This web site is a private blog and is not affiliated 
with or funded by the USCIS, Google Inc or any organization. Any opinions, 
suggesstion or articles in this blog is derived from personal experiences,
current affairs and reader's inputs.

E-Verify : What is e-verify and how to SELF Check.

E-Verify is an Internet-based free system developed by the United States Government to provide business and companies (employers) to verify the work authorization of an alien. It is operated by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration(SSA).

If a business or an agency wants to employ foreign worker and would like to use this free service then they need to sign up with E-Verify on the DHS website [ https://e-verify.uscis.gov/enroll/StartPage.aspx?JS=YES ]

To keep the system transparent and to make sure the alien worker know his/her work status, E-verify system was made available to the foreign worker through their Self-Check system.

Below I will outline the steps involved in verifying your work authorization.

1. Keep your Alien# and I-94 number ready.

2. Go to https://selfcheck.uscis.gov/SelfCheckUI/start.html

3. Enter your details such as Name, Address, DOB, and SSN

4.The site will take you to a third party verification service in which you will be asked about 4-5 questions to verify your identity.

5.After successful verification you can enter the Alien number or I-94, if you do not have the A number just enter the I-94 number and click continue.

The resulting page will provide you with the confirmation about your work authorization. Good Luck!

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Train. to USA. What next?

One thing comes to my mind when I think about USA, Train. Well to be more precise the word is Training. It all started on when I first entered a job consultant’s office at Sarjapur Rd, Bangalore, waiting for a friend of mine in the lobby. My friend had requested me to take her to her first job interview. I was fresh out of college. Tired of writing entrance exams in my college and applying jobs in the newspaper and rediff.com.  As I was waiting, I noticed a wall poster which had words about achieving one’s dream; I gave it a lot of thought as I was a shiny coin just out of the mint in my mind and started my day dreaming session. I was interrupted by a fine gentleman who was wearing formals with well done tie. He was looking for somebody and approached me asking if it was me. I said, sorry sir, I don’t know him and he looked at me for few seconds and asked me, Are you looking for a job? I said Yes, next question was a little unexpected. He asked me if I knew how to test a printer connection. Did I? Off course I did. I just repaired a DOT Matrix printer at my neighbor’s home office last night. He called me into his office and my unexpected interview for a Support Engineer in ‘Training’ at Hewlett Packard just started. After some interesting question and answer session, the gentleman said I will email you soon regarding the job offer. I was now officially employed! What next?

The next several days were followed by Training my vocal cords and my accent to sound less like an Indian and more like an American. First the idea of having an accent trainer sounded very cool but soon it was clear to me that I was trying to defy the nature.  Car was pronounced as Cara and I used to call the non-dust eraser as rubber.  As days passed so as thoughts about what next?

Fast-forward few months and there I was riding the white Tata Sumo to Electronic City everyday trying not to think or understand what was going on and the driver hit the brakes, hard enough to put the passengers out of the seat. That did shake me up and reminded me that questions I have been trying to answer “What next? The following days went in doing research, networking with friends and making new contacts. In the end it was clear. I had found the answer. I was going to USA.

Aug of 2005, I landed in the hottest place in the US – Houston Texas. Within two years I was fully consumed by the city. In no time I had got trained again to call the cycle as bike, glass as cup and understood that Houstonians loved Indian Food, well most of them did. Now everyday was a new lesson and another caution. One has to be grounded. Not do anything stupid and most of all, follow everything that was written in the law for being legal in the US.

For once I had believed that I was coming very close to dreaming and making my dreams come true and now it feels like its way out there. I am buried in the sand of immigration laws and invisible chains of being a legal immigrant. Everything around me now revolves around my VISA and I breathe questions and doubts about how to renew my work VISA. I own a car and yet I feel I am walking on the freeway.  It’s been 6 years and it still feels like I am in training. I am waiting for that white taxi to stop. May be I will dare and ask again, what next?

Porting a Vonage number to Google Voice.

I was tired of paying really high fees for Vonage (cannot believe that I am saying this, especially when they are now trying to prove that they are the cheapest) and decided to cancel service. However I did not wanted to loose my vonage number as it was my first cell number and in the world I live in everybody has this number. Google voice came to the rescue but it was not that easy. For reasons unknown (Google still working out contracts and agreements between communication giants) Vonage is not recognized and supported by Google Voice for porting purposes. So I found out after doing some googling that there is just one method currently.

