Frequently Asked Questions - EB3 Green Card

  1. Contacting USCIS when EB-3 is Changed to EB-2
  2. Premium Processing for EB-1-3
  3. Professional Experience for EB-3
  4. Restart the green card under EB-2 category
  5. EB-3 to EB-2 with the same employer
  6. EB-3 category
  7. Job Change after I-140
  8. EB3 to EB2 Portability
  9. Can EB3 PD be carried to new EB2?
  10. Changing to Skilled worker
  11. My wife filed for Skilled Worker
  12. EB2 or EB3
  13. EB3 to EB2 and I-140 Refile
  14. EB2 from EB3 qualification
  15. Watch out - the prioirty date cut off in March was effective immediately
  16. Downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3
  17. Downgrading a Case from EB-2 to EB-3 for Priority Date Advantage
  18. EB-2 Approved - Applying for EB-3
  19. How Can I Downgrade from EB-2 to EB-3 and Consequences
  20. Can EB-2 Approved File For EB-3
  21. Can a Green Card be Started on F-1 Status?
  22. Compelling Circumstances EAD
  23. Administrative Review - EB3
  24. Joining an employer after green card approval
  25. Canadian RN Planning to Migrate To US Through EB-3
  26. Getting married when AOS I-485 is pending (following to join and other options)
  27. The Proposed I-140 EAD Rule - FAQ's
  28. Writ of Mandamus against delay
  29. Green card through a future job
  30. Changing from EB-3 to EB-2 Category
  31. Changing Jobs During Green Card
  32. Obama's Immigration Action - EB-3 Quota
  33. EB-2 or EB-3
Contacting USCIS when EB-3 is Changed to EB-2
How do I contact the USCIS Service Centers to inform that a priority date is current, that an EB case has been upgraded from EB-3 to EB-2, or that dependents have been separated from the principal applicant’s petition?

Send an email to the Nebraska Service Center at NCSCfollowup.NSC@dhs.gov

Premium Processing for EB-1-3
Has USCIS provided an update on premium processing for EB-1-3 multinational managers and executives. At the AILA conference in Nashville, it was reported that it would be available by the end of the fiscal year.

USCIS does not anticipate expanding Premium Processing Service to include EB-1-3 multinational executives and managers for the foreseeable future.

Professional Experience for EB-3
I'm trying to apply EB-3 with skilled workers who have at least 2 years of experience. I worked with 1 firm for about 4 years after graduation. I would like to know all my experience from current firm does not count for my professional experience or not. And are there any alternative options to apply for green card?

Usually, we cannot use the experience gained with the same employer who is applying for the green card, UNLESS the job being offered for green card is more than 50% different than the earlier jobs for that employer.

Restart the green card under EB-2 category
My Labour is filed in EB-3 & my PD is Oct-2003. I got my EAD in 2007. I have a BE degree from India & a work experience of 13 years. 5 in India & 8 in USA. Am I eligible for porting to EB-2? If I file a fresh EB-2 what is the process? Is it just the Perm process & I- 140 or do I need to file I- 485 again.

People with over 5 years of exp. after a 4-year degree may be ale to restart the green card under EB-2 category and then port their PD. Basically, you are redoing the PERM and I-140 for an EB-2 level job.

EB-3 to EB-2 with the same employer
My PD is EB3 - Dec 2007. I have 3+2 years of education from India which is equivalent to US Bachelors. I have 3 years of experience before joining the current empoyer. Now I have more than 10 years of experience(including the experience with the current employer). I would like to know if I can apply again in EB-2 with the same employer using the experience gained from current employer.

You can, if the job offered is more than 50% different than the job you were performing so far with the same employer.

EB-3 category
I am on EB3 category and have been working in the IT sector for the last 6 years and one year ago I completed my MBA too. I am currently working as a contractor and using my EAD. I am on Adjustment of status right now. Is it possible to change my category from EB3 to EB2?

It is possible, but the green card will have to be started again from PERM.

Job Change after I-140
I am in the 5th year of my H1. My current employer has filed for my PERM under EB-3 category since I did not have 5 years experience before (EB-3 has 6 years backlog though EB-2 queue for me is current). I want to know is it possible to wait for I-140 approval, get 3 year extension with current employer and then switch jobs? Will I be able to get 3 more years on H1 with future employer?

It is possible and common for employer B to get H-1 extension based upon an I-140 approval of employer A. You need to speak about the details with a lawyer.

