sareesh
10-29 10:36 PM
hi, personally i am looking for a chance to move to eb2. Being in eb3-I is as good as u will never get ur GC,or by the time you get ur GC, u would have lost your time and patience to live in this country anymore. follow your instincts..
Hello All,
My Lca was applied with MS + 2 yrs
But my I-140 got approved under EB3(my lawyers mistake)
What should I do?
PD 03/25/2005
Hello All,
My Lca was applied with MS + 2 yrs
But my I-140 got approved under EB3(my lawyers mistake)
What should I do?
PD 03/25/2005
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bluekayal
08-19 10:51 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Category:- EB2
Nationality:- India
PD:- 08/2004 (TSC)
I485:-RD-08-07-2006/ND-08/16/2006
name check cleared as per IO
Category:- EB2
Nationality:- India
PD:- 08/2004 (TSC)
I485:-RD-08-07-2006/ND-08/16/2006
name check cleared as per IO
stuckinretro
02-17 05:43 PM
Mine is a CSC to NSC xfer case. FP done in Jan'08 Received HLUD on 02/09 and SLUd on 02/10 for me and my family's 485s. Nothing after that.
HLUD was
Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS
Current Status: This case is now pending at the office to which it was transferred.
The I485 APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS was transferred and is now pending standard processing at a USCIS office.
HLUD was
Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS
Current Status: This case is now pending at the office to which it was transferred.
The I485 APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS was transferred and is now pending standard processing at a USCIS office.
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jjava100
01-13 03:52 PM
I took Lufthansa and traveled in November via Frankfurt with out a valid visa and did not had any issues with the transit visa. I had visa while coming back.
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jediknight
07-16 07:37 PM
Hate Groups Donate to Arizona Law’s Defense | Hatewatch | Southern Poverty Law Center (http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2010/07/13/hate-groups-donate-to-arizona-laws-defense/)
I wonder what they will say when Hispanic and Black cops stop white folks and say "oops we thought they were Canadian" :D
Russ and Beck will then start complaining of reverse racism.
BTW, I am against illegal immigration and the way to solve is to remove quotas for legal immigration and Jail Time for employers who don't use E-Verify.
- JK
I wonder what they will say when Hispanic and Black cops stop white folks and say "oops we thought they were Canadian" :D
Russ and Beck will then start complaining of reverse racism.
BTW, I am against illegal immigration and the way to solve is to remove quotas for legal immigration and Jail Time for employers who don't use E-Verify.
- JK
swamy
04-01 10:47 PM
Ramba and others
Thanks for all your responses, It is clearly the attorneys fault.
- I have a letter I wrote to the attorney asking them to withdraw the representation. and the letter clearly states that.
- I have a copy of the letter the attorney sent to USCIS and this letter is clearly asking USCIS to withdraw the case.
The error is with the Attorney and it is one of the big immigration firms.
What really bothers me is that the error is not on USCIS's part but the error is of the Attorney so I am afraid that USCIS may not be too inclined to reinstate the case.
Does any one know if the client has any legal protection from errors and mistakes made by the attorneys
Does any one know if the client has any legal protection from errors and mistakes made by the attorneys
Please help.
oh boy - pls tell me its not fragomen!
Thanks for all your responses, It is clearly the attorneys fault.
- I have a letter I wrote to the attorney asking them to withdraw the representation. and the letter clearly states that.
- I have a copy of the letter the attorney sent to USCIS and this letter is clearly asking USCIS to withdraw the case.
The error is with the Attorney and it is one of the big immigration firms.
What really bothers me is that the error is not on USCIS's part but the error is of the Attorney so I am afraid that USCIS may not be too inclined to reinstate the case.
Does any one know if the client has any legal protection from errors and mistakes made by the attorneys
Does any one know if the client has any legal protection from errors and mistakes made by the attorneys
Please help.
oh boy - pls tell me its not fragomen!
