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Munish
05-08-2007, 09:42 AM
Don't know if there is interest in this thread, but I finally found all the statutes and rules on adjustment of status.

All the postings about transfers from E2 to permanent residency left me with a mixed picture so I wanted to know for sure about the situation.

The statutory provisions are available at http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode08/usc_sec_08_00001255----000-.html.

Specifically, subsection (a), which is most useful interest states:

(a) Status as person admitted for permanent residence on application and eligibility for immigrant visa
The status of an alien who was inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States or the status of any other alien having an approved petition for classification under subparagraph (A)(iii), (A)(iv), (B)(ii), or (B)(iii) of section 1154 (a)(1) of this title or [1] may be adjusted by the Attorney General, in his discretion and under such regulations as he may prescribe, to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence if
(1) the alien makes an application for such adjustment,
(2) the alien is eligible to receive an immigrant visa and is admissible to the United States for permanent residence, and
(3) an immigrant visa is immediately available to him at the time his application is filed.

Essentially this means you may adjust to permanent residency provided it is in accordance with the applicable regulations. The applicable regulations are available at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=91b513383e1eb57782a93a4d42c28791;rg n=div5;view=text;node=8%3A1.0.1.2.37;idno=8;cc=ecf r and http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=91b513383e1eb57782a93a4d42c28791;rg n=div5;view=text;node=8%3A1.0.1.2.38;idno=8;cc=ecf r.

In relation to E2 to permanent residence issue, see http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=c6dd8a119e7695af8730c6cc16024c09&rgn=div8&view=text&node=8:1.0.1.2.37.0.1.1&idno=8. Specifically, subsections (a) and (c)(3) are of most interest. In (c) it lists ineligible aliens, i.e. those who cannot adjust statues to permanent residency. This includes:

(3) Any alien who has nonimmigrant status under paragraph (15)(A), (15)(E), or (15)(G) of section 101(a) of the Act, or has an occupational status which would, if the alien were seeking admission to the United States, entitle the alien to nonimmigrant status under those paragraphs, unless the alien first executes and submits the written waiver required by section 247(b) of the Act and part 247 of this chapter

Therefore, the general rule is A, E and G visa holders cannot adjust, unless the alien "first executes and submits a written waiver" in accordance with section 247 and the related rules. Section 247(b) states, a person must execute and file "with the Attorney General a written waiver of all rights, privileges, exemptions, and immunities under any law or any executive order which would otherwise accrue to him because of the acquisition of an occupational status entitling him to a nonimmigrant status under paragraph (15)(A), (E), or (G) of section 1101 (a) of this title."

Section 247(b) (8 USC 1257(b)) is available at http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/uscode08/usc_sec_08_00001257----000-.html. The related rules (part 247) are available at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr;sid=91b513383e1eb57782a93a4d42c28791;rg n=div5;view=text;node=8%3A1.0.1.2.40;idno=8;cc=ecf r.

britcan
05-08-2007, 02:13 PM
ok but what does this mean in laymans terms!!Sorry but I get overwhelmed with legal ease.

Munish
05-08-2007, 02:33 PM
Sorry Britcan. I do get ahead of myself sometimes. Basically the laws and rules state in which circumstances a person may adjust to permanent residency without having to leave the United States.

In relation to E visa holders, they cannot generally adjust status from E status to permanent residency. They would have to leave the country and get the immigrant visa from the consular office. However, the rules states you can get round this.

You have file some paperwork with the Attorney General stating that you are giving up all benefits (or to be technical, "all rights, privileges, exemptions, and immunities ") available to you under the E visa. I don't know if there is a specified form for this purpose or even whether it is ever used in practice. However, for any E visa holders who wants immigrant status (and provided they qualify for immigrant status), they might want to check this out to see if they can do so without having to leave the country.

Let me know if that makes sense. I would also be interested to know if this has ever been used.

britcan
05-08-2007, 06:48 PM
sounds a bit dodgy to me...as a Canadian, I am hoping that they forge ahead with this North American Union, so at elast there is free movement of labour without the hassle of visa's...on another note-so do we know exactly what Heather Wilson is writing re the E2 visa change to making it a permanent visa?

Munish
05-08-2007, 07:19 PM
It could well be dogdy; perhaps one of those loopholes in the law that the USCIS themselves might not know about! May be I should immigrate to Canada. By that that's done the North American Union may well be in place! Wander if there will ever be a Transatlantc Economic Union with all this talk about the "special relationship" with the Queen's visit?

As for Heather Wilson, no idea what's up with the E2 reforms. Hopefully something will be inserted in the next draft or the one after.

Susie
05-08-2007, 08:09 PM
Hi

I do know it is possible to change status from an E visa to green card and have said this is not done directly though

Once the E business is substaintial there is a need for someone to oversee the complete operation

So long as job adverts are placed in the media (records kept) also advertise the job in the shop front window (if you have one) then no suitable applicant is found.

Then the E Business Company sponser the owner of the business and submit an I 140 on behalf of the biz owner. If the I 140 is approved then the biz owner can file an I 485 to cahnge status to LPR

This can and has been done but not widely known and the applicant did not have to leave the US to do so either