united states

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COVID-19 E-1 Visa E-2 Visa Immigration White House & President Immigration News

How will the Second Stimulus Bill Impact E-2 visa holders? Is there a Second round of PPP for E-2 visa holders? Can I get a PPP Loan on an E-2?

The first Corona virus stimulus bill provided much needed relief for E-2 visa holders. Many E-2 visa companies were struggling and both the PPP loans and the EIDL grant kept many E-2 businesses afloat. You can find out more about…

IanScottDecember 23, 2020

Immigration L-1 Visa

Can L-1 employees work remotely? Do employers need to file anything with the government if the worksite location changes for L-1 employees?

Due to COVID-19 many companies had to rethink their workplace arrangements in 2020. Some companies had employees work remotely while others temporarily shut down or furloughed employees. As local requirements and lockdown restrictions have shifted, some companies have gone back…

Jenny ZhanDecember 22, 2020

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White House & President Immigration News

What should we know about Alejandro Mayorkas, President-elect Biden’s pick as Homeland Security Secretary?

Last month, President-elect Joe Biden announced that he plans to nominate Alejandro Mayorkas to serve in his cabinet as Secretary of Homeland Security. Mayorkas, who would be the first immigrant and first Latino in the role, would manage the Department…

Jenny ZhanDecember 22, 2020

Immigration L-1 Visa

What is an L-1A managerial visa? How do I know if I meet the requirements? Is there a certain number of people I have to manage in order to qualify?

The L-1A visa can be used by companies abroad to transfer managers or executives to the U.S. to work at an established U.S. company or to form a new office. The U.S. company must have a qualifying relationship with the…

Jenny ZhanDecember 21, 2020

Immigration L-1 Visa

What is an L-1A executive visa? How do I know if I meet the requirements? Do I need to be a CEO to qualify?

Jenny ZhanDecember 17, 2020

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Approvals

Marriage Based Green Card Approval

Scott Legal, P.C. just had a green card approval for a petition based on marriage to a U.S. citizen. The client was granted conditional legal permanent residency for two years and will be able to remove the conditions on the…

Jenny ZhanDecember 17, 2020

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Approvals

Green Card Renewal Application Approved

We just had an green card renewal approval for a Swedish national. The applicant will receive a green card that is valid for 10 years. Click on the buttons below in order to claim your free Visa Guide (E-1, E-2,…

Jenny ZhanDecember 16, 2020

EB-5 Visa Immigration Investor Visas News

Congress Passes Short Term Spending Measure Extending EB-5 and Other Immigration Programs

On December 11, 2020 Congress has passed a short-term spending bill through until December 18. This means that the programs that were slotted to expire on December 11 have been given an extension without change for another 7 days. The…

Jenny ZhanDecember 15, 2020

Immigration L-1 Visa

L-1 Visa Questions & Answers

The L-1 visa permits U.S. employers that have a qualifying relationship with a company abroad to transfer employees in managerial, executive or specialized knowledge roles to the U.S. The employee must have worked for the company abroad for at least…

Jenny ZhanDecember 15, 2020

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Family Immigration Immigration

Who is a joint-sponsor? Who is a substitute sponsor? Can the green card applicant’s income be used to show sufficient income for Form I-864?

If you are applying for a green card through Adjustment of Status, in most cases you will have to submit form I-864, Affidavit of Support. Affidavit of Support is basically a contract between the sponsor and the government in which…

Jenny ZhanDecember 15, 2020

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Immigration

What Is the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020, which recently passed in the Senate? What will its effects be?

Is it true that the Senate passed a bill that would affect the green card backlog? Yes -- on December 2, the U.S. Senate passed an amended version of the “Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act” which passed the U.S. House…

Jenny ZhanDecember 14, 2020

Family Immigration Immigration

Do I need to have a health insurance to get a green card in the U.S.? What documents do I need to submit to prove that I have health insurance?

In February 2020, the new Public charge rule began to be implemented in the U.S. Adjustment of Status Petitions that were postmarked after February 2020 have to include a new I-944 form, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency. One section on the new…

Jenny ZhanDecember 11, 2020

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Immigration

I have been in the U.S. on my B-2 visa for the maximum allowed stay of 6 months. Can I simply do a “visa run” – a short visit to a neighboring country – in order to restart my 6-month visa clock?

B-2 Visa Basics The B-2 tourist visa is a nonimmigrant visa with a validity period of up to 10 years, and can permit the visa holder multiple entries (the visa validity period and number of permitted entries depends on the…

Jenny ZhanDecember 11, 2020

Immigration

What is the 2-year J-1 visa home country residency requirement?

Participants of some J-1 visa programs are subject to a 2 year home residency requirement. They will have to return to their home country for at least 2 years.

Jenny ZhanDecember 9, 2020

Approvals

Marriage Based Green Card Approval

Jenny ZhanDecember 4, 2020

Approvals

Green Card approval for a National of India based on 204(l) reinstatement

We just had a client who was approved for a green card by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. The applicant's spouse passed away after the approval of the spouse's I-140 and the applicant was able to utilize Section 204(l) Relief…

Jenny ZhanDecember 4, 2020

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H-1B and E-3 Visa Immigration

Can I work for a U.S. company from abroad? Do I need a U.S. visa to work for a U.S. company from abroad?

