I'm in a predicament right now so maybe you people could give some advice. I have both my H1B visa na and OEC from POEA (so technically I could leave the country na!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) The problem is my company in NJ (a consulting firm) is also affected by the current slowdown of the US economy and have informed me to hold off my trip to the US and delay my starting date (after all that trouble in POEA and resigning from my job here in PInas, now the unknown delay arrrggggggghhhhh). My question is----- how bad is the employment situation in the US right now???? I have a lot choices right now kasi.

I'm doing temp work here in Pinas to pay the bills for now so okay pa naman ako , but I'm worried about my OEC w/c expires on Nov. 12. I could go the States kasi, look for a job and do an H1B transfer with a different employer na lang. I'll worry about the repercussions of that with my original employer when the time comes. They promise kasi to contact me and put me on board when the situation improves daw but with what i'm reading from Cnn and fortune magazine, the outlook of a US rebound for the next six months or so is bleak. If you were in my case, what would you do????

By the way, the company is legit talaga---- i have a cousin there (he recommended me actually) and have worked there for two years or so. Minalas lang daw talaga ako ng timing with the current slump........ Oh well, I guess an H1B does not guarantee work unless you are really right there in the doorstep of your employer.

Or the other scenario is, I stay here in Pinas for now. The pay wont be same as I should be getting as in the States, but it's enough to survive and have that extra comfort (mababaw lang kasi kaligayahan ko eh hehehehe)

What's your take about my situation and what would you do?????

Thanks in advance

i don't like being the bearer of bad news, but here it is...

i'm not sure about jersey, but let me tell you that right here in california, graduating cum laude with an MIS degree from a college here is not enough to guarantee you a decent job. with those credentials, all i got was a low-level IT firm doing low level work earning a salary that, given the cost of living here, will barely sustain me with little or no leftover cash for savings. and with the sept. 11 attacks, it will only get worse.

thing is, net, you will earn much more working here than in manila. but in terms of cost of living, you're far better off there, especially if you can live with your parents. it's not even close. let me tell you, rent, gas, insurance, and utilities alone will cost you almost $1500 in the bay area. and let's not even talk about taxes for an unmarried person with no dependents...

i guess it's hardest on IT people like me, but it's not limited to us. just today, CNN had a segment about the rise in unemployment insurance claims - the highest since 1992. and california, new york, and michigan were the hardest hit states.

i am quick to point out, however, that the rewards of liing here are great. the freedom, independence, and sense of achievement are what i valued most. even if i can only afford to eat twice a day.

Thanks for the info and feedback. I will take into consideration (standard of living, freedom, independence and sense of achievement) if I do decide to stake it out in the US. If I do decide to take the chance, the worst thing that could happen to me is that I took a vacation in the US . I'm deciding right now if I do try it out, to go to California or Maryland. But with the attrition rate in California for job-seekers there, Maryland might be a brighter idea for me. I could stay with relatives if need be hehehe. Anyway, thanks for the advice!!!!!!!!!!!11

Hi.. if I were you.. give it a shot..at least it's better than wasting all that effort just to get that H1B (tama ba?) visa.. You may experience a lot of difficulties at first, (like finding the "right job") but you gotta start somewhere right..? The pay may not be that high yet.. but at least youre gaining all the necessary local experience needed to transfer to a better job, if ever you decided to do so.. If you want to.. you can also try going to temp agencies and they can help you set your foot at the door while you search for a more permanent job.

