In a previous blog post, I discussed how individuals from China, India, and other countries that do not have a trade treaty with the U.S. can still qualify for an E-2 Visa for Treaty Investors. The process? Individuals from these countries just need to become a citizen of the Caribbean nation of Grenada, which offers…
Last year New Zealand joined the list of countries with a trade treaty with the U.S. New Zealand does not yet appear on the Department of State’s list of treaty countries. However, a DOS fact sheet on the Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors (KIWI) Act states that New Zealanders are eligible for the E-1 Visa…
About 38% of the nearly two million people living in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metro area were born outside the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau in its American Community Survey. The San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metropolitan statistical area includes Santa Clara and San Benito counties. The percentage of foreign-born residents in this area is…
If patience is a virtue, then Fernando* and his employer have it in spades. Originally from Bolivia, Fernando started working in 2017 on an F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training) status as a graphic designer for a Bay Area startup. Fernando quickly became a valued member of the company’s team. With Fernando’s work authorization set to…
We get that question frequently from both individuals and employers, so here’s a quick rundown of what you should know. U.S. immigration law caps the number of green cards issued per year for employment-based categories at 140,000 and for family-based categories at 226,000. Each green card category is subject to a quota not only on…
Yesterday President Trump suggested he might have plans to provide a path to citizenship for H-1B visa holders. Tech employees, young entrepreneurs, startups, and the U.S. economy stand to benefit if this pathway comes to fruition. “H1-B holders in the United States can rest assured that changes are soon coming which will bring both simplicity…
By Alcorn Immigration Law Founding attorney Sophie Alcorn knows that immigration causes innovation. That tenet is behind all that she does. Sophie recently talked with Asli Gozoren, a partner at SAYJ Global Partners, about what foreign startups and entrepreneurs should know about the current state of immigration. Sophie discusses everything from the impact of the…
We’re pleased to announce the promotion of Nina Heckova to senior paralegal at Alcorn Immigration Law. Nina joined the team as a legal secretary in January 2017. In her new role, Nina will assist the attorneys with drafting complex applications and petitions, meeting with clients, and managing cases to minimize delays. She knows how it…
This year I had the opportunity to participate in the Aspen Institute Socrates Seminar on immigration. I’m thankful for the experience. This was an amazing opportunity that challenged me to think in new ways about a field that I am deeply familiar with and passionate about. I was fortunate to meet immigration leaders from across…
Medical and recreational use of marijuana is legal in California and Canada, but its use remains illegal under U.S. federal law. Immigration law is enforced at the federal level. Given that, if you want to immigrate to the United States, you should be very cautious about any marijuana use or connection to marijuana anywhere in…