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485Mbe4001
06-05 11:56 AM
At least he is better than my lawyer who did not allow me to file in EB2 and also discouraged my company from applying for a second labor. Now i have PD apr or may 2002 and I wait for my turn to come. To each his own, I have read his posts on the forum and the advice seems good.
what does that have to do with anything?
the title of this thread is "Ron Gotcher's take on VB." Its what he thinks on a forum hosted by him.
a lot of these lawyers post "spicy messages." Its marketing in the 21st Century. He did not say that its grounds for a lawsuit, a reader of his forum asked him the question and he said he didnt know and the july bulletin would clarify things.
A majority of the attorneys dont do anything for the EB community. the few that do attend rallies or do the ask questions type of conference call arent really serving the community. They are doing the same thing that Gotcher is doing. I am not defending him by any means. i myself had issues with some of his posts that I feel were directed at getting more traffic to his website, but this thread was about his impression about the july bulletin. With the lack of interest at predicting VBs, this is at least something to discuss.
what does that have to do with anything?
the title of this thread is "Ron Gotcher's take on VB." Its what he thinks on a forum hosted by him.
a lot of these lawyers post "spicy messages." Its marketing in the 21st Century. He did not say that its grounds for a lawsuit, a reader of his forum asked him the question and he said he didnt know and the july bulletin would clarify things.
A majority of the attorneys dont do anything for the EB community. the few that do attend rallies or do the ask questions type of conference call arent really serving the community. They are doing the same thing that Gotcher is doing. I am not defending him by any means. i myself had issues with some of his posts that I feel were directed at getting more traffic to his website, but this thread was about his impression about the july bulletin. With the lack of interest at predicting VBs, this is at least something to discuss.
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coloniel60
08-15 02:59 PM
Duplicate application will definitely create problems I will told today by the USCIS rep. They don't recommend it at all and neither my lawyer. He has refused to re-file or will only re-file if I take the onus/responsibility of the result.
USCIS rep also informed me that as long as you have a tracking proof that you application was delivered, you should be able to refile after Aug17 also, in case application was not processed because it was lost or so.
USCIS feeds us lot of BS. Their reps have no idea about the whole immigration process. You get different answers each time you call. Atleast 3 different reps told me that it's fine to refile except that I will lose the money and one rep told me that I can always request USCIS to refund my money. Go figure.
USCIS rep also informed me that as long as you have a tracking proof that you application was delivered, you should be able to refile after Aug17 also, in case application was not processed because it was lost or so.
USCIS feeds us lot of BS. Their reps have no idea about the whole immigration process. You get different answers each time you call. Atleast 3 different reps told me that it's fine to refile except that I will lose the money and one rep told me that I can always request USCIS to refund my money. Go figure.
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JunRN
08-22 10:25 PM
Labor certifications approved on or after July 16, 2007, will expire 180 days from their date of issue, unless filed prior to expiration with the DHS in support of a Form I-140 immigrant petition for an alien worker.
Not good for those without dual-intent visas (F1, etc).
Not good for those without dual-intent visas (F1, etc).
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bestia
01-26 08:51 PM
Just as example. With my first employer in the US I signed a contract without even reading it well (stupid thing to do, btw). Later I noticed that I signed something like "any products, technology, software, documentation, etc. ever developed by [me] is property of [my employer]". I don't remember the exact wording and lazy to look it up, but it meant that anything I will ever develop will belong to my employer. I didn't hesitate to leave them and contact their direct competitor, my previous employer wrote me "cease and desist" letter threating with legal actions if I will not respond with some time frame. I showed the contract to a lawyer and asked "what should I reply?". He laughed and said - reply "I suggest you to start legal actions immediately" or better don't reply at all. He won't be so stupid to go with this to court - he will lose the case and you will sue him back and recover all expenses.
I didn't reply and never heard from them again. So, yes, illegal and unreasonable agreements are not enforceable.
