http://www.ranchodlaw.com Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:48:24 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en H-1B Cap Count UPDATE for Fiscal Year 2010 As of November 13, 2009, approximately 55,600 H-1B cap-subject petitions had been filed. USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions have been received to reach the statutory limits, taking into ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/november-09-immigration-news/ H-1B Cap Count UPDATE for Fiscal Year 2010 As of November 13, 2009, approximately 55,600 H-1B cap-subject petitions had been filed. USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions have been received to reach the statutory limits, taking into ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/uncategorized/november-09-immigration-news-2/ Immigration Attorney Offers Insights on Requirements for L1A Executive Manager If you’re an executive manager planning on coming to the United States to work for a company in an executive or managerial capacity, then you’ll need to secure a L1A visa. As an immigration attorney who works closely with clients in ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/l1a-visa/ A Consideration of L1B Specialized Knowledge Worker Visa Requirements In my work as an immigration attorney, I’ve handled a range of L1 visa immigration cases. Perhaps the most time sensitive visa applications are those relating to workers coming to the United States to perform duties on a temporary basis. In this ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/l1b-visa/ An Immigration Attorney Looks at Marriage to a US citizen and I-601 Hardship Waivers Usually, a foreign born spouse can have their petition for a visa approved and they can enter the United States with their husband or wife. But in my capacity as an immigration attorney, I’ve found that matters ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/i-601-hardship-waivers/ Immigration Lawyer Focuses on I-601 Hardship Waiver Process In an earlier article, I discussed some of the more common reasons that would make a foreign born spouse ineligible for a U.S. visa. My work as an immigration lawyer has brought me into contact with an array of people who are ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/i-601-hardship-waiver-process/ Immigration Attorney Explains Extreme Hardship in an I-601 Waiver Case If you’ve read my articles on obtaining an I-601 Waiver when you’re married or engaged and trying to immigrate to the U.S. with your partner, you know the basic reasons why you may be turned down for a visa and the ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/extreme-hardship-601-waiver/ H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa H1-B Specialty Occupation What is an H-1B visa? The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant classification used by an alien who will be employed temporarily in a specialty occupation or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability. Is there a limit on the number of H-1B aliens? Yes. Under current ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/h-1b-specialty-occupation-visa/ Form I-9 Amended U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has recently amended Form I-9, "Employment Eligibility Verification." Form I-9 is required of employers to verify newly hired employees' identities and employment authorization. The revised Form updates the list of acceptable employment authorization and identity documents in accordance with current regulations. As of ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/november-immigration-update/ Green cards through employment are divided into five categories: First Preference EB-1 Priority Workers (no labor certification is required) Priority workers are divided up into three subcategories: i) Workers of Extraordinary Ability Extraordinary ability is demonstrated through achievements that have been publicly recognized in a period of sustained national or international acclaim. ii) Outstanding Professors ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/employment-based-green-card-article/ O-1 Individuals of Extraordinary Ability or Achievement Employment Based Visas Highly talented or acclaimed foreign nationals may eligible for an O visa. Individuals who may qualify for this visa are entertainers, scientists and high-end chefs, businessman, and athletes. For more information, please visit our specialized O-1 Visa page on www.doctorsimmigrationlaw.com http://www.ranchodlaw.com/other-visas/o-1-extraordinary-ability-achievement-visa/ L1 Visa Attorney The Ranchod Law Group in San Francisco, California, works with business organizations around the world to help employers secure L1 visas for employees working in the United States on intra-company transfer status. Contact U.S. immigration attorney Kaushik Ranchod to schedule an appointment to discuss an L1 visa and ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/l-1-employment-visa-intra-company-transfers/ K-3 Marriage Visa Client Services USCIS PREPARATION Our office prepares and submits all documentation for the immediate relative and K3 petition. We will provide you with advice on documentation that should be submitted with both the immediate relative and K3 petition so that your application does not experience unnecessary delays. If our ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/marriage-based-client-services/ San Francisco, California, H-1B Visa Lawyer The Ranchod Law Group advises and represents individuals and organizations nationwide who are seeking experienced legal help with their H-1B and H-2B visa needs. We are ready to help you with all of our employment visa needs. Contact our office to arrange a consultation to ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/h-1b-work-visa/ San Francisco Doctor and Nurse Visa Lawyer Our firm has a concentration in representing nurse recruiters, small to large hospitals and foreign nurses. We are passionate about helping foreign nurses and hospitals succeed in the immigration system to meet the healthcare shortage. Attorney Ranchod became aware of the profound impact that ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/doctor-nurse-and-healthcare-visas/ Nationwide E2 Investor Visa Lawyer | E2 Visa The Ranchod Law Group works with investors throughout the world to help them with all of their E-2 treaty investor visa and immigration needs. An E-2 visa is available for foreign nationals living in countries with which the United States has a treaty ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/e-2-investor-visa/ PERM Labor Certification PERM stands for Program Electronic Review Management. It is the word most often used to refer to the labor certification process for employers seeking permanent green card status for an employee. If you have a full time job offer you may qualify for Permanent Residence through the PERM ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/labor-certification-perm/ U.S. Employment Green Card Lawyer If you are an employer or an employee with employment visa concerns or questions, you may also have legal issues regarding residency and green card status, Ranchod Law Group in San Francisco, California, can assist you. Immigration issues are governed by federal law, and immigration law ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/employment-based-green-cards/ San Francisco Artist and Performer Visa Lawyer The Ranchod Law Group is one of the nation's leading immigration law firms focusing on employment visas. We invite you to contact us in San Francisco, California, to discuss how we can help you with your O and P visa needs. P Visas P visas allow ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/o-p-entertainers-performers-and-athletes/ Applicants qualify for a J-1 & J-2 Exchange Visitor Visa if they are coming to the U.S. to participate in a program of studies, training, research, or cultural enrichment specifically designed by the United States Department of State (DOS). Individuals who qualify under this category are trainees, scholars, professors, teachers, ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/j-1-j-2-exchange-visitor-visa/ The most common nonimmigrant visa is the B visa, of which there are two types: B-1 visas for business visitors and B-2 visas for pleasure visitors. The application for the visa is made at a United States consulate. When applying, the applicant must demonstrate financial arrangements for the trip, specificity ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/b-1-b-2-business-pleasure-visa/ J-1 Waivers for Physicians Two Year Home Residency Requirement Most doctors who enter the U.S. on a J-1 visa to participate in a residency program are subject to the two year home residency requirement (INA Section 212(e)). The two year home residency requirement requires the doctor to return to their home country ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/j-1-waivers-for-physicians/ U.S. Immigration Lawyer Serving Clients in San Francisco and Nationally If you are a U.S. citizen considering getting married to a non-U.S. resident, Ranchod Law Group in San Francisco, California, can help you with your K-1 fiancée visa application. We have successfully handled hundreds of fiancée and marriage-based and family-based immigration ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/fiancee-visa/ K1 Fiancée Visa In situations where a U.S. citizen wishes to marry or has married an individual the K1 visa, K3 visa or adjusting status to lawful permanent residence (green card) are typically the most expeditious visas to reunite the U.S. citizen with his fiancée or spouse. A fiancée of a ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/k-1-fiancee-fiance-visa/ K-1 and K-3 Marriage Visa Client Services To discuss applying for a K-1 visa with an immigration attorney contact our office at 415-986-6186. We prepare your K-1 visa petition Filing the K-1 Petition 1. We prepare the K-1 petition in accordance with USCIS regulations. 2. Prior to filing we will provide you with advice on ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/k-1-and-k-3-client-services/ K3 Visa – Marriage Visa In situations where a U.S. citizen wishes to marry or has married an individual the K3 visa, K1 visa, or adjusting status to lawful permanent residence (green card) are typically the most expeditious visas to reunite the U.S. citizen with his spouse or fiancée. A fiancée ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/k-3-marriage-visa-article/ San Francisco Marriage Green Card Lawyer U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a fiancée visa or marriage green card for their intended spouse to reside in the United States legally. Our firm in San Francisco, California, works with clients nationwide who are seeking marriage green cards and other family visas ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/marriage-green-cards/ Marriage Based Adjustment of Status Adjustment of status is the process by which a nonimmigrant, while residing in the United States, may apply for lawful permanent residence (green card) based on a family based immigrant visa petition (I130) or employment based immigrant visa petition (I140). A U.S. citizen may petition for ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/green-card/ Parental Adjustment of Status Green Card Adjustment of Status (When the Parent is in the United States) Parents of a U.S. citizen are immediate relatives and their ability to obtain an immigrant visa is not restricted by numerical limitations. Under the immigration laws, there are only a certain number of immigrant visas ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/immediate-relative-green-card-parents/ Family-Based Green Card Overview Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have the advantage of not being restricted to quotas. Individuals who qualify as immediate relatives: i) Spouses of U.S. citizens ii) Unmarried people under the age of 21 who have at least one U.S. citizen parent iii) Parents of U.S. citizens, if the U.S. citizen child ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/preserving-green-card-and-family-based-green-card-overview/ How do I force the USCIS to move forward with my case? Most people who have ever had to deal with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the INS) know that the agency does not always