divinefist,

it's pretty bad here. the sep. report of unemployed folks was close to 200,000--not mentioning the unreported ones. being immigration enforcement as one of the things i do, i suggest you keep on searching for a US company that will petition you...there's always something out there. as a matter of fact, i processed somebody yesterday from the Philippines--an IT grad from La Salle. she's joining oracle (a company that just layed-off 2000 employees last month). you'll never know. as long as your visa is valid upon entry and you have the I-797 from the new company, you can still come and work. a word of caution though--don't attempt at using your H1B (based on the NJ firm)if you didn't get specific instructions from that firm that you're good to go. immigration has tightened its noose on everybody...not just terrorists. immigration has been verifying H1Bs--calling employers if the prospective h1b applicant has an available position to fill. if not, you'll be removed expeditiously (deported). that in itself constitutes a 5-year ban. last week, we sent back 58 indians with new H1bs for claiming they had jobs waiting for them when in fact, their companies closed shop or froze hiring. indians are pretty atrocious in that anyway. for your sake, don't take unnecessary chances if there is no new employer waiting on line.
but you can play the russian roulet...now and then you'll encounter an immigration officer at arrival who won't bother you as long as your passport and visa are not counterfeit or altered. if that officer stamps you, you're in my friend. but, as a fellow-atenean, I caution you to take this route.....good luck in whatever you do.

Then I better make sure that your the one manning the gate when I do decide to come. Just kidding, thanks for the tip

One of the things that I realized from what happened to me, an H1B visa doesn't guarantee you work nowadays. Should have accepted that different job offer tsk tsk tsk Oh well, until the next US economic rebound.

I know you are asking Ateneans only (I'm actually a La Sallite). As a fellow Filipino, I would advice you to go to the US on another Visa (i.e. B1/B2 aka tourist visa). Once you are in the U.S. observe the lifestyle. If you are ready and do find a job with an employer who is willing to hire and petition you then all the better because you will not have to leave U.S. soil during the petition period. If things don't work out, have a grand vacation and enjoy your trip.

One more thing, I won't blow sunshine up your you-know-where. It will be very very hard in the beginning for you over here in the U.S. Do not forget to pray. Do not lose sight of your objective/s (trust me there will be a whole lot of distractions). And don't be too proud to ask help from your family in the Philippines (like your mom and dad).

Lastly, if you end up living here don't forget to do your country PROUD!!!

Good Luck to You. Aim High and You'll Fly High.

BTW, ANIMO LA SALLE!!!!(!)
Sorry, just couldn't help myself.

Your insights are taken, Colnago. Congratulations on your team. Hopefully we, Blue Eagles, will be there to spoil your party when you do your high five at 65 hehehehe

Trust me. Win or Lose, its always more fun when Blue Eagles and Green Archers are at it.

Just remembered, when you get here try to get in contact with your fellow alumni. A lot of La Sallites and Ateneans have forgotten that the best reason why you went to The Ateneo or DLSU is because these are the only schools where you will be able to gain contacts. Out there in the world (regardless of what world that is) its not always "what you know" but "who you know (and who knows you)". One way or the other, your fellow Eagles (and possibly a few Archers) might be able to help you out here.

GL HF (Good Luck, Have Fun)

divinefist, if i were you i would really try to grab that opportunity and make it work... sayang yan, not everyone will get the chance to be able to come and work here in US... like what francistein said the cost of living, freedom, independence and sense of achievement are what you will experience... really good experience and training i must say... and if you think about it, "struggling" with daily living and working around a budget is there anywhere you live... the big difference is that there in phils you have your family you can stay with, but if you were to move out even in phils, it's the same thing... it's always the challenge of trying to fit everything you need with what you have... so i really recommend trying to do that even just for the experience... but then that's assuming things will work out with that NJ company...

right now, i live with my uncle here in socal.. but will eventually move out soon early next yr... so now i'm just preparing myself to be able to handle that... mentally and financially...

i came here with B1-B2 visa and wasn't even expecting to eventually work... i knew about an opportunity but i didn't expect it to come so soon... they convinced me to change status here and everything worked out well... people also told me that's the fastest way to get an H1B... so i went for that...

fray, since i changed status here... i now need to have my passport stamped at a US consul office.. i was planning to have this done in mexico... this is so i have the option of being able to travel... but after that i will try to see if i can have something going for my green card application... hopefully with the same company... what would you recommend me to do? knowing the situation right now after the 9/11 thing and being someone from immigration... should i still have my passport stamped or should i just move on and do my green card application? i really want to have the option of travelling outside US though... any risks involved?