Also, if you google there was precedent with some guy from India. Who had similar agreement and left the company. The company sued him and lost, appealed and lost. The guy sued back and won, the company paid $200,000+ something expenses. The case was long ago, I don't remember the link.
I didn't reply and never heard from them again. So, yes, illegal and unreasonable agreements are not enforceable.
Also, if you google there was precedent with some guy from India. Who had similar agreement and left the company. The company sued him and lost, appealed and lost. The guy sued back and won, the company paid $200,000+ something expenses. The case was long ago, I don't remember the link.
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Sheila Danzig
02-25 09:17 PM
I apologize. I did not left the default on many of the points. I have changed them now. The questions don't allow for people who are not applying for anything. I did not mean to solicit business. Some of my clients have asked me to post here and clear up some issues. I get 90% of my business from attorneys and employers, not from chat boards.
We have never taken more than authorized on the card. The form is automated and submitted by the client. We never even see the card #. If anyone has a problem with double submissions (if they hit submit twice) we always credit back.
You are soliciting business from IV site. You don't have a disclaimer or no shame in doing that. You filled your charge country as UK and pretend to be GC aspirant. You can advertise your thing by paying IV, not by these cheap method of interfering here. I know you suck a big amount from people approching your firm for evaluation and take more amount (than the authorized) from them using the credit card details on file by giving lame excuse. I know many friend burn their hands.
We have never taken more than authorized on the card. The form is automated and submitted by the client. We never even see the card #. If anyone has a problem with double submissions (if they hit submit twice) we always credit back.
You are soliciting business from IV site. You don't have a disclaimer or no shame in doing that. You filled your charge country as UK and pretend to be GC aspirant. You can advertise your thing by paying IV, not by these cheap method of interfering here. I know you suck a big amount from people approching your firm for evaluation and take more amount (than the authorized) from them using the credit card details on file by giving lame excuse. I know many friend burn their hands.
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lordoftherings
07-16 11:59 PM
This is the same argument used by anti-immigrants.
I am a nurse so we better flood the job market; don't you think so?
Now how does that makes me an anti-immigrant :mad: :mad: :mad: . I am ofcourse happy that so many of my friends here are going one step further in getting GC. Something is better than nothing. But, suddenly more than 1/2 mill people getting EAD will have some effect on the market. People(on H1B) loosing jobs after 3-4 months may find themselves in a difficult situation to get a job.
I am on H1B myself, how can I ever be an anti-immigrant ?:) :) I was expecting a little bit more permamnent solution and not a band-aid solution as somebody pointed out.
lotr
I am a nurse so we better flood the job market; don't you think so?
Now how does that makes me an anti-immigrant :mad: :mad: :mad: . I am ofcourse happy that so many of my friends here are going one step further in getting GC. Something is better than nothing. But, suddenly more than 1/2 mill people getting EAD will have some effect on the market. People(on H1B) loosing jobs after 3-4 months may find themselves in a difficult situation to get a job.
I am on H1B myself, how can I ever be an anti-immigrant ?:) :) I was expecting a little bit more permamnent solution and not a band-aid solution as somebody pointed out.
lotr
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shana04
02-16 01:32 PM
Hi,
I am talking to different lawyers for using AC21 - new position title and functions are almost similar with similar salaries in the same region, old employer might revoke the approved I140 but 180 days are over and I140 is approved - couple lawyers mentioned that the case is straight forward but still mentioned that they are not going to take the case because they decided not to do AC21 in many cases. Reason they mentioned is that underlying I485 is not filed by them and if its rejected for any reason there is a chance of mal-practise suit against them. The fact that they didnt do anything after taking the case might work against them. Their current insurance against mal-practise is not enough to cover these types of instances. I found the argument a bit weird but wondering if anyone else heard same - I heard this from 2 of the 3 lawyers I called locally.
- kishdam
kishdam,
Logically thinking, first thing 485 is your petition.
you are giving them the right to act on your behalf.
There is nothing that an employer has provided except the offer letter.
