MASUDA, FUNAI, EIFERT &
MITCHELL, LTD.
CHICAGO * LOS ANGELES * SCHAUMBURG
www.masudafunai.com
Mr. Bob White
Masuda Funai
Schaumburg Office - (847) 734-8811
Chicago Office – (312) 245-7500
rwhite@masudafunai.com
www.masudafunai.com
2010 Update On
Immigration Changes
Affecting Students
Current Immigration Information
Complimentary Weekly
Immigration Legal Updates
Are Available In The
Immigration Group Section At
www.masudafunai.com
Issues in Student Programs
1. Overview of Government Agencies –
USCIS, ICE, CBP, DOL & DOS
2. SEVIS Procedures & Problem
A. Reporting Address Changes
1. F-1/J-1 Status - SEVIS System
2. USCIS - www.uscis.gov/AR-11
Issues in Student Programs
3. Employment Options – OPT and AT
A. OPT for F-1 Students
1. 12 Month OPT
- CPT vs OPT
- When to Apply
- Student Responsibilities During OPT
- Periods of Unemployment
Issues in Student Programs
3. Employment Options – OPT and AT
2. 17 Month OPT Extension for STEM Grads
- Eligibility Requirements
1. STEM Major (Not Minor or Concentration)
2. E-Verify Company
- When To Apply – What Is The Deadline?
- Student’s 6 Month Validation Report
- Periods of Unemployment
- Employer’s Responsibilities
Issues in Student Programs
3. Employment Options – OPT and AT
B. Increased Enforcement in F-1 Program
C. AT for J-1 Students
4. International Travel
A. Pre-Graduation
B. Post-Graduation
- 12 Month OPT
- 17 Month STEM OPT Extension
- H-1B Cap Gap “Plus” Relief
H-1B Nonimmigrant Process
1. What is H-1B Status?
2. Overview of the Procedure –
1.
Labor Certification Application through
Department of Labor (DOL)
2. Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker through the
USCIS
3. H-1B Visa through U.S. Consulate
H-1B Process – Step One
1.
Labor Condition Application (LCA)
A. Wages – Actual Wage vs. Prevailing Wage
- Prevailing Wage – www.flcdatacenter.com
B. Working Conditions
C. Work Stoppage
D. Warnings
2. Dependent vs Non-Dependent H-1B Employer Other Possible Attestations
3. LCA Public Access File
H-1B Process – Step Two
1. What Occupations Qualify for
H-1B Classification?
2. Foreign National Must Qualify
A. Academic Background
B. Employment Experience
3. Must Have Valid License
H-1B Process – Step Three
1. Visa Processing
A. When Should I Apply For a Visa?
B. How Long Does It Take & What Is The
Procedure?
http://usembassy.state.gov/ - Nonimmigrant Visa
Page in Consular Section
D. Could I Be Denied An H-1B Visa?
E. Can I Apply for the Visa in Canada or Mexico?
F. Who Is Exempt from the Visa Requirement?
2010 H-1B Issues – Part 1
1. Managing H-1B Quota
A. What is the H-1B Quota?
B. Government’s Fiscal Year Defined
C. When was the Quota Met in 2006, 2007,
2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011
D. Random Selection Process
(aka H-1B Lottery)
E. Future of the Quota
2010 H-1B Issues – Part 2
2. Exemptions to H-1B Quota
A. A. Advanced Degree Exemption – 20,000 Cap
- When Was Cap Met in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011?
- Random Selection Process (aka H-1B Lottery)
B. Institution of Higher Education – No Cap
C. Non-Profit Research Organizations – No Cap
- Issues With University/Non-Profit Research Exemption
D. Is Each Petition Subject to the Quota?
- Previous H-1B Employment
- Concurrent Employment
2010 H-1B Issues – Part 3
3. Managing Your Status –
A. When should I apply for H-1B status?
B. What is the Quota Process?
C. F-1/J-1 to H-1B Change of Status
1. H-1B Cap Gap vs. Cap Gap Plus
2. Do I Still Have to Be Concerned About the Quota?
YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!
- Apply in Multiple Quotas
- Manage Graduation Date
- 17 Month STEM OPT Extension
- CPT Options
- New Course of Study
- Dependent Status
2010 H-1B Issues – Part 4
3. Managing Your Status (Continued) D. Changing Employers & H-1B Portability
E. Other Nonimmigrant Options – TN, H-1B1, E-3, L,
O and E Visa
4. Aggressive Review of H-1B Petitions – Consulting
Companies
5. New H-1B Restrictions for Companies Receiving
TARP & Federal Reserve Credit Window Funding
6. How Long Can I Remain As H-1B Nonimmigrant?
2010 H-1B Issues – Part 5
6. What Status Will My Dependents Receive?
A. Can My Dependents Work and Obtain an SSN?
B. Can My Dependents Travel Internationally?
7. H-1B Processing Fees
A. Basic Fee, H-1B User Fee and H-1B Fraud Fee
B. Premium Processing (Optional)
8. Future of H-1B Fees & Procedures
9. When Should I Start the Green Card Process?
Green Card Process
1. Diversity Visa Lottery
2. Family-Based Green Cards
3. Employment-Based
Green Cards
MASUDA, FUNAI, EIFERT &
MITCHELL, LTD.
CHICAGO * LOS ANGELES * SCHAUMBURG
www.masudafunai.com