
jayram123
07-15 10:56 AM
From Houston, TX

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.

sree_99
02-03 11:54 AM
Thanks Everyone, Your comments are really helpful. I was able get hold of my attorney and he mentioned the same thing as most of you replied. She should come back on AP.
Thanks
Thanks

jonty_11
01-15 02:25 PM
els.edu guys are very slow is responding....
Anyone appeared for IELTS test from els.edu location apart from those mentioned on this link for USA.
http://www.ielts.org/searchresults/default.aspx?TestCentreSearchSubRegion=4a489b2a-083a-45de-a65e-6514bc133cb4
Anyone appeared for IELTS test from els.edu location apart from those mentioned on this link for USA.
http://www.ielts.org/searchresults/default.aspx?TestCentreSearchSubRegion=4a489b2a-083a-45de-a65e-6514bc133cb4
more...

JeffDG
01-26 03:28 PM
Waste of time. How many PhD's are there as compared to the others? There is already EB1/EB2-NIW for them
EB1A/EB1B/EB2NIW still consume visa numbers.
EB1A/EB1B/EB2NIW still consume visa numbers.

Appu
04-17 06:13 PM
This is no big deal. This has nothing to do with H1B's - its about CIR and minimum wage. Remember that Sen Kennedy is 100% behind the SJC and the Hagel-Martinez bills. Here's the email with additional details - I didn't post this before because it is somewhat partisan and attacks republicans.
Dear [Appu],
As you may have seen and heard in news reports, Senator Kennedy has been at the forefront of immigration reform. He's built a bipartisan coalition around a tough but fair approach to repairing our broken immigration system.
On Monday hundreds of thousands of people in cities across the country joined together in a "National Day of Action for Immigrant Justice." In our nation's capital, more than 200,000 people gathered on the Mall. It was an amazing event, and the crowd went wild when Senator Kennedy took the stage and said "It is time for Americans to lift their voices now -- in pride for our immigrant past and in pride for our immigrant future. Are you with me?"
Judging by the roar of the crowd, they are indeed with Senator Kennedy. Now you have a chance to show your support for this important measure -- and join the fight for justice for all working Americans:
http://www.tedkennedy.com/fightforfairness
The facts are clear: 63% of Americans believe that immigrants who have lived in the country for a certain period of time should be able to go through the process of obtaining citizenship. But the out-of-touch Republican Congress wants instead to turn these would-be citizens into criminals. And any American who assists them in any way, even priests, would become criminals too.
Republican leaders claim tough enforcement is all that's needed. That's preposterous. Senator Kennedy supports strong enforcement, too, but fairness is equally important.
Republicans claim they value hard work. Where have they been during Senator Kennedy's efforts to raise the minimum wage for millions of hard-working Americans? What have they done to ensure every American worker has access to good health care? How have they protected Social Security for retired American workers?
Enough is enough. Will you join us and fight to ensure that our country values hard work? Please answer with your signature:
http://www.tedkennedy.com/fightforfairness
This year, more than 45,000 of you endorsed Senate Resolution 350, rejecting President Bush's assertion that he was authorized to spy on Americans without a warrant. You also stood with Senator Kennedy to fight for stem cell research that holds such great promise for millions suffering from debilitating diseases.
We can't keep ignoring the worsening hardship for our nation's hardest working men and women. I hope you'll tell Senator Kennedy loud and clear you stand with him in this ongoing battle for all working families:
http://www.tedkennedy.com/fightforfairness
Yours for a stronger and fairer America,
Marty Walsh
Campaign Manager
Kennedy for Senate
P.S. The full text of Senator Kennedy's speech at the immigration rally is on our website -- I hope you enjoy it:
http://www.tedkennedy.com/Apr10RallySpeech
Dear [Appu],
As you may have seen and heard in news reports, Senator Kennedy has been at the forefront of immigration reform. He's built a bipartisan coalition around a tough but fair approach to repairing our broken immigration system.
On Monday hundreds of thousands of people in cities across the country joined together in a "National Day of Action for Immigrant Justice." In our nation's capital, more than 200,000 people gathered on the Mall. It was an amazing event, and the crowd went wild when Senator Kennedy took the stage and said "It is time for Americans to lift their voices now -- in pride for our immigrant past and in pride for our immigrant future. Are you with me?"
Judging by the roar of the crowd, they are indeed with Senator Kennedy. Now you have a chance to show your support for this important measure -- and join the fight for justice for all working Americans:
http://www.tedkennedy.com/fightforfairness
The facts are clear: 63% of Americans believe that immigrants who have lived in the country for a certain period of time should be able to go through the process of obtaining citizenship. But the out-of-touch Republican Congress wants instead to turn these would-be citizens into criminals. And any American who assists them in any way, even priests, would become criminals too.
Republican leaders claim tough enforcement is all that's needed. That's preposterous. Senator Kennedy supports strong enforcement, too, but fairness is equally important.
Republicans claim they value hard work. Where have they been during Senator Kennedy's efforts to raise the minimum wage for millions of hard-working Americans? What have they done to ensure every American worker has access to good health care? How have they protected Social Security for retired American workers?
Enough is enough. Will you join us and fight to ensure that our country values hard work? Please answer with your signature:
http://www.tedkennedy.com/fightforfairness
This year, more than 45,000 of you endorsed Senate Resolution 350, rejecting President Bush's assertion that he was authorized to spy on Americans without a warrant. You also stood with Senator Kennedy to fight for stem cell research that holds such great promise for millions suffering from debilitating diseases.
We can't keep ignoring the worsening hardship for our nation's hardest working men and women. I hope you'll tell Senator Kennedy loud and clear you stand with him in this ongoing battle for all working families:
http://www.tedkennedy.com/fightforfairness
Yours for a stronger and fairer America,
Marty Walsh
Campaign Manager
Kennedy for Senate
P.S. The full text of Senator Kennedy's speech at the immigration rally is on our website -- I hope you enjoy it:
http://www.tedkennedy.com/Apr10RallySpeech
more...

