Hammond Law Group

H-1b Cap Subject Filings in Less Than 30 Days

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:04:09 +0000

H-1b Cap Subject Filings in Less Than 30 Days

H-1b cap subject filings can be accepted in less than thirty (30) days! April 1st is just around the corner and the quota for FY 2013 H-1b will “open” on that date. With the improving economy particularly in the IT sector and with the tremendous increase in the denial rate of L-1b petitions, everyone expects the H-1b quota to be exhausted much faster than last year. Some experts even predict the quota to be reached in May. Typical cases that may be subject to the H-1b cap quota include:

US graduates who may currently be working for you on OPT (EAD)
Persons located off-shore who have never worked in the US on an H-1b previously
Persons currently in the US in another status eg. L, H-4, J, F, etc

Please keep in mind that persons currently working in the US on an H-1b for another company are not subject to the H-1b cap when they transfer to your company.

If you have cases that need to be filed that are subject to the H-1b cap, please let your HLG attorney or paralegal know so that we can quickly take the steps necessary to insure a timely filing. As we did last year, our Views blog is currently counting down the days until H-1b cap filings can happen and after the quota opens, we will track the number of filings until the cap is reached.

Douglas Halpert Joins Hammond Law Group as Partner

HLG is pleased to announce that Douglas Halpert has joined the firm as a partner. Douglas brings over twenty years of business immigration experience to our team. His clients include Fortune 500 companies, universities, and research institutions among others. He has a particular expertise in complex cases, multi-national transfers, and representing those considered outstanding professors or researchers or having exceptional ability. He has been published extensively. Check out his full bio.

HLG to Attend and Present at the Marskell Toronto Job Fair

As a reminder to our healthcare clients, Mike Hammond will be attending and presenting at the Toronto Marskell job fair to be held on March 25th and 26th. It is not too late to exhibit and expose your facility/staffing company to almost 2000 healthcare job seekers over a 2 day period. Special deals are available to HLG clients to exhibit. For more info. contact Mike at mfh@hammondlawgroup.com or Shawn at msm@hammondlawgroup.com

Business Immigration Monthly – February 2012

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:10:27 +0000

Volume 8, Issue 2, February 2012

Business Immigration Monthly

WHAT’S NEW

March Visa Bulletin Released

March Visa Bulletin released. View it HERE.

HLG to present at the Marskell Healthcare Worker Career Fair in Toronto

HLG will be exhibiting as well as presenting an informative session for employers seeking Canadian candidates at the Marskell Healthcare Worker Career Fair in Toronto on March 25th and 26th HERE.

H-1b Cap Cases can be Filed in Less than 35 days

Follow the countdown HERE.

DHS Touts Initiatives Aimed at Highly Skilled Immigrants
Read more HERE.

BALCA Issues an Important Decision on Advertising in PERM Cases

Business Immigration Monthly – January 2012

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 16:08:37 +0000

Volume 8, Issue 1, January 2012

Business Immigration Monthly

WHAT’S NEW

February Visa Bulletin Released

February Visa Bulletin released and EB2 for Indian and China show significant gain again HERE.

HLG to Host Seminar in Dallas, Texas for Staffing Companies

NCSBN Releases Details of NCLEX Results

View HERE.

Cato Journal publishes a series of articles in its issue entitled “Is immigration Good for America?”

Read articles HERE.

DOL ARB issues ruling in a case involving back pay wages for an H-1b worker due to an improper termination
Link to the details HERE.

OIG Releases Report on USCIS Officers feeling pressure to improperly approve cases

and the report is quickly met with criticism and derision. Read the report HERE.

HLG’s Healthcare blog starts a new feature

The HLG Healthcare Blog is now providing a “Tip of the week” providing practical advice to help your business and your employees

Read the blog HERE.

No passport ? use your iPad instead

Read article from NPR HERE.

AT A GLANCE

February Visa Bulletin

Seminar for Staffing Companies

NCSBN Releases NCLEX Results

Cato Journal on Immigration

DOL ARB Ruling on H-1 Back Pay

OIG Releases Controversial Report

HLG Healthcare Blog New Feature

No Passport? Use your iPad

Stay up to date with the latest news that may impact you!

HAMMOND LAW GROUP, LLC.

The website can be found here.

HEALTHCARE

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

BUSINESS

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

Business Immigration Monthly – December 2011

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:49:07 +0000

Volume 7, Issue 12, December 2011

Business Immigration Monthly

WHAT’S NEW

January Visa Bulletin Released

Huge gains are enjoyed by Indian and Chinese EB2 applicants HERE.

HR 3012 passes the House but is killed in the Senate

Read more on HR 3012 at the AILA blog HERE.

Save the date! Feb 24, 2012 – Dallas, TX

Save the date! Feb 24, 2012. HLG will host a seminar in Dallas focusing on issues impacting IT staffing and consulting cos and IT workers. Interested in attending? Call your favorite HLGer or send your contact information to register@hammondlawgroup.com for the latest information. More details will follow.

J Waiver for Physicians going fast!

Keep up to date on physician issues HERE.

It’s called driving while looking foreign
…and you risk arrest in Alabama. Link to the report HERE.

AEI releases a study touting the job growth created by foreign workers in STEM occupations

Link to the press release HERE.

AT A GLANCE

January Visa Bulletin

HR 3012 Update

HLG Seminar in Dallas 2/24/12

J Waivers for Physicians

Driving While Looking Foreign

AEI STEM Occ. Job Growth Report

Stay up to date with the latest news that may impact you!

HAMMOND LAW GROUP, LLC.

The website can be found here.

HEALTHCARE

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

BUSINESS

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

Business Immigration Monthly – November 2011

admin — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:16:59 +0000

Volume 7, Issue 11, November 2011

Business Immigration Monthly

WHAT’S NEW

H-1b cap is reached; 2 months earlier than last year!

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2012. Link to the announcement HERE.

December Visa Bulletin

December Visa Bulletin released and EB2 numbers continue to move quickly. Link to the Bulletin HERE.

NFAP releases disturbing report on L-1 approval rates

Recently the NFAP released a report based upon data received from the Department of State that showed visa approvals for multi-national cos. from India had declined in 2011 by almost 30% while during the same time-frame, the approvals for non-Indian based cos. had risen by over 15%. Read more HERE.

USCIS to allow bundling of L-1 petitions

USCIS recognizes that businesses may need to temporarily move multiple employees to the United States for particular projects which require the employees’ specialized knowledge. In order to do this, employers may petition for their employees to obtain an L-1 nonimmigrant classification by filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Link to site HERE.

ABC News reports on the negative impact that US immigration policies have on job growth
Link to the report HERE.

DOS releases predictions for immigrant visa movement for coming months

The Department of State has released its short-term projections for the movement of visa numbers in the permanent residence categories. The visa projections cover the first half of fiscal year 2012 (i.e. to March 2012). Link to the site HERE.

AT A GLANCE

H-1b Cap Reached

December Visa Bulletin

NFAP Releases Disturbing Report

USCIS to Allow Bundling of L-1 Petitions

ABC News Report on US Immigration Policies

DOS Predictions

Stay up to date with the latest news that may impact you!

HAMMOND LAW GROUP, LLC.

The website can be found here.

HEALTHCARE

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

BUSINESS

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

Business Immigration Monthly – October 2011

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:17:04 +0000

Volume 7, Issue 10, October 2011

Business Immigration Monthly

WHAT’S NEW

November Visa Bulletin

The DOS releases the November Visa Bulletin and EB2 India & China jump forward again. Link to the Bulletin HERE.

H-1B Master’s Cap

The Master’s cap for H-1B’s is close to being reached. Track the usage of H-1B’s for FY 2012 HERE.

HLG’s 7th Annual Healthcare Symposium

HLG to host its 7th Annual Healtcare Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on October 21, 2011. Link to the agenda HERE.