EB3 to EB2 Portability
My EB3 I-485 is pending with PD 06/2006. My company is willing to file the new EB2 as I have Indian equivalent Masters (3+3 years) and more experience as well as increased job responsibilities. Can I accept it and do the portability to get my EB3 PD? What is the minimum wage for EB2 category? Would my current company experience counts for new EB2 category? Any suggestions on the EB2 job responsibilities?

Theoretically, this is possible. As to the practical implications, you must speak with the lawyers who will represent you in the second green card process.

Can EB3 PD be carried to new EB2?
I filed Perm under EB3 category on 1-Oct-2008. I got an audit. As per your current Perm dates, they are processing Aug'08 audits. Can I file with same employer under EB2? If yes, can I also keep EB3 file running parallelly. Is there a way for me to carry EB3 PD after I-140 Approval,if I file a new EB2? I completed 4yrs 2 months on H1B already. Please suggest me if I can change my employer now to file for EB2 or not. (If there is any way i can carry my EB3 PD for EB2 or not?). My lawyer said they can not change the current EB3 file to EB2 as they did not describe it for EB2 role.

It is logically inconsistent for two jobs from the same company for the same individual. If you have a good, logical, true explanation, there is no law that says you cannot have two PERM apps for the same individual for different jobs with the same company. But you cannot transfer PD until the I-140 is approved. I see no issue with changing jobs right away. You may have just enough time.

Changing to Skilled worker
My current employer is my first job out of college. They placed me in the other worker category. Is it true that they cannot move me to a skilled worker category becuase this is my first job out of college?

If the job requires a Bach. degree, you are entitled to the skilled worker/EB-3 category.

My wife filed for Skilled Worker
My wife filed for Skilled worker (EB-3(A)(i)). Can I apply for NIV to visit her?

There is nothing in law that stops you from getting an NIV. But grant of visas like B-1/B-2 is completely discretionary.

EB2 or EB3
I have 7 years of experience with 3year bachelors degree + 2year masters degree from India.Job for which my GC is being filed is Bachelors degree+6yr experience. As per knowledge from different online sources 3year bach. degree+2year masters degree+5years progressive,post-masters exp.- Is considered as EB-2 Professionals with Advanced Degrees.My lawyer is saying since my bachelors(India)is a 3yr program & US bachelors degree is a 4yr program so my case falls under EB3 & not EB2. She also specified that under EB2 category the educational degree must be from a "single source" & not from combination of degrees.

Generally speaking, if BS and MS are in the same or similar fields, you should be able to combine them to arrive at a 4-year degree for EB2 purposes. You should have a shot at EB2.

EB3 to EB2 and I-140 Refile
I have worked for Company A and got my labor certificate(Approved in May 2009) and I-140(Approved in Nov 2009 under Eb-3). But company A got acquired by Company B. Company B bought major part of the assets from Company A. Both companies do same kind of business. 1. The new company B is in same County and State(but different cities). 2. I Will be doing similar or same work in a similar position. 3. H1B transfered from Company A to Company B. 1) Can company B use Company A Labor certicate and refile the I-140 again? 2) Since Company A filed I-140 on EB-3, Can Company B refile I-140 on EB2?

Generally speaking, I see this as a good opportunity to start a new PERM under EB2 and then transfer the priority date. Speak with your lawyers.

EB2 from EB3 qualification
I am currently petitioned under EB3 (for embassy interview already) but unfortunately is caught up with the retrogression. Can I apply for an EB2 visa? I have a Bachelor's degree (BSN), took up Medicine (equivalent of a master's degree in academe) and currently is a faculty/administrator in one of the top nursing schools in Manila, going on 5 years of service. I am likewise a PhD student (Major in Biology) in one of the top university also in Manila. Am I qualified for an EB2? If yes, is EB2 a family based peition? My parents live in New Jersey. Thank you.

The term "EB" means employment-based. EB-2 is available for people with post graduate degrees (by US standards) OR a 4 years bach. degree with five years of progressively responsible experience. You need to speak with your lawyers about applying for an EB-2 and transferring your priority date.

Watch out - the prioirty date cut off in March was effective immediately

The April 2009 Visa Bulletin was issued on March 9th. The VB said the visa numbers for EB3 were unavailable with immediate effect (Philippines retrogressed to 2003).

This is highly unusual. The visa bulletin is a forecast for the month ahead and does not take effect immediately. But State Department says that this one was of immediate effect.

What does this mean?

Downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3
My wife and I are currently on EAD's since Feb 2012 when the dates became current for our priority date and we were able to apply for the I-485. She is the primary applicant and I am the dependent on her application. Since 2012 the EAD/AP card is being renewed every 2 years. With the EB3 category now going ahead of EB2 does it make sense for her to downgrade to EB3 - Apply for I-140 under EB3. I believe it takes 6 months for approval so we would essentially be doing this preemptively in anticipation of our date becoming current under EB3 in 6+ months.

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Downgrading from EB-2 to EB-3

Video Transcript

I see no problem applying for EB-3 and then using whichever one is faster when the time comes. More...

 

 

Downgrading a Case from EB-2 to EB-3 for Priority Date Advantage
I am with my current Employer since 2008. My GC is filled in EB2 with Aug-2010 Priority Date. Only I-140 is approved so far. 1) Can my employer file me under EB-3 concurrently without affecting my existing EB-2 filling? 2) If yes then what is the procedure for that? Do I have to do my labor and I-140 once again?

Watch the Video on this FAQ:

EB-2 Approved - Applying for EB-3
I applied for EB3 in 2011 and port to EB2, now EB3 dates are moving forward and if it reach to my priority date am I still eligible for EB3 as I initially applied for or do I need to downgrade to EB3. Will there be any questions raised?

Watch the Video on this FAQ: EB-2 approved applying for EB-3

Video Transcript

How Can I Downgrade from EB-2 to EB-3 and Consequences
I have I-140 approved in EB2, priority date is 2010. When date become current for EB3, I want to downgrade from EB2 to EB3 (I know I have to only refile I-140 and I-485 concurrent). What will happen if USCIS denied newly filed I-140 (EB3)? can I-485 also denied? If newly filed I-140 (EB3) denied, can I used my previously approved I-140 (EB2)?

Watch the Video on this FAQ: How can I downgrade from EB2 to EB3 and the consequences

Video Transcript

Can EB-2 Approved File For EB-3
With speculations that EB-3 may go ahead of EB-2, can we port down to EB-3 from EB-2 using existing labor, in general is it risky to do that, what happens if porting is denied will we loose existing approved EB-2 petition?.

Watch the Video for this FAQ: Can EB-2 approved file for EB-3?

Video Transcript:

Can a Green Card be Started on F-1 Status?
I am currently on F1 in OPT status and working for Employer A, my Employer A filed for H1b this year. and I am currently waiting for my H1b approval Approval. Can my Employer start my green card process when I am in F1 status?

Watch Video on this FAQ: Can a green card be started on F-1 status?

Video Transcript

Compelling Circumstances EAD
I am on a H-1B Visa for past 9 years and have EB3 I-140 (2008 Priority Date) from Company A and EB3 I-140 from Company B (2014 Priority Date). I am now with Company C. I am Heart Patient and was operated for Heart By-Pass Surgery in 2013 and since then taking my regular Medicines (for my entire Life). I feel stressed on continually working for 40 hours a week and feel getting a EAD will be a god's gift and I can use this EAD to work at my convenience.

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Compelling circumstances EAD

Video Transcript

I have given a few examples on my blog please look at that.

Administrative Review - EB3
I just had my interview with my family for an EB 3 application. Everything went well until the consul asked my years of working experience as a nurse. I only had a total of 21 months of working experience. Then she right away told me, "Oh I'm sorry, but your application is under EB 3 skilled worker since you are a nurse and you need to have 24months for you to qualify, I will have to send you to the releasing to give you further instruction." But having read all of these PERM law and provisions, why did the consul said that my case is for administrative review? Can somebody clear this up for me?

EB-3, whether for nurses or any other worker, requires either 2 years of experience OR a bachelor's degree.

Joining an employer after green card approval
I am a Canadian citizen and was staying in Canada from Feb2008 to Nov 2011. From Canada, I filed for CP EB3 with employer A and GC was approved for the same employer in September 2011. I entered the US in the mid of Nov 2011. Didn't join employer immediately after coming to the US. I told my employer verbally and assure him that I will join him in 2-3 months and He agreed to it. In December 2011 went to India for two weeks(due to father's death anniversary). After coming back from India took a break (needed time to heal. Didn't try or looked to join any other employer).And finally from February 2012 started working for employer A who sponsored my GC. I joined a different employer in mid of 2013. After entering US through CP EB3 in Nov 2011 and not working at all taking break and then joining GC sponsorship employer A. Will this gap (3 months) negatively affects citizenship application? Is it mandatory to join immediately? Can a new GC card holder legally stay without a job for a while immediately after GC is approved?

