ELIGIBLE GRADUATES MAY EXTEND VISA FOR POST-GRAD TRAINING

ICE has expanded its list of science, technology, engineering, and math degree programs

Qualifies eligible graduates to extend their post-graduate training

In May of 2011 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) expanded its list of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degree programs that qualify eligible graduates on student visas for an Optional Practical Training (OPT).  This extension is an important step forward in the Obama administration's continued commitment to fixing our broken immigration system and expanding access to the nation's pool of talented high skilled graduates in the science and technology fields.

By expanding the list of STEM degrees to include such fields as Neuroscience, Medical Informatics, Pharmaceutics and Drug Design, Mathematics and Computer Science, the Obama administration is helping to address shortages in certain high tech sectors of talented scientists and technology experts-permitting highly skilled foreign graduates who wish to work in their field of study upon graduation and extend their post-graduate training in the United States.

Last spring President Obama reiterated his strong support for new policies that embrace talented students from other countries, who enrich the nation by working in science and technology jobs and fueling innovation in their chosen fields here in the United States, as a part of comprehensive reform.

Under the OPT program, foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges and universities are able to remain in the U.S. and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months. Students who graduate with one of the newly-expanded STEM degrees can remain for an additional 17 months on an OPT STEM extension.

For questions on this or any other issue, contact Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC, or attorney Satveer Chaudhary @ (952) 525-2285.

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS in INDIA

Police Clearance Certificate Requirements in India

Permanent resident ("green card") cases can be finalized either in the United States or at a U.S. consulate abroad. When applying at the consulate, the process involves an application for an immigrant visa. One important part of the documentation needed for approval of an immigrant visa is the police clearance certificate. This requirement is mandatory for most individuals applying for immigrant visas in India.

A Police Clearance Certificate

The term police clearance certificate (often shortened to "police certificate") refers to a certification by appropriate police authorities setting forth what the police records show concerning a particular applicant. The certificate addresses all arrests, the reasons for arrest, and the disposition (outcome) of each case.

Of course, many individuals have never been arrested or charged of any crime. Applicants without criminal records still must obtain police certificates. These certificates confirm the absence of any criminal record.

Timeframes and Ages

Original police certificate/s meeting these requirements are necessary for all immigrant visa applicants aged 16 and above. These certificates must cover the entire period of the applicant's residence in a particular area.

Applicants who have resided in any country/ies outside of India for 12 months or more (while age 16 or above) is required to present police certificate/s from that / those country/ies, as well. It is not necessary, however, to present U.S. police certificates.

Applicants should be aware that the police certificate is only valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. If necessary, the police certificate must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Where to Obtain Certificates

There is some variation between the instructions on the consular websites and our experiences with the National Visa Center (NVC) as of this writing. Consular websites instruct individuals to obtain the certificate from either the regional passport office or local police station, depending upon circumstances. However, it has been our experience that the NVC requires residents of India to obtain police certificates from both the regional passport office and the local police station. Since the NVC acts as the intermediary between the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the consulates, and gathers the documents needed for most immigrant visa applications, we generally advise applicants to obtain police certificates from both locations in order to facilitate immigrant visa processing.

Other Countries

As indicated above, individuals sometimes need to obtain police certificates from more than one country. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has information regarding document availability worldwide. The information is available online by selecting the particular country and scrolling to the portion on police certificates. If the DOS shows that police certificates cannot be obtained in a particular country, or for particular timeframes, this is sufficient to eliminate the need for the document from that country.

Conclusion

The police clearance certificate continues to be a vital requirement in the immigrant visa application process. The procedures are subject to change, and should be verified for each case.

CHAUDHARY MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR CONSERVATION

http://aapress.com/tag/satveer-chaudhary/

CHAUDHARY MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR CONSERVATION

0 Comments 30 MAY 2010

On behalf of the 23,000 members of The Nature Conservancy, I would like to personally thank Senator Satveer Chaudhary for his leadership in the 2010 Legislative Session.

This was a very tough budget year, and the new Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds were the only bright spot in an otherwise bleak financial situation. It was a huge challenge to ensure those funds were appropriated in a manner that would keep faith with Minnesota voters that overwhelmingly approved the measure in 2008.

Given this backdrop, Senator Chaudhary was instrumental in shepherding an inspiring package of conservation projects through the legislative process. These projects will truly leave a legacy for all Minnesotans that preserve our lakes, rivers, forests, prairies and wetlands. These natural resources are the foundation of Minnesota’s wealth and quality of life, and investing in them – even in tough economic times – is essential to our way of life.