immiguy
07-20 04:35 PM
Same question. My friend is pregnant and wants to deliver the baby in India. They have filed for AoS now. Howevr they are not sure how to bring ther baby in if they deliver in India.

ryan
02-03 05:33 PM
Hi Ryan,
Do you know anyone have done that? Like you personally or anyone you know? Have they got I-140? I read that its possible to get PERM Labor done under EB-2, but USCIS gives real hard time at I-140 stage.
Appreciate your help!
Thank you
The lawyers had the Ozzie degree, as well as the US CPA evaluated via an accredited foreign degree evaluator. This was back in the summer of �06. Again, invest a few extra $$ and hire a good lawyer. They can best explain the process / prerequisites to you.
Do you know anyone have done that? Like you personally or anyone you know? Have they got I-140? I read that its possible to get PERM Labor done under EB-2, but USCIS gives real hard time at I-140 stage.
Appreciate your help!
Thank you
The lawyers had the Ozzie degree, as well as the US CPA evaluated via an accredited foreign degree evaluator. This was back in the summer of �06. Again, invest a few extra $$ and hire a good lawyer. They can best explain the process / prerequisites to you.
more...

sujijag
09-13 02:00 PM
Common guys we need to make some thing better for EB3 folks.

tyson
01-11 11:38 AM
Guys: One way to get involved is to find Congressional candidates (especially Republicans) and educate them. If you really want to push them along, ask can you help with their campaign.
For example, Eddie Adams in the Tampa Bay Area, is more open to discussion than the current incumbent. And, if he can be found open to backing legislation to expedite the Green Card process; then this movement has a new friend.
He is certainly (like most Republicans) no friend of illegal immigration. But, he might be open to pressuring the USCIS to move the legal immigration applications along.
For example, Eddie Adams in the Tampa Bay Area, is more open to discussion than the current incumbent. And, if he can be found open to backing legislation to expedite the Green Card process; then this movement has a new friend.
He is certainly (like most Republicans) no friend of illegal immigration. But, he might be open to pressuring the USCIS to move the legal immigration applications along.
more...

vallabhu
11-13 04:44 PM
India EB3 2004 June.

newuser
10-07 05:16 PM
I got same audit in september as well
the guy came in to my desk and took pictures and i was asked to show my pay stubs
then they went to my hr and asked all questions
on being asked he said its the normal procedure
so no big deal , pls make sure if they coem to your office you should atleast have a copy of your paystubs
How can they come to your desk randonmly and ask for pay stubs? Nobody carries paystubs to work everyday.Are these raids authorized by USCIS. Is there a memo that mentions this from USCIS.
the guy came in to my desk and took pictures and i was asked to show my pay stubs
then they went to my hr and asked all questions
on being asked he said its the normal procedure
so no big deal , pls make sure if they coem to your office you should atleast have a copy of your paystubs
How can they come to your desk randonmly and ask for pay stubs? Nobody carries paystubs to work everyday.Are these raids authorized by USCIS. Is there a memo that mentions this from USCIS.
more...

number30
03-28 04:14 PM
Where did you send it? Tax returns with ITIN Requests will go to different address.

gcformeornot
05-10 09:22 PM
Job Title has to be same. Detail description does not matter. So if you are say "Computer System Analyst", new job should have same title. Duties do not matter. Higher salary is OK. No problems there. I-140 if revoked by previous company does not harm.
Good Luck. I am also using AC21.
Good Luck. I am also using AC21.
more...

istrategist
05-07 05:37 PM
Found out rates today (for their highest bracket)
SBI: 45.25 (no fees)
Citi ACH: 45.27 (Rs 55.15 per transaction)
ICICI : 45.32 (Rs 25 fee per transaction)
SBI: 45.25 (no fees)
Citi ACH: 45.27 (Rs 55.15 per transaction)
ICICI : 45.32 (Rs 25 fee per transaction)

pd_recapturing
07-09 10:03 PM
Applied PP on 29th, got RFE on 6th. They asked about 2006 W2. Sent the response and now waiting for approval.
more...

