File your green card under EB2 and not EB3

Your employment based green card can be filed under different categories depending on your qualification and work experience. Read the following article on immihelp.com to understand the categories under employment based green card.

Most of us qualify for the EB2 category. But your employers and attorney usually file your green card under EB3.One obvious reason they give is that it goes under less scrutiny and requires less document work. Another hidden agenda of some crooked employers is to make you their slave until you get your green card .The priority dates for EB2 are in 2006, while those for EB3 are in 2002.Also the dates move quicker in case of EB2 than EB3.Those who got their GC filed under EB2 in 2007 have got their green cards already while those who filed in 2002 under EB3 are still waiting.

If your employer is yet to file your GC, talk to them and get your GC filed under EB2 or switch to a new employer who does. If your GC was already filed under EB3 you can still port it to EB2.More on this in the next article.

Read the following articles for further details:

1)Employer agreements for Visas and Green Cards

2)Use your EAD ASAP

3)File Your Green Card on Day One

4)Start your company today

5)Tips to start your company

File Your Green Card on Day One

If you are new to the Green Card (GC) Process, I recommend you read the Green Card section on the path2usa Website before you read any further.Most of us usually fall under the Green Card through a Job Category. I envy the exceptions like my wife who got it through family.

No matter what type of US visa you have it will expire at some point in time. So if you have plans to stay here for long you should get your GC processed right away. Even if you are not planning to live here for long GC process will not hurt but will only help you. I have seen several colleagues who were in that confident state of mind initially - I don’t need a Green Card .And then to confusion - Should I get my GC going, My Employer is not processing my GC should I switch.Eventually to frustration as their visa expiry date approaches.

For me personally there is no better thing than going back to India .Learn, Earn, Return has been my philosophy. Even then I have got my green card processing started, as soon as I joined my second employer.The pay was decent and they had good clientele .And even better they  filed my GC on day one and took care of the cost which usually is around 10 Grand .Green Card process could be lengthy and you should make sure you can stay with the employer until you get to the final  stage of GC .So it is important you choose the right employer.

While getting the GC itself could take time, there are several advantages in just getting the process started. Once you get past the second stage of GC processing I-140 approved you will be able to extend your visa until you move on to stage three to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).Getting the Labor and I-140 Approved normally takes less than an year. When you get to the third and final stage (Adjustment of Status) of the GC process you can apply for you EAD .To file the Adjustment of Status you have to wait for theDates to be current. More on this in another article.EAD will not only give you visa independence but also freedom from your employer. You can work for any company you want using AC21 (A form/letter to theUSCIS).Or even better you can work for your own company. No more Visa Extension, Transfer, Stamping hassles .There are several employers who only hire citizens, green card holders and people with EADs .Inaddition to that your dependent (spouse) will also get an EAD and is authorized to work.

The  immigration process could be a mess at times and they keep pulling the visa strings tight as and when required due to the job market fluctuations. So the sooner you get out of the VISA headache the better. If your current employer is not processing your green card, switch to another company which can start the process right away. Bear the costs if you have to. Nothing is worth the peace of  mind. Even when you are 100% sure that you will be going back before your visa expires I recommend and request you to get your green card filed on Day One of your employment!

Read the following articles for further details:

1)Employer agreements for Visas and Green Cards

2)Use your EAD ASAP

3)Start your company today

4)Tips to start your company

సింహపురి కధలు:రాఘవా అపార్ట్మెంట్స్

నా పేరు బన్నీ,నేను ఎనిమిదో తరగతి చదవట్లేదు ,చదివిస్తున్నారు.నా కోసం ఏ దేశం పోలీసులు వెతకటం లేదు ,అయినా నెనే డాన్.