Some of our clients are often confused whether they can work for a U.S. company if they are not in the U.S. and whether they need a U.S. visa to work for a U.S. company (even if they will not…

Jenny ZhanDecember 4, 2020

News

Dustin Saldarriaga Publishes Article on Biden’s Influence on Immigration Policy

In an article published on RealClearMarkets.com, Scott Legal attorney Dustin Saldarriaga presents the argument that President-elect Joe Biden can improve U.S. immigration policy by actively working to limit executive power over it. Saldarriaga documents how the number of immigrants affected…

Jenny ZhanNovember 25, 2020

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Immigration

My B extension of status petition has been pending for almost 6 months. Can I stay in the U.S. as long as the petition is pending or do I have to leave the U.S.?

B-1 visa classification is available to foreign nationals who desire to enter the U.S. for short-term business activities. For B-1 purposes, engaging in business generally means business activities other than performance of skilled and unskilled labor that are a necessary…

Jenny ZhanNovember 24, 2020

Immigration TN Visa

I am currently in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa. Can I renew my U.S. visa in Mexico?

Many of our clients are in the U.S. on some sort of a non-immigrant visa. We often get asked the following question from our clients: Can I renew my visa in Mexico? Applying for initial non-immigrant visa in Mexico If…

Jenny ZhanNovember 20, 2020

Approvals

I-140 Petition approved for an EB-1A extraordinary ability worker

We just had an I-140 petition approved at the USCIS Nebraska Service Center. The applicant is being sponsored by a U.S. company (please note that an EB-1A green card applicant may also file a self-petition). The case was approved for…

Jenny ZhanNovember 19, 2020

EB-5 Visa Immigration Investor Visas

DC Court of Appeals Upholds Landmark Decision to Apply Unsecured Loans as Investment Capital

The DC Circuit Court has ruled that EB-5 investors can use proceeds from unsecured loan for their investment capital. Zhang v. USCIS is a November 2018 Class Action Lawsuit that challenged USCIS’ denials of EB-5 investment petitions that had investment funds…

Jenny ZhanNovember 18, 2020

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COVID-19

Can I apply for the National Interest Exception if I have ESTA or do I have to have a valid B-1 visa?

In July 2020, the Department of State announced that certain business and student travelers coming from Schengen countries or the U.K. (such as B-1 business visitors), treaty traders, or treaty investors may apply for a National Interest Exception (“NIE”). The NIE allows such…

Jenny ZhanNovember 18, 2020

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Extraordinary Ability Immigration White House & President Immigration News

What impact will the Biden/Harris administration have on the extraordinary ability visa/green card? What changes did the Trump administration make with regards to the O-1 visa and Eb-1A green card?

The O-1A visa is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics and is set aside for people who have risen to the top of their profession. Additionally, these persons must be coming temporarily to…

Jenny ZhanNovember 17, 2020

E-2 Visa Immigration Investor Visas News

Scott Legal Hosting Free Webinar on Green Card Options for E-2 Visa Holders

An E-2 visa is a great visa for those who want to start or buy a business in the U.S. The E-2 visa can be renewed indefinitely but does not lead to a green card. Some applicants decide that they…

Jenny ZhanNovember 16, 2020

How will the Second Stimulus Bill Impact E-2 visa holders? Is there a Second round of PPP for E-2 visa holders? Can I get a PPP Loan on an E-2?

Can L-1 employees work remotely? Do employers need to file anything with the government if the worksite location changes for L-1 employees?

What should we know about Alejandro Mayorkas, President-elect Biden’s pick as Homeland Security Secretary?

What is an L-1A managerial visa? How do I know if I meet the requirements? Is there a certain number of people I have to manage in order to qualify?

What is an L-1A executive visa? How do I know if I meet the requirements? Do I need to be a CEO to qualify?

Marriage Based Green Card Approval

Green Card Renewal Application Approved

Congress Passes Short Term Spending Measure Extending EB-5 and Other Immigration Programs

L-1 Visa Questions & Answers

What Is the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020, which recently passed in the Senate? What will its effects be?

Do I need to have a health insurance to get a green card in the U.S.? What documents do I need to submit to prove that I have health insurance?

I have been in the U.S. on my B-2 visa for the maximum allowed stay of 6 months. Can I simply do a “visa run” – a short visit to a neighboring country – in order to restart my 6-month visa clock?

What is the 2-year J-1 visa home country residency requirement?

Marriage Based Green Card Approval

Green Card approval for a National of India based on 204(l) reinstatement

Can I work for a U.S. company from abroad? Do I need a U.S. visa to work for a U.S. company from abroad?

Dustin Saldarriaga Publishes Article on Biden’s Influence on Immigration Policy

My B extension of status petition has been pending for almost 6 months. Can I stay in the U.S. as long as the petition is pending or do I have to leave the U.S.?

I am currently in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa. Can I renew my U.S. visa in Mexico?

I-140 Petition approved for an EB-1A extraordinary ability worker

DC Court of Appeals Upholds Landmark Decision to Apply Unsecured Loans as Investment Capital

Can I apply for the National Interest Exception if I have ESTA or do I have to have a valid B-1 visa?

What impact will the Biden/Harris administration have on the extraordinary ability visa/green card? What changes did the Trump administration make with regards to the O-1 visa and Eb-1A green card?

Scott Legal Hosting Free Webinar on Green Card Options for E-2 Visa Holders

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