The Vassell Law Group Immigration PodCast

The Vassell Law Group Immigration PodCast

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We remove all the noise of the news and TV pundits and give you the information you need to make an informed decision in your immigration process.

The Vassell Immigration Law Group


    • Apr 17, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 4m AVG DURATION
    • 53 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Vassell Law Group Immigration PodCast

    Ready, Set, Go! Canadian E-1 and E-2 Visas – A Strategic Response to U.S. Tariffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 5:05


    Today, a new wave of economic pressure is emerging—U.S. tariffs—and once again, Canadians are left wondering how to stay competitive. But this time, there's a proven solution: the E-1 and E-2 visa options under the U.S. Bilateral Treaty program. Our lawyers have helped Canadian entrepreneurs, startups, solopreneurs, and midsize companies expand into the U.S. strategically, not just to survive, but to grow in the face of tariffs.   https://becapitallaw.com  

    H-1B Visa Changes Effective as of 2025 What You Need to Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 3:04


    The H-1B visa program continues to evolve, and 2025 brings significant changes that will impact both employers and applicants. Whether you're an employer looking to hire skilled foreign workers or a professional hoping to secure an H-1B visa, our U.S. Immigration lawyers can help you understand these updates that are crucial for a successful application process. H-1B Visa Changes Effective as of 2025: What You Need to Know The H-1B visa program continues to evolve, and 2025 brings significant changes that will impact both employers and applicants. Whether you're an employer looking to hire skilled foreign workers or a professional hoping to secure an H-1B visa, understanding these updates is crucial for a successful application process. Here's what you need to know about the key changes coming to the H-1B program in 2025.   Beneficiary-Centric" Selection Process: A Fairer Lottery System One of the biggest changes to the H-1B visa lottery system is the shift to a "beneficiary-centric" model. In previous years, multiple employers could submit registrations for the same individual, increasing that person's chances of being selected. This led to an imbalance, where some applicants had significantly higher odds of selection than others. With the new system: Each applicant will be counted only once, regardless of how many employers submit registrations for them. If selected, all registered employers will have the opportunity to file a petition for the beneficiary. This change is aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring a fairer selection process.   Specialty Occupation Standard Becomes More Flexible Previously, proving that a job qualified as a "specialty occupation" under the H-1B program was a rigorous and difficult process, leading to many denials. The new changes make it easier for employers to demonstrate that a position meets the specialty occupation requirement. The updated standard provides more flexibility in defining what qualifies as a specialty occupation. This is great news for industries like tech, healthcare, and engineering, where specialized knowledge is crucial but has historically been challenging to prove under prior standards.   Higher Fees for H-1B Registration and Filing If you're applying for an H-1B visa in 2025, be prepared for higher fees. The H-1B registration fee has increased from $10 to $215 per application. In addition, filing fees for petitions have also gone up. Employers should budget accordingly and plan for these changes in their hiring strategies.   More Flexibility for H-1B Start Dates In previous years, H-1B petitions had to request an October 1 start date, which sometimes caused issues for employers who needed more flexibility in their hiring timelines. The new rule eliminates this restriction, allowing employers to request a start date after October 1. This means employers can align start dates more closely with business needs, improving workforce planning.   Stricter Measures to Prevent Fraud and Misuse USCIS is implementing stronger integrity measures to ensure the legitimacy of H-1B registrations and filings. Employers must provide a valid passport or travel document for each beneficiary. USCIS may deny or revoke petitions if it finds false information, duplicate registrations, or invalid payments. The new system aims to restore trust in the H-1B process and eliminate fraudulent activity.   Final Thoughts: How to Prepare for H-1B Season With these significant changes, preparation is key. Employers and applicants should: Understand the new beneficiary-centric system to avoid duplicate registrations. Prepare strong documentation to meet the revised specialty occupation standards. Budget for higher fees and stay ahead of filing deadlines. Ensure compliance with USCIS's stricter fraud prevention measures. These updates aim to make the H-1B process fairer and more transparent, benefiting both skilled workers and the businesses that need their expertise. Are you ready for the H-1B season? If you have questions or need assistance navigating the new changes, feel free to reach out!

