Murthy Immigration Podcast

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.

This teleconference in our monthly series for employers and their agents focused on nonimmigrant employment-based visa options. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed the most common nonimmigrant visas utilized by employers - H1B, L-1, and TN, but also discussed some of the less common visas that may be available in appropriate situations - E, O, P, and R. They offered a brief overview of the requirements, advantages and disadvantages of each visa classification.

This teleconference in our monthly series for employers and their representatives focused on the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21), as it relates to H1B extensions and employment-based green card portability. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed some common strategies utilizing AC21 law to consider when employing a foreign national. They also discussed some recent developments and the possibility of regulatory guidance in the area of AC21.

This teleconference in our monthly series for employers and their representatives focused on the state of investigations of U.S. employers of foreign workers. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm presented an overview of how employers are investigated by various government agencies, including USCIS and ICE (through their Fraud Detection and National Security offices), as well as the U.S. Departments of Labor and State. They also discussed recent developments from DOL decisions relating to H1B workers and back wages and provided suggestions for best practices to help avoid compliance problems.

This teleconference in our monthly series for employers and their representatives focused on the most current H1B hot topics, including specific issues relevant to the IT consulting industry. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed the most recent H1B RFE trends and some of the new types of evidence requested by USCIS. They also discussed the issue of 'new labor condition application (LCA) v. H1B amendment' for a work location change, as well as the recent controversy in H1B legal / USCIS fee payment, and other timely matters.

The topic of this teleconference in our series for employers and their representatives focused on employer-sponsored permanent residence ("green card") options other than PERM labor certifications. In this session, attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed the requirements for two of the three EB1 categories: multinational executive transferees and outstanding professors / researchers. We also explained green card options under schedule A and trends in adjudications and other considerations for employers exploring these options.

In the first teleconference of 2012, in this series designed for employers and their representatives, a panel of attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm provides an overview of the most important developments of 2011 in the field of Immigration law, and how they relate to employers. The panel also provides guidance on how employers can effectively structure their immigration procedures for 2012 and beyond.

The topic of our February 2012 teleconference in this series, designed for employers and their representatives, addresses H1B "cap" cases. Murthy Law Firm attorneys discuss the annual quota system, who is subject to the cap, and the criteria 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 at third-party sites.