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H1B, H4 Visa
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Would you use a platform that makes it easier to find trusted immigration attorneys?
Hey everyone,
I know how overwhelming the immigration process can be—finding the right attorney, understanding your options, and making sure everything is done correctly. I’m working on a platform that helps immigrants easily connect with vetted, experienced immigration attorneys, consultants, and even former visa officers to get the guidance they need.
The goal is to make the process simpler, more transparent, and stress-free by providing:
✅ AI-powered attorney recommendations based on your case
✅ Verified, expert immigration lawyers you can trust
✅ An easy way to compare attorneys and book consultations
Before launching, I’d love to get your thoughts! Would a platform like this be helpful to you? If you’re interested, you can sign up for early access here: https://missionvisa.com/
I’d also love to hear any feedback—what’s been the hardest part of finding legal help for immigration? What features would make this platform most useful to you?
Thanks, and looking forward to your thoughts! 🙌
hello@missionvisa
I know how overwhelming the immigration process can be—finding the right attorney, understanding your options, and making sure everything is done correctly. I’m working on a platform that helps immigrants easily connect with vetted, experienced immigration attorneys, consultants, and even former visa officers to get the guidance they need.
The goal is to make the process simpler, more transparent, and stress-free by providing:
✅ AI-powered attorney recommendations based on your case
✅ Verified, expert immigration lawyers you can trust
✅ An easy way to compare attorneys and book consultations
Before launching, I’d love to get your thoughts! Would a platform like this be helpful to you? If you’re interested, you can sign up for early access here: https://missionvisa.com/
I’d also love to hear any feedback—what’s been the hardest part of finding legal help for immigration? What features would make this platform most useful to you?
Thanks, and looking forward to your thoughts! 🙌
hello@missionvisa
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Important Update for H-1B Visa Holders
The eligibility criteria for Dropbox visa renewals have changed.
Starting February 14, 2025, you can only renew your U.S. visa in the same class through Dropbox if your previous visa expired within the last 12 months. Previously, this window was 48 months, meaning fewer people will now qualify for Dropbox renewal.
If your visa expired more than 12 months ago, you may need to attend an in-person interview instead.
Check your visa expiration date and plan ahead to avoid any delays.
Starting February 14, 2025, you can only renew your U.S. visa in the same class through Dropbox if your previous visa expired within the last 12 months. Previously, this window was 48 months, meaning fewer people will now qualify for Dropbox renewal.
If your visa expired more than 12 months ago, you may need to attend an in-person interview instead.
Check your visa expiration date and plan ahead to avoid any delays.
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Exposing a Fraudulent Scheme Targeting Students and Professionals in the US: The Case of "Venkat Pa" , "Pa Venkat", "Venkatesha Padamanabhan" and His Scams
Exposing a Fraudulent Scheme Targeting Students and Professionals in the US: The Case of Venkat Pa and His Scams
Recently, I encountered an alarming and devastating scam involving an individual named Venkat Pa, based out of California. As I dug deeper into the situation, it became clear that this scammer was operating under multiple aliases and running businesses through numerous organizations across California and New Hampshire, targeting vulnerable students and professionals in the US, specifically those on F1, OPT, CPT visas, and those on the verge of extending their H1B visas for the 6th year.
Venkat Pa is a master of deception, hiding behind an array of *** companies and non-profit organizations, all while preying on those who are most in need of assistance with their immigration status. His main tactic? Promising to secure Green Cards for a very low fee through his so-called "non-profit" — a promise that never materializes.
Here’s how the scam works: Pa Venkat lures students and H1B professionals with the promise of securing their Green Card via his non-profit organizations. The deal sounds too good to pass up — a straightforward, affordable path to legal residency in the United States. Once victims hand over their money, however, Pa Venkat disappears, never submitting their cases to USCIS as promised.
This individual uses sophisticated tactics to keep his victims at bay. He operates multiple organizations, frequently changing names, and employs disposable email addresses and phone numbers that disappear after a short period. To further mislead people, he engages in financially fraudulent activities, pushing victims to send money through various channels and taking advantage of their financial vulnerability. Once he collects the cash, he simply vanishes.
But the situation doesn’t end there. Victims who attempt to reach out or inquire about their case face further harassment. They are threatened, blackmailed, and even stalked by an offshore team, adding layers of distress to an already painful experience. Once Pa Venkat has taken his victims’ money, he disappears, leaving them with no recourse and no hope of recovering their funds.
