ras
04-03 01:22 AM
there is usually a respond by date on the RFE. In my case it was slightly beyond 12 weeks....
I have the RFE, it doesn't state the exact instead mentions 12 weeks from the date of this letter. And the date of the letter is Jan 8, 2008
I have the RFE, it doesn't state the exact instead mentions 12 weeks from the date of this letter. And the date of the letter is Jan 8, 2008
wallpaper Mater and Lightning in Tokyo :
GCard_Dream
10-09 04:10 PM
I am not sure if you have done this already but if you have photoshop or any other photo editing software, just take your picture and do resize to 320 X 240. In photoshop, when I do image resize it gives me the new size option in inches and pixels. I pick pixels and specify 320X240 and bamm.. your image is ready. Let me know if that doesn't help.
I have a hard time to adjust my photo to designated spec. I shrunked to 62kb but they did not take it and if I make it lesser, it won't be 320 x 240 pixels but less. I use regular digital camera. anybody help me how to do?
I have a hard time to adjust my photo to designated spec. I shrunked to 62kb but they did not take it and if I make it lesser, it won't be 320 x 240 pixels but less. I use regular digital camera. anybody help me how to do?
Kodi
09-16 06:26 PM
Yesterday my employer received notice that my co-workers I-140 was denied and when she went home she received denial notice for her I-485 too. She filed EB2 concurrent.
2011 Pixar Diecast CARS: Mater
ramus
05-29 09:12 PM
HI.. Could you please send web-fax.. We want to reach 3000 number tonight..
If core team is doing so much, can we do this for ourself and show them our support.
Thank you so much.
How will the new bill affect the I-485 processing time?
Does anyone know the minimum and maximum times required for I-485 processing?
What type of factors delay the I-485 processing?
Let us say A filed for I-485 on the day 1 of the month when PD becomes current, B on the 15th day and C on the last day. Does this mean that A will get greencard first, B next and C last?
Thank you in advance for your information.
If core team is doing so much, can we do this for ourself and show them our support.
Thank you so much.
How will the new bill affect the I-485 processing time?
Does anyone know the minimum and maximum times required for I-485 processing?
What type of factors delay the I-485 processing?
Let us say A filed for I-485 on the day 1 of the month when PD becomes current, B on the 15th day and C on the last day. Does this mean that A will get greencard first, B next and C last?
Thank you in advance for your information.
more...
ramus
05-29 09:12 PM
HI.. Could you please send web-fax.. We want to reach 3000 number tonight..
If core team is doing so much, can we do this for ourself and show them our support.
Thank you so much.
How will the new bill affect the I-485 processing time?
Does anyone know the minimum and maximum times required for I-485 processing?
What type of factors delay the I-485 processing?
Let us say A filed for I-485 on the day 1 of the month when PD becomes current, B on the 15th day and C on the last day. Does this mean that A will get greencard first, B next and C last?
Thank you in advance for your information.
If core team is doing so much, can we do this for ourself and show them our support.
Thank you so much.
How will the new bill affect the I-485 processing time?
Does anyone know the minimum and maximum times required for I-485 processing?
What type of factors delay the I-485 processing?
Let us say A filed for I-485 on the day 1 of the month when PD becomes current, B on the 15th day and C on the last day. Does this mean that A will get greencard first, B next and C last?
Thank you in advance for your information.
mmanurker
12-10 02:30 PM
The dot system if used properly is a good system as other community members can privately control the reputation of each other. Community can also identify posters who are mischief makers by giving them reds and identifying them publicly. This reduces the need for moderators significantly as moderators cannot read every post and every thread everyday. Pls suggest better ways in which we should handle reputation system.
Yes, I agree that dot system if used properly is a good system. I dont mind people giving me red dots but what really bothers me is when people leave nasty comments and use foul language. So is it possible to show/expose user id along with the comments when ever someone uses foul language and leaves a nasty comment? This will make sure that people who use foul language will restrain from leaving such comments for the fear of getting their Id's exposed and the privacy is also maintained for those who use appropriate language.
OR
Show the Id's of all the people irrespective of red/green dots.
If this requires too much of time and work for IV admins then pls ignore this and we can think of alternate solutions.
