning.
hahahaha too funny.
hahahaha too funny.
sravani
05-15 01:05 PM
Here's a rather strange and may be uncommon situation for someone I know who needs suggestions from gurus here...such huge PD movements do result in strange situations such as these :)
EB3 India Labor + I-140 certified with PD Feb 2003
EB2-140 pending at NSC hoping to port the EB3 PD date
So both cases are now current, which leads to a couple of options for AOS:
1. File based on approved EB3 (and risk a potential retrogression in future)
2. File based on pending EB2 140 before it is approved (and risk potential RFE, etc. and who knows if it would be too late to revert to the EB3)
The other option is to upgrade the EB2 140 to PP, but could you please list the relative merits of the above two options?
My case is also similar and I decided to go with EB2
My EB3 PD is Nov 2002. I got promotion this year and same company applied for my EB2 labor via Perm and got approved with in couple of months.
My attorney already filed my 485 application concurrently while applying for EB2 I-140 PD (PP) last month. I got an RFE(edu: 3 year Engineering degree). My EB2 I-140 is approved yesterday after receiving the RFE response. It's better to utilize the EB2 category if you can, in case if they decide to retrogress again, it's likely that you will get the GC soon with EB2 PD than EB3 PD.
EB3 India Labor + I-140 certified with PD Feb 2003
EB2-140 pending at NSC hoping to port the EB3 PD date
So both cases are now current, which leads to a couple of options for AOS:
1. File based on approved EB3 (and risk a potential retrogression in future)
2. File based on pending EB2 140 before it is approved (and risk potential RFE, etc. and who knows if it would be too late to revert to the EB3)
The other option is to upgrade the EB2 140 to PP, but could you please list the relative merits of the above two options?
My case is also similar and I decided to go with EB2
My EB3 PD is Nov 2002. I got promotion this year and same company applied for my EB2 labor via Perm and got approved with in couple of months.
My attorney already filed my 485 application concurrently while applying for EB2 I-140 PD (PP) last month. I got an RFE(edu: 3 year Engineering degree). My EB2 I-140 is approved yesterday after receiving the RFE response. It's better to utilize the EB2 category if you can, in case if they decide to retrogress again, it's likely that you will get the GC soon with EB2 PD than EB3 PD.
more...
manishgc
06-08 02:20 PM
Hi
I am in 7th year extension. I have PD 'Jan 2004 and my I-140 is cleared. (EB3)
If I get extension for 3yrs, can I switch to another Company. And since I have 5 yrs of exp, can I file in EB2?
Thanks in advance.
I am in 7th year extension. I have PD 'Jan 2004 and my I-140 is cleared. (EB3)
If I get extension for 3yrs, can I switch to another Company. And since I have 5 yrs of exp, can I file in EB2?
Thanks in advance.
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for_gc
09-26 11:00 AM
ohhhh wow !! .. Man ...It not so easy as it looks on paper ...U will find tons of ppl in the stage of limbo after doing all this ... (including me though :(
My sincere advice, DO not even think about it ..
Hi pd_recapturing,
Can you please elaborate on your experience. This is an issue very close to my heart as well and possibly benefit lots of other folks on this forum.
I personally know a fried who in fact benefited from PD porting and got his GC sometime in 2007 beginning. He had a EB3 PD of 2001 which he used for his EB2 application with another employer.
My sincere advice, DO not even think about it ..
Hi pd_recapturing,
Can you please elaborate on your experience. This is an issue very close to my heart as well and possibly benefit lots of other folks on this forum.
I personally know a fried who in fact benefited from PD porting and got his GC sometime in 2007 beginning. He had a EB3 PD of 2001 which he used for his EB2 application with another employer.
more...
blacktongue
01-26 01:16 PM
Why more IT people from Andhra India?
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phillyag
05-30 03:33 PM
I meant what docs we need to make sure we have from the employer whom we will be quitting.
Any suggestion on what is the best way to quit the existing employer ? What kind of explanation would let them create least trouble when I exit.
