In this episode of our series we are going to talk about the USCIS criterion for an O-1B that requires evidence that the artist “has either commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services in relation to others in the field, as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence”. But what does this mean? What do you need to show to satisfy this criterion? And why do so many people misunderstand this criterion and get it wrong? To ask Lin Walker about your particular immigration concerns please contact her here... lwalker@meyner.com ..read more

One criterion for the O-1B requires evidence that the artist “has received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the field in which the alien is engaged. Such testimonials must be in a form which clearly indicates the author's authority, expertise, and knowledge of the alien's achievements.” But what does this mean? What do you need to show to satisfy this criterion? And why do so many people make mistakes in this area ..read more

The USCIS O-1B criterion at 8 CFR §214.2(o)(3)(iv)(B)(4) requires evidence that the artist “has a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes as evidenced by such indicators as title, rating, standing in the field, box office receipts, motion pictures or television ratings, and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications.” But what does this mean? What do you need to show to satisfy this criterion? And why do so many people get it wrong? To discuss your immigration questions with Lin Walker please reach out to her at... l ..read more

Today is part three of our six-part deep dive into the O-1B visa. You can go back to our last two episodes to catch up if you missed them. This series is about the often convoluted language in the USCIS regulations that gets glossed over and misunderstood, and that that people far too often get wrong. One of the criterion for the O-1B that, IMHO, causes the most confusion is evidence that the foreign national “has performed, and will perform, in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by articles in newspapers, trad ..read more

Part two of our six-part deep dive into the O-1B visa. The USCIS regulations for the O-1B visa require evidence that the foreign national “has achieved national or international recognition for achievements evidenced by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the individual in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications.” What’s so difficult about this criterion? And why do so many people get it wrong? What IS national or international recognition? To discuss your personal and confidential business immigration issues please contact Lin Walker at lwalker ..read more

For those of you considering viable options to the H-1B cap we will be doing a deep-dive into the O-1B and O-1A criteria over the next couple of weeks. One of the criterion for the O-1B that causes the most confusion is evidence that the foreign national “has performed, and will perform, services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications contracts, or endorsements.” What’s so difficult about this criterion? Why do so many people get it wrong? Takeaways Read ..read more

There seems to be a disconnect between the USCIS Policy Manual for National Interest Waivers (NIWs) and the real-world. The Policy Manual states, “USCIS recognizes the importance of progress in STEM fields and the essential role of persons with advanced STEM degrees in fostering this progress, especially in focused critical and emerging technologies or other STEM areas important to U.S. competitiveness or national security. But we found the “Critical and Emerging Technologies List” contained within this document to be unrealistic and extremely problematic. If you have questions about your busi ..read more

On January 31st, USCIS published a new fee schedule (89 FR 6194), which will take effect on April 1, 2024, and significantly impact most employment-based petitions. Most notably, the new fee schedule will add a mandatory Asylum Program Fee to every Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, and Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, filed by for-profit employers. USCIS has published a new fee schedule that will affect most employment-based petitions. This episode of the podcast will explain what the Asylum Program Fee is, why it is being introduced and the consequences for U.S. em ..read more

This week on the podcast we discuss the implementation of a beneficiary-centric selection process for the H-1B cap. The new process involves selecting registrations by unique beneficiary, as determined by their biometric information. The episode highlights the important elements of the new rule, including the requirement for a valid passport or travel document and the restriction on multiple registrations for the same beneficiary. As we explain, why USCIS has implemented this new rule has everything to do with reducing fraud and gaming of the system. Some takeaways from the episode: Each bene ..read more

A poorly written our outdated template can wreak havoc on deadlines and cause problems with green card processes that could cause the client’s green card application being denied, the loss of substantial money, and significant delays in ultimately receiving lawful permanent resident status. In this episode of the podcast I will give you an example of one such template from USCIS that did just that ..read more