NY never picks up call (passport, pio & receptions) or replies to mail.
Wait times in person are horrible - 5-6 hours. only 1 person to serve all the people for passports, pio /oci cards etc.
Their turnaround time is pretty good.
I prefer to deal with via postal even though it is walkable distance from my work.
Wait times in person are horrible - 5-6 hours. only 1 person to serve all the people for passports, pio /oci cards etc.
Their turnaround time is pretty good.
I prefer to deal with via postal even though it is walkable distance from my work.
wallpaper F-22 Raptor Unsteady Takeoff
I dont think there will be any movement for May and June. July could see a big movement.
Forward or backward ???????????:D
Forward or backward ???????????:D
Some peoples think that they are the smartest world has ever Produced.
When you go for Fedex/USPS Express they takes your Name, Current Address in a page which has Pointer to the TRACKING NO. 1 copy comes to you , 1 copy goes out with Package and 1 Copy gets saved with FEDEX/USPS.
The 3rd copy above is sufficient to straightout any "Potential Liars" :mad:
If a lawyer is mailing the application and he probably is mailing hundreds of applications, he won't give the applicant's address in the USPS senders address. So there is no way to match a receipt to an applicant. Besides USCIS won't know what the contents of the package are.
When you go for Fedex/USPS Express they takes your Name, Current Address in a page which has Pointer to the TRACKING NO. 1 copy comes to you , 1 copy goes out with Package and 1 Copy gets saved with FEDEX/USPS.
The 3rd copy above is sufficient to straightout any "Potential Liars" :mad:
If a lawyer is mailing the application and he probably is mailing hundreds of applications, he won't give the applicant's address in the USPS senders address. So there is no way to match a receipt to an applicant. Besides USCIS won't know what the contents of the package are.
2011 F22 Raptor large
WOW --Right from relationship between coutries tot he pros and cons of war planes we are discussing here.We have people with nice political knowledge per se Ministers and Kings who can analyze how just 11 billion (bully)dollar deal can affect the Green card processing and we have Generals and colonels who knows which fghter plane is good for which country.
But still we are able to manage only around 200 for the advocasy event and large amount of donataions which barely met the expenses. what a pity ;)
But still we are able to manage only around 200 for the advocasy event and large amount of donataions which barely met the expenses. what a pity ;)
NSC: July 02nd 2008
Received Paper Receipts: July 11 2008
Waiting for the FP notices.
Received Paper Receipts: July 11 2008
Waiting for the FP notices.
Bujji, Any update on this?
I have one week from now for his visit. He gave me his desk number too. So I guess he is still an ICE employee. I did not call him at that number though.
I have one week from now for his visit. He gave me his desk number too. So I guess he is still an ICE employee. I did not call him at that number though.
placed my vote, all entry's were awesome, well done everyone. :smirk:
2010 F-22 Raptor Wallpapers
Also Mr O said out look for Eb2 india is grim and could have delay for decades .. where Eb3 india can be set to Oct 2001 in oct 2009. His whole prediction is based on current demand from USCIS.
Lets says he USCIS has 50k Eb2 india and 70k Eb3 india in back room. Now they both have 3k visas in a given year . if USCIS process ( Pre adjucted ) 40k Eb2 india cases and 4k Eb3 india and bring to DOS , DOS may think there are 10 time more cases in Eb2 india so it can take decades while Eb3 india has only 1k extra so it can be in a year. but reality is different.
hope that makes some thing clear to members..
Agree with that as well...that may impact PD determination (and it MAY), but the fact is:
EB2 and EB3 India people with PD after 2005 (just an arbitary year) will not get GC unless there is spill over....it will be 20 yrs without spill over....
Lets says he USCIS has 50k Eb2 india and 70k Eb3 india in back room. Now they both have 3k visas in a given year . if USCIS process ( Pre adjucted ) 40k Eb2 india cases and 4k Eb3 india and bring to DOS , DOS may think there are 10 time more cases in Eb2 india so it can take decades while Eb3 india has only 1k extra so it can be in a year. but reality is different.
hope that makes some thing clear to members..