మొత్తం మూడు ఫ్లోర్లు ,ఫ్లోరుకు ఆరు ఫ్లాట్లు ,పిల్ల పెద్దలతో హాయిగా వుంటుంది మా అపార్టుమెంటు.సన్ని గాడి ఇంట్లో తీవి డిన్ను గాడితో WWF.చింటూ వాల్ల ఇంట్లో వీడియో గేంస్ ,సాయి బొమ్మలతో టాయ్ స్టోరీ, ఇలా ఆట అయినా పాటం అయినా అందరికీ ఒకే ఒక సమయం వుండేది.అవినాష్ అంటూ పిలుపు వినపడడమే ఆలస్యం అందరి అమ్మలూ అటెండెన్సులా వరుసగా పిలిచేస్తారు.అలా అని గమ్మునే వుంటే యాబ్సెంటు వేస్తే బానే వుండేది .లేటు చేస్తే వాల్లు ప్రెసెంటు అవుతారు. 

తల తలా మెరిసే ఆ సిమెంటు రంగు ఫియట్ కారుకు టెన్నిసు బంతి తగిలినా చిన్న పిల్లవాడి గావు కేకతో బయటకు వచ్చేస్తారు అపార్ట్మెంట్ బోర్డు ప్రెసిడెంటు నారాయన రెడ్డి.ఆయన కళ్ళదాలు లానే ఆయన కూడ మందంగా వుండేవారు.అంతగా ఆరాదించే ఆ కారు ఎప్పుడు బయటకు తీస్తారా అని వీది వీదంతా ఎదురు చూసేది.అందరినీ నిరాశ పరుస్తూ సిమ్హపురికే మొదటిది అయిన మోపెడ్ లో ముందర ఆయన,వెనక గతుకులొస్తే పడిపోతాడెమో అని కోతి పిల్ల తల్లి కడుపుకు అతుకున్నట్టు పనబ్బాయ్ మల్లి గాడు.ఆయన గురించి వెంకటేషు వో అహ నా పెళ్ళంట సినెమా కధే వల్లించాడు.

వెంకటేషుకు రోజూ అందరితో పాటు మిర్చి బజ్జీలు,బోండాలు తినిపించే వాడిని.విస్వాసం ఎక్కువైనప్పుడు వచ్చిన ప్రేమ లేకలు మతో పంచుకొనే వాడు.తనకు వచ్చినవి ఐతే గ్రామరు గ్లామరు ఏముంది ?. అవి 214 లో స్వేతకు వచ్చినవి.వాచ్ మన్ వెంకి వో మంచి స్నేహితుడు.

లిఫ్టుకు రెండు తలుపులు వుండేవి ,ఒకటి లిఫ్టుది ఒకటి ఫ్లోరుది.మొదటి ఫ్లోరు తలుపు కాస్తా లూజు .నాకు అదంటే ఎంతో మోజు. ఎవడయినా ఆటలో ఎక్కువ చేస్తే వాడు ఇంతికి వెల్లేపుడు ఆ తలుపు కాస్త లాగడమే.లిఫ్టు రెండు ఫ్లోర్ల మద్య ఆగి పొయీ కై మని తల చిట్లించే సెబ్దం చెయ్యడం మొదలెడుతుంది.అప్పుడు వాడితో ఆట ఎలా ఆడలో ఆడ కూడదో సరదాగా చెర్చిస్తాం.

ఎప్పుడు మా వీదిలో కనపడని నా క్లాస్ మేట్ అషోక్ గాడు కరెంటు పోయినప్పుడు మటుకు తప్పకుండా హిరో రేంజెర్ లో దూసుకు వచ్చేస్తాడు.కరెంటు పోయి నప్పుడు దాక్కునే ఆటలో మజానే వేరు.అయినా వాడు వచ్చేది ఆట కోసం కాదు ఆషా కోసం.నవ్వితే పల్లు తెరిస్తే కల్లు తప్ప అషోక్ గాడి మొహం అసలు కనిపించేది కాదు ఆ చీకట్లో.అంకుదే ఎమో ప్రేమ గుడ్డిదన్నారు.అయినా నేను చెయ్యలేని పని వాడు చేస్తున్నాడని ఎప్పుడు ఎమి అనే వాడిని కాదు.దానికి తోడు వాడు బాగ చదివే వాడు.అంతకు మించి ఎమి గునం వుండాలి మంచి స్నేహితుడుకి?

