H-1B Wage Level I RFEs – Tips and Strategies for Navigating This Complex Issue
October 6, 2017
1:00-2:00 PM EST

Thousands of Wage Level I-related RFEs have been issued by USCIS since June 2017. H-1B cap cases, in addition to transfer, extensions or amendments have been targeted where USCIS is challenging the suitability of Wage Level 1 prevailing wage level and the suitability for an entry-level position.  This FREE webinar is intended for H-1B employers and employees will focus on how to prepare for and respond to Wage Level I RFEs. We will share our thoughts about specific strategies, points and arguments to be made in response and how to avoid this kind of RFEs in the future. Registration is FREE but space is LIMITED but please sign up early. Recording here.

The Final International Entrepreneur Parole Rule – Discussion and Analysis
February 28, 2017
1:00-2:00 PM EST

After years of anticipation, the Department of Homeland Security has released the proposed text of a rule seeking to allow international entrepreneurs to stay and work in the U.S. The proposed rule would allow start-up founders who are able to show significant job growth potential and attract investment to qualify to remain and work in the US for a term of two years (renewable to a maximum of five). Dependents will be eligible to accompany the entrepreneur into the U.S. and spouses will be able to apply for an independent and unrestricted work permit. Our office has been advocating for a start-up visa or similar benefit and, while not perfect, this proposal gets close to what many are hoping for. Recording here.

Opening of the H-1B Visa Cap – Are You Ready?
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
1:00-2:00 PM EST

The new H-1B visa cap will open on April 1, 2017. Our webinar will provide an overview of how the H-1B cap and lottery work and our predictions for reaching the fiscal year cap. The panel will review the H-1B application process from the employer’s perspective and will provide corporate strategies and timelines for filing before the cap is hit. We will discuss:
– how to document third-party worksites and clients, including preparing for site-visits and scrutiny?
– what kind of documentation is required for in-house projects?
– how to evaluate H-1B cap candidates and their educational and experience credentials?
– which job positions are considered specialty occupation?
– how to minimize (or eliminate) chances of RFEs/NOID?
– how to address OPT/CPT F-1 student concerns – cap-gap, travel and more?
– how to avoid common mistakes?
– and many more. Recording here.

E-2 Investor Visa – How to Make it Work for Foreign Entrepreneurs?
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
1:00-2:00 PM EST

The investor visa is often confused with the very expensive EB-5 program. Very few realize that the E-2 investor visa requires only a moderate amount of investment and it is a great option for some foreign entrepreneurs (unfortunately Indian and Chinese nationals do not qualify for the E-2 visa). Our FREE webinar will discuss what is an E-2 visa and who can obtain one. We will discuss what are the advantages of the E-2 visa and how to qualify. Recording here.

Webinar: Final I-140 EAD and Job Portability Rule – Analysis and Discussion
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
1:00-2:00 PM EST

This FREE webinar will go through the newly-released final rule seeking to provide certain job portability benefits for employment-based visas, including the I-140 EAD rule.  During the webinar our attorneys will discuss final rule’s key provisions including what has changed from the proposed rule and how to best take advantage of the new provisions and benefits. Recording here.

Extraordinary Aliens, Outstanding Researchers & National Interest Waiver – How Do I Qualify?
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
1:00-2:00 PM EST

Our FREE webinar will cover various aspects of self-sponsored immigration options for researchers, scientists and other “top of the field” foreign nationals seeking U.S. permanent residence, including the extraordinary ability classification (EB-1A) and the national interest waiver (NIW). The panel will also discuss the employer-sponsored classification of outstanding professor/researcher (EB-1B).The webinar will include a detailed review of the distinctions between these green card classifications and information regarding the suitability of each option and qualifying credentials. Recording here.

H-1B for Foreign Entrepreneurs –Right to Control and Employee-Employer Relationship
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
1:00-2:00 PM EST

Historically H-1B visas for foreign entrepreneurs have been challenging but still possible with enough preparation and lead time.  This FREE webinar will offer strategies and tips for preparing H-1B petitions and responding to RFEs for foreign entrepreneurs and third party placement H-1B visa holders. The panel will discuss types, options and formats of documentary evidence required to support the employer-employee relationship. This session will also provide strategies and scenarios to fulfill the H-1B eligibility requirements for owners of substantial interest in the petitioning company. Recording here.

