VSS2007
05-28 06:19 PM
I got my renewal EAD from TSC last week. It starts from the expiry of my current EAD.
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
wallpaper Best Men Short Hairstyles
CADude
02-21 03:07 AM
Got a letter from Sen B Boxer, CA. Standard letter.. with bla bla bla..
zeast of letter.. Sen. is working hard to resolve the complex issue and requested me to keep patience.
:) That i am doing anyway from last 7+ year..:D
Yes it is positive --At-least senators are sticking to their timetable of CIR by March and April.
I guess that is the reason IV is asking for stories by Wednesday noon, This hearing is also on the same day.
zeast of letter.. Sen. is working hard to resolve the complex issue and requested me to keep patience.
:) That i am doing anyway from last 7+ year..:D
Yes it is positive --At-least senators are sticking to their timetable of CIR by March and April.
I guess that is the reason IV is asking for stories by Wednesday noon, This hearing is also on the same day.
abhaykul
03-28 10:58 AM
You may have submitted your papers in Jan 2007 but make sure your lawyer forwarded it in Jan 2007. Check for the date Received on the approval notice.
For my recent H1B extention for 7th year extention, I have come across strange situation.
My old H1B was valid till 5th Feb 2007. Extention was applied in Jan 2007 with approved I-140. Recently I have received approved H1B extention with new I-94, but it states validity is from 22 March 2007 to 5th Feb 2010.
I thought the extention should have been from 6th Feb 2007 to 5th Feb 2010.
what should be infered from above ? Does it mean that I was out of ststus fron 6th Feb 2007 till 21st March 2007.
I would appereciate any input on this.
If this makes me out of status , is there a way to fix this by contacting USCIS again ?
Thanks
Saurav
For my recent H1B extention for 7th year extention, I have come across strange situation.
My old H1B was valid till 5th Feb 2007. Extention was applied in Jan 2007 with approved I-140. Recently I have received approved H1B extention with new I-94, but it states validity is from 22 March 2007 to 5th Feb 2010.
I thought the extention should have been from 6th Feb 2007 to 5th Feb 2010.
what should be infered from above ? Does it mean that I was out of ststus fron 6th Feb 2007 till 21st March 2007.
I would appereciate any input on this.
If this makes me out of status , is there a way to fix this by contacting USCIS again ?
Thanks
Saurav
2011 Trends Chinesse Young Men#39;s
smitha_jacob
06-04 09:28 AM
Hello,
I am on F1 visa from India and doing PhD US university. My husband is in H1B visa from 2007 November. I would like to apply for green card via National Interest Waiver. When I asked an attorny, he said that since you are from India, it will take few years to get EAD. But I read that you can apply I-40 and I-485 concurently and get EAD card in an year.
Can anyone help me please?
I am on F1 visa from India and doing PhD US university. My husband is in H1B visa from 2007 November. I would like to apply for green card via National Interest Waiver. When I asked an attorny, he said that since you are from India, it will take few years to get EAD. But I read that you can apply I-40 and I-485 concurently and get EAD card in an year.
Can anyone help me please?
more...
pathiren
06-06 07:50 PM
Admins / Folks,
Any updates on this!
06/06/2008: U.S. STEM Advance Degree Numberical Limit Exempt Immigration Bill Introduced in the Senate
There is a bill pending in the House which was introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California which is similar to this new Senate bill which was introduced yesterday by Sen. Barbara Boxer of California. The House bill is H.R. 6039 and the Senate bill is S. 3084. Both of these bills propose to exempt U.S. advanced degree holders working for the U.S. employers from the numerical limit in the employment based immigration. The full text of the House bill is posted on May 11, 2008.
Any updates on this!
06/06/2008: U.S. STEM Advance Degree Numberical Limit Exempt Immigration Bill Introduced in the Senate
There is a bill pending in the House which was introduced by Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California which is similar to this new Senate bill which was introduced yesterday by Sen. Barbara Boxer of California. The House bill is H.R. 6039 and the Senate bill is S. 3084. Both of these bills propose to exempt U.S. advanced degree holders working for the U.S. employers from the numerical limit in the employment based immigration. The full text of the House bill is posted on May 11, 2008.
