Coming to the US without a visa? Don’t forget to complete ESTA!
By Jim Nolan | January 26, 2010
It has been a year since the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) has been introduced to people traveling to the US on Visa Waiver Program (i.e. coming to the US without a visa). Now they remind travelers to obtain an approved ESTA as apparently they are going to enforce this strongly.
According to the recent announcement, beginning January 20, they started initiating a 60-day transition to enforced ESTA compliance for air carriers; travelers without an approved ESTA may not be allowed to board a plane to the US. I don’t know exactly what “60-day transition” indicates at this point, however, if you, your family or friends are coming to the US without a visa, please make sure to complete ESTA on-line within 72 hours of their trip to the US to avoid a risk of being refused to take their flights. This does not affect US citizens returning from overseas or people traveling on a valid US visa.
ESTA applications are free and may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and once approved, generally will be valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations are valid for multiple entries. The web-based system prompts applicants to answer basic biographic and eligibility questions typically requested on a paper I-94W form. A third party, such as a relative, a friend, or a travel agent, may submit an application on behalf of the traveler. Please visit ESTA for further information.
Topics: Visa Waiver Program | No Comments »
H-1B “cap” is reached – no more H-1B’s until April 1, 2010
By Jim Nolan | December 23, 2009
As of December 21, 2009, two days ago, Immigration received enough cases to reach the limit of H-1B visa cases for this year and will reject any H-1B “cap” cases it received after that date. For thos cases that it received on December 21, 2009, it will use a randon selection to pick those whose cases will be considered.
People who didn’t get their visas in on time can file for H-1B visas on April 1, 2010, for visas that will start on October 1, 2010.
Topics: H-1B | No Comments »
H-1B “cap” update – only 2,100 left
By Jim Nolan | December 15, 2009
On December 11, 2009, Immigration announced that it has received 62,900 H-1B visa cases which were part of the 65,000 limit or “cap”. This is a 1,800 case increase in one week. If the filing continues at this rate we should reach the “cap” fairly soon. People who are interested in getting a new H-1B visa should start the case now and file as quickly as they can.
Topics: H-1B | No Comments »
H-1B “cap” update
By Jim Nolan | December 8, 2009
On December 4, 2009, Immigration announced that it has received 61,100 H-1B visa cases which were part of the 65,000 limit or “cap”. This is a 2,200 case increase in one week. If the filing continues at this rate we should reach the “cap” by the end of the year, but possibly sooner. People who are interested in getting a new H-1B visa should start the case as soon as possible and file as quickly as they can.
Topics: H-1B | No Comments »
H-1B “cap” update
By Jim Nolan | November 24, 2009
On November 20, 2009, Immigration announced that it has received 56,900 H-1B visa cases which were part of the 65,000 limit or “cap”. This is a 2,000 case increase from two weeks before. If the filing continues at this rate we should reach the “cap” by early January 2010, but possibly sooner. People who are interested in getting a new H-1B visa should start the case as soon as possible and file as quickly as they can.
Topics: H-1B | No Comments »
H-1B “cap” update
By Jim Nolan | November 22, 2009
On November 6, 2009, Immigration announced that it has received 54,700 H-1B visa cases which were part of the 65,000 limit or “cap”. This is a 900 case increase from one week before. People who are interested in getting a new H-1B visa should start the case as soon as possible and file as quickly as they can.
Topics: H-1B | No Comments »
Office inspection – ask for your attorney!
By Jim Nolan | November 22, 2009
Immigration recently released guidelines to the people who are inspecting the offices of companies who have sponsored people for H-1Bs. There is one very important point I want to be sure everyone is aware of.
Immigration told its inspectors that if the company wants an attorney to be there during the interview and the attorney is not immediately, the interview should immediately stop. The officer cannot go ahead unless the attorney is present and should leave the office.
Therefore, if an Immigration inspector comes to your office I would strongly suggest you say that you want an attorney present. If you are our client please call me immediately and if I can get there I will and, if not, I will try to speak to the inspector to arrange a time we can meet together.
The guidelines make it clear that your company will not be penalized for wishing to have its attorney present.
Topics: H-1B | No Comments »
Free telephone consultation on U.S. Immigration law
By Jim Nolan | November 5, 2009
I would like to remind you about the next free telephone consultation for people or companies who need help with U.S. immigration laws.
The next consultation will be Thursday, November 12, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). I will offer a monthly consultation the 2nd Thursday of each month.
Please click on the link below to make an appointment or call (877) 567-3380, extension 101.
If you or anyone you know would like to call they are welcome.
Topics: Free U.S. immigration law consultations | No Comments »
New information about H-1B “cap”
By Jim Nolan | November 3, 2009
On October 30, 2009, Immigration announced that it has received 53,800 H-1B visa cases which were part of the 65,000 limit or “cap”. This is a 1,000 case increase from one week before and the rate of filing is increasing. People who are interested in getting a new H-1B visa should start the case as soon as possible and file as quickly as they can.
Topics: H-1B | No Comments »
Amazing collection of Japanese swords and armor!
By Jim Nolan | October 20, 2009
Last night (October 19th) I attended an opening at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York of an amazing collection of Japanese arms and armor, primarily swords and samurai armor. I have never seen anything like it. There are over 35 Japanese National Treasures or other culturally significant items on display. It is impossible to see this type of collection in one place anywhere in the world. I have attached d a link to information about the exhibit. http://www.metmuseum.org/special/se_event.asp?OccurrenceId={F8E9ACA7-5B17-471F-9394-D298E7E53159}
Though the exhibition is for 3 months, almost all of the national treasures will be on display until January 10, 2010.
Please go see this amazing exhibition.
Topics: Cultural Events, Our Thoughts | No Comments »
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