SINGAPORE

Do H1B1 visas (for Singaporeans) allow for multiple-entry?

RSA — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 06:30:02 -0500

Yes. H-1B1 visas are multiple-entry.

Can the H1B1 principal applicant’s spouse, dependent children, and family accompany him or her to the U.S.?

RSA — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 06:30:02 -0500

Yes. The H1B1 visa (for Singaporeans) allows the principal applicant to live and work in the United States accompanied by his or her spouse and dependent children.

Note, however, that only spouses and children of H1B1 work visa holders are eligible for derivative (H4) visas. Parents and other family members are NOT eligible for H4 visas. They may visit a worker for a temporary period of time if they apply for and receive a tourist visa, or on the Visa Waiver Program if they are eligible.

What are the exceptions to having a post-secondary degree or its equivalent to qualify for an H-1B1 (for Singaporeans)?

RSA — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 06:30:04 -0500

The H-1B1 non-immigrant classification (for Singaporeans) is available to certain otherwise admissible business persons who do not possess a post-secondary degree or its equivalent, but who will engage in the professions of Disaster Relief Claims Adjusters, or certain Management Consultants who hold a degree in other than their specialty area who present alternative documentation reflecting experience in the specialty area.

Note you may also qualify under the rules for equivalent work experience.

Are extensions and renewals allowed for H-1B1 visas (for Singaporeans)?

RSA — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 06:30:03 -0500

Yes. Extensions and renewals are allowed for H-1B1 visas.

Can an applicant for an H1B1 visa (for Singaporeans) intend to immigrate to the U.S. while applying for an H1B1 visa?

RSA — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:30:03 -0500

As with many other types of non-immigrant visas, to qualify for the H1B1 one must demonstrate that one does not intend to immigrate to the United States. Every applicant’s situation is different, so how individual applicants demonstrate this—including which documents are submitted—will vary greatly from person to person.

H-1B1 Special Singaporean H-1B

RSA — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 06:30:05 -0500

The H-1B1 is a special visa for citizens of Singapore only. It is similar to an H-1B visa.

The H-1B1 visa is similar to a regular H-1B in that it is available for professionals, i.e., occupations which require at least a bachelor's degree, e.g., teachers, computer programmers, engineers, accountants, etc. One of its key advantages is that it permits citizens of Singapore to get around the problems with the H-1B quota since the quota for regular H-1Bs often runs out quickly.

When should the Spouses and children of H1B1 visa applicants, who are not Singaporean, apply for a derivative visa?

RSA — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:30:04 -0500

Spouses and children of H visa applicants who are not Singaporean are strongly encouraged to apply for their visas at the same time as the principal applicant, regardless of whether they have firm plans to travel to the United States. If the H1B1 visa holder is not present for the application of their non-Singaporean spouse and children, the applicants may be asked to apply in their home country, where their marriage and birth documents can be properly verified.

What are the special LICENSING requirements for H-1B1 applicants (for Singaporeans)?

RSA — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 06:30:03 -0500

For admission into the United States in a specialty occupation, an individual must meet the academic and occupational requirements. While the requirements for classification as an H-1B include licensure, requirements for classification as an H-1B1 nonimmigrant professional do not include licensure. Licensure to practice a given profession in the United States is a post-entry requirement subject to enforcement by the appropriate state or other sub-federal authority. Proof of licensure to practice in a given profession in the United States may be offered along with a job offer letter, or other documentation in support of an application for an H-1B1 visa. However, admission/classification should not be denied based solely on the fact that the applicant does not already hold a license to practice in the United States. Note: Aliens seeking classification as H-1B1 are subject to INA 212(a)(5)(C)Uncertified Foreign Health Care Workers.

What is the maximum validity for H-1B1 visas (for Singaporeans)?

RSA — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 06:30:03 -0500

H-1B1 visas can be valid for a maximum of 18 months. Extensions and renewals are allowed.

