vikki76
01-15 10:36 AM
Hello All,
My friend's father wants to apply for B-1 visa for tourism purpose. He is a senior retired defence personnel in India and now having successful post-retirement career as a education consultant. Will his Army background prove to be a detriment to his B-1 visa application?
DS-157 specifically asks for prior military training and knowledge of handling of firearms. All answers are affirmative in his case.
Does any one know if some one with this profile was able to get B-1/2 visitor visa
My friend's father wants to apply for B-1 visa for tourism purpose. He is a senior retired defence personnel in India and now having successful post-retirement career as a education consultant. Will his Army background prove to be a detriment to his B-1 visa application?
DS-157 specifically asks for prior military training and knowledge of handling of firearms. All answers are affirmative in his case.
Does any one know if some one with this profile was able to get B-1/2 visitor visa
arnet
08-01 07:55 PM
DISCLAIMER:
I'm not a lawyer. Disclaimer mentioned by IV and its members holds good for me too. The information provided below is of a general nature and may not apply to any particular set of facts or to all circumstances and not be construed as legal advice. You should not rely solely upon information here and You should consult an attorney of your choosing to obtain advice for your particular situation. Laws and regulations are constantly changing.
Please read and discuss this issue and see whether we can include as our goals:
I know the existing IV goals should be our top priority and we shouldnt lose our focus but we should work simultaneously to get other reliefs to make our life better. Eventhough retrogression is main issue as of now, people are affected by visa revalidation issues (visa stamping), name check issues, etc. So I collected all the major issues I read and mentioned below to discuss with you all.
These broader goals will save us lot of time/money that we spent on renewals of visa/postage etc. and inturn attracts more membership registration/contribution/publicity/broader support from all groups/nationals/associations/attroneys etc to IV group. So please read this and see whether how much feasible it is (or) suggest some possible solutions to IV who can request our lawmakers to solve or ease our problems.
Goals to request USCIS/Lawmakers to get relief for the following problems:
1. Can we request to allow filing of our I-485 even if the priority dates are nt current and can avail EAD/AP benefits? Can we request to give us 3 years EAD/AP if I-485 is pending or filed recently (average renewal cost is 350$ PER PERSON FOR A YEAR for EAD+AP, so add for each dependent-that too now people are doing 4th time extension because of retrogression even if they didnt use EAD/AP or not)? Also can we request them to implement immediate relief package to ease retrogression problems and then to solve this issue permanently? (Note: I know IV working on this one issue)
2. Can we request, for EAD/AP/H1, dependents applications should be approved simultaneously along with principal applicants even though they are filed separately? (May be they can bring one application form for principal+dependents).
3. Can we request them to bring e-filing for all forms before Oct 2007 (including visa, gc forms) and we can submit scanned supporting documents using attachments to reduce paperwork and to avoid postage problems (lost/delay)? (But e-filing should automatically generate immediate Notice Numbers/Notice Date/Received Date once we submit--this is to avoid waiting for receipt numbers).
4. Can we request them to fix the maximum approval times for visas and for EAD/AP/Labor/I-140, say 3 mths maximum for first time applicants, a month for renewals or extensions, and (within) 15 days for premium processing?
5. Can we request them to implement revalidation again in US, may be to do fingerprint for revalidation, may be we can goto nearest USCIS local office in our city/state with reqd documents/Passport (same as for GC process) and they can take fingerprint and after verification they can send passport with visa stamping?
6. Can we request them that emergency appointment dates should be immediate not 6 months later and should be applicable for any major life event including marriage too (not only for death or medical reasons, this might help people nt to postpone their marriage based on visa availability dates)?
7. Can we request them to bring dropbox again (if revalidation done outside US) for visa extensions in same category or for dependents or for parents (older than 60yrs) (also fingerprinting can be done while dropping the documents)? (for newer case like H1/F1 they can have interview)
8. Can we request them for a new premium revalidation processing option at extra charge (because emergency appointment is not available for work related emergencies even though it is mentioned)?
9. Can we request them that Name check/Finger Printing Check should be verified and cleared within 90 days (maximum) for GC? for visa revalidation (not for new): we can request them to be verified and cleared within 1-3 days maximum because they can do the actual check during visa processing itself i.e. while approving I-797 or whatever?
10. Can we request them to bring a new premium processing for name/fingerprinting check up for extra fee? Also request to view fingerprinting status and history online? Can we request them to consider whether people can get security clearance certificate in advance for Visa/GC (to reduce processing time)?
11. Can we request them to allow dependents (spouse, children) of principal applicants to get SSN/driving license, also request to allow dependents to work except restricted areas (for job in some areas requires citizenship or GC) and also request to allow dependents to get financial aid/assistance too while studying?
12. can we request them to improve USCIS customer support (including FBI for fingerprinting) OR to provide 24x7 Customer support (to avoid waiting on hold for 1hr during peak hrs).
13. not sure, how it is now, can we request that H4 visa period shouldnt be counted against H1 visa period?
14. can we request them to allow our parents (who wants to visit in tourist visa) shouldnt be rejected if all documents provided? also request them to give mandatory 10yrs multiple entry visas should be given to both, if atleast one of the parents is older than 60yrs?
15. can we request premium processing should be less than 1000$ either it should be double or triple times the regular fee (for e.g. it shouldnt be 1000$ if regular application fee is 175$, can be 350$ or 500$ which is reasonable)
17. Can we request them to allow anyone to transfer from one visa to another visa category within US?
18. Backlog Elimination Funding: Can we request lawmakers to increase atleast 2-5% funding of previous budget of USCIS to upgrade technology, hire more manpower, customer service, training employees, userfriendly website inorder to eliminate backlog and to expeditate processing time for existing applications?
Please discuss these things and make reasonable things as our future goals even if nt top priority. Thanks!!!!
I'm not a lawyer. Disclaimer mentioned by IV and its members holds good for me too. The information provided below is of a general nature and may not apply to any particular set of facts or to all circumstances and not be construed as legal advice. You should not rely solely upon information here and You should consult an attorney of your choosing to obtain advice for your particular situation. Laws and regulations are constantly changing.
Please read and discuss this issue and see whether we can include as our goals:
I know the existing IV goals should be our top priority and we shouldnt lose our focus but we should work simultaneously to get other reliefs to make our life better. Eventhough retrogression is main issue as of now, people are affected by visa revalidation issues (visa stamping), name check issues, etc. So I collected all the major issues I read and mentioned below to discuss with you all.
These broader goals will save us lot of time/money that we spent on renewals of visa/postage etc. and inturn attracts more membership registration/contribution/publicity/broader support from all groups/nationals/associations/attroneys etc to IV group. So please read this and see whether how much feasible it is (or) suggest some possible solutions to IV who can request our lawmakers to solve or ease our problems.
Goals to request USCIS/Lawmakers to get relief for the following problems:
1. Can we request to allow filing of our I-485 even if the priority dates are nt current and can avail EAD/AP benefits? Can we request to give us 3 years EAD/AP if I-485 is pending or filed recently (average renewal cost is 350$ PER PERSON FOR A YEAR for EAD+AP, so add for each dependent-that too now people are doing 4th time extension because of retrogression even if they didnt use EAD/AP or not)? Also can we request them to implement immediate relief package to ease retrogression problems and then to solve this issue permanently? (Note: I know IV working on this one issue)
2. Can we request, for EAD/AP/H1, dependents applications should be approved simultaneously along with principal applicants even though they are filed separately? (May be they can bring one application form for principal+dependents).
3. Can we request them to bring e-filing for all forms before Oct 2007 (including visa, gc forms) and we can submit scanned supporting documents using attachments to reduce paperwork and to avoid postage problems (lost/delay)? (But e-filing should automatically generate immediate Notice Numbers/Notice Date/Received Date once we submit--this is to avoid waiting for receipt numbers).
4. Can we request them to fix the maximum approval times for visas and for EAD/AP/Labor/I-140, say 3 mths maximum for first time applicants, a month for renewals or extensions, and (within) 15 days for premium processing?
5. Can we request them to implement revalidation again in US, may be to do fingerprint for revalidation, may be we can goto nearest USCIS local office in our city/state with reqd documents/Passport (same as for GC process) and they can take fingerprint and after verification they can send passport with visa stamping?
6. Can we request them that emergency appointment dates should be immediate not 6 months later and should be applicable for any major life event including marriage too (not only for death or medical reasons, this might help people nt to postpone their marriage based on visa availability dates)?
7. Can we request them to bring dropbox again (if revalidation done outside US) for visa extensions in same category or for dependents or for parents (older than 60yrs) (also fingerprinting can be done while dropping the documents)? (for newer case like H1/F1 they can have interview)
8. Can we request them for a new premium revalidation processing option at extra charge (because emergency appointment is not available for work related emergencies even though it is mentioned)?
9. Can we request them that Name check/Finger Printing Check should be verified and cleared within 90 days (maximum) for GC? for visa revalidation (not for new): we can request them to be verified and cleared within 1-3 days maximum because they can do the actual check during visa processing itself i.e. while approving I-797 or whatever?
10. Can we request them to bring a new premium processing for name/fingerprinting check up for extra fee? Also request to view fingerprinting status and history online? Can we request them to consider whether people can get security clearance certificate in advance for Visa/GC (to reduce processing time)?
11. Can we request them to allow dependents (spouse, children) of principal applicants to get SSN/driving license, also request to allow dependents to work except restricted areas (for job in some areas requires citizenship or GC) and also request to allow dependents to get financial aid/assistance too while studying?
12. can we request them to improve USCIS customer support (including FBI for fingerprinting) OR to provide 24x7 Customer support (to avoid waiting on hold for 1hr during peak hrs).
13. not sure, how it is now, can we request that H4 visa period shouldnt be counted against H1 visa period?
14. can we request them to allow our parents (who wants to visit in tourist visa) shouldnt be rejected if all documents provided? also request them to give mandatory 10yrs multiple entry visas should be given to both, if atleast one of the parents is older than 60yrs?
15. can we request premium processing should be less than 1000$ either it should be double or triple times the regular fee (for e.g. it shouldnt be 1000$ if regular application fee is 175$, can be 350$ or 500$ which is reasonable)
17. Can we request them to allow anyone to transfer from one visa to another visa category within US?
18. Backlog Elimination Funding: Can we request lawmakers to increase atleast 2-5% funding of previous budget of USCIS to upgrade technology, hire more manpower, customer service, training employees, userfriendly website inorder to eliminate backlog and to expeditate processing time for existing applications?
Please discuss these things and make reasonable things as our future goals even if nt top priority. Thanks!!!!
SGP
09-27 10:43 AM
Thanks once again for the reply.
When you say I can retain the priority date, how does that work? Do I have to file the PERM again? Isn't the PERM what gives us the priority date? And then will I have to file the I-140 or is it that I need to file the I-140 only?
Thanks
Omi.
Sailing in exact same boat. Surely will appreciate replies from Raj.
When you say I can retain the priority date, how does that work? Do I have to file the PERM again? Isn't the PERM what gives us the priority date? And then will I have to file the I-140 or is it that I need to file the I-140 only?
Thanks
Omi.
Sailing in exact same boat. Surely will appreciate replies from Raj.
cvk90
07-05 01:08 PM
Bump >> Please help
more...
pthoko
07-05 03:16 PM
Did you get new I-94 with H1 transfer?
Any re-entry in USA after that?
___________________
Not a legal advice.
Yes I got an I-94 with the transfer(Same I-94 number as the L1 one). I didn't go out of US after that.
Any re-entry in USA after that?
___________________
Not a legal advice.
Yes I got an I-94 with the transfer(Same I-94 number as the L1 one). I didn't go out of US after that.
giddu
06-27 12:07 PM
My attorney received an email notice of I-140 approval (PP) on Mon, June 25. But the online case status showed the application as pending. Finally,today my attorney called and was told that due to "system glitch ", approval notices were sent out in error!! It seems this has done to others too!!
Did anyone else encounter this?
Did anyone else encounter this?
more...
NikNikon
June 25th, 2006, 08:48 PM
As I'm reading about Fred streaking for some photographs I suddenly remember the title of this thread, "black spot on images" and I think to myself if there's black spots showing up on some images it would need to be these "Fred pics". Nothing personal Fred but I don't swing that way. ;)
modvik
05-25 07:45 PM
It was in Cornyn ammendment.
Did the Cornyn Amdmt make it into the bill?
Did the Cornyn Amdmt make it into the bill?
more...
eb3_nepa
04-03 10:50 PM
DOS tried to update the system reflecting a big jump in the visa dates for May. The system was unused to any changes lately - leave aside such large forward movements - and as a result it crashed.
DOS managed to recover the system by replacing all date fields with character fields. The rumor is that the value for all those character fields is now "C", whatever that means.
Good one!! :)
DOS managed to recover the system by replacing all date fields with character fields. The rumor is that the value for all those character fields is now "C", whatever that means.
Good one!! :)
Yeldarb
10-28 11:02 PM
dreeft, you could set it up as subcontracting work out though, all the work being funneled through one person and then subcontracted to other members of the "group"
Then it wouldn't be a business and hence would be a "group" of freelancers :P
I'd be interested if you could find some jobs Flash-Matic, do you have AIM or MSN?
Then it wouldn't be a business and hence would be a "group" of freelancers :P
I'd be interested if you could find some jobs Flash-Matic, do you have AIM or MSN?
more...
pappu
08-21 08:26 AM
"To speed up processing" seems like a standard reply for anyone whose case is transferred.
Once it is transferred, you may get the status message that says- "it is following normal processing time"
Once it is transferred, you may get the status message that says- "it is following normal processing time"
Pagal
06-26 08:48 AM
Hello,
Great! Can work on content ... there is already a thread in Donor forum (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/398888-post13.html). Would be great, if your efforts are coordinated with IV core ...
Great! Can work on content ... there is already a thread in Donor forum (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/398888-post13.html). Would be great, if your efforts are coordinated with IV core ...
more...
thakurrajiv
01-29 07:11 PM
I have done this. No problems at all. For me they did not ask any question at all. I was carrying old and new I797. Hope this hepls.
glamzon
07-19 12:56 PM
one of my friend got his Initail EAD after 90 days by walking into local office but that was long back in 2002 . Not sure if laws changed ..
more...
ihateh1
02-25 04:21 PM
Since your wife has a valid H4 she dosent need to get the stamping if the H4 is filed through your employer. couple of my friends have the same situation. one of them moved to H4 and her employer told if anybody asks then she can say she never joined the company...another friend of mine is running payroll for his wife by paying money from his own pocket...
rocky123
05-02 08:25 PM
Little_willy,
How could your friends get the 3 yr extension in their new company. Did they show their I-140 approval copy from previous company ?
In my situation, I don't think I can get the I-140 approval copy from my company.
So, can I move now before my 6 yr period ends in August and have company B transfer my H1B till 2010 (based on current + 3 yr I-797 copies) or wait till August when my 3 yr extension till 2010 takes effect ?
Thanks
How could your friends get the 3 yr extension in their new company. Did they show their I-140 approval copy from previous company ?
In my situation, I don't think I can get the I-140 approval copy from my company.
So, can I move now before my 6 yr period ends in August and have company B transfer my H1B till 2010 (based on current + 3 yr I-797 copies) or wait till August when my 3 yr extension till 2010 takes effect ?
Thanks
more...
leo_loco
10-22 10:30 AM
1. Can I travel and enter on my H1 even if my AP is approved/pending?
Yes, you can travel and enter into USA on your H1 visa even if your AP is approved or pending as long as your visa has a valid stamping.
2. Is it safer to travel on AP even if I have a valid/invalid H1 stamped on my passport?
If you have an invalid H1 stamping on your passport, then AP is the only way to enter into USA. On the other hand, If you have a valid stamping and also have an approved AP, you can use either H1 or AP to enter into USA.
3. Can my wife enter on H4 and then we add her name to 485 when she is in US?
If you have a valid H1 Visa, your wife can enter on H4. Regarding adding your wife's name to your 485 case, I am not sure, but I believe you have to wait until your PD becomes current.
Consulting an attorney is the best option, I believe. Good luck!
Regards,
IK
I have a confusion. My H1 stamp on passport is expired but I have valid H1 document untill December 2008. Can I go for stamping with valid H1 document?
Yes, you can travel and enter into USA on your H1 visa even if your AP is approved or pending as long as your visa has a valid stamping.
2. Is it safer to travel on AP even if I have a valid/invalid H1 stamped on my passport?
If you have an invalid H1 stamping on your passport, then AP is the only way to enter into USA. On the other hand, If you have a valid stamping and also have an approved AP, you can use either H1 or AP to enter into USA.
3. Can my wife enter on H4 and then we add her name to 485 when she is in US?
If you have a valid H1 Visa, your wife can enter on H4. Regarding adding your wife's name to your 485 case, I am not sure, but I believe you have to wait until your PD becomes current.
Consulting an attorney is the best option, I believe. Good luck!
Regards,
IK
I have a confusion. My H1 stamp on passport is expired but I have valid H1 document untill December 2008. Can I go for stamping with valid H1 document?
rsayed
04-26 06:50 PM
Be careful with what you post on this thread.
Assume that all such threads that have lawmakers name in title may be read by someone in their staff so BE VERY CAREFUL in posting stuff that is a comment on any lawmaker.
Restrain would be a good idea.
I agree...
Assume that all such threads that have lawmakers name in title may be read by someone in their staff so BE VERY CAREFUL in posting stuff that is a comment on any lawmaker.
Restrain would be a good idea.
I agree...
sk76012w
07-04 10:23 AM
Rayyan,
Here is my experience. I attended interview at Chennai Consulate on 06/23/08 (H1 approval notice - 2006). Got my passport back in 2 days. No PIMS delay as my info was already in their system. My daughter (H4 approval notice - 2006 and principal applicant is my husband) attended the interview on the same day. However, her info was not available in PIMS. They kept the passport and said it will be sent within a week. I sent an email (to ChennaiNIV@state.gov) on 07/02. They sent a reply asking me to contact them again in 3 days. By God's grace, she received her stamped passport on 07/04.
Now, answers to your questions:
Chennai appointments slots are normally open 3-4 weeks in advance. Make an appointment accordingly.
I think the info is added to PIMS on a routine basis. Making an appointment does not seem to have any effect. If, on the day of your interview, your info is there in PIMS, it is there. Otherwise, you will have to wait till the time they add it.
I normally go to Chennai as that is my regional consulate.
I am not aware of any specific way to make them add your info to PIMS (if it is already not there) before you actually attend the interview.
We have always followed one very successful strategy in all our visa dealings with US consulate namely, PRAY TO GOD.
All the very best for your interview.
Disclaimer: I am not a legal expert on visa stamping procedures or on any of the issues discussed above. These are all my opinions/assumptions only purely based on my experience.
Here is my experience. I attended interview at Chennai Consulate on 06/23/08 (H1 approval notice - 2006). Got my passport back in 2 days. No PIMS delay as my info was already in their system. My daughter (H4 approval notice - 2006 and principal applicant is my husband) attended the interview on the same day. However, her info was not available in PIMS. They kept the passport and said it will be sent within a week. I sent an email (to ChennaiNIV@state.gov) on 07/02. They sent a reply asking me to contact them again in 3 days. By God's grace, she received her stamped passport on 07/04.
Now, answers to your questions:
Chennai appointments slots are normally open 3-4 weeks in advance. Make an appointment accordingly.
I think the info is added to PIMS on a routine basis. Making an appointment does not seem to have any effect. If, on the day of your interview, your info is there in PIMS, it is there. Otherwise, you will have to wait till the time they add it.
I normally go to Chennai as that is my regional consulate.
I am not aware of any specific way to make them add your info to PIMS (if it is already not there) before you actually attend the interview.
We have always followed one very successful strategy in all our visa dealings with US consulate namely, PRAY TO GOD.
All the very best for your interview.
Disclaimer: I am not a legal expert on visa stamping procedures or on any of the issues discussed above. These are all my opinions/assumptions only purely based on my experience.
immi_2006
02-15 03:09 PM
Try orbitz.com. You can book tickets from India and pay in USD. If the airline you selected still issues paper tickets instead of e-tickets then orbitz mails the tickets to your US address.
looivy
11-12 05:46 PM
Give atleast 1-2 months for booking the appointment. It was a harrowing experience getting an appointment to the point where my fingers were aching. Also add in time for the Canada visa. We went to Canada consulate in DC for the Visa.
Regards,
Teky.
What about Ciudad Juarez or Nogales Mexico? Any idea how long?
Regards,
Teky.
What about Ciudad Juarez or Nogales Mexico? Any idea how long?