Yes, I agree that dot system if used properly is a good system. I dont mind people giving me red dots but what really bothers me is when people leave nasty comments and use foul language. So is it possible to show/expose user id along with the comments when ever someone uses foul language and leaves a nasty comment? This will make sure that people who use foul language will restrain from leaving such comments for the fear of getting their Id's exposed and the privacy is also maintained for those who use appropriate language.
OR
Show the Id's of all the people irrespective of red/green dots.
If this requires too much of time and work for IV admins then pls ignore this and we can think of alternate solutions.
more...
tonyHK12
10-04 03:14 PM
Without a green card, we are still temporary workers, check with a tax consultant about worldwide income too.
Todays economictimes.indiatimes.com - Green card a tax liability
"Tax laws in the US empower the Internal Revenue Service, the apex body for US tax administration, to tax global incomes of those holding US citizenships or the green card."
"Indians with green card or citizenship in US also find having to reporting foreign accounts with deposits of $10,000 or more "
Todays economictimes.indiatimes.com - Green card a tax liability
"Tax laws in the US empower the Internal Revenue Service, the apex body for US tax administration, to tax global incomes of those holding US citizenships or the green card."
"Indians with green card or citizenship in US also find having to reporting foreign accounts with deposits of $10,000 or more "
2010 DISNEY PIXAR CARS MCQUEEN
singhsa3
08-01 11:43 AM
I am pleasantly surprised and would like to thank Sen Menendez on behalf of all the IV members in his constituency for sponsoring visa recapture bill in Senate. Few days back when we called his office, his position was different. But because of we all calling and requesting for his support, he graciouly has agreed to take up our case. Speaking with his staff, I came to know that more than thousand calls were made to his office in support of the visa recapture bill.
more...
burnt
06-21 10:34 PM
Instead of entering (c)(09) on the EAD renewal form, I entered (c)(0)(9). Friends please let me know if this is going to cause any issue for my EAD application?
hair Disney Pixar Cars 2 : Lights
gc_rip
07-09 10:02 PM
Hi Ann,
Appreciate your help, and this is more than useful for me.
"To make sure that USCIS does not find that you have abandoned your
AOS application you should maintain the validity of your Advance
Parole if at all possible."
I have another related question.
1. As I mentioned, my AP is applied and expected to be renewed till Aug 2011. If I leave my current employer, according to the company policy the underlying I-140 will be withdrawn by the current employer. Would that invalidate my AP already approved, or would it be unaffected and I can safely travel back to USA till Aug 2011?
If I travel after a long delay of 8 months would can cause any issue on AP based entry?
2. To renew my AP beyond Aug 2011, can I just travel for a short time to USA in April 2011, and file the renewal? And later by Aug 2011 return back to USA and collect the new renewal?
Thanks,
Raj
Appreciate your help, and this is more than useful for me.
"To make sure that USCIS does not find that you have abandoned your
AOS application you should maintain the validity of your Advance
Parole if at all possible."
I have another related question.
1. As I mentioned, my AP is applied and expected to be renewed till Aug 2011. If I leave my current employer, according to the company policy the underlying I-140 will be withdrawn by the current employer. Would that invalidate my AP already approved, or would it be unaffected and I can safely travel back to USA till Aug 2011?
If I travel after a long delay of 8 months would can cause any issue on AP based entry?
2. To renew my AP beyond Aug 2011, can I just travel for a short time to USA in April 2011, and file the renewal? And later by Aug 2011 return back to USA and collect the new renewal?
Thanks,
Raj
more...
chanduv23
06-28 02:46 PM
I have an important question that I need to ask here. What is going to be Job title in employment verification letter. For example if I work in company as a Software consultant and H1B states that I am Programmer Analysts and my PERM labor has stated Software Programmer Engineer.
So out of these 3 which one will going to be in my employment letter. I am unable to get in touch with attorney thru company and our HR doesnt know what to write in Employement letter. Any advise from people who already got their employement letter from their employer.
Thanks
INeedAllGreen
Use your PERM labor one - thats the safest, I have used that - Attorney signed off saying that is right
So out of these 3 which one will going to be in my employment letter. I am unable to get in touch with attorney thru company and our HR doesnt know what to write in Employement letter. Any advise from people who already got their employement letter from their employer.