What must spouses and children of H1B1 applicants show to establish a qualifying relationship with the H1B1 applicant?

RSA — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 06:30:04 -0500

Spouses and children must present a copy of their marriage certificate or birth certificate, respectively.

Can an applicant for an H-1B1 visa (for Singaporeans) be self-employed or an independent contractor?

RSA — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 06:30:02 -0500

No. An applicant for an H-1B1 visa (for Singaporeans) can NOT be self-employed or an independent contractor.

Do the special work experience in lieu of college degree equivalency rules apply for H-1B1s for Singaporeans?

RSA — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 06:30:04 -0500

Yes. The "3 years of work experience for every 1 year of college" formula ("3 for 1") is recognized for H-1B1 (for Singaporeans); however, the individual must demonstrate progressively responsible experience and a level of knowledge sufficient to show 'theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge.' Also, depending on the position, the individual may also have to show more than '3 for 1' if the industry standard for the position would require an advanced degree (i.e. law degree, masters degree, etc).

Are Singapore Permanent Residents eligible for H1B1 visas as principal applicants?

RSA — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 06:30:03 -0500

No. Only Singaporean citizens are eligible as principal applicants. Note, however, that Singapore Permanent Residents who are the spouse or child of a qualified Singaporean H1B1 applicant may be eligible for an H-4 visa as a dependent family member.

Can a Singaporean national who is in the U.S. apply to change status to H-1B1 while in the U.S.?

RSA — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 06:30:03 -0500

Yes. A national of Singapore, currently admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant in a category eligible to change nonimmigrant status, may apply to change to H-1B1 nonimmigrant status. Note that the applicant must be in the U.S. in a nonimmigrant category which is eligible to change nonimmigrant status, of course.

How did the H-1B1 visa (for Singaporeans) come about?

RSA — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 06:30:02 -0500

The U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which took effect on January 1, 2004, created a new class of non-immigrant work visa for Singaporean citizens: the H1B1.

What are the main requirements for an H-1B1 visa (for Singaporeans)?

RSA — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 06:30:03 -0500

The main requirements for an H-1B1 visa (for Singaporeans) are as follows:

You must be a citizen of Singapore.
The position must be a specialty occupation; that is, it must require theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge. Some examples of specialty occupations are jobs in the fields of engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, computer sciences, medicine and health care, education, biotechnology, and business specialties such as management and human resources.
You must have a post-secondary degree involving at least four year of study in your field of specialization (although there are some exceptions to this requirement). Note also that even if you do not possess a post-secondary degree, you may be able to qualify under the rules for equivalent work experience.
You cannot be self-employed or an independent contractor.
The period of employment in the U.S. must be temporary, so you must demonstrate non-immigrant intent. Note: this requirement makes the USSFTA Professional visa different from the traditional H-1B Temporary Worker visa, as applicants for traditional H-1b visas do not have to demonstrate that they intend to return to Singapore when the temporary job is finished.

Are Singaporeans still eligible to apply for traditional H-1b visas?

RSA — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 06:30:05 -0500

Yes. Singaporeans are still eligible to apply for traditional H-1b visas. Singaporeans are NOT required to apply for H-1B1. Each individual Singaporean can decide which visa (traditional H-1b or H-1B1) is best for his or her personal situation.

Will YouTube Sponsor H-1B Workers after its acquisition by Google?

RSA — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 23:10:20 -0500

Many foreign programmers, and other professionals, who would like to work for YouTube and Google wonder whether YouTube and Google sponsor individuals for H-1B visas. As you can see from the following chart, Google does indeed sponsor H-1B workers. Therefore, after the acquisition of YouTube by Google, Google will likely continue to sponsor individuals for H-1B visas provided that the H-1B quota, established by the U.S. government, has not run out.