GetGC08
05-10 04:45 PM
Hi All,
I came to US on H1B visa in Feb 2005. Initially for two & half months(2.5) I was on bench, than I got project for 6 months. After that project again I was on bench for two & half moths(2.5). Means totally I was on bench for 5 months, so for that period I don't have paystubs with me. I have W2 & paystubs for those 6 months(when I was on the project) as I paid tax for those 6 months.
After that I never be on the bench till date, means I am constantly on the project from Jan 2006 to till date.
My labor got approved & I-140 is in process. Now in future if I get RFE on this issue than how should I give response in that matter?:confused:
I am asking this because I want to be prepare if any RFE come regarding this issue.
I will really appreciate any kind of response/guidance in this matter.
I really need solution for this problem.
Thanks in advance.
I came to US on H1B visa in Feb 2005. Initially for two & half months(2.5) I was on bench, than I got project for 6 months. After that project again I was on bench for two & half moths(2.5). Means totally I was on bench for 5 months, so for that period I don't have paystubs with me. I have W2 & paystubs for those 6 months(when I was on the project) as I paid tax for those 6 months.
After that I never be on the bench till date, means I am constantly on the project from Jan 2006 to till date.
My labor got approved & I-140 is in process. Now in future if I get RFE on this issue than how should I give response in that matter?:confused:
I am asking this because I want to be prepare if any RFE come regarding this issue.
I will really appreciate any kind of response/guidance in this matter.
I really need solution for this problem.
Thanks in advance.
more...
sreekanth
10-02 07:01 PM
I was also lucky to meet one of their executive editors to whom I explained the issues posed by retrogression. He was very supportive but informed that he has been hearing from the other side as well.( I guess from NumbersUSA).
We too should be pro-active in campaigning to media about our valid cause.
I just sent the following E-mail to the Information Week Editors.
Sub:Your help requested for Skilled IT wokers to get their greencards
Dear Mr.McGee,
I had a chance to read your article about the issues
faced due to the H1B caps and the Greencard
Retrogression.("Time Is Running Out For H-1B Visa Cap
To Be Raised--Or Is It?"-Information
Week,Dt:06-Sep-06)
Thanks much for your insight about the SKILL bill.
It would be of great help if you could write more
Articles about the retrogression issues. Thousands of
unfortunate skilled workers like me have been caught
in the 'Retrogression' black hole and there is no
relief is visible in any near future.I have been
waiting for more than 5 years for my green card in
vain. We are in a state of limbo and are almost
similar to bonded laborers since our professional
mobility is very much limited.
People talk so much about the CIR and Illegal aliens
but very few people even know about the plight of the
LEGAL SKILLED workers.The retrogression has not only
affected my immediate future but it has also
negatively impacted the future of family/kids as well.
Our final hope is residing on the SKILL Bill and we
pray that it will be some how be passed in the
lame-duck session as you mentioned in your article.
Hundreds of Skilled workers like me have given up hope
already and are returning to their countries or are
looking for opportunities in other countries like
Canada etc. This also is having a significant negative
impact on US economy.
Just to give an example: Atleast 100,000 Skilled
workers are holding off the decision to buy a house
since they are not sure about their future here in US.
This amounts approximately to $30,000,000,000 (100000
X $300,000) inflow of money that could give a big
boost to the declining US Housing market.
It is sad to see that so many experienced LEGAL people
leaving this country due to immigration caps.
I kindly request you to publish a cover story on this
serious issue before the lame-duck session. I am sure
your words will have a big impact on the CEO's and
CIO's who in turn can lobby among the senators for our
cause.
Thanks again for your help so far.
Regards,
Sreekanth
We too should be pro-active in campaigning to media about our valid cause.
I just sent the following E-mail to the Information Week Editors.
Sub:Your help requested for Skilled IT wokers to get their greencards
Dear Mr.McGee,
I had a chance to read your article about the issues
faced due to the H1B caps and the Greencard
Retrogression.("Time Is Running Out For H-1B Visa Cap
To Be Raised--Or Is It?"-Information
Week,Dt:06-Sep-06)
Thanks much for your insight about the SKILL bill.
It would be of great help if you could write more
Articles about the retrogression issues. Thousands of
unfortunate skilled workers like me have been caught
in the 'Retrogression' black hole and there is no
relief is visible in any near future.I have been
waiting for more than 5 years for my green card in
vain. We are in a state of limbo and are almost
similar to bonded laborers since our professional
mobility is very much limited.
