What is H-1B Visa

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa in the United States under the Immigration & Nationality Act, section 101(a)(15)(H). It allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. If a foreign worker in H-1B status quits or is dismissed from the sponsoring employer, the worker can find another employer, apply for a change of status to another non-immigrant status, or must leave the US.

The regulations define a “specialty occupation” as requiring theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge in a field of human endeavor[1] including, but not limited to, architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, biotechnology, medicine and health, education, law, accounting, business specialties, theology, and the arts, and requiring the attainment of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent as a minimum[2] (with the exception of fashion models, who must be "of distinguished merit and ability".)[3] Likewise, the foreign worker must possess at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and state licensure, if required to practice in that field. H-1B work-authorization is strictly limited to employment by the sponsoring employer.

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FLICKERS OF HOPE

This is related to my previous blog. As you may already know, my mom has a breast cancer. The daunting task of finding the necessary funds is still elusive from my grasp. That's why I abruptly cut short the period of denial into acceptance when I heard of my moms' predicament. I have to find ways as soon as possible because the chemotherapy will start very shortly and I'm pressed for time. How much more, I'm the only child and I'm also guiding and encouraging my mom, way back in the Philippines. Plus, I have to be strong and healthy coz everything hinges on me.

I was enthrusted to make decisions as early as 13 y.o. not by choice but by necessity. My mom was still coping of the tragic loss of my late dad. He was the only one who makes the decisions all along. I would admit I made mistakes, but I learn and let live.

While waiting for my mom's chemo, my mom does all the religious activities for her early recovery while I do the financial leg work. A two prong approach. I'm also prepping up my mom's attitude what to expect and what to do during the chemotherapy. It's already hard for her to accept that she has the Big C so any bit of encouragement especially coming from me goes a long way. Coz during the length of the therapy, deppression would set in and the the last thing I want to hear, is for my mom to give up on life. I told her, if you start feeling that, think about me and the rest of your family who are fighting for you to live, we still want you here. I encouraged her to go to the Carmelite monastery. I have great faith in them, they help me, guide me in all major undertakings, through the power of prayers.

It took me awhile to drum up my mom's ego and lifting up her spirit. But, it's wasn't a walk in the park, our plan almost got derailed. We encountered unsolicited advises from people who are very close to my mom. What upsets me most was that her plan to proceed with chemo was being questioned. Not going into details, i did not like it any bit of it. So, I basically went back to square one prepping up my mom again. They think its that easy to gave up on someone you love most - she's the only one left in my life.

I haven't have much good sleep lately considering I have to deal with a lot of pressing issues all at one time, I guess being a seasoned nurse also helps me make multi-tasking a little bit easier. One night, I rang a person very close to my heart. I poured out my heart and soul, the things at hand is already getting out of control. The most problematic is the funding issue. I'm still thousands of dollars way off and I'm afraid I can't fulfill my promise to my mom. With my friends soothing words and sometimes tough love, I could have been lost especially if you're the affected. Thanks to my friend that night, my chest becomes lighter and my mind becomes clearer. It's not that I cried I lost the machismo in me, it's one of my defense mechanism to deal with overwhelming problem/s. Some people commit suicide coz they don't let steam off, they implode.

That very night as I was driving the freeway from Orange County, I get off an exit, just trying to relax. Not going into details, it came into my mind all of a sudden, the ways to close in the financial gap. Now, the goal is within reach. Earlier in the day, I was also deeply moved by my co-worker's initiative, standing up for me while the rest wasn't. She started a fundraising campaign at my workplace. Now, they're even planning to do bake sales for a cause, or even garage sales for a cause. Never in my life anyone would do such a thing for me, it's the other way around.

So to end this blog, looking at a distance, I am very happy and greatful person, that I found my flickers of light, if its not for them, I could be lost, especially, the power of prayers. I know, the battle for my mom's cancer is at a crossroad, hope she can make it, I LOVE YOU MOM.

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My only Regret

When I was growing up as a kid, I'm always been inundated with nice stories as to how beautiful the West is, awesome pictures taken by my relatives ignited my ambition to make it as my ultimate goal. Especially, I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. My parents are of conservative upbringings, contented with the life in the Philippines. When I was 13 yo, my dad died of a tragic accident, he was our breadwinner. Although my mom was still working at that time, it was not even enough for herself and most decision-making has to be entrusted to me at such a young age. Good thing, I was done with my degree in nursing, I made it a point/ goal in myself that my mom will never be struggling to work to feed us. I have to migrate to the US to uplift my family's standard of living, which is true to all wannabes.