The following table lists some H-1B workers who were sponsored by Google in federal fiscal year 2005. The table lists the beginning and ending date of the employment, the job title, wage rate, city and state of employment. Of course, the big problem for the current fiscal year (October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007) is that the H-1B quota has been reached. Therefore, unless Congress adds more visas to the quota, or one is exempt from the H-1B quota, one will likely need a different type of visa for this fiscal year, such as an O visa (if one qualifies as an individual with extraordinary ability) or TN status for Canadians and Mexicans.

The following individuals may be exempt from the H-1B quota:

Australians who may apply under E-3 status;
Singaporean nationals who may apply under H-1B1 status;
Chilean nationals who may apply under H-1B1 status;
Individuals who will be working concurrently for another H-1B employer;
If you are currently in H-1B status, working for a non-exempt organization, and are changing jobs;
If you were previously in H-1B status, working for a non-exempt organization, and have not left the U.S. for more than one year (in the past 6 years), and meet any other applicable requirements.

Therefore, anyone who is interested in working for YouTube or Google, should contact the respective company: YouTube and Google. You can email YouTube at: jobs@youtube.com and tell them what you can do and why they should hire you.

Some H-1B Workers Sponsored by Google in federal fiscal year 2005 (October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005):

BEGIN_DATE	END_DATE	JOB_TITLE	WAGE_RATE	CITY	STATE
09/14/2005	09/13/2008	Software Engineer	102000	Mountain View	CA
08/29/2005	08/28/2008	Software Engineer	102000	Mountain View	CA
09/18/2005	09/17/2008	Software Engineer	102000	Mountain View	CA
03/21/2005	03/20/2008	Software Engineer	95000	New York	NY
07/01/2005	06/30/2008	Software Engineer	105000	Mountain View	CA
07/17/2005	07/16/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
07/01/2005	06/30/2008	Software Engineer	117000	Mountain View	CA
03/21/2005	03/20/2008	Software Engineer	80000	Mountain View	CA
03/28/2005	03/27/2008	Customer Service Specialist	43500	Mountain View	CA
09/28/2005	03/27/2008	Software Engineer	85000	New York	NY
09/28/2005	09/27/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
09/24/2005	09/23/2008	Software Engineer	102000	Mountain View	CA
09/24/2005	09/23/2008	Software Engineer	102000	Mountain View	CA
09/24/2005	09/23/2008	Software Engineer	102000	Mountain View	CA
09/24/2005	09/23/2008	Software Test Engineer	75000	Mountain View	CA
09/24/2005	09/23/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
09/30/2005	09/29/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
07/01/2005	06/30/2008	Advertising Communications Specialist	51000	Mountain View	CA
09/24/2005	09/23/2008	Software Engineer	95000	Mountain View	CA
04/01/2005	03/31/2008	Software Engineer	95000	Mountain View	CA
09/25/2005	09/24/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
09/25/2005	09/24/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Kirkland	WA
09/24/2005	09/23/2008	Software Test Engineer	75000	Mountain View	CA
09/30/2005	09/29/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
09/28/2005	09/27/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
09/30/2005	09/29/2008	Software Engineer	85000	New York	NY
03/31/2005	03/29/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
06/06/2005	06/05/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
03/15/2005	03/14/2008	Purchasing Engineer (Agent)	75000	Mountain View	CA
03/21/2005	03/20/2008	Software Engineer	85000	New York	NY
03/10/2005	03/09/2008	Research Engineer	105000	Mountain View	CA
03/21/2005	03/20/2008	Technical Operations Mgr. (Strategic Negotiator)	175000	Mountain View	CA
03/21/2005	03/20/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
09/09/2005	09/08/2008	Software Engineer	102000	Mountain View	CA
03/15/2005	03/14/2008	Software Engineer	90000	Mountain View	CA
07/01/2005	06/30/2008	Software Engineer	115000	Mountain View	CA