Now you are using new employers offer letter, how in the world would an old employer sue this attorney. This is your petition and not employers petition.
Scenario:
What if you use G28 representing your self and send a AC21 letter.
Latter (God forbidden this does not happen to any one) but you get RFE, then you choose attorney. You explain that you are represting your self and now need attorneys help. Now who is going to sue this attorney.
This is all B*** S**t to make money or to fear people. I know people who have used G28 representing them selves and got GC. my self I am using a attorney, coz he did not charge more and he said in case you are not satisfied you can always use different lawyer. And all that he has charged is $500.00 and if he is not up to the mark then I would find a differnet attorney. $500 is not a huge sum.
So, good luck and find a better attorney.
I am talking to different lawyers for using AC21 - new position title and functions are almost similar with similar salaries in the same region, old employer might revoke the approved I140 but 180 days are over and I140 is approved - couple lawyers mentioned that the case is straight forward but still mentioned that they are not going to take the case because they decided not to do AC21 in many cases. Reason they mentioned is that underlying I485 is not filed by them and if its rejected for any reason there is a chance of mal-practise suit against them. The fact that they didnt do anything after taking the case might work against them. Their current insurance against mal-practise is not enough to cover these types of instances. I found the argument a bit weird but wondering if anyone else heard same - I heard this from 2 of the 3 lawyers I called locally.
- kishdam
kishdam,
Logically thinking, first thing 485 is your petition.
you are giving them the right to act on your behalf.
There is nothing that an employer has provided except the offer letter.
Now you are using new employers offer letter, how in the world would an old employer sue this attorney. This is your petition and not employers petition.
Scenario:
What if you use G28 representing your self and send a AC21 letter.
Latter (God forbidden this does not happen to any one) but you get RFE, then you choose attorney. You explain that you are represting your self and now need attorneys help. Now who is going to sue this attorney.
This is all B*** S**t to make money or to fear people. I know people who have used G28 representing them selves and got GC. my self I am using a attorney, coz he did not charge more and he said in case you are not satisfied you can always use different lawyer. And all that he has charged is $500.00 and if he is not up to the mark then I would find a differnet attorney. $500 is not a huge sum.
So, good luck and find a better attorney.
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felix31
04-01 03:20 PM
sent fax #10
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hiralal
04-23 07:48 AM
friends ..are we giving up before even trying ??? this is the least that we can do ..just write that you are a skilled legal immigrant with american kids. you have followed all the rules for 6-8 years ..waiting for a GC so that you can buy a house (or if you have a house then there is a danger that it will go in foreclosure because of GC delays) ..few minutes is all that is needed
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MeraNaamJoker
08-12 10:49 AM
Does anyone know if its possible to just renew the green-card or one has to apply for naturalization after 5 years?
You can revnew your GC after an intial period of 10 years. You are at your free will and wish to remain on your GC. You will be eligible for Naturalization after 5 years. That does not mean that you have to use that oppurtunity.
Now to the original question of this thread.
It is highly recommended that one must stay with the original sponsoring company for atleast 6 months after the GC is approved. If you leave the company in good terms with them or rather if they do not create any fuss, then you are safe.
Say in my case, my original employer laid me off and I ported my process with AC21 to another company, where I am working for 3 yrs and just got my GC approved. I am not obligated to stay with this company as they are not my original sponsor. And again they cannot revoke my GC.
Having said that, the employers can create problems for you, if they decide to hunt you down. But that will not do them any good other than the 'revenge' they may enjoy on you.
My collegue was planning to leave his company after GC approval and his employer cancelled the GC process by withdrawing the application. The USCIS has informed him about this officially to him. He was panicked and was about to start another application and one fine morning, his GC approval came to him through snail mail.
What I am trying to say is there are laws, rules, processes and methods. Not everything will be applicable everytime or does not happen all the time. It truly depends on your luck too.
GOOD LUCK!!!