viva
01-31 10:44 PM
United Nations, Pls help Immigration Voice.
we know your capability.
BTW, sorry for some members rude behaviour towards you.
Probably they may not know about your role in
immigrationportal.com and they may not even know how you helped lot of guys with I140 ability to pay issues.
Hi Guys, pls encourage good people like United Nations to help us.
He will be good asset for us to utilize his time and service.
He has an amazing knowledge in immigration matters.
Need not to say, knowledge is power, in present era.
What's your point? Ok, this person is knowledgeable and has helped to answer a lot of questions, I get that. What else can he do for IV? Does he have any influence with lawmakers? Can he help us increase our fundraising? If not, he is just one regular member and therefore, you need to stop wasting time trying to focus so much attention on him.
Maybe, he is a valuable addition in terms of answering other members' questions and nudging them to contribute. Beyond that, what more can he do than what the IV core team is doing with the lawmakers? Before you waste everybody's time with multiple posts singing the praises of a person, please carefully analyze how they can benefit the whole organization. Use your brains and don't just be awed by his knowledge!
we know your capability.
BTW, sorry for some members rude behaviour towards you.
Probably they may not know about your role in
immigrationportal.com and they may not even know how you helped lot of guys with I140 ability to pay issues.
Hi Guys, pls encourage good people like United Nations to help us.
He will be good asset for us to utilize his time and service.
He has an amazing knowledge in immigration matters.
Need not to say, knowledge is power, in present era.
What's your point? Ok, this person is knowledgeable and has helped to answer a lot of questions, I get that. What else can he do for IV? Does he have any influence with lawmakers? Can he help us increase our fundraising? If not, he is just one regular member and therefore, you need to stop wasting time trying to focus so much attention on him.
Maybe, he is a valuable addition in terms of answering other members' questions and nudging them to contribute. Beyond that, what more can he do than what the IV core team is doing with the lawmakers? Before you waste everybody's time with multiple posts singing the praises of a person, please carefully analyze how they can benefit the whole organization. Use your brains and don't just be awed by his knowledge!

optimystic
04-21 04:24 PM
hi friends,
even my PD is current. but my case is transferred from texas to vermont. though my PD is current my processing date is not current. what is the reason for transferring I- 485 case from one center to other.
any response is appreciated
Load balancing is one of the primary reasons.
even my PD is current. but my case is transferred from texas to vermont. though my PD is current my processing date is not current. what is the reason for transferring I- 485 case from one center to other.
any response is appreciated
Load balancing is one of the primary reasons.

eb3India
02-21 11:08 AM
who really cares what they put up on those stupdi dates,
they can make up anything and call the that as a law, no body to question them, not checks and balances
they can make up anything and call the that as a law, no body to question them, not checks and balances
razis123
06-16 10:13 AM
Do RFE's for qualification and requirements comes only for LC or 140? I am with a similar profile but got LC and 140 approved and already filed for 485 last year. How much probablity is there that i might get an RFE for this for my 485 adjudication?
education and experience requirements are tied to a position, not to the person. So the LC is going to look into whether the position of a systems analyst requires a masters, and if it does what kind (as the minimum requriements). At I-140 they see if YOU match the position for which the LC has been approved. If the LC said systems-analyst needs a masters in computer-science or electrical engineering, then you will have a problem.
You can potentially get two questions in the RFE:
- why does the job need a Masters (EB2 justification for LC)
- why does a masters in mechanical engineering satisfy the requirement of a masters for a system analyst position (whether you meet the requirement, at I-140 stage).
Since you yourself say the position does not require a masters, proviing it needs a masters in mech. engg might be even harder. Did you ask your company attorney about this? what do they say?
education and experience requirements are tied to a position, not to the person. So the LC is going to look into whether the position of a systems analyst requires a masters, and if it does what kind (as the minimum requriements). At I-140 they see if YOU match the position for which the LC has been approved. If the LC said systems-analyst needs a masters in computer-science or electrical engineering, then you will have a problem.
You can potentially get two questions in the RFE:
- why does the job need a Masters (EB2 justification for LC)
- why does a masters in mechanical engineering satisfy the requirement of a masters for a system analyst position (whether you meet the requirement, at I-140 stage).
Since you yourself say the position does not require a masters, proviing it needs a masters in mech. engg might be even harder. Did you ask your company attorney about this? what do they say?
gccovet
09-24 04:15 PM
Any thoughts
is she the primary applicant on AOS? If so, to be safe, you may have her continue on H1 (provided employer is willing to file for H1B ac21 aka "transfer").
If she is not prim. applicant and If the employer is not willing to shed the H1 "transfer" money, you may save money by using EAD.
just my thoughts, check with attorney please.
Regards,
GCCovet.
is she the primary applicant on AOS? If so, to be safe, you may have her continue on H1 (provided employer is willing to file for H1B ac21 aka "transfer").
If she is not prim. applicant and If the employer is not willing to shed the H1 "transfer" money, you may save money by using EAD.
just my thoughts, check with attorney please.
Regards,
GCCovet.
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