Unfortunate timing

Francistein's words are daunting and I know one of my cousins who landed a job a few months ago in L.A. was released recently. Still, unemployment there remains below 5.5%. Francistein is also in the Bay Area, among the most expensive regions of the country, although you'll be wincing everytime you pay for something if you mentally convert to pesos no matter where in the U.S. you are.

Francistein, although you're eating two times a day you're still connected to the internet? But I guess you're using something like NetZero if not an office connection.

i'm assuming you're employed by a company right? if you're are and you do decide to go to mexico, it's NOT just a stamp you need from the consul. in fact, it's not a stamp but an actual h1b visa that looks like the b1/b2 visa you had. when you go down in mexico, make sure you have all the paperwork (i797, valid passport with the adjustment stamp and the i-94 departure w/c also indicates your adjustment)you received indicating you're eligible to work in the US. show them to the consular officer and you'll pay a small fee for the actual visa. when you return from mexico through the border or the airport, the immigration inspector will check if you have the appropriate visa...everything should be co-pacetic from then on. there is no risk in going to mexico if you are currently gainfully employed, if you have all the paperwork, and if you go to mexico for the sole purpose of getting a visa. as far as green card, your company will have to petition you for that. i suggest you do it and talk to your boss and your company's legal dept to file for you. i'm certain you are in your company's good graces. you shouldn't have a problem....goodluck!!!

[ October 24, 2001: Message edited by: fray torquemada ]

I have talked to my employer in NJ and still my starting date is on hold. Oh well, guess I may be staying around here for awhile. I will get that chance in due time hehehe.

Somehow I still consider myself lucky, at least I have local job temporarily. My former employer here still wants me to work for them permanently even if they know about my situation. I have to talk them about the details if I do decide accept their offer .

If this happened two years ago maybe, I would be definitely leaving for the US and take the chance. But as for now, let us say, I'd rather keep my noses clean and go to the US the legit way. Don't want to risk that five year ban hehehe. Wise rin yun employer ko. They know that the H1B that they petitioned me for is valid for 3 yrs with them, so their is no rush on their part. Let us just hope that the economy stablizes in a year's time or so.

I have noticed that this thread is becoming informative regarding immigration issues to the US. Let's keep it that way. I'm learning new things with all your posts!!!!!

divinefist,

like you, i'm faced with the same dilemma couple of months back. i was issued my H1B visa last feb and since the economy in the us is still in wayward condition, i was not sent to new york.

however, given the situation, i decided to go and work here in singapore for the mean time. my visa is also valid for 3 years, so hopefully, before it expires, i'll be sent there already. it's just sad that i can't use my h1b visa to visit my relatives there.

Ogster,
I thought that my case was unique . Good for you that you tried out your luck there in the Lion City. How is it in Singapore, job situation and stuff? I also thought of trying out there. Any tips, suggestions and insights????

thanks fray! i have set an appointment at ciudad juarez for early november! although i really wanted just tijuana, all appointments are booked until december... and i don't want to wait taht long anymore... mas masakit lang sa bulsa bec of the plane ticket... but i guess that's the price i'm paying if i want this ASAP... thanks for the assurance

Hey !!!
Familiar people.Pasensya na Honey babes pero ang sama talaga ng internet connection ng mga pinsan ko sa may Bay Area. Nasa Chicago ka pa ba?

Anyway Francistein and the rest are right --- give it a try - there's no guarantee but what the hell. Bay Area (Northern California) living is incredibly expensive.I moved back down to Southern California becaues it is cheaper.Be strong though and remain in contact with your loved ones - trust us!!!

- by the way question for you fray --- airforce or marines?

[ October 28, 2001: Message edited by: GUD_BADOODLES ]

gud,
so you received the private response right? mmm, i wasn't in either branch. i was in the army...but, i had airforce friends and they had a better quality of life. in terms of resume building, the airforce also has slight advantage because most of its specializations are more science/engineering oriented. in terms of further studies, you can do it in any branch and in the a.f., it's done with better ease because all you have to do in the a.f. is do your particular specialization 90% of the time. unlike the army and the marines, you're subjected to more mindless details, seemingly unnecessary activities, and the elements. but in any case, when they deploy your rear-end, you're gone...
btw, i may be a conservative right winger republican to the core (as i've already offended some sensibilities in this forum), but as i've said time and again, the armed forces is not for everybody. think about it twice, three times, four times. ask the recruiter every imaginable question. in fact, i discourage people to join. if you can stick in the private sector or non-military vocation, i highly recommend it. the most i recommend for military service is joining the reserve or national guard ranks (weekend warriors) because you can maintain for the most part your chosen profession or interest. if you lean politically so much to the left and HIGHLY CRITICAL of the policies of the U.S., don't even bother, you'll only end up hating what you do. but if you have the positive attitude, a gameplan that makes the military WORK FOR YOU and not so much the other way around, then consider it. so, AIM HIGH or SEMPER FI? gotta aim high my friend like the true blue eagle you are.....


but i still don't recommend it

Pardon me from veering away from the topic just a bit Divinefist...

Anyway I understand what you're saying Fray. I've talked to somebody from U.P. who chose to become part of the special forces in the Philippine armed forces... and guess what, he said the same stuff you said! in his words:
"...kapag ikaw ang tipong mahilig mag-iiisip masyado at maraming ideya, at parati mong kinukuwestyon kung bakit, malaking pagbabago ang gagawin mo sa sarili mo kapag sumali ka sa armed forces. Hindi mo kailangan sumali pero nasasaiyo na iyon.. pero kung sumali ka nga, matuto kang tumahimik at tumanggap nalang ng mga bilin..."

I'll make it a point to digest what you and my friend said.

well, divinefist, singapore is fine. btw, are you in IT? if you are, then, better go and gain experience working here while you wait for your employer in the us to give you a go signal. although the global recession has also a drastic impact here, IT remains strong and have kept employment rates in the mainstream. :cool:

Yup, im in IT, primarily on software development. This is why I'm keeping myself busy with temp work to keep my skills in synch with the times. How did you find a job in Singapore? Did you go there and look for one or you did your search here in Pinas???

hi, i came here just for a vacation, since i also resigned from my company there, but i also submitted my resume to an agency, luckily, before my tourist pass was about to expire, i was offered a job in a german investment bank. if you want, let's chat through YM ok? :cool:

I am a bit amused at the many advices that are posted in this forum. I guess each is entitled to one's opinion. But some down to earth thought is in order.

Am I correct in asking if any one who gave his/her one-cent advise has ever seen or even heard of a US Immigration Lawyer - like Dan P. Danilov, Esq.[Seattle, WA]? Perhaps, you should call/e-mail or write Messrs. Constancio,Abad & Mallonga, LPP of New York - all are ateneo alumni - Mr. Constancio was practically born in the Ateneo - he started in grade school and toiled up to law school. He went to New York and was admitted as a New York lawyer. - These guys know the ins and out of US Immigration [from I-9, I-129B/H-1B, I-130/I-485, or I-140/I-485, G2, I-551.] I know - I was with them when I told them to read Thompsons on US Immigration. I was with them when I was putting flesh into the dry bones of Gordon & Rosenfield's US Immigration Compendium of 4 Volumes. I was with them when I took up a course with the ABA - CLE on US Immigration. Our course resource person was the Associate Commissioner of US Immigration from Washington D.C.

So your guys - sat sap sat - unless you are an expert in US immigration - please keep your opinion to yourself. This is more helpful to the fellow atenean asking to help. Me, well I happened to be a New York lawyer practicing US Immigration sometime ago in Manhattan -New York - so I guess I can say something. Now I am here in Canada -of course also a lawyer admitted in Ontario and also practicing here - immigration of course is one of them. [if you find this offensive, then you are not really dyed blue and white; you must be new and pale and lily livered;] Ahem!

DivineFist,

Bakit ba maraming gustong pumunta dito sa tate?..kasi andito ang lahat na opurtunidad na pwedeng gawin ng isang taong malakas ang loob at mataas ang pangarap. Tutal mey visa kana, di pumunta ka dito ala bakasyun at pagkatapos maghanap ka ng trabahong makapagbigay sa iyo ng work petition. Uwag mo lang gamitin yung H1B pra walang kumplekasyun. Sa totoo lang, hanggang buwan ang cost of living dito lalo na sa mga malalaking ciudad,(ex. apt ko ay $1500/mo 2bd di pa kasama ilaw, tubig at gas) pero mataas din naman ang pasweldo...yung nga lang walang kang maipon kung di ka magtitipid o kaya makikitira ka sa sang kamag-anak( 1 yr lang kundi sisipain ka na). Andito ako sa New York City, sang federal govt employee, mey part-time (another 30 hrs/wk), walang asawa, pero ganun pa rin walang naiipon ( magastos dapat mag-asawa na). Ngayun, habang naghahanap ka ng legit na trabaho, maraming mga "off the book" dian... at least yung pang-araw-araw na gastos eh sambot na. Isa pa, marami namang mga atenistang immigration lawyers dito na pwedeng tumulong ( ingat ka lang sa mga mayayabang ). Heto ang sure bet na masasabi ko...maghanap ka ng sang HOME CARE Facility, mas maigi kung pinoy ang may-ari, kausapin mong e-sponsor ka (98% batting ave). Kunting tiyaga kung kaya mo and just move on when greener pastures are in sight. Goodluck.

[ March 13, 2002: Message edited by: 4321 ]

ixthys,
how's ontario? i'll be assigned in that area for two to five years. i'll be even covering quebec for some of our missions. i heard canada's really nice. i'm not too concerned with work, but the quality of life--places to go, eat, the culture, the arts...the finer things in life.
those lawyers you mentioned--they're pretty good and they're not sleazoids either. They're in our list of "straight" lawyers. There's also this guy Gurfinkle (?not sure with the spelling). He has a Filipina wife (an Ateneo grad). He's helped a lot of pinoy celebrities straighten their status.
by the way, from your expert opinion, was i giving bad advise to some of our atenean brothers? i was actually being too cautious in some of those advise because i come from an enforcement perspective. the stuff i dish out is like slivers of what i learned from the immigration officer academy where you had to learn both sides of the house--enforcement and service (customer service at that). i have to admit i was never a fan of the latter. i'm as pat buchanan as they come and human trafficking and fraud are my expertise. but, i'm almost certain i gave good advise. if i was mistaken, i stand corrected and please point it out. as a matter of fact, i've stopped dishing out immigration advise because ultimately it's a conflict of interest between enforcement and service that's why the INS will be dissolved 3-4 years down the line and divided between immigration enforcement and immigration service...the service part has hampered enforcement part for many years. canada, i heard, is even worst or at least as bad as the US in terms of immigration violations...there's even a joke regarding Toronto w/c has a big south asian and middle eastern illegal population--it makes New York look like a white country club.

Bay, unsa man ka nga year sa xuhs? nagpuyo ka ba sa cervini sa admu? basig mag-ila ta. e-mail (private) sa ako. usahay kay ga-hang-out man mi ni Ms. Gomez (history teacher). gadaghan na baya ang mga tiga- cagayan de oro dinhi. sige bay.

bisdak mo lang!

Question lang to the Ateneo New Yorkers. How can I get info on Ateneo-related events that happen in NYC like reunions, etc.? I'm studying here in NY now and I always hear about these events (like the last visit of Fr. Manoling Francisco, etc.) after they happen.

reyesaa,
i throw the question back to you. there's a big atenean population here in the city pero i noticed most of the blue folks are really immersed into scholarly endeavors and/or work. the last time i was in an ateneo gathering was fr nebres' visit of may 2001 w/c was held at the pnb office. i rely on the ateneo.net and this site. there was even an atenean dude(batch 93)during that visit who works for Ernst and Young who was thinking of reorganizing the AAA east coast but i don't what came out of that. all i know is that we were not represented during the annual Phil. Independence Day parade.

fray torquemada:

one of the most difficult facet of law practice is to give an opinion and advice. i do see your focus - coming from an enforcement side of the law. but as you have already mentioned there is the other side. put it simply, there are many sides to the whole system. the enforcement side will deal with the practical day to day enforcement of the immigration law. then there is the administrative side. well, let me just sum it up by saying this. let's give our fellow atenean the best advise that one can give [other than one BIG FIGHT!]guide him/her to the best expert/s on the matter [preferrably another atenean]. i firmly believe that when the Almighty created the universe in His Divine wisdom He had foreordained that certain ateneans will be occupying certain positions and offices around the world and who would be in a position to be of help to another.

Ontario is a great place only and only if you happen to come from New York. The Ontarians have a penchant for looking at themselves and be mesmerised at their own belly. But if you come from New York, not Chicago, not L.A., not SFX, not SEATAC, and not some other place [after all the lady I met at the Pochonos Mountain Resort said when ask where she is from - "Where else would any body who is somebody come from except from New York" (with a twang accent N'yok)]- with that comment, she proceeded to open her car - MB 500S, started the engine and moved away. So your coming to Ontario - well and good. Enjoy the distillate of Canadian essence [other than Jim Beam Whisky]. If you find that people suddenly become suddenly too polite, too quite, and reserved, then know that they have started to discern that you are from some other place other than New York. Don't be alarmed; don't be piqued; it is a common and daily occurrence.

Thanks. There's really a lot of opportunity for young alumni to get together. Of course most of us, myself included, are busy w/ studies or work but a few small events every now and then would go a long way. I'll just log on to this website to keep myself updated.

can i have the email/address/contact numbers of the atenean lawyers in new york?

DivineFist and 4321:

I cannot over emphasize a factor that many will turn a blind eye to. Many will say, go undergound and go TNT. Dont use your H1B visa and just cross your fingers and hope for the best. This is WRONG and THE HEIGHT OF IRRESPONSIBILITY.

Gentlemen, the world has changed since 911. Let me tell you the new policies that have just been issued from the DOJ in relation to US Immigration. (1.) Issuance of I-94 after admission to US territory will be limited to only 30 days - business or pleasure visa B1/B2 class. (2.) Employers are urged to file within one week from hire of a new worker an F-9 form. (3.) Immediate deportation of any non-immigrant who overstays or violates any of his/her terms and conditions of admission to the US.
(4.) Deportation carries with it the prohibition of an immediate return to the US. [this means the only way to go abroad is to take a ticket and line up at the office of the POEA and look for some kind of labour openning in the Middle East.

My advise gentlemen - go legit - seek out Atenean lawyers in New York and let them do the work for you. Never mind if they are "mayabang" or "mahangin" as they really are. They have earned their laurels and are really separate and distinct from ordinary mortals and specially those who are just about to join the "karera ng daga" in New York. Even those who are natives of New York are very careful when dealing with those fellows with and "Esq." after their surnames. They are somebody. In New York, a somebody is a somebody. So long as they are able to bring in the bacon who cares if they are "bangya"; who cares if they can pee higher than you can; who cares if you can endure the winter's cold as well as them and that you have to follow their directions as they process your papers - what is most important is that at the end of the day, they call you up and say that you can pick up your working visa and you can start earning you way in US Dollars. So gentlemen - get to work to have those throbbing hearts in optimum condition. New York is one hell of a place to live and let live. I know, I lived there for about ten years. Remember, if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere!!!!

ixthys,SHAGGY, reyesaa , 4321 et al....