People talk so much about the CIR and Illegal aliens
but very few people even know about the plight of the
LEGAL SKILLED workers.The retrogression has not only
affected my immediate future but it has also
negatively impacted the future of family/kids as well.
Our final hope is residing on the SKILL Bill and we
pray that it will be some how be passed in the
lame-duck session as you mentioned in your article.
Hundreds of Skilled workers like me have given up hope
already and are returning to their countries or are
looking for opportunities in other countries like
Canada etc. This also is having a significant negative
impact on US economy.
Just to give an example: Atleast 100,000 Skilled
workers are holding off the decision to buy a house
since they are not sure about their future here in US.
This amounts approximately to $30,000,000,000 (100000
X $300,000) inflow of money that could give a big
boost to the declining US Housing market.
It is sad to see that so many experienced LEGAL people
leaving this country due to immigration caps.
I kindly request you to publish a cover story on this
serious issue before the lame-duck session. I am sure
your words will have a big impact on the CEO's and
CIO's who in turn can lobby among the senators for our
cause.
Thanks again for your help so far.
Regards,
Sreekanth
2010 kids hairstyles 2008 pictures
BlueSoft
01-16 06:19 AM
Hello,
Do not upgrade your file for Premium Processing. Any time you do that, chances for an RFE from USCIS goo higher. You will get a decision from USCIS within two weeks for sure. You can also call USCIS as right now they are processing cases which they have received in late July and mid August.
Do not upgrade your file for Premium Processing. Any time you do that, chances for an RFE from USCIS goo higher. You will get a decision from USCIS within two weeks for sure. You can also call USCIS as right now they are processing cases which they have received in late July and mid August.
more...
narendra_modi
03-04 03:45 PM
Hi guys,
this is my first post, so please bear with me ..How can a novice know that this forum is for EB category ? small suggestion to iv team, a small iv admin fix...
can typing immigrationvoice.org take us all to "ebimmigrationvoice.org" or eb-legal-immigrationvoice.org" ? (eg. ibnlive.com takes you to ibnlive.in.com) In that way eventually everybody will know its a eb immigration voice and no other legal immigrants forums..
Sr members, please share your views on this topic..
thanks
narendra
this is my first post, so please bear with me ..How can a novice know that this forum is for EB category ? small suggestion to iv team, a small iv admin fix...
can typing immigrationvoice.org take us all to "ebimmigrationvoice.org" or eb-legal-immigrationvoice.org" ? (eg. ibnlive.com takes you to ibnlive.in.com) In that way eventually everybody will know its a eb immigration voice and no other legal immigrants forums..
Sr members, please share your views on this topic..
thanks
narendra
hair Young Men#39;s Hairstyles 2010
Winner
10-11 08:37 PM
I am in H1B and more than five years. My employer is a mid size
private Indian company. They start bringing more and more L1B
people and post them in client location. Their LCA is for 55K and they
are paid only 30K even though the billing is in three digit. All the
accomodation, per diem are paid by the client. We are into one of
the XXX product and there is no custom product from our company.
Whats the best way to deal with this guys. Whom should send I the
complaint about this. What they are doing is a complete violation
of law.
So please guide and share you experience.
P.S. If you dont have any information, please stay away. Do not
start the H1 vs L1, Anti-immis troll alert. Thanks for your
understanding. This has nothing to do with the L1 employees.
Just curious..if you can answer the below questions, I'll google my fingers off to get you information you need.
Why not disclose your employers name?
Does your company just pay low wages to others and pay you very well?
If your company is violating US laws, why are you with them?
private Indian company. They start bringing more and more L1B
people and post them in client location. Their LCA is for 55K and they
are paid only 30K even though the billing is in three digit. All the
accomodation, per diem are paid by the client. We are into one of
the XXX product and there is no custom product from our company.
Whats the best way to deal with this guys. Whom should send I the
complaint about this. What they are doing is a complete violation
of law.
So please guide and share you experience.
P.S. If you dont have any information, please stay away. Do not
start the H1 vs L1, Anti-immis troll alert. Thanks for your
understanding. This has nothing to do with the L1 employees.
Just curious..if you can answer the below questions, I'll google my fingers off to get you information you need.
Why not disclose your employers name?
Does your company just pay low wages to others and pay you very well?
If your company is violating US laws, why are you with them?
more...
