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H-1b and Related Immigration Legislation
Lorna Rogers Burgess of Parsons Behle & Latimer
Legislation enacted in October 2000 expanded the annual H-1B quota to 195,000, doubled the H-1B user fee from $500 to $1000, and made other changes significant to employment-based immigration.
Business Immigration to the United States
Law Office of John Du
A BASIC OVERVIEW Current U.S. immigration law allows people who have skills and talents needed in the United Sta.
Professionals Working In The United States (H-1B)
Linda F. Kaplan
Requirements for an H-1BÃÂProfessional Visa This document describes the requirements and procedures to obtain a.
H-1B CAP UPDATE #4
Patrice B. Morrison of Nixon Peabody LLP
This article states that the H-1B cap of 115,000 visas for Fiscal Year 2000 has been reached this year.
Congress Raises H-1B Cap
Sean G. Hanagan and Joseph DeGiuseppe of Jackson Lewis LLP
This article reviews the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act which raises the H-1B cap for FY2000 through FY2003 to 195,000 visas per year.
INS Budget Authorizes Accelerated Processing Fee For Business Visas
William J. Manning,Sean G. Hanagan and Joseph DeGiuseppe of Jackson Lewis LLP
This article reviews the new INS budget bill which authorizes the INS to collect a "premium processing" fee of $1000 on certain employment-based petitions.
Business Immigration Horizon, Spring 1999
Dan E. White and Anton F. Mertens of Littler Mendelson, P.C.
This update discusses the L visa alternative for multinational employers and timing issues for obtaining L, E and H-1B visas.
Tips for United States Visas--Exchange Visitors
State Department
Tips from the United States Department of State on how obtain a United States visa if you are in an exchange visitor program.
Tips for United States Visas: Immigrant
State Department
Tips from the United States Department of State on how to obtain an immigrant visa.
International Adoptions: Guidelines on Immediate Relative Petitions
State Department
Guidelines from the United States Department of State regarding petitions for the immediate immigration of foreign adopted children.
Tips for United States Visas: Family Based Immigrants

Tips from the United States Department of State on how to obtain a visa based on relationship to a United States citizen or legal permanent resident.
American Citizen-Foreign National Marriages: Visa Procedures

Publication from the United States Department of State which describes how to obtain a K-1 fiancee visa and the alien-spouse immigrant visa.
Tips for U.S. Visas: Temporary Workers

Tips from the United States Department of State on how obtain a United States visa if you are a temporary worker.
Tips for United States Visas--Business and Pleasure
State Department
Tips from the United States Department of State on how obtain and United States business or pleasure visa.
International Adoptions
State Department
General information regarding international adoptions from the United States Department of State.
The ABC's of Immigration
Gregory Howard Siskind of Siskind Susser Immigration Lawyers
In October, President Clinton signed the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21). This law raises the annual H-1B visa cap to 195,000 for fiscal years 2001, 2002, and 2003. After 2003, barring future legislation on the annual cap, it will revert to 65,000.
Permanent Residency (Immigrant) Visas
Gregory Howard Siskind of Siskind Susser Immigration Lawyers
Permanent residency or immigrant visas are granted to foreign nationals who have the intent to permanently reside in the US. These foreign nationals may be called legal or lawful permanent residents, and green card holders. Green cards are the identification cards received by the foreign nationals and while today they are pink, the first cards were green and the name stuck.
Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Visas