    Cracking the U.S. Immigration Quandary: The Federal Hiring Freeze & A Legal Solution for H-1B, F-1, and J-1 Visa Holders

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 4:52


    In today's unpredictable immigration landscape, a temporary Federal Hiring Freeze is leaving many non-immigrant visa holders—whether you're an H-1B professional, an F-1 student, or a J-1 participant—grappling with uncertainty about your future in the United States. With government agencies and many companies slowing or halting new hires, the question looms large: How can you remain and thrive in the U.S. amid these challenges? The anxiety is real—from the potential disruption of your family's life (imagine having to pull your children out of school) to the stress of being forced to return home without a clear plan. “The federal hiring freeze has created significant roadblocks for many agencies and companies, leaving foreign professionals in limbo as they await further opportunities.” – Reuters The Challenge at a Glance The hiring freeze isn't just a minor setback—it's a major obstacle affecting your ability to secure or extend your work visa. In essence, the freeze places H-1B, F-1, and J-1 visa holders in a precarious position, jeopardizing your opportunity to remain in the United States. Yet, there is hope. Our Legal Solution: Your Key to Unlocking the Riddle Our experienced immigration lawyers specialize in navigating these turbulent waters. We understand the complexities of the current hiring freeze and offer tailored legal solutions that can help you bridge your status, change your visa category, extend your current status, or explore alternative employment opportunities. Our goal is simple: to ensure that you can continue to build your life in the United States despite the obstacles. Step-by-Step, We Solve the Riddle for You Evaluate Your Current Status: We start by assessing your unique situation—whether you hold F-1, H-1B, or J-1 status—to understand precisely how the hiring freeze is affecting you. Develop a Customized Legal Strategy: Drawing on our deep knowledge of immigration law and the latest policy updates, we craft a personalized strategy. This may involve filing for an extension, changing your status, or exploring alternative visa options that better suit your circumstances. Review Your Background: We take a close look at your education, skills, work experience, and overall background. This comprehensive review allows us to determine the best immigration path for you and your family. Don't Let the Hiring Freeze Hold You Back The immigration riddle may appear daunting, but with the right legal guidance, it can be solved. If you're an F-1 student, H-1B professional, or J-1 participant impacted by the Federal hiring freeze, now is the time to act. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you bridge your status and explore alternative visa options, ensuring you avoid accruing unlawful presence or being forced to depart the United States under current regulations. Time is of the essence—reach out now and take the first step toward securing your future.

    Criminal Immigration Consequences: When Immigration Law Intersects With Criminal Law – “I've Been Charged, Now What?”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 4:05