Thanks for all your inputs. I'm still here in Pinas, but gainfully employed with my old company. They took me back when they heard I might not be leaving for the States.

I'm not expecting anything with the company in NJ. Though my cousin is still with the company, things are pretty hard with them. The tecnical recruiter and the development manager that I'm supposed to report to, got laid off a month ago. All of your advises were well received by me. I suggest we keep open this discussion to help those are planning to go to the States. Dont worry people, it has been my principle to always keep it legit when it comes to work opportunities. Your suggestions of seeking legal help is the right course.

Let us keep the discussion going and God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DivineFist and all you guys and gals who are thinking of going to the US on B1/B2 Visa - the door has started to close a little bit more.

Under the new INS regulations visitors are now limited in their stay to 30days only at a time. Should you need to stay longer, you must justify before the INS officer why you need to stay longer. The same regulation stipulates that prospective foreign students with B2 visa must declare upon their arrival before an INS officer that they intend to enroll in school. Failure to do so will disallow the adjustment of status from B2 to F1 or to M1. So people, please brace yourselves to more restrictions to come if you still want to go to the States.

Dear Shaggy:

I hope this is not too late for you. The Atenean lawyers I have mentioned are connected with the law office of Abad, Constancio & Mallonga, LLC. The office is located - saan pa but at Empire State Bldg., 1009-350 5th Ave., N.Y., N.Y. 10118.
Tel. No. 212-714-2277.

As I said, these guys are good. But a fair warning to you, they are mayabang, mahangin, maquella,ngunit mabigat at manekti! Don't be overcome by these, they are natural to them. They are US lawyers in New York who happened to be Ateneans - not LaSallites, not Bedans, not Mapuans, not bugs . . . sorry, not from UP! Ahem!!!

Thanks for the info re: NY lawyers from the ATENEO, they might be mayabang or mahangin but I guess may ibubuga naman di ba?

Hello Shaggy.. so did you decide to stay here in the States?

Honeybabes,

Considering the present status quo of our country and the opportunities that abound here, I decided to stay here. I still have high hopes for our country and I believe that in my own little way I can be of service from here in more ways than one.

hey divinefist and ogster,

i'm interested with getting all the info regarding IT work there in singapore. can you help me. i'm with a german company here in the phils doing IT proj management work.

appreciate if you guys can give me info regarding living in canada.

:confused:

Hi sili73:

I am an Atenean ordinarily resident in Toronto,Ontario, CANADA. What do you want to know about CANADA ?

I refreshed this thread for Voltaire.

Hi Colnago,

This might be out of topic, but somehow related to this particular post of Colnago. We indeed spoiled your five peat this year. I may have not caught the championships if I left for the States last year hehehehe Great job to both the Green Archers and the Blue Eagles with Season 65. Kaya next year, PIKO NA LANG!!!! Tickets are difficult to come by. Oh well, back to the topic!!!!!!!!!

[ October 15, 2002: Message edited by: DivineFist ]

DivineFist: Is this NJ company named like a popular sardines brand in the Phil?

Fray torque: I'm an IT Oracle guy myself - an Oracle Apps DBA. Any leads there?

Sorry guys, I'm a newbie here.

I have a 'job offer' to work there in the US - the catch is, its a J1 visa.

Any success stories of converting a J1 into an H1?

If the H1 plan fails, is it easy to get a F1 student visa? Can I get an F1 for a tech course that might be 'vocational'(i.e Unix advance Sys administration)Plan is, graduate then get an H1.

Also, my dad has just received his greencard. Don't know if he can now petition me, but doing it this way seems to be a long approach - the line is long for above 21 single guy.

But, does a 'pending' petition while I'm in US on a J1 ensure that I can stay after the J1 expires?