Watch the Video on this FAQ: Joining an employer after green card approval

Video Transcript

Canadian RN Planning to Migrate To US Through EB-3
I have a second degree in Nursing from the University of Alberta, Canada with a 6 yr continuous employment in Psychiatry through AHS. What are the procedure to apply either through the EB2 or EB3?

There can be no RN green card without an employment in the USA and clearing of the required exams/licenses in the USA. As to EB-2, that would depend upon whether or not the job requires 5 years of experience after Bachelor;'s degree (or a Master's degree).

Getting married when AOS I-485 is pending (following to join and other options)
My current status is AOS (Advance Parole) based on an employment-based EB3 green card filing with a PD of April 2007. I am an Indian citizen. My H-1B expired in 2007 and since then I have been working in the US on my EAD. My parents have found a prospective bride in India, so I am looking to get married soon and have her accompany me to the US after marriage. She does not have a US Visa. I have not found any information from any venue of getting married to an Indian girl from India in my current immigration status, except for hearing about Form I-824. Could you speak towards or confirm if indeed this is the process/procedure and its success rate or any caveat : filing Form I-824 to have my future wife added as a dependent to my pending AOS application, while she is still in India? And then subsequently filing my next I- 765 application and adding her as a dependent/spouse on the application. Once the EAD cards arrive then traveling to India and she could travel back to the US on her new EAD card?

Watch Video: Getting married when AOS I-485 is pending (following to join and other options)

 

The Proposed I-140 EAD Rule - FAQ's

Question 1: Redo the PERM or just the I-140. If redoing the PERM again then what's new in this regulation? 

Answer: After 180 days, you can extend H-1 even if 140 is withdrawn.

Question 2: It seems that there is no easy provision for EAD/AP for approved 140 applicants. So is there any point in waiting for this rule or Should I consider Visa stamping is only option for traveling outside US? Please suggest as I waited for a year or long thought they are going to give AP.

Writ of Mandamus against delay
I am currently pending I-485 (EB3, skilled worker employment based, priority date Oct 2008) since April 2014. I submitted inquiries through congressman, they received a letter that my case is on hold indefinitely. Do you recommend filing Writ of Mandamus or would that cause a denial? What other actions can I take, I've submitted a case through the Ombudsman and met with a USCIS officer through Infopass appointment (who told me nothing). No RFEs have been issued for this case, I-140 was approved and fingerprinting done (twice, since first set expired).

See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.

https://youtu.be/F0YZD8zWm88?t=333

FAQ Transcript:

Writ is simply order of the court or a formal order.

Green card through a future job
I am currently on EB-3. I have a company (say Company A) which is willing to file for my GC in EB-2 under 'Future Employment'. Do I or the 'company A' need to be aware of something on this front?

See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question. 

https://youtu.be/PreNUXXW9KU

Changing from EB-3 to EB-2 Category
I have my I-140 approved under EB-3 category, even though I have Masters Degree from accredited US University. Can I change it to EB-2 now?

See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.  

Changing Jobs During Green Card
I am still in the process of getting a green card. During this process I want to change my job from a present one to another one that is more challenging than the present one. Would this in any way affect getting the green card or is it advisable not to shift jobs now?

 

See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84359240&v=uaBshBiaCUg&x-yt-ts=1421782837&feature=player_detailpage#t=719


FAQ Transcript

Obama's Immigration Action - EB-3 Quota
Does this impact EB-3 India wait times and also does this lift counting on family members/dependents for visa numbers /quota ?

Obama's Immigration Action plan could impact all waiting time for EB categories. We are not clear how far or how quickly. There is no indication that the method counting green cards will be changed to One per family, instead of one for each family member in an employment-based case. President has asked for recommendations for improvement within 120 days. We shall see.

EB-2 or EB-3
I have two Bachelor's degrees from US universities. A 3-year Bachelor degree in Science and a 2-year Bachelor's degree in engineering. Will I be considered for a EB-2 visa with this? In case I don't qualify for EB-2, my dilemma is that, I have worked approx 4 years at my current job. Should I wait another year to file EB-2 or should I just file EB-3 now? Also, do internships qualify when counting the number of years of work after school?

Internships do qualify as experience. You need to get your degrees evaluated under AACAO EDGE standards first .