abhay
01-19 09:40 PM
Hi All
Mine is EB2 Category, On May 18th 2009 USCIS sent an RFE and my case status on USCIS website changed to this
"On May 18, 2009, we mailed a notice requesting initial evidence in this case. Please follow the instructions on the notice to submit the evidence requested. Meanwhile, processing of this case is on hold until we either receive the evidence or the opportunity to submit it expires. Once you submit the evidence requested and a decision is made, you will be notified by mail. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283."
My Lawyer submitted the response for RFE with in 30 days (Sometimes in June before June 18th). My online status never changed and my lawyer assured that she has signature proof of receipt from FedEx, After 60 days, after pressure from me her paralegal sent an email to me Saying that she spoke with some one named XYZ from Texas Service center and he said that they have received the response, I waited until December and the status still not changed so I decided to call USCIS, they opened case for me on Dec 10th since it was outside processing time, and on Jan 17th 2010, I received a letter from USCIS with the reulst of investigation and it said+
"Status of this service request is:
The TSC has not received your response as of to date.
XM271"
I panicked and wrote an email to my lawyer and he said that
They just looked on the online status for your letter and Please be careful not to do separate inquiries apart from the lawyer as they now might not allow the lawyer to get case update for you. It is important to have on channel for updates since files get moved around and can get lost. If you wanted us to do the inquiries, please let us know and we can see if they will still let us. we are sure everything is fine as we have confirmation they got the response. We charge hourly at $250 per hour for time spent on the case beyond an initial inquiry."
I am going to contact my employer and express my concerns and see what they can do.
My questions are
Does the online status never get updated sometimes?
Does contacting USCIS directly creates problems for contacting USCIS on my behalf?
Any suggestion for me how to proceed with this?
How do I get the online status changed?
Thanks for all your help.
Regards
Abhay
Mine is EB2 Category, On May 18th 2009 USCIS sent an RFE and my case status on USCIS website changed to this
"On May 18, 2009, we mailed a notice requesting initial evidence in this case. Please follow the instructions on the notice to submit the evidence requested. Meanwhile, processing of this case is on hold until we either receive the evidence or the opportunity to submit it expires. Once you submit the evidence requested and a decision is made, you will be notified by mail. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283."
My Lawyer submitted the response for RFE with in 30 days (Sometimes in June before June 18th). My online status never changed and my lawyer assured that she has signature proof of receipt from FedEx, After 60 days, after pressure from me her paralegal sent an email to me Saying that she spoke with some one named XYZ from Texas Service center and he said that they have received the response, I waited until December and the status still not changed so I decided to call USCIS, they opened case for me on Dec 10th since it was outside processing time, and on Jan 17th 2010, I received a letter from USCIS with the reulst of investigation and it said+
"Status of this service request is:
The TSC has not received your response as of to date.
XM271"
I panicked and wrote an email to my lawyer and he said that
They just looked on the online status for your letter and Please be careful not to do separate inquiries apart from the lawyer as they now might not allow the lawyer to get case update for you. It is important to have on channel for updates since files get moved around and can get lost. If you wanted us to do the inquiries, please let us know and we can see if they will still let us. we are sure everything is fine as we have confirmation they got the response. We charge hourly at $250 per hour for time spent on the case beyond an initial inquiry."
I am going to contact my employer and express my concerns and see what they can do.
My questions are
Does the online status never get updated sometimes?
Does contacting USCIS directly creates problems for contacting USCIS on my behalf?
Any suggestion for me how to proceed with this?
How do I get the online status changed?
Thanks for all your help.
Regards
Abhay
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thomachan72
09-14 06:33 AM
Realistically I feel we (i.e. High Skilled Immigrant community) what the Jews went through during WWII at the hands of the Nazis.
Cornered from ALL sides.
Helpless.
Discriminated against (due to our skills and since we are willing to work like dogs, good deal for US employers)
About to be driven out of this country. (H1 expires shortly and no sign of EAD or GC)
And finally about to be MASSACRED. (at the hands of the Obama's of this world)
US is no longer attractive to top immigrant talent that actually made USA what it is today.
Come on peshwa sir, don't blame "top immigrant talent" for what USA is today:D:D:D
Cornered from ALL sides.