Thanks for any advice

!!!, the problem with the J1 Visa is that you need to return to your home country for a specific period of time after your training is accomplished. Even if you were to marry a US citizen, you will still be required to obtain a "waiver" in order to stay in the US.

Stay away from the J! If you may. :cool:

The very intent of a J1 is to foster great relations between peoples of the US and the world. Sadly, it can't be viewed as the best route for adjusting status or changing non-immigrant status in the US. However, it can be a route for changing status in the states. medical exchangees are the most subject to the waiver requirement because they are expected to return to their countries to help out after obtaining training the in the states. however, it is poss. to adjust from a J to say an H1. You must check at the bottom left portion of your iap-66 if it says "subject to 212 (e)." if it says that, you have to get a waiver. ...it's late...immigration is a tacky issue...i'll try to input more info.

Hi. I was aware of the 'ban' and the waiver. The firm recruiting me confirmed that they are processing the waivers of 2 consultants.

I was hoping someone had direct 'experience' in this J1 issue. A true story in which someone was able to get the waiver and switch to a H1 or F1 visa.

2 more questions:

a) Does graduating there and having a F1 visa 'ensure' that you can get an H1 if an employer wants to hire you?

Is is easier to apply for immigration into Canada if I'll start it while I'm in the US? (Plan is to go to Canada when the J1 expires)

- a) Does graduating there and having a F1 visa 'ensure' that you can get an H1 if an employer wants to hire you?

I don't think so...

INS will make sure that the company has exerted all efforts in looking for an American citizen to fill the position first.
(although pwede namang lusutan yan kung magaling mambola ang mga lawyers ng company).

Recent layoffs has really made it difficult for H1B workers to find jobs because there are a lot of citizens to compete with (although magaling tayong mga Pinoy). I have a friend who used to be an an Oracle dba.
2 taon na syang walang trabaho. Wala kasi masyadong company nag-sposponsor ng H1B. Buti na lang nakapag-asawa siya ng may green card.

f1 is a good route to get an h1. unfortunately, there is no assurance for work. h1bs are quota-based. it's not really based on "bola" (although there are elements of it). it's a numbers game. h1b hiring is based on the US Dept of labor stats provided to INS and the State Dept. if not enough US citizens or legal permanent residents (green card holders)are filling certain specified h1b occupations, then a "number" is recommended by the US Labor dept to fill gaps in positions/occupations. numbers within certain positions/occupations fluctuate but the total quota designated by US congress does not fluctuate erratically. the designations usually go by 2 to 5 year increments. Like in the last immigration act, the yearly h1b numerical limitation was 195,000 workers. note, some jobs may consume more of those numbers than others. that limit may change higher or lower after a certain number of years, depending on the trends and needs of the American market.
so what most foreign students (f1s)in the US do is take the "optional practical training" program afforded by the ins (and usually included in the school's curriculum). you may call it OJT or apprenticeship or practicum. on a temporary basis and as part of the curriculum, a student is hired by the company. from here, the student can create a great impression and may even get a job offer from the company. again, the company will have to look at the US labor dept data if the job offered falls in the list that can avail for an h1. if so, the company can file the petition for you while you are still on f1 status. remember, under optional training, you are still under f1. and NOTE, an alien must have status in the states while awaiting a petition approval--in this case, an f1. NO STATUS = ILLEGAL STAY

as for the j1, most non-First World recipients of this program are subject to the waiver requirement. check w/ US Information Agency if the Philippines is subject to that requirement or if only certain j1 occupations are subject to it. if so, there's not enough room to maneuver. don't take it personally--but what's the purpose of an "exchange program" if it's only used as a means to change status? the program is meant to have a trickle down effect towards the improvement of lot of countries not in great economic/political state. anyway, that's just a side comment.

why not start as an f1 or even a b2?

as for canada immigration...i'm not too familiar but, i'm pretty you can do a skill-based self-petition now.

[ November 07, 2002: Message edited by: fray torquemada ]