Agree with that as well...that may impact PD determination (and it MAY), but the fact is:
EB2 and EB3 India people with PD after 2005 (just an arbitary year) will not get GC unless there is spill over....it will be 20 yrs without spill over....
> *** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***
>
> The last processing action taken on your case
>
> Receipt Number: LINxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS
>
> Current Status: This case has been sent to another office for processing because it has jurisdiction over the case.
>
> On February 10, 2009, we transferred this I485 APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS to our NATIONAL BENEFITS CENTER location for processing because they now have jurisdiction over the case. We sent you a notice of this transfer. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service. We process cases in the order we receive them. You can use our processing dates to estimate when this case will be done. This case has been sent to our NATIONAL BENEFITS CENTER location. Follow the link below to check processing dates. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register.
>
> If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.
>
> *Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.
> *** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
> The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
>
> The last processing action taken on your case
>
> Receipt Number: LINxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS
>
> Current Status: This case has been sent to another office for processing because it has jurisdiction over the case.
>
> On February 10, 2009, we transferred this I485 APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS to our NATIONAL BENEFITS CENTER location for processing because they now have jurisdiction over the case. We sent you a notice of this transfer. Please follow any instructions on this notice. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service. We process cases in the order we receive them. You can use our processing dates to estimate when this case will be done. This case has been sent to our NATIONAL BENEFITS CENTER location. Follow the link below to check processing dates. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register.
>
> If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.
>
> *Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates.
> *** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>
> The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
hair f 22 wallpaper. F-22 Raptor
I have set up a meeting with the staff at Congresswoman Kathy Castor's office in Tampa on March 27th at 2.00 PM.
Anybody interested in joining please PM me.
I am sure you will find someone from Tampa, but please feel free to go alone if there is no one in your district.
Thank you for doing this.
Anybody interested in joining please PM me.
I am sure you will find someone from Tampa, but please feel free to go alone if there is no one in your district.
Thank you for doing this.
So much for so called "highly skilled". Young guys out there, in their 20s....think twice about making America your permanent home. Right now, it is very discouraging.
hot Assessing the F-22A Raptor
This is a very valid point. If employer or his lawyer asks more money in fees for filing I485 it is always better to go thro employer if he files I485 promptly. But if the delay is intention of the employer then use your own Lawyer.
I think u r in a trap here. I recently talked to a HR of a desi company and he clearly told me his boss does not want to file for 485 for all eligible applicants and is working on strategies to fool his employees into prolonging things till dates retrogress.
U can choose ur lawyer, u don't have to let employer know u applying for 485 at all. Do not link ur lawyer and employer for any reason. Keep them both away. U already have 140 approved and u have nothing to lose.
Don't fall into ur employer - lawyer trap
I think u r in a trap here. I recently talked to a HR of a desi company and he clearly told me his boss does not want to file for 485 for all eligible applicants and is working on strategies to fool his employees into prolonging things till dates retrogress.
U can choose ur lawyer, u don't have to let employer know u applying for 485 at all. Do not link ur lawyer and employer for any reason. Keep them both away. U already have 140 approved and u have nothing to lose.
Don't fall into ur employer - lawyer trap
house F-22 Raptor
Report back
Two people from the CA group met the Constituent Services Manager at the Congresswoman's office. The staffer was very familar with Immigration issues, and the functioning of backlog elimination centers. It was a fascinating meeting at a very personal level with good exchange of views. It is good to remember we meet as individuals with our own histories, struggles and successes.
On IV goals
There was more agreement on some of IV's goals than others. For example it might be easier to "Automatically recapture unused EB Visa number from previous year." That goal may have better chance to win out. So we may need to move this item up. So in terms of priority, starting with what the staffer agreed with, Iv's priorities would something like this.
1. Transparency of DOL-BEC and USCIS functioning.
2. Automatically recapture unused EB Visa Numbers from previous years.
3.Convert all 1 year extensions of H-1B, EAD, and Travel Document (Advance Parole) of applicants in backlog to 3 year extension.
4. Ability to file I-485 even without Visa Number availability
5. Allow applicants with advanced degrees from the US, or who have worked for more than 3 years in the US on H-1B, to automatically apply for adjustment of status without regard to EB annual limit.
