Jun
29

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Treaty investor (E-2) visa for Czech dealer of motorized surfboard

Category: Best E-2 attorney in Phoenix, Best immigration attorney, Best Investor visa attorney in Phoenix, Czech investors, E-2 attorney, E-2 visa, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, Investment visa, Investor visa, Investor Visa Attorney, Top immigration attorney, Treaty investor (E-2) visa for investors from Czech Republic Tags: , , ,

My client, a Czech entrepreneur, formed a US company that entered into a dealer agreement with importer of motorized surfboard manufactured in the Czech Republic. Motorized surfboard is an ultra-light high tech personal watercraft and MotoSurf is one of the fastest growing sports.

My client’s company focuses on marketing, sales and service of motorized surfboards boards. The investment was “substantial” and consisted with showroom construction, furniture, equipment, tools, event expenses, payroll and other related expenses. The company started with just four employees and is expanding quickly.

The investment is not marginal and the enterprise is real and doing business. The treaty investor (E-2) visa was approved pursuant to bilateral treaty between the US and the Czech Republic.

Please note that this case study does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the treaty investor (E-2) visa requirements.  If you would like to discuss if you may qualify for treaty investor (E-2) visa, call our experienced treaty investor (E-2) visa attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced treaty investor (E-2) attorney via our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing how we can help you obtain your treaty investor (E-2) visa.

Jun
29

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Characteristics of H-1B Specialty occupation workers

Category: H-1B, H-1B attorney in Phoenix, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, Top immigration attorney, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , ,

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released its Fiscal Year 2019 (FY 2019) Annual Report to Congress. Among other things, the report shows that the number of H-1B petitions filed increased by 0.4 percent from FY 2018 to 420,549. The number of H-1B petitions approved increased 16.9 percent from FY 2018 to 388,403.

Of the H-1B petitions approved in FY 2019, 71.7 percent reported that the beneficiary was born in India. The second most prevalent country of birth of H-1B beneficiaries was the People’s Republic of China, representing 13.0 percent of all beneficiaries. The third most prevalent country of birth of H-1B beneficiaries was Canada, representing only 1.2 percent of all beneficiaries. The beneficiaries from each other country represent less than 1% of all beneficiaries. The number of beneficiaries from India approved for initial employment increased by 54.7 percent in FY 2019

At the time their petitions were approved, 62.4 percent of workers granted H-1B status during FY 2019 were between 25 and 34 years of age and 85.9 percent of workers between 25 and 39 years of age.

The breakdown of the highest level of education achieved by H-1B beneficiaries shifted to upward trend towards master’s degree in recent years. The report shows that 54 percent of all H-1B petitions approved for workers in FY 2019 reported that the highest degree achieved by beneficiary was the equivalent of a master’s degree, 36 percent a bachelor’s degree and 8 percent a doctorate degree.

The reports shows the distribution of beneficiaries by occupational category. The category of computer-related occupations was the largest occupational category in 2019 representing 66.1 percent of approved petitions. The second largest category was category of occupations in architecture, engineering and surveying representing 10.1 percent of approved petitions, followed by categories in administrative specializations (5.5%), education (5.1%), medicine and health (3.9%), mathematics and physical sciences (3%), life sciences (1.6%) and managers and officials (1.2%), etc.

The corresponding shares for initial employment in computer-related occupations were 56.3 percent and 71.6 percent for continuing employment. The number of H-1B petitions approved for workers in computer-related occupations increased by 16.3 percent. The number of H-1B petitions approved for all other known occupation groups increased by 18 percent. USCIS found that the median salary of beneficiaries for FY2019 was $98,000 and 54% held a master’s degree.

Please note that this articles does not constitute a legal advice.  We showed only some data from the report to outline some characteristics of H-1B visa/status recipients.  If you would like to discuss if you may qualify for H-1B status, call our experienced H-1B visa attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced H-1B attorney via our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing how we can help you obtain your H-1B visa.

Jun
29

By

Supreme Court Rules Asylum Seekers Cannot Seek Federal Court Review of Expedited Removal Orders

Category: Asylum, Best immigration attorney, Green card, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona Tags: , , ,

A citizen of Sri Lanka attempted to enter the US illegally. He was apprehended just 25 yards from the border, and put in an expedited removal process. He did not show “credible fear” of persecution to avoid expedited removal. He invoked the writ of habeas corpus to obtain additional review of his asylum claim and ultimately to obtain authorization to stay in the US. Habeas has traditionally been a means to secure release from unlawful detention.

The US Supreme Court ruled that neither the Suspension Clause nor the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment requires any further review of his claims, and IIRIRA’s limitations on habeas review are constitutional as applied.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the latest US Supreme Court decision and its application to review or expedited removal orders.  If you would like to discuss if you may qualify for asylum, call our experienced immigration attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced immigration attorney via our website to schedule a consultation.

Jun
28

By

Changes in employment authorization for asylum seekers

Category: Asylum, Employment authorization, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, Regulation changes, Work authorization Tags: , ,

On August 25, 2020, new changes to the regulations governing asylum seekers and their eligibility for employment authorization will become effective. New regulations extend the wait time before the asylum seeker can apply for employment authorization from 150 days to 365 days. Asylum seekers who have failed to file for asylum within one year of their last entry won’t be eligible to apply until exception to the one-year requirement is approved.

The regulations prevent asylum seeker who, absent good cause, illegally entered the United States from obtaining employment authorization. In addition, regulations define new bars and denials for employment authorization, such as for certain criminal behavior; limit the employment authorization validity period to a maximum of two years; and automatically terminates employment authorization when an applicant’s asylum denial is final.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the latest changes to employment authorization process for asylum seekers.  If you would like to discuss if you may qualify for asylum and associated work authorization, call our experienced immigration attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced immigration attorney via our website to schedule a consultation.

Jun
26

By

What does the US Supreme Court latest decision mean for DACA recipients

Category: DACA, Dreamer, immigration Attorney in phoenix, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration lawyer in phoenix, immigration lawyers phoenix Tags: , ,


On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedures Act because the DHS failed to consider important aspects of the problem – whether to continue only the deferred action part of the DACA program. DHS failed to provide a reasoned explanation for its action and also failed to address the considerable reliance interests created by the DACA program, such as the impact on Dreamers and their families, if the agency terminated DACA.
The parties agreed that DHS may rescind DACA. The Court remanded the case for further consideration.

Under the US Supreme Court decision, USCIS must continue to process the following types of DACA requests:

  • Current DACA recipients can file a renewal DACA request.
  • Recipients whose previous DACA expired one year ago or less may still file a renewal DACA request.
  • DACA Recipients whose previous DACA expired more than one year ago cannot file a renewal DACA request but may file an initial DACA request.
  • DACA recipients whose previous DACA was terminated at any point cannot request DACA as a renewal but may file an initial DACA request.

In order to comply with the Court’s order, USCIS will have to publish guidance on processing the applications of applicants who have not previously been granted DACA and advance parole requests that were suspended under prior court orders.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the latest DACA developments.  If you would like to discuss if you may qualify for DACA or the best strategy after the US Supreme Court decision, call our experienced immigration attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced immigration attorney via our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing how we can help you with DACA application.

Jun
23

By

Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry of Certain Non-Immigrants

Category: H-1B, H-1B attorney in Phoenix, H-2B visa, immigration Attorney in phoenix, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration lawyer in phoenix, immigration lawyers phoenix, L visa Tags: , , , , , , , ,

On June 22, 2020, President Trump signed a proclamation suspending and limiting the U.S. entry of foreign nationals on H-1B, H-2B, J (as intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel program) and L visas and any individuals accompanying or following to join them.

