needhelp!
09-09 01:38 PM
Thanks, updated the number of Robert Scott to (202) 225-8351
I spoke all the the reps that someone posted not on this list.
To add to the list of sponsors/co-sponsors, Congress Debbie Schultz is a co-sponsor for the bill (so don't call asking for support, but you can call to appreciate their efforts).
I think it would be better to keep it brief. They don't have time, and we can't spend lot of time, or else we won't be able to call all of them. It took me 30 minutes to call all of them.
I read somewhere that Steve King is not supportive, infact he's opposed to this bill. So it would be wise not to call his office. I don't he'll change his stance 'coz he's part of numbersusa/other nut cases.
Also note the phone number of Robert Scott is wrong, it shows the phone number of Adam Schiff. I realized only after I called twice. but luckily I realised before I could go through the whole talking points.
Pls everyone call before its too late. we need to get this passed as this is our only hope. PLS CALLLLLLL!!!
I spoke all the the reps that someone posted not on this list.
To add to the list of sponsors/co-sponsors, Congress Debbie Schultz is a co-sponsor for the bill (so don't call asking for support, but you can call to appreciate their efforts).
I think it would be better to keep it brief. They don't have time, and we can't spend lot of time, or else we won't be able to call all of them. It took me 30 minutes to call all of them.
I read somewhere that Steve King is not supportive, infact he's opposed to this bill. So it would be wise not to call his office. I don't he'll change his stance 'coz he's part of numbersusa/other nut cases.
Also note the phone number of Robert Scott is wrong, it shows the phone number of Adam Schiff. I realized only after I called twice. but luckily I realised before I could go through the whole talking points.
Pls everyone call before its too late. we need to get this passed as this is our only hope. PLS CALLLLLLL!!!
wallpaper Sarah Jessica Parker
chanduv23
11-13 11:38 AM
If clerk is doing this as per instruction means, we are being noticed and that is precisely what we wanted anyways. I don�t think USCIS higher ups have any malicious intent. Whole issue may be due to lack of training of IOs.
I agree. They may not have any malicious intent. But it is surprising that such things have been happening for 8 years, everyone talk about it, community gets shit scared and willing to compromise on jobs - accepting fate - going through problems, but no one was interested in moving a step forward and try to address this.
In my opinion, we are not there yet, but are making good progress. We need a lot of letters to go out so that they understand how much this is impacting us, especially hard working immigrants who ply by the rules.
I agree. They may not have any malicious intent. But it is surprising that such things have been happening for 8 years, everyone talk about it, community gets shit scared and willing to compromise on jobs - accepting fate - going through problems, but no one was interested in moving a step forward and try to address this.
In my opinion, we are not there yet, but are making good progress. We need a lot of letters to go out so that they understand how much this is impacting us, especially hard working immigrants who ply by the rules.
stxvr
07-13 03:45 AM
http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/44667/immigrants-refused-green-cards-take-to-gandhigiri.html
2011 married Matthew Broderick
pshaikh
12-15 01:34 PM
I have an appointment at Mumbai Consulate on Jan 2 for H1-B & H4 renewal.
People who interviewed in December and have started receiving passports back - please provide information in the format below. Thanks!
Date of interview, Passport received back (yes/no), Date passport received (or N/A), Visa class, Consulate location, Visa renewal only (yes/no), Any other info. worth sharing.
Eg:
Dec 5, Passport rcvd -YES, Dec 12, H1-B, Chennai, Renewal-yes
other details: <.....................>
Below is some background info. on this recently introduced change:
Delays in Visa Issuance Resulting from the Department of State�s New Directive on Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) instructed consular posts that approvals of H, L, O, P and Q visa petitions must be verified through the Petition Information Management Service (PIMS) before a nonimmigrant visa can be issued. PIMS is an electronic report generated by DOS�s Kentucky Consular Center that collects nonimmigrant visa petition approval information from USCIS. PIMS contains data on initial petition approvals and on L blanket petitions that were approved in 2004 or later. PIMS does not contain information on approvals of extension of stay or changes of status petitions.
