Murthy Immigration Podcast

This special April 22, 2015, teleconference by attorneys of the Murthy Law Firm is added to our series for employers and their representatives. Discussed is the impact of the recent USCIS decision, Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC, which requires the filing of H1B amendments when there are geographic changes to H1B worker locations. After condoning the practice of moving H1B workers with certification of a new labor condition application, the USCIS now will require changes by H1B employers, especially those in the IT technology sector.

Sheela Murthy and other Murthy Law Firm attorneys discuss the new regulation that will finally allow certain H-4 spouses to apply for employment authorization documents (EADs). The information in this presentation has been designed to complement the information provided in our MurthDotCom NewsBrief, "Overview of the New H-4 EAD Rule."

The April 1, 2015 teleconference in our 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 explain some of the issues commonly encountered by employers when preparing the form, and offer tips for the successful completion of the ETA 9089 labor certification application, including being prepared for an audit.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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