Helpless.
Discriminated against (due to our skills and since we are willing to work like dogs, good deal for US employers)
About to be driven out of this country. (H1 expires shortly and no sign of EAD or GC)
And finally about to be MASSACRED. (at the hands of the Obama's of this world)
US is no longer attractive to top immigrant talent that actually made USA what it is today.
Come on peshwa sir, don't blame "top immigrant talent" for what USA is today:D:D:D
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just_waiting
10-17 03:53 PM
Let me add one more wrinkle:
Do you guys think I would lose my right to use EAD if I move to another employer by transferring my H1B? (I still have 2 years on it).
Do you guys think I would lose my right to use EAD if I move to another employer by transferring my H1B? (I still have 2 years on it).
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eb3_nepa
12-18 12:37 PM
In the long run EB2 will be better than EB3
Or WILL it? :rolleyes:
Or WILL it? :rolleyes:
more...
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hopefulgc
12-05 09:54 PM
sorry that job is taken.... a monkey does it already.. what are u gonna replace him?
You mean Visa Bulletin programmer?
You mean Visa Bulletin programmer?
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karthikgk
10-19 02:11 PM
Thanks. I did contact USCIS and they have accepted my request to expidite the cast. It is to be seen if it will actually happen.
My other question is, if my renewal does not come through in-time, since the renewal application is in system, can I continue working after the expiry of my current EAD? Or do I have to quit the job and/or leave the country?
Best,
My other question is, if my renewal does not come through in-time, since the renewal application is in system, can I continue working after the expiry of my current EAD? Or do I have to quit the job and/or leave the country?
Best,
more...
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visa_reval
04-28 01:21 PM
Guys,
The person who started this thread is not even in a position to use AC21. Does anyone know if one can change employers with approved I-140 (I-485 not filed) and is in 7th year of h1b ?
The person who started this thread is not even in a position to use AC21. Does anyone know if one can change employers with approved I-140 (I-485 not filed) and is in 7th year of h1b ?
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mikemeyers
05-11 05:18 PM
here is another questions I need to ask, if anyone can plz get them answered it will be great.
1. There was I-94 attached which was also lost. Recently, we transferred H-4 to different comany, so Uscis sent i-94 with approval notice, would that work or we need to get apply form 102 for replacement? Also, is there a way to notify uscis that i-94 is lost and will reapply once we get to ?
1. There was I-94 attached which was also lost. Recently, we transferred H-4 to different comany, so Uscis sent i-94 with approval notice, would that work or we need to get apply form 102 for replacement? Also, is there a way to notify uscis that i-94 is lost and will reapply once we get to ?
more...
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amsgc
01-12 06:27 PM
Can the period for which PD was not current be taken into account while counting the wait period?
Theoretically, can one file WOM even when the PD is not current - to resolve the NC issue?
Theoretically, can one file WOM even when the PD is not current - to resolve the NC issue?
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gcman2005
10-15 02:47 AM
My wifes EAD got approved today. Still waiting for AP.
more...
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redelite
08-20 03:11 PM
Allllllllllrighty... here's my attempt at the O RLY owl..
http://www.kirupa.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=47605&stc=1&d=1219259362
Edit: Man, a second look at it and I think it might be too light...
http://www.kirupa.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=47605&stc=1&d=1219259362
Edit: Man, a second look at it and I think it might be too light...
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DirCls
07-12 10:16 PM
I can't sleep all night.. cmon atleast give us few options.
My take on the permanent solution:
1. Recapture lost visa numbers
2. Medical tests are going to be valid indefinitely
3. Ppl who've worked for X years automatically can apply for I-485
5. All can apply as per the old bulletin
6. ????
cmon guys help me with this.i'm running out of ideas..:D
just have a couple of beers..you will be ok..like me :)
My take on the permanent solution:
1. Recapture lost visa numbers
2. Medical tests are going to be valid indefinitely
3. Ppl who've worked for X years automatically can apply for I-485
5. All can apply as per the old bulletin
6. ????
cmon guys help me with this.i'm running out of ideas..:D
just have a couple of beers..you will be ok..like me :)
more...