    Part I:  Understanding the Serious Consequences of Criminal Charges for Non-Citizens Life is unpredictable. Over the years, our Immigration attorneys have stepped in to help F-1 international students, young professionals, and non-immigrant visa holders (such as H-1B or L-1 holders) who, in a moment of poor judgment, found themselves facing a criminal charge. Depending on the specific offense, it could be classified as a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) or even an aggravated felony under U.S. immigration law. These are very technical legal terms with serious implications. Our firm collaborates closely with criminal defense counsel to mitigate potential immigration consequences of charges like DUIs, reckless driving, domestic disputes, larceny/theft, or drug possession. Without coordinated efforts between an experienced immigration lawyer and a criminal lawyer, non-citizens risk deportation or inadmissibility—and even a denied U.S. citizenship application can lead to removal proceedings. When a U.S. citizen faces criminal trouble, the focus is typically on reducing or avoiding jail time. However, for a permanent resident or non-immigrant, a criminal conviction can trigger immigration penalties, including removal from the United States. In the landmark decision Kentucky v. Padilla, the Supreme Court recognized that non-citizens face a “major life-altering” risk of deportation for certain criminal convictions. The Court instructed criminal lawyers to refer their non-citizen clients to immigration attorneys, underscoring the complexity and gravity of these issues for foreign nationals.   Part II: Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude—Key Points and Legal Analysis Below is an overview of Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs) and the related legal considerations for non-citizens facing criminal charges. Our strategy is to first determine whether the crime is a CIMT and then assess any aggravated felony issues. Early identification of these factors can significantly impact defense tactics and immigration outcomes. Definition and Significance of CIMTs A Crime Involving Moral Turpitude is generally defined as conduct that is inherently base, vile, or depraved, and contrary to accepted moral standards. Under federal regulations, classification as a CIMT often hinges on intent and willfulness—in other words, whether the action demonstrates moral depravity or a fraudulent intent. If a non-citizen commits a CIMT within five years of obtaining lawful permanent resident status (or if multiple CIMTs occur at any time), they could face increased scrutiny or direct placement in removal proceedings. Examples of Offenses that May Constitute a CIMT Theft and Larceny: In many cases, crimes involving theft or larceny are deemed CIMTs, as they involve intentional taking of property with the intent to permanently deprive. Burglary: Depending on the jurisdiction and the underlying facts, burglary—especially when it involves unlawfully entering a property with intent to commit a crime—may be classified as a CIMT. Fraud and Money Laundering: Crimes that center on deceit, misrepresentation, or an intent to commit financial harm typically fall under CIMT because of the element of fraud. False Statements: Lying or using deception (for instance, to obtain a benefit) can be seen as morally turpitudinous. Falsely Representing a Social Security Number: Misuse of Social Security numbers, especially with fraudulent intent, is also frequently categorized as a CIMT. Why Classification Matters A CIMT can lead to inadmissibility or deportability, placing non-citizens' ability to remain in or return to the United States at risk. Even if jail time is avoided, the immigration consequences—such as denial of admission at a port of entry, revocation of a visa, or inability to adjust status—can be dire. An aggravated felony classification carries even harsher immigration penalties, including near-certain removal with limited relief options. Immediate Steps to Take Seek Qualified Representation: Non-citizens facing criminal charges should promptly consult both a criminal lawyer and an immigration attorney to ensure a coordinated defense strategy. Assess Potential Immigration Consequences: Work with immigration counsel to understand if the specific charge might be considered a CIMT or aggravated felony under immigration law. Explore Mitigating Options: Depending on the jurisdiction, certain plea arrangements or charge reductions can help reduce or eliminate the immigration risks. Maintain Documentation: Keep detailed records of all communications, court dates, and documents related to the criminal charge, as these will be crucial in assessing the potential immigration impacts.   Concluding Thoughts Facing a criminal charge in the United States is serious for anyone, but for a non-citizen, the repercussions can be life-altering. Even a relatively minor offense could trigger deportation or inadmissibility. Since Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude and aggravated felonies carry severe immigration penalties, it is critical to involve an experienced immigration lawyer as soon as possible. Our immigration attorneys have extensive experience guiding international students, foreign professionals, and non-immigrant visa holders through these highly technical areas of the law. We work closely with criminal defense counsel to safeguard your future in the United States and help you make informed decisions about your legal options. If you or someone you know is a non-citizen charged with a crime—no matter how minor it may seem—please reach out to us immediately. Early intervention can make a profound difference in protecting your legal status and your long-term goals in the United States.