6. Eliminate dependents from EB annual limit.
7. Increase EB annual limit.
We shared the Ombudsaman's report and the couple of pages from the President's economic report of 2005. They were both very useful. It was the first time the staffer had seen the Ombudsman's report. The staffer wanted to use these at at a meeting she is attending :) Thank you IV team, especially Berkeley Bee for ferreting out key bits of information.
On speeding up Labor certification
When one of us said congress's intention for LC is 21-60 days, the staffer replied that was before 911. How can we make this happen and speeded up the work in PBEC/DBEC?
The staffer also mentioned that a lot of time is spent on "background check" and mentioned it was suggested it might be better for FBI to do it. But of course the FBI had other things to do and that suggestion didn't fly.
One of us mentioned the clogging due to 245-i. LCs could be speeded up -- if the paper work of those on the 245-1 (Apr.,25,2001) track is different from us, then could those be handled differently/ in another place to speed up our LCs in PBEC and DBEC.
Finally, the staffer will let the congresswoman know our concerns.
thanks
Bluekayal
Two people from the CA group met the Constituent Services Manager at the Congresswoman's office. The staffer was very familar with Immigration issues, and the functioning of backlog elimination centers. It was a fascinating meeting at a very personal level with good exchange of views. It is good to remember we meet as individuals with our own histories, struggles and successes.
On IV goals
There was more agreement on some of IV's goals than others. For example it might be easier to "Automatically recapture unused EB Visa number from previous year." That goal may have better chance to win out. So we may need to move this item up. So in terms of priority, starting with what the staffer agreed with, Iv's priorities would something like this.
1. Transparency of DOL-BEC and USCIS functioning.
2. Automatically recapture unused EB Visa Numbers from previous years.
3.Convert all 1 year extensions of H-1B, EAD, and Travel Document (Advance Parole) of applicants in backlog to 3 year extension.
4. Ability to file I-485 even without Visa Number availability
5. Allow applicants with advanced degrees from the US, or who have worked for more than 3 years in the US on H-1B, to automatically apply for adjustment of status without regard to EB annual limit.
6. Eliminate dependents from EB annual limit.
7. Increase EB annual limit.
We shared the Ombudsaman's report and the couple of pages from the President's economic report of 2005. They were both very useful. It was the first time the staffer had seen the Ombudsman's report. The staffer wanted to use these at at a meeting she is attending :) Thank you IV team, especially Berkeley Bee for ferreting out key bits of information.
On speeding up Labor certification
When one of us said congress's intention for LC is 21-60 days, the staffer replied that was before 911. How can we make this happen and speeded up the work in PBEC/DBEC?
The staffer also mentioned that a lot of time is spent on "background check" and mentioned it was suggested it might be better for FBI to do it. But of course the FBI had other things to do and that suggestion didn't fly.
One of us mentioned the clogging due to 245-i. LCs could be speeded up -- if the paper work of those on the 245-1 (Apr.,25,2001) track is different from us, then could those be handled differently/ in another place to speed up our LCs in PBEC and DBEC.
Finally, the staffer will let the congresswoman know our concerns.
thanks
Bluekayal
tattoo F 22 Raptor Aircraft
Dear IV Core - our next media effort must be to expose the lies that Lou Dobbs creates to spread hatred.
Believe me, it is people like Lou Dobbs who are playing these dirty games.
We must take excerpts frrm his interviews and expose all his lies.
What do you all think?
Believe me, it is people like Lou Dobbs who are playing these dirty games.
We must take excerpts frrm his interviews and expose all his lies.
What do you all think?
pictures f 22 raptor wallpaper. F 22 Raptor 4 Wallpaper; F 22 Raptor 4 Wallpaper
Especially after when you have kids. You are booted out of your bed and the kids take your place.
Believe it or not I got so sick of sleeples nights (my 18 months old kid virtually rotates like a clock on bed all night long) that I had to buy a twin size sofa bed and place it next to our King Size bed. These days I am sleeping on that bed.
this confirms that you are not married.