EB3_SEP04
01-29 11:23 AM
what is bc & nabc?? :(
Birht Certificate/ Non Availability of Birth Certificate
Birht Certificate/ Non Availability of Birth Certificate
hot mens hairstyle trends. Men Celebrity Hairstyles,Mens Hairstyles
drirshad
05-06 03:52 PM
Use the letter to modify for our cause, May 14 is the start day for CIR discussion in Senate ......
http://capwiz.com/justiceforimmigrants/issues/alert/?alertid=9714021&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
U.S. SENATE TO CONSIDER IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION
CONTACT YOUR SENATORS TODAY
U.S. SENATE TO CONSIDER IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION
Background. Democratic and Republican Senators, along with the Bush Administration, are currently negotiating compromise immigration reform legislation which could be considered on the floor of the U.S. Senate beginning the week of May 14. Should these negotiations falter, the Democratic leadership could choose to bring the STRIVE Act, or a similar bill, to the floor for immediate consideration. It is important that you contact your Senators in the next few days and ask for their support for a just and humane immigration reform bill.
USCCB Position. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and other organizational members of the Justice for Immigrants (JFI) Campaign are working to ensure that any compromise immigration legislation includes the principles set forth by the U.S. bishops. Any legislation which would warrant USCCB support would include:
1. a legalization program for the undocumented which includes family unity and a realistic path to citizenship;
2. a new worker program with worker protections and a path to citizenship; and
3. the preservation of family reunification as a cornerstone of our immigration system and the elimination of family backlogs and waiting times.
To contact your Senators, call 202-224-3121. The sample letter can be accessed via the JFI website at www.justiceforimmigrants.org or can be faxed to the Senators� offices. Use link below to Email the Senators.
http://capwiz.com/justiceforimmigrants/issues/alert/?alertid=9714021&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
http://capwiz.com/justiceforimmigrants/issues/alert/?alertid=9714021&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
U.S. SENATE TO CONSIDER IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION
CONTACT YOUR SENATORS TODAY
U.S. SENATE TO CONSIDER IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION
Background. Democratic and Republican Senators, along with the Bush Administration, are currently negotiating compromise immigration reform legislation which could be considered on the floor of the U.S. Senate beginning the week of May 14. Should these negotiations falter, the Democratic leadership could choose to bring the STRIVE Act, or a similar bill, to the floor for immediate consideration. It is important that you contact your Senators in the next few days and ask for their support for a just and humane immigration reform bill.
USCCB Position. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and other organizational members of the Justice for Immigrants (JFI) Campaign are working to ensure that any compromise immigration legislation includes the principles set forth by the U.S. bishops. Any legislation which would warrant USCCB support would include:
1. a legalization program for the undocumented which includes family unity and a realistic path to citizenship;
2. a new worker program with worker protections and a path to citizenship; and
3. the preservation of family reunification as a cornerstone of our immigration system and the elimination of family backlogs and waiting times.
To contact your Senators, call 202-224-3121. The sample letter can be accessed via the JFI website at www.justiceforimmigrants.org or can be faxed to the Senators� offices. Use link below to Email the Senators.
http://capwiz.com/justiceforimmigrants/issues/alert/?alertid=9714021&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
more...
house Young men short hairstyle with
optimist578
02-12 01:48 PM
Currently its taking the same amount of time at both Nebraska & Texas service centers.
https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/Processtimes.jsp?SeviceCenter=TSC
https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/Processtimes.jsp?SeviceCenter=NSC
My regular I-140 case took Nov - Feb at NSC.
https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/Processtimes.jsp?SeviceCenter=TSC
https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/Processtimes.jsp?SeviceCenter=NSC
My regular I-140 case took Nov - Feb at NSC.
tattoo Young Hairstyles For Men
rheoretro
08-18 01:20 PM
The I-140 stage these days isn't very slow, but at one time in the not-too-distant past it was...
more...
pictures Hairstyles For Men | Men
ThinkTwice
02-24 12:12 PM
Thanks for replying. I just came back from the court and got back the following
1. Court certified copy of the complaint
2. Court certified copy of the whole case docket
What I found was my charge was reduced from DUI (VC 23152(A) and VC23152(B) to Wet reckless (VC 23103.5(A)) by negotiations with DA. The docket also mentions that I have paid all the fees and completed all the courses assigned to me.
Does this help in this matter?
I am going to consult an attorney but does anyone know what could be attorney charges in such case?