Adding insult to injury, Pa Venkat has carefully constructed an image as a “good person.” He frequently contributes hefty donations to local Hindu temples in Torrance, California, trying to pose as a charitable and trustworthy individual. This façade has allowed him to blend in and maintain a false reputation, all while enjoying a lavish lifestyle funded by his fraudulent activities.
What is even more disturbing is the fact that none of his victims have been able to pursue legal action in the US. Why? Because Pa Venkat ensures that all payments are made in cash or via credit card debts, leaving his victims financially crippled and unable to take legal steps. He knows how to manipulate the system, making it difficult for anyone to track him down.
Although there are three open cases against him in India, Indian officials have been unable to catch him. Pa Venkat uses his US citizenship as a shield, and it seems to be working for him. The authorities are left powerless, and the victims continue to suffer.
This situation is an alarming reminder of the vulnerability many face when trying to navigate the complexities of the US immigration system. With scammers like Pa Venkat operating in the shadows, it’s crucial that we stay vigilant, educated, and cautious when seeking immigration help. Unfortunately, many of the victims in this case were unaware of the risks and are now left paying the price for their trust in the wrong person.
If you or someone you know has been affected by scams of this nature, it’s essential to report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as the USCIS or local law enforcement. Scams like these need to be exposed and stopped, and we all have a role in protecting our communities from exploitation.
Please stay informed, stay cautious, and don’t let these predators get away with their crimes. The more we spread awareness, the more we can protect others from falling victim to scams like this.
Consulting Business Information:
Business Name: McKenna Account Management & Consulting Corp.
Email: [email protected]
Phone Numbers
310-310-13779
860-865-9359
310-600-7456
747-225-2799
Additional Emails Used:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Websites Linked to Fraudulent Activities:
www.jaisanguine.com
www.mckenna-ac.com
www.oandsassociates.com
LinkedIn Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipavenkat
Recently, I encountered an alarming and devastating scam involving an individual named Venkat Pa, based out of California. As I dug deeper into the situation, it became clear that this scammer was operating under multiple aliases and running businesses through numerous organizations across California and New Hampshire, targeting vulnerable students and professionals in the US, specifically those on F1, OPT, CPT visas, and those on the verge of extending their H1B visas for the 6th year.
Venkat Pa is a master of deception, hiding behind an array of *** companies and non-profit organizations, all while preying on those who are most in need of assistance with their immigration status. His main tactic? Promising to secure Green Cards for a very low fee through his so-called "non-profit" — a promise that never materializes.
Here’s how the scam works: Pa Venkat lures students and H1B professionals with the promise of securing their Green Card via his non-profit organizations. The deal sounds too good to pass up — a straightforward, affordable path to legal residency in the United States. Once victims hand over their money, however, Pa Venkat disappears, never submitting their cases to USCIS as promised.
This individual uses sophisticated tactics to keep his victims at bay. He operates multiple organizations, frequently changing names, and employs disposable email addresses and phone numbers that disappear after a short period. To further mislead people, he engages in financially fraudulent activities, pushing victims to send money through various channels and taking advantage of their financial vulnerability. Once he collects the cash, he simply vanishes.
But the situation doesn’t end there. Victims who attempt to reach out or inquire about their case face further harassment. They are threatened, blackmailed, and even stalked by an offshore team, adding layers of distress to an already painful experience. Once Pa Venkat has taken his victims’ money, he disappears, leaving them with no recourse and no hope of recovering their funds.
Adding insult to injury, Pa Venkat has carefully constructed an image as a “good person.” He frequently contributes hefty donations to local Hindu temples in Torrance, California, trying to pose as a charitable and trustworthy individual. This façade has allowed him to blend in and maintain a false reputation, all while enjoying a lavish lifestyle funded by his fraudulent activities.
What is even more disturbing is the fact that none of his victims have been able to pursue legal action in the US. Why? Because Pa Venkat ensures that all payments are made in cash or via credit card debts, leaving his victims financially crippled and unable to take legal steps. He knows how to manipulate the system, making it difficult for anyone to track him down.
Although there are three open cases against him in India, Indian officials have been unable to catch him. Pa Venkat uses his US citizenship as a shield, and it seems to be working for him. The authorities are left powerless, and the victims continue to suffer.