 

The Proposed Entrepreneur Parole Rule – Discussion and Analysis
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
1:00-2:00 PM EST

After years of anticipation, the Department of Homeland Security has released the proposed text of a rule seeking to allow international entrepreneurs to stay and work in the U.S. The proposed rule would allow start-up founders who are able to show significant job growth potential and attract investment to qualify to remain and work in the US for a term of two years (renewable to a maximum of five).

Dependents will be eligible to accompany the entrepreneur into the U.S. and spouses will be able to apply for an independent and unrestricted work permit.

Our office has been advocating for a start-up visa or similar benefit and, while not perfect, this proposal gets close to what many are hoping for.   Recording here.

 

Understanding the New 24-month F-1 OPT STEM Extension Rule
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
1:00-2:00 PM EST

The recently-introduced STEM OPT rule has created a number of opportunities and challenges for both employers and F-1 OPT holders. This FREE webinar will provide an overview of the new 24-month OPT STEM extension rule, including:

  • New application procedures and compliance requirements for DSOs, employers, and STEM beneficiaries
  • Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, the joint filing requirements, and when to report “material changes or deviations”
  • Employer wage and hour attestations regarding “similarly situated U.S. workers” and new record-keeping requirements
  • 12-month evaluation and final evaluation reporting requirements
  • 7-month STEM “balance” extensions for current 17-month STEM OPT beneficiaries. Recording here.

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The Naturalization Process: Becoming a United States Citizen
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
1:00-2:00 PM EST

Over the past decade, the United States has welcomed, on average, approximately 700,000 newly naturalized citizens each year. During our FREE webinar, the panel will provide an overview of the naturalization application process, including eligibility requirements and timelines. We will also talk about who should NOT apply for naturalization and will answer questions. Recording here.
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Visas for Foreign Entrepreneurs – Step by Step What you Need to Know to Start Your Company
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
1:00-2:00 PM EST

Despite America’s rich history as a haven for ambitious immigrant entrepreneurs, many foreigners have to cope with increasingly restrictive immigration policies as U.S. immigration law is often not particularly welcoming to foreign nationals who wish to start their own companies. This FREE webinar will provide a step-by-step overview on how to create and open your own company on various visas. The panel will advise you on the options for starting your own company from both the immigration and corporate law perspectives. Will provide strategies and scenarios to fulfill the visa eligibility requirements for owners of substantial interest in the petitioning company. And will help you understand and navigate the best immigration approach for hiring foreign nationals for your start-up. Recording here.

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Opening of the H-1B Visa Cap – Are You Ready?
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
1:00-2:00 PM EST

The new H-1B visa cap will open on April 1, 2016. Our webinar will provide an overview of how the H-1B cap and lottery work and our predictions for reaching the fiscal year cap. The panel will review the H-1B application process from the employer’s perspective and will provide corporate strategies and timelines for filing before the cap is hit. We will discuss:
– how to document third-party worksites and clients, including preparing for site-visits and scrutiny?
– what kind of documentation is required for in-house projects?
– how to evaluate H-1B cap candidates and their educational and experience credentials?
– which job positions are considered specialty occupation?
– how to minimize (or eliminate) chances of RFEs/NOID?
– how to address OPT/CPT F-1 student concerns – cap-gap, travel and more?
– how to avoid common mistakes?
– and many more.   Recording here.

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Preserving and Maintaining U.S. Permanent Residence
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
1:00-2:00 PM EST

In today’s shrinking world, where international travel is nearly as common as domestic travel, lawful permanent residents often find themselves defending their status at ports of entry. This FREE webinar will cover the steps that LPRs must take both to maintain their permanent residence and to preserve continuous residence for naturalization purposes. It will also address best practices for avoiding risk of abandonment for LPRs living abroad. Recording here.
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PERM and H-1B Compliance for Human Resources
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
1:00-2:00 PM EST

In light of aggressive government enforcement actions, employers and human resources professionals need to have a firm understanding of their roles and responsibilities regarding the employment of H-1B workers, the PERM Labor Certification process, and what do to in the event of a surprise government workplace site-visit. This FREE webinar details the employer’s responsibilities regarding the employment of specialty occupation workers (H-1B), PERM file maintenance and recruitment reports, and government workplace site-visits and investigation issues. Recording here.
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Discussion and Analysis of the Visa Bulletin Two-Tier Cutoff Date System – Pros, Cons and How to Take Advantage
Monday, September 14, 2015
1:00-2:00 PM EST

The creation of the two-tier cutoff date system in the October 2015 Visa Bulletin allows many applicants from backlogged countries to process their immigrant filings (I-485/NVC) and open a number of benefits, including AC21 porting to a new employer. At the same time, the new structure is intended to create a smoother and more predictable view on the processing times for green card approval.

