This teleconference focused on life after the green card. In this session, attorneys from the Murthy Law firm discussed issues such as what happens when your employee becomes a permanent resident, updating the Form I-9, and changes in salary. We also covered transfer of employees abroad, reentry permits, and the effect of extended time abroad on naturalization eligibility.

The topic of this teleconference in our series for employers and their representatives will focus on hot topics and current issues. In this session, attorneys from the Murthy Law firm will discuss issues such as upcoming changes in USCIS filing fees and the new $2000 H1B/L-1 filing fee, the effect of H1B cap gap after October 1st, and an update on availability of H1B cap numbers. We will also discuss the legal criteria for adjudication of EB1 petitions in light of the recent USCIS interim memo.

The topic of this teleconference in our series for employers and their representatives focused on recent trends involving nonimmigrant visas at U.S. embassies and consulates. The recession, high rate of unemployment in the United States, and new policy guidance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have led to increased numbers of 221(g) requests for evidence and denials of H1B visas. As many employees are now planning holiday travel, this was a timely discussion for employers who may be concerned about their employees' consular processing. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed basic requirements for consular processing, special concerns for IT consulting companies, and some of the most frequently asked questions about consular processing. Proactive strategies to increase the chances for approvals of nonimmigrant visas, as well as issues affecting family members (including applications for H-4, L-2, and other dependent visas), delays in the issuance of H and L visas relating to the Petition Information Management Service (PIMS) and other complex consular matters were discussed.

The topic of this teleconference in our series for employers and their representatives was pursuing labor certification (PERM) in light of recent Department of Labor (DOL) trends. The session described the impact of DOL's increased scrutiny of PERM recruitment and recent decisions from the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA). Murthy Law Firm attorneys discussed strategies for handling prevailing wage determinations and properly documenting recruitment in order to prepare a strong case for labor certification.

The topic of this teleconference in our series for employers and their representatives focused on the new export control compliance section of Form I-129, which is used for foreign worker petitions including H1B and L-1. The USCIS recently announce that, beginning February 20, 2011, petitioners for H1B, H1B1, L-1, and O-1A petitions will be required to make certifications as to whether their foreign workers will have access in the workplace to technology and technical data for which an export license is required, and if applicable, to confirm that the petitioner will prevent such access until an appropriate export license or other authorization is obtained. The discussion focused on some important basics of the technology export control laws (EAR and ITAR), analysis of the new questions on Form I-129, and practical guidance on how those questions relate to employers - especially those in the IT industry.

The topic of this teleconference in our series for employers and their representatives will focus on the new export control compliance section of Form I-129, which is used for foreign worker petitions including H1B and L-1. The USCIS recently announce that, beginning February 20, 2011, petitioners for H1B, H1B1, L-1, and O-1A petitions will be required to make certifications as to whether their foreign workers will have access in the workplace to technology and technical data for which an export license is required, and if applicable, to confirm that the petitioner will prevent such access until an appropriate export license or other authorization is obtained. Part I of this teleconference focused on some important basics of the technology export control laws (EAR and ITAR) and the analysis of the new questions on Form I-129. Part II will concentrate on practical guidance on how those questions relate to employers - especially those in the IT industry - and discuss some examples.

This teleconference in our series for employers and their representatives addressed H1B "cap" cases. Murthy Law Firm attorneys discussed the annual quota system, who is subject to the cap, and what the criteria and the requirements for filing an H1B cap-subject petition. The session also addressed issues relating to the transition from F-1 to H1B, including the cap gap, as well as the recent USCIS fee changes, form revisions, and the proposed registration system for the annual H1B cap.

This teleconference will offer employers and their representatives an explanation of the distinctions between the EB2 and EB3 classifications in the green card process. Murthy Law Firm attorneys will explain the requirements for these categories, the role the employer plays in determining EB2 v. EB3, and strategies for demonstrating business necessity to support the EB2 classification. The session will describe the difference between USCIS and DOL guidance on equivalent education and experience as well as the challenge of proving that the employee meets the requirements for the position.

This teleconference in this monthly series designed to help businesses understand and work within U.S. immigration law focused on recent trends involving the large number of denials and refusals of H1B, H-4, L, and other visa applications at U.S. embassies and consulates. Murthy Law Firm attorneys discussed the sharp increase in 221(g) requests, as well as delays for "administrative processing" and advisory opinions, increasing numbers of H1B petitions being returned to the USCIS for possible revocation, and the new power for consular officers to temporarily revoke already approved visas.

This teleconference focused on best practices for businesses to assure compliance with the DOL's rules for the Labor Condition Application (LCA) program. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed trends and procedures of DOL audits and investigations of company compliance with LCA program rules. They also touched upon actions that sometimes prompt DOL visits and what to do to avoid common problems. Methods for using internal audits proactively to address problems and protect one's business in the event of an investigation were covered, as well.