Employment-Based Immigration

For H-1B visa holders, transitioning to an EB-5 visa can be an attractive option to secure permanent residency. This path eliminates the need for employer sponsorship and can bypass the lengthy visa bulletin backlogs typically encountered when needing to file an I-485 after I-140 approval. Maintaining H-1B Status If an EB-5 applicant is from a...

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and cards to U.S. citizens, immigrant visa holders, and certain nonimmigrant visa holders residing in the U.S. with work authorization from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Applying for an SSN is free.  SSNs are used for reporting earnings and taxes to the IRS,...

The E-2 visa is an excellent pathway for investors from treaty countries to enter the U.S. and manage their own business. One of the key aspects of securing an E-2 visa is demonstrating a substantial investment in the U.S. enterprise. However, many prospective applicants are unsure if they can use loans to meet the investment...

For many foreign workers in the United States, the H-1B visa program represents an opportunity for professional growth and career advancement. However, navigating the intricacies of the H-1B transfer process can be challenging, especially if you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been benched for an extended period.  Being “benched” refers to a scenario...

In January we reported that USCIS had agreed to this as part of a major settlement. If you file the applications together, they will adjudicate H-4, H-4 EADs, and L-2 with the I-129 (H-1B or L-1). Despite the agreement under the Edakunni settlement, the H-4/L-2 are not always processed in tandem with the principal Form...

The America Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA) has recently released data on EB-5 supply and demand for reserved or set-aside categories. This data was obtained from USCIS through various Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This information is crucial for estimating and predicting wait times for prospective investors interested in the visa set-aside categories. Since the...

Introduction: A group of immigrants and employer groups filed a lawsuit against the exponential fees increase proposed by USCIS scheduled to take effect from April 1, 2024. This case was filed by the Plaintiffs Samantha Moody, American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA), and IT Service Alliance at The District court of Colorado. This case addresses significant...

Introduction. This case study delves into the successful EB-1A approval of an exceptional individual who made significant contributions to their field, revolutionizing network analytics and performance reporting systems. Background: The Petitioner with over two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, had a distinguished career at a leading telecommunications company. During their tenure, they led...