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HRPRO
05-04 01:26 PM
Hello experts,
My situation:
1) H1- I have completed 6 years on H1 in Oct 2010.Out of six years,I stayed out of US for more than 1.5 years.
2) EAD- I had ead since 2007 but started using it since Oct 2010 for first emplyer.
Now using ead for working with the present (second) employer as a permanent employee.
3) AP- getting AP regularly since 2007.Used AP twice in 2010 and once in 2011.Initially my H1 emplyer asked me to use it,since I was not on project.
In 2011, I used it,since my H1 was also expired.
4) I-485 - filed in July 2007 only for myself on EB3( my family didn't able to come to US during that period)
PD July 2006
Earlier my family was situated in India and had H4, so they were able to travel.Since kids are studying ,they prefered to stay there for education.
Now I am in difficult situation, since if family decides to come to US after the education, they won't be able to travel , since they lost their dependent status.
Using travel visa won't be helpful for longer stay.
My previous H1 emplyer told me that the family greencard applications could be filed once the PD becomes current.Based on present dates,it is going to take 5-6 years.
Options: Is it possible to convert from ead to H1?[I want to use H1 only for the family to maintain their H4 status.With H4, they could be able to travel as per the situation.
Since I am working as a permanent employee, it will be easy to renew/maintain H1.
Is it possible to convert ead to H1? What could be the consequences?
Please advice.:confused:
Thanks
You can switch back to a H-1 and have an EAD in parallel. In fact it is a safer bet and gives you the flexibility to travel easily. I would not recommend you use the EAD unless you have to and stay on H as long as possible. But irrespective of whether you use your EAD or not, do not let it expire and dont forget to renew it. Just keep your options open.
HRP
My situation:
1) H1- I have completed 6 years on H1 in Oct 2010.Out of six years,I stayed out of US for more than 1.5 years.
2) EAD- I had ead since 2007 but started using it since Oct 2010 for first emplyer.
Now using ead for working with the present (second) employer as a permanent employee.
3) AP- getting AP regularly since 2007.Used AP twice in 2010 and once in 2011.Initially my H1 emplyer asked me to use it,since I was not on project.
In 2011, I used it,since my H1 was also expired.
4) I-485 - filed in July 2007 only for myself on EB3( my family didn't able to come to US during that period)
PD July 2006
Earlier my family was situated in India and had H4, so they were able to travel.Since kids are studying ,they prefered to stay there for education.
Now I am in difficult situation, since if family decides to come to US after the education, they won't be able to travel , since they lost their dependent status.
Using travel visa won't be helpful for longer stay.
My previous H1 emplyer told me that the family greencard applications could be filed once the PD becomes current.Based on present dates,it is going to take 5-6 years.
Options: Is it possible to convert from ead to H1?[I want to use H1 only for the family to maintain their H4 status.With H4, they could be able to travel as per the situation.
Since I am working as a permanent employee, it will be easy to renew/maintain H1.
Is it possible to convert ead to H1? What could be the consequences?
Please advice.:confused:
Thanks
You can switch back to a H-1 and have an EAD in parallel. In fact it is a safer bet and gives you the flexibility to travel easily. I would not recommend you use the EAD unless you have to and stay on H as long as possible. But irrespective of whether you use your EAD or not, do not let it expire and dont forget to renew it. Just keep your options open.
HRP
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arc
10-26 01:05 AM
???like a week before?
more...
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Legal_In_A_Limbo
01-14 04:57 PM
Hi All,
I have a question and this is regarding my husband.
We have filed our 485 and have got our EADs and AP's. Our 180 days will be over by jan end.
My husband works for Company (A) as a consultant. He is placed at a Client (C) and there is another consulting company (B) in between. Client (C) is a direct client of Company (B). The relationship is like A -> B -> C.
My husband wants to join the Company (B), and keeps on working for the same client (C).
Has anyone done something similar to this and can anyone share any legal issue with this. I will really appreciate if someone can guide us more.
Thanks
I have a question and this is regarding my husband.
We have filed our 485 and have got our EADs and AP's. Our 180 days will be over by jan end.
My husband works for Company (A) as a consultant. He is placed at a Client (C) and there is another consulting company (B) in between. Client (C) is a direct client of Company (B). The relationship is like A -> B -> C.
My husband wants to join the Company (B), and keeps on working for the same client (C).
Has anyone done something similar to this and can anyone share any legal issue with this. I will really appreciate if someone can guide us more.
Thanks
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solaris27
12-07 08:53 AM
you can get 3 years extesion
change this lawer , he do't kow aything or trying to save company money .
change this lawer , he do't kow aything or trying to save company money .
more...
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uslegals
11-26 05:05 PM
congrats man..! looks like the GC is approved.!!! At last a FREE BIRD ~! Enjoy!
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sanjay02
05-17 01:58 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070517/ap_on_go_co/immigration_congress
WASHINGTON - Key senators in both parties and the White House announced agreement Thursday on an immigration overhaul that would grant quick legal status to millions of illegal immigrants already in the U.S. and fortify the border.
ADVERTISEMENT
The plan would create a temporary worker program to bring new arrivals to the U.S. A separate program would cover agricultural workers. New high-tech enforcement measures also would be instituted to verify that workers are here legally.
The compromise came after weeks of painstaking closed-door negotiations that brought the most liberal Democrats and the most conservative Republicans together with President Bush's Cabinet officers to produce a highly complex measure that carries heavy political consequences.
Bush hailed completion of the deal as a "historic moment," and said he looked forward to signing it into law, according to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who said he called the president to inform him of it.
"Politics is the art of the possible, and the agreement that we just reached is the best possible chance we will have in years to secure our borders and bring millions of people out of the shadows and into the sunshine of America," Kennedy said.
Anticipating criticism from conservatives, Sen. Arlen Specter (news, bio, voting record), R-Pa., said, "It is not amnesty. This will restore the rule of law."
The accord sets the stage for what promises to be a bruising battle next week in the Senate on one of Bush's top non-war priorities. The president has said he wants to sign an immigration bill by summer's end.
The key breakthrough came when negotiators struck a bargain on a so-called "point system" that would for the first time prioritize immigrants' education and skill level over family connections in deciding how to award green cards.
The draft bill "gives a path out of the shadows and toward legal status for those who are currently here" illegally, said Sen. Dianne Feinstein (news, bio, voting record), D-Calif.
The immigration issue also divides both parties in the House, which isn't expected to act unless the Senate passes a bill first.
The proposed agreement would allow illegal immigrants to come forward and obtain a "Z visa" and � after paying fees and a $5,000 fine � ultimately get on track for permanent residency, which could take between eight and 13 years. Heads of household would have to return to their home countries first.
They could come forward right away to claim a probationary card that would let them live and work legally in the U.S., but could not begin the path to permanent residency or citizenship until border security improvements and the high-tech worker identification program were completed.
A new temporary guest worker program would also have to wait until those so-called "triggers" had been activated.
Those workers would have to return home after work stints of two years, with little opportunity to gain permanent legal status or ever become U.S. citizens. They could renew their guest worker visas twice, but would be required to leave for a year in between each time.
Democrats had pressed instead for guest workers to be permitted to stay and work indefinitely in the U.S.
In perhaps the most hotly debated change, the proposed plan would shift from an immigration system primarily weighted toward family ties toward one with preferences for people with advanced degrees and sophisticated skills. Republicans have long sought such revisions, which they say are needed to end "chain migration" that harms the economy, while some Democrats and liberal groups say it's an unfair system that rips families apart.
Family connections alone would no longer be enough to qualify for a green card � except for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens.
New limits would apply to U.S. citizens seeking to bring foreign-born parents into the country.
WASHINGTON - Key senators in both parties and the White House announced agreement Thursday on an immigration overhaul that would grant quick legal status to millions of illegal immigrants already in the U.S. and fortify the border.
ADVERTISEMENT
The plan would create a temporary worker program to bring new arrivals to the U.S. A separate program would cover agricultural workers. New high-tech enforcement measures also would be instituted to verify that workers are here legally.
The compromise came after weeks of painstaking closed-door negotiations that brought the most liberal Democrats and the most conservative Republicans together with President Bush's Cabinet officers to produce a highly complex measure that carries heavy political consequences.
Bush hailed completion of the deal as a "historic moment," and said he looked forward to signing it into law, according to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who said he called the president to inform him of it.
"Politics is the art of the possible, and the agreement that we just reached is the best possible chance we will have in years to secure our borders and bring millions of people out of the shadows and into the sunshine of America," Kennedy said.
Anticipating criticism from conservatives, Sen. Arlen Specter (news, bio, voting record), R-Pa., said, "It is not amnesty. This will restore the rule of law."
The accord sets the stage for what promises to be a bruising battle next week in the Senate on one of Bush's top non-war priorities. The president has said he wants to sign an immigration bill by summer's end.
The key breakthrough came when negotiators struck a bargain on a so-called "point system" that would for the first time prioritize immigrants' education and skill level over family connections in deciding how to award green cards.
The draft bill "gives a path out of the shadows and toward legal status for those who are currently here" illegally, said Sen. Dianne Feinstein (news, bio, voting record), D-Calif.
The immigration issue also divides both parties in the House, which isn't expected to act unless the Senate passes a bill first.
The proposed agreement would allow illegal immigrants to come forward and obtain a "Z visa" and � after paying fees and a $5,000 fine � ultimately get on track for permanent residency, which could take between eight and 13 years. Heads of household would have to return to their home countries first.
They could come forward right away to claim a probationary card that would let them live and work legally in the U.S., but could not begin the path to permanent residency or citizenship until border security improvements and the high-tech worker identification program were completed.
A new temporary guest worker program would also have to wait until those so-called "triggers" had been activated.
Those workers would have to return home after work stints of two years, with little opportunity to gain permanent legal status or ever become U.S. citizens. They could renew their guest worker visas twice, but would be required to leave for a year in between each time.
Democrats had pressed instead for guest workers to be permitted to stay and work indefinitely in the U.S.
In perhaps the most hotly debated change, the proposed plan would shift from an immigration system primarily weighted toward family ties toward one with preferences for people with advanced degrees and sophisticated skills. Republicans have long sought such revisions, which they say are needed to end "chain migration" that harms the economy, while some Democrats and liberal groups say it's an unfair system that rips families apart.
Family connections alone would no longer be enough to qualify for a green card � except for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens.
New limits would apply to U.S. citizens seeking to bring foreign-born parents into the country.
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ecruiser
08-23 11:50 PM
Hi, I have 3 yrs exp. as a software engineer. I have a master's degree . In order to be qualified for EB2, which is better to be put on the job ad, BS+5 or MS+2? Based on my understanding:
BS+5: BS is believed to be qualified enough for the software engineer position. But BS+5 may not be qualified for EB2?
MS+2: Master degree is good for EB2, but wondering if the DoL thinks it is necessary for a SE position.
Could you please give me advice on this? I really appreciate that.
Thanks.
BS+5: BS is believed to be qualified enough for the software engineer position. But BS+5 may not be qualified for EB2?
MS+2: Master degree is good for EB2, but wondering if the DoL thinks it is necessary for a SE position.
Could you please give me advice on this? I really appreciate that.
Thanks.
gaz
04-23 09:33 AM
why not just a tracker? its something that will be needed until the gc is approved - and is a recurring question. the tracker could also provide stats about current approval rate etc.
I think we need to start one more thread to get responses from people who's H1b extension is being denied in last two months and what were the reasons behind it. This will help to get a clear picture of whats happening.
I think we need to start one more thread to get responses from people who's H1b extension is being denied in last two months and what were the reasons behind it. This will help to get a clear picture of whats happening.
sobers
02-10 10:55 AM
It is important because this article distinguishes "skilled" immigration versus "unskilled" immigration. This country needs more of the former as enounced several times by leaders of industry, academia and politics, but the latter issue is somewhat controversional because of its largely "illegal" nature in the U.S.
Regardless, this goes to show policy makers here need to be 'smart' and enourage 'smart' people to contribute to this country, as the Europeans are starting to do now...
EU's New Tack on Immigration
Leaders Talk Up 'Brain Circulation' To Cure Shrinking Work Force
By JOHN W. MILLER
February 10, 2006; Page A8
BRUSSELS -- Faced with a shrinking work force, Europe's leaders are looking for ways to attract talented foreigners, even as some countries on the Continent close their borders to other immigrants willing to work for lower wages.
Plans touted by Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini, the man charged with developing common immigration policies for the European Union, range from a new EU-wide "green card" that would allow skilled workers already in the 25-nation bloc to change countries without extra paperwork, to special temporary permits for seasonal workers.
"The U.S. and Australia have stricter rules, but they get the right people to immigrate, and once they're in, they integrate them, and give them benefits, education and citizenship" much faster than in the EU, Mr. Frattini said in an interview. Europe's work force is expected to shrink by 20 million people between now and 2030, according to the European Commission, and businesses complain regularly about a shortage of highly skilled personnel, even as unemployment rates in many EU countries remain high.
In Mr. Frattini's vision, a North African engineer could go to work in Europe, earn good money and return regularly to his hometown to start and maintain a business. Immigration policy in Europe is still up to individual countries. To sell the idea, Mr. Frattini uses the term "brain circulation" to counter accusations of a "brain drain" -- a phrase often used to criticize rich countries for sucking the talent and stalling the development of poor regions.
The challenge for Mr. Frattini is that in the face of pressure from unions and politicians worried about losing jobs to lower-wage newcomers, most EU national governments are jittery about welcoming more immigrants. Only three of the 15 Western European EU nations, for example, have opened their labor markets to the bloc's eight new Eastern European states.
While some countries are likely to resist opening their labor markets until forced to do in 2011, attitudes might be changing. Last weekend French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy echoed many of Mr. Frattini's ideas and proposed special immigration permits for skilled workers.
Plans to attract more immigrants are also a tough sell in developing countries that would lose their graduates and scientists. Mr. Frattini argues that successful migrants benefit their home economies when they work in Europe, because money they send home is an important part of many poor nations' gross domestic products.
In concrete terms, Mr. Frattini says the EU would promote brain circulation by including non-EU citizens in job databases and funding language and job-training courses in immigrants' home countries. Mr. Frattini also wants to develop work visas that will allow immigrants to return to start businesses in their home countries, without losing the right to work in Europe.
Some economists are skeptical. It is often difficult for immigrants to return home, and if economic conditions were good enough to merit investment, they probably wouldn't have left in the first place. "People left for a reason," says Jean-Pierre Garson, an economist at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The International Monetary Fund says immigrants dispatched $126 billion to their home countries in 2004 -- up from $72.3 billion in 2001 -- but there aren't any official figures on how much immigrants invest in businesses in their native countries.
So, would brain circulation work? Some immigrants say they agree in theory that investing accomplishes more than cash remittances. Anecdotal evidence suggests investments that pay off require patience, hands-on involvement, start-up capital and participation by local residents.
"Building is better," says Eric Chinje, a World Bank official living in Virginia who until recently had returned every two years to his hometown of Santa, Cameroon, with bags stuffed with dollars. "I'd take $5,000 and distribute among 100 to 200 people," he says. Three years ago, the 50-year-old Mr. Chinje set up a microcredit bank with the condition that villagers buy shares in the bank. Hundreds did, by getting money from relatives overseas, he says.
The bank started in April 2004 with a capital base of $50,000. So far, it has lent money to a cooperative to fund a storage facility and a truck to carry fruits and vegetables to city markets.
For an investment to really take off and make the kind of impact sought by Mr. Frattini, immigrant entrepreneurs say they need capital and connections.
Kemal Sahin came to Germany in 1973 from a small mountain village in central Turkey. He started the company he now runs, Sahinler Group, one of Europe's biggest textile companies. Mr. Sahin employs 11,000 people, including 9,000 at plants in Turkey, where he started moving production in 1984 to take advantage of skilled, inexpensive labor. His knowledge of Turkish, local customs and regulations allowed him to set up an efficient operation, he says. "I was familiar with how things work in Turkey, and it was easier for me than for my German colleagues to invest there."
--Andrea Thomas in Berlin contributed to this article.
Write to John W. Miller at john.miller@dowjones.com1
Regardless, this goes to show policy makers here need to be 'smart' and enourage 'smart' people to contribute to this country, as the Europeans are starting to do now...
EU's New Tack on Immigration
Leaders Talk Up 'Brain Circulation' To Cure Shrinking Work Force
By JOHN W. MILLER
February 10, 2006; Page A8
BRUSSELS -- Faced with a shrinking work force, Europe's leaders are looking for ways to attract talented foreigners, even as some countries on the Continent close their borders to other immigrants willing to work for lower wages.
Plans touted by Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini, the man charged with developing common immigration policies for the European Union, range from a new EU-wide "green card" that would allow skilled workers already in the 25-nation bloc to change countries without extra paperwork, to special temporary permits for seasonal workers.
"The U.S. and Australia have stricter rules, but they get the right people to immigrate, and once they're in, they integrate them, and give them benefits, education and citizenship" much faster than in the EU, Mr. Frattini said in an interview. Europe's work force is expected to shrink by 20 million people between now and 2030, according to the European Commission, and businesses complain regularly about a shortage of highly skilled personnel, even as unemployment rates in many EU countries remain high.
In Mr. Frattini's vision, a North African engineer could go to work in Europe, earn good money and return regularly to his hometown to start and maintain a business. Immigration policy in Europe is still up to individual countries. To sell the idea, Mr. Frattini uses the term "brain circulation" to counter accusations of a "brain drain" -- a phrase often used to criticize rich countries for sucking the talent and stalling the development of poor regions.
The challenge for Mr. Frattini is that in the face of pressure from unions and politicians worried about losing jobs to lower-wage newcomers, most EU national governments are jittery about welcoming more immigrants. Only three of the 15 Western European EU nations, for example, have opened their labor markets to the bloc's eight new Eastern European states.
While some countries are likely to resist opening their labor markets until forced to do in 2011, attitudes might be changing. Last weekend French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy echoed many of Mr. Frattini's ideas and proposed special immigration permits for skilled workers.
Plans to attract more immigrants are also a tough sell in developing countries that would lose their graduates and scientists. Mr. Frattini argues that successful migrants benefit their home economies when they work in Europe, because money they send home is an important part of many poor nations' gross domestic products.
In concrete terms, Mr. Frattini says the EU would promote brain circulation by including non-EU citizens in job databases and funding language and job-training courses in immigrants' home countries. Mr. Frattini also wants to develop work visas that will allow immigrants to return to start businesses in their home countries, without losing the right to work in Europe.
Some economists are skeptical. It is often difficult for immigrants to return home, and if economic conditions were good enough to merit investment, they probably wouldn't have left in the first place. "People left for a reason," says Jean-Pierre Garson, an economist at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The International Monetary Fund says immigrants dispatched $126 billion to their home countries in 2004 -- up from $72.3 billion in 2001 -- but there aren't any official figures on how much immigrants invest in businesses in their native countries.
So, would brain circulation work? Some immigrants say they agree in theory that investing accomplishes more than cash remittances. Anecdotal evidence suggests investments that pay off require patience, hands-on involvement, start-up capital and participation by local residents.
"Building is better," says Eric Chinje, a World Bank official living in Virginia who until recently had returned every two years to his hometown of Santa, Cameroon, with bags stuffed with dollars. "I'd take $5,000 and distribute among 100 to 200 people," he says. Three years ago, the 50-year-old Mr. Chinje set up a microcredit bank with the condition that villagers buy shares in the bank. Hundreds did, by getting money from relatives overseas, he says.
The bank started in April 2004 with a capital base of $50,000. So far, it has lent money to a cooperative to fund a storage facility and a truck to carry fruits and vegetables to city markets.
For an investment to really take off and make the kind of impact sought by Mr. Frattini, immigrant entrepreneurs say they need capital and connections.
Kemal Sahin came to Germany in 1973 from a small mountain village in central Turkey. He started the company he now runs, Sahinler Group, one of Europe's biggest textile companies. Mr. Sahin employs 11,000 people, including 9,000 at plants in Turkey, where he started moving production in 1984 to take advantage of skilled, inexpensive labor. His knowledge of Turkish, local customs and regulations allowed him to set up an efficient operation, he says. "I was familiar with how things work in Turkey, and it was easier for me than for my German colleagues to invest there."
--Andrea Thomas in Berlin contributed to this article.
Write to John W. Miller at john.miller@dowjones.com1