Our sincere thanks to Senator Chaudhary for his commitment. This is the type of courageous leadership that Minnesotans need in these challenging times and for the brighter days ahead.

Sincerely,

Tom Landwehr,

Assistant State Director

Satveer Chaudhary and Others Honor Our Declaration of Independence

Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC founder, Satveer Chaudhary, was proud to participate in this reading of the Declaration of Independence. Working in Immigration Law gives this reading even greater personal impact...especially the portion regarding the migration of foreigners. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCQ5VLRM8aY

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.
Satveer Chaudhary
Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

FY13 H1B Cap Season Has Begun!

FY13 H1B Cap Filings Began April2, 2012

The fiscal year 2013 (FY13) H1B cap-filing season began last week. April 2, 2012 was the first day for such filings at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  Chaudhary Law Office is currently helping many clients with H1B cap filings, and will continue to accept cap-subject H1B cases throughout the cap season. As of this writing, the USCIS has not posted a cap count. However, they have indicated that the rate of filings is significantly higher than in FY12.

Employment Start Date: October 1, 2012

The earliest allowable start date for employment on a cap-subject H1B petition is October 1, 2012, which is the first day of the fiscal year. While cases can be filed up to six months in advance of this date, the validity date cannot be prior to October 1st. Employment before October 1st, based upon such a filing, is not permissible even if the case is approved earlier. Many of these cases will be approved at least several months prior to October 1st, but the validity dates are always clearly stated on the approval.

File Timely and at the Earliest Opportunity

The USCIS will accept cap-subject H1B petitions until there are no more cap numbers. However, it is impossible to predict, with any level of precision, when the cap will be reached. The FY12 cap was reached on November 22, 2011. While it would be surprising if the cap limit was reached very early in the filing season, there are indications that improvements in the economy will lead to a higher volume of filing than in FY12. In a teleconference held April 5, 2012, the USCIS reported that the filings in the first three days of the cap season were more than double the number of such filings received in the same timeframe in FY12.

Employers should take time to identify current employees for whom a cap-subject H1B petition is needed for continued employment. These may be students working on OPT, or L1B or L-2 workers. Employers should also take the cap timing into consideration if they are planning to hire additional employees in the near future.

Tracking H1B Cap Filings

The rate of cap usage and the current cap count are important to many of Chaudhary Law Office’s clients. We therefore closely monitor these matters and enable our readers to keep track of the cap each year, with timely, updated cap-count information and other valuable, strategic information to equip them in their planning.

Do I Need an H1B Cap Number?

The workings of the H1B cap can be somewhat confusing. One may wrongly assume that a cap number is required for an H1B case, particularly if a prior H1B has expired or been denied. If the matter is not clear, individuals may choose to schedule an appointment to consult with our office.

Conclusion

Each cap season brings with it some surprises. In FY12, the cap was reached two months earlier than in the previous fiscal year. The cap count was fairly low early in the season, but the pace increased rapidly at the end. For FY13, the USCIS has reported receipt of far more cases in the first few days than in FY12. There is no way to know if the filings will continue at an accelerated pace.

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.
Satveer Chaudhary
Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

GREEN CARD LOST?STOLEN? WHAT CAN YOU DO?

A Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551) is proof of your permanent resident status in the United States. It also serves as a valid identification document and proof that you are eligible to live and work in the United States.

Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as “Green Cards,” contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years. It is important to keep your card up-to-date. Without a valid card, it may be difficult for you to prove that you are a permanent resident, and this could also affect your ability to travel or to prove your eligibility to work in the United States.

You can apply for a replacement card, or contact Chaudhary Law Office (952) 525-2285 for assistance.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Web site also has the answers to many common questions:

When do I need to renew my Permanent Resident Card?


You should renew your Permanent Resident Card if you were issued a card valid for 10 years that has either expired or will expire within the next 6 months.

If your Permanent Resident Card is valid for only 2 years, you are a conditional resident. You will need to file a petition to remove the conditions of your residence before the card expires. You may file this petition 90 days before your conditional green card expires. If your petition is approved, you will be sent a new Permanent Resident Card valid for 10 years. You do not need to file Form I-90. This is discussed below.

If your card does not have any expiration date on the front, then you have a very old version. Most old versions are no longer valid. Even if your card does not have an expiration date on it, we recommend you apply to renew it.

When do I need to replace my Permanent Resident Card?


Apply to replace your Permanent Resident Card if any information on your card needs to be changed, or if your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.