    Elon Musk's H-1B Controversy 4 Proven Ways for Employers to Secure Top Foreign Talent

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 6:16


    Elon Musk recently set off another firestorm by criticizing U.S. immigration policy—specifically the H-1B visa program. In a CBS interview, Musk lamented the “dire shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers,” warning that if America turns away the best global talent, it risks losing its competitive edge. As a seasoned business and immigration attorney (with the bonus perspective of both Canadian and U.S. citizenship), I'm often asked if Musk is right. Is the annual H-1B lottery hurting America's ability to recruit top professionals? The short answer: It depends on your industry, your hiring strategy, and the position you're filling. But one thing's certain—if you want to attract the best from around the globe, you need a smart approach to navigating the visa system. Below are 4 proven tips to boost your chances of landing work visas for foreign national employees, especially if you're aiming for the highly sought-after H-1B. Whether you're in tech, healthcare, education, or beyond, these insights can keep your organization ahead of the pack. 1. Maximize F-1 (Student) Opportunities If you plan to hire recent grads on an F-1 visa, leverage Optional Practical Training (OPT) to its fullest. OPT provides up to 12 months (with a 24-month extension for STEM degrees) of work authorization, allowing the foreign national to work in their field while waiting for the H-1B lottery. 2. Check for Cap Exemptions Certain organizations, especially nonprofits, universities, and government research institutions—may be exempt from the H-1B visa cap. A cap-exempt H-1B can be filed year-round, freeing you from the pressure of the springtime lottery. 3. Create a Multi-Visa Backup Plan Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Have a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C for your foreign hires. Missing the H-1B lottery doesn't have to be a deal-breaker. Depending on your company's structure, L-1 (intracompany transfer) or O-1 (extraordinary ability) visas might be viable alternatives. For seasonal work, the H-2B or an H-3 training visa could be your next best bet. 4. Consider Seasonal and Training Visas Assess whether H-1B is really your best option—especially if your needs are seasonal or primarily training-focused. If your company's workload ebbs and flows or requires specialized on-the-job training, the H-2B (for temporary non-agricultural work) or the H-3 (training visa) might be more efficient. The H-1B lottery can feel like a gamble, especially for sought-after roles in tech and engineering. But for savvy employers, a well-informed approach—complete with multiple visa options and backup strategies—makes all the difference. There's an entire ecosystem of work visas beyond H-1B that can help you build a global, cutting-edge team. Ready to Boost Your Visa Success Rate? Don't let the complexities of the immigration system stop you from hiring the best talent around the world. I have navigated (and mastered) this landscape for over two decades and our law firm offers a free 15 minute consultation. With expert guidance, the U.S. immigration process can be manageable—maybe even simpler than landing on Mars, Elon. Let's get your company set up for success in the visa realm so you can stay laser-focused on what truly matters: growing and innovating in today's global marketplace. We have successfully processed these U.S. immigration matters for over 25 years. To schedule a consultation, you may email us at info@becapitallaw.com or call / text (703)966-0907. B&E Capital – Vassell Law Group, PC | http://www.vasselllaw.com | http://www.becapitallaw.com | Members of the American Immigration Lawyers (AILA).

    Don't Get Trapped Waiting for Your J-1 Visa 2-Year Residency Waiver

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 4:59


    J-1 Cultural Exchange Visas often come with a 2-year residency requirement pursuant to Sec.(212)e of the Federal Regulations. Foreign Nationals holding such J-1 visas, often get trapped applying and waiting for an I-612 to be approved, before moving to file for change of status or adjustment of status with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (“USCIS”).    I will share three essential tips our immigration lawyers use to successfully navigate changing our clients J-1 visa status to a new work visa status; or adjusting clients to a U.S. Permanent resident status, notwithstanding a pending I-612 waiver. 

    Immigration Work Visas for Nurses in the United States

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 3:56


    Historically nurses were not allowed to get work visas through the H1-B visa work program due to educational requirements. The U.S. Department of Labor had set the standard requirements for nurses at a two-year associate's degree level. In contrast, to be eligible for an H-1B visa the profession must require a 4-year degree minimum.  Our Immigration lawyers have worked with nurses, occupational therapists and physical therapists for over 25 years; and all three professions continue to be deemed ‘in shortage' within the United States according to the Department of Labor (DOL).