I honestly did not know that I needed to mention DUI in the application otherwise I would have since I have nothing to hide and I want everything to be straightforward.
The fact that the offense was reduced to Wet reckless probably helps your case (I am not sure I am just guessing here). You really need to talk to a specialist lawyer who deals with such kind of cases not a general immigration lawyer, Usually a consultation fee ranges from 100 to 300 depending on the experience and the profile of the lawyer and if you want to take the attorney to the interview with you then it may run upto and above $3000.
- good luck
1. Court certified copy of the complaint
2. Court certified copy of the whole case docket
What I found was my charge was reduced from DUI (VC 23152(A) and VC23152(B) to Wet reckless (VC 23103.5(A)) by negotiations with DA. The docket also mentions that I have paid all the fees and completed all the courses assigned to me.
Does this help in this matter?
I am going to consult an attorney but does anyone know what could be attorney charges in such case?
I honestly did not know that I needed to mention DUI in the application otherwise I would have since I have nothing to hide and I want everything to be straightforward.
The fact that the offense was reduced to Wet reckless probably helps your case (I am not sure I am just guessing here). You really need to talk to a specialist lawyer who deals with such kind of cases not a general immigration lawyer, Usually a consultation fee ranges from 100 to 300 depending on the experience and the profile of the lawyer and if you want to take the attorney to the interview with you then it may run upto and above $3000.
- good luck
dresses Asian Haircuts For Young Men
john2255
07-20 02:46 PM
am sorry to start a new thread but I feel the following thread is not getting the importance it should get. Everyone please dont miss the following thread. Its a big defeat during our celebrations.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10751
Major loss to us Cornyn amendment rejected
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10751
Major loss to us Cornyn amendment rejected
more...
makeup long men hairstyle. men shaggy
agt
05-22 11:42 AM
My Employer is not paying me salary even I am on Project.
can any one please tell me that how to report to DOL about this company.
AGT
can any one please tell me that how to report to DOL about this company.
AGT
girlfriend young mens hairstyles
gccovet
11-20 08:40 AM
I filed for my EAD in August, got an approval for EAD (2 yrs) and AP for one yr but no FP notice. What should I do
I checked with my lawyer and she says previous FP is valid for 15 to 18 months
Kindly Advise what should i do...
Did you paper file or efile?
If paper filed, no FP is required.
GCCovet
I checked with my lawyer and she says previous FP is valid for 15 to 18 months
Kindly Advise what should i do...
Did you paper file or efile?
If paper filed, no FP is required.
GCCovet
hairstyles Young Men#39;s Hair Styles
bekugc
03-17 09:55 PM
hi lavanya,
since the clock is ticking, your prime concern shud be to get hold of someone who can get the paperwork done quickly and apply +vely on april 1st. He may not be the best, but as long he follows all process its enuf for now. For that matter, even if u get a rfe its OK, as long as its not rejected u r good with respectedto competing in the lottery...(possible this year also)
To make sure they dont miss anything important, get an appointment with some local immigration lawyers and cross check the different things that need to be done ensure the appln is complete and it doesnt get rejected.
take an appointment and explain ur situation and for about 150-200$ they will explain and give u detailed list of things needed that will serve as a checklist so that u can ensure the actual lawyer dont mess up things due to rush.
since the clock is ticking, your prime concern shud be to get hold of someone who can get the paperwork done quickly and apply +vely on april 1st. He may not be the best, but as long he follows all process its enuf for now. For that matter, even if u get a rfe its OK, as long as its not rejected u r good with respectedto competing in the lottery...(possible this year also)
To make sure they dont miss anything important, get an appointment with some local immigration lawyers and cross check the different things that need to be done ensure the appln is complete and it doesnt get rejected.
take an appointment and explain ur situation and for about 150-200$ they will explain and give u detailed list of things needed that will serve as a checklist so that u can ensure the actual lawyer dont mess up things due to rush.
ragz4u
02-17 11:30 PM
If you are on H1B visa and hoping for a green card, get ready to walk to work.
A lot of people do not know that certain states like Pennsylvania will not issue a driver's licence if your H1B is about to expire in less than one year.