move forward with a case even when the individual has taken all the ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/overcoming-cis-delays-private-immigration-bills/ Requirements for (E-1) Treaty Trader To qualify for an E-1 Treaty Trader visa you should meet the following criteria: (1) The requisite treaty exists (2) The individual and/or business possesses the nationality of the treaty country (3) The activities constitute trade; (4) The trade is substantial; (5) The trade is principally between the United States and ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/other-visas/e-1-treaty-traders-visa/ Nationwide E-2 Investor Visa Lawyer The Ranchod Law Group works with investors throughout the world to help them with all of their E-2 treaty investor visa and immigration needs. An E-2 treaty investor visa is available for foreign nationals living in countries with which the United States has a treaty relationship. ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/other-visas/e-2-investor-visa-2/ November 09-Immigration News Immigration News - April 09 H-1B visa and H-1B cap exemptions November/December Immigration Update September/October Immigration Update August/September Immigration Update June/July Immigration Update April/May Immigration Update February/March Immigration Update December/January Immigration Update November Immigration Update October Immigration Update September Immigration Update August Immigration Update July Immigration Update Please fill out the field below if you would like to receive immigration ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/immigration-news/ F-1 Student Visas The F-1 student visa is designed to allow students from other countries study full-time at an accredited college or university. The student may be eligible for practical work training for twelve months before or after graduation. If you are in optional practical training should contact an immigration attorney ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/other-visas/f-1-student-visa-and-m-1-occupational-visa/ What are the Requirements for an H-1B Transfer? The H-1B applicant must be in H-1B status; admitted lawfully to the U.S.; maintained lawful status; worked in lawful status; and the new petition must be filed prior to the expiration of the employee’s current H-1B status. If you are a Physician, Scientist or Researcher please ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/h-1b-transfer-and-extensions/ R-1 Religious Workers The R-1 visa allows religious workers to come to the United States to participate in a religious occupation and perform services for their religious organization. The religious organization must already be established in the United States. To discuss applying for an R-1 Religious Work visa with an immigration ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/other-visas/r-1-religious-workers/ H-1B Cap In 2004 the H-1B cap was reduced to 65,000 visas. In 2007 the H-1B cap was met on the first day. Over 100,000 applicants applied for the H-1B visa and the United States Immigration Service (USCIS) held a lottery to determine who would be the lucky winner of the ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/decemberjanuary-immigration-updates/ P Performing Entertainers and Athletes Employment Based Visas P visas are available to non-immigrants internationally known athletes and entertainment groups. Performing artists who fall under a reciprocal exchange program are available for a P-2 visa. P-3 visas are applicable to culturally unique entertainers. To discuss your case, with an immigration attorney call ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/other-visas/p-visas-performers-entertainers-athletes/ Naturalization: The Basics The most basic requirement for naturalization is that the applicant must be at least 18 years old. Children younger than 18 years whose parents are naturalized automatically obtain United States citizenship as long as the children have also met the requisite residency requirements. There are a number of ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/other-visas/citizenship-and-residency/ How do I force the USCIS to move forward with my case? Most people who have ever had to deal with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the INS) know that the agency does not always move forward with a case even when the individual has taken all the ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/other-visas/overcoming-cis-delays-private-immigration-bills-2/ Department of Homeland Security Publishes New Final Rule for REAL ID Card Standards The DHS has established new minimum standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and other ID cards that federal agencies will accept for official purposes on or after May 11, 2008, in accordance with the REAL ID Act of ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/februarymarch-immigration-update/ Visa Options for Nurses-Nurse Visas Nonimmigrant visa options for nurses are limited because most employers only require a two-year associate degree rather than a four-year bachelor’s degree. Note: Most states do not require bachelor’s degrees for a nursing license. H-1B Visas H-1B visas are available to individuals who work in an occupation that ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/nurse-and-health-care-visas/ Form I-9 Amended U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has recently amended Form I-9, ``Employment Eligibility Verification.'' Form I-9 is required of employers to verify newly hired employees’ identities and employment authorization. The revised Form updates the list of acceptable employment authorization and identity documents in accordance with current regulations. As of ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/october-immigration-update/ H-2B Cap Reached On October 1, 2007, USCIS announced that the H-2B Cap had been reached for the first half of Fiscal Year 2008. September 27, 2007 is the "final receipt date" for new H-2B worker petitions requesting employment start dates prior to April 1, 2008. The "returning worker" provisions initially enacted ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/september-immigration-update/ Will 750,000 Permanent Residents need to replace their Green Cards? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues Permanent Resident Cards (Forms I-551) to lawful permanent residents to serve as evidence of immigration status, registration, identity, and employment authorization, and as an entry document upon return from a trip outside of the ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/august-immigration-update/ Immigration Update July 11, 2007 Fee Increase A reminder that the increased fees for applications and petitions takes effect July 30, 2007. New Labor Certification Procedures USCIS announced new labor certifications procedures. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is instituting new procedures for filing a Petition for Alien Worker (I-140) that requires an approved ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/july-immigration-update/ If an H-1B applicant is unable to extend his or her H-1B visa for more than six years, and if he is not eligible for work authorization based on a pending permanent residence application, what does the H-1B applicant do to avoid these limitations? The employer could file an extension ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/recapturing-time-an-h-1b-applicant-has-spent-outside-of-the-us/ Filing your H-1B petition for your candidate with United States Immigration Services (USCIS) is only the first step in the process. You must also obtain a certification of a labor condition application (LCA) from the Department of Labor (DOL). At the very beginning, you need to make sure to post ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/complying-with-labor-condition-application-attestations/ USCIS TO ALLOW F-1 STUDENTS OPPORTUNITYTO REQUEST CHANGE OF STATUS Short-term, Immediate Measure for Beneficiaries of Selected H-1B Petitions U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it would allow F-1 students who are the beneficiaries of selected H-1B petitions for fiscal year (FY) 2009 to request a change of status in ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/aprilmay-immigration-update/ How to Overcome the H-1B Visa Quota and Protect Your Organization from Immigration Audits View our Power Point presentation for our HR Star Immigration Session at the Los Angeles Convention Center Top Immigration Resources for Human Resources Professionals Immigration Resources including contact information for Government Agencies http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/i-9-verification-and-employer-resources/ FBI Name Check Update Previously the FBI committed itself to providing the results of name checks within a 180 day period.  Failure to comply results in the adjudicator approving the I-485, 601, 687 or 698.  Prior to this policy, one or more year delays were common.  Fortunately, the FBI has reported ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/junejuly-2008-immigration-update/ USCIS Updates Projected Naturalization Processing Time U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it continues to make steady progress in reducing the significant number of naturalization applications it received last year. USCIS field office projections are listed below. These projections indicate the average time it will take to complete a ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/augustseptember-immigration-update/ Search for Illegal immigrants goes far from border USA Today reports that Border Patrol agents have dramatically increased their efforts in trying to detaining illegal immigrants. However, such assertive searches are also causing many individuals to feel like they are being racially profiled due to their skin color or accent. Though ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/septemberoctober-immigration-update/ USCIS has noted High Rate of H-1B Visa Fraud Upon analysis, it was noted by the USCIS that 13% of H-1B visa petitions for United States employers are fraudulent. Thus, the USCIS anticipates making procedural changes while also paying closer attention to instances of abuse that prevail toward workers that are employed ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/novemberdecember-immigration-update/ Ranchod Law Group Immigration Update 760 Market Street, Suite 921 San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: 415-986-6186 Updated Count of FY2010 H-1B Petition Filings The USCIS has received approximately 42,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the Congressionally-mandated 65,000 cap.  The agency continues to accept petitions subject to the general cap.  Additionally, the agency has received approximately 20,000 ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/immigration-news-april-09/ Click play to listen to the audio. http://www.ranchodlaw.com/immigration-news/h-1b-visa-and-h-1b-cap-exemptions/ http://www.ranchodlaw.com/uncategorized/239/ What legal options do you have to legally stay in the United States? The following legal remedies may be available to you if you are placed in Deportation proceedings: Cancellation of Removal for Permanent Residents Must have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years; Resided in the U.S. continuously ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/marriage-fiancee-visa/san-francisco-bay-area-deportation-defense-lawyer/ How can a National Interest Waiver help you obtain a Green Card? The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a great option for a permanent resident application if you qualify. It is a program that actually by-passes the Labor Certification (PERM) process. It offers the added benefit of putting the applicant ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/national-interest-waiver/ First Preference Classification Based on Extraordinary Ability Doctors who are able to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the field of science may file an I-140 Petition without employer sponsorship, seeking the employment based first preference classification. If the doctor submits the petition without a sponsoring employer, the doctor must demonstrate that he ... http://www.ranchodlaw.com/employment-visa/eb-1-extraordinary-ability-i-140-petition/