ప్రతి పుట్టిన రోజు వో పండుగలా జరుపుకుంటాం.దీపావలికి పండుగకు నెల ముందరి నుంచే వీది వీదంతా దద్దరిల్లుతుంది.ఒకటా రెండా ఇరవై రెండు ఫ్లాట్ల టపాకాయలు.అక్కడితో ఆగకుండా సన్ని గాడు మిగిలిపోయిన,కాలిపోయిన టపాకాయల నల్ల మందు అంతా తీసి వో కుప్పలా తయారు చేసేడు.అలా వూరుకుంటే వాడు స్మార్ట్ బాయ్ సన్ని ఎల అవుతాడు ? అందుకే మంటెట్టాడు.సింహపురి లో ఇంతక ముందు ఏ టపాకాయ పేలినప్పుడు రానటువంతి పెద్ద సెబ్దం.వాడికి ఏమీ అవ్వలేదు కాని పక్కనే వున్న మల్లి గాడి ఫుసులు ఎగిరాయి.పాపం నరాయన రెడ్డి గారు రెండు నెలలు మోపెడ్ తియ్యలేదు.

మా అపార్టుమెంటుకి ఎదురుగ్గా చిరంజీవి అపార్టుమెంటు.క్రికెట్టు అయినా క్యారంస్ అయినా అపార్టుమెంట్ల మద్య జరిగే పోరు వో అండర్ 14 వరల్డు కప్పులా ప్రతిస్టాత్మకంగా వుంటుంది.

Dance in Denver

Dancing in front of your close relatives and friends is not same as dancing on stage.Here is short video of me and sparsa as we did a Pokiri in Denver - The mile high city.It was on the eve of my nephews first birthday which makes it even more memorable!

I have also danced for my favorite Bangaru Kodi Petta(old) from Gharana Mogudu and Yema Ho yemma from Chirutha ondemand.Sparsa also did a solo for Barsore Megha from Guru.Actually these are kind of left overs from our wedding/mehandi function:)

ఈ టివీ లో బాబొయ్ డెన్వర్ కార్టూను చూసినప్పుడు నాకు తెలియదు అది వో ఊరి పేరు కూడ అని.డెన్వర్ లో మా అక్క గారి ప్రిన్స్ పుట్టిన రోజున మా పోకిరి వేషాలు కాదు డ్యన్సు ఇది!
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First Question on an Interview - Building Your About Me

Coming up with an about me will help you answer the same question when asked differently by multiple people in the interview process.

This is a good resume you have here; can you tell us more about yourself?

Can you talk about the projects you have worked on?

Can you give us a quick overview of your resume?

Give us a brief Introduction of yourself.

Even when they see your personal and professional details on your resume the reason they ask this question is to better understand your work, communication skills and how you express yourself. This is also your opportunity to market yourself and to create that first best impression. The about me drives the interview and the questions they ask you later. So it is important on what you choose to say.

Building About You-self:

Before you start building about yourself you should know yourself. Go through your resume multiple times and see how best you can answer each detail listed honestly. A good About Me should be no longer than a page. The seven steps organized in to three sections below will help you come up with your About Me.

Section One: Start with the personal details.

1) I am |Your Name|

2) I am from |Location|

Section Two: Academic/Professional

3) I have done my |Your Degree| in |Major| from |College|,|Location|

4) I have an aggregate percentage of |percentage|

5) You can List your electives if you think are relevant for them to know.

Write down all the technologies you know and have worked on. List any additional technical/professional Certifications you have done. Do not use the same exact words and description you have on the resume.

6) List the projects you have worked on. Just the title and what does it do or solve.

Examples:

We have worked on an ERP system that automates the entire order and invoice management process of a Manufacturing Plant.

We have worked on a college project that helps the librarian manage the inventory of books.

Keep it interactive - A conversation is interesting only as long as it is two ways. Stop and ask them questions before moving on.

Example:

Do you want me to go in to the details of my Projects?

Section 3:

7) How to talk about your Projects?