I am, and as every married male knows, you sleep alone. Does not matter how many wives you have. Its something to do with the transformation that occurs in them as they go from girlfriend 1.0 to Wife 1.0.
Believe it or not I got so sick of sleeples nights (my 18 months old kid virtually rotates like a clock on bed all night long) that I had to buy a twin size sofa bed and place it next to our King Size bed. These days I am sleeping on that bed.
this confirms that you are not married.
I am, and as every married male knows, you sleep alone. Does not matter how many wives you have. Its something to do with the transformation that occurs in them as they go from girlfriend 1.0 to Wife 1.0.
dresses f 22 raptor wallpaper.
NSC - CSC - NSC transfer case
RD: 23rd July 07
ND: 17th Sep 07
No FP notice yet :cool:
RD: 23rd July 07
ND: 17th Sep 07
No FP notice yet :cool:
makeup F22 Raptor,best,stealth
dear members,
dint had much time to go thro' your responses. but if senior ppl are targetting this fellow( mercies) for this thread, then i beg to differ. because as a member of IV, i have been answering "hadron" posts too at immigration portal.
I think all Mercies is trying to do is help IV out, by preparing answers of such questions which stupid ppl ask, so they can be put to a stop right away. Probably he's drawing your attention to some q's that all of you have answers for, just guide mercies to that post,
but i think all of your remarks have been directed towards merices only as if he's started it all.
i guess we outta stop ppl who are trying to defame this collective effort by giving them one-point answers.
have to get back to work.
P.S.: i dont want anyone to think im from numbersusa ;)
Exactly! I go by a different user name at Immigration Portal, and tried my best to counter hadron's posts. I only created this thread after I saw that no people in the know were countering this guy. I am a foot soldier, not an officer.
The post from rags4u is exactly what we needed. He and another IV guy is engaged in getting things under control, as I wanted.
I wonder if this person who did all this posting without reading what is posted on the site and wasted the valuable time of IV volunteers from an anti immigration group? Please do not get distracteed guys and all those people sitting ont he edge, join in and act!!
As for all of you guys who raise the scare of anti-immigrationists at the drop of the hat - go thru all of my posts, and you will find I cannot be from numbersusa. You can also check with IV's officers and they can get my name/address from my contribution check already deposited in IV's account!
Please try to counter propaganda wherever you can - that's how we will get more people to join! Efforts like mine do not waste time - they serve a purpose!
As it is, making most legal immigrants take part in this struggle, is like milking a male buffalo.
The most important part is indeed to 'milk the male buffalo', and one way is to engage them as much as possible. Believe me, I am trying my best at the other website - under a different user name (not hadron).
dint had much time to go thro' your responses. but if senior ppl are targetting this fellow( mercies) for this thread, then i beg to differ. because as a member of IV, i have been answering "hadron" posts too at immigration portal.
I think all Mercies is trying to do is help IV out, by preparing answers of such questions which stupid ppl ask, so they can be put to a stop right away. Probably he's drawing your attention to some q's that all of you have answers for, just guide mercies to that post,
but i think all of your remarks have been directed towards merices only as if he's started it all.
i guess we outta stop ppl who are trying to defame this collective effort by giving them one-point answers.
have to get back to work.
P.S.: i dont want anyone to think im from numbersusa ;)
Exactly! I go by a different user name at Immigration Portal, and tried my best to counter hadron's posts. I only created this thread after I saw that no people in the know were countering this guy. I am a foot soldier, not an officer.
The post from rags4u is exactly what we needed. He and another IV guy is engaged in getting things under control, as I wanted.
I wonder if this person who did all this posting without reading what is posted on the site and wasted the valuable time of IV volunteers from an anti immigration group? Please do not get distracteed guys and all those people sitting ont he edge, join in and act!!
As for all of you guys who raise the scare of anti-immigrationists at the drop of the hat - go thru all of my posts, and you will find I cannot be from numbersusa. You can also check with IV's officers and they can get my name/address from my contribution check already deposited in IV's account!
Please try to counter propaganda wherever you can - that's how we will get more people to join! Efforts like mine do not waste time - they serve a purpose!
