Our March 4, 2015 teleconference in this series designed for employers and their representatives, addresses H1B "cap" cases. We at the Murthy Law Firm are already preparing H1B petitions for new workers to be filed in April 2015. In the teleconference, Murthy Law Firm attorneys discuss the annual quota system and requirements for filing H1B cap-subject petitions. The session also addresses issues related to transitioning from F-1 to H1B, including the cap gap, USCIS fee requirements, and matters important to IT consulting companies that assign workers to third-party sites.

The second teleconference (from February 24, 2015) in our series designed for F-1 students, addresses the requirements for curricular practical training (CPT), exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement, distance learning limitations, and special circumstances requiring authorization from the DSO or USCIS. The teleconference provides common examples of situations that Murthy Law Firm attorneys have encountered in their practice representing students before the USCIS. The teleconference also provides helpful advice on avoiding problems before they arise and minimizing the negative consequences of problems and issues if they do occur.

Our February 2015 teleconference in this series provides an overview of F-1 nonimmigrant status, common scenarios frequently encountered by companies employing F-1 students pursuant to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), as well as sponsoring F-1 students for H1B status. The teleconference explains the importance of becoming familiar with F-1 processes and procedures to avoid and/or address potential problems before they arise.

Copyright © 2015, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved

In our December 3, 2014 teleconference, Murthy Law Firm attorneys continue their discussion of consular issues that was begun in our October 2014 teleconference. They share travel tips for employees leaving the United States to apply for visas, and examples of visa applications that went smoothly and those with problems that prompted delays. Strategies for employers to avoid visa delays and get employees back to work are also explained.

Copyright © 2014, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved

The November 5, 2014 teleconference in our monthly series provides employers working on green card cases with practical tips for the recruitment portion of the labor certification process. The law requires green card-sponsoring employers to make sure there are no U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available for the offered position. Attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm discuss the recruitment process and focus on current Department of Labor trends.

Copyright © 2014, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved

Our October 21, 2014 teleconference for students provides an overview of immigration regulations and policy guidance governing F-1 nonimmigrant status. It is important for F-1 students to understand and comply with complex rules in order to maintain valid status in the U.S. These rules govern most daily aspects of student life, including academic study, class enrollment, employment, travel, financial ability, and practical training, among others. A clear understanding of the basics for maintaining F-1 status is important in order to recognize and address potential problems as soon as they arise.

Copyright © 2014, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved

In our October 1, 2014 teleconference, Murthy Law Firm attorneys discuss recent trends in visa applications, including fee increases and common issues that can result following a visa refusal or denial. Our attorneys cover strategies for employers and visa applicants to overcome these hurdles and answer frequently asked questions about visa processing.

Copyright © 2014, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved

The September 3, 2014 teleconference in our monthly series for employers and their representatives focuses on recent trends in requests for evidence for H1B petitions. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discuss maintenance of status, control, and specialty occupation issues as well as practical tips for preparing a strong response to a request for evidence.

Copyright © 2014, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved

The August 06, 2014 teleconference in this series designed for employers and their representatives focuses on one of the first steps in the PERM green card process: the prevailing wage determination. In the PERM green card process, employers are required to commit to a salary that either meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for the sponsored position, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. Attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm will discuss fundamentals of the prevailing wage request and current adjudication trends, and will provide guidance on how to overcome issues when seeking a prevailing wage determination for the green card process.

The July 2, 2014 teleconference in this series designed for employers and their representatives discusses the hidden perils of the PERM labor certification process as it relates to the completion of the ETA 9089 form. Murthy Law Firm attorneys will explain some of the common issues employers encounter when preparing the form, and offer tips for the successful completion of the ETA 9089 labor certification application.