beautifulMind
08-24 12:40 PM
Fragomen Client Alert (08/06/09) - USCIS Expands Employer Site Visit Program (http://www.worldwideerc.org/Resources/Immigration/Documents/fragomen-20090806.html)
August 6, 2009
USCIS Expands Employer Site Visit Program __________________________________________________ _______
Executive Summary
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expanding its unannounced visits to the worksites of employers that sponsor foreign workers. USCIS uses site visits to verify the information in an immigration petition submitted by the employer and to make sure that sponsored workers are complying with the terms of their admission to the United States.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expanding its site visits to employers that sponsor foreign workers. The site visits, which are conducted by USCIS's Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) unit, are usually conducted without notice. They are used to verify the existence of the employer, the information the employer has provided in immigration petitions, and whether sponsored foreign nationals are working in compliance with the terms of their admission to the United States. If your company is contacted by an FDNS officer, you should call your designated Fragomen professional immediately to discuss options, including the possibility of having counsel present during a site visit.
Though the FDNS unit has conducted employer site visits for several years, it has recently begun to add more staff and broaden its investigative efforts. In the past, site visits usually pertained to already-approved immigration petitions. However, under the expanded program, the agency is more frequently using site visits to verify information in petitions that are pending with USCIS. USCIS could use information obtained during a site visit to decide whether or not to approve a petition. In submitting petitions for immigration benefits, employers subject themselves to reasonable inquiries from the government. Therefore, it is crucial that employers make efforts to cooperate with FDNS officers. A failure to cooperate could jeopardize an employer's pending petitions and its ability to participate in U.S.
immigration programs.
Typically, an FDNS officer will make an unannounced appearance at the petitioning employer's worksite, though occasionally an officer may call the company in advance to notify it of an impending visit. During the site visit, the officer may ask to speak to an employer representative, such as a human resources manager, and may also ask to meet with a sponsored foreign worker. Usually, the officer will have a copy of a specific immigration petition and will seek interviews to verify the information in the petition.
During site visits, FDNS officers typically work from a standard list of questions. Officers commonly ask about the employer's business; the worksite; the number of employees; whether the employer filed the immigration petition in question; whether the foreign national is actually employed by the employer; the foreign national's position, job duties and salary; and the foreign national's qualifications for the position, educational background, previous employment and immigration history, residence and dependents in the United States. The officer may also ask about the employer's overall use of specific immigration programs. In addition to conducting interviews, the FDNS officer may ask to tour the employer's premises or examine the foreign national's work area, and may also request payroll records and other documentation pertaining to the foreign national's employment.
Fragomen is closely monitoring the FDNS site visit program and will issue additional information as we discern investigation trends. If you have any questions about this alert, please contact the Fragomen professional with whom you usually work.
Copyright 2009 by Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
Fragomen Immigration Alerts
August 6, 2009
USCIS Expands Employer Site Visit Program __________________________________________________ _______
Executive Summary
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expanding its unannounced visits to the worksites of employers that sponsor foreign workers. USCIS uses site visits to verify the information in an immigration petition submitted by the employer and to make sure that sponsored workers are complying with the terms of their admission to the United States.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expanding its site visits to employers that sponsor foreign workers. The site visits, which are conducted by USCIS's Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) unit, are usually conducted without notice. They are used to verify the existence of the employer, the information the employer has provided in immigration petitions, and whether sponsored foreign nationals are working in compliance with the terms of their admission to the United States. If your company is contacted by an FDNS officer, you should call your designated Fragomen professional immediately to discuss options, including the possibility of having counsel present during a site visit.
Though the FDNS unit has conducted employer site visits for several years, it has recently begun to add more staff and broaden its investigative efforts. In the past, site visits usually pertained to already-approved immigration petitions. However, under the expanded program, the agency is more frequently using site visits to verify information in petitions that are pending with USCIS. USCIS could use information obtained during a site visit to decide whether or not to approve a petition. In submitting petitions for immigration benefits, employers subject themselves to reasonable inquiries from the government. Therefore, it is crucial that employers make efforts to cooperate with FDNS officers. A failure to cooperate could jeopardize an employer's pending petitions and its ability to participate in U.S.
immigration programs.
