President Obama revealed signs of new regulations today aimed at helping startup founders have a new legal pathway to living in the US. Under this new proposal, investors, researchers and entrepreneurs who will establish a startup could qualify. The founder would be required to show either that they have been awarded substantial U.S. investor financing or…
DetailsYou may have heard in the news about challenges to the STEM OPT program. OPT is Optional Practical Training. It is a way for F-1 students to work in the US to gain experience for one year after their graduation from a US university. “STEM” stands for science, technology, math and engineering. If you are…
DetailsOn September 30, 2015, Public Law 111-230 sunset. Since 2010, this law has required additional filing fees of $2,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $2,250 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions. H-1B status is for nonimmigrants working temporarily in specialty occupations; L-1A status is for intracompany transferee managers and executives; and L-1B status is for…
DetailsIf your H1-B employee changes worksites, must you, the employer, file an amended H-1B petition with USCIS? Yesterday USCIS released a new policy memorandum answering this question. By interpreting the April 9, 2015 case Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC, USCIS is clarifying an employer’s obligations regarding LCAs and amended H1-B petitions. 26 I&N Dec. 542 (AAO…
DetailsIn June ICE announced that it would be changing its family detention policy to decrease the amount of time families seeking asylum spend there. Reports indicate that the effect is now starting to be seen on the ground. However, this small reduction in the amount of time spent by traumatized, persecuted children and their mothers…
DetailsAre you a DACA recipient? Did you get a 3-year EAD (Employment Authorization Document), or work permit, that was issued after February 16, 2015? If so, you are required to return it to USCIS by July 17, 2015. If your 3-year work permit was issued on or before February 15, 2015, then you don’t need to…
DetailsHelp USCIS create a legal immigration status for entrepreneurs and startup-founders! You can be a part of the process of creating this important new mechanism for immigrants to contribute to the US and stay here legally. On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced several executive actions on immigration reform. USCIS is currently seeking public comments…
DetailsToday, in a historic ruling, the Supreme Court legalized the constitutional right to marriage for same-sex couples. We celebrate this victory for equality of all people. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, writing for the majority, proclaimed: No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family.…
DetailsIf you are an employer who frequently petitions to transfer employees from your multinational offices to the U.S. as managers, executives, or individuals with specialized knowledge, you might consider a Blanket L petition. What is a Blanket L Petition? A Blanket L petition is a group petition for your employees to apply directly for…
DetailsIf your company has at least two offices, one in the U.S. and one abroad, your company might be able to petition for an employee with specialized knowledge to be transferred to the U.S. office in the L1-B status. Benefits of the L1-B There are several advantages to an L-1B visa. It can be valid up to five years,…
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