Any suggestion on what is the best way to quit the existing employer ? What kind of explanation would let them create least trouble when I exit.
more...
manish1905
10-06 02:31 PM
I was recently audited by Someone from Dept of Homeland Security regarding my H1-B visa status.He asked several questions regarding my position,job duties,pay,work hrs
How long I was associated with my current company, What was my previous job and job duties,How long I am in US etc.
I couldn't provide him the proof of the pay as I didn't had the pay stub to show him at that moment.
I asked him is this just rutine procedure ?He said this is recently started process to check H1B fraud.
Does any one else had same experience?
How long I was associated with my current company, What was my previous job and job duties,How long I am in US etc.
I couldn't provide him the proof of the pay as I didn't had the pay stub to show him at that moment.
I asked him is this just rutine procedure ?He said this is recently started process to check H1B fraud.
Does any one else had same experience?
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centaur
02-09 11:09 AM
Excellent idea.
Yes this option is open...the sitiuation is getting ridicilous by the day..lets wait for couple of months so see if SKIL OR CIR take some direction..meanwhile nothin prevents us from preparing
grounds for a law suit!!
Yes this option is open...the sitiuation is getting ridicilous by the day..lets wait for couple of months so see if SKIL OR CIR take some direction..meanwhile nothin prevents us from preparing
grounds for a law suit!!
more...
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ujjvalkoul
03-06 01:14 PM
do they normally send a receipt notice for the new 765 application that you file to correct EAD error...?
i.e. if we do not receive a RECEIPT NOTICE in like 2 -3 months- should we follow up by Infopass or Calling 1800 number? OR just wait!!! for 4 months to end and then call and infopass
i.e. if we do not receive a RECEIPT NOTICE in like 2 -3 months- should we follow up by Infopass or Calling 1800 number? OR just wait!!! for 4 months to end and then call and infopass
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jonty_11
11-06 12:29 PM
I would suggest you to switch jobs and complain to USCIS right away instead of waiting for company A to take some action against you. This will keep the company under scrutiny of USCIS and they can unearth more mud on this company. Never put up with injustice as this encourages company A to do more of this to other employees.
Totally agree with you. However, I have been complaining abt a similar company to my local INS office for over one year now (sending letters every other month) , but to no avail. Where do we complain?
Totally agree with you. However, I have been complaining abt a similar company to my local INS office for over one year now (sending letters every other month) , but to no avail. Where do we complain?
more...
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Kevin Sadler
June 6th, 2005, 05:00 AM
It's hard to tell in this particular photo but it looks like the majority of the frame is either shadow or dark green. The metering systems in these cameras tries to make everything "gray", or make really dark things lighter, or really light things darker. It works most of the time where there is a good mix of tones. However in this case since the majority of the frame is dark it may be trying to bring it up and as a result blow out some of the flower petals that are on the edge of the bright side.
You can check the meter on your camera very easily by doing a poor man's spot meter.
1. Get close enough to the yellow plant so that the flower fills the entire frame in your viewfinder. Press the shutter halfway down and note the meter reading. If your lens won't focus that close don't worry about it, you just need the aperture and shutter speed numbers.
2. Check your manual to find out how to use Exposure Lock. At this point, lock the exposure, move back, compose the image the way you want, and take the picture with the metering from #1. If everything is working, your flowers should be exposed correctly but all of those shadows in the back will probably be black with no detail.
I found a photo from cox on this forum that has a similar light condition. This guy is a master at it. http://www.dphoto.us/forumphotos/showphoto.php/photo/25275/cat/887
Let us know how it works out!
Good Luck, Kevin
You can check the meter on your camera very easily by doing a poor man's spot meter.
1. Get close enough to the yellow plant so that the flower fills the entire frame in your viewfinder. Press the shutter halfway down and note the meter reading. If your lens won't focus that close don't worry about it, you just need the aperture and shutter speed numbers.
2. Check your manual to find out how to use Exposure Lock. At this point, lock the exposure, move back, compose the image the way you want, and take the picture with the metering from #1. If everything is working, your flowers should be exposed correctly but all of those shadows in the back will probably be black with no detail.
I found a photo from cox on this forum that has a similar light condition. This guy is a master at it. http://www.dphoto.us/forumphotos/showphoto.php/photo/25275/cat/887
Let us know how it works out!