Typically, an FDNS officer will make an unannounced appearance at the petitioning employer's worksite, though occasionally an officer may call the company in advance to notify it of an impending visit. During the site visit, the officer may ask to speak to an employer representative, such as a human resources manager, and may also ask to meet with a sponsored foreign worker. Usually, the officer will have a copy of a specific immigration petition and will seek interviews to verify the information in the petition.
During site visits, FDNS officers typically work from a standard list of questions. Officers commonly ask about the employer's business; the worksite; the number of employees; whether the employer filed the immigration petition in question; whether the foreign national is actually employed by the employer; the foreign national's position, job duties and salary; and the foreign national's qualifications for the position, educational background, previous employment and immigration history, residence and dependents in the United States. The officer may also ask about the employer's overall use of specific immigration programs. In addition to conducting interviews, the FDNS officer may ask to tour the employer's premises or examine the foreign national's work area, and may also request payroll records and other documentation pertaining to the foreign national's employment.
Fragomen is closely monitoring the FDNS site visit program and will issue additional information as we discern investigation trends. If you have any questions about this alert, please contact the Fragomen professional with whom you usually work.
Copyright 2009 by Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
Fragomen Immigration Alerts
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gc28262
07-29 06:00 PM
Lesson learned:
Always note the rep id, date and time when talking to USCIS customer service.
This information will come handy when reporting issues to Ombudsman's office.
Always note the rep id, date and time when talking to USCIS customer service.
This information will come handy when reporting issues to Ombudsman's office.
punjabi
10-09 04:26 PM
Your question has also been answered here:
http://www.murthy.com/news/n_faqrec.html
http://www.murthy.com/news/n_faqrec.html
2011 Justin Bieber amp; Selena Gomez
sodh
07-24 12:57 AM
Hi,
My situation is as follows:
1) approved RIR labor 2002
2) approved perm labor 2005
3) approved i-140 2006 (PD 2005)
4) ALL of above for company-A. 2006 company-B took over.
My lawyer said i cannot file and have to start again with new labor as merger/acquistion was 'asset only' type.
I want to self-file i-485 giving the company "name change" letter as the only proof along with the rest of regular documents. Company-B employer is in 100% support of my application.
SHOULD I just waste $$$$ money or take a chance ? PLEASE HELP...TIRED OF WAITING FOR LAST 5 years :(
Regards,
-Ravi
Your Lawyer is right if the merger is only asset type and not transfer of shares between your old company and new company your application will be rejected.
My situation is as follows:
1) approved RIR labor 2002
2) approved perm labor 2005
3) approved i-140 2006 (PD 2005)
4) ALL of above for company-A. 2006 company-B took over.
My lawyer said i cannot file and have to start again with new labor as merger/acquistion was 'asset only' type.
I want to self-file i-485 giving the company "name change" letter as the only proof along with the rest of regular documents. Company-B employer is in 100% support of my application.
SHOULD I just waste $$$$ money or take a chance ? PLEASE HELP...TIRED OF WAITING FOR LAST 5 years :(
Regards,
-Ravi
Your Lawyer is right if the merger is only asset type and not transfer of shares between your old company and new company your application will be rejected.
more...
NELLAIKUMAR
01-26 02:31 PM
racism is considered sexy these days ;)
If someone beats you up in the street corner because of racism, then come back here and tell everyone whether it is sexy or not. :D
If someone beats you up in the street corner because of racism, then come back here and tell everyone whether it is sexy or not. :D
Bhaskar_80
05-21 04:45 PM
Hi,
Yes. PERM is taking close to 7 months if not stuck in Audit. My case was filed on 10/12/2009.
My employer saw that the status of my case changed to Certified in the following website
yesterday. So approximately it is taking b/w 7 to 8 months which is good news.
http://www.plc.doleta.gov/splash.cfm
Can anybody let me know, how long will it take to get the approval notice in hand.