This situation is an alarming reminder of the vulnerability many face when trying to navigate the complexities of the US immigration system. With scammers like Pa Venkat operating in the shadows, it’s crucial that we stay vigilant, educated, and cautious when seeking immigration help. Unfortunately, many of the victims in this case were unaware of the risks and are now left paying the price for their trust in the wrong person.
If you or someone you know has been affected by scams of this nature, it’s essential to report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as the USCIS or local law enforcement. Scams like these need to be exposed and stopped, and we all have a role in protecting our communities from exploitation.
Please stay informed, stay cautious, and don’t let these predators get away with their crimes. The more we spread awareness, the more we can protect others from falling victim to scams like this.
Consulting Business Information:
Business Name: McKenna Account Management & Consulting Corp.
Email: [email protected]
Phone Numbers
310-310-13779
860-865-9359
310-600-7456
747-225-2799
Additional Emails Used:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Websites Linked to Fraudulent Activities:
www.jaisanguine.com
www.mckenna-ac.com
www.oandsassociates.com
LinkedIn Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ipavenkat
All Replies (0)
I-94 Expired But I-797 was valid - exited the country
My I-94 expired on 28-May-2018, but I had a valid I-797 until 21-Aug-2019. I had to travel to India for an emergency on 20-Apr-2018. While returning to the USA, I did not get my visa stamped with the updated I-797 date. As a result, my I-94 was still updated to 28-May-2018. Unaware of this, I stayed in the USA until 22-Jun-2019 and exited as soon as I realized I had overstayed with an expired I-94. Later I continued to stay in home country for some personal reasons. Its been almost 5.6 yrs since i exited USA and now I am planning to travel back to USA.
Will there be a 10-year ban on my entry to the USA if I want to return? Please help me with the right answer so that I can plan my future accordingly.
Will there be a 10-year ban on my entry to the USA if I want to return? Please help me with the right answer so that I can plan my future accordingly.
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Travel with H-1B RFE
Hi all,
I need help with my H1b situation. My company filed for H1B but did not file LCA (a small company and didn't contact an immigration lawyer while filing the petition). I received RFE with feb 21 as the deadline and it doesn't look like company is willing to respond to the RFE.
Following are my questions:
1. I am traveling to India on Jan 10th and returning back on March 15th, is it ok to travel while having an active h1b RFE? (I have valid STEM EAD till June 2026.)
2. By the time I come back to the US, I will probably get an H1b denial. What kind of questions can I expect while returning to the US?
I need help with my H1b situation. My company filed for H1B but did not file LCA (a small company and didn't contact an immigration lawyer while filing the petition). I received RFE with feb 21 as the deadline and it doesn't look like company is willing to respond to the RFE.
Following are my questions:
1. I am traveling to India on Jan 10th and returning back on March 15th, is it ok to travel while having an active h1b RFE? (I have valid STEM EAD till June 2026.)
2. By the time I come back to the US, I will probably get an H1b denial. What kind of questions can I expect while returning to the US?
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H4 visa holder visa revalidation
With a expired visa can i travel to Canada and comeback within a week
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H1-B interview with DUI
I came to the U.S. on a student visa in August 2021. Unfortunately, in June 2022, I made a mistake and got a DUI (BAC 0.18). I pleaded guilty, and the charges were reduced to <0.14 BAC. I completed all court-ordered penalties, including a year of probation and a 16-week alcohol abuse course.
In February 2023, I was approved for OPT and applied for STEM OPT the following year. I was lucky to get selected in the 2023 H-1B second lottery, but my employer decided to file it under consular processing. The petition was sent to USCIS in November 2023.
In January 2024, I received an RFE and responded by March 2024. Thankfully, my H-1B was approved on March 22, 2024. Around the same time, I applied for a STEM OPT extension, but USCIS denied it on May 24, 2024 reason stated was my status has changed to H1-b but I filed my petition on consular process not change of status, due to a system error. I had the option to file a Motion to Reopen (MTR), but my attorney didn’t receive my I-797B copy in time.
Since my 30-day grace period ended, I had to return to India in June 2024. My attorney raised multiple service requests to get my I-797B copy, but USCIS didn’t respond. Finally, in November 2024, I sought help from a congressman. Surprisingly, they were able to get me a courtesy copy(I-797) in just two business days.
