Based on 2020 census and community estimates, there are now over 25,000 Nepalis in the DFW metro area. Richardson and Garland have the highest concentration. There are now 3 Nepali grocery stores, 2 Nepali restaurants, and a Nepali communit…
Got admitted to a university with Day 1 CPT and the tuition is suspiciously low. Talked to an immigration attorney and the risks are real: USCIS has flagged many of these programs and people have had OPT denied and H1B rejected later. For a…
For anyone in Atlanta craving Newari food - found black-eyed peas at Buford Highway Farmers Market. With the right spices from the Desi grocery on Roswell Road, you can make decent wo at home. Took me 3 attempts to get the batter consistenc…
Companies use H1B prevailing wage as an excuse not to negotiate. That is not how it works. The prevailing wage is a FLOOR, not a ceiling. You can and should negotiate above it. I got $25k more by simply asking. Also, always negotiate RSUs a…
Five years in Chicago and I still dread November through March. Kathmandu winters feel mild in comparison. Invest in a proper down jacket (Canada Goose or similar), wool socks, and heated parking if your budget allows. Also: CTA is heated u…
Filed EB2-NIW self-petition 8 months ago. My work is in ML for climate applications so the national interest angle was strong. Used a lawyer who specializes in tech NIWs. Total cost around $4k including attorney fees. India-born colleagues …
NYU PhD stipend is $36k per year. NYC rent alone is $1800 minimum for a studio. Here is how I manage: shared apartment in Astoria with two roommates ($850 per month), meal prep on Sundays, use subway monthly pass, and take every free museum…
Passed my FE exam last year and now working on PE application in Texas. The experience requirement is 4 years under a licensed PE. Anyone here gone through the TBPE process? Specifically curious about how they verify overseas work experienc…
After years of trying, finally got the fermentation right. Key: use mustard greens from the Asian grocery (HMart has them), dry them in the sun for 2 days, then ferment in a covered jar for 5-7 days at room temperature. Works great in Dalla…
Tested Remitly, Wise, and IME Pay this month for sending $1000 to Nepal. IME Pay gave the best rate (133.2 NPR per dollar) but took 2 days. Wise was 131.8 but instant. Remitly was worst at 130.4. Worth checking each time since rates shift w…
Admitted to both UTD and UTA for MS CS. UTD has a stronger reputation in DFW tech, but UTA costs less. Looking mainly at post-graduation job placement and OPT-to-H1B conversion rates. Anyone from either school share their experience?
Just filed an H1B transfer with a new employer. Premium processing. USCIS receipt says 15 business days but I have heard it can be faster. Anyone done this recently from Texas? My current employer knows and it is smooth so far.