Thanks
INeedAllGreen
Use your PERM labor one - thats the safest, I have used that - Attorney signed off saying that is right
hot 2010 Pixar Cars Mater Tall
kaisersose
07-24 03:07 PM
ashkam - Thanks alot for the info....my case is "If your job (description, location and salary) remains same or similar under the new company"...still i don't understand why my attorney says to start all over again.
I feel like packing up and go back home ...this country's immi system is all messed up...not sure i can mentally handle it anymore :(
Spend $200 dollars for a 15 min conversation with any of the top attorneys. Your confusion will be laid to rest.
Just send your questions and all required details to them ahead of time and also write down all possible follow up questions for yourself so that both parties are prepared before the call.
If they say you have to start afresh, then you can consider packing your bags. Good luck!
I feel like packing up and go back home ...this country's immi system is all messed up...not sure i can mentally handle it anymore :(
Spend $200 dollars for a 15 min conversation with any of the top attorneys. Your confusion will be laid to rest.
Just send your questions and all required details to them ahead of time and also write down all possible follow up questions for yourself so that both parties are prepared before the call.
If they say you have to start afresh, then you can consider packing your bags. Good luck!
more...
house Disney Pixar Cars
roseball
03-31 02:38 AM
Hello frnds,
Just today, started new contract job at Clients place with big consulting firm on EAD. On my first day in the evening I got a call from consulting firm saying my back ground check have criminal record from state of Idaho. Till now I never ever was involved in any kind of criminal act. They asked me to stop going to work till it is resolved. consulting firm says all the states and federal agencies cleared me where I last lived, except state of idaho where i worked for 5 months.
Frnds please help! how should I resolve this issue. I have signed a 6 month rental lease, Left my H1B employer depending on this job. More over to all this we are expecting our first child and my wife doesnt have insurence. I was so happy I got this break but now this false check.
Please let me know if any one was in this situation and got out of it successfully.
Thanks,
Hydubadi.:confused:
Sorry to know about your situation. Nothing you can do at this point other than waiting to get the final report and know what the issue was in Idaho. You can ask them to give you a copy of the report.
Just today, started new contract job at Clients place with big consulting firm on EAD. On my first day in the evening I got a call from consulting firm saying my back ground check have criminal record from state of Idaho. Till now I never ever was involved in any kind of criminal act. They asked me to stop going to work till it is resolved. consulting firm says all the states and federal agencies cleared me where I last lived, except state of idaho where i worked for 5 months.
Frnds please help! how should I resolve this issue. I have signed a 6 month rental lease, Left my H1B employer depending on this job. More over to all this we are expecting our first child and my wife doesnt have insurence. I was so happy I got this break but now this false check.
Please let me know if any one was in this situation and got out of it successfully.
Thanks,
Hydubadi.:confused:
Sorry to know about your situation. Nothing you can do at this point other than waiting to get the final report and know what the issue was in Idaho. You can ask them to give you a copy of the report.
tattoo pixar cars,pixar,mater,tow
paskal
03-15 12:28 AM
In 1996 I joined a residency on J-1
1999-2001 i did a fellowship
2001-2003 another fellowship- needed special permission from ECFMG
2003 started a waiver job and I'm still in the same job in my 4th year.
Good job in a very nice metropolitan area.
Home residency requirement is 2 years
The new Conrad law is certainly better and should make things somewhat easier.
1999-2001 i did a fellowship
2001-2003 another fellowship- needed special permission from ECFMG
2003 started a waiver job and I'm still in the same job in my 4th year.
Good job in a very nice metropolitan area.
Home residency requirement is 2 years
The new Conrad law is certainly better and should make things somewhat easier.
more...
pictures wallpaper Disney Pixar Cars
vfwlkr
04-08 03:16 PM
PD: July 01 EB3 India
I-140 approved: 03/2004 (Not concurrent)
485 RD: March 05 (CSC)
Case transferred to NSC: 03/2006
I-140 approved: 03/2004 (Not concurrent)
485 RD: March 05 (CSC)
Case transferred to NSC: 03/2006
dresses Lego Duplo Disney Pixar Cars:
hebbar77
09-10 03:07 PM
extended review = "we got your money , now dont bother us"
also means nothing is happening to your case!
also means nothing is happening to your case!
more...
makeup Disney Pixar Cars Toon Deluxe
looivy
12-22 10:13 PM
I flew to Phoenix and then drove to Nogales. Stayed at Best Western run by Manu Naik (very helpful guy). Took a taxi from hotel to border ($6), crossed the border into Mexico. The guy at Mexico checked my bags for any contraband. Cleared me (Did not ask for Mexico visa). Took another taxi from border to consulate ($8). There is a guy outside the consulate in a trailer who sells food with whom you can leave electronics (cell phone etc) for $3 tip.