As it is, making most legal immigrants take part in this struggle, is like milking a male buffalo.
The most important part is indeed to 'milk the male buffalo', and one way is to engage them as much as possible. Believe me, I am trying my best at the other website - under a different user name (not hadron).
girlfriend f 22 raptor wallpaper.
You can't. No lawyer will do so as this is fraud. If uscis is able to track it down, ie: they kept the envelope, then such a person is in trouble.
You think they will go thru thousands of applications and check the tracking number? Besides I don't think they keep the original mailing envelope. So I think asking us to keep the tracking number is just BS.
USCIS is already making contradictory statements. First they release an update that they have processed all applications mailed before July 1 but when I call customer service and tell them that my application was mailed on June 11th, they say wait for 90 days.
You think they will go thru thousands of applications and check the tracking number? Besides I don't think they keep the original mailing envelope. So I think asking us to keep the tracking number is just BS.
USCIS is already making contradictory statements. First they release an update that they have processed all applications mailed before July 1 but when I call customer service and tell them that my application was mailed on June 11th, they say wait for 90 days.
hairstyles F-22 Raptor 4002 with weapons
Over 60% of the US and 90% of Arizona supports the law they passed.
The same 60% or more people in the US support the cause of solving the immigration system.
Obama and his Attorney General are doing the wrong thing by interfering with state politics.
As for the Arizona law, immigration issues fall under the federal jurisdiction - so it is the State that is interfering with the fed agency.
How can these high ranking officials tell state law enforcement NOT TO enforce laws?
The Fed is going after the law itself - and arguing on its unconstitutionality. Enforcing a law that is unconstitutional is not right
The Supreme court will favor AZ even before the case starts. Slam Dunk.
Lets wait and see!!
1) Please update your profile.
2) It's sad that we are getting GCs at the expense of people of came here illegally. Our efforts are held hostage by both parties (It's simple), One party wants to win votes of one group and the other wants to wins votes as well of a different group. It's not about "DOING THE RIGHT THING". If it was about "DOING THE RIGHT THING" there would never had been a backlog. Backlog elimination center was created just to put some cases on hold and clear cases of 245i applicants (USCIS will never allow us access to that data)
3) DOING THE RIGHT THING....why unequal penalties of the parties who break the immigration Law. All punishment is directed towards the employee. EMployer only gets fine. Make punishment stricter for employers, (hit them where it hurts most, jail them and shut down their business)there will never be any illegal immigrant getting jobs. there whould be equal punishment for both.
4) Why this doble standard when it comes to immigration. why don't people oppose when jobs are transferred in name of outsroucing or shifting production to cheapr countries? Anti Immigants are biggest Hypocrites ever and Pro immigrants are not representins immigrants properly. No one focuses on the injsutice done to legal aliens.
5) I am EB3, I followed Law, I am in backlog because Govt did not process the cases in 2001 , 2002, 2003 in time and created a backlog and I resisted the temptation to break laws and buy Labor substitution AND I openly say that I oppsoe illegal immigration and amesty to illegeal immigrants (and I do feel sorry for them. god bless them they deserve a better life).
I am one of those who need Immigration reform immediately. Justice delayed is jsutice denied (rest is all face saving).
The same 60% or more people in the US support the cause of solving the immigration system.
Obama and his Attorney General are doing the wrong thing by interfering with state politics.
As for the Arizona law, immigration issues fall under the federal jurisdiction - so it is the State that is interfering with the fed agency.
How can these high ranking officials tell state law enforcement NOT TO enforce laws?
The Fed is going after the law itself - and arguing on its unconstitutionality. Enforcing a law that is unconstitutional is not right
The Supreme court will favor AZ even before the case starts. Slam Dunk.
Lets wait and see!!
1) Please update your profile.
