Get in touch

949-316-0078

info@santolloydlaw.com

Plano B: Caminhos alternativos para o emprego nos EUA para estudantes internacionais F-1 se a seleção do limite H-1B for perdida

Flavia Santos • October 19, 2023

Click here to read this article in English

Estudantes internacionais com visto F-1 que não foram selecionados na loteria do limite H-1B enfrentam uma situação desafiadora, mas ainda existem opções alternativas de imigração disponíveis. Essas opções podem exigir mais esforço e planejamento, mas podem, em última instância, alcançar o mesmo objetivo de obter um visto de trabalho nos Estados Unidos.

Avalie o Tempo Restante

É imperativo que os indivíduos que atualmente estão participando do programa de Treinamento Prático Opcional (OPT) avaliem o tempo restante antes de sua expiração. A data de expiração do OPT pode afetar significativamente a elegibilidade para continuar residindo nos Estados Unidos, especialmente se eles pretendem se inscrever na loteria do visto H-1B em 2024. Por exemplo, no caso de serem selecionados na loteria e o OPT expirar em ou após 1º de abril de 2024, o indivíduo teria direito à extensão H-1B Cap-Gap, permitindo assim a continuação do status OPT até que o visto H-1B entre em vigor. No entanto, se o período de validade do OPT expirar antes de 1º de abril de 2024, o indivíduo precisaria deixar os EUA dentro de 60 dias após a data de expiração do OPT. A tabela abaixo ilustra esse cenário.

Preparando-se para a Temporada de Volta às Aulas

Para estudantes em busca de oportunidades de emprego nos Estados Unidos, matricular-se em um programa acadêmico que oferece o Treinamento Prático Curricular (CPT) no Dia 1 é outra opção viável. Isso permitiria aos estudantes começar a trabalhar imediatamente, mesmo enquanto continuam seus estudos. Além disso, estudantes que já tenham garantido uma oferta de emprego podem ser capazes de trabalhar com o CPT enquanto aguardam o resultado de sua petição H-1B no limite anual. Para aproveitar ao máximo esse período estendido, seria prudente se inscrever para a loteria do limite H-1B antes do término do período de OPT.

Considere o Visto L-1 se você Trabalha para uma Empresa Multinacional

Como uma opção viável para profissionais em busca de emprego de longo prazo nos Estados Unidos, trabalhar por um ano em uma empresa multinacional no exterior, seguido de uma transferência intra-empresa por meio de um visto L-1, pode oferecer inúmeros benefícios estratégicos. O visto L-1, projetado especificamente para essas transferências, permite que funcionários de corporações multinacionais se mudem para uma subsidiária, afiliada ou matriz nos Estados Unidos. O visto L-1 é caracterizado como um visto de intenção dupla, que permite a flexibilidade de buscar tanto oportunidades temporárias de trabalho e estudo no país quanto residência de longo prazo. Ele também possui um período de validade de 5 a 7 anos. Embora esse caminho exija que o indivíduo trabalhe no exterior por um ano, pode se revelar uma solução valiosa a longo prazo para trabalhar nos Estados Unidos.

Visto TN para Cidadãos Canadenses e Mexicanos

O visto TN é uma categoria de visto não imigrante que permite que cidadãos canadenses e mexicanos trabalhem temporariamente nos Estados Unidos em certas ocupações profissionais, conforme listadas no Acordo Estados Unidos-México-Canadá (USMCA). Os requisitos para um visto TN incluem uma oferta de emprego de um empregador dos EUA, um emprego em tempo integral ou parcial pré-acordado em uma das profissões elegíveis, um diploma de bacharel ou seu equivalente e comprovação de qualificações profissionais. O período de validade de um visto TN varia dependendo do tempo da oferta de emprego, mas pode ser emitido por até três anos e pode ser renovado indefinidamente.

Empreendedores e Investidores

Para aqueles que têm um perfil empreendedor, os vistos E-1 e E-2, por outro lado, são projetados para pessoas envolvidas no comércio internacional com os EUA. Esses vistos permitem que o titular trabalhe nos EUA enquanto realiza comércio substancial entre os EUA e seu país de origem. Cada um desses vistos oferece oportunidades e requisitos únicos, sendo importante consultar um advogado de imigração para determinar qual se adapta melhor às suas circunstâncias individuais.

Solicite uma Permissão de Trabalho Dependente

Para pessoas casadas, as opções de visto para cônjuges também podem ser uma alternativa viável. O Documento de Autorização de Emprego (EAD) H-4 permite que cônjuges elegíveis de titulares de visto H-1B obtenham permissão para trabalhar nos EUA, desde que o cônjuge principal tenha um I-140 aprovado. Enquanto isso, os vistos dependentes L-2 e E-2 são opções para cônjuges de titulares de vistos L-1 e E-2, respectivamente. Ao contrário do H-4, que requer que o cônjuge principal do H-1B tenha um I-140 aprovado, os cônjuges L-2 e E-2 são considerados autorizados a trabalhar por conta da situação e não precisam solicitar um documento de autorização de emprego. Esses vistos de cônjuges podem fornecer uma fonte significativa de renda e apoio para a família enquanto o titular principal do visto se estabelece nos EUA.

Conclusão

É importante para os estudantes considerarem todas as suas opções e trabalharem com um advogado de imigração experiente para determinar o melhor curso de ação. Embora o limite do H-1B possa ser um processo frustrante e desafiador, ainda existem caminhos para o sucesso para estudantes internacionais. Com um planejamento cuidadoso e perseverança, os estudantes podem alcançar seus objetivos e construir uma carreira bem-sucedida nos Estados Unidos.

Este blog não se destina a fornecer aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser interpretado como estabelecimento de um relacionamento advogado-cliente. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração antes de agir com base em qualquer informação lida aqui.

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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The Laken Riley Act: A New Era of State Involvement in Federal Immigration Policy

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • February 6, 2025

On January 29, 2025, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, significantly altering how immigration policies are enforced in the United States. This legislation grants State attorneys general and other authorized officials unprecedented authority to interpret and implement federal immigration policies. It also empowers them to take legal action against the federal government if they believe federal immigration enforcement negatively impacts their state. With this new authority, states now play a direct role in shaping immigration outcomes—a responsibility traditionally held by the federal government. One of the most immediate effects of the Laken Riley Act is that it allows states to seek injunctive relief to block the issuance of visas to nationals of countries that refuse or unreasonably delay the acceptance of their citizens who have been ordered removed from the United States . This means that if a country does not cooperate with U.S. deportation efforts, its nationals—regardless of their legal status—could face significant difficulties obtaining or renewing visas. As a result, foreign nationals from these countries may encounter increased uncertainty when traveling internationally or securing work authorization in the U.S. Beyond visa processing, the law introduces a new level of unpredictability into the immigration system. By allowing state attorneys general to intervene in federal procedures, and immigration policies that may now vary based on state-level decisions. In the coming months, it remains to be seen how individual states will wield this power—whether they will actively seek to block visa issuance or push for broader immigration enforcement measures. For foreign nationals and employers, staying informed about which countries are deemed “uncooperative” is now more important than ever. Those needing visa renewals or planning international travel should prepare for potential delays and seek professional guidance to navigate these uncertainties. The Laken Riley Act also mandates federal immigration authorities to detain and deport individuals without legal status who are charged with certain offenses, including minor theft or shoplifting, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury. This provision underscores a stricter approach to immigration enforcement, affecting individuals accused of both minor and serious offenses. With immigration policies now subject to a new layer of state involvement, it is more important than ever to stay informed and prepared for potential challenges. If you have concerns about how the Laken Riley Act may affect your immigration status or business, contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm for strategic counsel tailored to your needs.

Understanding the January 28, 2025, Vacatur Memo on Venezuela TPS

By Angelica Rice • January 31, 2025

On January 28, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem vacated the January 10, 2025, decision by former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that had extended the 2023 designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela and ordered that his January 17, 2025, notice re-designating Venezuela TPS be vacated. This action has understandably caused confusion and concern among Venezuelan TPS beneficiaries and those with pending applications. It is critical to clarify that this does not mean that the TPS program for Venezuela has been eliminated . Instead, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must now reconsider whether to re-designate (extend) or terminate the previous Venezuela TPS designations from 2021 and 2023. What Does the Vacatur Mean? Because the January 17, 2025, TPS extension was vacated, the most recent valid TPS designation for Venezuela remains the October 3, 2023, designation . The vacatur does not immediately affect TPS protections for individuals covered under the prior designations. However, DHS must make key decisions in the coming months: By February 1, 2025 , DHS must decide whether to extend or terminate the October 3, 2023, designation . By July 12, 2025 , DHS must decide whether to extend or terminate the March 9, 2021, designation . If the Secretary does not make a timely determination (for example, if the Secretary were not to make determination by February 1, 2025 whether to extend or terminate the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation), then the statute provides for an automatic extension of the designation for an additional period of 6 months . INA 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C). Until these decisions are made, TPS remains in effect under the previous designations , and those who have already been granted TPS are not immediately impacted. Who Is Affected and What Should You Do? Current TPS Holders If you were already granted TPS under the March 9, 2021, or October 3, 2023, designations, your status remains valid. You must continue to comply with all re-registration requirements to maintain your protection and work authorization. Re-registration period: TPS beneficiaries under the 2021 and 2023 designations must re-register between January 17, 2025, and September 10, 2025 , to maintain their legal status and work authorization. Individuals with Pending TPS Applications as of January 17, 2025 If you applied for TPS before January 17, 2025 , under a previous designation, your application will continue to be processed . If your application is approved, your TPS protection will remain valid at least until April 2, 2025 . There is no need to reapply. Individuals Who Applied for TPS Between January 10, 2025, and January 28, 2025 If you applied for TPS during this period, USCIS will cease processing your applications and issue refunds of any fees paid in association with those applications . Additionally, USCIS will invalidate EADs; Forms 1-797, Notice of Action (Approval Notice); and Forms 1-94, Arrival/Departure Record (collectively known as TPS-related documentation) that have been issued with October 2, 2026 expiration dates under the January 17, 2025 Mayorkas Notice. What Happens Next? Given the Biden administration’s prior support for TPS, many expect DHS to extend or re-designate Venezuela for TPS rather than terminate it . However, no final decision has been made , and Venezuelan nationals with TPS or pending applications should continue to follow updates closely. What Should You Do Now? If you currently hold TPS , continue to comply with all TPS renewal requirements and remain aware of DHS’s upcoming decisions. If you have a pending application , check USCIS updates regularly and consult with an immigration attorney for the latest guidance. If you applied between January 17, 2025, and January 28, 2025 , seek legal counsel to understand how the vacatur may affect your application. Stay Informed and Get Legal Guidance Our immigration firm is closely following these developments and will provide updates as soon as DHS makes its decision. If you have questions about your TPS status or how this memo affects your case, contact our office today for a consultation. For more information, refer to the official DHS notice on the vacatur: Vacatur of 2025 Temporary Protected Status Decision for Venezuela .

U.S. Birthright Citizenship: The new Trump Order and its Legal Challenges

By Angelica Rice • January 23, 2025

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship," which aims to end birthright citizenship for certain children born in the United States . This order specifically targets children born to mothers who are either unlawfully present or temporarily in the U.S. on visas, such as student, work, or tourist visas, if the father is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident. Under this new policy, these children will no longer be granted automatic U.S. citizenship. The order is set to take effect 30 days from its signing and applies only to births occurring after that period, meaning it does not retroactively affect children born before the effective date. This executive order challenges the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on American soil . The amendment states, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." For over a century, this provision has been understood to grant citizenship to most individuals born in the U.S., regardless of their parents' immigration status. In response to the executive order, immigrant rights advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have filed lawsuits challenging its constitutionality . They argue that the order violates the clear mandate of the 14th Amendment and undermines fundamental American values. Legal experts anticipate that this issue will be contested in courts, with the potential for the order to be blocked or overturned. On January 23, 2025, a federal judge in Seattle issued a temporary restraining order (TRO), effectively blocking the executive order from taking effect for the next 14 days . The court cited potential constitutional violations and the need for further legal briefings before any enforcement could proceed. This ruling provides temporary relief to affected families and signals the likelihood of a prolonged legal battle. Further hearings are scheduled to determine whether the order will be permanently blocked or allowed to proceed. For families affected by this order, there is growing concern about the potential challenges their children may face without U.S. citizenship. Access to essential services, education, and employment opportunities could become more difficult for those impacted. However, it is important to remain hopeful, as the legal system provides checks and balances to ensure that any executive action aligns with constitutional principles. Historically, similar attempts to restrict birthright citizenship have faced significant legal challenges and have not been upheld . 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.