Every project answers or solves a problem. Start by giving them an overview of the problem you are trying to solve. Answer how and why you have solved it that way. This is pretty much your project description. But do not just read out what you have on the resume. Instead write down the inner details of how and why you chose to work on it in the first place .Connect it some elective or personal interest. It is not a bad idea to share your experiences on how you worked with your classmates or colleagues as a team.

If you can relate your project work to the work that organization does they will be impressed. Your research about the company and knowing the kind of projects they work will help here. Never assume they know things from your resume already. Treat them as your customer and as if you are selling them your project/product and go through each detail.

Expect Questions:

Anticipate the questions they can ask you from the information you have provided on your resume and about me. When they interrupt you with a question while you were in the middle of your about me don’t be surprised. They will not ask you how you can build bridges if you have listed IT projects on your resume. So be cool and confident. Remember and start right where you have stopped once your answer their questions and if they want to know more about you.

Good Listening:

Along with your talking skills you need to develop good listening skills. Who doesn’t want to talk these days .It is the listening habit we need to cultivate which will help us answer to the point. If they ask you to list the technologies you are comfortable working with, you should not start talking about your personal details. On the other hand if they ask about your personal details stop once you answer section one and wait for them to ask about your projects or ask them if they want to know more about your projects. When this same tell me about yourself question is asked in the HR interview, you can skip the section 3 (project details). But there is nothing wrong in asking the HR if they do want to know the details.

Practice

Once you have the about me page ready, read it loud multiple times in front of a mirror and practice without looking at it with your friend. Ensure you have eye contact while briefing yourself. Maintain a simple and optimistic attitude and do not over talk or show off.

Related Articles


1)Interview Tips: How to learn about the company

2)7 steps to go Onsite/Abroad on your job

3)Interview Tips:Things to remember

4)Almost There: HR Round Questions and Answers

5)Interview Tips: Stay Focused While You Wait

Three easy steps to keep your shot in focus

 Blurry video which often results from not using the right focus technique distracts the viewer. Below are three easy steps to keep the lens in focus throughout the shot.

1. Zoom in your lens to its maximum focal length, to a chosen remote subject  in your scene.

2. Adjust the focus ring and make sure this remote subject is in focus.

3. Zoom Out and compose your shot.

As long as your camera does not move away everything you see in the view finder will stay in focus for the entire shot no matter you zoom in or out. Every time the camera moves to a different position you should repeat this exercise.

Choosing the remote subject

You can pick any tiny object you see on the view finder.

Examples:

While shooting a music video with a scenic background you can use one of the wind mills or a tree far away as the remote subject.

If it is an interview or conversation the person’s eye or a logo on his dress is a good choice for the remote subject to focus.

Shot in Focus = Zoom in + Focus on a remote object + Zoom Out and Compose.

One Village One India-Primary School Building and Facilities

We have provided the required land and facilities for the school building and have been working closely with the faculty since then.

You Can Contribute in Four Different Ways For a Better India
1)Monetary Help
2)Take up similar projects in your villages/towns.We can guide/help
3)Create and Spread awareness on the social and political issues/evils.
4)Spread the word through every possible channel  and inspire others.

One easy way to spread the word is by joining(Like) our Facebook page.One click can make a difference.

Update on the Organization Registration

We have worked with Iskcon Orphanage Bangalore ,Chavidy Orphanage Hyderabad in the past.The village development activities we undertook were in the supervision of the local charitable bodies like Chalama Reddy Charitable Trust.We are in the process of registering One India One Village Charitable Trust and i will keep you posted.Until then share your ideas,work ,knowing more about our countries history, create awareness and keep inspiring.

Every Child Deserves an Education.Together We Can!






Related Articles

Indian Caste System : Know your history


5 Ways to Eradicate World Hunger In Our Day


One Village One India : Updates and Future Events


Inspiring Teachers : Importance of quality education


A Day To Remember- One Village One India!


Providing snacks to students during the study hours


Giving back to your school


One Village One India-Primary School Building and Facilities


India Today : Emotions Exploited


Help Students

Five Basic Shots in Filmmaking

Human eyes perceive things in a gradual and smooth fashion. For example when you enter your living room to watch TV, you will first see the entire room, and then you see the couch and then the remote control. You might not be aware but these transitions happen in the background subconsciously. This makes the shots below the basis for any video to grab and hold on to the viewer’s attention.