2) It's sad that we are getting GCs at the expense of people of came here illegally. Our efforts are held hostage by both parties (It's simple), One party wants to win votes of one group and the other wants to wins votes as well of a different group. It's not about "DOING THE RIGHT THING". If it was about "DOING THE RIGHT THING" there would never had been a backlog. Backlog elimination center was created just to put some cases on hold and clear cases of 245i applicants (USCIS will never allow us access to that data)
3) DOING THE RIGHT THING....why unequal penalties of the parties who break the immigration Law. All punishment is directed towards the employee. EMployer only gets fine. Make punishment stricter for employers, (hit them where it hurts most, jail them and shut down their business)there will never be any illegal immigrant getting jobs. there whould be equal punishment for both.
4) Why this doble standard when it comes to immigration. why don't people oppose when jobs are transferred in name of outsroucing or shifting production to cheapr countries? Anti Immigants are biggest Hypocrites ever and Pro immigrants are not representins immigrants properly. No one focuses on the injsutice done to legal aliens.
5) I am EB3, I followed Law, I am in backlog because Govt did not process the cases in 2001 , 2002, 2003 in time and created a backlog and I resisted the temptation to break laws and buy Labor substitution AND I openly say that I oppsoe illegal immigration and amesty to illegeal immigrants (and I do feel sorry for them. god bless them they deserve a better life).
I am one of those who need Immigration reform immediately. Justice delayed is jsutice denied (rest is all face saving).
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTML
FAQs About COBRA Continuation Health Coverage
What is COBRA continuation health coverage?
Congress passed the landmark Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health benefit provisions in 1986. The law amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Public Health Service Act to provide continuation of group health coverage that otherwise might be terminated.
What does COBRA do?
COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. This coverage, however, is only available when coverage is lost due to certain specific events. Group health coverage for COBRA participants is usually more expensive than health coverage for active employees, since usually the employer pays a part of the premium for active employees while COBRA participants generally pay the entire premium themselves. It is ordinarily less expensive, though, than individual health coverage.
Who is entitled to benefits under COBRA?
There are three elements to qualifying for COBRA benefits. COBRA establishes specific criteria for plans, qualified beneficiaries, and qualifying events:
Plan Coverage - Group health plans for employers with 20 or more employees on more than 50 percent of its typical business days in the previous calendar year are subject to COBRA. Both full and part-time employees are counted to determine whether a plan is subject to COBRA. Each part-time employee counts as a fraction of an employee, with the fraction equal to the number of hours that the part-time employee worked divided by the hours an employee must work to be considered full time.
Qualified Beneficiaries - A qualified beneficiary generally is an individual covered by a group health plan on the day before a qualifying event who is either an employee, the employee's spouse, or an employee's dependent child. In certain cases, a retired employee, the retired employee's spouse, and the retired employee's dependent children may be qualified beneficiaries. In addition, any child born to or placed for adoption with a covered employee during the period of COBRA coverage is considered a qualified beneficiary. Agents, independent contractors, and directors who participate in the group health plan may also be qualified beneficiaries.
Qualifying Events - Qualifying events are certain events that would cause an individual to lose health coverage. The type of qualifying event will determine who the qualified beneficiaries are and the amount of time that a plan must offer the health coverage to them under COBRA. A plan, at its discretion, may provide longer periods of continuation coverage.
Qualifying Events for Employees:
Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the number of hours of employment
Qualifying Events for Spouses:
Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare
Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee
Death of the covered employee
Qualifying Events for Dependent Children:
Loss of dependent child status under the plan rules
Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare
Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee
Death of the covered employee
How does a person become eligible for COBRA continuation coverage?
To be eligible for COBRA coverage, you must have been enrolled in your employer's health plan when you worked and the health plan must continue to be in effect for active employees. COBRA continuation coverage is available upon the occurrence of a qualifying event that would, except for the COBRA continuation coverage, cause an individual to lose his or her health care coverage.
What group health plans are subject to COBRA?
The law generally covers health plans maintained by private-sector employers with 20 or more employees, employee organizations, or state or local governments.
What process must individuals follow to elect COBRA continuation coverage?
Employers must notify plan administrators of a qualifying event within 30 days after an employee's death, termination, reduced hours of employment or entitlement to Medicare.
A qualified beneficiary must notify the plan administrator of a qualifying event within 60 days after divorce or legal separation or a child's ceasing to be covered as a dependent under plan rules.