Consular officers adjudicating visa applications must consult PIMS to verify the approval of the underlying nonimmigrant visa petition. If the petition approval cannot be verified through PIMS, the officer must contact the Kentucky Consular Center, which in turn attempts to verify the approval through USCIS�s Computer Linked Applications Information Management System (CLAIMS).
DOS officials state that PIMS verification typically takes no more than 24 hours and that verification through CLAIMS typically takes two business days. Most cases involving initial nonimmigrant visa petitions are verified within these timeframes. However, we have received many reports of longer processing times for extension of stay and change of status cases. These cases must be verified with the assistance of the Kentucky Consular Center and can take longer to be processed. DOS has indicated that there are no current plans to include extension and change of status approval information in PIMS, which may result in significant delays for many applicants.
Foreign nationals who will be applying for nonimmigrant visas should expect longer processing times due to the new PIMS and CLAIMS verification requirement. How long the electronic process will take may vary from case to case. However, same-day and next-day visa issuance should not be expected. DOS projects that visa issuance will improve once the agency moves to a full online NIV application system in mid-2008.
People who interviewed in December and have started receiving passports back - please provide information in the format below. Thanks!
Date of interview, Passport received back (yes/no), Date passport received (or N/A), Visa class, Consulate location, Visa renewal only (yes/no), Any other info. worth sharing.
Eg:
Dec 5, Passport rcvd -YES, Dec 12, H1-B, Chennai, Renewal-yes
other details: <.....................>
Below is some background info. on this recently introduced change:
Delays in Visa Issuance Resulting from the Department of State�s New Directive on Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) instructed consular posts that approvals of H, L, O, P and Q visa petitions must be verified through the Petition Information Management Service (PIMS) before a nonimmigrant visa can be issued. PIMS is an electronic report generated by DOS�s Kentucky Consular Center that collects nonimmigrant visa petition approval information from USCIS. PIMS contains data on initial petition approvals and on L blanket petitions that were approved in 2004 or later. PIMS does not contain information on approvals of extension of stay or changes of status petitions.
Consular officers adjudicating visa applications must consult PIMS to verify the approval of the underlying nonimmigrant visa petition. If the petition approval cannot be verified through PIMS, the officer must contact the Kentucky Consular Center, which in turn attempts to verify the approval through USCIS�s Computer Linked Applications Information Management System (CLAIMS).
DOS officials state that PIMS verification typically takes no more than 24 hours and that verification through CLAIMS typically takes two business days. Most cases involving initial nonimmigrant visa petitions are verified within these timeframes. However, we have received many reports of longer processing times for extension of stay and change of status cases. These cases must be verified with the assistance of the Kentucky Consular Center and can take longer to be processed. DOS has indicated that there are no current plans to include extension and change of status approval information in PIMS, which may result in significant delays for many applicants.
Foreign nationals who will be applying for nonimmigrant visas should expect longer processing times due to the new PIMS and CLAIMS verification requirement. How long the electronic process will take may vary from case to case. However, same-day and next-day visa issuance should not be expected. DOS projects that visa issuance will improve once the agency moves to a full online NIV application system in mid-2008.
more...
rogerdepena
07-18 10:11 PM
It is very important that we have all Lou Dobbs resources handy in one thread. I blog his LIES and need this info very quickly before the blog closes. Please contribute to this effort. Thanks!
Please note that we need to collect facts (with URL) rather then IV member opinions!
im blogging too. i suggest we share articles. i just made mine today. here's the link:
http://thetruthandthetail.blogspot.com/
i'll try to update as often as possible.
Please note that we need to collect facts (with URL) rather then IV member opinions!
im blogging too. i suggest we share articles. i just made mine today. here's the link:
http://thetruthandthetail.blogspot.com/
i'll try to update as often as possible.
dilipcr
06-12 04:15 PM
I support you L1Fraud.
Guys: This has become a major problem at every place. If we do not take any action, every one of us will be replaced by these BIG outsource companies with L1 and B1.
