www.buhlerlawoffice.com
Immigration Law For The
Green Industry
How to Strategically Approach
the Process
Work Authorization Options
for Foreign Workers
The Basics
The Visa
• What is a Visa?
• Official endorsement from the U.S. Department
of State granting eligibility for admission to the
U.S.
• Who Needs a Visa?
• A citizen of a foreign country who plans to enter
the U.S. for a specific purpose.
• What Does a Visa Look Like?
• It is a stamp placed in the passport by the U.S.
Consulate/Embassy abroad.
Non-Immigrant vs.
Immigrant
• Temporary Purpose  Non-Immigrant
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- Temporary work or study visas (H-1B, TN,
F-1)
• Permanent Residence  Immigrant Visa
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- “Green card”
Non-Immigrant Visas
Include, but are not limited to:
• H1B Specialty Occupation (Landscape Architects)
• F1 Student Visa/Optional Practical Training (OPT)
(Landscape Management, Construction Management)
• TN (Treaty NAFTA – Canada/Mexico)
• L1 Intra-Company Transfers (Start Your Own Landscape
Company in the US if you Have One Abroad)
• E1/E2 Treaty Trader/Investor (Transferring from a Landscape
Company Abroad to one in the US)
• E3 Specialty Occupation (Australia) (Same as H1b Visa
Abroad)
• H2B Seasonal Non-Agricultural Workers
Basic Application Process for All Visas Except
H2Bs
Employer decides
to hire a non-U.S.
worker
Documents and information
gathered (job, candidate, and
company)
Attorneys review
information and
prepare case
Attorney submits to
appropriate
government agency
Final Attorney
Review
Employer reviews
case and approves to
proceed
Receipt issued by
government that case
has been received
Time required by
government to review
case and adjudicate
Case approved by
government and
approval notice issued
Who Can You Employ?
• U.S. Citizen
Can Work for
Any Employer
Can Only Work
for Certain
Employer(s)
• Green Card Holder (Lawful Permanent Resident)
• Work Permit Holder (green card applicants, spouses of E, J, or L visa
holders, students in post-graduate training)
• Student visa holders with authorization to work off-campus (F, M, or J
students)
• Seasonal Temporary Workers (H-2A, H-2B)
• Professional Visas (H-1B, E, L, TN)
• Student visa holders without authorization to work off-campus (F, M, or
J students)
Cannot Work
for Anyone
• Spouses of certain visa holders (H-4, F-2, TD)
• Tourists (B-1, B-2, VWP)
• Those who stayed longer than permitted or entered U.S. illegally and
have no other status pending
Work Visas 101
The H1B
Temporary Work Visa
The theoretical and practical application of a body of highly
specialized knowledge.
H1B Options for Landscapers
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Landscape Architects.
Construction Management.
Land Surveyor.
Horticulturalist.
Any other position where the obtainment of a
bachelors degree is required to perform the
duties of the position.
What is an H1B Visa?
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A temporary nonimmigrant work visa – 85,000 issued annually
Allows foreign nationals with a bachelor’s degree or higher to enter the
U.S. on a temporary basis to work for a U.S. employer
Obtain a change of status (COS) in the US; or at a U.S. Consulate/Embassy
abroad
Good for an initial period of 3 years; possible extension for an additional 3
years (total of 6 yrs.)
Employer specific visa: Work authorization granted only for the employer
named in the visa.
U.S. degree or foreign equivalent degree through education/work
experience.
How Do You Obtain a H1B Visa?
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File an application for the employee.
Show that the position requires a bachelor’s degree in a specialized area and
that the beneficiary has the requisite bachelor’s degree for the position.
Employers must first satisfy Department of Labor wage standards.
Pay the necessary filing fees.
- Initial government cost for filing an H1B visa: $2,325 initial filing fee;
$1,575 if your company has less than 25 employees.
- Company must pay $1,500, or $750, of the fees. Cannot deduct $ from
employee’s pay check to pay company back. Can premium process for
additional $1,225 – this gets you a decision on your case in 15 days.
Create Public Access File.
What Do You Have to Prove?
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Applicant has graduated and has earned a degree.
Must have a specialty degree and a job that requires that specialty related to major, not
minor degree. Some fields don’t work.
Nature of the specific duties are so specialized and complex that knowledge required to
perform the duties is usually associated with attainment of a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The job description must be very specific in job duties. If you can do the duties without
a specialized degree, the position doesn’t qualify.
Show that other employees with the same position within the industry have the same or
similar degree (i.e. Chemist, Teacher etc.).
A Bachelor’s Degree equivalency is allowed if you have a full 4-year degree. Can use
work experience and foreign education. Must get certified evaluation. I suggest
www.wes.org or www.jsilney.com (3 for 1 rule.)
H1B Cap –
Once They’re Gone, They’re Gone!
Congress regulates the number of H1B visas that are issued each year based
on a Fiscal Year (FY) system –
October 1 to October 1.
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Limited to 65,000 visas a year. We can begin applying on April 1, 2013 for October 1, 2013 start
date. A lottery may be held due to high rate of applications received. In 2008, 166,000 people
applied for the 65,000 visas on the first day. Visas ran out in 1 week. In 2012, visas ran out midJune. The lottery is based on the dates the applications are received; not first come first served.
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20,000 extra visas given to foreigners with U.S. Master’s or Ph.D. Degrees.
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Only “new” H1B’s are subject to the cap. Extensions or transfers to new employers are not
subject to the cap, and can be filed at any point in time.
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Universities and non-profit organizations affiliated with a university are not subject to the cap.
(Risky though – subject to higher scrutiny.)
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Earliest date to file H1B petition is six months prior to the start date of employment.
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Obtaining approval for H1B status can take 3 to 6 months.
Sample of
Approval
Notice:
H1B’s Have Run Out & FN Has No Degree.
What Other Options Are There?
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F1 Student Visa/Optional Practical Training (OPT)
TN (Treaty NAFTA – Canada/Mexico)
L1 Intra-Company Transfers
E1/E2 Treaty Trader/Investor
E3 Specialty Occupation (Australia)
H2B Temporary/Seasonal Non-Agricultural Workers
Is the Foreign Worker a Student?
• On-Campus Employment
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
F1 Options for Landscapers
• If you can find a student who is enrolled in a major related to
landscaping, he can get permission to work for you on OPT
after graduation or CPT while he is going to school.
• The position for CPT does not have to require a degree to
perform.
• Talk to the college advisement center for possible students.
F1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
ADVANTAGES
• Easy to process
• Valid up to 12 months if
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working
Possible 17 month extension
for STEM majors
No salary issue
Can work for any employer
in field of study
Cap-Gap protection if OPT
starts after April 1
LIMITATIONS
• Hard to renew visa
abroad
• 90 days to process at
USCIS
• Maximum 90 days of
unemployment
• Must be employed in field
of study
Core Practical Training (CPT)
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It is processed through the universities
Need employment letter
Fast
20 hours a week;
possible 40 during vacation time
Is the Foreign Worker from Canada or
Mexico?
TN as NAFTA Professional
Among the types of professionals who are eligible to seek admission as TN for Landscape
companies are Horticulturalist, Landscape Architects, Land Surveyors etc. You may be
eligible for TN nonimmigrant status, if:
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You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
Your profession qualifies under the regulations;
The position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional;
You have a pre-arranged, full-time or part-time job with a U.S.
employer, but not self-employment; and
You have the qualifications to practice in the profession in
question.
If you are a Canadian citizen, then you are not required to
apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate.
Mexican citizens must obtain visa at U.S. consulate.
Advantages/Disadvantages of TN
ADVANTAGES
• Easy processing (theoretically)
• Unlimited extensions
• No salary issue
LIMITATIONS
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Canadian/Mexico citizens only
Limited Professions
Spouse cannot work
Three years at a time
Ties to home country
Can’t file for green card
Are You a Global Company?
L1A/L1B Visas for Intra-Company Transfers
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Ideal choice for landscaping multi-national companies.
U.S. & foreign companies must be affiliated.
Need to show the FN was employed abroad as a manager, executive or a
person with specialized knowledge for one of the past three years by a
parent, subsidiary or branch.
Must show the foreigner will be transferred to the U.S. to act as a
manager, executive or someone with specialized knowledge.
Can only work for U.S. company for between 5 & 7 years (time spent on
a H1B visa will be combined with time spent on an L1 visa).
Spouse and children can get permission to work too (L2).
L1As can skip PERM labor certification for green cards.
Is Your Company Involved in Foreign
Trade?
E-1 Treaty Trader
To qualify for E-1 classification, the treaty trader must:
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Treaty traders carry on substantial trade in goods, including but not
limited to services and technology, principally between the United
States and the foreign country of which they are citizens or
nationals.
Treaty investors direct the operations of an enterprise in which they
have invested, or are actively investing, a substantial amount of
money.
Be a national of a country with which the United States
maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation.
Carry on substantial trade.
Carry on principal trade between the United States
and the treaty country which qualified the treaty trader
for E-1 classification.
Does the Foreign Worker Want to
Invest in Your Company?
E-2 Treaty Investor
To qualify for E-2 classification, the treaty investor must:
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Be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and
navigation.
Have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a
bona fide enterprise in the United States.
Be seeking to enter the United States solely to develop and direct the investment
enterprise. This is established by showing at least 50% ownership of the enterprise or
possession of operational control through a managerial position or other corporate device.
A substantial amount of capital is:
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Substantial in relationship to the total cost of either purchasing an established enterprise or
establishing a new one.
Sufficient to ensure the treaty investor’s financial commitment to the successful operation of
the enterprise.
Of a magnitude to support the likelihood that the treaty investor will successfully develop and
direct the enterprise. The lower the cost of the enterprise,
the higher, proportionately, the investment
must be to be considered substantial.
Is the Foreign Worker from Australia?
E-3 Certain Specialty Occupation
Professionals from Australia
To qualify for an E-3 visa, you must demonstrate that you:
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Are a national of Australia.
Have a legitimate offer of employment in the United States.
Possess the necessary academic or other qualifying credentials
Will fill a position that qualifies as a specialty occupation.
2 year visa.
Cannot apply for a green card.
Do You Need Temporary/Seasonal Foreign
Workers?
The H2B Visa
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For seasonal, intermittent, or one-time employment
Valid for one year. Two one-year extensions are available
Temporary Labor Certification from DOL is required before filing
Timing is EVERYTHING!!
Who Qualifies for a H2B Visa?
To qualify for H-2B nonimmigrant classification, the petitioner must establish that:
• There are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the
temporary work.
• The employment of H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working
conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
• Its need for the prospective worker’s services or labor is temporary, regardless of whether
the underlying job can be described as temporary. The employer’s need is considered
temporary if it is a:
One-time occurrence – A petitioner claiming a one-time occurrence must show that it
has:
• Not employed workers to perform the service or labor in the past, and will not need
workers to perform the services or labor in the future; or
• An employment situation that is otherwise permanent, but a temporary event of
short duration has created the need for a temporary worker.
Who Qualifies for a H2B Visa –
Continued
Seasonal need – A petitioner claiming a seasonal need must show that the service or
labor for which it seeks workers is:
• Traditionally tied to a season of the year by an event or pattern; and
• Of a recurring nature.
Note: Employment is not seasonal if the period during which the service or labor
is needed is:
• Unpredictable;
• Subject to change; or
• Considered a vacation period for the employer's permanent employees.
Additional H2B Qualifications
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Peak load Need – A petitioner claiming a peak load need must show that it:
• Regularly employs permanent workers to perform the services or labor at the place of
employment;
• Needs to temporarily supplement its permanent staff at the place of employment due to a
seasonal or short-term demand; and
• The temporary additions to staff will not become part of the employer's regular operation.
or
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Intermittent Need – A petitioner claiming an intermittent need must show that it:
• Has not employed permanent or full-time workers to perform the services or labor; and
• Occasionally or intermittently needs temporary workers to perform services or labor for
short periods.
Process for Filing H2B Visas:
Step 1 – DOL/SWA
1.
Determine if visas are still available. H2B cap is 66,000 visas a year divided into 2 six-month
timeframes. Only 33,000 visas given in a six-month time period.
2. Figure out if position job description qualifies – does the position define a temporary, one-time,
seasonal need, peak load need or intermittent need?
• Must be for a full-time position.
• Can apply for multiple beneficiaries as long as will be doing the same type of work on the same
terms & conditions in the same area of employment.
• Must demonstrate there is no labor dispute at the workplace – aka strike.
3. Submit job description for Prevailing Wage (PW).
4. Register with Chicago NPC to establish need for H2B prior to filing with SWA & conducting
recruitment.
5. Submit job order to SWA in area of intended employment concurrent with filing Form ETA-9142.
6. Prepare & file Form ETA-9142 after the Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) is obtained.
7. Conduct Recruitment.
8. Contact former U.S. employees who were laid off in the last 120 days & were employed during the
previous year.
9. Do Posting.
10. Prepare Recruitment Report.
Step 1 – DOL/SWA
Recruitment
The only advertisement we KNOW we are required to run is
a newspaper advertisement. This ad needs to run once for
two (2) consecutive days; one of the days MUST be a
Sunday.
Once information is submitted to DOL, they will notify us
of the other recruitment steps that have to be taken – will
likely involve advertising mediums that will allow for a
nationwide search for a qualified U.S. worker.
Process for Filing H2B Visas:
Step 2 – USCIS
General Information:
• Submit the certified ETA 9142 and appropriate
documentation to USCIS.
• I-129 with H2B supplement form.
• Beneficiary qualification (where required).
• Statement of temporary need & acknowledgment of paying
beneficiary’s return transportation abroad if dismissed.
• Filing Fees = $325 (application), $500 (fraud prevention) and
$1,225 (premium processing).
Process for Filing H2B Visas:
Step 2 Cont. – USCIS
Petition Requirements:
• Need approved TEC from DOL
• Evidence addressing temporary nature of employer’s needs.
• Evidence for the number of employees needed.
• Evidence that agent meets qualifications above under 214.2(h)(2)(i)(F).
• Itinerary, including services & dates of engagement and names & addresses
of employer and place of work if filed by agent.
• Evidence of applicants’ nationality and separate filing for employees from
non-eligible countries.
• Additional attestation requirements including petitioner’s responsibility for
return transportation costs, agreement to notify USCIS if employee fails to
appear or abandons work, and that beneficiary has not paid fees to obtain the
employment.
• Must come from country on designated list of countries applicable to H2B
program – listed on Federal Register.
Final Step –
Consulate Interview
Once USCIS approves the H2B visa application,
each FN will have to schedule an appointment with the
U.S. Consulate closest to their home abroad.
H2B Visas Things to Consider
• Should not apply for FNs who have ever been in the U.S. illegally.
• Beneficiaries cannot pay for any of the costs of applying for the H2B visa nor
can they reimburse the company for those costs afterward.
• Certification cannot be transferred to another employer.
• The SWA Job Order & Newspaper Ad must to contain everything but the kitchen
sink resulting in newspaper ad being expensive.
• The employer has to buy each FN a round-trip ticket to & from the U.S.
• H2B cap does not apply to spouses & children. Returning workers are not
counted toward the cap.
• If the employer terminates the H2B employee before the end of the requested
work period, the employer must notify USCIS within 2 working days of the
termination. Must also notify USCIS if employee fails to show up for work
within 5 days of start date or at any time during the work period.
• Extensions can be obtained for not more than 12 months at a time for a maximum
of 3 years.
PERMANENT LABOR
CERTIFICATION
The DOL labor certification process (PERM) verifies the
following:
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There are insufficient available, qualified, and willing U.S. workers to fill the
position being offered at the prevailing wage.
Hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working
conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
Steps Under PERM: Employment Based
Labor Certification (“Green Card”)
FIRST STEPS:
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Determine job description, requirements, and duties.
Make sure it does not surpass ONET and that company can pay the prevailing wage.
Company must pay 100% of the prevailing wage.
Non-professional vs. professional positions.
• AFTER JOB DESCRIPTION FINALIZED:
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Obtain prevailing wage from Department of Labor.
Prepare previous employment letters.
• WHEN PW & LETTERS ARE BACK, BEGIN ADVERTISEMENTS:
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Post position at State Job Services website for 30 days.
Internal posting for 10 business days 30-180 days before filing (holidays & weekends do
not count).
Conduct any other in-house media that is normally done for positions at the company;
wage must be included on some postings.
Advertise in 2 consecutive Sunday newspapers or in 1 journal and 1 Sunday newspaper.
Additional Steps for Professional Positions
(Must Choose Three From This List)
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Trade or Professional Organization
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On-Campus Recruitment
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Campus Placement Offices
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Radio or TV Ad
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Employer’s Website
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Job Search Website
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Job Fairs
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Private Employment Firm
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Employee Referral Program with Incentives
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Local or Ethnic Newspaper
Steps During & After
Advertisement/Recruitment
DURING:
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Register company and attorney with Department of Labor.
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Prepare documents in case of audit (keep for 5 years).
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Finalize Recruitment (must show that no qualified US worker is
available).
AFTER:
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File form on Department of Labor website.
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Wait for audit, certification (approval) and/or denial (no errors).
After Receive Certification/Approval
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File I-140 with USCIS regarding company.
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Must prove ability to pay and FN’s qualifications.
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Company must prove ability to pay as of the year they file for the FN.
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Once company I-140 is approved, file with USCIS regarding FN (I-485).
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Can only apply for I-485 if Visa Bulletin shows visas are available for their
home country.
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Must always be able to prove that employment exists.
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Can transfer approved I-140 to another company if your I-485 has been
pending more than 6 months.
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May or may not have an interview.
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May be able to extend H1B up to 3 years past 6th year on H1B if I-140 is
approved.
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If denied, you start PERM process all over.
Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA)
Guidelines
You may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals if you:
Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request
for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June
15, 2012;
Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have
obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of
the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
• Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and
do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
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Age Requirements
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Anyone requesting consideration for deferred action under this process must have been under 31 years
old as of June 15, 2012. You must also be at least 15 years or older to request deferred action, unless
you are currently in removal proceedings or have a final removal or voluntary departure order.
Filing Process for DACA
If you meet the guidelines for DACA under this process, you will need
to complete the following steps to make your request to USCIS.
Collect documents as evidence you meet the guidelines.
You will need to submit supporting documents with your request for consideration of
deferred action for childhood arrivals. You can submit legible copies of these documents
unless the instructions specify you must submit an original document.
Rules of Thumb/Recap
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Make sure the FN has valid work authorization.
Be sure you know when an employee can begin working for you.
Make sure you know which documents must be stored and for how long.
Know what types of activities certain visas are limited to.
Travel – always plan ahead.
Plan for contingencies. Life happens so make sure that you know your travel and
other employment options.
Track expiration dates carefully.
Know that certain processes rely on good timing.
Consistently apply your employment policies.
Know what the laws are concerning the foreign worker’s salary.
Ensure that all filings reflect what is actually true for the company and the
employee.
In Employment-based Visas you are tied to the employer. In other words, once
the foreign national stops work you effectively lose your immigration status.
Know when you have to consult an immigration or employment law attorney.
Questions?
Contact us at:
kim@buhlerlawoffice.com
(801) 691-0604
www.buhlerlawoffice.com