The picture above should explain everything but for those who like to read. Here you go:

1. Call Vonage, make sure you are not in contract to avoid cancellation fees etc and make note of your Account number and PIN.
2. Go to a ATT store and purchase a Go Phone for 24.99 which includes a SIM card and activation fee. Dont buy any phone! Tell the ATT sales tech regarding your intentions to port the number.
3. He will then ask you for the number you want to port in, account number and any PIN associated with the Vonage Account and you are done!
4. Wait for few days to make sure your Vonage has been cancelled and that the porting is successfully working. Now go to voice.google.com and start the porting process again but this time you will successfully port to Google Voice.

Please note, google voice is not very consistent with recognizing phone number eligibility and I recommend you port to a very popular carrier first ( ATT, VERIZON, SPRINT etc) and then try porting.

Check your port status:

AT&T Port Status Page

SPRINT/NEXTEL Port Status Page

OPT Application Problems and Troubleshooting.

NOTE: The steps outlined in this post are an outcome of research on other websites such as USCIS.GOV and other immigration discussion sites. Some of the methods of contacting USCIS mentioned in this post are available on the USCIS.GOV.  These steps may not be in the correct order or may not be appropriate for your case. Please use your best judgement depending on your case. Please use the comments section to ask questions. Good Luck!

OPT Application Problems?

This has become a trend with USCIS and Applicants where, the application receipt is not received by the applicant within 10 days, the check is cashed by USCIS, or their application is pending for more than 90 days. What can be done? I have been trying to research on it and it all comes to basics.

Be Aggressive, don’t wait till the last minute, do it now, do it all.
Aggressive approach to obtain information starts with keeping documentation from confirmation receipts from USPS or UPS or FedEx, Bank Account Transaction of the check that was cashed by USCIS or the emails you wrote to USCIS or your international advisor.

Be prepared to re-apply. Keep the $350 or odd dollars ready.
If everything fails, do it again, just in time. Do not wait too long. This time make sure you keep a paper or electronic trail.

Be cool, be Open, Don’t get discouraged by the organizations or institutions. Life is hard in any country, it sucks, but it’s the way it is, you need to come out a winner.

Okay now, coming to actual steps you could take,

1. Email your advisor, and make him call USCIS and open a case.

If you advisor has good contacts with USCIS and is a friendly advisor who is ready to help take his/hers full advantage. Sit in his/her office till he can help you. They may already have experienced this problem with another student.

2. Email the USCIS Service centers. Remember; make a ‘copy’ of all the copies of

• US Postal Service/UPS/FedEx Confirmation Receipt
• Bank Transaction of your Check, if your check was cleared.
• Your OPT application (Extension or new)
• Any other information, such as email copies of communication between you and USCIS, Your International Advisor.

** Always CC (Carbon Copy) your International Advisor and yourself, when emailing any communication between USCIS and you.

USCIS Service Centers ( Text extracted from USCIS.GOV )

If you contacted the National Customer Service Center with a case-related inquiry and more than 30 days have passed and you have not received a response, you may email the appropriate USCIS Service Center with your inquiry:

California Service Center: csc-ncsc-followup@dhs.gov

Vermont Service Center: vsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov

Nebraska Service Center: ncscfollowup.nsc@dhs.gov

Texas Service Center: tsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov

If you do not receive a response within 21 days of contacting the Service Center, you may contact the USCIS Headquarters Office of Service Center Operations by email at SCOPSSCATA@dhs.gov.

3. Call the NCSC, see if they can help. ( Text extracted from USCIS.GOV )

Call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 if:

You believe you have submitted your application but: You did not receive a Confirmation Receipt Number Your case remains in the “Action Needed Status” on the My Forms screen, or You were charged for the fee (and have checked with your Credit Card merchant or banking institution to confirm) but have not received your Form I-797, Notice of Action, by mail within 10 days of filing your application.

4. Finally, bite the bullet and re-apply.

You have tried everything and no solution yet? Don’t give up! Not yet! Take a day’s break relax and go to your advisor and tell I want to re-apply. This time, make sure you do the following correctly

• Make sure your application is correctly filled out
• Take tracking/confirmation upon receipt from the shipping service.
• Keep an eye on the tracking. You should see a ‘delivered’ status from the shipping service. Print this out for your records.
• You should receive a receipt within 10 days from the date your application was received. If you don’t see it then make the necessary calls (Steps 1 through 3).

Lastly, remember that you have right to information. You can write a detailed message about your application and send it to the address below asking about the information on your case.

Freedom of Information

USCIS Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) Contact:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
National Records Center, FOIA/PA Office
P. O. Box 648010
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010
Fax: 816-350-5785
uscis.foia@dhs.gov

Custom ROM, Android Device, Flash, Clockwork, where do I start?