    The Immigration Grapevine - U.S.  Presidential Executive Orders

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 5:16


    Parole In Place is an application based on humanitarian relief principles. In this blog post, I will explain the PIP facts so you don't have to get news through the grapevine.  First, it's important to note that U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services began accepting PIP applications on the 19th of August 2024. Since then, a Federal District Judge has issued a temporary stay against the legal relief for 14 days. What does this mean? Can you still file for PIP? -- The answer is yes absolutely. U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services has made it clear that they are still accepting applications over the next 14 days. After the 14-day period, it is unknown what will happen next.

    U.S. Immigration Visa Options for Traditional Media Companies & Social Media Creators

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 5:36


    With the entire landscape of Media being transformed and redefined within the last two decades, our immigration lawyers frequently have the pleasure of representing creatives around the world. Our clients include individual creatives, social media teams and traditional production companies who provide informational and/or entertainment content to the public.  In this podcast we briefly discuss different visas that must be matched to the 'exact intent and purpose' for your visit. We will explore the L visa, B-1 business visa, H-3, and the I visa.

    90 Day US Citizenship!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 4:03


    Our law firm is experiencing an unprecedented trend! We have been representing clients in U.S. Immigration matters for over 25 years. Recently, we have noticed an unprecedented trend in 2024. Our clients who are eligible for Naturalization/ Citizenship in the United States are getting approved in less than 3 months. While it's a great time to apply for U.S. Citizenship, it's very important to check off the boxes mentioned here to ensure one's eligibility; and seek out an experienced immigration lawyer to answer complex questions to the USCIS officers in the representation of your N-400 during the interview and application process. To schedule an initial 15 min free citizenship screening with our lawyers, you may contact us at info@vasselllaw.com. We represent clients throughout the United States.

    The Link Between Hostile Work Environment & Permanent Resident Status

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 3:55


    If you or someone you know is a non-citizen of the United States working in OPT F-1 status, as a J-1 au-pair, or is an asylum seeker who may be subject to a hostile or toxic work environment, please know you have rights. Labor laws and Trafficking laws not only protect non citizens, but in some cases reporting intolerable work conditions to the proper authorities may be a path to U.S. Permanent Resident Status. The United States takes a strong stand against Labor trafficking; and foreign nationals working in the United States may seek protection under the T visa laws. Our immigration lawyers have filed T visas along with Green card applications for many individuals subject to abuse by his or her employer.

    The H1B Lottery Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2024 5:19


    The H-1B visa season is here again, and registration begins in less than a month! This is the most sought-after practical work visa for professionals holding 4-year bachelors' or advanced degrees seeking work with a U.S. employer. U.S. employers seeking global talent to fill ‘specialty' occupations in their company should begin working with an immigration lawyer early. The rules surrounding the H-1B visa process are complex, and most issues can be resolved early in the year before registration. Congress sets a yearly cap on H-1B visas.  Only 65,000- 80,000 visas are issued each fiscal year. There are exceptions to the cap, which are not discussed in this podcast.  Rather, this podcast discusses essential tips to successfully navigate the H-1B visa lottery selection process.

    The Impact of Company Mergers and Acquisitions on Immigration Status

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2023 5:14


    Employment Based work visas can be volatile; and taking charge of one's visa status is more important than ever in this economy.  If you hold an H-1B visa, approved I-140 petition by a U.S. employer and/or have a pending Employment Based Green Card; it is important to understand how the actions of your company can make or break your U.S. status and immigration goals.

    B-1 / B-2 Visa

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 4:37


    The B-1 and B-2 visa has mistakenly been limited and labeled as the ‘Tourist visa'. However, it is better referred to as the Visitor visa, which extends way beyond the purpose of touring the United States.  Rather, the purpose for which a Foreign National can visit the United States or change visa status to a Visitor in the U.S. is vast. 

