post student years: immigration options march 2010 klasko, rulon, stock & seltzer, llp suzanne...

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Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq.

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Page 1: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Post Student Years: Immigration Options

March 2010

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq.

Philadelphia – New York

Page 2: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Hot Topics in Immigration Law Agenda

H-1B Visas H-1B Requirements and TARP H-1B Alternatives Introduction to Permanent Residency Q&As

Page 3: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

H-1B Visas

Basic requirements Job Offer Prevailing Wage Bachelors or higher degree Specialty occupation

Procedure and processing times

Page 4: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

H-1B Visas

Part-time or full-time Length of approval Extensions Portability Spouses and Employment Authorization Travel

Page 5: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

H-1B Quota

What is it and what does it mean? 20,000 for US awarded advanced degrees

FY 2010 gone by April 2009 FY2009 gone by April 2008 FY2008 gone by April 2007 FY2007 gone by August 2006

Page 6: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

H-1B Quota

65,000 H-1Bs FY 2011? FY 2010 gone by December 2009 FY2009 gone by April 2008 FY2008 gone by April 2007 FY2007 gone by May 2006

Page 7: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

2010 Issues(FY2011 H-1Bs)

■ Fewer job offers■ Demand■ Effect of TARP requirements■ Impact of layoffs■ Increased opportunities for investors and

entrepreneurs

Page 8: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

H-1B and TARP Recipients

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 requires certain H-1B to attest to: good faith efforts steps to recruit U.S. workers; no U.S. worker was displaced by the employment

of an H-1B worker either at the employer's own worksite, or at any outside worksite where the employer

has placed an H-1B worker.

Page 9: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

H-1B and TARP Recipients

Which Employers Are Required to Make the Additional Attestations:

Recipients of TARP funds http://www.financialstability.gov/latest/index.html

Recipients of FRA Section 13 funds H-1B impact depends upon the type of borrowing

arrangement

Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) (received discounted gov’t loans)

Page 10: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

H-1B and TARP Recipients What if Company Repays the TARP Funds?

USCIS recently confirmed that if you received TARP funding, but have repaid your obligations, an employer will no longer be considered subject to the TARP recipient restrictions on hiring H-1B employees.

Page 11: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

H-1B and TARP Recipients

Does Not Apply to Every H-1B 2 year program – until February 16, 2011 Only to New Employees

H-1B extensions with same employer Change of Status - already working with

employer on OPT, attestations NOT required Only Relevant to H-1B

Page 12: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Avoiding H-1B Quota

Exemption based on employer Universities Non-profits affiliated with universities Non-profits or gov’t research organizations or place of employment, law says “at”

Page 13: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Avoiding H-1B Quota

Exemption based on employee Previously counted Singapore/Chile Concurrent employment

Page 14: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Can’t avoid the quota, planning strategies?

Filing April 1 for Oct 1 start date CAP GAP Relief

Going from quota exempt to quota subject Portability? Concurrent employment? Working “at” University or non-profit

Page 15: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Other Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Options

Treaty (E) Visas

■ Must be national of treaty country http://www.travel.state.gov./visa

■ Company must be owned at least 50% by treaty country nationals

Page 16: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Other Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Options

Treaty (E) Visas

Visa for 1 to 5 yearsEach entry limited to two yearsVisa and entry can be extended indefinitely

No quota Spouse can work

Page 17: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

■ Treaty traders (E-1) “Substantial” import or export Majority between U.S. and treaty country Can be manager, supervisor or “essential skill”

employee

Other Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Options

Treaty (E) Visas

Page 18: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

■ Treaty investors (E-2) “Substantial” investment

No exact amount Varies depending upon type of investment Business plan and financial projections critical

Other Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Options

Treaty (E) Visas

Page 19: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Other Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Options

Treaty (E) Visas■ Treaty investors (E-2)- cont.

Relevant issues Amount of investment Number of employees Needs of business Likely profitability and growth potential

Page 20: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

■Visa applicant can be Investor or Manager, supervisor or essential employee

Other Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Options

Treaty (E)

Page 21: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Intracompany Transferee (L-1) Visas■ National of any country

■ No quota■ Length of visa

Start up 1 year Established business 3 years Maximum length 7 years for L-1A or 5 years for L-1B

Page 22: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Intracompany Transferee (L-1) Visas

■ Spouse can work ■ Must be “international” business

Business outside U.S. with at least 50% common ownership

Must be employed by that business one year■ Type of employment (in U.S. and overseas

companies) Manager or executive “Specialized knowledge” employee

Page 23: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Intracompany Transferee (L-1) Visas

Start-up issues Place of business Employees Capitalization Need for “manager” Business plan and financial projections

Page 24: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Mexican & Canadian NAFTA Professional Worker (TN) Visa Allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in

the U.S. as NAFTA professionals Profession must be on the NAFTA list Position in the U.S. requires a NAFTA

professional Must have employer sponsor Applicant has to have qualifications of the

profession

Page 25: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

More Alternatives to H-1B

Alternative Employment Visas: O-1 E-3 (Australians) TN (Canadian/Mexicans) J-1 (new rules limiting applicability) I visa (journalists – disseminate news abroad) OPT Extension- STEM

Page 26: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

More Alternatives to H-1B

Alternative Visa Options (cont’d) EAD through spouse’s status

J-2 E L-2 I-485

Page 27: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

What is Permanent Residency? Authorization to Live & Work Indefinitely in

the United States “Immigrant Visa” The “Green Card” or “Form I-551” Not always ‘forever’ – may be abandoned or

taken away

Page 28: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Immigrant Versus Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visa

Green Card/Permanent Residency

Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) H, F, J, O, etc Limited duration Specific to employer/institution Specific to purpose (work/study/tourism)

Page 29: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Permanent Residency Quotas Annual Limit on Permanent Residency Per Country Limit – 7% Allocated by:

Priority Date – place in line Preference Category

Page 30: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

How Do I Apply?

Family Investment Asylum Employment

Page 31: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Permanent Residency Quotas Employment Based Preferences

First Preference (EB-1) Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Researcher,

Multinational Executive Second Preference (EB-2)

Nat’l Interest Waivers, Advanced Degreed Professionals, Bachelors plus 5 years exp.

Third Preference (EB-3) Skilled Worker (2+ years experience), Bachelor’s Degree

Page 32: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Permanent Residency Quotas,Where are We Now? “Oversubscribed” versus “Available”

Available if: Visa Bulletin indicates “C” = current Priority date earlier than posted date

Page 33: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Permanent Residency Quotas,Where are We Now?

 

All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed

CHINA-mainland born

INDIA MEXICOPHILIPP-INES

EmploymentBased

         

1st C C C C C

2nd C 08JUL05 01FEB05  C C

3rd 15DEC02 15DEC02 01JUL01 01JUL02 15DEC02

5th C C C C C

Visa Bulletin March 2010

Page 34: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Employment Based (EB) Permanent Residency

Employer-sponsored or self-sponsored Labor certification or extraordinary/national

interest/exceptional Multiple petitions Multi-Step Process Non-Immigrant Status?

Page 35: Post Student Years: Immigration Options March 2010 Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP Suzanne Seltzer, Esq. Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Philadelphia – New York

Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP

Contact Information

Suzanne B. Seltzer, Esq. Telephone: 212-796-8846 Fax: 212-297-1799 Email: [email protected]

Kate Kalmykov, Esq. Telephone: 212-796-8856 Fax: 212-297-1799 Email: [email protected]

Websites: www.klaskolaw.com http://blog.klaskolaw.com www.eb5immigration.com