Hello World!

This is not the complete procedure on how to port to custom ROMs for your Android devices. However, this will give you a sense of the whole process of installing a Custom ROM, Rooting and other procedures involved in this fun, amazing world of flashing custom ROMs. Enjoy!

Introduction:

Android is a open source OS built for mobile devices and handhelds. The original source code is released by Google and are modified by manufacturers to include their propitiatory applications and services. Google search for Andriod, SDK, Gingerbread to know more. ROMs are the OS (operating systems) that is running on the mobile device. Custom ROMs are modified ROMs which are built by individual developers or group of developers such as Cyanogenmod, MIUI, etc. Individual developers such as Phiremod and Group of developers such as XDA Developers.

Why install custom ROM.

The best example I can give here is IBM PC. Why? IBM PC originally comes with bloated software and programs that you can do without. What do you do then? Format your Hard drive, re-install windows and selectively install the programs you want to run. Result is cleaner, faster running PC. In the Android world this not only means faster, cleaner but also means more power, features and free apps.

How to install custom ROM on my phone?

There is no one answer and one method. As Andriod devices are manufactured by several companies, Samsung, HTC, etc and there are CDMA, GSM, Tablets, etc. you will need to look at specifics and then discuss about custom ROMs and Rooting. However in most cases the general procedures are very similar and explained below.

Procedure to install custom ROM

Okay, you bought a new android phone from your preferred carrier and you own it and want to explore your options on what kind of system its running. So you start with first understanding your phone, model numbers, current kernel information, Andriod OS version. etc. Once you are fully aware of your phone’s capabilities and specification then you are ready to ROOT you phone.

Getting Access to root of Andriod devices – Rooting

Rooting is a term used to indicate the procedure which enables access to the root of your phone’s memory. Why? Simply because your phone is a Linux Machine. Read more about Android and its hardware here and in order to replace the OS you will need full access!

Downloading the Custom ROM – ZIP file 

Next, you will now need a custom ROM that will replace the Stock ROM. You will find several developers providing this on the internet. Most of them are popular, tried and tested. The most common one’s which are popular are :

Cyanogenmod
ROMS developed by XDA
Other ROMS – Phiremod

Most of the ROMs are in ZIP format which is the ready format for installation of the custom ROM.

Installing a custom ROM – Flashing

The installation of a custom ROM also called as Flashing a ROM is performed using the Recovery mode. OOOKAY, what? The word Flashing simply means replacing the contents of a memory chip with new contents, the word Recovery mode reefers to the boot loader of the mobile device. For example, on a PC, a formatting and installing windows OS would be like Flashing which can be achieved using the DOS loaded at start up which is the same as Recover Mode.

Recovery Mode

The Recovery mode provides you with a menu to wipe Data, System, Cache to enable successful flashing of ROMs. The Recovery mode provided by the manufacturer of the mobile device might not have all the options you would need and hence you install a custom recovery, most commonly used is ClockworkRecovery which is developed by an individual. You can find more information here. He also developed ROM manger to manage all ROMs, to easily update ROMs and mostly this app is used to install clockworkrecovery.

Next what?

Now you have some idea about Rooting, Flashing, Custom ROMs and clockwork recovery and so you are now ready to read and understand those blogs, instructions provided by individuals over the internet to install custom ROMs. To give you a head start, I have created 2 step procedure for first timers. See below and have fun!
How to install Cyanogen Mod on your phone/mobile device.

Step 1:

Go to http://www.cyanogenmod.com/ and click on get cyanogenmod and select your device from the list.

Step 2:

Under this device page, you will notice Downloads  and Out Links. Before you hit the Downloads page, click on the Wiki link under Our Links and read through the complete guide. This guide will tell you how to root, install and use the custom ROM.

Remember, once you root your phone/mobile devices using any method you find on the internet, you can then try and install 100′s of different ROMs many times! Just make sure you don’t Brick you phone.

Hello Open World!

Passport Service in Indian Consulates in USA (Eg. Houston Tx)

Steps to renew your passport at the Indian Embassy in USA (Houston Tx)

1.       Go to https://passport.gov.in/nri/OnlineRegistration.jsp and fill the application and print the application. It says online application, but it’s just a form that you will enter data to print. The information is not sent to the Indian Embassy.