The proclamation applies to those who are outside the U.S. on June 24, 2020 and do not have such non-immigrant visa or official travel document that is valid on that day.

The suspension and limitation on entry does not apply to lawful permanent residents, spouses and children of the U.S. citizens, essential workers, individuals whose entry would be in the national interest.

The proclamation shall expire on December 31, 2020, and may be continued.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the Proclamation.  If you would like to discuss how does this Proclamation affect you, call our experienced Immigration Attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced Immigration Attorney via our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to talking with you and helping you analyze the effect of the Proclamation and your alternatives.

Jun
17

By

H-1B petition approval in 3 weeks

Category: H-1B, H-1B attorney in Phoenix, H-1B cap, immigration Attorney in phoenix, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona Tags: , , , , , ,

My client is a global marketing and branding company and filed a H-1B petition for a position of an Interior Designer.  The H-1B registration was selected in the H-1B lottery.  The Client was very cooperative and provided all documents necessary to show to the USCIS satisfaction that the Interior Designer is a specialty occupation according to the regulations.  In this case, the Petitioner (Client) normally requires a degree or its equivalent for the position and a baccalaureate or higher degree or its equivalent is normally the minimum requirement for entry into the position of the Interior Designer.   The position of the Interior Designer is also so complex that it can be performed only by an individual with a degree.

The client provided documents related to the position and showing that the Beneficiary (Employee) meets the requirements for the position.   The Beneficiary has a Master of Interior Architecture and has been working for the Client as a junior Interior Designer on her OPT.   My client was very happy to receive the approval just in 3 weeks, especially for entry level position.  Congratulations!

Please note that this case study does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the H-1B process.  If you would like to discuss if you may qualify for H-1B status, call our experienced H-1B visa attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced H-1B attorney via our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing how we can help you obtain your H-1B visa

Apr
5

By

Can An Employer Furlough an H-1B Employee?

Category: Best immigration attorney, H-1B, H-1B attorney in Phoenix, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Top immigration attorney

As the coronavirus pandemic is forcing many employers to furlough or lay off their workers, questions arise about the consequences of such measures on foreign workers currently in H-1B status.  The Department of Labor regulations require employers to abide by the certified labor conditions, including payment of the required wage and full-time vs. part time employment.  The employers cannot furlough or stop paying the required wage without exposing itself to fines, back wages and debarment from immigration programs. 

If the employer wants to convert a full-time H-1B employee to a part-time status, it must file a new labor certification application and amended H-1B petition to reflect such change.  The employee can start working when the amended H-1B petition is filed.

We continue to monitor the Department of Labor’s guidance.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law in order to outline the H-1B regulations.  If you are considering any changes to the approved H-1B labor conditions, call an experienced H-1B attorney at 480-425-2009 or contact an experienced H-1B attorney via our website to schedule anH-1B consultation. We will make sure you are complying with H-1B regulations and help you avoid fines or other negative consequences associated with H-1B non-compliance.

Nov
20

By

Irena Juras Gets Dreamer her Green Card

Category: DACA, Dreamer, Green card, Green Card based on Marriage, Green card for Dreamer, immigration Attorney in phoenix, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration lawyer in phoenix, immigration lawyers phoenix, Legal permanent residency, Legal Permanent Resident Status, Marriage Green Card, Top immigration attorney, Undocumented immigrants

A woman that has been brought to the United States from Mexico when she was 3 years old (let’s call her the “Dreamer”) came to my office with her husband who is a U.S. citizen. They had been married for 2.5 years and have three children born in the United States. We discussed the Dreamer’s options and the Dreamer has decided to request the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”). She had a high school diploma and met the residency and other requirements for DACA approval. DACA was approved and she received her work authorization. Then, we filed a petition with the Dreamer’s husband as the petitioner. The petition was accompanied by supporting documents sufficient to rebut the presumption of marriage fraud. The petition was approved. Meanwhile, the Dreamer’s mother in Mexico was seriously ill and we applied for advance parole to allow the Dreamer to travel to Mexico to visit her mother. The advance parole was approved and the Dreamer traveled to Mexico, visited and helped her mother and entered the United States legally. Once the Dreamer entered the U.S. legally and met all other requirements for legal permanent residency, we filed her green card application. The application processing time in Phoenix is now more than one year. Finally, we attended an interview with the Dreamer and her husband, the application was approved and her green card has arrived. It was nice to see the happiness in her eyes to finally feel relieved that at age of 31 after living in the United States for 28 years illegally in fear, she does not have to worry that she will be deported and taken from her family. She is very appreciative for my help in guiding her through this process!
If you are facing similar circumstances or know someone else facing similar circumstances, call the immigration attorney Irena Juras at 480-425-2009 or reach us via email to schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help you!

Nov
22

By

Attorney Irena Juras Obtains Green Card for Tennis Coach in 11 Days

Category: "Extraordinary Ability" Green Card, "Extraordinary Ability" Visa, Adjustment of status, Best immigration attorney, Best Investor visa attorney in Phoenix, EB-1 Visa, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Top immigration attorney

I love to play tennis, so I was very happy when a foreign-born successful tennis coach and a former Davis Cup reserve team member contacted me and retained me.   He had an O-1 visa and wanted to apply for his legal permanent residence (green card).   We applied under the first preference category (EB-1) and had to submit documentation evidencing that he, a nationally and internationally acclaimed tennis coach, meets at least three of the ten criteria required to establish his extraordinary ability in athletics, specifically tennis coaching.

1) We provided evidence of his original athletic contribution of major significance:

My client has extraordinary skills and abilities as both a tennis champion and a coach.  As a world-class tennis player from a young age, he has deep insight into the on and off court skills to physically and mentally challenge his students and improve their game.  He understands and is able to coach his students through the pressures of the court that come from winning and losing matches, keeping focused, traveling, interviewing, and team dynamics.  Consequently, he has been very successful at training and overseeing several national champions and highly ranked tennis players in various age groups and of both genders.  He developed numerous elite players and help them achieve top national rankings and win tournaments.

2) We provided evidence that my client performs in a leading role for an organization that have a distinguished reputation. The organization is a tennis academy with one of the most successful junior tennis development programs in the United States that were developing world-class athletes for a very long time.  As a world-level athletic development program, this tennis academy required extraordinary coaches who have the expertise to train high-performance players to achieve top national and international rankings.  As the academy high- performance head coach, my client has already contributed greatly to the academy’s program’s success by developing and managing elite players and leading them to impressive results.   My client is an integral part of the academy’s success as evidenced by numerous support letters and academy and his students’ accomplishments.

3) We provided evidence that my client received nationally and internationally recognized prizes and awards, specifically, his ATP and ITA ranking, tournament placements, and awards.

4) We provided evidence of his membership in associations which require outstanding achievement of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts, specifically that he was a member of National Junior Tennis Team and Davis Cup reserve team member.

5) We also provided evidence of my client’s participation as a judge of the work of others, specifically as a chair umpire.

6) In addition, we provided evidence of published material about my client in professional or major sports publications.

7) Further, we provide evidence of his high salary in relation to others in his field

We had to also show that my client will continue his achievements in the area of tennis coaching and that the approval of the EB-1 petition will substantially benefit the U.S.  The U.S. will certainly benefit from my client’s coaching of U.S. tennis players to improve in their tennis careers, achieve highest rankings, win more Olympic medals for the U.S. and wins for the U.S. Davis Cup team.

Since the evidence clearly showed my client’s extraordinary ability in tennis coaching and that he has risen to the very top of his field and has sustained national and international acclaim, his petition was approved in just 11 days.

If you would like to discuss if you meet the criteria for an extraordinary ability green card, call the immigration attorney Irena Juras at 480-425-2009 or contact her via website TODAY!  We look forward to talking with you and helping you obtain your green card!

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