This is not the case in all states, but on inquiring, I learned that most states are going towards this as part of their move to make drivers licenses unavailable to illegals http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A45651-2004Sep23.html
If you are on H1B visa and applying for a green card, as described in this post (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=74), you WILL end up in your sixth year of H1 visa if the current situation does not improve. Then you will be able to extend your visa only ONE year at a time. Which means if you end up in a state like PA, you will have to walk to work or use public transport (if your city has public transport).
But by then many would be married/with kids. In that case, they have to make sure their kids can walk to their school too!
And do not forget the grocery store.....make sure its nearby...
The list is endless.
And just because you are not from PA, do not rejoice. What if your company relocates or gets bought over by another firm and you move to a state which enforces such rules?
And though this is applicable to a certain states right now, it will come to YOUR state very soon....I know a person in PA who is going through this now and I'm sure no one wants to be in his shoes!
<Sarcasm>So why not have a proposal to modify the H1B application form and add a question
Are you aware that your permission to drive a vehicle in USA on H1B visa is valid only for five years? along with the other questions that we already have like 'have you ever been convicted/felon' etc?
</Sarcasm>
Join, volunteer and contribute to ImmigrationVoice. This is your only chance to do something about retrogression while its possible. If we miss the boat this time, be ready to walk to work....
A lot of people do not know that certain states like Pennsylvania will not issue a driver's licence if your H1B is about to expire in less than one year.
This is not the case in all states, but on inquiring, I learned that most states are going towards this as part of their move to make drivers licenses unavailable to illegals http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A45651-2004Sep23.html
If you are on H1B visa and applying for a green card, as described in this post (http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=74), you WILL end up in your sixth year of H1 visa if the current situation does not improve. Then you will be able to extend your visa only ONE year at a time. Which means if you end up in a state like PA, you will have to walk to work or use public transport (if your city has public transport).
But by then many would be married/with kids. In that case, they have to make sure their kids can walk to their school too!
And do not forget the grocery store.....make sure its nearby...
The list is endless.
And just because you are not from PA, do not rejoice. What if your company relocates or gets bought over by another firm and you move to a state which enforces such rules?
And though this is applicable to a certain states right now, it will come to YOUR state very soon....I know a person in PA who is going through this now and I'm sure no one wants to be in his shoes!
<Sarcasm>So why not have a proposal to modify the H1B application form and add a question
Are you aware that your permission to drive a vehicle in USA on H1B visa is valid only for five years? along with the other questions that we already have like 'have you ever been convicted/felon' etc?
</Sarcasm>
Join, volunteer and contribute to ImmigrationVoice. This is your only chance to do something about retrogression while its possible. If we miss the boat this time, be ready to walk to work....
bluesandrams
12-16 10:52 AM
http://www.indianexpress.com/sunday/story/250682.html
THE BRAIN RAIN
PALLAVI SINGH
Posted online: Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 0000 hrs Print Email
Shouri Chatterjee comes across as a regular guy from Kolkata, fond of reading and meaningful cinema.
Related Stories
MOON VILLAGEGREEN BUCKSBARGAIN BRIDESNIGHT WITHOUT ENDBang for the buck
Shouri Chatterjee comes across as a regular guy from Kolkata, fond of reading and meaningful cinema. Every morning while cycling his way to his tiny office at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (IIT-D), he mingles with his students. In fact, he�s often mistaken for one. But he dispels the impression with a firm, �I�m here to teach.�
And if you ask his seniors at the institute, this simple statement from the US-returned electrical engineer means a lot to IIT-D these days.
Contrary to what most IITians with a BTech degree in hand and a foreign stamp on their post-graduate degrees did in the 1980s and �90s, Chatterjee abandoned his dollar dreams at the Silicon Laboratories in the United States to join the institute in November last year. A PhD from Columbia University in New York, Chatterjee says he knew all along that teaching and research were his �true calling�.
He is not alone. The 38 other men and women who have filled up faculty positions at IIT-D in the last 18 months, would agree. The new recruits, many of them under 35, reflect a trend that is slowly picking up across all the IITs. Most of those who have joined are either first-time teachers or have taken to teaching after a few years of experience in the industry.
For 32-year-old Anirban Mahanti, for example, teaching at IIT-D is a job change for the better. The shift from a three-year-stint as an assistant professor at the University of Calgary in Canada to teaching at IIT-D may have meant a �big downer� financially but in terms of freedom in research work, the gain, he says, cannot be translated into monetary terms. �In industry-based research, you just do what the company wants you to do. Here at IIT, we set our own pace and do what we want to do,� he adds.