At the consulate the lady checked for appointment letter and then okayed it. Went through security and then was given a number after presenting the visa fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation letter and original I-797 H1B approval notice. They finger printed me and then I had my interview. The interviwer was a tough guy. He asked me questions regarding my employment and for the bold items below. Make sure that you go as much prepared as possible (Notarize documents if possible). He complemented me on being well prepared and well documented :). I told him, Anything to make your life easy.
1. Passports (old and new)
2. The original Notice of Action (Form I-797).
3. Employment Contract
4. Labor certification (LCA)
5. The entire approved petition (I-129)
6. Original letters verifying your employment history and specific work skills.
7. Original degree certificates along with mark sheets.
8. Relevant diplomas or certificates, e.g. computer certification.
9. Visa fee receipt Banamex (Manu Naik makes it for you or you can try mexicoassistance dot com or something like that - both do it for a commission)
10. Employment letter from current employer
11. DS-160
12. DS-160 confirmation letter with barcode
13. DS-156 (just in case). They are all shifting to DS-160 slowly. Nogales did not need it but I still took it with me.
14. DS-157 (just in case). They are all shifting to DS-160 slowly. Nogales did not need it but I still took it with me.
15. Payslips
16. All previous I-797s
17. Original AP (For your own backup if applicable)
18. Original EAD (For your own backup if applicable)
19. I-485 Notice of action
20. Appointment confirmation printout
21. Company annual report (if any)
22. Company's tax returns (if applicable)
23. Your personal tax returns for last 5 years. He asked for last three years.
24. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
25. Take your business card, if you have one
26. Driver license
It may not hurt to take your company's documents (tax returns if it is small or annual report if it is a big company) with you.
The guy said that I can pick up visa the same day. If they tell you to pick it up the next day, just go back to border (Mexican side) and there are few hotels where you can stay for the night. Killed my time at local Walmart and ate at Applebees but you can eat at other fast food joints at a nearby mall. Make sure that you take ample $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills.
Nobody speaks frikkin English (unlike Tijuana). I had a tough time communicating when ordering food.
Picked up the visa at 4 PM, took a taxi back to border and showed my new shiny H1B visa to the border agent. I told him that nobody asked me for my I-94 in the morning when I left USA. He took it cool and took the I-94 from me and asked me to staple the I-94 attached to my I-797 to my passport. Drove back to Phoenix.
Hope this was helpful.
Good luck!
At the consulate the lady checked for appointment letter and then okayed it. Went through security and then was given a number after presenting the visa fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation letter and original I-797 H1B approval notice. They finger printed me and then I had my interview. The interviwer was a tough guy. He asked me questions regarding my employment and for the bold items below. Make sure that you go as much prepared as possible (Notarize documents if possible). He complemented me on being well prepared and well documented :). I told him, Anything to make your life easy.
1. Passports (old and new)
2. The original Notice of Action (Form I-797).
3. Employment Contract
4. Labor certification (LCA)
5. The entire approved petition (I-129)
6. Original letters verifying your employment history and specific work skills.
7. Original degree certificates along with mark sheets.
8. Relevant diplomas or certificates, e.g. computer certification.
9. Visa fee receipt Banamex (Manu Naik makes it for you or you can try mexicoassistance dot com or something like that - both do it for a commission)
10. Employment letter from current employer
11. DS-160
12. DS-160 confirmation letter with barcode
13. DS-156 (just in case). They are all shifting to DS-160 slowly. Nogales did not need it but I still took it with me.
14. DS-157 (just in case). They are all shifting to DS-160 slowly. Nogales did not need it but I still took it with me.
15. Payslips
16. All previous I-797s
17. Original AP (For your own backup if applicable)
18. Original EAD (For your own backup if applicable)
19. I-485 Notice of action
20. Appointment confirmation printout
21. Company annual report (if any)
22. Company's tax returns (if applicable)
23. Your personal tax returns for last 5 years. He asked for last three years.
24. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
25. Take your business card, if you have one
26. Driver license
It may not hurt to take your company's documents (tax returns if it is small or annual report if it is a big company) with you.