With God's grace, I was able to come to the US via working visa, H 1 after 3 tries of the CGFNS. I don't know why, but it took me 3 tries, and always pass the english not the nursing part. They said, its because of the US yearly quota for foreign RN's. It only took me 3 months to wait, I was able to fly-in to US via Chicago. There I met 55 nurses who where recruited by my past recruiter and we were given jobs as aides or CENA's to start with in different nursing homes in the outskirts/suburb of Chicago.

We were given full-time hours and forced overtime by the nursing home I first work so that, consequently, we won't be able to review and be prepared for our NCLEX exam, state board exam for nursing; and we'll surely flank and be there forever CENA and at there mercy. We're only given six months to find a petitioner that can petition us in a full time capacity RN. The administrator of that nursing home is also a filipino, so he feeds into the character of each filipinos- "hiya" and "utang na loob". Subservient, never question people of authority. So, we can't really say no if they call us to work last-minute.

I really struggled, never been in an apartment with 6 people in it, with different characters and attitudes. Noisy, messy and its very hard to concentrate on my review, plus the constant reminder from back home to send some money. To add a monkey-wrench into the fray, I got sick with chicken pox a week before I took the exam. I contracted it from one of my patient. I do believe in twist of fate. Despite high fever and chills, and constant itchiness all over my body and face, I was able to study and prepare for my NCLEX exam. I was left alone in the apartment, forced to stay at home because chicken pox is a communicable disease.

Exam day comes, we took the computer exam for RN's in downtown Chicago, hitching rides with friends. I was so dead scared and very nervous because at the hindsight, if I fail, i will be struggling to find full time petitioner within the six months time frame. I'm a very goal-oriented person, it's hard for me to accept defeat and setbacks so easily. When I took the exam, together with other filipino nurses I worked with, I was one of the last person to come out of the exam room, you can just imagine how I feel. The computer exam has a total of 265 questions. A minimum of 77 questions, the computer will shut down and it also shuts down when an examinee reaches question #265. Most of my co-workers came out at 75 and 125. I was already resign to the idea that I failed and I better start preparing for the next asap. Guess what, luck was in my side, I passed!! all 55 nurses but one failed, I really empathised her.
To cut my long story short, I end up working in Michigan. My relatives took me in, give me shelter, and make me a part of there family when I ran out of money and nowhere else to go. It was really difficult to find a full time petitioner then in Chicago. I personally work on my own immigration papers, just securing the service of an immigration lawyer from NY, only for guidance and his signature. When I finally become an immigrant, my mom ask me in her own nice little way, if I could petition her. At that time, I wasn't sure where I really wanna settle in, I just feel like I just found my new freedom and I wanna explore the world with my new hard-earned status. I turn her down in a nice way and promised her when I become a US resident, then and only then I will petition her, it's much faster. As the years pass, I finally was sworn-in as a US citizen. My mom was surprised when I ask her if she wants to migrate. Now, it's her turn to say no. According to her, it'll entail yearly travel to and fro to the US plus she can't stand the cold wintry months in Michigan. So I didn't press the issue any further. Now, reality check, I'm sad to inform you she's dying with breast cancer, stage 4 that has spread to her lower spine. I'm so shell shock when I find out how much it entails for the entire chemo and radiation therapy for one year, there in the Philippines. Especially, when money comes out of pocket and no health insurance and much worst, I'm the only child. Had I petitioned her long time ago, it could have been easier to do her chemo over here, much more to deal with death and dying. She could have experience the state of the art medicines here. Deep inside me, I failed her, I promise to give her the comfort she could imagine, it's too late. So, my advise to you dear wannabes, follow your instinct, don't put off decisions later or you'll suffer the consequences.

My Short Essay about the Philippines

This is an essay written by a Korean student that I want to share with you.

My Short Essay about the Philippines - By Jaeyoun Kim


Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.

Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed completely after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father’s brother also died because of famine.

Korean government was awfully corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism. Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economy situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through a horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany
came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, “President, when can we be well off?” That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea.

He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart. Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off.

Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And I have loved my neighborhood.

Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people.

I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday.

However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines.

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed. My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat.

They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boat men, for the boat men were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God.

I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love is the keyword which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person.

Love must start in everybody in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let’s put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes. I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world.

Please love your neighborhood and country. Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country.

You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others. That’s all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

Is the Philippines worth crying for…….

Who will shed tears for the Motherland?
Who will lend a hand to lift her spirit, to hold the lonely Flag that symbolize her name?

What is H2B Visa?

On my previous blog, I mentioned that I am going to tackle each Visa category that is available for you to consider if you wanna come the US. FYI, this does not apply of course to those individual who already have a valid US Visa for obvious legitimate reason. Let me go ahead in defining what an H2B Visa is all about, and how likely you will be approve on this type of Visa. This type of visa by the way, applies to me as I’m a hospitality worker hotel based and currently in the U.S.. I could recommend this type of visa for those people at the age ranging from 18-30 years old because of the great opportunity to move from state to state of your desire. You can also travel to other Countries beside the country you are working so long as your visa is current and still active. This type of visa is gaining popularity among Filipinos because the applicant doesn’t have to be in a medical field or college graduate so long as you have an extensive experience in your line of work.

1. What is H2B visa?

The H2B working visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals to enter into the U.S. temporarily and engage in nonagricultural employment which is seasonal, intermittent, a peak load need, or a one-time occurrence. Every year, employers throughout the U.S. hire young adults from around the world to live and work under the H-2B Visa Program, filling positions where there is a shortage of American workers.


2. What is a 'one-time occurrence'?

The petitioner must establish that the petitioner has not employed workers to perform the services or labor in the past and the petitioner will not need workers to perform the services in the future, or that it has an employment situation that is otherwise permanent, but a temporary event of short duration has created the need for a temporary occurrence.


3. What is a 'seasonal need'?

The petitioner must establish that the services or labor is traditionally tied to a season of the year by an event or pattern and is of a recurring nature. The petitioner shall specify the period(s) of time during each year in which it does not need the services or labor. The employment is not seasonal if the period during which the services or labor is not needed is unpredictable or subject to change or is considered a vacation period for the petitioner's permanent employees.


4. What is a 'peak-load need'?

The petitioner must establish that it regularly employs permanent workers to perform services or labor at the place of employment and that it needs to supplement its permanent staff at the place of employment on a temporary basis due to a seasonal or short term demand and that the temporary additions to staff will not become a part of the petitioner's regular operation.

5 Things You Need to Survive in the US

When you think that you have gone through the worst after your interview from the US embassy, wait until you set foot in the US and you will be blown by the challenges that lie ahead. But of course if you see road blocks as opportunities for you to be better, life in the US especially during the first few months to a year would not really be that difficult. For those of you who are starting, here are 5 things that you will need to survive in your first year in the US. This will give you a better transition in your life abroad.

1. Study the place of your destination. Know as much as you can about the area that you will go to. Know where the banks are located, grocery stores, and other important establishments that you may frequently need to go to.

2. Learn about the people. Find out the type of people that live there. What is there culture?

3. Practice using English all the time. Try to speak the language even if you are unsure about your sentence conjugation, pronunciation, and grammar. Eventually you will pick up. This will help you a lot in the long run. TaGilid ako dito,kasi im sorrounded with pinoys wherever I go. lol

4. Build your network. People need people. Make friends but choose your friends wisely too. Build a network of people that can influence you to succeed in the US.
MarAMing mga filipino sites on the net that helps you get oriented about the place you're In. Search the net and you'll be surprise how many pinoys leaving in the same area.

5. Have a positive attitude and couple it with prayers. You need to see challenges
Going out of our comfort zone and starting a new life somewhere else is never easy but if you prepare yourself for possible challenges that you may encounter you and foster a “can do” attitude, you will not only survive in the US but you will surely succeed too.

Special Visa for Nurses to the U.S. (2009) Proposed Bill

The US house of representatives has proposed the introduction of a non-immigrant visa for registered nurses from overseas.

If implemented, the plans could see registered nurses from abroad settle easier in the US.

As the country currently faces a shortage of skilled nursing candidates, the new visa, introduced by congressman John Shadegg, would apply to a maxiumum of 50,000s Proes from countries such as the PHILIPPINES, China and India.

Entitled the Nursing Relief Act 2009, the legislation states that "The Nation's healthcare system requires an immediate modification of federal laws relating to recruitment of qualified foreign nurses in order to operate at an efficient and effective level."

It adds that through the US' current immigration system, healthcare providers in the US cannot "efficiently and effectively recruit qualified foreign nurses."