While Prof Bijendra N Jain, Deputy Director (Faculty) at IIT-D, insists that the emphasis on recruiting young faculty is not new, he admits much is being done to �incentivise� the lot.
This month, IIT-D introduced the Outstanding Young Faculty Fellowships. The fellowships, currently numbering 26, offer Rs 1 lakh per annum to the select faculty for a period of five years. Jain says IIT-D hopes to launch about 500 such fellowships in the next five years.
�Creating fellowships are most important to us now than anything else. Return on money invested in a young faculty usually exceeds everything else. They are young, enthusiastic and several of them have left lucrative jobs abroad to join us,� says Prof Jain.
The institute has also asked the Department of Science of Technology under the Ministry of Science and Technology to launch at least a thousand fellowships for young science teachers across the country.
Similar efforts were made at IIT-Bombay when the institute announced a signing bonus of Rs 3 lakh for its new faculty with help from its alumni. It even significantly increased seed research grants to Rs 10 lakh to new faculty members from Rs 3 lakh in previous years.
Educationists say compensation packages are the need of the hour to build a pool of young teachers as a large number of faculties across IITs, hired at a time they were being set up in the 1950s and 1960s in anticipation of excellence in science and engineering education, are nearing retirement.
�The faculty was recruited some 30 years ago. Only a few years ago, we realised the fact that many of them would be retiring,� explains MS Ananth, director, IIT-Madras.
While IIT-Bombay has a faculty strength of 420 with about 100 vacant positions, it is not alone. Figures at the seven IITs reveals an estimated, cumulative shortage of at least 900 faculty members.
At IIT-D, about 20 percent of faculty positions are vacant. Further, according to a report prepared by its alumni association in 2004, more than 20 per cent of its most experienced faculty would retire in the next seven years.
The shortage is most acute in IIT Roorkee, which has a sanctioned strength of 575 but only 345 on the rolls.
So, IIT-D, along with IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Roorkee and IIT-Madras, has standing advertisements for faculty positions in all departments. And, the progress has been �good� as against a �dull response�� until a couple of years ago. �About 50 per cent of the applications we receive now are from teachers settled abroad. They all want to teach at IITs,� says Prof Jain of IIT-D.
The recent recruitments have pushed the number of teachers aged under 35 from 15 to over 30 at IIT-D and �Brand India� is one of the reasons behind the rising numbers.
In the 1990s, Prof K Achuta Rao, now 43, would come looking for research jobs in the field of climate change in vain. �Two things have happened since. First, the Government is encouraging quality research and second, a great research pool is being created here with the advent of big research labs setting up shop here. This is the time to be in India and be part of the changes it is undergoing,�� says Rao who joined IIT-D this June after working in the US for over two decades.
While Rao�s decision to come back to India took two decades, young IITians have decided pretty early. Statistics show that only three of IIT-Kanpur�s 273 BTech students and two from the integrated MSc course went abroad last year. All others�267 MTech students, two-year MSc grads and MBA�-stayed back in the country. In Delhi, of the 1,000-odd job seekers, only one student went abroad to join a financial consulting firm. At IIT Mumbai, 95 per cent of the students were placed in India while in Madras, only two BTech students went abroad.
But the lot willing to take up teaching and research is �still a faraway dream,� says Mahanti. �You can�t say that the US hangover is over. But there has been some sort of reverse drain. That doesn�t mean we should no longer be worrying about brain drain,� he cautions.
THE BRAIN RAIN
PALLAVI SINGH
Posted online: Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 0000 hrs Print Email
Shouri Chatterjee comes across as a regular guy from Kolkata, fond of reading and meaningful cinema.
Related Stories
MOON VILLAGEGREEN BUCKSBARGAIN BRIDESNIGHT WITHOUT ENDBang for the buck
Shouri Chatterjee comes across as a regular guy from Kolkata, fond of reading and meaningful cinema. Every morning while cycling his way to his tiny office at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (IIT-D), he mingles with his students. In fact, he�s often mistaken for one. But he dispels the impression with a firm, �I�m here to teach.�
And if you ask his seniors at the institute, this simple statement from the US-returned electrical engineer means a lot to IIT-D these days.