Please join our senior attorneys for a discussion and analysis of the two-tier Visa Bulletin cutoff date system, including overview of the process for taking advantage of the new dates. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Recording here.

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H-1B Visa for Entrepreneurs – Step by Step What you Need to Know to Start Your Company
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
1:00-2:00 PM EST

Despite America’s rich history as a haven for ambitious immigrant entrepreneurs, many foreigners have to cope with increasingly restrictive immigration policies as U.S. immigration law is often not particularly welcoming to foreign nationals who wish to start their own companies. This FREE webinar will provide a step-by-step overview on how to create and open your own company on H-1B visa. The panel will advise you on the options for starting your own company from both the immigration and corporate law perspectives. Will provide strategies and scenarios to fulfill the H-1B eligibility requirements for owners of substantial interest in the petitioning company. And will help you understand and navigate the best immigration approach for hiring foreign nationals for your start-up. Recording here.

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Immigration Options for F-1 Students – Life After Graduation
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
1:00-2:00 PM EST

May is the month of graduations, celebrations and life decisions unfortunately for many foreign F-1 students this is also the time of entering the U.S. immigration law maze. Graduating F-1 students are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by USCIS. Our FREE webinar will discuss Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The panel will talk about immigration options for graduating students including the requirements and timelines for H-1B filings and how to obtain the Cap-Gap Relief. The webinar will also present alternatives to the H-1B visa and how to talk to a prospective employer about obtaining immigration support. Recording here.

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H-1B Third Party Worksite Changes and Amendments – Analysis of AAO Decision and Step by Step Compliance Guide for H-1B Employers
Monday, May 4, 2015
1:00-2:00 PM EST

The regulatory guidance and approach by USCIS with respect to worksite location changes for H-1B petitions is evolving and it becomes clear that USCIS will start requiring (and enforcing) an H-1B amendment be filed every time there is a worksite location change. Our office has been following the trends and developments in this area for months and well before the recent Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC decision by the AAO and we will be hosting a FREE webinar to address the trends and how best to comply. This webinar is mainly targeted to H-1B employers who have at least one H-1B worker placed at a third-party worksite OR for H-1B workers who are placed outside of the office. Recording here.

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Immigration Options for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
1:00-2:00 PM EST

This FREE webinar program will focus on the different types of work visas and green cards that are available to foreign entrepreneurs. This seminar will cover immigration options for founders and key employees looking to grow companies in the United States, and talk about some of the issues foreign entrepreneurs face in obtaining an appropriate visa. We will provide tips handling some of the issues that are unique to start-up organizations, founders, and their employees. Recording here.

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The New H-4 Spouse EAD Rule – Details, Mechanics and Challenges
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
1:00-2:00 PM EST

After long wait, the H-4 Spouse EAD rule was just announced with an effective date of May 26, 2015. This webinar will discuss in detail the rule itself, the eligibility criteria, the mechanics of filing applications and the challenges raised by the rule. Join our attorneys for a discussion on the new rule. Among the topics will be: What exactly does the H-4 Spouse EAD rule permit? Who is eligible to obtain EAD? The former employer vs. current employer I-140 problem. Logistics – application details, timelines and documentation. Challenges and pitfalls to look for and others. Recording here
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Opening of the H-1B Visa Cap – Are You Ready?

Wednesday, February 18, 2015
1:00-2:00 PM EST

The new H-1B visa cap will open on April 1, 2015. Our webinar will provide an overview of how the H-1B cap and lottery work and our predictions for reaching the FY2016 cap. The panel will review the H-1B application process from the employer’s perspective and will provide corporate strategies and timelines for filing before the cap is hit. The panel will also discuss alternate visas that may be considered once the cap has been reached. Recording here.

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Extraordinary Aliens, Outstanding Researchers & National Interest Waiver – How Do I Qualify?

