Details of the new pilot program. Application period: From January 29, 2024 to April 1, 2024.
Details of the new pilot program launched by the US State Department regarding the ability to extend H-1B visas without having to leave the country.
Application period: From January 29, 2024 to April 1, 2024.
Those wishing to apply can do so on the official website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/domestic-renewal.html
Applications will be accepted weekly with a limit of 4,000 per week until the total application limit of 20,000 is reached. There are five time slots available, starting January 29, 2024 and ending February 26, 2024.
Participation in the program is only available to applicants whose visas were issued by the US Consulate in Canada from 01/01/2020 to 04/01/2023 and by the US Consulate in India from 02/01/2023 to 09/30/2021.
Visa categories such as H-4 for dependent spouses and children are not eligible for processing under the pilot program.
The average processing time for applications is expected to be six to eight weeks, with completion of the process no later than May 1, 2024.
Requests for expedited processing will not be considered.
Those who do not qualify for the program or who choose not to participate may renew their visa as normal while leaving the United States.
24/01/2024
US Immigration
The United States has long been viewed as a country dominated by the status of a “nation of immigrants.” Most Americans are either immigrants from other countries and continents, or their ancestors were immigrants.
According to a July 2023 Gallup survey, 68% of respondents believe immigration has a positive impact on the United States.
While these data indicate positive attitudes toward immigration, other studies suggest that most Americans view illegal immigration as one of the biggest problems in the United States. This topic has also become dominant in American political discourse.01/24/2024
More and more migrants are forced to go to court without the help of lawyers
More and more migrants are forced to go to court without the help of lawyers, recent data shows. According to federal data released by researchers at Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Clearing Center (TRAC), from October 2022 to September 2023, 49% of cases in New York State immigration court were presented without attorneys. This is a sharp decline from pre-pandemic times, when more than 80% of cases were represented by attorneys.
An analysis of data from the Vera Institute, an advocacy group, shows that New York has lost its status as a leader in providing legal aid to migrants, now ranking third behind California and Virginia. The increase in the number of cases in court and the sharp increase in the number of migrants in the city are the main reasons for the decline in the percentage of lawyers presenting cases.
New York Mayor Eric Adams has spoken out against unnecessary spending to support migrants, pointing to the city’s significant costs and their impact on the budget. Since 2022, more than 150,000 migrants have passed through New York, with about 67,000 of them remaining in city shelters.
While authorities provide assistance to immigrants through legal clinics and other services to help them complete paperwork, the number of cases in New York state immigration courts has more than doubled since 2019. Experts say systemic problems and understaffing in immigration courts make it difficult to process cases.
Non-citizen immigrants who are denied the right to counsel face difficulties in the court system, which can lead to serious consequences, including deportation. According to Shayna Kessler of the Vera Institute, having a lawyer significantly increases the chances of protecting your rights and remaining in the country.
While the number of cases is growing, the proportion of migrants with lawyers is decreasing. However, New York immigration courts are more likely to approve asylum cases than courts in other jurisdictions. According to TRAC, judges deny relief in just over a third of cases, the third-highest rate among courts with available data.
State and federal efforts are aimed at helping migrants navigate bureaucratic hurdles. But immigrant public advocates are pushing for passage of the Access to Representation Act, which would expand the right to counsel to all New Yorkers facing immigration court.
Visa O-1
The O-1 visa is intended for individuals with exceptional abilities in the arts, sciences, business, education, sports, and those who have an impressive background in the film and television industry, recognized both domestically and internationally for your achievements. This temporary visa is available in several categories:
O-1A Visa: For individuals with exceptional skills in science, business, education, or athletics.
O-1B Visa: Designed for those who have extraordinary ability in the arts or achievements in the film or television industry.
O-2 Visa: Issued to individuals who will support and accompany O-1 visa holders, such as artists or athletes, while they perform in the United States.
O-3 Visa: Available to spouses or children of O-1 or O-2 visa holders.
8.01.2024
L-1 Visa
What is L-1A Visa?
The L-1A visa allows a U.S. employer to bring in an executive or manager from their affiliated foreign offices to work in the United States. It also allows a foreign company to send an executive or manager to the U.S. to establish a new office.
Requirements for Employers:
- The U.S. employer must have a relationship with a foreign company (like being a parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).
- The employer must be doing business in the U.S. and at least one other country, directly or through a related organization, during the employee’s stay.
Note: “Doing business” means providing goods or services regularly, not just having an office.
Requirements for Employees:
- The employee must have worked for the foreign company for one continuous year in the three years before coming to the U.S.
- The employee must be entering the U.S. to work in an executive or managerial role.
- Executive role: Making important decisions with minimal oversight.
- Managerial role: Supervising and controlling the work of professional employees or managing an essential function of the organization.
New Offices:
If a foreign employer wants to send an employee to the U.S. to set up a new office, they must also show:
- They have a place for the new office.
- The employee has been an executive or manager for one continuous year.
- The U.S. office will have an executive or managerial position within a year.
Period of Stay:
- New office setup allows a maximum initial stay of one year.
- Other qualified employees get a maximum initial stay of three years.
- Extensions are possible, but the total stay cannot exceed seven years.
Family of L-1 Workers:
- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can come to the U.S. too.
- They apply for L-2 classification and usually get the same stay duration as the employee.
Spouse Employment Authorization:
- Spouses in L-2 status are allowed to work.
- They can present specific documents for employment authorization.
- There’s an automatic extension for certain conditions, providing additional work authorization.
Remember, this is a simplified overview, and the actual process can involve more details.
