Ellen Freeman’s Post

I recommend this video for anyone who is interested in learning more about H1B updates and guidelines. Great video!

After several proposed rules, a final change in the lottery structure, and fees set to increase on April 1st, #USCIS is finally all set to begin the H-1B lottery process for 2024 (the FY 2025 H-1B lottery). For those who are being entered, are entering individuals, or are considering entering individuals, check out the blog below for the important dates: #h1b #h1bvisa #h1blottery

You miss 💯 % of the shots you don’t take. Sometimes I hear employers or employees express their desire not to enter into the H-1B cap lottery because of fear. I’ve heard: 👂”What if I don’t get selected?” 👂 “The odds seem low that I would get picked.” 👂 “I wasn’t selected last year…so not sure if it’s even worth trying this year.” 👂 “Maybe I’m just better off remaining on my F-1 OPT.” 👂 “Maybe I will try next year..” I understand where you’re coming from. I understand you’re nervous and afraid to try. I understand that the odds are seemingly stacked against you because the demand for the H-1B visas exceeds supply. But what if you decided to take your shot anyway? What if you took your shot AND actually succeeded? Well, that’s exactly what happened to 2 of our H-1B registrants last year. Initially they were afraid and nervous but they ended up being selected in the H-1B cap lottery - no, not in the first round but in the second round. 🥳 And it was life-changing! We ultimately obtained H-1B status for both of them. 🥳 Instead of wondering if they needed to leave the U.S. next year when their F-1 OPT ended or experience the anxiety of trying to obtain a different type of visa to remain in the U.S. longer, they obtained their H-1B visas (which has a maximum duration of 6 years). “Susan, I’m SO glad we did it! Thank you so much!” It’s stories like these that we think about this year as we also help our clients get registered, one entry at a time. At 7:30am HST today, we completed all of the H-1B registrations for our clients. 🥳 If there is anyone out there who is still looking to get registered, there’s still time. We can assess if the H-1B is right for you. Just remember this - you won’t make 💯 % of the shots you don’t take. So let’s do it anyway. Because what if you actually succeed? 💕We’re rooting for you. #immigrationlawyer #facingfears #taketheshot #bebold #H1B

Overview of changes to H1B Lottery system DHS (Department of Homeland Security) on February 22, 2024 issued their final rule. Regardless of how many H1B registrations are submitted by an Applicant, this will not increase the person’s odds of being selected for H1B Lottery. This means whether you submit one H1B Application or 20 H1B Applications under the same Applicant name, it will not increase your odds. #H1B #DHS #H1BLottery

Want to sponsor yourself for an H-1B ...But heard you can't? In 2024 this could change. And NOW is a good time to take advantage of it. The H-1B lottery registration will be in March 2024. If you want to include yourself in the H-1B lottery for this upcoming year then you need to have your company set up before the registration period. The new proposed rule would allow a company to sponsor a founder even if the founder has majority ownership over the company. There will be some restrictions. For example, the H-1B will initially be approved for only 18 months (instead of 3 years). And we don't know for sure if this rule will go forward. But if it does, and you don't plan ahead, you might miss the upcoming H-1B lottery registration. So if you've ever thought about founding a company and using the company to sponsor yourself for an H-1B, this is a good time to start!

Having worked in employment-based immigration and corporate global mobility, I've seen the uphill battle that many foreign nationals face in their immigration journey - specifically those from countries with significant visa backlogs like India and China. In these situations, it's not just about understanding the immigration process; it's about empathizing with the individuals behind the paperwork. Most people don't have personal experience with immigration, and this limited perspective hinders our ability to truly empathize with these challenges. Many established companies have global mobility strategies geared to retaining their foreign national employees, recognizing the immense value that these individuals bring to their organizations. However, immigration strategy tends to be developed /after/ there is a disruption to the business and the need becomes urgent. We need to recognize that someone's immigration status has an impact far beyond authorization to work. Immigrant employees are in an especially vulnerable position, where the employer/employee power dynamic may deter them from seeking the support they need. We need to move beyond understanding to actively supporting these individuals, and ensuring they feel empowered to seek immigration support without fear of repercussions. 🤗

USCIS has published a final rule which alters the method of counting H-1B lottery entries for this year’s H-1B lottery running March 6 to 22, 2024. Read more about this new rule in our latest LEGALcurrents and how it impacts this year’s H-1B lottery. #immigration #immigrationlaw #news

USCIS has published a final rule which alters the method of counting H-1B lottery entries for this year’s H-1B lottery running March 6 to 22, 2024. Read more about this new rule in our latest LEGALcurrents from my Harter Secrest & Emery LLP colleagues, Frank Novak, Glenn Schieck, Susanne C. Heubel, LL.M., and Liz Lindhome, Esq., and how it impacts this year’s H-1B lottery. #immigration #immigrationlaw #news

Have you been selected in the H-1B Cap lottery? Changing employers during your H-1B journey is common. Here's what you should know

USCIS has published a final rule which alters the method of counting H-1B lottery entries for this year’s H-1B lottery running March 6 to 22, 2024. Read more about this new rule in our latest LEGALcurrents and how it impacts this year’s H-1B lottery. #immigration #immigrationlaw #news