If you have difficulty with the electronic form for any reason, then print this form and fill it out using a black ink http://www.immihelp.com/nri/miscellaneous-services-indian-consulate-houston.pdf

2.       Depending on the service required, your documentation will contain the following required documents plus additional documents (service requested documents for more info)

Required Documents:

1.       Current or Expired Passport, VISA and I-94 – proof that your are from India.

2.       US Drivers License, House or Apartment lease agreement, Bills (Gas, Phone, Electricity)– Proof of residence.

3.       Green card, EAD card, I-20, H1b Approval – Proof of status.

4.       Photographs – have 2 copies, 3.5 cm X 3.5 cm , same as our Indian Passport size photo. Go to Walgreens or any Instant photo place and request them if they can resize it for you. I got it clicked at Walgreens and the lady was very nice, she cropped it accordingly before printing it American Passport Size and then I had to use scissors to cut it to the Indian Passport Size. Remember, you cannot just cut the American Passport Size to make an Indian Size because then your face will be too big in the picture. Get the idea? J

5.       Dollar bills, yes, keep cash at hand. It will cost anywhere between 40 to 100 dollars depending on the service.

You can either pick up your passport or request it to be mailed.

Service specific requirements:

1. Expired passport:

a. Affidavit required if expired for more than 1 year- http://www.immihelp.com/nri/indianpassport/affidavit-lost-passport-washington-dc.pdf

* Other consulates will require other documents. The above only pertains to Houston Indian Consulate.

2. Change of address:

a.       Include original evidence of new address from India, such as Tax returns, Electricity bill, Phone bill, Affidavit stating the new address or any certificate from a government or official authorized personnel in India.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE COMMENT SECTION.

 

Drivers Licence 101 in USA for H1b F1 or Visa Holders

NOTE: This post was originally started for Texas State, however due to the
increasing confusion regarding paperwork for DL in most states, I have
created a DL Check List Page for all states.

Procedure for obtaining a Drivers license (DL) in USA has been evolving and during the past couple of years we have seen new rules in place.  This blog will summarize and prepare you to apply for a new DL, renew an expiring DL, or apply for change of address on your current DL. Please note this is not an official DPS blog and I highly recommend you read and go through the respective DPS websites of your state for accurate information. This blog aims to bridge the gap between immigration requirements with DL requirements.

Looking for information on DL paperwork requirements for your state? Check out the *** New *** Post DL Check List Page for more information.
This is work in-progress. This is aimed at collecting and providing accurate paperwork requirements for all states in USA. Thanks to you all!

• Read the original full article….
• Go to the new DL-CheckList Page*

Possible Solution for: UMA Blackberry Tmobile Not working?

I had the same problem connecting to the UMA. What is surprising is, I was able to connect to UMA through the WIFI router and then one fine day I replaced the router with the same exact model and configuration (that is what I thought). I have put the solution summary in the end if you do not want to waste time reading my investigation steps.

My findings:

What was the problem:

UMA worked before on my WIFi and when I replaced it with another router with very similar configuration, the blackberry(s) failed.

My investigation and the Result:
Any WIFI has a feature in which you can choose the type of signal, it can be MIXED, G or B.

Accidental finding:
The first router, on which my Blackberry phones (15 phones) worked on the UMA had a signal type “B” selected. When I replaced it with a new router, I had configured the signal type to be “Mixed”. Though it connected to the WIFI and enabled web browsing on the BB phones, but the UMA failed.

So, when I got to a point of frustration and was randomly changing router settings in an effort to make the UMA work at any cost, I stumbled upon this. I have experimented enough to prove that this is the reason why my BB phones did not work (note they are all of different model BB phones). When I turn it to MIXED, the UMA on the BBs fail, and when I switch it back to B or G it works. I have put all my routers to signal type “B” and its been working for everybody like a charm.

Summary of the solution

For the UMA to work, the main requirement is that the WIFI router is configured for a single type (G or B) and most preferably on “B”. Do Not at any circumstances use the MIXED.

What a relief. I wish the T-mobile CS knew this or it could be in the min requirements of the UMA access instructions on theirs or BB  website

Please tell me if this solution helped your situation.

-Dbworks

Resident Alien, Alien what?

This post has been long due considering the number of questions everybody is asking and problems the new students on F1 are facing. This is post will help to clarify the doubts such as- if you need to pay Social Security Tax , what type of resident you are for Tax Purposes and clear some misconceptions.

Misconception.
#1. I need not pay Federal Tax for your Income if you are a F1 student or on OPT.

Truth: 99% of the time you have to pay tax for the income you earn. Until unless your country has a tax treaty which tell you not to pay or pay a percentage. If you are from India, there is no such treaty and so yo have to pay your Tax.