I already reported this to ICE about violations of CTS which has placed their L1's at client's place for the past 2 years. And still they have several people.
You may not believe their pay. I do not want to put a number here and it will be a shame on CTS for misusing L1. They replaced 18 American Workers at my client's pace. Whatever you guys might think, this is a FRAUD.
This is exactly what I have been arguing for in another thread about the Grim visa numbers. I will fully support you in your cause and let me know if you need any help. I am a GC holder but I feel its my duty to report this fraud against all these outsourcing companies.
Guys: This has become a major problem at every place. If we do not take any action, every one of us will be replaced by these BIG outsource companies with L1 and B1.
I already reported this to ICE about violations of CTS which has placed their L1's at client's place for the past 2 years. And still they have several people.
You may not believe their pay. I do not want to put a number here and it will be a shame on CTS for misusing L1. They replaced 18 American Workers at my client's pace. Whatever you guys might think, this is a FRAUD.
This is exactly what I have been arguing for in another thread about the Grim visa numbers. I will fully support you in your cause and let me know if you need any help. I am a GC holder but I feel its my duty to report this fraud against all these outsourcing companies.
more...
h1b_forever
06-10 01:48 PM
We as a community should oppose major violation done by these consulting firms.
The only reason these companies send people on L1 is to keep them as bonded labour giving them no chance to switch jobs. These companies can always apply for H1b for such folks, there are enough H1 visas available this year.
There is a reason there are two visa categories L1 and H1. They should not be used to circumvent immigration laws.
The only reason these companies send people on L1 is to keep them as bonded labour giving them no chance to switch jobs. These companies can always apply for H1b for such folks, there are enough H1 visas available this year.
There is a reason there are two visa categories L1 and H1. They should not be used to circumvent immigration laws.
2010 Sarah Jessica Parker and
ganguteli
05-09 01:35 PM
I have news for you (and the certitude with which you make your claims here are laughable). Computer science graduation rates in US went up this year by 6-8%, because the visa caps since 2003 remained at 65000 instead of 195000 creating some demand here. I personally know kids who wanted to go to Computer science, but went for other areas like health care because of the lack of offshoring/H1 etc. If the crooked Indian offshorers and fly-by-night operators are not driving down the wages, more americans will go to computer science, as they would go for a career as MD or Pharmacist or lawyer (almost all those careers need at least 6-8 years of college). They also know that professional associations like AMA or APhA wouldn't allow importing foreign workers by corporations/hospitals on a scale that H1-bs are imported in IT area
Based on my experience, I wouldn't say that Indian kids have any special skills in maths or science compared to americans. Contrary to what you claim, people are aware of H1s and offshoring(may be so much on the exploitation of L1) as they talk to friends and family and guidance counselors at school. Most of the IT jobs were Indian H1-bs are employed doesn't even need computer science or engineering degree. Some of the best architects I have seen in IT didn't have a computer science major. A green-horn from TCS/INFY with a computer science degree and pretending to be an architect doesn't mean he is the best IT professional available in the market.
American college kids spend most of their time partying and sex. They do not study. Only a very very few really study. Others just get by because professors are under pressure to pass them. If professors fail them, then no student will take their course or give bad rating that will affect their Tenure track. The education system is just pathetic and thus kids prefer to study arts and commerce. It is because they cannot fathom tough calculus or trigonometry. The pre-college years are spent in Prom nights and losing virginity. Thus these people fail to compete at global level. Only very few are good and they go to good universities. On the other hand international students come after lot of hard work and tough competitive education system. They are well trained to learn even in meagre resources and compete with others. This is the reason international students and immigrants do well in this country and innovate.
So stop calling your American people as best and brightest. Most of you who come here on this site and live on anti-immigrant sites are middle aged people who cannot get a job anywhere. You guys are just too lazy to study new technologies that is ever changing. You are more interested in having beers and watching football. Go and study and upgrade yourself rather than whining. You will not be able to convince us however much you try here.