You can revnew your GC after an intial period of 10 years. You are at your free will and wish to remain on your GC. You will be eligible for Naturalization after 5 years. That does not mean that you have to use that oppurtunity.
Now to the original question of this thread.
It is highly recommended that one must stay with the original sponsoring company for atleast 6 months after the GC is approved. If you leave the company in good terms with them or rather if they do not create any fuss, then you are safe.
Say in my case, my original employer laid me off and I ported my process with AC21 to another company, where I am working for 3 yrs and just got my GC approved. I am not obligated to stay with this company as they are not my original sponsor. And again they cannot revoke my GC.
Having said that, the employers can create problems for you, if they decide to hunt you down. But that will not do them any good other than the 'revenge' they may enjoy on you.
My collegue was planning to leave his company after GC approval and his employer cancelled the GC process by withdrawing the application. The USCIS has informed him about this officially to him. He was panicked and was about to start another application and one fine morning, his GC approval came to him through snail mail.
What I am trying to say is there are laws, rules, processes and methods. Not everything will be applicable everytime or does not happen all the time. It truly depends on your luck too.
GOOD LUCK!!!
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Jaime
09-01 11:41 AM
Is it possible to have a door to door campaign in apartment complexes and educating Indian/Chinese/Philippine population around DC area. Or maybe a group of 2-3 volunteers standing in ethinic groceries/eateries and educating our community of what we are trying to do and why we need their support and how it will benefit all of us. I know it is easy to say this but if we need people to be motivated we need along with this HIGH TECH... we need some personal touch. People will come if people see people going. I mean SEEING. Maybe these writings and commonsense things dicussed here inspires/motivates us but a majority need a push/nudge in person. Hope we could arrange for volunteers around DC area (driving distance to DC) and rally up more numbers.
Door-to-door is a great idea! We need to do WHATEVER IT TAKES! We have the opportunity right now! Let's not let s pass!!
Door-to-door is a great idea! We need to do WHATEVER IT TAKES! We have the opportunity right now! Let's not let s pass!!
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sanbaj
07-31 11:01 AM
I called USCIS NSC yesterday and asked if my new approved I-140 was interfiled with my pending I-485. The IO asked me for my A# and then told me that she doesn't see the new I-140 starting with SRC on the system. She only sees the original I-140 with the LIN. It was very frustrating to hear this as I had called NSC a week before and the IO told me that the new I-140 is in the system and visa was available for me. However, I remembered that last week the IO did not ask me for my A#. She only asked for the receipt numbers of my pending I-485 and the new I-140.
Friends, what else can I do to make sure that my newly approved I-140 under EB2 is interfiled?
Speaking from my case, I called NSC for the same reason multiple times and every time the information I got (now looking back) was either useless or insignificant. Only one procedural info I got once was correct. They informed me that when you Interfile, your request goes into your file and no receipt or any other update is done to your case. When your 485 app RD becomes current and an IO picks up the case to work on it, should consider the Interfiling request. If your PD is then current due to the Interfiling request and every other detail on your 485 app is complete, your case is approved immediately. That is exactly what happened to my case. Calling them is less fruitful and more frustation. I only called them once a month after they changed their processing dates for the month just in the hope I may get lucky with an IIO who may give some info. Never did. I also took an Infopass, but that was fruitless too, as they also could not provide any information. Just asked me to wait until my RD becomes current.
Hope this gives you some perspective and lowers your anxiety.
Friends, what else can I do to make sure that my newly approved I-140 under EB2 is interfiled?
Speaking from my case, I called NSC for the same reason multiple times and every time the information I got (now looking back) was either useless or insignificant. Only one procedural info I got once was correct. They informed me that when you Interfile, your request goes into your file and no receipt or any other update is done to your case. When your 485 app RD becomes current and an IO picks up the case to work on it, should consider the Interfiling request. If your PD is then current due to the Interfiling request and every other detail on your 485 app is complete, your case is approved immediately. That is exactly what happened to my case. Calling them is less fruitful and more frustation. I only called them once a month after they changed their processing dates for the month just in the hope I may get lucky with an IIO who may give some info. Never did. I also took an Infopass, but that was fruitless too, as they also could not provide any information. Just asked me to wait until my RD becomes current.
Hope this gives you some perspective and lowers your anxiety.
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sandiboy
07-26 04:54 PM
it will be released tomorrow
tnite
07-04 05:26 PM
Medical - 350
Gas - 100
Photos - 60
Xerox - 50
Affidavits - 200
Hotel in NJ - 100
Paralegal Fees - 700
I flushed $1560 down the USCIS toilet
Gas - 100
Photos - 60
Xerox - 50
Affidavits - 200
Hotel in NJ - 100
Paralegal Fees - 700
I flushed $1560 down the USCIS toilet
logiclife
01-09 12:00 PM
Hi,
I am joining new job using AC21 provision coming monday. My new employer does not provide medical insurance for the first month. I am eligible for after I complete 1 month.
So my question is: till the time I get medical coverage from new employer (approx. 20 - 30 days), can I invoke COBRA? I heard that one can not invoke COBRA if he or she is employed (only meant for un-employement) is this true?
Also, should I call my current insurance company for COBRA now, or I can wait if I really need to visit a doctor? is there a grace period for this? Because there is a possiblity that I may never would have to visit a doctor for next 20-30 days, but who knows!
Appreciate your answers.
Firstly, COBRA has pretty much nothing to do with AC21.
COBRA is a law related to job loss or job change to an employer who doesnt offer insurance or job change to a new employer who offers insurance only after a certain time (like one month or so).
I think the previous author is right. From the time you lose/resign from previous job, you have 60 days to fill out the COBRA paperwork. Do that as soon as possible, dont wait for 60 days.
Basics : Basically, what COBRA does is allow you to continue your health insurance (as-is without any changes, you cannot change deductibles or switch from HMO to PPO or vice-versa, whatever you had on last day of work, that would continue) at your own expense and the insurance would now be only between you and the insurance company. Your previous employer would be out of the picture. This can continue until 18 months.
Sometimes there is a third party company that will process the paperwork for your cobra and deal with insurance company. This third party company or service provider is usually retained and hired by your previous employer so that they dont have to deal with COBRA paperwork. Just like many employers outsource payroll paperwork to ADP or Paychex etc. So in that case, you would by asked by your previous employer to contact this service provider who will hook you up on COBRA coverage with existing benefits with your insurance provider.
You would be paying the entire premium amount every month. Basically, it can come down to about 1000-1400 dollars a month for a family of 3-4. Amount depends on state and also on your coverage quality.
Payments : Insurance companies are VERY VERY strict about the timeliness of the payment of insurance. If you are late one time, they will yank your insurance. So if you need COBRA be very very prompt about sending the payments.
Alternative work-arounds (Having it both ways) :):) : Here is what some people do. COBRA payments dont begin until about 45-60 days after you stop working for previous employer. So you have 45 - 60 days until you can get on board with your new employer's coverage.
So for 45 to 60 days, if you get COBRA, and you dont see a doctor, you just spend 1000-2000 dollars for nothing. ON the other hand, if you dont enroll and you are in a car wreck, you will be bankrupt for a long long time to come.
But there is a middle ground. Send in the paper-work and fill out all forms to enroll in COBRA. That way, you are formally enrolled in COBRA. However, before the first premium payment is due, (45-60 days later), you might be already on board with new insurance with new employer. So at that time, if you are already with new insurance and then your first payment is due, just dont send the payment. They will cancel the COBRA immediately. But then you have nothing to lose as you didnt need any coverage in intermediate 45-60 days and now you are already with new insurance.
On the flip side, if you actually need coverage (Doctor appt, surgery, etc) during 45-60 days while you are waiting for new insurance, then please send the first (and probably second payment if neccesary) for COBRA so that you are continously covered and your claims are not denied.
