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Discovering Talent in Immigration with Scott Orn

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There are many things that contribute to the success of a company. The element most common across differing industries is people. This week’s guest knows that as well as anyone.

Scott Orn is in control of Operations at Kruze Consulting, an emerging Startup CFO Consulting company in the San Francisco area. Kruze works with over 160 startup clients. Scott also runs the Venture Debt Consulting practice at the company. He is also the publisher of the Founders & Friends Podcast, the show that interviews Startup CEOs and investors. 

This week host Kaushik Ranchod sits down with Scott Orn to talk about finding success with immigrant talent, the importance of people in the success of an organization, and how to balance home and work life when you work with your partner.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [1:44] How Scott joined Kruze Consulting and the reason for their rapid growth
  • [6:56] The success of using immigrant workforce at Kruze Consulting
  • [9:38] Scott’s early career
  • [14:40] The value of using immigrant talent
  • [17:39] Sponsoring immigrants who are going through the visa process
  • [20:20] People are one of the most important parts of a successful business
  • [22:18] Scott’s strategies for the highest success when hiring immigrant talent
  • [26:00] Challenges that Scott has had to overcome
  • [28:35] How to separate work life from home life when working with your partner
  • [34:14] Final thoughts from Scott

Resources Mentioned on this episode

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Ranchod Law Group has a mission to provide freedom and prosperity for immigrants and help more businesses to connect to top talent. The Ranchod Law Group believes that immigrants add tremendous value to the US economy seek to help companies grow with help from the immigrant talent that can contribute to their bottom line. 

They also help immigrants navigate the complicated immigration process today. Ranchod Law Group has been in business for nearly 20 years in Northern California and serves clients nationwide. Contact Ranchod Law Group today for details on how the firm can help you to solve your immigration challenges. You can visit Ranchod Law Group or call 916-613-3553 or email info@ranchodlaw.com.

Disclaimer

The contents of this post and podcast episode are intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. The contents of this podcast and show notes, and the posting and listening of the information in this podcast and in these show notes, should not be construed as, and should not be relied upon for, legal or tax advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation.  The information presented on this podcast may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained in this podcast and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues.

 

Kaushik’s Personal Story of Coming to America

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Kaushik Ranchod has a passion for helping immigrants work through the visa process, as well as facilitating connections between new Americans and companies who are looking for top talent. 

Where does this passion come from? How did Kaushik get to where he is today?

This week Kaushik sits down again with John Corcoran to talk about his personal story of how he came to America. Listen in as they talk about Kaushik’s youth and how exciting it was when his mother became a US citizen. 

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [1:40] Kaushik’s story of being born in South Africa and growing up in America
  • [3:14] The milestone of Kaushik’s mother becoming a citizen
  • [5:54] What it was like for Kaushik’s parents living in South Africa

Resources Mentioned in this episode

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Sponsor for this episode

Ranchod Law Group has a mission to provide freedom and prosperity for immigrants and help more businesses to connect to top talent. The Ranchod Law Group believes that immigrants add tremendous value to the US economy seek to help companies grow with help from the immigrant talent that can contribute to their bottom line. 

They also help immigrants navigate the complicated immigration process today. Ranchod Law Group has been in business for nearly 20 years in Northern California and serves clients nationwide. Contact Ranchod Law Group today for details on how the firm can help you to solve your immigration challenges. You can visit Ranchod Law Group or call 916-613-3553 or email info@ranchodlaw.com.

How Ranchod Law Got Started and Launching an Immigration Law Firm after 9/11

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Every great story has a beginning. 

Kaushik Ranchod has had an exciting career that has gone from the dotcom burst to opening his own law firm, –by himself– in the post-9/11 world. Kaushik has lived in many cultures around the world, so becoming an immigration lawyer was a natural fit. 

In this episode, Kaushik is joined by John Corcoran to talk about how his early career, starting an immigration law firm and applying for a visa in the current political climate.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • [1:38] What Kaushik did just after Law School
  • [2:44] Why Kaushik likes to work with people from all over the world
  • [3:30] Starting a Law Firm after 9/11 and the challenges which that entailed
  • [4:45] The current climate for immigration visa acceptance
  • [5:40] Kaushik’s first immigration case
  • [7:50] Immigration Law is a very rewarding career
  • [9:01] A glimpse inside Ranchod Law
  • [10:45] What Kaushik is excited about for the future of the company

Resources Mentioned in this episode

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What is the difference between an employment authorization document and a greencard?

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What is the difference between an employment authorization document and a greencard?

Immigration attorney answers your questions about work permits and greencards

What is the difference between an employment authorization document and a greencard?