Thanks and Regards
Yes. PERM is taking close to 7 months if not stuck in Audit. My case was filed on 10/12/2009.
My employer saw that the status of my case changed to Certified in the following website
yesterday. So approximately it is taking b/w 7 to 8 months which is good news.
http://www.plc.doleta.gov/splash.cfm
Can anybody let me know, how long will it take to get the approval notice in hand.
Thanks and Regards
more...
kirupa
01-01 09:02 PM
I've updated the guidelines to reflect these two issues.
I put the gradient as a color thing, but I'll clarify in the guidelines that background colors are cool.
glos - AS2 is fine as well :)
I put the gradient as a color thing, but I'll clarify in the guidelines that background colors are cool.
glos - AS2 is fine as well :)
2010 Shirtless Justin Bieber
gjoe
08-02 01:47 PM
I always use USPS and all that I have mailed so far to India has reached on time.
more...
99mutd08
08-11 03:11 PM
Ghost,
Loved the video and your message.
Loved the video and your message.
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desi3933
12-07 04:58 PM
.....
55 lakhs is too high for a person who has only 6 years of US experience.
Not really .... My brother worked in India for 3 years and worked here in US for 5 years before moving back to India and he is earning good too.
Salary for any job depends on lot of factors. How one negotiates is a key factor.
_________________
Not a legal advice.
55 lakhs is too high for a person who has only 6 years of US experience.
Not really .... My brother worked in India for 3 years and worked here in US for 5 years before moving back to India and he is earning good too.
Salary for any job depends on lot of factors. How one negotiates is a key factor.
_________________
Not a legal advice.
more...
Bpositive
08-13 12:16 PM
Have heard of US citizens in India who are having problems getting work visa. And are getting paid in cash! Seems like the number of illegal US citizen aliens in India may be going up over the next ten years....
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morchu
05-04 02:02 PM
Please be aware that logic and emotions doesnt matter much for this.
Get the exact rules on the basis of which they denied your case, and prove why they were wrong. An attorney will be helpful if you are not good in interpreting the laws.
My I-485 was denied April 14. USCIS said I only sent them a partial answer to their request for evidence.
I filed for I-485 and I-130 in Nov. 2008 and in December we had to resend all mine, my husband (sponsor) and my cosponsor's tax info. which we did. My case was resumed but I never received my EAD. I contacted the USCIS regarding this and they responded with another RFE; they needed my cosponsor's tax. info again. We resend the exact same things as we did in December and in the meantime I contact my senator and the ombudsman who both look into the case and tell me the USCIS has promised to respond to me a.s.a.p.
USCIS's response: My I-485 has been denied, my cosponsor did not send in all his tax info. My cosponsor, who has an identical copy of everything he has sent now three times (everything was in the original application in Nov. too) says it is all there. The USCIS wants us to file for a motion to reopen the case which costs $585. To me this is ridiculous; I originally lost my job (I was working under OPT) becuase they kept delaying my case, and now they want more money? I know it's my word against theirs but we are considering applying for the motion to reopen but was wondering how long do they have to accept or deny this. Also, we are submitting a waiver for the fee due to my husband also being unemployed at the moment and need our savings if we have to leave the country but are wondering if we can also send a check along with the waiver in case they won't waive the fee. They denied the case on April 14, 2009 but did not mail the letter out until the april 23 - we now have less than a week to file for a motion.
Please, if anyone has any experience with filing a motion let us know about it.
Get the exact rules on the basis of which they denied your case, and prove why they were wrong. An attorney will be helpful if you are not good in interpreting the laws.
My I-485 was denied April 14. USCIS said I only sent them a partial answer to their request for evidence.
I filed for I-485 and I-130 in Nov. 2008 and in December we had to resend all mine, my husband (sponsor) and my cosponsor's tax info. which we did. My case was resumed but I never received my EAD. I contacted the USCIS regarding this and they responded with another RFE; they needed my cosponsor's tax. info again. We resend the exact same things as we did in December and in the meantime I contact my senator and the ombudsman who both look into the case and tell me the USCIS has promised to respond to me a.s.a.p.