Also, if you became a permanent resident before you turned 14 years old, you are required to replace your card when you become 14 years old.

What application do I file to replace or renew my Permanent Resident Card?


To apply to renew or replace your card, use Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The Form I-90 is available at www.uscis.gov.

How do I file the I-90 to renew or replace my Permanent Resident Card?


Please refer the USCIS Website under Immigration Forms, I-90, for specific filing instructions, and then complete the form. You can also e-file your I-90 at www.uscis.gov.

How do I remove conditions on my 2-year conditional Permanent Resident Card?


Do not use Form I-90 if you are a conditional resident and your status is expiring. If you are a permanent resident who was granted conditional permanent resident status, you are required to file a petition to remove those conditions within 90 days of your card expiring.

If your conditional status was based on a marriage, file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.

If your conditional status was based on being an investor or entrepreneur, file Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status.

If you do not file the petition to remove the conditions before your card expires, you may lose your permanent resident status. Form I-751 and Form I-829 are available at www.uscis.gov. Instructions for the forms will give you more details. For additional questions, please contact USCIS Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 or Satveer@Chaudharylawoffice.com or call Chaudhary Law Office (952) 525-2285.

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.
Satveer Chaudhary
Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.

INFO ABOUT A K1/FIANCE(E) VISA

Congratulations!  You're getting married, and  want to bring your future spouse to the United States.  Well then you need them first to obtain a K1 visa.  A K1 visa allows a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States as a non-immigrant, get married shortly after his or her arrival, and adjust status to that of a permanent resident after marriage.

K1 visa may be necessary, in cases where an American citizen cannot legally marry his/her fiancé(e) in a foreign country due to local laws, traditions, or religious reasons. Sometimes couples prefer to have their wedding in the United States and K1 visa allows this to occur.

However, since a K1 visa is one of the fastest ways to immigrate to the U.S., it's been a favorite vehicle used in visa fraud. For this reason consular officers and the USCIS closely examine K1 visa applications, in an attempt to detect marriage fraud and scams.  It's important to insure your paperwork is in order, and often a good immigration lawyer is beneficial.  Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC, can handle all aspects of a K1 visa application.

What are some common questions about a K1 visa?
What evidence is required to prove a fiancé(e) relationship? Proof of a legitimate fiancé(e) relationship is critical in a successful K1 application. However, each person's situation is unique and there's no standard way to prove a real relationship. You must prepare documents, photos, email and letter correspondence, copies of travel arrangements to visit one another, phone bills as evidence of calling each other, wedding plans, and anything that will help convince a consular officer that you and your fiancé(e) have plans to get married.

How do we extend a K-1 visa?
K1 is a one-entry visa valid for only 6 months, during which time a fiance (fiancee) must travel to a Port of Entry (POE) of the United States. Remember, however, having a K1 visa doesn't guarantee admission. An immigration official at the POE will conduct inspection and determine whether the visa holder is allowed to enter the U.S.  After entering the U.S. you and your fiance (fiancee) must get married within 90 days. The K-1 status cannot be extended beyond the 90-day limit, nor can it be changed to another non-immigrant status.  The K1 visa holder must then apply for a Green Card, or be in violation of the status.

Can a K-1 visa holder travel outside the United States?
No. Since K1 is a one-entry visa, you won't be able to re-enter the U.S. using the same visa. You should apply for a travel document (Advance Parole, Form I-131) while filing for adjustment of status. After AP is approved you may leave and return to the U.S.

Can a K-1 visa holder work in the United States?  
A K1 visa holder may work in the U.S. only after receiving an employment authorization document (EAD). You can apply for EAD using Form I-765, with USCIS.

For more information and processing of the K1 visa papers, contact attorney Satveer Chaudhary at Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.

Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.

(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com

www.chaudharylawoffice.com

www.sportsmanlawyers.com

Free consultation

Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years, Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case.At Chaudhary Law Office, our clients come first. Every client is treated with courtesy and is guaranteed effective representation. Practicing in the areas of  Immigration Law, Wills, Divorce, Family Law, Small Business and Criminal Law, we provide free intial consultations to all our clients.

In 2004  Satveer Chaudhary was named the University of Minnesota Law School Alumni of the Year. He was also awarded the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation for the Legal Aid Society of Minnesota, served as Special Assistant to Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, and was recognized by the worldwide Asian-Indian community for  his dedicated work, Chaudhary was named to the top-50 non-resident Indians in the world (NRI World  magazine).  

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.