Based on my experience, I wouldn't say that Indian kids have any special skills in maths or science compared to americans. Contrary to what you claim, people are aware of H1s and offshoring(may be so much on the exploitation of L1) as they talk to friends and family and guidance counselors at school. Most of the IT jobs were Indian H1-bs are employed doesn't even need computer science or engineering degree. Some of the best architects I have seen in IT didn't have a computer science major. A green-horn from TCS/INFY with a computer science degree and pretending to be an architect doesn't mean he is the best IT professional available in the market.
American college kids spend most of their time partying and sex. They do not study. Only a very very few really study. Others just get by because professors are under pressure to pass them. If professors fail them, then no student will take their course or give bad rating that will affect their Tenure track. The education system is just pathetic and thus kids prefer to study arts and commerce. It is because they cannot fathom tough calculus or trigonometry. The pre-college years are spent in Prom nights and losing virginity. Thus these people fail to compete at global level. Only very few are good and they go to good universities. On the other hand international students come after lot of hard work and tough competitive education system. They are well trained to learn even in meagre resources and compete with others. This is the reason international students and immigrants do well in this country and innovate.
So stop calling your American people as best and brightest. Most of you who come here on this site and live on anti-immigrant sites are middle aged people who cannot get a job anywhere. You guys are just too lazy to study new technologies that is ever changing. You are more interested in having beers and watching football. Go and study and upgrade yourself rather than whining. You will not be able to convince us however much you try here.
more...
unseenguy
06-15 06:54 PM
1. Why should he pay you more if he can get someone for cheaper price? - No Issues as long as its by following all the rules and regulations set by the authorities.
2. Are you willing to do the same job for the salary that is offered by TCS, WIPRO? - Nope, my salary is my personal choice. Tomorrow these companies may bring resources Illegally across border and offer 5$ per hour, would you accept that salary???
Your salary is not your personal choice, it is governed by market factors. Company makes the final decision whether they want to pay you what you ask for and whether they need your services. Your client can easily send your job to India if they can hire someone here for 3 months. Most likely that person is going to be back with the job after 3 months.
3. If you screw up , who is responsible? What can you do to mitigate damage? TCS/WIPRO can replace the whole team at free of cost to make project successful. - BS
I work for a major system integrator and I have seen client come to us and say, X did not perform well, give us the money back or provide Y number of free consulting days. I have seen clients come to us and say , we give you 2 more months, deliver this project or else lawsuit, and I have seen company agreeing to client demands. These are additional advantages for going to TCS/WIPRO. I have seen at one client place, they offered 10% of the resources free. So if client took 50 peopkle, they got 5 more for free. Can your company do that? Dont make hollow claims of BS if you are just a simple developer.
4. YOU guys want to leave companies at will but the companies should not replace you at will? - Not at all, they can replace us anytime they want.. I don't know why this point ???
Here we are discussing about a violation by companies using L-1B visa resources and we think reporting this to the agencies (ICE/USCIS) and making awareness amoung clients doesn't harm anyone who does their business within the legal frame work.
No we are discussing YOUR jobs loss due to L1 misuse. You were sleeping until it hit you and now you suddenly want sympathy. BTW, I feel sorry for you that any guy from India can come and do your job. Most guys who come on L1 are freshers with not much skills. Thats what is needed for the job then.
2. Are you willing to do the same job for the salary that is offered by TCS, WIPRO? - Nope, my salary is my personal choice. Tomorrow these companies may bring resources Illegally across border and offer 5$ per hour, would you accept that salary???
Your salary is not your personal choice, it is governed by market factors. Company makes the final decision whether they want to pay you what you ask for and whether they need your services. Your client can easily send your job to India if they can hire someone here for 3 months. Most likely that person is going to be back with the job after 3 months.