08/15/2005	08/14/2008	Software Engineer	102000	Mountain View	CA
06/13/2005	06/12/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
09/01/2005	08/31/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
03/11/2005	03/10/2008	Software Test Engineer	75000	Kirkland	WA
08/01/2005	07/31/2008	Software Engineer	85000	New York	NY
03/14/2005	03/13/2008	Software QA Engineer	90000	Mountain View	CA
07/15/2005	07/14/2008	Software Test Engineer	60000	Mountain View	CA
03/21/2005	03/20/2008	Software Test Engineer	85000	Kirkland	WA
09/01/2005	08/31/2008	Software Engineer	102000	New York	NY
07/01/2005	06/30/2008	Software Engineer	102000	Mountain View	CA
07/01/2005	06/30/2008	Software Engineer	82000	Mountain View	CA
03/15/2005	03/14/2008	Software Engineer	78000	Mountain View	CA
02/21/2005	02/20/2008	Network Engineer	65000	Mountain View	CA
11/15/2004	11/14/2007	Software Engineer	100000	Mountain View	CA
11/01/2004	10/31/2007	Software Engineer	95000	Santa Monica	CA
11/05/2004	11/04/2007	Software Engineer	105000	New York	NY
11/01/2004	10/31/2007	Software Engineer	100000	Moutain View	CA
12/15/2004	12/14/2007	Product Marketing Engineer	90000	Mountain View	CA
10/15/2004	04/28/2007	Software Engineer	105000	Mountain View	CA
11/01/2004	10/31/2007	Research Engineer	135000	Mountain View	CA
03/01/2005	02/28/2008	Software Engineer	120000	New York	NY
02/28/2005	02/27/2008	Corporate Counsel	160000	Mountain View	CA
03/15/2005	03/14/2008	Software Engineer	102000	Mountain View	CA
02/18/2005	02/17/2008	Software Engineer	82000	Mountain View	CA
07/08/2005	07/07/2008	Strategic Partner Dev. Mgr. (Strategic Bus. Dev.)	90000	Mountain View	CA
08/22/2005	08/21/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
02/21/2005	02/20/2008	Program Manager (Staffing)	100000	Mountain View	CA
02/17/2005	02/16/2008	Financial Analyst	65000	Moutain View	CA
01/31/2005	01/30/2008	Software Engineer	91000	Mountain View	CA
07/01/2005	06/30/2008	Marketing Communication Specialist	70000	Mountain View	CA
04/01/2005	03/31/2008	Software Engineer	136500	Mountain View	CA
07/22/2005	07/21/2008	Software Engineer	102000	New York	NY
03/01/2005	02/28/2008	Software Engineer	97500	Mountain View	CA
12/01/2004	11/30/2007	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
12/06/2004	12/05/2007	Software Engineer	125000	Mountain View	CA
11/29/2004	11/28/2007	Software Engineer	95000	Mountain View	CA
12/06/2004	12/05/2007	Product Marketing Engineer	105000	Mountain View	CA
12/13/2004	12/12/2007	Software Engineer	135000	Mountain View	CA
12/30/2004	12/29/2007	Software Engineer	105000	Mountain View	CA
12/20/2004	12/19/2007	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
01/10/2005	01/09/2008	Software Engineer	95000	Mountain View	CA
01/04/2005	01/03/2008	Program Manager (Global Data Center)	110000	Mountain View	CA
01/15/2005	01/14/2008	Software Test Engineer	110000	Kirkland	WA
01/15/2005	01/14/2008	Software Engineer	105000	Mountain View	CA
06/06/2005	06/05/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
01/05/2005	01/04/2008	Software Engineer	135000	Mountain View	CA
05/01/2005	04/30/2008	Software QA Engineer	77000	Mountain View	CA
01/17/2005	01/16/2008	Software Engineer	85000	Mountain View	CA
01/03/2005	01/02/2008	Product Marketing Engineer	80000	Mountain View	CA

DHS Announces that 24 of the 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries Have Met e-Passport Requirements

ImmigrationLex — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 02:32:47 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on October 26, 2006 that 24 of the 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries have met the October 26, 2006 deadline by satisfying the requirement for issuing e-Passports. These requirements mandate that passports contain a contactless chip with the passport holder's biographic information and a biometric identifier (e.g., a digital photograph of the holder). DHS announced in July 2005, that passports issued by VWP countries on or after October 26, 2006, must comply with these requirements in order to be valid for entry into the United States without a visa, i.e., under the visa waiver program.