Good Luck, Kevin
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ashkam
02-27 09:48 AM
You mention receipt number starting with LIN ,I have a receipt number starting with SRC . Anyone know the difference ,if there is one ?
thanks
LIN = nebraska service center, SRC = Texas service center
thanks
LIN = nebraska service center, SRC = Texas service center
more...
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Libra
08-05 08:32 PM
To capture unused visa numbers we need to make DC rally big, so lets go to DC on sept 13th and make it big success.......
get relief from retrogression. Capture of unused visa numbers etc will make us ignore how many apps USCIS received.
Good thing is that people will get interim benefits like EAD/AP.
get relief from retrogression. Capture of unused visa numbers etc will make us ignore how many apps USCIS received.
Good thing is that people will get interim benefits like EAD/AP.
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nidar
03-05 10:44 AM
I am an IT consultant
What is the probable Approval date for this application?
My details:
EB2-labor 09/2006.
I-140 SRC078XXXXXXX(Texas)
Reciept: 02/27/2007
Notice: 07/31/2007
Priority:09/01/2006
section: Member of professional w/adv degree or of exceptional ability . Sec203(b)(2)
I-485:# SRC08-008-53-XXX(Texas:2008:eight day from 09/01/2008)
Recieved:08/14/2007
Notice :09/11/2007
Section: Adjustment as direct beneficiary of imigrant petition.
Finger Printing:12/20/2007
What is the probable Approval date for this application?
My details:
EB2-labor 09/2006.
I-140 SRC078XXXXXXX(Texas)
Reciept: 02/27/2007
Notice: 07/31/2007
Priority:09/01/2006
section: Member of professional w/adv degree or of exceptional ability . Sec203(b)(2)
I-485:# SRC08-008-53-XXX(Texas:2008:eight day from 09/01/2008)
Recieved:08/14/2007
Notice :09/11/2007
Section: Adjustment as direct beneficiary of imigrant petition.
Finger Printing:12/20/2007
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raysaikat
04-21 01:17 PM
... it is essential that one be in H1-B status.
This is patently wrong. There are many people who are on EAD at the time of I-485 adjudication.
The only legal requirement is that the person has a valid offer from the I-140 sponsoring company (or some other one, if AC21 is used) for a same or similar job (similar to what was mentioned in the LC). In practice, the petitioner should have the job at the time of adjudication.
This is patently wrong. There are many people who are on EAD at the time of I-485 adjudication.
The only legal requirement is that the person has a valid offer from the I-140 sponsoring company (or some other one, if AC21 is used) for a same or similar job (similar to what was mentioned in the LC). In practice, the petitioner should have the job at the time of adjudication.
meridiani.planum
10-13 02:26 PM
Almost everyone knows USCIS rule that EAD can be applied 120 days in advance before previous EAD expires and normal processing time for EAD is 90 days.
With few exceptions, people are applying in time. They have other issue such as one person got in 6 days. In 20-30 days it is not uncommon.
You are one of the few people who did not apply EAD in time and trying to draw attention.
yeah for EAD they should clarify that if its pending >90 days, then we should walk into local office and walk out with interim EAD. afterall USCIS's own guidelines require them to approve within 90 days.
AP is a bigger problem I think. Processing times are running into 5 months and we can apply only upto 4 months in advance. meaning there is a very high likelyhood of ending up in a monthwhere you dont have an AP. If you need to travel in that time, you are screwed.
With few exceptions, people are applying in time. They have other issue such as one person got in 6 days. In 20-30 days it is not uncommon.
You are one of the few people who did not apply EAD in time and trying to draw attention.
yeah for EAD they should clarify that if its pending >90 days, then we should walk into local office and walk out with interim EAD. afterall USCIS's own guidelines require them to approve within 90 days.
AP is a bigger problem I think. Processing times are running into 5 months and we can apply only upto 4 months in advance. meaning there is a very high likelyhood of ending up in a monthwhere you dont have an AP. If you need to travel in that time, you are screwed.
Blog Feeds
01-27 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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