Wednesday, January 28, 2015
1:00-2:00 PM EST

Our FREE webinar will cover various aspects of self-sponsored immigration options for scientists seeking U.S. permanent residence, including the extraordinary ability classification (EB-1A) and the national interest waiver (NIW). The panel will also discuss the employer-sponsored classification of outstanding professor/researcher (EB-1B). Recording here.
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Everything you Wanted to Know About AC-21 Rules for H-1B and Green Card Portability but Were Afraid to Ask
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
1:00-2:00 PM EST

AC21 has offered much needed relief to many immigrants in the past, and is even more critical now when hundreds of thousands of people filed I-485 Adjustment of Status applications, but are facing severe visa retrogression for the coming years. AC21 makes it possible to start a new job and career when needed or desired, before green card is approved. This FREE webinar will provide an overview of AC21 portability requirements, including the meaning of “Same or Similar” jobs, and the procedure of notifying USCIS.

This session will also identify the nuances of AC21 application to H-1B nonimmigrants and will provide strategic guidance on requirements and successful case preparation and adjudication. Recording here.

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SPECIAL EDITION:   President Obama’s Executive Action Plan – Details and Analysis
Friday, November 21, 2014
1:00-2:00 PM EST

President Obama’s executive action on immigration has been widely anticipated among many groups of immigrants. This webinar will break down the details of the proposals and analyze its provisions and how they affect different groups of immigrant populations.  Recording here.

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PERM and H-1B Compliance for Human Resources
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
1:00-2:00 PM EST

In light of aggressive government enforcement actions, employers and human resources professionals need to have a firm understanding of their roles and responsibilities regarding the employment of H-1B workers, the PERM Labor Certification process, and what do to in the event of a surprise government workplace site-visit. This FREE webinar details the employer’s responsibilities regarding the employment of specialty occupation workers (H-1B), PERM file maintenance and recruitment reports, and government workplace site-visits and investigation issues. Recording here

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H-1B Third Party Placements – Everything Employers Need to Know
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
12:30-1:30 PM EST

This FREE webinar will discuss most recent trends in H-1B third party placements including update on the Neufeld Memo, consular trends and vendor liability. The panel will also review the most successful scenarios for fulfilling the employer-employee requirement.  The webinar will also discuss the recent developments in immigration compliance for off-site placements and avoiding possible criminal liability of H-1B petitioners. Recording here.

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Preserving and Maintaining U.S. Permanent Residence
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
12.30-1.30 PM EST

In today’s shrinking world, where international travel is nearly as common as domestic travel, lawful permanent residents often find themselves defending their status at ports of entry. This FREE webinar will cover the steps that LPRs must take both to maintain their permanent residence and to preserve continuous residence for naturalization purposes. It will also address best practices for avoiding risk of abandonment for LPRs living abroad. Recording here.

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Immigration for HR: Work Visa Options for Foreign Nationals until Next H-1B Cap              

Wednesday, May 21, 2014
12.30-1.30 PM EST

While the H-1Bs visas are gone and not available for filings until April 2015, U.S. employers are facing challenges in hiring their skilled foreign nationals. This FREE webinar will focus on the different types of work visas and green cards that are available to foreign national employees during the time when H-1B visa are not available. The panel will cover several visa options that U.S. employers might consider for hiring foreign national employees. Recording here.

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Extraordinary Aliens, Outstanding Researchers & National Interest Waiver – How Do I Qualify?                                               

Our FREE webinar on April 30th will cover various aspects of self-sponsored immigration options for scientists seeking U.S. permanent residence, including the extraordinary ability classification (EB-1A) and the national interest waiver (NIW). The panel will also discuss the employer-sponsored classification of outstanding professor/researcher (EB-1B). Recording here.

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Immigration Options for F-1 Students – Life after OPT
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
12.30-1.30 PM EST

F-1 students are allowed to work in the United States, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by USCIS. This FREE webinar will discuss Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).  The panel will talk about immigration options for graduating students including the requirements and timelines for H-1B filings and how to obtain the Cap-Gap Relief.  The webinar will present alternatives to the H-1B Visa and how to talk to a prospective employer about providing immigration support. Recording here.

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Opening of the H-1B Visa Cap – Are you Ready?                                                                                                                                            Wednesday, February 19, 2014
12.30-1.30 PM EST

The new H-1B visa cap will open on April 1, 2014. Our webinar will provide an overview of how the H-1B cap and lottery work and our predictions for reaching the FY2015 cap. The panel will review the H-1B application process from the employer’s perspective and will provide corporate strategies and timelines for filing before the cap is hit. The panel will also discuss alternate visas that may be considered once the cap has been reached. Recording here.

