???? Corporate Immigration and Compliance NEWSLETTER January 2025 for YOU

In this newsletter, I share updates about:

? Register for my two H-B Cap Webinars: How to prepare for the upcoming H-1B Cap Lottery?

? Discover the latest I-129 Form Updates: What employers and foreign nationals need to know?

? Why HR Leaders should Join my HR Corporate Immigration Workshop this February!

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?? Register for my two H-B Cap Webinars: How to prepare for the upcoming H-1B Cap Lottery?

Yes, it is that time of the year already!?

And, we’re ready to share with you how to best prepare for another emotional H-1B cap lottery season

Each year, the demand far exceeds the available slots, making it essential for you to prepare proactively and strategically.

REGISTER below for our exclusive webinars designed for employers and foreign nationals.

?These sessions are crafted to provide you with actionable insights and proven strategies to increase your chances of securing H-1B visas for your top candidates.

1??? What Employers Need to Know about the H-1B Cap Lottery (FY26)??

?? Wed.? January 22 from 2 to 2:30 PM EST

This concise, practical and engaging webinar will cover:

• Overview of the H-1B Cap Lottery Process – Key steps and timelines
• Policy Updates – Recent changes and what they mean for employers.
• Employer’s Obligations – Responsibilities to ensure compliance.
• Required documentation?

??? Register here: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/149077/142450745445188896/share

?2??? What Foreign Nationals Need to Know about the H-1B Cap Lottery (FY26)??

?? Wed. ? January 29 from 2 to 3:00 PM EST

This practical and engaging webinar will cover:

• H-1B Cap Lottery Process – Key timelines and procedural essentials.
• Eligibility & Documentation – Requirements and tips for a strong application.
• Strategies for success –Boost lottery odds and plan for next steps.
• Post-lottery Insights – Filling process, challenges and options if not selected.

??? Register here: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/149077/142451073762723361/share

Whether you’re new to the process or looking to stay up to date, these webinars are Your Gateway to Clarity and Peace of Mind.??

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? Discover the latest I-129 Form Updates: What employers and foreign workers need to know??

Are you ready for the changes that could redefine how H-1B petitions are filed and evaluated??

The USCIS has unveiled a revised I-129 form, effective January 17, 2025. While the updates may appear minor, they carry significant implications for petition approvals, RFEs, and potential denials.

Here’s what you need to know—and how to prepare:

1. Specialty Occupation Definition Update

• What’s New: H-1B job positions must now explicitly require education directly related to the specialized field. Generalized degrees like “MBA” or “engineering” are no longer sufficient.
• How to Prepare: Ensure job descriptions specify degrees and areas of specialization, such as “MBA with a focus in digital analytics” or “Civil Engineering.” Align required qualifications directly with the job duties.

2. Extended Cap-Gap Work Authorization for F-1 Visa Holders

• What’s New: F-1 students transitioning to H-1B status will now benefit from extended cap-gap work authorization through April 1 of the following year, instead of ending on October 1.
• How to Prepare: This change could bring much needed anxiety relief!? When filing H-1B petitions under change of status (COS), F-1 employees will be able to continue to work while awaiting USCIS decisions, even amidst processing delays.

3. Mandatory Site Visit Participation

• What’s New: USCIS site visits for H-1B petitions will be mandatory, allowing USCIS officers to visit worksites, homes, or client locations, interview managers, and verify records. Non-cooperation could result in denial or revocation of petitions.
• How to Prepare: Training and Preparation for Managers, HR Leaders and Employees are Key!? Maintain accurate and accessible documentation of job duties, work locations, and compliance records.

4. Effective Date & New Form Edition - The new DHS rule and I-129 form take effect January 17, 2025.

These updates signal a more stringent and thorough approach to H-1B petitions. Employers who proactively adapt to these changes will not only ensure compliance but also strengthen their ability to secure approvals in an evolving immigration landscape.

I will continue to provide updates on these developments.??

Staying informed is the first step—taking action is the next.

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? Why HR Leaders should Join my HR Corporate Immigration Workshop this February!

Navigating the complexities of corporate immigration can feel overwhelming for HR professionals, but it doesn’t have to be.

The HR Guide to Hiring Global Talent: Navigating the Journey from Job Application to Green Card Workshop is designed to simplify the process and empower HR leaders with actionable strategies to confidently manage foreign national cases.

What You’ll Gain

This workshop provides a clear roadmap to transform the immigration journey into a streamlined, proactive workflow. Here’s what participants can expect:

Workshop Goals

• Simplify Corporate Immigration: Break down complex processes into clear, manageable steps.
• Deliver Actionable Strategies: Provide tools to more efficiently handle foreign national cases.
• Solve HR Pain Points: Address challenges like compliance, timing, and effective communication.
• Learn Through Real-Life Scenarios: Gain insights from case studies and interactive sessions that bring the process to life.

Workshop Highlights

• Interactive Icebreakers: Kick off with engaging activities like the “Immigration Emoji Challenge” and “Guess the Visa” trivia, setting a collaborative and dynamic tone.
• Recruitment Insights: Explore best practices for discussing sponsorship during recruitment while ensuring compliance. Role-playing scenarios prepare participants for real-world conversations.
• I-9 Compliance Made Simple: Dive into document verification, avoid common pitfalls, and practice identifying compliance issues through hands-on activities.
• Visa Transitions and Timing: Understand pathways like H-1B and green cards. Analyze best- and common-case scenarios to identify potential risks and solutions.
• Best Practices for Success: Identify red flags, anticipate administrative changes, and brainstorm solutions in a collaborative environment.
• Mapping the Journey: Walk through the full immigration process—from job offer to green card—with interactive activities that simplify complex scenarios.
• Closing and Key Takeaways: Recap best practices, provide actionable templates, and gather participant feedback to refine approaches.

Why This Workshop Matters

This is more than a training session—it’s a strategic investment in building a globally competitive workforce. By equipping HR leaders with these insights and tools, you’ll foster growth, inclusion, and compliance within your organization.

Secure your spot and RSVP HERE!