Contrary to what most IITians with a BTech degree in hand and a foreign stamp on their post-graduate degrees did in the 1980s and �90s, Chatterjee abandoned his dollar dreams at the Silicon Laboratories in the United States to join the institute in November last year. A PhD from Columbia University in New York, Chatterjee says he knew all along that teaching and research were his �true calling�.
He is not alone. The 38 other men and women who have filled up faculty positions at IIT-D in the last 18 months, would agree. The new recruits, many of them under 35, reflect a trend that is slowly picking up across all the IITs. Most of those who have joined are either first-time teachers or have taken to teaching after a few years of experience in the industry.
For 32-year-old Anirban Mahanti, for example, teaching at IIT-D is a job change for the better. The shift from a three-year-stint as an assistant professor at the University of Calgary in Canada to teaching at IIT-D may have meant a �big downer� financially but in terms of freedom in research work, the gain, he says, cannot be translated into monetary terms. �In industry-based research, you just do what the company wants you to do. Here at IIT, we set our own pace and do what we want to do,� he adds.
While Prof Bijendra N Jain, Deputy Director (Faculty) at IIT-D, insists that the emphasis on recruiting young faculty is not new, he admits much is being done to �incentivise� the lot.
This month, IIT-D introduced the Outstanding Young Faculty Fellowships. The fellowships, currently numbering 26, offer Rs 1 lakh per annum to the select faculty for a period of five years. Jain says IIT-D hopes to launch about 500 such fellowships in the next five years.
�Creating fellowships are most important to us now than anything else. Return on money invested in a young faculty usually exceeds everything else. They are young, enthusiastic and several of them have left lucrative jobs abroad to join us,� says Prof Jain.
The institute has also asked the Department of Science of Technology under the Ministry of Science and Technology to launch at least a thousand fellowships for young science teachers across the country.
Similar efforts were made at IIT-Bombay when the institute announced a signing bonus of Rs 3 lakh for its new faculty with help from its alumni. It even significantly increased seed research grants to Rs 10 lakh to new faculty members from Rs 3 lakh in previous years.
Educationists say compensation packages are the need of the hour to build a pool of young teachers as a large number of faculties across IITs, hired at a time they were being set up in the 1950s and 1960s in anticipation of excellence in science and engineering education, are nearing retirement.
�The faculty was recruited some 30 years ago. Only a few years ago, we realised the fact that many of them would be retiring,� explains MS Ananth, director, IIT-Madras.
While IIT-Bombay has a faculty strength of 420 with about 100 vacant positions, it is not alone. Figures at the seven IITs reveals an estimated, cumulative shortage of at least 900 faculty members.
At IIT-D, about 20 percent of faculty positions are vacant. Further, according to a report prepared by its alumni association in 2004, more than 20 per cent of its most experienced faculty would retire in the next seven years.
The shortage is most acute in IIT Roorkee, which has a sanctioned strength of 575 but only 345 on the rolls.
So, IIT-D, along with IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Roorkee and IIT-Madras, has standing advertisements for faculty positions in all departments. And, the progress has been �good� as against a �dull response�� until a couple of years ago. �About 50 per cent of the applications we receive now are from teachers settled abroad. They all want to teach at IITs,� says Prof Jain of IIT-D.
The recent recruitments have pushed the number of teachers aged under 35 from 15 to over 30 at IIT-D and �Brand India� is one of the reasons behind the rising numbers.
In the 1990s, Prof K Achuta Rao, now 43, would come looking for research jobs in the field of climate change in vain. �Two things have happened since. First, the Government is encouraging quality research and second, a great research pool is being created here with the advent of big research labs setting up shop here. This is the time to be in India and be part of the changes it is undergoing,�� says Rao who joined IIT-D this June after working in the US for over two decades.
While Rao�s decision to come back to India took two decades, young IITians have decided pretty early. Statistics show that only three of IIT-Kanpur�s 273 BTech students and two from the integrated MSc course went abroad last year. All others�267 MTech students, two-year MSc grads and MBA�-stayed back in the country. In Delhi, of the 1,000-odd job seekers, only one student went abroad to join a financial consulting firm. At IIT Mumbai, 95 per cent of the students were placed in India while in Madras, only two BTech students went abroad.
But the lot willing to take up teaching and research is �still a faraway dream,� says Mahanti. �You can�t say that the US hangover is over. But there has been some sort of reverse drain. That doesn�t mean we should no longer be worrying about brain drain,� he cautions.