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Immigration Compliance for HR – What You Need to Know in 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
12.30-1.30 PM EST

The government’s pursuit of employers who violate federal immigration compliance laws is expected to be moving full speed ahead in 2014.  Will your immigration compliance practices hold up under scrutiny? Are you up to date on the latest I-9, H-1B and PERM rules? With the  increase in immigration enforcement, significant penalties, and the potential for bad press, employers are well advised to create an immigration compliance program or review an existing program.  This FREE webinar will focus on training HR professionals to ensure that they are following current immigration regulations for Form I-9, H-B visas and PERM, ideas for organizing your immigration compliance in 2014 and tips for developing successful corporate compliance programs. Recording here.

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H-1B Visa for Entrepreneurs – Everything you Need to Know to Start Your Own Company  

Despite America’s rich history as a haven for ambitious immigrant entrepreneurs, many foreigners have to cope with increasingly restrictive immigration policies as U.S. immigration law is often not particularly welcoming to foreign nationals who wish to start their own companies. This FREE webinar will provide a step-by-step overview on how to create and open your own company on H-1B visa. The panel will advise on the options for starting your own company from both the immigration and corporate law perspectives.  The webinar will also provide strategies and scenarios to fulfill the H-1B eligibility requirements for owners of substantial interest in the petitioning company.  And will help you understand and navigate the best immigration approach for hiring foreign nationals for your start-up. Recording here.

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Internal I-9 Audit: Training for Human Resources
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
12.30-1.30 PM ESTThe Form I-9 appears deceptively simple, but is fraught with potential compliance issues including financial penalties and reputation damage. Given the intensification of worksite enforcement efforts, it is crucial for employers to assess their I-9 records and practices with an internal audit. This FREE webinar will provide training on how to develop an effective I-9 audit in-house. The panel will discuss practice tips for conducting the internal audit, the most common mistakes in completing Form I-9 and self audit Do’s and Don’ts. I-9 AUDIT FOR HR Webinar

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H-1B  for Foreign Entrepreneurs – Right to Control and Employee-Employer Relationship
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
12.30-1.30 PM ESTThis FREE webinar will offer strategies and tips for preparing H-1B petitions and responding to RFEs for foreign entrepreneurs and third party placement H-1B visa holders. The panel will discuss types, options and formats of documentary evidence required to support the employer-employee relationship. This session will also provide strategies and scenarios to fulfill the H-1B eligibility requirements for owners of substantial interest in the petitioning company.
Recording Here

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PERM and H-1B Compliance for Human Resources
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
12.30-1.30 PM EST

In light of aggressive government enforcement actions, employers and human resources professionals need to have a firm understanding of their roles and responsibilities regarding the employment of H-1B workers, the PERM Labor Certification process, and what do to in the event of a surprise government workplace site-visit. This FREE webinar details the employer’s responsibilities regarding the employment of specialty occupation workers (H-1B),  PERM file maintenance and recruitment reports, and government workplace site-visits and investigation issues.  Recording here

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Everything you Wanted to Know about AC-21 Rules for H-1B and Green Card Portability but Were Afraid to Ask
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
12.30-1.30 PM EST

AC21 has offered much needed relief to many immigrants in the past, and is even more critical now when hundreds of thousands of people filed I-485 Adjustment of Status applications, but are facing severe visa retrogression for the coming years. AC21 makes it possible to start a new job and career when needed or desired, before green card is approved. This FREE webinar will provide an overview of AC21 portability requirements, including the meaning of “Same or Similar” jobs, and the procedure of notifying USCIS.

This session will also identify the nuances of AC21 application to H-1B nonimmigrants and will provide strategic guidance on requirements and successful case preparation and adjudication.  Recording here

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Preserving and Maintaining U.S. Permanent Residence
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
12.30-1.30 PM EST

In today’s shrinking world, where international travel is nearly as common as domestic travel, lawful permanent residents often find themselves defending their status at ports of entry. This FREE webinar will cover the steps that LPRs must take both to maintain their permanent residence and to preserve continuous residence for naturalization purposes. It will also address best practices for avoiding risk of abandonment for LPRs living abroad.
Recording here
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Immigration Options for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
12.30-1.30 PM EST

This FREE webinar program will focus on the different types of work visas and green cards that are available to foreign entrepreneurs. This seminar will cover immigration options for founders and key employees looking to grow companies in the United States, and talk about some of the issues foreign entrepreneurs face in obtaining an appropriate visa. We will provide tips handling some of the issues that are unique to start-up organizations, founders, and their employees.  Recording here

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