This is totally legal and I was advised to do this by my current company's HR. She said "Wing it". To paraphrase her, if you dont need coverage, then dont send payment and let them cancel. If you need coverage, then send them payment so that you are covered while you needed doctor/hospital. It works. No one likes to send a check of 1000-1500 dollars to insurance company for one month COBRA insurance if you end up not needing any benefits at all during that month. Right?
Links on COBRA :
DOL website info : http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm
I am joining new job using AC21 provision coming monday. My new employer does not provide medical insurance for the first month. I am eligible for after I complete 1 month.
So my question is: till the time I get medical coverage from new employer (approx. 20 - 30 days), can I invoke COBRA? I heard that one can not invoke COBRA if he or she is employed (only meant for un-employement) is this true?
Also, should I call my current insurance company for COBRA now, or I can wait if I really need to visit a doctor? is there a grace period for this? Because there is a possiblity that I may never would have to visit a doctor for next 20-30 days, but who knows!
Appreciate your answers.
Firstly, COBRA has pretty much nothing to do with AC21.
COBRA is a law related to job loss or job change to an employer who doesnt offer insurance or job change to a new employer who offers insurance only after a certain time (like one month or so).
I think the previous author is right. From the time you lose/resign from previous job, you have 60 days to fill out the COBRA paperwork. Do that as soon as possible, dont wait for 60 days.
Basics : Basically, what COBRA does is allow you to continue your health insurance (as-is without any changes, you cannot change deductibles or switch from HMO to PPO or vice-versa, whatever you had on last day of work, that would continue) at your own expense and the insurance would now be only between you and the insurance company. Your previous employer would be out of the picture. This can continue until 18 months.
Sometimes there is a third party company that will process the paperwork for your cobra and deal with insurance company. This third party company or service provider is usually retained and hired by your previous employer so that they dont have to deal with COBRA paperwork. Just like many employers outsource payroll paperwork to ADP or Paychex etc. So in that case, you would by asked by your previous employer to contact this service provider who will hook you up on COBRA coverage with existing benefits with your insurance provider.
You would be paying the entire premium amount every month. Basically, it can come down to about 1000-1400 dollars a month for a family of 3-4. Amount depends on state and also on your coverage quality.
Payments : Insurance companies are VERY VERY strict about the timeliness of the payment of insurance. If you are late one time, they will yank your insurance. So if you need COBRA be very very prompt about sending the payments.
Alternative work-arounds (Having it both ways) :):) : Here is what some people do. COBRA payments dont begin until about 45-60 days after you stop working for previous employer. So you have 45 - 60 days until you can get on board with your new employer's coverage.
So for 45 to 60 days, if you get COBRA, and you dont see a doctor, you just spend 1000-2000 dollars for nothing. ON the other hand, if you dont enroll and you are in a car wreck, you will be bankrupt for a long long time to come.
But there is a middle ground. Send in the paper-work and fill out all forms to enroll in COBRA. That way, you are formally enrolled in COBRA. However, before the first premium payment is due, (45-60 days later), you might be already on board with new insurance with new employer. So at that time, if you are already with new insurance and then your first payment is due, just dont send the payment. They will cancel the COBRA immediately. But then you have nothing to lose as you didnt need any coverage in intermediate 45-60 days and now you are already with new insurance.
On the flip side, if you actually need coverage (Doctor appt, surgery, etc) during 45-60 days while you are waiting for new insurance, then please send the first (and probably second payment if neccesary) for COBRA so that you are continously covered and your claims are not denied.
This is totally legal and I was advised to do this by my current company's HR. She said "Wing it". To paraphrase her, if you dont need coverage, then dont send payment and let them cancel. If you need coverage, then send them payment so that you are covered while you needed doctor/hospital. It works. No one likes to send a check of 1000-1500 dollars to insurance company for one month COBRA insurance if you end up not needing any benefits at all during that month. Right?
Links on COBRA :
DOL website info : http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm
