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Plan B: Vías alternativas de empleo en EE.UU. para estudiantes internacionales F-1 que no consiguen visa en lotería del H-1B

Flavia Santos • September 28, 2023

Click here to read this article in English

Los estudiantes internacionales con visados F-1 que no han sido seleccionados en la lotería del H-1B se enfrentan a una situación difícil, pero todavía hay opciones alternativas de inmigración disponibles. Estas opciones pueden requerir más esfuerzo y planificación, pero en última instancia pueden conducir a la misma meta de obtener una visa de trabajo en los Estados Unidos.

Evalúe el tiempo que le queda

Es imperativo que las personas que actualmente participan en el programa de Formación Práctica Opcional (OPT) evalúen el tiempo restante antes de su vencimiento. La fecha de expiración del OPT puede afectar significativamente la elegibilidad de uno para continuar residiendo en los Estados Unidos, particularmente si tienen la intención de registrarse para la lotería de visas H-1B en 2024. Por ejemplo, en caso de ser seleccionado en la lotería y de que el OPT expire el 1 de abril de 2024 o después, la persona tendría derecho a la prórroga H-1B Cap-Gap, lo que le permitiría continuar con su estatus OPT hasta que el visado H-1B se haga efectivo. Sin embargo, si el periodo de validez del OPT expira antes del 1 de abril de 2024, la persona deberá abandonar los EE.UU. en un plazo de 60 días tras la fecha de expiración del OPT. La siguiente tabla ilustra este escenario.

Prepárese para la temporada de regreso a clases

Para los estudiantes que buscan oportunidades de empleo en Estados Unidos, matricularse en un programa académico que ofrezca Formación Práctica Curricular (CPT) de primer día es otra opción viable. Esto permitiría a los estudiantes empezar a trabajar inmediatamente, incluso mientras continúan sus estudios. Además, los estudiantes que ya han conseguido una oferta de trabajo pueden trabajar en CPT mientras esperan el resultado de su petición H-1B en el límite anual. Para aprovechar al máximo este período ampliado, sería prudente inscribirse en la lotería del tope H-1B antes de que expire el período OPT.

Considere el visado L-1 si trabaja para una multinacional

Como opción viable para los profesionales que buscan un empleo a largo plazo en Estados Unidos, trabajar para una multinacional en el extranjero durante un año seguido de un traslado dentro de la empresa mediante un visado L-1 puede ofrecer numerosas ventajas estratégicas. El visado L-1, diseñado específicamente para este tipo de traslados, permite a los empleados de empresas multinacionales trasladarse a una filial, subsidiaria o matriz estadounidense. El visado L-1 se caracteriza por ser un visado de doble propósito que permite la flexibilidad de buscar tanto oportunidades de trabajo y estudio temporales en el país, como la residencia a largo plazo. También tiene un periodo de validez de 5 a 7 años. Aunque esta vía requiere que la persona trabaje en el extranjero durante un año, puede resultar una valiosa solución a largo plazo para trabajar en Estados Unidos.

Visado TN para ciudadanos canadienses y mexicanos

El visado TN es una categoría de visado de no inmigrante que permite a los ciudadanos canadienses y mexicanos trabajar temporalmente en Estados Unidos en determinadas ocupaciones profesionales, enumeradas en el Acuerdo Estados Unidos-México-Canadá (USMCA). Los requisitos para obtener un visado TN incluyen una oferta de trabajo de un empleador estadounidense, un trabajo preestablecido a tiempo completo o parcial en una de las profesiones elegibles, una licenciatura o su equivalente y una prueba de cualificación profesional. El periodo de validez de un visado TN varía en función de la duración de la oferta de trabajo, pero puede expedirse por un máximo de tres años y renovarse indefinidamente.

Empresarios e inversores

Para quienes son más emprendedores, los visados E-1 y E-2, por su parte, están diseñados para personas dedicadas al comercio internacional con EE.UU. Estos visados permiten a su titular trabajar en EE.UU. al tiempo que realiza un comercio sustancial entre EE.UU. y su país de origen. Cada uno de estos visados ofrece oportunidades y requisitos únicos, y es importante consultar con un abogado de inmigración para determinar cuál es el que mejor se adapta a sus circunstancias individuales.

Solicitar un permiso de trabajo para dependientes

Para las personas casadas, las opciones de visado para cónyuges también pueden ser una alternativa viable. El Documento de Autorización de Empleo (EAD) H-4 permite a los cónyuges elegibles de titulares de visados H-1B obtener permiso para trabajar en EE.UU. siempre que el cónyuge principal tenga un I-140 aprobado. Por su parte, los visados dependientes L-2 y E-2 son opciones para los cónyuges de titulares de visados L-1 y E-2, respectivamente. A diferencia del H-4, que requiere que el cónyuge principal H-1B tenga un I-140D aprobado, los cónyuges L-2 y E-2 se consideran autorizados para trabajar y no necesitan solicitar un documento de autorización de empleo. Estos visados para cónyuges pueden suponer una importante fuente de ingresos y apoyo para la familia mientras el titular principal del visado se establece en EE.UU.

Conclusión

Es importante que los estudiantes consideren todas sus opciones y trabajen con un abogado de inmigración con experiencia para determinar el mejor curso de acción. Si bien el límite H-1B puede ser un proceso frustrante y difícil, todavía hay caminos hacia el éxito para los estudiantes internacionales. Con una planificación cuidadosa y perseverancia, los estudiantes pueden lograr sus objetivos y construir una carrera exitosa en los Estados Unidos.

Descargo de responsabilidad: Este artículo tiene únicamente fines informativos y no debe considerarse asesoramiento jurídico. Se recomienda encarecidamente buscar el asesoramiento de un abogado de inmigración antes de tomar cualquier decisión.

Flavia Lloyd

Streamlining Visa Extensions: The Deference Policy Codified in the H-1B Modernization Rule

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 16, 2025

A key development occurred in December 2024, when the deference policy was officially written into regulation (the “H-1B modernization rule”), set to take effect on January 17, 2025. Once it takes effect, USCIS adjudicators must apply the deference policy to extension requests involving the same employer, the same employee, and the same job details. USCIS can still decide not to defer to the previous approval if: There was a material error in the earlier approval. There has been a material change in circumstances or eligibility. New information raises doubts about eligibility. Even in these situations, officers must explain why they are not deferring. Importantly, USCIS does not have to defer to decisions made by other agencies, such as the U.S. Department of State or Customs and Border Protection. By turning the deference policy into a regulation, it becomes more difficult for future administrations to eliminate it quickly. Any attempt to rescind or change the policy now requires a lengthy rulemaking process that includes a public notice-and-comment period. Key Takeaways for Employers Greater Predictability: The deference policy, now a regulation, gives employers more certainty that extension petitions will be approved if there are no major changes in the employee’s role or the employer’s situation. Potential Changes Ahead: A future administration could still try to rescind this rule, but they must follow a formal regulatory process, which takes time and offers employers some warning. File Extensions Early: Employers can submit extension petitions up to six months before a visa expires. Filing early can help avoid unexpected policy shifts and minimize risks of RFEs or denials. Overall, the codification of the deference policy is a significant step that offers much-needed stability and efficiency in the U.S. immigration process. By planning ahead and staying informed, employers can take advantage of this improved predictability. As always, working closely with an immigration attorney ensures that extension applications are accurate, well-prepared, and filed promptly—especially during times when policy may evolve.

USCIS Introduces Customer Experience Improvements for H-1B Cap Season

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • February 1, 2024

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced a significant enhancement to its customer experience with the upcoming launch of organizational accounts for H-1B cap season. These measures, set to debut in February 2024 , aim to boost efficiency and foster collaboration among organizations, legal representatives, and USCIS. One of the key features of this improvement is the introduction of organizational accounts for non-cap filings and the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap season. This innovation allows multiple individuals within an organization and their legal representatives to collaborate seamlessly on H-1B registrations, Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker), and associated Form I-907 (Request for Premium Processing Service). The introduction of organizational accounts marks a transition to a fully electronic H-1B lifecycle, covering registration, petition preparation, decision-making, and transmission to the Department of State. USCIS expects to launch organizational accounts in February 2024, with the online filing of Forms I-129 and I-907 following shortly thereafter. This shift to electronic filing is anticipated to streamline the H-1B petition process, reducing common errors and eliminating duplicate H-1B registrations. Further, as part of USCIS's broader efforts to enhance efficiency and standardize processes, the paper filing location for Forms I-129 and I-907 will transition from service centers to the USCIS lockbox. This move aims to reduce costs while maintaining a more streamlined and standardized approach to handling H-1B petitions. With these customer experience improvements, USCIS is taking a significant stride towards modernizing and streamlining the H-1B petition process. As we approach the FY 2025 H-1B registration period, Santos Lloyd Law Firm is closely monitoring the evolving landscape of H-1B changes and actively engaging in upcoming sessions to maximize the benefits of these improvements.

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Know Your Rights: If ICE Comes to Your Workplace

By Juliana LaMendola • March 20, 2025

All people living in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain U.S. constitutional rights. If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers come to your workplace, they must have either (1) a valid search warrant, or (2) consent from your employer to enter non-public areas. Non-public areas could include: staff break rooms, server rooms, mechanical rooms, HR department offices, private meeting rooms, etc. However, ICE can enter public areas of your workplace (lobby, reception area, parking lot etc.) without a warrant or consent from your employer. If you encounter ICE at your place of employment, it is important to stay calm . If an officer stops you, you may ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, walk away calmly. If they say no, stay where you are and do not attempt to leave. You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to speak to ICE, answer any questions, or show any documents . If asked about your place of birth, how you entered the United States, or your immigration status, you may refuse to answer or remain silent. If you choose to remain silent, say it out loud: “I choose to remain silent.” If officers ask you to stand in a group based on your immigration status, you do not have to move. Be prepared to assert your rights by downloading, printing, and carrying a "red card" (available at https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas ) that states you do not wish to speak, answer questions, or sign documents. You are not required to show immigration documents . You may refuse to show identity documents that reveal your nationality or citizenship. However, never show false documents or provide false information. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to contact a lawyer immediately . Even if you do not have a lawyer, you can tell immigration officers, “I want to speak to a lawyer.” If you have a lawyer, you have the right to speak to them and, if possible, provide proof of this relationship (such as a signed Form G-28) to an officer. If you do not have a lawyer, ask for a list of pro bono (free) or l ow bono (low-cost) lawyers. You do not have to sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. If you choose to sign any documents, make sure you fully understand what they mean, as signing may waive your rights or lead to deportation. If you believe your rights have been violated , write down what happened. Be sure to include specific details such as names, badge numbers, and exactly what was said and done. Report the violation to a lawyer or an immigrant rights organization as soon as possible. If you or someone you know may be impacted by this executive order, staying informed and understanding your rights is crucial. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., our trusted immigration attorneys are available to provide guidance and support during this uncertain time. Please contact us if you need assistance.

O-1 Approved! Now What? Your Roadmap to Securing an EB-1A Green Card

By Shirin Navabi • March 13, 2025

If you’ve recently received the exciting news that your O-1 visa has been approved, congratulations! The O-1 is a prestigious visa, granted only to individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field — whether it’s O-1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics, or O-1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. Getting O-1 approval is no small feat, and it’s a true validation of your talent and hard work. But for many O-1 visa holders, that approval brings up the next big question — what’s the path to securing a green card? For those aiming to remain in the United States permanently, the EB-1A visa is often the natural next step. It’s also known as the green card for individuals of extraordinary ability, which makes it a close cousin to the O-1. Obtaining U.S. permanent residency through EB-1A involves two steps: 1) securing approval of the EB-1A immigration petition (Form 1-40) and 2) adjusting status to that of permanent resident or seeking consular processing. However, while these two categories share similarities, they are not identical. The EB-1A standard is significantly higher, and many O-1 holders underestimate just how much more evidence they need to present to qualify for permanent residency. The good news is, if you’re proactive and strategic about building your case, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Understanding the Difference Between O-1 and EB-1A Both the O-1 and EB-1A visas focus on individuals with extraordinary ability, but they serve different purposes. The O-1 is a temporary work visa that allows you to come to the U.S. to work on specific projects or for a particular employer. It requires a U.S. sponsor to file the petition on your behalf. The EB-1A, by contrast, is an immigrant visa — it is the first step toward obtaining permanent residency. Because the EB-1A leads to permanent residency, its eligibility standards are even higher. You must not only demonstrate extraordinary ability but also show that your recognition is sustained over time and that your work has had a lasting impact on your field. What Can You Reuse From Your O-1 Case? If you put together a strong O-1 petition, some of the evidence you submitted will still be valuable for EB-1A. This includes your awards, media coverage, expert letters, and proof of memberships in prestigious organizations. But the EB-1A demands more — you need to go beyond showing what you’ve accomplished and prove that your influence is ongoing, impactful, and recognized at a national or international level. How to Strengthen Your Case While on O-1 One of the smartest moves you can make is to use your time on the O-1 visa to actively strengthen your EB-1A profile. This means seeking out opportunities to get your work featured in top-tier media, publishing more original contributions, judging competitions, and taking leadership roles in your professional community. Every action you take to enhance your visibility and influence. Final Thoughts — The Path from O-1 to EB-1A is Achievable You may not be able to file your EB-1A today, but we can help you build your case step by step. Whether you need guidance on strengthening your profile, identifying the right evidence, or preparing a strategic filing plan, our team is here to support you. If you’re currently on an O-1 visa and you believe you may be eligible for an EB-1A visa in the future, we encourage you to contact our office. Our experienced attorneys have helped countless individuals successfully navigate this path, and we would be happy to review your case and create a personalized roadmap for your green card journey.

Understanding the New USCIS Alien Registration Requirement: What You Need to Know

By Angelica Rice • March 6, 2025

In January 2025, the U.S. government introduced a mandate requiring all individuals without legal status in the country to register with federal authorities. This initiative aims to enhance national security and ensure compliance with existing immigration laws. If you or someone you know is affected by this change, it's essential to understand the specifics of this requirement and how to comply. Who Is Already Registered? Many individuals have already fulfilled their registration obligations through prior interactions with U.S. immigration authorities. You are considered registered if you have been issued any of the following documents: Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Form I-94 or I-94W (Arrival/Departure Record), even if the period of admission has expired Immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before arrival Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Border Crossing Card Additionally, if you have applied for lawful permanent residence using forms such as I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, or I-700, even if the applications were denied, or if you were paroled into the U.S. under INA 212(d)(5), you have met the registration requirement. Who Needs to Register Now? If you have not been registered through any of the means mentioned above, you are required to register under the new mandate. This includes: Individuals aged 14 or older who were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a visa and have remained in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. They must apply before the expiration of those 30 days. Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 who have not been registered and have been in the U.S. for 30 days or longer. They must register their children before the 30-day period ends. Any individual who turns 14 years old in the U.S. and was previously registered. They must apply for re-registration and fingerprinting within 30 days after their 14th birthday. Notably, American Indians born in Canada who entered the U.S. under section 289 of the INA and members of the Texas Band of Kickapoo Indians who entered under the Texas Band of Kickapoo Act are exempt from this requirement. How to Register The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is developing a new form and process for registration. Starting February 25, 2025 , individuals required to register should create a USCIS online account in preparation for the registration process. Once the process is implemented, registrations will be submitted through this online account. Important Considerations Registration Is Not an Immigration Status: Completing the registration does not grant any immigration status, employment authorization, or other rights or benefits under U.S. law. Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the registration requirement may result in fines, imprisonment, or both. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., we are committed to guiding you through this process with compassion and expertise. Our trusted immigration lawyers are here to provide the information and assistance you need during this time. For personalized guidance and support, please contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., and speak with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. We are dedicated to helping you navigate these changes and securing a hopeful future.