Plan participants and beneficiaries generally must be sent an election notice not later than 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice that a qualifying event has occurred. The individual then has 60 days to decide whether to elect COBRA continuation coverage. The person has 45 days after electing coverage to pay the initial premium.
How long after a qualifying event do I have to elect COBRA coverage?
Qualified beneficiaries must be given an election period during which each qualified beneficiary may choose whether to elect COBRA coverage. Each qualified beneficiary may independently elect COBRA coverage. A covered employee or the covered employee's spouse may elect COBRA coverage on behalf of all other qualified beneficiaries. A parent or legal guardian may elect on behalf of a minor child. Qualified beneficiaries must be given at least 60 days for the election. This period is measured from the later of the coverage loss date or the date the COBRA election notice is provided by the employer or plan administrator. The election notice must be provided in person or by first class mail within 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice that a qualifying event has occurred.
How do I file a COBRA claim for benefits?
Health plan rules must explain how to obtain benefits and must include written procedures for processing claims. Claims procedures must be described in the Summary Plan Description.
You should submit a claim for benefits in accordance with the plan's rules for filing claims. If the claim is denied, you must be given notice of the denial in writing generally within 90 days after the claim is filed. The notice should state the reasons for the denial, any additional information needed to support the claim, and procedures for appealing the denial.
You will have at least 60 days to appeal a denial and you must receive a decision on the appeal generally within 60 days after that.
Contact the plan administrator for more information on filing a claim for benefits. Complete plan rules are available from employers or benefits offices. There can be charges up to 25 cents a page for copies of plan rules.
Can individuals qualify for longer periods of COBRA continuation coverage?
Yes, disability can extend the 18 month period of continuation coverage for a qualifying event that is a termination of employment or reduction of hours. To qualify for additional months of COBRA continuation coverage, the qualified beneficiary must:
Have a ruling from the Social Security Administration that he or she became disabled within the first 60 days of COBRA continuation coverage
Send the plan a copy of the Social Security ruling letter within 60 days of receipt, but prior to expiration of the 18-month period of coverage
If these requirements are met, the entire family qualifies for an additional 11 months of COBRA continuation coverage. Plans can charge 150% of the premium cost for the extended period of coverage.
FAQs About COBRA Continuation Health Coverage
What is COBRA continuation health coverage?
Congress passed the landmark Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health benefit provisions in 1986. The law amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Public Health Service Act to provide continuation of group health coverage that otherwise might be terminated.
What does COBRA do?
COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. This coverage, however, is only available when coverage is lost due to certain specific events. Group health coverage for COBRA participants is usually more expensive than health coverage for active employees, since usually the employer pays a part of the premium for active employees while COBRA participants generally pay the entire premium themselves. It is ordinarily less expensive, though, than individual health coverage.
Who is entitled to benefits under COBRA?
There are three elements to qualifying for COBRA benefits. COBRA establishes specific criteria for plans, qualified beneficiaries, and qualifying events:
Plan Coverage - Group health plans for employers with 20 or more employees on more than 50 percent of its typical business days in the previous calendar year are subject to COBRA. Both full and part-time employees are counted to determine whether a plan is subject to COBRA. Each part-time employee counts as a fraction of an employee, with the fraction equal to the number of hours that the part-time employee worked divided by the hours an employee must work to be considered full time.
Qualified Beneficiaries - A qualified beneficiary generally is an individual covered by a group health plan on the day before a qualifying event who is either an employee, the employee's spouse, or an employee's dependent child. In certain cases, a retired employee, the retired employee's spouse, and the retired employee's dependent children may be qualified beneficiaries. In addition, any child born to or placed for adoption with a covered employee during the period of COBRA coverage is considered a qualified beneficiary. Agents, independent contractors, and directors who participate in the group health plan may also be qualified beneficiaries.
Qualifying Events - Qualifying events are certain events that would cause an individual to lose health coverage. The type of qualifying event will determine who the qualified beneficiaries are and the amount of time that a plan must offer the health coverage to them under COBRA. A plan, at its discretion, may provide longer periods of continuation coverage.
