The Vassell Law Group Immigration PodCast

The H1B Lottery Season

The H-1B visa season is here again, and registration begins in less than a month! This is the most sought-after practical work visa for professionals holding 4-year bachelors’ or advanced degrees seeking work with a U.S. employer.

U.S. employers seeking global talent to fill ‘specialty’ occupations in their company should begin working with an immigration lawyer early. The rules surrounding the H-1B visa process are complex, and most issues can be resolved early in the year before registration.

Congress sets a yearly cap on H-1B visas.  Only 65,000- 80,000 visas are issued each fiscal year. There are exceptions to the cap, which are not discussed in this podcast.  Rather, this podcast discusses essential tips to successfully navigate the H-1B visa lottery selection process.

The Impact of Company Mergers and Acquisitions on Immigration Status

Employment Based work visas can be volatile; and taking charge of one’s visa status is more important than ever in this economy.  If you hold an H-1B visa, approved I-140 petition by a U.S. employer and/or have a pending Employment Based Green Card; it is important to understand how the actions of your company can make or break your U.S. status and immigration goals.

B-1 / B-2 Visa

The B-1 and B-2 visa has mistakenly been limited and labeled as the ‘Tourist visa’. However, it is better referred to as the Visitor visa, which extends way beyond the purpose of touring the United States.  Rather, the purpose for which a Foreign National can visit the United States or change visa status to a Visitor in the U.S. is vast. 

To Hold or Not To Hold

Applying to adjust one’s status in the United States to a Permanent Resident is an exciting experience. The question often arises, “Should I still keep my non-immigrant visa current since I have my employment authorization (EAD), and I’ll soon be a Permanent Resident”?   The answer is yes!

The Purpose Driven Visa

The B-1 and B-2 visa has mistakenly been limited and labeled as the ‘Tourist visa’. However, it is better referred to as the Visitor visa, which extends way beyond the purpose of touring the United States.  Rather, the purpose for which a Foreign National can visit the United States or change visa status to a Visitor in the U.S. is vast. 

Inadmissible to the United States Despite Consulate Approval of Visa

A popular held belief that once a foreign national is granted a visa to the United States its all-smooth sailing through the border. This is unfortunately not true. This short blog will explain the "behind scenes" screenings and audits with U.S. CBP or USCIS that can cause exclusion or removal from the United States that all starts with what appears to be an approved temporary non-immigrant visa at one's U.S. consulate abroad.

The Au Pair Alternative

Balancing quality childcare and a career has become a real dilemma in the United States.  Juggling activities, sports and taking care of our kids’ intermittent medical needs, has become unsustainable for even 2 parent homes.

In this podcast, we discuss how proper planning can help families succeed in hiring a nanny from abroad, and/or keep their au pair after the maximum time allowance through a cultural exchange program.  The Au Pair J-1 cultural exchange program provides temporary nannies for a one-to-two-year period. Au Pairs are limited by age and visa. After age 26, they are no longer eligible for the program

Business Visa

In this episode we take you back to our classroom and talk about Business Visas!

H-3 Training Visa

Today we will discuss the H-3 Training Visa and how it can help you!!

PERM Labor Cert

Today we discuss a very popular question that we get and that is  "Do I have to advertise to hire a US Worker?" There are two situations where the answer is yes and we discuss one of them today!!