UNM 04/21/2017Immigrant Visas

Caterina KretzImmigration Attorney

Timothy ReardonSenior Paralegal

Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A.2305 Renard Place SE, Suite 110

Albuquerque, NM 87106505-266-8739

t.reardon@maneygordon.com

What is an IV?

Family v. Employment

The Visa Bulletin

What Are The Categories?

How Do Visa Quotas Work?

Let’s check online

UNM 04/21/2017Postgraduate

Immigration Options

Caterina KretzImmigration Attorney

Timothy ReardonSenior Paralegal

Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A.2305 Renard Place SE, Suite 110

Albuquerque, NM 87106505-266-8739

t.reardon@maneygordon.com

Employment Categories

Eb-1(1), Eb-1(2), Eb-1(3)

Eb-2

Eb-3

Eb-4

Eb-5

Labor Certification

Most need it, but some do not

• What is it?

• Who is exempt?

• Eb-1(1) & Eb-1(2)

• Eb-2 if NIW

Eb-1(1)

Persons of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

Eb-1(1)

Nobel Prize, Olympic Medal or

3 out of 10

1 lesser award, 2 membership, 3 published about you, 4 judge, 5 original contributions, 6 authorship, 7 exhibits, 8 performance in leading role, 9 $$, 10commercial success performing arts

Eb-1(2)

Outstanding Professors and Researchers standing apart in the academic community through eminence and distinction

Eb-1(2)

3 years experience in teaching or research in the academic area and 2 out of 6

1 major prize, 2 membership, 3 published about you, 4 judge, 5 original scientific research, 6 authorship

Eb-2

• 3 distinct sub categories

• Advanced Degree

• Exceptional Ability

• National Interest Waiver

Eb-2

Advanced Degree

LC required

Eb-2

Exceptional Ability

A degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered and 3 out of 6

1 related degree, 2 10 years experience, 3 license, 4 $$, 5 membership, 6 recognition for achievements, (7 comparable evidence)

Eb-2

National Interest Waiver

• No LC required

• The benefit will be national in scope

Eb-3

Skilled and Unskilled Labor

UNM - NIV

F-1, F-2

H-1B, H-4

J-1, J-2

O-1, O-3

TN, TD

F-1 & F-2

The F-1 Minefield

CP – COS – EOS – SEVIS – CPT – OPT –STEM – CAP-GAP – 90 – 60 – 30 days

STEM-OPT

• 24 months STEM OPT extension

• Be in valid OPT

• Current or previous STEM degree

STEM-Employer

• E-Verify

• Employer / Employee Relationship

• Material Changes Reported to DSO

• Training Program and Opportunities

• Not replacing U.S. worker

More STEM

• 20 hour minimum

• Unemployment

– OPT up to 90 days

– STEM 17 months up to 120 days

– STEM 24 months up to 150 days

H-1B & H-4

The Basics

• Degree

• Job

• Wage

H-1B & H-4

Controversial Basics

• 65K – 5.1K – 1.2K + 20K = ?

• Cap or No Cap?

• Cap versus Cap Gap

• What is the Cap Gap?

H-1B & H-4

More Basics

• 6-year limit

• H-1B v. H-4 limits

• How to port to another job

H-1B & H-4

Beyond Basics

• AC21

• Take notes………

J-1 & J-2

Professors, Research Scholars, Short-term Scholars, Trainee or Intern, College or University Student, Nonacademic Specialist, Foreign Physician, International Visitor, Government Visitor, Camp Counselor, Au Pair, Summer Student in Travel/Work Program

J-1 & J-2

Different limitations for different fields:

• Students complete degree +18 months OPT

• Post-Doctoral - degree plus 36 months academic training

• Professors & Scholars limited to 5 years if no prior J-1.

J-1 & J-2

Fraught with Pitfalls

• INA 212(e)

• Skills List or Gov’t Funding

• Waivers?

O-1 & O-3

Are you among the small percentage who have risen to the very top of

their field of endeavor?

O-1 & O-3

Extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics

O-1 & O-3

Nobel Prize, Olympic Medal or

3 out of 8

1 award, 2 membership, 3 published, 4 judge, 5 original work, 6 scholarly authorship, 7 critical /essential employment, 8 $

TN & TD

Are you a Mexican or Canadian Professional?

TN & TD

• What are the TN Professions?

• How to get it and for how long?

• Pro’s and Con’s

I Can’t Take it Anymore

Ask About Any Immigration Issue

• Family Immigration• DACA / DAP• VAWA• Unlawful Presence Waivers• Removal• Comprehensive Immigration Reform• Anything of Interest to You…………..