Temporary or nonimmigrant visas are given to foreign nationals who enter the US with permission and with what is called “nonimmigrant intent”, meaning that the person does not intend to stay in the US permanently.
Family-Based Permanent Residency Categories
Law Offices of Irani & Wise, PLC
The following family-based preferences have been designated by Congress as groups eligible for permanent residence:.
Outstanding Professors and Researchers
Law Offices of Irani & Wise, PLC
Some employers can bypass the labor certification process and file an I-140 petition directly with the INS under a .
The New Deal: H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa
Law Offices of Richard A. Gump, Jr.
As we have previously reported, the H-1B nonimmigrant visa for specialty occupations was unavailable for much of .
To B or Not: It is a Good Question
Law Offices of Richard A. Gump, Jr.
Many foreign nationals enter the United States with B nonimmigrant visas. The B-2 visa may be used by tourists.
Highlights of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) of 1996: Tolerance No More
Socheat Chea of Socheat Chea P.C.
For many years, the debate in our country over immigration law and policy has raged throughout the land.
Processing Updates
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
Employment-Based Adjustment of Status Applications are now filed directly with the Immigration Service's.
The Link Between Medicaid and the Immigration Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996
Dept. of Health and Human Services
Fact sheet prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the link between Medicaid and the Immigration Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996.
DHS Issues Rebranded Form I-9
Bonnie K. Gibson of Littler Mendelson, P.C.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on June 21, 2005 that a newly updated version of the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9) is now available. The revised form makes no material changes to the I-9 form.
Revalidation of 'E' Visas
State Department
Guide from the United States Department of State on how to revalidate an 'E' visa.
Returning Resident Aliens
State Department
Publication from the United States Department of State regarding reentry permits for resident aliens.
Extension Stay in the United States
State Department
Guide from the United States Department of State designed to clarify the difference between a visa and extension of stay.
Central & Eastern European Property & Finance Report
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
This article reviews a new law that went into effect on January 1, 2000 in the Czech Republic that could complicate matters for foreign investors.
New Law Changes Employment Veritifcation (I-9) & Citizenship Status Discrimination Rules
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
The new legislation discussed elsewhere in this newsletter also contains some changes to the employment .
Know the Visa Requirements before Sending Personnel to Mexico
David Eugene Dubberly of Duff, White & Turner, LLC
The sharp increase in trade between South Carolina and Mexico over the last several years has created a greater nee.
Frequently Asked Questions: Visas
State Department
Answers to frequently asked questions about visas from the United States Department of State.
The Visa Waiver Pilot Program

Publication from the United States Department of State describing the Visa Waiver Pilot Program which enables citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a U.S. visa.
Doing Business in the United States? Nonimmigrant Visa Categories Commonly Used by International Corporations

Basic Requirements Foreign nationals must engage in an "acceptable" B-1 activity relating to business. Generally,.
TN Visas: Professionals Under NAFTA
State Department
Tips from the United States Department of State on how to obtain a TN visa.
Most Recent INS Approval Figures; 1999 H-1B Cap is Being Rapidly Reached
Cooley Godward Kronish LLP
This report discusses the latest INS figures on H-1B visas for the year 1999.
Employment of Foreign Scientific Personnel in the Biotechnology Industry

The dynamic growth of the U.S. biotechnology industry through the end of the last decade into the new millennium has brought with it the need for the most highly skilled scientific personnel. In an era when pursuit of cutting-edge R&D requires uniquely qualified scientific personnel, foreign workers have become an integral component in the continued expansion of the U.S. biotechnology industry. Along with the dynamic growth in the U.S. biotechnology industry has come the reality that in order to remain competitive, biotechnology companies must recruit scientific personnel on a global scale.
Immigration Services

There are several visas that a foreign national may apply for to be lawfully admitted into the United States, either temporarily or permanently. A few of the commonly utilized visa categories are outlined below.
State Of Hawaii Immigrant Investor Program
Stubenberg & Durrett LLP
The Immigration Act of 1990 created the Investor Visa Category allowing qualified applicants to obtain Green Cards.
Cooley Alert: INS Issues Guidance on Processing of H-1B Petitions Affected by the Reaching of the 115,000 Cap
Lance Director Nagel of Cooley Godward Kronish LLP
This article discusses the INS guidance policies on processing H-1B petitions affected by the 115,000 HB-1 cap.
INS Changes its Policy on Visa Voidance Under INA 222(g) for Aliens Who Have Filed Timely Extension or Change of Status Applications
Lance Director Nagel of Cooley Godward Kronish LLP
This alert discusses how the INS has recently changed its policy relating to automatic voidance of nonimmigrant visas under 222(g) for those that have filed timely extensions or change of status applications.
Cooley Alert: The DV-2001 Lottery Program
Lance Director Nagel of Cooley Godward Kronish LLP
This alert reviews the Diversity Lottery Program whereby the INS will make 55,000 immigrant visas available to nationals of certain nations.
New Law Expands H-1B Professional Worker Visa Program
Duff, White & Turner, LLC
On October 21, 1998, President Clinton signed legislation substantially increasing the number of H-1B vis.
Employment-Based Temporary Working Visas
Law Office of Tasoff & Tasoff
There are several categories of temporary non immigrant visas which provide for employment authorization. The most.
Visas For Foreign Technical Workers
Tydings & Rosenberg LLP
Maryland has many computer, biotechnical and "high tech" oriented businesses, a number of which have trouble recrui.
Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas
State Department
Publication from the United States Department of State which outlines the regulations which prohibit the granting of visas to certain classes of aliens.
Tips for U.S. Visas: Fiancee(e)s
State Department
Tips from the United States Department of State on how to obtain a visa if you are an alien coming to the United States to marry American citizens and reside here.
The Economics of H-1Bs: A Call to Strengthen the System
Thomas W. Hildreth of McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton Professional Association
While the federal government holds the monopoly on issuing visas, the United States does not have a monopoly on the best and the brightest minds in cutting edge technology fields. When it works well, the H-1B visa program provides a reasonably streamlined, efficient and predictable means for a US company to employ in our country highly skilled foreign workers for temporary periods up to six years.
Immigration Newsletter
Sidley Austin LLP
This newsletter provides an overview on the H-1B cap, the increase in NIW cases, the DOLs electronic LCA filing system, the new US passports and the implementation of a system to record alien arrivals and departures.
ILIFE Act Makes Adjustment of Status Possible For Aliens
William J. Manning,Sean G. Hanagan and Joseph DeGiuseppe of Jackson Lewis LLP
This article reviews the Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act of 2000.
Business Immigration Horizon: New H-1B Law Spells Relief- And Paperwork
Dan E. White and Anton F. Mertens of Littler Mendelson, P.C.
This explains the details and effects of the passage of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 and its relation to H-1B visas.
Employment-Based Immigration
Law Office of John Du
THE EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE SYSTEM allows certain immigrants to obtain permanent residence ("green cards") in the Uni.
U.S. Immigration Service Implements New Entry-Exit Procedures
James M. Mei and Richard M. Rawson of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
A new technology program that records the entry and exit of nonimmigrant visa holders visiting the United States went into effect earlier this month at many U.S. ports of entry. The United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US VISIT) program is designed to track the amount of time nonimmigrant visa holders spend in the United States and to alert the government of those who remain beyond the expiration of their authorized stay.
How Can I Obtain Permanent Residency Through Marriage?
McCoy Law Office
Each year, over 160,000 citizens of the United States marry foreign-born persons and petition for them to obtain pe.
What is a fiance visa?
McCoy Law Office
The immigration laws provide a nonimmigrant visa classification (K-1) for individuals coming to the United States t.
Temporary Work Visas Explained
Law Offices of Irani & Wise, PLC
There are primarily three broad categories, or classifications, under which foreign-born persons can be legally pr.
Employment-Based Permanent Residency Categories
Law Offices of Irani & Wise, PLC
Congress has designated preference groups for purposes of immigration. The first three employment-based preference.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Law Offices of Irani & Wise, PLC
THE H-1B NONIMMIGRANT VISA SPECIALTY OCCUPATION WORKERS The popular H-1B visa is an employer-specifi.
Travelers from VWP Countries Must Now Have Machine Readable Passports: Law is in Full Effect - E-Passport Deadline for VWP Countries Extended One Year
Bonnie K. Gibson of Littler Mendelson, P.C.
Citizens of the twenty-seven VWP (Visa Waiver Program) countries must carry machine-readable passports by the end of the grace period on June 26, 2005, or they will not be admitted to the US without a visa. VWP countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Business & Immigration Report--Winter 1997
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
This Report discusses 1996 revisions to immigration laws; the 1998 Visa "Lottery"; victory in a suit against the Department of Labor voiding restrictive labor condition requirements; social security numbers for foreign nationals; new law changes in I-9 and citizenship status discrimination rules; and processing updates.
Short Summary of the New Immigration Law
Ronald J Tasoff of Law Office of Tasoff & Tasoff
On the last day of September, 1996, President Clinton signed into law legislation which drastically changes the im.
Nonimmigrant "Working" Visas
Law Office of Tasoff & Tasoff
Although the term "working visa" does not exist in the law, it has come to refer to the class of visas that allow.
Tips for United States Visas--Foreign Students
State Department
Tips from the United States Department of State on how obtain and United States student visa.
Visa Denials
State Department
Information on visa denials from the United States Department of State.
Labor, Employment and Benefits Update
Robinson & Cole LLP
The diversity immigrant visa lottery under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1997 provides 50,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to natives of countries from which immigration has been low over the preceding five years. This program is informally known as the "DV visa lottery," and it will be of interest to companies that employ foreign nationals. Please note that the registration period for this year's lottery begins November 5, 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visas
Horn & Villasuso
Q. What is the difference between a B-1 visa and a B-2 visa? A. A B-1 visa is issued to a visa applicant who is .
New Immigration Law Takes Effect on April 1

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, enacted by Congress on September 30, 1996,.
Congress Revises Immmigration Law
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
Most new proposals damaging to businesses were defeated, but drastic penalties for errors in maintaining.
Illegal Aliens May Not Pursue Title VII Claim
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
In a Per Curiam opinion, the Fourth Circuit held that a Nigerian Title VII plaintiff was not qualified for a job because he lacked a valid work visa.
H-1B Update
Patrice B. Morrison of Nixon Peabody LLP
This article is the first in a four part series and discusses the H-1B visa cap.
H-1B Update #2: The Rumors Continue
Patrice B. Morrison of Nixon Peabody LLP
This article discusses whether the H-1B cap will be reached during this fiscal year.
H-1B Update #3: The H Cap Is Approaching
Patrice B. Morrison of Nixon Peabody LLP
This notice states that the INS is very close to the H-1B Cap and the Agency is not going to issue a notice in the Federal Register.
Temporary Religious Workers
State Department
Tips from the United States Department of State on how obtain a United States visa if you are a temporary religious worker.
Help Wanted: Workers Needed But No H-1B Visas Available, Employers May Face Hiring Crisis
Law Offices of Richard A. Gump, Jr.
H-1B Visa: General The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa created for the employment of foreign nationals in .
Report To Congress On The Eb-5 Investor Visa Program
Law Office of Tasoff & Tasoff
The Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1999, Public .
Practice Advisory on Public Charge INS Guidance and Proposed Regulations
Law Office of Tasoff & Tasoff
INTRODUCTION On May 25, 1999, the Department of State issued a cable and the Immigration and Naturalization Servi.
Temporary Visas: Category Overview
Law Offices of Diana P. Atencia
Temporary Workers [There are different "working visas" available for those wishing to gain employment or do bus.
Annual Cap On H-1B Visas Temporarily Increased
Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP
On October 21, 1998, Congress enacted the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA). This Act.
The E Visa Option for Foreign-Owned Employers
Anton F. Mertens and Dan E. White of Littler Mendelson, P.C.
This alert discusses how foreign owned companies doing in the United States may benefit from the E-Visa and how this category may be a good alternative to the H-Visa.
Revalidation of 'H,' 'L,' 'O', or 'P' Visas

Guide from the United States Department of State on how to revalidate an 'H,' 'L,' 'O', or 'P' visa.
Transfer Of Foreign Employees To The United States (L-1)
Linda F. Kaplan
L-1 VISAS, INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFEREE The L-1 visa allows Business Executives, Managers and employees with "speciali.
Treaty-Trader and Treaty-Investor Visas (E-1/E-2)
Linda F. Kaplan
E-1 AND E-2 VISAS Treaties between United States and many countries allow foreign persons to come to the United S.
Business Immigration Horizon: The Big Pictures
Dan E. White and Anton F. Mertens of Littler Mendelson, P.C.
This article provides a discussion on the shortage of H-1B visas and the effect this is having on the business community at-large.
Immigration Update: H-1B Cap, Annual Green Card Lottery, And Changes In Visa Processing At U.S. Consulates Abroad

The purpose of this advisory bulletin is to provide a brief update on recent changes in U.S. immigration law as of October 23, 2003.
Family-Based Immigrant Visas
Ronald J Tasoff of Law Office of Tasoff & Tasoff
Family unification is a major objective of U.S. immigration laws. Several carefully defined groups are eligible to.
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
Ronald J Tasoff of Law Office of Tasoff & Tasoff
Immigrant visas are available to certain foreign workers who obtain a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Student Visas
Ronald J Tasoff of Law Office of Tasoff & Tasoff
Foreign students are an economic asset to private education and introduce a welcome diversity to the lives of fellow students.
I'm Sorry, Your VISA Has Been Canceled
Eli Maroko of Maroko and Landau, P.C.
No, this does not express the woes of the spendthrift who has run up excessive charges on a credit card. That solut.
Tips for United States Visas: Employment-Based
State Department
Tips from the United States Department of State on how to obtain an employment based visa.

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