TechServe Alliance Conference & Tradeshow

Mike Hammond to speak on a legal panel discussing key issues facing the IT Services Industry at the 2011 TechServe Alliance Annual Conference & Tradeshow. Link to site HERE.

Labor Certification Annual Report
The DOL released its Labor Certification Annual Report. Link to the report HERE.

USCIS Implements New Policy

USCIS has implemented a new policy where it now sends original approval notices directly to Petitioners and Beneficiaries. Link to the site HERE.

H-1B LCA Settlement Reached

Settlement reached in H-1B LCA case and school agrees to pay in excess of $4 million dollars. Provide feedback HERE.

NFAP Study

The National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) study predicts a 70 year wait for Indian EB-3 Category. Link to study HERE.

AT A GLANCE

November Visa Bulletin

H-1B Master’s Cap

HLG’s 7th Annual Healthcare Symposium

TechServe Alliance Conference & Tradeshow

Labor Certification Annual Report

USCIS Implements New Policy

H-1B LCA Settlement Reached

NFAP Study

Stay up to date with the latest news that may impact you!

HAMMOND LAW GROUP, LLC.

The website can be found here.

HEALTHCARE

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

BUSINESS

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

Business Immigration Monthly – September 2011

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:15:29 +0000

Volume 7, Issue 9, September 2011

Business Immigration Monthly

012WHAT’S NEW

October Visa Bulletin

The DOL releases the October Visa Bulletin and it predicts retrogression for India & China EB2. Link to the Bulletin HERE.

DOL & PWD’s Update

The DOL has now resumed processing the issuance of prevailing wage determinations. Link to our Blog HERE.

HLG’s Annual Healthcare Symposium

HLG will host its Annual Healtcare Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on October 21, 2011. Link to the agenda HERE.

Marskell Job Fair

An HLG representative will be attending the Marskell Job Fair in Toronto on October 5th & 6th. Link to site HERE.

H-1B’s Remain for FY 2012
The latest count by the USCIS as of 09/09/2011 shows 32,200 regular cap-subject petitions and 16,700 advanced degree cap-subject petitions received toward the fiscal 2012 quota . Link to site HERE.

E-verify Self-Check

USCIS has expanded the E-verify Self-Check to 21 states to allow applicants to self check whether their documents will confirm work authoization. Link to the site HERE.

VIBE

USCIS is evaluating the usefulness of VIBE (Validation Instrument for Business Enterprises) for I-129 petitions. Provide feedback HERE.

TechServe Alliance Conference

Mike Hammond to speak at TechServe Alliance Conference & Tradeshow in Phoenix, AZ in November. Link to site HERE.

US Consulate – Mumbai

The US Consulate in Mumbai re-opens for processing of H and L petitions. Link to site HERE.

AT A GLANCE

October Visa Bulletin

The DOL & PWD’s Update

HLG’s Annual Healthcare Symposium

Marskell Job Fair

H-1B’s Remain for FY 2012

E-verify Self-Check

VIBE

TechServe Alliance Conference

US Consulate – Mumbai

Stay up to date with the latest news that may impact you!

HAMMOND LAW GROUP, LLC.

The website can be found here.

HEALTHCARE

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

BUSINESS

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

Business Immigration Monthly – August 2011

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:14:04 +0000

Volume 7, Issue 8, August 2011

Business Immigration Monthly

WHAT’S NEW

September Visa Bulletin

The DOL releases the September Visa Bulletin with no surprises. Link to the Bulletin HERE.

DOL & PWD’s

The DOL temporarily suspended the issuance of prevailing wage determinations. Link to our Blog HERE. Fortunately, the DOL has now resumed processing.

HLG’s Annual Healthcare Symposium

HLG will host its Annual Healtcare Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on October 21, 2011. A full agenda will be provided soon.

Marskell Job Fair

An HLG representative will be attending the Marskell Job Fair in Toronto on October 5th & 6th. Link to site HERE.

SIA Healthcare Staffing Summit

Sherry Neal will be attending the SIA Healthcare Staffing Summit on September 21st-23rd in Phiadelphia. Link to site HERE .

DOL Issues Fine to US Employer

DOL issues large fine against a US employer who failed to properly notify the USCIS following the termination of and H-1B worker. Link to our Blog HERE.

Impact of Retrogression

Sherry Neal publishes a series of articles with ILW.com on the impact of retrogression. Link to the site HERE.

Issues Impacting the Consulting/Staffing Industry

TechServe Alliance meets with USCIS Director to discuss issues impacting the consulting/staffing industry including the Neufeld Memo. Link to the press release HERE.

Cadence Moore

HLG welcomes Cadence Moore as a new associate. Link HERE.

AT A GLANCE

September Visa Bulletin

The DOL & PWD’s

HLG’s Annual Healthcare Symposium

Marskell Job Fair

SIA Healthcare Staffing Summit

DOL Issues Fine to US Employer

Impact of Retrogression

Issues Impacting the Consulting/Staffing Industry

Cadence Moore

Stay up to date with the latest news that may impact you!

HAMMOND LAW GROUP, LLC.

The website can be found here.

HEALTHCARE

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

BUSINESS

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

Business Immigration Monthly – July 2011

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:12:18 +0000

Volume 7, Issue 7, July 2011

Business Immigration Monthly

WHAT’S NEW

August Visa Bulletin

August Visa Bulletin is released and once again provides slow but steady movement forward. Link to the Bulletin HERE.

3 Part Series on Retrogression

Sherry Neal publishes a 3 part series on retrogression on ilw.com. Link to Part One HERE. Part Two HERE. Part Three HERE.

New Immigration Bill

Senate Democrats present new immigration bill. Link to the story HERE.

Violations of H-1B Foreign Worker Program

Maryland school district pays over $4 million related to H-1B cases. Link to the Press Release HERE.

RFE Response Time

USCIS changes standard responses times for RFE’s to 84 days. Link to site HERE.

Save the Date for Healthcare Workers

October 21, 2011…Details soon to follow.

BALCA Decisions Impact PERM Applications

Several recent BALCA decisions impact PERM applications. Keep abreast by reading our Views Blog HERE .

AT A GLANCE

August Visa Bulletin

Series on Retrogression

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

New Immigration Bill

Violations of H-1B Foreign Worker Program

RFE Response Time

Save the Date for Healthcare Workers – 10/21/2011

BALCA Decsions Impact Perm Applications

Stay up to date with the latest news that may impact you!

HAMMOND LAW GROUP LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

The website can be found here.

HEALTHCARE

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

BUSINESS

IMMIGRATION BLOG

The blog can be found here.

Business Immigration Monthly – June 2011

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:32:17 +0000

Volume 7, Issue 6, June 2011

Business Immigration Monthly

WHAT’S NEW

July Visa Bulletin

July Visa Bulletin is released and once again EB2 for PRC and Indian nationals jumps forward. Other categories and countries continue slow but steady forward movement. Link to the Bulletin HERE.

HLG to Host NYC/NJ Seminar

HLG will host a half-day seminar for IT and Healthcare staffing companies in NYC/NJ on Friday, July 22, 2011. Link to invitation HERE.

CIR Bill Introduced

CIR bill introduced by a group of Democratic Senators. Link to the press release HERE. HLG will publish a summary of the bill on each of its blogs as soon as the full bill is available and has been reviewed.

I-9 Enforcement Effort

ICE issues 1000 subpoenas in a major I-9 enforcement effort . Link to the Views blog HERE.

AILA Annual Conference

HLG attorneys attended the AILA Annual Conference in San Diego. Updates and information learned at the conference will be posted on our Views blog and our Healthcare Immigration blog.

The USCIS and FCCPT Evaluations

The USCIS continues its challenge of FCCPT evaluations used to support EB2 filings for Physical Therapists. Follow the updates at Healthcare Immigration News. Link to our blog HERE.

BALCA Rules on Recruitment and PWD Validity

BALCA issues new decisions impacting PERM filings. Link to our blog HERE.

Immigrants in the U.S.

Brookings Institute release report on Immigrants in the U.S. Link to the report HERE.