USCIS's response: My I-485 has been denied, my cosponsor did not send in all his tax info. My cosponsor, who has an identical copy of everything he has sent now three times (everything was in the original application in Nov. too) says it is all there. The USCIS wants us to file for a motion to reopen the case which costs $585. To me this is ridiculous; I originally lost my job (I was working under OPT) becuase they kept delaying my case, and now they want more money? I know it's my word against theirs but we are considering applying for the motion to reopen but was wondering how long do they have to accept or deny this. Also, we are submitting a waiver for the fee due to my husband also being unemployed at the moment and need our savings if we have to leave the country but are wondering if we can also send a check along with the waiver in case they won't waive the fee. They denied the case on April 14, 2009 but did not mail the letter out until the april 23 - we now have less than a week to file for a motion.
Please, if anyone has any experience with filing a motion let us know about it.
more...
house Justin Bieber Selena Gomez
seekerofpeace
10-05 11:05 PM
that was hilarious GCN007...BTW my wife got approved to finally....
Years ago or should I say ages ago not even in the US of A but at Heathrow at the American Airlines counter (that time I was a student for MS) the lady was going thru my I-20 and was asking for additional documents et al...so I had this bunch of documents in my folder...and her eyes landed on my degree certificate...she asked me you have a degree from IIT and you couldn't get a job still ? that's why you are going for your MS....i was like well I wanted to do research....why not in India? I was like this is not even USA and this is my 2nd visit to USA (after the Christmas break in the 2nd year)....why are they asking so many questions and this is pre-9/11.....
I was like why is she harassing me....Do you have intentions of staying back in the USA after you finish your MS....I said no I plan to do my PhD in the UK...She gave me a ugly look and stamped my passport and let me go....
SoP
Years ago or should I say ages ago not even in the US of A but at Heathrow at the American Airlines counter (that time I was a student for MS) the lady was going thru my I-20 and was asking for additional documents et al...so I had this bunch of documents in my folder...and her eyes landed on my degree certificate...she asked me you have a degree from IIT and you couldn't get a job still ? that's why you are going for your MS....i was like well I wanted to do research....why not in India? I was like this is not even USA and this is my 2nd visit to USA (after the Christmas break in the 2nd year)....why are they asking so many questions and this is pre-9/11.....
I was like why is she harassing me....Do you have intentions of staying back in the USA after you finish your MS....I said no I plan to do my PhD in the UK...She gave me a ugly look and stamped my passport and let me go....
SoP
tattoo 92 of 99. Justin
kirupa
11-12 12:47 AM
What $800....:pa:
more...
pictures justin bieber selena gomez
bbct
02-01 03:13 PM
Thanks for each on every one of you!
some gave me red, its ok.
I had a problem which I though of sharing, may be some one could provide some insight.
It may be my bad that I have posted in wrong thread, but that does not have to mean to give red.
But any ways, for every one who gave red and for every who did leave a message, I thank each and every one of you and wish you good luck on getting your GC.
Could you please share the city and apartment complex name so other people are aware and would be careful in moving?
some gave me red, its ok.
I had a problem which I though of sharing, may be some one could provide some insight.
It may be my bad that I have posted in wrong thread, but that does not have to mean to give red.
But any ways, for every one who gave red and for every who did leave a message, I thank each and every one of you and wish you good luck on getting your GC.
Could you please share the city and apartment complex name so other people are aware and would be careful in moving?
dresses JUSTIN BIEBER AND SELENA GOMEZ
senthil
02-06 05:20 PM
all your points look ok to me. although it may differ for different prople.
in my case - i have an EAD. but cant use it. i had to stay on H1B to make my spouse's stay valid which is H4. i see the following as a comparision. guys pl feel free to throw ur inputs.