    To Hold or Not To Hold

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 5:09


    Applying to adjust one's status in the United States to a Permanent Resident is an exciting experience. The question often arises, “Should I still keep my non-immigrant visa current since I have my employment authorization (EAD), and I'll soon be a Permanent Resident”?   The answer is yes!

    The Purpose Driven Visa

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2023 4:37


    The B-1 and B-2 visa has mistakenly been limited and labeled as the ‘Tourist visa'. However, it is better referred to as the Visitor visa, which extends way beyond the purpose of touring the United States.  Rather, the purpose for which a Foreign National can visit the United States or change visa status to a Visitor in the U.S. is vast. 

    Inadmissible to the United States Despite Consulate Approval of Visa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2023 5:01


    A popular held belief that once a foreign national is granted a visa to the United States its all-smooth sailing through the border. This is unfortunately not true. This short blog will explain the "behind scenes" screenings and audits with U.S. CBP or USCIS that can cause exclusion or removal from the United States that all starts with what appears to be an approved temporary non-immigrant visa at one's U.S. consulate abroad.

    The Au Pair Alternative

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2023 3:32


    Balancing quality childcare and a career has become a real dilemma in the United States.  Juggling activities, sports and taking care of our kids' intermittent medical needs, has become unsustainable for even 2 parent homes. In this podcast, we discuss how proper planning can help families succeed in hiring a nanny from abroad, and/or keep their au pair after the maximum time allowance through a cultural exchange program.  The Au Pair J-1 cultural exchange program provides temporary nannies for a one-to-two-year period. Au Pairs are limited by age and visa. After age 26, they are no longer eligible for the program

    Business Visa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 14:23


    In this episode we take you back to our classroom and talk about Business Visas!

    H-3 Training Visa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 3:11


    Today we will discuss the H-3 Training Visa and how it can help you!!

    PERM Labor Cert

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2022 3:34


    Today we discuss a very popular question that we get and that is  "Do I have to advertise to hire a US Worker?" There are two situations where the answer is yes and we discuss one of them today!!

    Labor Shortages

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 3:02


    How the J-1 Cultural Exchange and H-2B Seasonal Visas can help with your labor shortages!

    Speed Processing Your Visa and More!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2022 6:29


    Can hiring a U.S. immigration lawyer speed up the process for my case? What is TPS and is it the same as asylum? How much money do I need to invest in the U.S. to get an investor visa? Is there anything I as U.S. Citizen can do?..He married me for the Green Card and now he is divorcing me!

    Work Visas Available for ‘The Great Resignation'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 2:36


    H-2B visas are seasonal work visas. Many of our Au-pair clients and Student Visa OPT clients are switching status to H-2B visas due to the need for business to employ professional and skilled workers based on the lack of qualified workers due to ‘ The Great Resignation' during the COVID pandemic.

    If Your U.S. Visa Expires is There a Way to Still Be in Status?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2020 2:19


    Is There ever a Time When Your Visa is Expired but yet your still  in status?   The answer is yes! I'll explain.   This is your U.S. Immigration Minute where we give you Immigration Tips & News without the Politics.   Whenever a foreign national travels to the U.S. On a temporary non-immigrant visa, he or she is issued an I-94 record which can be accessed electronically.   As a general rule, the I-94 expiration date always rules over the visa expiration date.   . For instance we had a client whose visa issued by the U.S. Consulate abroad expired without a new application being filed to renew.    .Panic set in, yet I knew the client had travelled frequently on their L non immigrant visa in and out of the U S. Since issuance of their visa.    I had my paralegal go online to check the expiration of The I-94 as we all waited with bated breath.   The Outcome was a relief. Despite the consulate issued visa expiration, U.S. customs border and patrol had approved our clients' I-94 to remain in the U.S. for another 3 months beyond visa expiration.   We were able to successfully prepare and file a visa extension timely for 2 more years without any gap or unlawful presence accruing to the applicant; and all done while she remained in the U.S. without issue.

    Avoiding the Au Pair 60 Day Trap!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 6:22


    At ScottVassell Law Firm, our lawyers have had the pleasure of working with Au Pairs in the United States over the past two decades and protecting the status of these bright intelligent youth with great dreams and aspirations from around the world.  The Au Pair program is a cultural exchange program, run by the Department of State (‘DOS') that permits youth between the age of  18 and 26 years old to provide childcare to U.S. parents who are typically professionals, executives and business owners. The program is for 12 months, but DOS may approve a one-time extension of 6, 9, or 12 months if the Au Pair demonstrates compliance with certain educational requirements and files at least 30 days prior to expiration.

    E-2 Visa Innovators & Investors Needed ~Partnering to Solve Pandemic Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2020 2:47


    While lockdowns and quarantines have placed the world on ‘pause'--- we have witnessed businesses and investors respond to the pandemic as an opportunity to unite internationally in solving unprecedented problems. Finding solutions fast to grapple with the ‘new normal' has become essential for society due to the crisis created by the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

    The Sensitive Matter of ESTA Visa Waivers & The Impact of COVID-19

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2020 4:42


    With the arrival of  an unprecedented world pandemic, due to COVID-19, wreaking havoc on everything and everyone; individuals holding ESTA visa waiver status have been left in a unique sensitive ‘bind'. Specifically, their U.S. non-immigrant U.S. status has been placed at risk with lockdowns, and flight cancellations just prior to his or her VWP expiration date.  It's important to pause and remember the big difference between foreign national citizens who enter the country on the ‘sensitive' VWP, versus foreign nationals that enter the U.S. on a traditional non-immigrant visa issued by a U.S. Consulate Post abroad.

    Visas and Viruses

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 3:32


    “All flights are cancelled; I am here on a 90 day visa waiver, and it expires next week what should I do”? These are questions our lawyers at ScottVassell & LeeCC answer daily. We hope this short podcast will reduce anxiety and allow you to safeguard your current U.S. ESTA visa waiver or temporary visa status set to expire amidst the pandemic.

    Saying Goodbye to Your Beloved Au Pair

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2020 5:51


    When Saying Goodbye to Your Beloved Au Pair Causes You to Weep-Can You Help Them Stay? We have had the privilege of working with many families over the years who have hired Au Pairs to care for their young children. But then, the working relationship becomes more than that of an employee-employer. In fact, the Au Pair becomes just like part of the family. At the end of the authorized J-1 Visa Work Period as an au pair, it's time to say good bye and everyone starts to weep.  I mean everyone... the children, the parents and the Au Pair.  Believing there is no way for the Au Pair to remain in the United States, and desperate for options, the lawyers here at ScottVassell Law Group have successfully navigated the complex J-1 Visa Department of State Rules to help.   Specifically, we have helped au pair's remain in the U.S. with their "new found" family through a change of status. If you want to learn how we do this, stay tuned as we go into our  Immigration Classroom and explain!

    From Thrilling to Chilling I-140 Employment Based Sponsorship

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2020 4:34


    Your U.S. employer has agreed to foot all the legal fees to sponsor you in Employment Based ("EB") Permanent Status in the United States. What could possibly go wrong? Your position is approved as an EB-2 or EB-3 category I-140 for adjustment of status purposes; and now all you have to do is sit back and wait as your employer and their lawyer handle 'everything'. Well... not so fast. If you want to know the risks associated with having your U.S. employer's lawyer handle your delicate status in the United States...keep listening!

    The K-1 Fiance Visa

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2019 3:18


    Excitement begins to run through your veins as you just received the 'final' approval notice for your K-1 fiance visa...or so you thought.The K-1 fiance visa is actually a 3 step process before a final fiance visa is issued for an intended spouse to travel to the United States to marry....

    E-2 Investor Visa Joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2019 3:03


    With the rising popularity of Shark Tank, Creatives, Entrepreneurs & IPOs being lauded as lucrative career goals for young people; the ability to forge international business relationships has become invaluable. The reality is that young people connect with each other internationally everyday, and they are starting to realize they're not bound within his or her own country when leveraging resources and strategic partnerships to launch a start-up company.

    When a Non-US Citizen Needs to Hire Both an Immigration & Criminal Attorney…Is it Possible to Hire Two for the Price of One?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2019 3:29


    In short, the answer is yes! But it's not a ‘simple' yes as explained below. A non-U.S. citizen residing in the United States is always subject to severe immigration consequences whenever facing criminal charges such as larceny, drug use (including marijuana), or driving under the influence.

    Does Your Immigration Lawyer Have The Deer In The Headlight Look?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2019 6:39


    Does your immigration lawyer look at you like a 'deer who has been caught in headlights' when asked about the following immigration solutions discussed below? If so, you may need to get a second opinion in one of the most complex areas of law in the United States... Immigration law matters. If you want to learn more about these solutions...Stay Tuned!! 

    The Six Month Travel Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2019 3:48


    Becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident of the United States is a very exciting accomplishment- that is until you can't find work, qualified affordable child care, or a close family member abroad falls ill unexpectedly. These are a few of the reasons Permanent Residents often leave the United States for extensive periods of time despite the risk of abandoning their U.S. Permanent Resident Status.

    The Critical Link Between a Conditional Green Card and US Citizenship

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2019 4:03


    The Critical Link between Conditional Green Card & Applying for U.S. Citizenship The N-400 Application to become a U.S. Citizen can be a landmine for Permanent Residents who do not understand the critical link between the I-751 Removal of Conditions and Citizenship process. An N-400 Naturalization Application often resembles an audit. Hopefully, with the help of experienced immigration counsel you will file for Naturalization successfully without delay or surprise

    Winning the H1-B Lottery

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2018 3:31


    When Temporary Protection Status Is No longer an Option…Think PERM!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2018 3:32


    VLG Law School: Provisional Waiver I-601a

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2018 5:20


    When and how can a provisional waiver be the key to solve a foreign national's immigration status problems while living without legal status in the United States??  Listen in as this is the topic of training for our immigration lawyers and staff today!!

    Completing Asylum Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2018 5:43


    In this podcast we will discuss the steps in starting a application for a Asylum visa request.

    Completing VAWA Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2018 7:52


    In this podcast we will discuss the steps in starting a application for a VAWA request.

    Vassell & LeeRC Law Group July Q & A

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2018 6:19


    We remove all the noise of the news and TV pundits and give you the information you need to make an informed decision in your immigration process.

    Immigration Minute Episode 10

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2018 3:26


    We remove all the noise of the news and TV pundits and give you the information you need to make an informed decision in your immigration process.

    Immigration Minute Episode 9

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2018 2:17


    We remove all the noise of the news and TV pundits and give you the information you need to make an informed decision in your immigration process.

    Immigration Minute Episode 8

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2018 2:23


    We remove all the noise of the news and TV pundits and give you the information you need to make an informed decision in your immigration process.

    Immigration Minute Episode 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2018 2:21


    We remove all the noise of the news and TV pundits and give you the information you need to make an informed decision in your immigration process.

    Immigration Minute Episode 6

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2018 2:45


    We remove all the noise of the news and TV pundits and give you the information you need to make an informed decision in your immigration process.

    Immigration Minute Episode 5

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2018 1:59


    We remove all the noise of the news and TV pundits and give you the information you need to make an informed decision in your immigration process.

    Immigration Minute Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2018 2:55


    We remove all the noise of the news and TV pundits and give you the information you need to make an informed decision in your immigration process.

    Immigration Minute Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2018 2:22


    We remove all the noise of the news and TV pundits and give you the information you need to make an informed decision in your immigration process.

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