3. If you screw up , who is responsible? What can you do to mitigate damage? TCS/WIPRO can replace the whole team at free of cost to make project successful. - BS
I work for a major system integrator and I have seen client come to us and say, X did not perform well, give us the money back or provide Y number of free consulting days. I have seen clients come to us and say , we give you 2 more months, deliver this project or else lawsuit, and I have seen company agreeing to client demands. These are additional advantages for going to TCS/WIPRO. I have seen at one client place, they offered 10% of the resources free. So if client took 50 peopkle, they got 5 more for free. Can your company do that? Dont make hollow claims of BS if you are just a simple developer.
4. YOU guys want to leave companies at will but the companies should not replace you at will? - Not at all, they can replace us anytime they want.. I don't know why this point ???
Here we are discussing about a violation by companies using L-1B visa resources and we think reporting this to the agencies (ICE/USCIS) and making awareness amoung clients doesn't harm anyone who does their business within the legal frame work.
No we are discussing YOUR jobs loss due to L1 misuse. You were sleeping until it hit you and now you suddenly want sympathy. BTW, I feel sorry for you that any guy from India can come and do your job. Most guys who come on L1 are freshers with not much skills. Thats what is needed for the job then.
hair Sarah Jessica Parker are
sku123
09-14 08:15 PM
I believe my green card application has been approved. Just wanted to share the news...
Decision
On September 14, 2010, we mailed you a notice that we had registered this customer's new permanent resident status. Please follow any instructions on the notice. Your new permanent resident card should be mailed within 60 days following this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. If you move before receiving your card, please call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.
Decision
On September 14, 2010, we mailed you a notice that we had registered this customer's new permanent resident status. Please follow any instructions on the notice. Your new permanent resident card should be mailed within 60 days following this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. If you move before receiving your card, please call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.
more...
saps
09-26 08:06 PM
If you visit this website, you can read Obama's policies on legal Immigration reform. It looks like Obama and Joe Biden plan to fix the legal immigration system and improve processing speed due to bureaucratic delays. He also introduced the legislation to speed up FBI background checks.
Source: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/immigration/
Source: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/immigration/
hot Matthew Broderick and Sarah
Caliber
06-17 12:59 PM
L-1A
L-1B
Blanket L1s
L-1A - Managers (lucky ones eligible for EB1), offlate not abused much as L-1A visa petitions are scrutinized well by USCIS (lot of RFEs). L-1B - Speciality Skilled ones.. MOST ABUSED category of L visa... Blanket L1s - Blanket petition for a large group of resources from a company ...
ALL THE ABOVE VISA categories are banned from either
1. Working on a client managed project (staff augmentation purpose).
2. On any technical skilled projects other than the specific internal tools/products mentioned in their petitions (both when client/their own company manages the project).
Dear L1Fraud,
Great job. I could not do this as I was afraid of Personal attacks and pulling down by the Free raiders. I was lazy too. Hope you read my PM reply.
Thanks for your commitment.
Once again request you to please contribute to IV.
Good luck.
L-1B
Blanket L1s
L-1A - Managers (lucky ones eligible for EB1), offlate not abused much as L-1A visa petitions are scrutinized well by USCIS (lot of RFEs). L-1B - Speciality Skilled ones.. MOST ABUSED category of L visa... Blanket L1s - Blanket petition for a large group of resources from a company ...
ALL THE ABOVE VISA categories are banned from either
1. Working on a client managed project (staff augmentation purpose).
2. On any technical skilled projects other than the specific internal tools/products mentioned in their petitions (both when client/their own company manages the project).
Dear L1Fraud,
Great job. I could not do this as I was afraid of Personal attacks and pulling down by the Free raiders. I was lazy too. Hope you read my PM reply.
Thanks for your commitment.
Once again request you to please contribute to IV.
Good luck.
more...
house Sarah Jessica Parker and
syzygy
06-29 04:27 PM
This is height of torture and inhumna treatment in world's most advanced country. On top of it, it is torture of most educate class Wow !
This is so ridiculous....these OH Law Firm lawyers have to be kidding! Who postpones/suspends work based on rumors? I would get fired from my job if I stopped coding just because there was a rumor that the release date was being postponed!!!!