I scheduled a visa interview for December 2, 2024, and attended it. The visa officer didn’t even ask for my I-797B copy, even when I offered it. He focused on my petitioner and the position offered.
NOV 26th 2024- VAC done HYD.
DEC 2nd- Visa interview
ME- Greeted VO
VO- Hand me your passport
ME- Handed it over. " Do you need my I-797?"
VO- " I will let you know what I need do not give me your documents."
Me-"OK"
VO- "Who is your Petitioner"
ME- Mentioned the name
VO- " What is your payrate?"
ME- Mentioned
VO- "Is it a client project or your companies project?"
ME- Our company project
VO- " From when are you working for this employer?"
ME- Since my STEMOPT and asked him I had something to show him regarding my STEMOPT Denial
VO-" I have everything here I do not need anything else. anyways you will not be issued a visa today!"
ME- I replied "OK"
Was typing something and proceeded for the next thing about my Master's Degree
ME- Answered about my degree
VO- "What happened in 2022?"
ME- " About the DUI?"
VO-"YES"
ME- Explained him what happened that day and told him that I agreed and cooperated with the cop and did everything they had me to do.
VO-"Do you have the police department documents with you?"
ME- I handed them over
VO- checked all the court documents and all the reports I submitted and asked me " Do you have the police report"
ME- "Everything should be in there"
VO- Looked into all the documents and said " I have to look into your case and we will notify if I need anything else"
ME- Handed me over the White 221g slip and marked on requires additional administrative processing. Did not return the passport
VO- "Consulate will contact you if we need any other documents"
ME- Thanked him
I am confused what should I do next. I was expecting a 221g for the physical panel. He did bring out an yellow form and he mentioned "I need to verify your documentation and I don't think you need the medical test for now" and he put the yellow form a side. What can I expect now, How many days would it take to get a response from the consulate?
Was it a good sign keeping my passport with them and handing me over a 221g?
In February 2023, I was approved for OPT and applied for STEM OPT the following year. I was lucky to get selected in the 2023 H-1B second lottery, but my employer decided to file it under consular processing. The petition was sent to USCIS in November 2023.
In January 2024, I received an RFE and responded by March 2024. Thankfully, my H-1B was approved on March 22, 2024. Around the same time, I applied for a STEM OPT extension, but USCIS denied it on May 24, 2024 reason stated was my status has changed to H1-b but I filed my petition on consular process not change of status, due to a system error. I had the option to file a Motion to Reopen (MTR), but my attorney didn’t receive my I-797B copy in time.
Since my 30-day grace period ended, I had to return to India in June 2024. My attorney raised multiple service requests to get my I-797B copy, but USCIS didn’t respond. Finally, in November 2024, I sought help from a congressman. Surprisingly, they were able to get me a courtesy copy(I-797) in just two business days.
I scheduled a visa interview for December 2, 2024, and attended it. The visa officer didn’t even ask for my I-797B copy, even when I offered it. He focused on my petitioner and the position offered.
NOV 26th 2024- VAC done HYD.
DEC 2nd- Visa interview
ME- Greeted VO
VO- Hand me your passport
ME- Handed it over. " Do you need my I-797?"
VO- " I will let you know what I need do not give me your documents."
Me-"OK"
VO- "Who is your Petitioner"
ME- Mentioned the name
VO- " What is your payrate?"
ME- Mentioned
VO- "Is it a client project or your companies project?"
ME- Our company project
VO- " From when are you working for this employer?"
ME- Since my STEMOPT and asked him I had something to show him regarding my STEMOPT Denial
VO-" I have everything here I do not need anything else. anyways you will not be issued a visa today!"
ME- I replied "OK"
Was typing something and proceeded for the next thing about my Master's Degree
ME- Answered about my degree
VO- "What happened in 2022?"
ME- " About the DUI?"
VO-"YES"
ME- Explained him what happened that day and told him that I agreed and cooperated with the cop and did everything they had me to do.
VO-"Do you have the police department documents with you?"
ME- I handed them over
VO- checked all the court documents and all the reports I submitted and asked me " Do you have the police report"
ME- "Everything should be in there"
VO- Looked into all the documents and said " I have to look into your case and we will notify if I need anything else"
ME- Handed me over the White 221g slip and marked on requires additional administrative processing. Did not return the passport
VO- "Consulate will contact you if we need any other documents"
ME- Thanked him
I am confused what should I do next. I was expecting a 221g for the physical panel. He did bring out an yellow form and he mentioned "I need to verify your documentation and I don't think you need the medical test for now" and he put the yellow form a side. What can I expect now, How many days would it take to get a response from the consulate?
Was it a good sign keeping my passport with them and handing me over a 221g?
All Replies (1)
Visa Experience in Canada / Mexico
Hi Everyone,
I had H1/H4 visa stamping in Toronto on !0 Oct 2024. I was on F1 for 8 years including CPT/OPT and working as FTE for a reputed American company directly. After all regular formalities, VO said I intend to approve your visa but need additional time. Our status was showing 'Refused' on their website.
18 Oct 24 H1 Status shows 'Approved' but others still pending.
24 Oct 24 Status 'Approved' for my son but still Refused for my wife.
25 Oct 24 Status 'Issued' for my son but still Refused for my wife.
26 Oct 24 Passport received through premium delivery for my son but still Refused for my wife.
27 Oct 24 Status 'Approved' for my wife.
28 Oct 24 Status 'Issued' for my wife.
30 Oct 24 Passport received through premium delivery for my wife but still sowing ' Approved' for me.
02 Nov 24 My wife and son crossed border by road from Niagara. No questions asked.
Till now my status is showing ' Approved'. Anyone in same condition, please share how long it will take to get Issued.
Thanks
I had H1/H4 visa stamping in Toronto on !0 Oct 2024. I was on F1 for 8 years including CPT/OPT and working as FTE for a reputed American company directly. After all regular formalities, VO said I intend to approve your visa but need additional time. Our status was showing 'Refused' on their website.
18 Oct 24 H1 Status shows 'Approved' but others still pending.
24 Oct 24 Status 'Approved' for my son but still Refused for my wife.
25 Oct 24 Status 'Issued' for my son but still Refused for my wife.
26 Oct 24 Passport received through premium delivery for my son but still Refused for my wife.
27 Oct 24 Status 'Approved' for my wife.
28 Oct 24 Status 'Issued' for my wife.
30 Oct 24 Passport received through premium delivery for my wife but still sowing ' Approved' for me.
02 Nov 24 My wife and son crossed border by road from Niagara. No questions asked.
Till now my status is showing ' Approved'. Anyone in same condition, please share how long it will take to get Issued.
Thanks
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Do anyone did H1B stamping at Ottawa, Canada on October 2024 ?
I have visa interview on October 28, 2024 at 9:50 am. Since then status is showing Approved. When can I expect could it be "Issued"?
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I94 expired in June 2024, but H1B stamp is valid till Oct 2025. How do I fix this?
Hello everyone Can someone suggest
The i94 on my wife’s i797 has a validity until 2025 Oct and this i797 was issued in 2022.
She entered US in April 2023 and was issued i94 until June 23 2024 , as this was her passport expiry date [which is again June 23 2024].
We didn't realize that this i94 date has been shortened due to passport expiring before the i797 expiry.
We found out this issue today while going through our documents , now if the i94 issued at port of entry is valid [which is June 23 2024 ]and not the i797 one [2025 Oct ], then in that case she has overstayed by 4 months already as its [Oct 25 2024 ] today. Is that the case?
how can we resolve this matter?
The i94 on my wife’s i797 has a validity until 2025 Oct and this i797 was issued in 2022.
She entered US in April 2023 and was issued i94 until June 23 2024 , as this was her passport expiry date [which is again June 23 2024].
We didn't realize that this i94 date has been shortened due to passport expiring before the i797 expiry.
We found out this issue today while going through our documents , now if the i94 issued at port of entry is valid [which is June 23 2024 ]and not the i797 one [2025 Oct ], then in that case she has overstayed by 4 months already as its [Oct 25 2024 ] today. Is that the case?
how can we resolve this matter?
All Replies (0)
Disclaimer: Please note that the experiences presented are submitted by visitors to our website. Individuals’ experiences may vary, and you should interpret each individual’s experience at your own risk. Do not make a decision solely based on an experience posted here. We do not endorse any individuals’ experiences, and we are not liable or responsible for consequences stemming from your use of the information presented within any individual’s experience.