Qualifying Events for Employees:
Voluntary or involuntary termination of employment for reasons other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the number of hours of employment
Qualifying Events for Spouses:
Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare
Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee
Death of the covered employee
Qualifying Events for Dependent Children:
Loss of dependent child status under the plan rules
Voluntary or involuntary termination of the covered employee's employment for any reason other than gross misconduct
Reduction in the hours worked by the covered employee
Covered employee's becoming entitled to Medicare
Divorce or legal separation of the covered employee
Death of the covered employee
How does a person become eligible for COBRA continuation coverage?
To be eligible for COBRA coverage, you must have been enrolled in your employer's health plan when you worked and the health plan must continue to be in effect for active employees. COBRA continuation coverage is available upon the occurrence of a qualifying event that would, except for the COBRA continuation coverage, cause an individual to lose his or her health care coverage.
What group health plans are subject to COBRA?
The law generally covers health plans maintained by private-sector employers with 20 or more employees, employee organizations, or state or local governments.
What process must individuals follow to elect COBRA continuation coverage?
Employers must notify plan administrators of a qualifying event within 30 days after an employee's death, termination, reduced hours of employment or entitlement to Medicare.
A qualified beneficiary must notify the plan administrator of a qualifying event within 60 days after divorce or legal separation or a child's ceasing to be covered as a dependent under plan rules.
Plan participants and beneficiaries generally must be sent an election notice not later than 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice that a qualifying event has occurred. The individual then has 60 days to decide whether to elect COBRA continuation coverage. The person has 45 days after electing coverage to pay the initial premium.
How long after a qualifying event do I have to elect COBRA coverage?
Qualified beneficiaries must be given an election period during which each qualified beneficiary may choose whether to elect COBRA coverage. Each qualified beneficiary may independently elect COBRA coverage. A covered employee or the covered employee's spouse may elect COBRA coverage on behalf of all other qualified beneficiaries. A parent or legal guardian may elect on behalf of a minor child. Qualified beneficiaries must be given at least 60 days for the election. This period is measured from the later of the coverage loss date or the date the COBRA election notice is provided by the employer or plan administrator. The election notice must be provided in person or by first class mail within 14 days after the plan administrator receives notice that a qualifying event has occurred.
How do I file a COBRA claim for benefits?
Health plan rules must explain how to obtain benefits and must include written procedures for processing claims. Claims procedures must be described in the Summary Plan Description.
You should submit a claim for benefits in accordance with the plan's rules for filing claims. If the claim is denied, you must be given notice of the denial in writing generally within 90 days after the claim is filed. The notice should state the reasons for the denial, any additional information needed to support the claim, and procedures for appealing the denial.
You will have at least 60 days to appeal a denial and you must receive a decision on the appeal generally within 60 days after that.
Contact the plan administrator for more information on filing a claim for benefits. Complete plan rules are available from employers or benefits offices. There can be charges up to 25 cents a page for copies of plan rules.
Can individuals qualify for longer periods of COBRA continuation coverage?
Yes, disability can extend the 18 month period of continuation coverage for a qualifying event that is a termination of employment or reduction of hours. To qualify for additional months of COBRA continuation coverage, the qualified beneficiary must:
Have a ruling from the Social Security Administration that he or she became disabled within the first 60 days of COBRA continuation coverage
Send the plan a copy of the Social Security ruling letter within 60 days of receipt, but prior to expiration of the 18-month period of coverage
If these requirements are met, the entire family qualifies for an additional 11 months of COBRA continuation coverage. Plans can charge 150% of the premium cost for the extended period of coverage.
filing of MTR does not give you status, once they accept it, yes you are in status again.
yes. You are basically keeping USCIS updated with the information of an emplpoyer who is willing to hire you once you get your GC.
How long does it usually take USCIS to accept the MTR. I am assuming if it's less than 6 months then we don't have to worry about being out of status?
yes. You are basically keeping USCIS updated with the information of an emplpoyer who is willing to hire you once you get your GC.
How long does it usually take USCIS to accept the MTR. I am assuming if it's less than 6 months then we don't have to worry about being out of status?