The guy said that I can pick up visa the same day. If they tell you to pick it up the next day, just go back to border (Mexican side) and there are few hotels where you can stay for the night. Killed my time at local Walmart and ate at Applebees but you can eat at other fast food joints at a nearby mall. Make sure that you take ample $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills.
Nobody speaks frikkin English (unlike Tijuana). I had a tough time communicating when ordering food.
Picked up the visa at 4 PM, took a taxi back to border and showed my new shiny H1B visa to the border agent. I told him that nobody asked me for my I-94 in the morning when I left USA. He took it cool and took the I-94 from me and asked me to staple the I-94 attached to my I-797 to my passport. Drove back to Phoenix.
Hope this was helpful.
Good luck!
girlfriend Walmart.com: Disney Pixar Cars
mast_mastmunda
11-10 02:00 AM
Dear Friends/Experts,
I am planning to go to India for my marriage.
- I have an H1B visa stamped on my passport from my previous employer "A"...The H1B stamped on my Indian passport is valid till Oct'2009.
- I made a transfer from EMPLOYER "A" to EMPLOYER "B" in June 2007.
- H1B filed under Premium processing by EMPLOYER "B" was approved on end of June 2007.
- However, the receipt # for EMPLOYER "B" is different than I-797 receipt # of EMPLOYER "A"
The current status which shows on USCIS website at:
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp
EMPLOYER "A" STATUS:
--------------------
Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Current Status: Cable sent to American Consulate or port of entry notifying them of approval.
On December 12, 2007, the appropriate American Consulate or port of entry was notified of the approval of this case. Please contact them directly if you need more information.
EMPLOYER "B" STAUTS:
--------------------
Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Current Status: Case approved; approval notice e-mailed.
On June 27, 2007, this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER was approved and we sent you an e-mail notice. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.
Question:
-------------
- I am planning to visit India in end of November' 2008....I was wondering as EMPLOYER "A" H1B is already stamped in my passport and stamp is valid till Oct'2009. I was wondering do i need to get a *NEW* H1B visa stamped?
- My concern is regarding the EMPLOYER "A" H1B Status on USCIS website (above). Does this above status means that H1B from EMPLOYER "A" has been revoked? Do i need to get EMPLOYER "B" visa stamped now?
- The reason I am asking is due to the delay concerns due to PIMS system.:mad: I am planning to get it stamped at NEW DELHI.:confused:
I will appreciate your quick response.
Thanks, :confused::confused:
I am planning to go to India for my marriage.
- I have an H1B visa stamped on my passport from my previous employer "A"...The H1B stamped on my Indian passport is valid till Oct'2009.
- I made a transfer from EMPLOYER "A" to EMPLOYER "B" in June 2007.
- H1B filed under Premium processing by EMPLOYER "B" was approved on end of June 2007.
- However, the receipt # for EMPLOYER "B" is different than I-797 receipt # of EMPLOYER "A"
The current status which shows on USCIS website at:
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp
EMPLOYER "A" STATUS:
--------------------
Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Current Status: Cable sent to American Consulate or port of entry notifying them of approval.
On December 12, 2007, the appropriate American Consulate or port of entry was notified of the approval of this case. Please contact them directly if you need more information.
EMPLOYER "B" STAUTS:
--------------------
Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER
Current Status: Case approved; approval notice e-mailed.
On June 27, 2007, this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER was approved and we sent you an e-mail notice. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.
Question:
-------------
- I am planning to visit India in end of November' 2008....I was wondering as EMPLOYER "A" H1B is already stamped in my passport and stamp is valid till Oct'2009. I was wondering do i need to get a *NEW* H1B visa stamped?
- My concern is regarding the EMPLOYER "A" H1B Status on USCIS website (above). Does this above status means that H1B from EMPLOYER "A" has been revoked? Do i need to get EMPLOYER "B" visa stamped now?
- The reason I am asking is due to the delay concerns due to PIMS system.:mad: I am planning to get it stamped at NEW DELHI.:confused:
I will appreciate your quick response.