#2. I need not pay SSN and Medicare Tax because I am on F1 Status.

Truth: F1 is not a status, further Social and Medicare Taxes can be withheld if you are considered as a resident alien for Tax purposes. Even though you are on F1 (which is a Non-Resident Visa) you are considered as a resident alien if you meet the few criteria (discussed in the Definition of the Resident Alien below).

A: Resident Alien and Non-Resident Alien

Who is considered as a Resident of United States for IRS Tax purposes?

Definition of Resident Alien

Resident aliens generally are taxed on their worldwide income, similar to U.S. citizens.

To be classified as a resident alien, the individual must meet one of two tests:

1. Green Card Test

A non-resident alien is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. at any time if they have been given the privilege, according to the
immigration laws, of residing permanently as an immigrant. This status usually exists if the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
has issued a green card.

2. Substantial Presence Test

A non-resident alien is classified as a resident alien for tax purposes if they were physically present in the U.S. for 31 days during the
current year and 183 days during a three-year period that includes the current year and the two years immediately before that counting:
a. All the days you were present in the current year, and b. 1/3 of the days you were present in the first year before the current year, and c.
1/6 of the days you were present in the second year before the current year.

Definition of Non-resident Alien

If a person does not meet either the Green Card or Substantial Presence Test, then that person is classified as a non-resident alien.

• A new arrival on a J-1 or F-1 visa is generally a non-resident alien.

Non-resident aliens are taxed only on their income from sources within the U.S. and on certain income connected with the conduct of a trade
or business in the U.S.

B. Social Security and Medicare :

Nonresident Alien Students( The text below is direct from the IRS Publication p519)

If you are a nonresident alien temporarily admitted to the United States as a student, you generally are not permitted to work for a wage or salary or to engage in business while you are in the United States. In some cases, a student admitted to the United States in “F-1,” “M-1,” or “J-1” status is granted permission to work. Social security and Medicare taxes are not withheld from pay for the work unless the student is considered a resident alien.

Any student (Non-Resident)  who is enrolled and regularly attending classes at a school may be exempt from social security and Medicare taxes on pay for services performed for that school.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permits on-campus work for students in “F-1” status if it does not displace a U.S. resident. On-campus work means work performed on the school’s premises. On-campus work includes work performed at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. On-campus work under the terms of a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship is considered part of the academic program of a student taking a full course of study and is permitted by the USCIS. Social security and Medicare taxes are not withheld from pay for this work unless the student is considered a resident alien.

Students in “F-1” status may be permitted to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training includes work/study programs, internships, and cooperative education programs. In this case, the educational institution endorses the Form I-20. Social security and Medicare taxes are not withheld from pay for this work unless the student is considered a resident alien.

Employment due to severe economic necessity and for optional practical training is sometimes permitted for students in “F-1” status. Students granted permission to work due to severe economic necessity or for optional practical training will be issued Form I-688B or Form I-766 by the USCIS. Social security and Medicare taxes are not withheld from pay for this work unless the student is considered a resident alien.

Students in “M-1” status who have completed a course of study can accept employment for practical training for up to 6 months and must have a Form I-688B or Form I-766 issued by the USCIS. Social security and Medicare taxes are not withheld from “M-1” students’ pay for these services unless the student is considered a resident alien.

In all other cases, any services performed by a nonresident alien student are not considered as performed to carry out the purpose for which the student was admitted to the United States. Social security and Medicare taxes will be withheld from pay for the services unless the pay is exempt under the Internal Revenue Code.

Sources:

SSN & Medicare Tax:http://www.irs.gov/publications/p519/ch08.html#en_US_publink1000222689

Resident or Non-Resident: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=129390,00.html

HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE!

Below is something , if you are not doing anything this New Years Eve, so please give it a serious thought! If you do! then you would be partying at this time.

As we all know that it is going to be the end of another year. With this brings a new one to live our dreams and aspirations. Its time to make some new goals and look forward to the challenges of struggling economy and its effects. So my friends, I wish you Good Luck and STOP what you are doing and go to that party or if you don’t have an invitation, just indulge in your own or have a fun family time. Sit back, make some good food ( if you cook), or get some drinks out ( if you drink) and call that special friend and just have a good time WHAT EVER WORKS. If you are stuck alone, then just sit and recap all the good and bad times and off-course don’t feel sad, if you do call me .
Party PPL!!! ., this day comes only once a year!

* DO NOT SIT and THINK Later ” I did not do anything for this new year”.
Have a Blast.
PARTY NOW!
Happy New Year.
* Issued in Public and Private interests.