What is the difference between an employment authorization document (EAD or work permit) and a greencard (lawful permanent residence)?

One of my Sacramento client’s question took me completely by surprise:  the client said to me, if I have a work permit, why do I need a greencard? Sometimes, as an immigration lawyer, I need to inform my clients of the benefits and drawbacks of obtaining a greencard or naturalization if they do not know the basics. The differences between a work permit and a greencard are very important and certainly worthy of your attention.

A work permit is merely a TEMPORARY card that allows you to work legally in the U.S. temporarily. You cannot obtain a work permit by itself. A work permit is a benefit of some sort of underlying status.

For example, you cannot come to the U.S. and simply apply for a work permit just because you want to work in the U.S., you have to have an underlying right to obtain a work permit, some sort of employment visa or other ground. Accordingly, when the basis for your work permit finishes, your work permit also terminates. For example, if you have a pending employment green card and it is denied, your work permit (which was obtained on the basis of that pending application) becomes invalid and you are left without the ability to work in the U.S.

By contrast, with a greencard, you are always allowed to work legally in the U.S. Your permanent greencard (a conditional green card is only valid for two years) is valid for ten years but even if the greencard card itself expires you are still considered a lawful permanent resident (“greencard holder”).

While a work permit is temporary, a greencard is considered permanent (note, it is possible to lose your greencard if you abandon the U.S., commit certain crimes, consider yourself a nonresident for tax purposes, or other grounds). A greencard is considered permanent because you will have it indefinitely unless you do something wrong deserving of losing it. This is in contrast to a work permit, which will terminate when the underlying basis expires.

Additionally, a work permit does not give you a basis to apply for naturalization (U.S. Citizenship). You must first be a lawful permanent resident (greencard holder) to apply for naturalization. Only U.S. Citizens can vote and unlike both holders of work permits and greencards, U.S. citizens generally can never be deported from the U.S. Again, only green card holders have the ability to qualify for naturalization, being the holder of a mere work permit is not enough.

For any questions, call us at (916) 613-3553 so that we can schedule a consultation.  We represent clients throughout the fifty states with offices in Sacramento and Stockton.

Ten Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Marriage Based Greencard

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Obtaining your greencard after marrying a United States Citizen can be a positive and happy experience but common mistakes can make the process needlessly stressful. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid when applying for your marriage based greencard:

  1. Failing to file all of the necessary forms with the correct filing fees and requisite paperwork at the correct filing location: Unfortunately, immigration does not make it easy for you to obtain your entitled benefits. You must be certain to file all of the necessary forms: the spousal petition, the adjustment application, the biographic forms, the work authorization application, etc and to pay the immigration fees corresponding to the forms so that your case can be accepted for processing. If you omit a required form or forget to pay a fee your case will be rejected. You must also submit all of the required paperwork corresponding to each form. Also, immigration periodically changes the filing location for its cases so it is important to verify that you are sending your case to the correct address. An immigration attorney will of course correctly take care of all of this for you.
  2. Waiting to apply thereby delaying your benefits: You and your spouse should apply for your marriage based greencard immediately after getting married. The longer you wait, the longer you will go without the benefits to which you are entitled and the longer you subsequently have to wait in order to apply for naturalization (U.S. Citizenship). Couples delay the process for many reasons, too burdensome, too costly, but delaying your benefits comes with a price as well. You may contact our office to learn more about the greencard process at (916) 613-3553 or info@ranchodlaw.com.
  3. Not anticipating how long the process will take for you to obtain your marriage based greencard: In a similar vein to the second most common mistake, many couples fail to account for how long it will take to complete processing of the marriage based greencard. After obtaining the requisite paperwork and filing the forms, you must attend a biometrics appointment and then the couple must attend an interview together. After approval, the greencard usually takes another four weeks to arrive in the mail. Hence, applying as soon after the marriage as possible is wise. In Sacramento San Francisco, and San Jose immigration offices we are noticing processing times that are taking approximately 3-8 months or longer before the interview date. Please note that these government processing times are always changing.
  4. Not being thorough and honest in your application: Both spouses should be completely thorough and honest in their applications. For example, when the application asks for all places of residence and all employers for the last five years, it is important to list every single residence and every single employer for the entire five year time period. If you are incomplete or dishonest in your application and immigration catches you in a lie, the immigration officer may begin to wonder what else you are lying about. You definitely don’t want the immigration officer to think you are lying about the validity of your marriage.
  5. Not gathering paperwork in support of your application: In addition to the basic required paperwork (certificates, passport style photographs, etc.) you will need to gather paperwork to help prove the legitimacy of your marriage. Examples of this latter type of paperwork may include copies of joint bank accounts, bills, proof of a shared home, photographs of shared life experiences, and testimonials from loved ones or other individuals with knowledge of the relationship. Don’t be lazy! Get the documents together so that the immigration officer doesn’t have any doubt as to the validity of the relationship.
  6. Missing your appointments: When immigration schedules you for an appointment (biometrics or the interview appointment) it is very important to attend. If you do not attend, your case will be delayed and could even be denied. If immigration schedules you for an appointment at a date or time that you cannot attend, your attorney can reschedule the appointment for you. It is better to reschedule the appointment then to simply not attend.
  7. Not preparing for your interview: It is very important to prepare yourself for your immigration interview. Your attorney can advise you as to the typical format of these interviews, some common questions asked, and some of the tactics used by some immigration officers. If you appear nervous at your interview, the officer may think that you are trying to deceive the immigration authorities and, in turn, your interview can become more intensive. It is best to know what to expect so that you can be relaxed and appropriately responsive.
  8. Not discussing the basics of your relationship with your spouse: Prior to your interview it is going to be very important for you and your spouse to go over some of the basics of your relationship. For example, when and how did you meet, the details of your engagement, the details of your wedding, recent celebrations, finances, etc. It is fairly common for one spouse to misspeak at the interview in regards to a date and then it makes it seem like the couple is lying. Also, two answers can both be true but different. For example, to the question of how the couple met, one might say “online,” while the other says “in a bar.” Both are true (the couple first learned of each other online but met for the first time in a bar) but if the couple gave these answers at their interview the immigration officer might think that the couple is making up their answers and are not in a true relationship. Your immigration attorney will go over all of the common questions in your preparation interview.
  9. Thinking that immigration will give you the benefit of the doubt: Immigration will NOT, I repeat, WILL NOT, give you the benefit of the doubt if you or your spouse misspeaks or accidentally provides incorrect information. For example, if you say that you started dating in 2002 and your spouse says 2001, immigration will not write this off as a faded memory, absolutely not, immigration will question you believing that you’ve made up the details of the relationship for the purpose of obtaining unwarranted immigration benefits. Also, if immigration has any doubt, your case will be denied.
  10. The final and most critical mistake couples make is not hiring an immigration attorney. There are so many things that can go wrong if you do not have the proper advice and guidance. Hiring an immigration attorney from the inception is affordable and will make the process as stress free and efficient as possible. We see so many couples who don’t come to us until after immigration issues a request for additional evidence or worse, a denial. Don’t let this happen to you. Contact us today at (916) 613-3553. We have offices conveniently located in Sacramento and Stockton, California but we help clients throughout the United States.

Greencard vs. U.S. Citizenship FAQ

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green card vs. U.S. Citizenship

Green Card FAQ

green card vs. U.S. Citizenship FAQ

Ultimately, many of our clients desire to become lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or U.S. Citizens. Each status carries its own benefits. Here we will address the more common questions we hear in our practice from newgreen cardholders and naturalized U.S. Citizens.

Do I need a work permit?

green card holders and U.S. Citizens do not need a work permit to work legally in the U.S. As agreen cardholder or U.S. Citizen you can prove your ability to work lawfully in the U.S. by showing an unrestricted Social Security card and your unexpired permanent resident card, US passport, or naturalization certificate, as applicable.

Do I need a travel permit to travel outside of the U.S.?

green card holders and U.S. Citizen do NOT need a travel permit, please see below for further details as applicable:

green card holders: In general, to travel to another country you will need to present a passport from your country ofCitizenshipor your refugee travel document, and you will need to present a valid, unexpiredgreen cardto return to the U.S. You must also pay attention to whether the foreign country you are visiting has any additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa).

Note that asgreen cardholder you may be found to have abandoned your status as a lawful permanent resident if you spend too long abroad or otherwise indicate that your travel abroad is not of a brief or temporary nature. Please see our prior post on that topic.

U.S. Citizens: As a U.S. Citizen, you can travel abroad with your U.S. Passport. U.S. Citizens can remain abroad without restrictions and without fear of losing their U.S. Citizenship.

Can I vote?

green card holders CANNOT vote. Only U.S. Citizens can vote.

Do I have to file taxes?

Yes! Filing taxes as required is mandatory for bothgreen cardholders and U.S. Citizens. Others in temporary status who work in the U.S. are also required to file taxes.

Can I ever be deported?

green card holders can lose theirgreen cardstatus and face deportation. A common reason agreen cardholder can be deported is for certain criminal convictions. U.S. citizens, provided there was no fraud in obtaining the U.S. citizenship, do not need to fear deportation.