Thanks, :confused::confused:
hairstyles Pixar Diecast CARS: Mater
geve
09-22 11:58 AM
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2008/tc20080915_270731.htm
There's no place like the U.S. when it comes to creating a thriving tech sector. Or is there? The U.S. still has the world's most competitive information technology industry, but its lead is slipping, according to a new study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) for the Business Software Alliance (BSA).
The study, released Sept. 16, ranks 66 countries in six areas, including the availability of skilled labor, the "innovation friendliness" of a nation's culture, and the strength of its legal protections for intellectual property. The U.S. scored highest overall, but its rating fell from last year, and it was No. 1 in only three of the categories. "America should be proud that it's No. 1, but Americans should also be aware that it can no longer take its leadership for granted," says Robert Holleyman, president and CEO of the BSA, a Washington (D.C.)-based organization that promotes the interests of the software industry.
The EIU's analysis also weighed the quality of a nation's technology infrastructure, measuring the number of PCs per 100 people, market spending on IT hardware per 100 people, the availability of secure Internet servers per 100,000 people, and the percentage of the population with high-speed Internet access. Switzerland, ranked 11th overall, outscored the U.S. on IT infrastructure, which accounted for 20% of a country's score. The study also assessed the openness of a country's economy and the quality of government leadership on technology issues.
No. 5 in R&D Support
In a finding that's likely to vex would-be entrepreneurs, the U.S. scores even further down the list�No. 5�in support for R&D. Taiwan led the category, followed by South Korea, Japan, and Sweden. Here, the EIU scored countries based on the number of new IT-related patents, receipts from royalty payments and licensing fees, and public and private spending on R&D. Holleyman says the BSA plans to share its findings with both major Presidential campaigns and with members of Congress.
The U.S. also lags countries including Canada, Singapore, Britain, and Norway in support for IT development, which accounted for 15% of the overall score. This category covers such things as e-government initiatives, government spending on IT hardware, and access to financing.
The findings of the study will likely renew calls among both IT industry executives and politicians for the country to develop a national innovation strategy as countries such as Finland have done. "America needs a wake-up call," says John Kao, a former professor at Harvard Business School and author of Innovation Nation, a book arguing that the U.S. is losing its edge. "We don't really have a national strategy," he says. "And while I'm not a fan of top-down technocratic approach, I think that at this point in our history, having no strategy is not satisfactory."
Sounding the Alarm
As concerned as he is about U.S. competitiveness, Kao is not a favor of indexes that compare competitiveness among nations, saying they can misrepresent a country's true climate. "They're really abstractions of reality, and they often paint too rosy a picture," he says.
Kao isn't alone in calling the country's competitiveness into question. Judy Estrin, a former Cisco Systems (CSCO) executive, is sounding the alarm as well in a new book, Closing the Innovation Gap, published by BusinessWeek's parent, The McGraw-Hill Cos. (MHP). Estrin says that the lead America enjoys now is the result of work done decades ago, and that the same commitment to innovation and research that existed before has evaporated. "Innovation builds on innovation. We're reaping the benefits now of seeds planted 10, 20, and 30 years ago, and the problem is that we're not planting any more seeds," she says.
The study shows the U.S. still leads the world in the "human capital" category, which measures the number of students attending universities, a country's capacity to train scientists and engineers, and employment in the tech sector as a percentage of the overall workforce. Here too, though, the U.S. lead is threatened. While students from other countries still flock to U.S. universities to get their MBAs and PhDs, tight immigration policies are causing more of those students to go home after graduation. "Our own education system is not producing the innovators we need," Estrin says. "And we're not opening our doors to the best people, and our immigration policy is such that we have been making it harder for them to stay, and so they are going home and innovating elsewhere."
By highlighting vulnerabilities, the study doesn't just trumpet U.S. weaknesses; it points to areas where improvements can be made. "A strong tech industry is crucial to America's ability to address almost every economic and social challenge," Holleyman says in a statement. "Despite our current economic difficulties, the tech sector remains one of the primary engines of the U.S. economy. This index provides a guide to how we can keep that engine moving forward to ensure competitiveness in the future."
There's no place like the U.S. when it comes to creating a thriving tech sector. Or is there? The U.S. still has the world's most competitive information technology industry, but its lead is slipping, according to a new study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) for the Business Software Alliance (BSA).