Wide/Long Shot (WS/LS)

The wide shot also known as establishing shot sets up the scene. For example if you are shooting a bank robbery scene, establishing shot would be a good wide shot of the bank building from the outside. A good long shot will convey to the viewer where exactly the shots following it are going to happen. An establishing shot could also be a combination of multiple wide shots. Starting with multiple aerial shots of the high rise buildings in the city, followed by the street in which the bank is and then to the bank building.

Medium Shot (MS)

This will bring the audience closer to the scene as things start to happen. For example the masked robber rushing in through the bank doors with his rifle in one hand and a bag in the other.

While shooting of conversations or interviews a medium shot will include the person from his waist above in the frame. The robber holding his gun to the cashier demanding him to fill the bag with cash is one example.

Close Up (CU)

This powerful shot type when used intelligently conveys the emotion of the scene to perfection. Close up shows the person’s shoulders and above. The shot of the tensed cashiers face elevates the dramatic situation.

Television was mostly close up and still is.

Extreme Close up (ECU)

ECU takes the viewer to the parts of the scene which are not obviously visible to the naked eye. Example would be the drops of sweat on the scared cashiers face or the denomination of the dollar bundles in the bag.

Re-Establishing Shot

This is the same as wide shot except that it happens again. The shot of the robber running out of the bank and getting in to his car.

Cut Away

A cut away is a transition shot between two scenes. It helps smoothen the flow from one scene to another. The following guideline helps to come up with a good cut away shot. It should be a shot of something in the scene but not directly from the main action.

As the robber rushes out of the bank and before we move on to the high speed pursuit scene a good cutaway would be the shot of the tire marks left behind by the robber’s car.

Putting them to use:

Here is an Public Service Announcement video on identity theft that i shot as a part of my course work.It uses all these basic shots at least once.



Shots in the Video

1. The wide establishing shot of the apartment building setting the scene.
2. The medium shot of the bed room.
3. Getting closer, the medium shot of the guy sleeping on the bed.
4. And then the cut away shot of the cell phone and laptop on the table before we move out of the scene.
5. An establishing shot of the guy entering the shopping outlet.
6. Medium shots – as the guy enter and leave each store
7. Medium shot of the guy looking at his watch.
8. Close up of his hand
9. Extreme Close up of the watch which tells the viewer the time and the brand of the watch.
10. The video ends with a close up of the guy as he holds his head.

Considering the Re-Establishing shot same as the wide shot these five basic filmmaking shots when used wisely can be very effective.

American Drivers License for Non Residents

Drivers License is a must to have a comfortable life if not a life in the US.Obtaining a Drivers license in the US is usually a two step process. There are some exceptions to this in states like New Jersey. Each state has a Department Of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with its own set of driving rules and regulations. The document requirements will vary for each state and also depend on your immigration status. These DMVs have websites with useful information and forms.They should be your starting point.
Step One of the two step process - Knowledge Test

Acquire a Driver's Manual from a local Driver License Center, or from their website. Most of the auto tags and libraries carry these manuals. Go through the same without skipping a topic and read between lines. Take a quick glance at one and only one of the several Drivers License mock exams available online. Along with the basic traffic signs, rules you will see questions from topics like BAC (blood alcohol content level) percentages etc .It is a computer based test in most of the states. Once you finish reading the manual go back and now try out all the mock exams you find online.

The Home Work

Download, Print and Fill in the required forms from your DMV website. You also usually have to get a Medical Qualification Certificate from your physician or a certified registered nurse. Most of the pharmacies provide this certificate.

Document Checklist for the Knowledge Test

Original SSN Document that you have received.

Two acceptable proofs of residence

Utility bill, Lease Document, Bank Statement etc are a few examples.

Proof of identity: You Passport.

Immigration Status and required Documents

License application or renewal is also a good reminder of our visa status and some pains that accompany it. While on a work visa you might have to provide other documents like a letter from the employer to prove that you are actively working. The expiry date of your new or renewed license will usually be the same as that on your Visa or EAD.