Thanks,
Jayant
This is so ridiculous....these OH Law Firm lawyers have to be kidding! Who postpones/suspends work based on rumors? I would get fired from my job if I stopped coding just because there was a rumor that the release date was being postponed!!!!
Thanks,
Jayant
tattoo Matthew Broderick and Sarah
nk2006
11-10 01:33 PM
I will send the letters this week....
thanks,
pal :)
Thank you coolpal.
thanks,
pal :)
Thank you coolpal.
more...
pictures Sarah Jessica Parker
eager_immi
07-11 02:11 PM
sorry to disappoint you but maybe someone else signed it under his name. I have done that for other family members when they get a fedex.LOL :D :D :D
dresses Matthew Broderick
unseenguy
06-14 12:07 PM
How many times in this thread I have mentioned that I am getting replaced by one of these L-1B resource, I am a poor Oracle/DB developer who fortunately cannot be replaced by L-1B visa resources (as my skills is a common technical one). So once these violations impact your day to day life you look around for ways to stop this fraud. Its true that if I was a Nuero Surgeon in Phily or a Astro Scientist in Houston I wouldn't be interested in this violation :-) .... tomorrow let this scenario happen to you ... you would be first one to raise the alert.
Regarding 'getting burnt', I don't think there is bigger burn than loosing our jobs (which already is happening) and hope you know that there is something called 'anonymity'... ya lets see whos going to get 'burnt' here. We'll definetly keep you updated regarding the outcome.
Well I have given work to offshore at so many X number of places now that I have stopped bothering about it. Just keep upgrading your skills.
Regarding 'getting burnt', I don't think there is bigger burn than loosing our jobs (which already is happening) and hope you know that there is something called 'anonymity'... ya lets see whos going to get 'burnt' here. We'll definetly keep you updated regarding the outcome.
Well I have given work to offshore at so many X number of places now that I have stopped bothering about it. Just keep upgrading your skills.
more...
makeup Sarah Jessica Parker#39;s Twin
kamdard
01-03 05:09 AM
I also had my visa interview on 27-DEC-2007 @Mumbai (h1-b/h-4 renewal) and was told that I will receive an email in 2 business days, subsequent to which I will have to go to VSF office for getting my visa stamped.
Its been 6 business days and am yet to receive an email..I contacted VSF in Mumbai and they told me that all the H1-B applicants are in the same boat and they could not predict any time line...Planning to call the US-consulate tomorrow to see if they can provide some timeline..I already have rescheduled my return flight to US...If things continue this bad, am planning to use my AP to travel back to the US.
Regards,
DK.
Its been 6 business days and am yet to receive an email..I contacted VSF in Mumbai and they told me that all the H1-B applicants are in the same boat and they could not predict any time line...Planning to call the US-consulate tomorrow to see if they can provide some timeline..I already have rescheduled my return flight to US...If things continue this bad, am planning to use my AP to travel back to the US.
Regards,
DK.
girlfriend matthew broderick and sarah
krishnam70
06-18 06:31 PM
Biographic Information. Please read the form and the instructions in the www.uscis.gov (http://www.uscis.gov)web site. Good night.
sorry my bad. do we need to fill 325 and 325A or just 325, infant also needs 325? Also would you please tell me if we need to request to add the applicant to mother's file? or no need to do that.
thanks
kr
sorry my bad. do we need to fill 325 and 325A or just 325, infant also needs 325? Also would you please tell me if we need to request to add the applicant to mother's file? or no need to do that.
thanks
kr
hairstyles children. Sarah Jessica
SunnySurya
08-07 01:26 PM
You stand is understandable, but I still will urge you to join me. It is of course not illegal but unfair towards the people already in EB2 line. If there were no limits on visas, it will not have been an issue to begin with. Think about the depth of the issue.
Hi SunnySurya an Rolling_flood,
I am EB2 and have a Masters but I don't support your case or even the basis of it. Mostly it is because I don't think MOST of the folks who use PD porting are doing it illegally or even cutting through the line undeservedly. If I am not wrong, these folks will have put in the time (work exp wise and/or added higher education) and should rightfully get the position certified as EB2.
Now granted that there are always a small minority people who genuinely are not deserving. First, can you define in your view what kind of PD porting is unethical?
Additionally, can you back up your claims by providing any kind of stats of such cases per year and how much impact it really causes to the GC wait time of those already waiting in queue for EB2? Are they that significant for you and Rolling Stone to feel so wronged?
In conclusion, unlike the unjust labor substitution process, your case is not convincing because I don't think most people availing PD porting are doing anything wrong legally and ethically. I would love to see stats and examples though.
Regards.
Hi SunnySurya an Rolling_flood,
I am EB2 and have a Masters but I don't support your case or even the basis of it. Mostly it is because I don't think MOST of the folks who use PD porting are doing it illegally or even cutting through the line undeservedly. If I am not wrong, these folks will have put in the time (work exp wise and/or added higher education) and should rightfully get the position certified as EB2.
Now granted that there are always a small minority people who genuinely are not deserving. First, can you define in your view what kind of PD porting is unethical?
Additionally, can you back up your claims by providing any kind of stats of such cases per year and how much impact it really causes to the GC wait time of those already waiting in queue for EB2? Are they that significant for you and Rolling Stone to feel so wronged?
In conclusion, unlike the unjust labor substitution process, your case is not convincing because I don't think most people availing PD porting are doing anything wrong legally and ethically. I would love to see stats and examples though.
Regards.
go_getter007
01-24 11:55 AM
Milind123, I can certainly understand your frustration but kudos to you for making your post humorous at several points amidst your painful experience. I especially liked your closing remark about Koh-i-Noor - I'm with you. :D
Come to think of it, even the country where we are right now (i.e., the US) isn't much different not only in terms of lengthy forms and queues (outside of consulates) but also on making our lives a little more than hard by denying driver's licenses, delaying permanent residence perpetually etc. On top of these issues, apparent hate crimes against Indians at LSU and then at Duke would certainly make a lot of parents a little nervous before sending their kids for higher education here.
GG_007
I had the misfortune of travelling thru London in December on my way to Mumbai. After I purchased my tickets, I learnt that I need a transit visa (TV) for UK. (Who is going to tell them (UK) that they are no longer the center of attraction esp. if you have lived and worked in US). Anyway, as per the rules, you need a transit visa if you don�t have a valid US visa. (Note: If you have AP, and don�t have a valid visa, you still need a TV).
I went to their site and did all the research to get a TV. Good god Heavens! Has anyone filled out their painful form for a TV? Besides asking the usual details, they get extremely nosy. They want to know each and everything about you. Where you work, what money do you make, name of your wife, kids and their citizenship status, name of your father and mother and where they were born, their birth date, how much money you have and where the money is (stocks, bonds, CDS) etc. etc. While filling up the form I realized that, even my future father in law did not pose so many probing questions to me. (Please note: I don�t mind answering these silly questions for a regular visa, but for the damn TV, it is certainly overkill).
Anyway to cut the long story short. The regular cost of TV is/was $92. However, when I filled up the application form they were asking for $184. (The satisfaction of getting a good deal on the tickets was quickly evaporating). I assumed I must have made a mistake in thinking the cost to be $92 and reluctantly paid $184. Next it was time to fill the application for my wife and answer the idiotic questions again. You should have seen the �I will kill you right now� look on my wife�s face after I woke her up in the middle of night and asked details about her parents. After I filled up the form, to my surprise, now they were asking $274 for visa fees. It was already 2:00 am and I have no choice but to painfully enter my credit card details, hoping that they would realize the mistake in their recon process and would reimburse the difference. (Of course, I was only dreaming).
It is now almost the end of January and I have still now received any money from them. I have tried sending several email to the emb(ass)y, but none of their emails work. I get bounced email for all the emails that I have used. I have tried calling them and left messages and no one has called back. I have send emails to my credit card company and the people who processed the payment and none of them have been able to help me. There is a way to talk to someone in the emb(ass)y, but you need to dial a 900 number, which BTW costs $2.49 per minute. Throwing good money after bad is not an option.