8.01.2024
Why Immigrants Benefit from Opening a Business in the USA: Simple and Clear
Recently, more and more people from other countries are deciding to open their businesses in the USA, and it’s not surprising! Let’s understand why this is such an attractive decision for many.
1. Many Successful Startups by Immigrants
Former immigrants often become successful entrepreneurs in the USA. More than half of large companies were created by immigrants or their children. This indicates that the USA is open to new business ideas.
2. Special Visas for New Entrepreneurs
If you want to open a business in the USA, there are special visas that can help you with that. One of them is the E-2 visa, which allows you to invest and manage a business. It’s convenient and simplifies the process.
3. Safety and Protection of Your Rights
Rules and laws in the USA are designed to ensure the safety of business owners. Your rights will be protected, which is crucial for the successful operation of your enterprise.
4. Large Market and Growth Opportunities
The USA has one of the largest economies in the world. This means there are many customers here who can buy your goods or services. It’s a great opportunity for the development of your business.
5. Ease of Hiring and Diversity of Specialists
In the USA, it’s easy to find good employees. The hiring and firing system is flexible, and there are many talented people here. This helps your business to grow and thrive.
In conclusion, opening a business in the USA is simple and can be very profitable. If you have your own business idea, why not try it in the USA? Perhaps, success awaits you right here!
8.01.2024
Real Estate Investments Abroad: Why the USA is Your Ideal Choice
In the world of modern opportunities and innovations, the real estate market abroad is attracting more and more attention from investors. Among the variety of countries and regions, the USA stands out as an attractive and promising destination for successful investments. Let’s explore why this country becomes the first choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio and ensure a stable income.
1. Diversity of Properties to Suit Your Taste
Let’s start with the fact that the USA offers a vast selection of real estate in various price categories. Whether you are looking for luxurious housing in the center of a metropolis, a cozy home in the suburbs, or commercial real estate for business development, here you will find the perfect investment property.
2. Business Opportunities for a Successful Start
The USA provides unique opportunities for business development. Our team of specialists offers a wide range of business properties, ranging from motels and hotels to restaurants and plots for development. Analysis and recommendations from our experts will help you make informed decisions and maximize the potential of your venture.
3. Safety and Profit in Every Deal
Organizing a safe and profitable deal is our priority. We ensure complete legal support when purchasing an apartment, house, or business. Reliable partners, proven over time, guarantee your peace of mind and confidence at every stage of the transaction.
4. Assistance: Cultural Proximity
Our team guarantees transfer, support, and presentation of properties . This ensures a clear understanding of every detail and eliminates possible language barriers. We also provide compensation for travel expenses upon the successful completion of the deal.
5. Passive Income from Real Estate: Maximizing Investments
We provide comprehensive support for the preparation and receipt of passive income from your real estate. Seasonal, long-term, or short-term rentals, as well as the possibility of creating a mini-hotel – we develop strategies aimed at your success.
6. Green Card and Other Opportunities
We not only assist with the selection and acquisition of real estate but also provide support in obtaining a Green Card (permanent residency) through business organization, investments, or housing purchase.
Real estate investments in the USA with our team are not just a transaction; they are an investment in your well-being and future. Make a choice in favor of successful investments – choose the USA with us.
8.01.2024
B-1 visa
Overview:
In general, individuals from foreign countries who wish to enter the United States must acquire a visa, which could be a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas fall under the category of nonimmigrant visas and are intended for individuals seeking temporary entry into the United States for either business purposes (B-1 visa category), tourism (B-2 visa category), or a combination of both (B-1/B-2).
Below are some examples of permissible activities with a visitor visa:
Business (B-1): Conducting business-related activities during a temporary stay. Tourism (B-2): Engaging in tourism activities while temporarily visiting the United States. Permissible activities under a B-2 visa include:
- Vacation (holiday) trips.
- Visiting friends or relatives.
- Seeking medical treatment.
- Participating in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations.
- Engaging in amateur participation in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, without receiving payment.
- Enrolling in short recreational courses of study that do not contribute towards an academic degree (for instance, a two-day cooking class during vacation).
7.01.2024
K-1 Visa
Overview: What is a K-1 Visa?
The K-1 nonimmigrant visa is designed for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a United States (U.S.) citizen. This visa allows the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the U.S. for the purpose of marrying their U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival. Subsequently, the foreign-citizen can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (LPR) through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Since a fiancé(e) visa facilitates immigration and marriage to a U.S. citizen shortly after arriving in the United States, certain requirements of an immigrant visa must be met. Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants can obtain K-2 visas.
What is a “Fiancé(e)”?
According to U.S. immigration law, a foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen is an individual who has received approval for a Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F). This individual is then issued a nonimmigrant K-1 visa to travel to the United States and marry their U.S. citizen fiancé(e). Both the U.S. citizen and the K-1 visa applicant must have been legally eligible to marry at the time the petition was filed and must continue to meet this requirement. The marriage must comply with the legal regulations of the U.S. state in which it will occur.
Generally, the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) and the U.S. citizen sponsor must have had an in-person meeting within the preceding two years. USCIS may make exceptions to this requirement in cases of extreme hardship for the U.S. citizen sponsor to meet the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) in person, or if cultural norms dictate that a man and woman should not meet before marriage in the U.S. citizen sponsor’s or foreign-citizen fiancé(e)’s culture.
7.01.2024
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa, also known as the Academic Student Visa, enables individuals to come to the United States as full-time students enrolled in accredited educational institutions such as colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, elementary schools, or other academic establishments. Additionally, this visa category covers participation in language training programs. To qualify, individuals must be actively engaged in a program or course of study leading to the attainment of a degree, diploma, or certificate. Furthermore, the educational institution must have the authorization from the U.S. government to admit international students.
7.01.2024