If you do not have a valid visa stamping on your passport but have an approval document then you should be able to provide the same.

If you are on an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) you will have to carry your I-485 application document.

Your Visa was approved but you have not received the official receipt yet.

I have seen cases where they will issue a license for a few months provided you have the proof of visa application. You will have to go back and renew it again once you have the approval document. They charge you based on the number of months you get your license for and so it’s not that bad.

Schedule a test either online or by calling your local DMV. Read others experiences from forum online as this list of documents keep changing.

Learners Permit

After an eye screen and passing the Knowledge test a Learner's Permit will be issued. The Learner's Permit will be valid for one year. This might vary with the state. You can now drive as long as you have another driver with a valid driver’s license in the car.

Step Two-Road Test

Once you master the local roads and traffic signs get on and off the highways. Master the skill of reading sign boards while driving. Even if you drove in India or any other country with the right side driving, i would suggest you take a driving class to understand and get used to the left side driving and the traffic patterns. You can also put your friends or cousins car to its best use :).

And the award goes to Parallel Parking

In most road tests Parallel Parking plays the villain .Understand the technique. We rarely parallel park mostly when we visit the downtown areas .But it is a must have skill at least for the road test. One or two driving lessons which usually cost 50 to 80 dollars an hour will help in this area. There will be some local practice areas where you practice Parallel Parking. Google or find out about these locations from your local library or other sources and try to Parallel Park a 100 times!

Call your Local DMV and make the appointment.

Document Requirements for the Road Test

Your valid learner’s permit

Proof of vehicle insurance

Proof of vehicle registration

Accompanying driver’s valid driver’s license

Nothing comes for Free

For both step one and two above make check or money order payable to the DMV for the appropriate fee. While some DMVs accept personal checks, some only accept certified checks or money orders. Cash is not accepted by most DMVs.

License Transfer - Moving in from another state

This should be fairly easy and straight forward. Take all the documents mentioned in step one and your old drivers license. Check with you local DMV for the fee. They will punch holes in your old license and will issue you a new one.

The Exceptional State-My Personal Favorite

States like New Jersey give you an exempt from the road test if you have a driver’s license from your country or an international driver’s license. Yep that is one of the reasons I love NJ :).

Can I drive on my IDP (International Drivers License)?

You can drive on your countries Drivers License for the first six months. From what I heard IDP is not necessary. Check with your local DMV office before you hit the road.

Use this article only as a reference and call your local DMV as the requirements vary from State To State and I heard that California DMV is one tough nut. Prepare well and concentrate during the Knowledge Exam . Sit confident next to the examiner and Parallel Park during the Road Test. All the Very Best for your License to Thrill!

One Village One India

What if every campus recruit Helps an other fresher looking out.What if every fresher who gets in to a job helps an other looking out.What if every NRI takes care of an Orphan.What if all these people contribute 1% of their time/salary for those who are in need.

In 2002 we were a small group of friends who started answering this "What If".We made it a part of our lives. We have been sharing every moment of happiness birthday or vacation in our lives with those in need.Thanks to all those inspirational leaders and organizations who motivated us.Today we are all well settled, some back home and some abroad and in a position to contribute individually.



We did not and will not waste time complaining how corrupt our system is but will work to improve awareness to curb it in every possible manner.We will not argue with those educated people about caste,poverty and politics ,but will help educate every child to rise to what we once were.Not by religion,caste,regional,political or by any other classification but from one being to another.



We have been working with students helping them financially.Most of them are on a good career path and are paying it forward.We have also helped old people paying the marginal costs which they have to incur in the government sposnored housing schemes.Staying in touch and guiding college grads with the information they need to have a dream career if not a career.There are several other village welfare initiatives and  i will be posting the details going forward.

You can be part of the team either by providing financial help or by raising awareness.We are ready to guide and help you if you are interested in taking up similar projects in your villages.

Let education answer the poverty and awareness question the corruption.
Our nation deserves better and together we can - One Village One India.

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