The countries which did not meet this deadline are: Andorra, Brunei and Liechtenstein. DHS has advised that "Travelers from these countries will need to obtain a visa to enter the United States if they hold a passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, until e-Passports are available."

The visa waiver countries which did met the deadline are as follows: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Citizens of these countries will, therefore, be permitted to enter the U.S. without a visa for 90 days or less for tourism or business. According to DHS: "Approximately 15 million people each year travel to the United States under the VWP to conduct business, visit family or tour the country."

The Department of Homeland Security Press Release Appears below:

-----------------------

Vast Majority of Visa Waiver Countries Meet Security Upgrade to e-Passports

Release Date: October 26, 2006

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: (202) 282 8010

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that nearly all of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries have met the requirement for issuing e-Passports. Working in close collaboration with the United States, 24 of the 27 VWP countries have met today's deadline, requiring all newly issued passports to contain a contactless chip with the passport holder's biographic information and a biometric identifier, such as a digital photograph of the holder.

An e-Passport securely identifies the bearer, defends against identity theft, protects privacy and makes it difficult for individuals to cross borders using fraudulent documents. During the past two years, the U.S. government has collaborated with VWP countries to develop the technical standards and capability to ensure that the e Passports were operable with the readers at U.S. ports of entry.

"The department is committed to shutting down the ability of terrorists and criminals to use false travel documents to move freely through our borders. The upgrade to e-Passports is a significant advance in preventing terrorists from using lost or stolen passports to obtain entry into the United States," said DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff. "I applaud the many Visa Waiver Program countries in compliance with this requirement, and we continue to work closely with the remaining countries toward their speedy and complete compliance."

In July 2005, DHS announced the requirement that passports issued by VWP countries on or after October 26, 2006, must be e Passports to be valid for entry into the United States without a visa. These e Passports must comply with technical standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Other types of valid passports that can be used to enter the United States include: machine-readable passports with a digital photograph issued before October 26, 2006, or a machine-readable passport issued before October 26, 2005.

The United States continues to work with the three countries not yet issuing e Passports, Andorra, Brunei and Liechtenstein, to ensure that they meet the requirement as soon as possible. Travelers from these countries will need to obtain a visa to enter the United States if they hold a passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, until e-Passports are available.

The e Passports being issued by VWP countries carry the international e-Passport symbol on the cover, contain a contactless chip with personal information and have critical security features which prevent the unauthorized reading or "skimming" of data stored on the chip. Many non VWP countries around the world have also begun to issue e Passports to reduce the use of fraudulent travel documents and facilitate legitimate travel.

The inspection process at a U.S. port of entry does not change for an e-Passport holder. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will have the ability to read the e Passport's chip at inspection booths displaying the international e Passport symbol.

The 27 countries participating in the VWP include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The Visa Waiver Program applies to citizens of these 27 countries traveling to the United States for 90 days or less for tourism or business. Approximately 15 million people each year travel to the United States under the VWP to conduct business, visit family or tour the country.

Travelers who wish to verify whether or not their passports meet the requirements and deadlines for VWP travelers, can find details at www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/ or contact a U.S. consular office in their home country.

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Are only Singaporean citizens eligible for H1B1 visas as principal applicants?

RSA — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 18:57:21 -0400

Yes, only Singaporean citizens are eligible as principal applicants. Singapore Permanent Residents who are citizens of other nations are not eligible for the H1B1, but non-Singaporean spouses and children of qualified Singaporean H1B1 applicants are eligible for H-4 visas as dependent family members.