EAD
- ability to switch jobs as nessary - you decide
- AP to easy your life when you want to fly out and come back
( no hassle stamping tention etc, but comes with yearly price )
- of couse the important thing is your spouse can work
- need to stick with same designation
H1B:
- no hassles if you are within 6 year period. everything starts when its about to expire and you jump into GC train
[ you have to jump if you decide to stay more than 6 years. no option here, i guess ]
- same as EAD jumping jobs is easy, also can climb up the ladder
- if above 6 year limit and I-140 not approved, you get only yearly exentions
thanks.
in my case - i have an EAD. but cant use it. i had to stay on H1B to make my spouse's stay valid which is H4. i see the following as a comparision. guys pl feel free to throw ur inputs.
EAD
- ability to switch jobs as nessary - you decide
- AP to easy your life when you want to fly out and come back
( no hassle stamping tention etc, but comes with yearly price )
- of couse the important thing is your spouse can work
- need to stick with same designation
H1B:
- no hassles if you are within 6 year period. everything starts when its about to expire and you jump into GC train
[ you have to jump if you decide to stay more than 6 years. no option here, i guess ]
- same as EAD jumping jobs is easy, also can climb up the ladder
- if above 6 year limit and I-140 not approved, you get only yearly exentions
thanks.
more...
makeup Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez
mdipi
10-20 09:44 PM
not bad at all, but the text sucks
:evil:
:evil:
girlfriend Selena+Gomez+Justin+Bieber
sainwa
04-16 01:48 PM
Any one from Sugarland (Houston TX)? Its rated one of the best place to buy the house NOW .
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/real_estate/0804/gallery.best_buy_home.moneymag/6.html
How is the IT job market there? who are the big employers in Houston area?
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/real_estate/0804/gallery.best_buy_home.moneymag/6.html
How is the IT job market there? who are the big employers in Houston area?
hairstyles Selena Gomez amp; Justin
alterego
08-01 02:38 PM
Wonderful. It seem the CHC has really come around to seeing the benefit of interim relief. The sweetener for them of course is the FB visa recapture, however in spite of that it is a commendable step for them to lose their obstructionist stand, linking anything Immi related to the "earned legalisation" program.
This may all yet fall apart if the republicans see political mileage in it. They can cause a huge blow up in Sept. and use it to rally their base. However the good news is that McCain is unlikely to get much help from that, and also doing that will also alienate the Latino vote which they need desperately, so I am not convinced they are likely to do that.
Additionally given recent enforcement measures, wall, harsh immigration raids etc on one hand and the absence of H1b provisions and the generally less controversial provisions in this bill (well supported by industry whose cash they need this fall) may get past moderate republicans. If they choose not to politicize it then I think the measures stand a good chance. Of course we need to do our part, it seem clear to me that we were quite effective with our pleas to the CHC.
I would urge all the naysayers to take a look at these developments and read between the lines and get on board and feel good about your participation.
I notice that some of the least controversial measures like the EB5 program, the Conrad 30 program for physicians, and the Religious workers bill have all been kept in abeyance. Perhaps they will try to bundle a small package together later this year as a rider after the recess. I know there is a long time left, but finally a ray of hope.
I must say considering the recent movement of EB2I dates, the new interpretation of spillover rules, the extension of EAD to 2 yrs and other administrative fixes, the movement of recapture legislation in the congress etc. are all very encouraging given the drought period between 2005 and this spring. I know there are other achievements, but we need to take stock sometimes.
Thanks to IV for bringing attention to our issues and leading to these small but measurable steps. Who else would have advocated for our community?
Please keep all this in mind the next time you think about helping out.
This may all yet fall apart if the republicans see political mileage in it. They can cause a huge blow up in Sept. and use it to rally their base. However the good news is that McCain is unlikely to get much help from that, and also doing that will also alienate the Latino vote which they need desperately, so I am not convinced they are likely to do that.
Additionally given recent enforcement measures, wall, harsh immigration raids etc on one hand and the absence of H1b provisions and the generally less controversial provisions in this bill (well supported by industry whose cash they need this fall) may get past moderate republicans. If they choose not to politicize it then I think the measures stand a good chance. Of course we need to do our part, it seem clear to me that we were quite effective with our pleas to the CHC.