The study, released Sept. 16, ranks 66 countries in six areas, including the availability of skilled labor, the "innovation friendliness" of a nation's culture, and the strength of its legal protections for intellectual property. The U.S. scored highest overall, but its rating fell from last year, and it was No. 1 in only three of the categories. "America should be proud that it's No. 1, but Americans should also be aware that it can no longer take its leadership for granted," says Robert Holleyman, president and CEO of the BSA, a Washington (D.C.)-based organization that promotes the interests of the software industry.
The EIU's analysis also weighed the quality of a nation's technology infrastructure, measuring the number of PCs per 100 people, market spending on IT hardware per 100 people, the availability of secure Internet servers per 100,000 people, and the percentage of the population with high-speed Internet access. Switzerland, ranked 11th overall, outscored the U.S. on IT infrastructure, which accounted for 20% of a country's score. The study also assessed the openness of a country's economy and the quality of government leadership on technology issues.
No. 5 in R&D Support
In a finding that's likely to vex would-be entrepreneurs, the U.S. scores even further down the list�No. 5�in support for R&D. Taiwan led the category, followed by South Korea, Japan, and Sweden. Here, the EIU scored countries based on the number of new IT-related patents, receipts from royalty payments and licensing fees, and public and private spending on R&D. Holleyman says the BSA plans to share its findings with both major Presidential campaigns and with members of Congress.
The U.S. also lags countries including Canada, Singapore, Britain, and Norway in support for IT development, which accounted for 15% of the overall score. This category covers such things as e-government initiatives, government spending on IT hardware, and access to financing.
The findings of the study will likely renew calls among both IT industry executives and politicians for the country to develop a national innovation strategy as countries such as Finland have done. "America needs a wake-up call," says John Kao, a former professor at Harvard Business School and author of Innovation Nation, a book arguing that the U.S. is losing its edge. "We don't really have a national strategy," he says. "And while I'm not a fan of top-down technocratic approach, I think that at this point in our history, having no strategy is not satisfactory."
Sounding the Alarm
As concerned as he is about U.S. competitiveness, Kao is not a favor of indexes that compare competitiveness among nations, saying they can misrepresent a country's true climate. "They're really abstractions of reality, and they often paint too rosy a picture," he says.
Kao isn't alone in calling the country's competitiveness into question. Judy Estrin, a former Cisco Systems (CSCO) executive, is sounding the alarm as well in a new book, Closing the Innovation Gap, published by BusinessWeek's parent, The McGraw-Hill Cos. (MHP). Estrin says that the lead America enjoys now is the result of work done decades ago, and that the same commitment to innovation and research that existed before has evaporated. "Innovation builds on innovation. We're reaping the benefits now of seeds planted 10, 20, and 30 years ago, and the problem is that we're not planting any more seeds," she says.
The study shows the U.S. still leads the world in the "human capital" category, which measures the number of students attending universities, a country's capacity to train scientists and engineers, and employment in the tech sector as a percentage of the overall workforce. Here too, though, the U.S. lead is threatened. While students from other countries still flock to U.S. universities to get their MBAs and PhDs, tight immigration policies are causing more of those students to go home after graduation. "Our own education system is not producing the innovators we need," Estrin says. "And we're not opening our doors to the best people, and our immigration policy is such that we have been making it harder for them to stay, and so they are going home and innovating elsewhere."
By highlighting vulnerabilities, the study doesn't just trumpet U.S. weaknesses; it points to areas where improvements can be made. "A strong tech industry is crucial to America's ability to address almost every economic and social challenge," Holleyman says in a statement. "Despite our current economic difficulties, the tech sector remains one of the primary engines of the U.S. economy. This index provides a guide to how we can keep that engine moving forward to ensure competitiveness in the future."
kirupa
01-02 06:38 PM
glos - that is fine :) Feel free to submit it then!
morchu
04-27 05:18 PM
No. Applying for new H1-visa-stamp at a consulate, invalidates your existing H1-visa-stamp.
If the new visa is not granted or somehow one goes into 221(g)
waiting for some check, what happens then? Can you still come back on current visa?
Thanks.
If the new visa is not granted or somehow one goes into 221(g)
waiting for some check, what happens then? Can you still come back on current visa?
Thanks.