Can I be a dual citizen?

Generally, you can keep your home country’sCitizenshipeven if you become a U.S. Citizen. Some countries however, do not allow dual citizenship. Please contact us at (916) 613-3553 to schedule a consultation so that we can advise you as to your specific situation.

If you are interested in becoming a lawful permanent resident (getting your green card) or becoming a U.S. Citizen we encourage you to contact us at (209) 219-2377 to discuss your options. We can schedule a meeting at our offices inSacramentoor Stockton or we can meet telephonically or via Skype if you are not in the area.

We are available for all of yourimmigrationneeds.

3 Year H1B Extension Process [[VIDEO]]

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How does a person on an H1B visa get a 3-year extension? Let’s watch a short video about 3-year H1B extensions:

Remember that you should consult with a qualified immigration attorney before attempting any change in your legal status. Call The Ranchod Law Group today at (916) 613-3553. Our offices are located in Sacramento, Santa Clara and San Francisco, and we meet with new clients daily. We also assist callers from anywhere in the world!

Published by: Ranchod Law Group






















Conrad 30 vs. J1 Hardship Waiver for Doctors [[VIDEO]]

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Click Here to read Ranchod Law.com Content in Spanish






Here’s a video for foreign physicians that eplains the difference between two options that doctors have when seeking to avoid the tow-year home residency requirement of immigrating to the U.S. on a J1 waiver:

The Ranchod Law Group answers all of your immigration questions. Just call (916) 613-3553 and we will do our best to help you through this stressful process. With offices in Sacramento, Santa Clara and San Francisco, we are ready to take your call, and we even assist people in different time zones around the globe remotely!

Published by: Ranchod Law Group






















Immigration Process for Doctors [[VIDEO]]

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How do doctors immigrate to the United States? Immigration attorney Kaushik Ranchod provides an overview:

Remember that you should consult with a qualified immigration attorney before attempting any change in your legal status. Call us today at (916) 613-3553. Our offices are conveniently located in Sacramento, Santa Clara and San Francisco and we remotely assist clients all over the world.

Published by: Ranchod Law Group






















Can You Stay in the U.S. on a Cap Gap while H1B is Pending?

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What if my OPT is set to expire before my H1B takes effect?? Cap gap to the rescue!

If you studied in the U.S. in F status, you are probably familiar with OPT (Optional Practical Training), which temporarily allows you to work in the U.S. in your major area of study. Now what happens if your OPT is set to expire before your pending or approved H1B is set to take effect? This is where cap gap, the automatic extension of your F status until your H1B status takes effect, comes to the rescue! Take the hypothetical of Luisa:

Luisa studies in the U.S. and obtains one year of OPT from April 15, 2013 until April 15, 2014. Luisa, who otherwise qualifies for a H1B, has found an employer to sponsor her for the H1B. The earliest Luisa’s employer can file for the H1B is April 1, 2014 and the H1B won’t be effective until October 1, 2014. So what is Luisa supposed to do from April 15, 2014 (the date her OPT expires) until October 1, 2014 (the date her H1B becomes effective)? Thankfully, immigration regulations allow individuals like Luisa with pending or approved H-1B petitions to remain in F status.

The period of time when an F student’s status and work authorization expire through the start date of their H1B is known as the “cap-gap”. The automatic extension of F status until the start of the H1B is referred to as “filling the cap-gap.” Again, the extension of the F status until the start of the H1B is automatic. In the hypothetical above, Luisa can continue living and working in the U.S. from April 15, 2014 (the date her OPT would have expired if not for the cap gap) until October 1, 2014 (the date her H1B becomes effective).

Now, what happens if USCIS (U.S. Immigration) denies, rejects, or revokes an H1B petition filed on behalf of an individual in F status covered by the automatic cap-gap extension? In that unfortunate scenario, the individual will have the standard 60-day grace period (from the date of the notification of the denial, rejection, or revocation of the petition) before s/he is required to depart the United States. Note that the 60 day grace period does not apply in cases of status violations, misrepresentation, or fraud.

A final common question concerns travel during the cap gap. If you travel outside of the U.S. during your cap-gap extension you will NOT be able to return in F status. Instead, you will need to apply for your H1B visa at a consular post abroad prior to returning.

If you have questions or need help with your H1B or other immigration matters please contact us at (916) 453-3553. If you are in the Sacramento or the Bay Area you can arrange to meet us in one of our offices or, if elsewhere in the U.S., we’d be happy to consult with you over the phone or Skype.

Published by: Ranchod Law Group