I would urge all the naysayers to take a look at these developments and read between the lines and get on board and feel good about your participation.
I notice that some of the least controversial measures like the EB5 program, the Conrad 30 program for physicians, and the Religious workers bill have all been kept in abeyance. Perhaps they will try to bundle a small package together later this year as a rider after the recess. I know there is a long time left, but finally a ray of hope.
I must say considering the recent movement of EB2I dates, the new interpretation of spillover rules, the extension of EAD to 2 yrs and other administrative fixes, the movement of recapture legislation in the congress etc. are all very encouraging given the drought period between 2005 and this spring. I know there are other achievements, but we need to take stock sometimes.
Thanks to IV for bringing attention to our issues and leading to these small but measurable steps. Who else would have advocated for our community?
Please keep all this in mind the next time you think about helping out.
makemygc
07-26 12:26 PM
I live in Jersey City. I am planning to move to NYC. My company and job location stays the same. I have filed my I-485 (received July 23rd) with I-140pending. I don't have my I-485 receipt notice, only I-140 receipt.
1) Is it safe to change one's residence(different state) ?
2) How do I update my address for I-485 so that I get the receipt notice at the new address ? As far as I know USCIS stuff is not forwarded by USPS.
Thanks
I had the same question. It's better to ask this from someone who has gone through I-485 stages for a while. Anyone here??
1) Is it safe to change one's residence(different state) ?
2) How do I update my address for I-485 so that I get the receipt notice at the new address ? As far as I know USCIS stuff is not forwarded by USPS.
Thanks
I had the same question. It's better to ask this from someone who has gone through I-485 stages for a while. Anyone here??
franklin
06-15 04:02 PM
You don't HAVE an A# yet - it is the number you get on your greencard
The A# is a case number that USCIS assigns to certain people, and then (usually, for exceptions see below) stays with you for the rest of your life, much like a Social Security Number. Most people get their A# when they apply for adjustment of status. It is also assigned if you apply for an employment authorization document (such as an F-1 OPT), a V visa, find yourself in deportation proceedings, and in a number of other situations.
Many USCIS forms ask for the A#. If you do not have one yet, simply write "None".
There actually are four separate types of A#. You can tell them apart by the number of digits and the first digit. The first kind is an eight-digit A#. These are manually assigned at local offices. If you have one of these numbers, simply treated it as if it was "0" plus the number. Nine-digit A#'s that start with the digit 1 are used for employment authorization cards, usually related to students. Nine-digit A#'s that start with the digit 3 are used for fingerprint tracking of V visa applicants. All other nine-digit A#'s (these actually always start with a 0) are permanent A#'s and remain permanently with you for life.
Therefore, the rule is: if you are asked for an A# and have one, always give this A#, regardless of whether it starts with a 0, 1 or 3. If you have both a 0-A# and a 1-A# or a 3-A#, then use the one that starts with a 0.
The A# is a case number that USCIS assigns to certain people, and then (usually, for exceptions see below) stays with you for the rest of your life, much like a Social Security Number. Most people get their A# when they apply for adjustment of status. It is also assigned if you apply for an employment authorization document (such as an F-1 OPT), a V visa, find yourself in deportation proceedings, and in a number of other situations.
Many USCIS forms ask for the A#. If you do not have one yet, simply write "None".
There actually are four separate types of A#. You can tell them apart by the number of digits and the first digit. The first kind is an eight-digit A#. These are manually assigned at local offices. If you have one of these numbers, simply treated it as if it was "0" plus the number. Nine-digit A#'s that start with the digit 1 are used for employment authorization cards, usually related to students. Nine-digit A#'s that start with the digit 3 are used for fingerprint tracking of V visa applicants. All other nine-digit A#'s (these actually always start with a 0) are permanent A#'s and remain permanently with you for life.
Therefore, the rule is: if you are asked for an A# and have one, always give this A#, regardless of whether it starts with a 0, 1 or 3. If you have both a 0-A# and a 1-A# or a 3-A#, then use the one that starts with a 0.
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