I just wanted to share this experience with you and remind you of the pain ahead, if you are travelling thru UK and don�t have a valid US visa. Personally, even if they had charged me the regular $92, I will still use other options to travel next time. The amount of time wasted in filling the crappy application form, going to NY, (starting Dec doing your finger prints) is simply too much to handle. Visiting your motherland/fatherland is a very special occasion and all these intermediate steps certainly water down the �good feeling� that you experience during the days leading to your trip.
I haven�t given up my quest for a refund, but now, not only I want my money back I would like to bring back home the Koh-i-noor too.
Come to think of it, even the country where we are right now (i.e., the US) isn't much different not only in terms of lengthy forms and queues (outside of consulates) but also on making our lives a little more than hard by denying driver's licenses, delaying permanent residence perpetually etc. On top of these issues, apparent hate crimes against Indians at LSU and then at Duke would certainly make a lot of parents a little nervous before sending their kids for higher education here.
GG_007
I had the misfortune of travelling thru London in December on my way to Mumbai. After I purchased my tickets, I learnt that I need a transit visa (TV) for UK. (Who is going to tell them (UK) that they are no longer the center of attraction esp. if you have lived and worked in US). Anyway, as per the rules, you need a transit visa if you don�t have a valid US visa. (Note: If you have AP, and don�t have a valid visa, you still need a TV).
I went to their site and did all the research to get a TV. Good god Heavens! Has anyone filled out their painful form for a TV? Besides asking the usual details, they get extremely nosy. They want to know each and everything about you. Where you work, what money do you make, name of your wife, kids and their citizenship status, name of your father and mother and where they were born, their birth date, how much money you have and where the money is (stocks, bonds, CDS) etc. etc. While filling up the form I realized that, even my future father in law did not pose so many probing questions to me. (Please note: I don�t mind answering these silly questions for a regular visa, but for the damn TV, it is certainly overkill).
Anyway to cut the long story short. The regular cost of TV is/was $92. However, when I filled up the application form they were asking for $184. (The satisfaction of getting a good deal on the tickets was quickly evaporating). I assumed I must have made a mistake in thinking the cost to be $92 and reluctantly paid $184. Next it was time to fill the application for my wife and answer the idiotic questions again. You should have seen the �I will kill you right now� look on my wife�s face after I woke her up in the middle of night and asked details about her parents. After I filled up the form, to my surprise, now they were asking $274 for visa fees. It was already 2:00 am and I have no choice but to painfully enter my credit card details, hoping that they would realize the mistake in their recon process and would reimburse the difference. (Of course, I was only dreaming).
It is now almost the end of January and I have still now received any money from them. I have tried sending several email to the emb(ass)y, but none of their emails work. I get bounced email for all the emails that I have used. I have tried calling them and left messages and no one has called back. I have send emails to my credit card company and the people who processed the payment and none of them have been able to help me. There is a way to talk to someone in the emb(ass)y, but you need to dial a 900 number, which BTW costs $2.49 per minute. Throwing good money after bad is not an option.
I just wanted to share this experience with you and remind you of the pain ahead, if you are travelling thru UK and don�t have a valid US visa. Personally, even if they had charged me the regular $92, I will still use other options to travel next time. The amount of time wasted in filling the crappy application form, going to NY, (starting Dec doing your finger prints) is simply too much to handle. Visiting your motherland/fatherland is a very special occasion and all these intermediate steps certainly water down the �good feeling� that you experience during the days leading to your trip.
I haven�t given up my quest for a refund, but now, not only I want my money back I would like to bring back home the Koh-i-noor too.
akhilmahajan
01-07 11:44 PM
Let's start working on this campaign. If you are in MA, ME, VT, RI & NH and not part of New England Yahoo group, please send me an email with your name and phone number. Click the link below to join the group
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar