November 6, 2012 Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 1 Navigating the Immigration Maze Strategies and Solutions from Student to Work Visa Michael.
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November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 1
Navigating the Immigration Maze
Strategies and Solutions from Student to Work Visa
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”F-1 Optional Practical Training (“OPT”)
“Cap Gap”
Visa Alternatives to H-1B & OPT
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 3
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B – “Specialty Occupation”Employer-SpecificProfessional
• Requires Bachelor’s degree or equivalent– CIS work experience 3:1 rule
3 Year validity period• 6 year maximum• Extensions beyond 6 year maximum in limited
circumstances
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 4
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B – “Specialty Occupation”H-1B status limited by annual quota (“cap”)
• Maximum number each Fiscal Year (“FY”)– Unless EXEMPT
• Federal government FY– Starts October 1st – Ends September 30th
– FY-2013 started 10/1/12 and will end 9/30/13
H-1B Cap = 195,000 in FY-2003H-1B Cap = 65,000 in FY-2004 and later
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 5
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B “Portability”Greatly simplifies mobility among employers
H-1B workers can start new employment• Upon filing of new “non-frivolous” H-1B Petition
– Subject to final approval of new H-1B Petition
• Need not wait for approval of H-1B Petition to begin work
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 6
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B “Portability”Requirements
• Lawfully admitted to U.S.• New petition filed prior to expiration of
authorized stay– CIS has discretion to forgive “lapse in
status”• No prior employment w/o authorization
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 7
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B CapEmployers can file H-1B petitions up to 6 months before start date
• FY-2013 started 10/1/12• FY-2014 starts 10/1/13
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 8
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B CapIf H-1B cap is exhausted for current FY
• Must wait until 6 months before next FY to file– Unless EXEMPT from H-1B cap
• “H-1B Cap Season” begins on April 1st
– 6 months before start of next FY and new H-1B cap
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 9
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B CapH-1B Lottery
• If maximum number reached in initial filing window• Computer-generated random selection of H-1B petitions
Wait list selection also by lottery• To replace selected H-1B petitions later denied,
withdrawn, or found ineligible
Non-selected or wait listed H-1B petitions• Returned to sponsoring employers• With filing fees
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 10
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B CapH-1B Lottery – Advanced Registration
New CIS Proposed Rule• Only employers selected in advance will be able to file
H-1B petitions in lottery period• Eliminates large CIS intake of H-1B petitions during initial
filing window and return of non-selected H-1B petitions• Saves employers time and expense of filing H-1B
petitions that are not selected in lottery
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 11
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap – Next FY-2014Earliest filing date for FY-2014 start date of 10/1/13 is 4/1/13
Initial filing window 1st 5 business days• Monday 4/1/13 to Friday 4/5/13
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 12
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap – Current FY-2013FY-2013 H-1B cap not reached during initial filing window 4/2/12 to 4/6/12
• No H-1B lottery for FY-2013• All H-1B petitions filed during initial filing
window assigned an H-1B cap number (subject to approval)
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 13
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap – FY-2013As of 6/11/12: 65,000 H-1B cap reached
Only non-cap H-1B’s approvable until FY-2014 (start dates beginning 10/1/13)
• Unless EXEMPT from H-1B cap– H-1B workers previously counted in cap– Other exempt H-1B workers
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 14
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
Snapshot of Prior Year H-1B Cap (FY-2012)
FY-2012 H-1B cap not reached during initial filing window 4/1/11 to 4/7/11
• No H-1B lottery for FY-2012• All H-1B petitions filed during initial filing
window assigned an H-1B cap number (subject to approval)
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 15
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
Snapshot of Prior Year H-1B Cap (FY-2011)
FY-2011 H-1B cap not reached during initial filing window 4/1/10 to 4/7/10
• No H-1B lottery for FY-2011• All H-1B petitions filed during initial filing
window assigned an H-1B cap number (subject to approval)
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 16
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
Snapshot of Prior Year H-1B Cap (FY-2010)
FY-2010 H-1B cap not reached during initial filing window 4/1/09 to 4/7/09
• No H-1B lottery for FY-2010• All H-1B petitions filed during initial filing
window assigned an H-1B cap number (subject to approval)
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 17
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
Snapshot of Prior Year H-1B Cap (FY-2009)
FY-2009 H-1B cap reached 4/7/08• 5th day of H-1B filing window for FY-2009
10/1/08 start dates
Approx. 163,000 H-1B petitions filed subject to FY-2009 cap
• During initial lottery period • Between 4/1/08 to 4/7/08
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 18
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap – Current/Prior YearsImpact of the Recession
• Current FY-2013 H-1B Cap reached 6/11/12• Prior FY-2012 H-1B Cap reached 11/22/12• Prior FY-2011 H-1B Cap reached 1/26/11• Prior FY-2010 H-1B cap reached 12/21/09
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 19
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap – Current/Prior YearsBooming economy prior FY-2009 and FY-2008
• H-1Bs exhausted during initial filing window– 1st 5 business days of April– 6 months ahead of October 1st start date
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 20
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap – Current FY-2013Only non-cap H-1B’s approvable until FY-2014 (start dates beginning 10/1/13)
• Unless EXEMPT from H-1B cap– H-1B workers previously counted in cap– Other exempt H-1B workers
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 21
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap ExemptionsInstitutions of higher education
Nonprofit entities related to or affiliated with institutions of higher education
Nonprofit research organizations
Governmental research organizations
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 22
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap ExemptionsHolders of U.S. Masters or higher degrees
• 20,000 H-1B cap exemptions each fiscal year• Random selection lottery, if necessary
– Preceding the general 65,000 cap lottery– Advanced degree holders not selected for one of
20,000 exemptions also included in 65,000 cap lottery
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 23
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap ExemptionsHolders of U.S. Masters or higher degrees
• Current year FY-2013• Advanced degree H-1B cap exemptions
exhausted 6/7/12
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 24
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap ExemptionsHolders of U.S. Masters or higher degrees
• Snapshot of prior year FY-2012• Advanced degree H-1B cap exemptions
exhausted 10/19/11
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 25
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap ExemptionsHolders of U.S. Masters or higher degrees
• Snapshot of prior year FY-2011• Advanced degree H-1B cap exemptions
exhausted 12/22/10
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 26
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap ExemptionsHolders of U.S. Masters or higher degrees
• Snapshot of prior year FY-2010• Advanced degree H-1B cap exemptions
exhausted 10/25/09
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 27
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap ExemptionsHolders of U.S. Masters or higher degrees
• Snapshot of prior year FY-2009• Advanced degree H-1B cap exemptions
exhausted 4/7/08
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 28
H-1B “Specialty Occupation”
H-1B Cap ExemptionsProspective H-1B employees previously granted H-1B status
• In the past 6 years• Not left U.S. for >1 year after attaining H-1B
status• Not previously worked for a cap-exempt
organization/not counted against the H-1B cap in past 6 years
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 29
F-1 OPT
“Cap-Gap”Gap in status between• Student’s F-1 status and OPT
employment authorization expiration– In current fiscal year
• Start of H-1B status– In next fiscal year
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 30
F-1 OPT
Cap-Gap relief for F-1 StudentsWhere pending or approved H-1B petition• For following fiscal year (with 10/1 start date)
Automatically extends period of F-1 status and employment authorization• Covers period between end of OPT/60-day
departure period to start of following fiscal year H-1B petition approval start date
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 31
F-1 OPT
Cap-Gap relief for F-1 StudentsAutomatic extension terminates if CIS rejects, denies, or revokes H-1B petitionCap-Gap benefits only if no violation of status
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 32
Visa Alternatives to H-1B & OPT
TN – NAFTA ProfessionalCanadaMexico
H-1B1 – FTA ProfessionalChileSingapore
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 33
Visa Alternatives to H-1B & OPT
E-1 – Treaty TraderE-2 – Treaty InvestorE-3 – Professional
U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement• Limit = 5,400 per FY
“Specialty Occupation” requirement
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 38
H-1B1 FTA Professional
H-1B1 – FTA ProfessionalLCA requirementLimited to 18 monthsNo “Dual Intent” as with regular H-1B’s• Required to overcome presumption of
“Immigrant Intent”
After 5 renewals, counts against regular H-1B cap
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 39
H-1B1 FTA Professional
H-1B1 – FTA ProfessionalApplication Options
• Primary jurisdiction @ U.S. embassies and consulates abroad
– No CIS approval required
• Alternative application to CIS if in U.S.– If depart U.S., must apply for visa @ U.S. embassy
or consulate abroad
• Change/Extension of status with CIS in U.S.
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 40
E-1 Treaty Trader
E-1 – Treaty TraderEmployer-Specific
No prior employment abroad req’d (unlike L-1)
Treaty must exist - U.S. & other country
Majority ownership/control of U.S. entity• At least 50% by treaty country nationals• Excluding U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents• Direct and/or Indirect ownership• 50/50 Split- Negative Control
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 41
E-1 Treaty Trader
E-1 – Treaty TraderSponsored employee must be citizen of treaty country
With 50/50 ownership split• U.S. entity can qualify for 2 different treaty countries
2 Year maximum visa validity period• Indefinite extensions
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 42
E-1 Treaty Trader
E-1 Treaty TraderApplication Options
• Primary jurisdiction @ U.S. embassies and consulates abroad
– No CIS approval required
• Alternative application to CIS if in U.S.– If depart U.S., must apply for visa @ U.S. embassy
or consulate abroad
• Change/Extension of status with CIS in U.S.
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 43
E-1 Treaty Trader
E-1 Special RequirementsTrade
• Exchange, purchase, or sale of goods, services or technology
Substantial• No minimum dollar threshold• Volume of trade• Number of transactions• Includes binding contracts• Continued course of trade
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 44
E-1 Treaty TraderE-1 Special Requirements
Principally with U.S.• 50%+ of total volume of international trade of
the U.S. entity must consist of trade between U.S. and treaty country
Duties• Executive, Supervisory• Highly Specialized Essential Skills• Not including “ordinarily skilled” workers
Majority ownership/control of U.S. entity• At least 50% by treaty country nationals• Excluding U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents• Direct and/or Indirect ownership• 50/50 Split- Negative Control
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 47
E-2 Treaty Investor
E-2 – Treaty InvestorSponsored employee must be citizen of treaty country
With 50/50 ownership split• U.S. entity can qualify for 2 different treaty countries
2 Year maximum visa validity period• Indefinite extensions
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 48
E-2 Treaty Investor
E-2 Treaty InvestorApplication Options
• Primary jurisdiction @ U.S. embassies and consulates abroad
– No CIS approval required
• Alternative application to CIS if in U.S.– If depart U.S., must apply for visa @ U.S. embassy
or consulate abroad
• Change/Extension of status with CIS in U.S.
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 49
E-2 Treaty Investor
E-2 Special RequirementsActive investment
• Irrevocable commitment of funds• Actual active investment• Not passive investment
– Uncommitted funds in bank account– Stocks– Undeveloped land
• Land development vs. land investment
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 50
E-2 Treaty Investor
E-2 Special Requirements“Substantial” investment
• No minimum dollar amount– Standards for new or existing business
• Proportionality Test– Measured against the type of business– Small and medium businesses– The lower the cost of the enterprise, the higher
proportionally the investment must be to be considered “substantial”
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 51
E-2 Treaty Investor
E-2 Special Requirements“Substantial” investment
• Investment in process – Start-up company
• Investor’s own resources• “At risk” in the commercial sense
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 52
E-2 Treaty Investor
E-2 Special RequirementsCannot be “marginal”
• To only support the investor & his family• Create job opportunities for U.S. workers
– Employees– Outside contractors
• Significant impact upon U.S.
November 6, 2012Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
Pordy & Ecker, P.A. 53
E-2 Treaty Investor
E-2 Special RequirementsEssential role in enterprise
• Investor to develop and direct investment• Executives, Supervisors, Specially Qualified
Essential employee• Not including “ordinarily skilled” workers
Legal DisclaimerFacts of individual cases differThe information provided herein is general in nature and should not be relied uponConsult with an experienced immigration attorney with regard to specific cases