Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],
Happy Wednesday! ✨
Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club. :)
BIG NEWS: Unshackled is hosting the largest conference ever hosted for high-skilled immigrants in America. Happening in the Bay Area on August 15-17, 2025! Imagine spending three days with 2000+ high-skilled immigrants, tech leaders, founders, investors, lawyers, and policymakers. This is your space to grow, thrive, and make an impact. To join the waitlist and be the first to get tickets, simply click the link below!
Also, we're at 26,000+ subscribers! Now, onto the newsletter.
You're receiving this email, alongside 26,000+ immigrants, as part of the Unshackled weekly newsletter. Immigration is a complex world. So every Wednesday, I simplify that by sharing breaking news, free webinar invites, & latest trends. If you find value in reading it, share your unique referral code with a lucky friend. If this was forwarded to you, get your own here! Read all the past editions here. 💃 |
This week's TL;DR
📌 UNfold: Breaking news
February 2025 visa bulletin: No change for EB-1; marginal change for EB-2/3
Sorry to be the party pooper... but there's no change in the EB-1 cut-off dates since last month (or the past several months) for India or China. There's a marginal improvement across EB-2 and EB-3 categories for Indian nationals, both of which moved forward by two weeks. But no other change. We'll let you know as soon as the March bulletin launches. Fingers crossed!
New USCIS proposal could allow H-1B renewals without leaving the U.S.
Some good news: The U.S. may soon allow H-1B visa renewals to be processed domestically, streamlining the process for foreign professionals. This change, under consideration by the Department of State, could eliminate the need for applicants to travel abroad for renewals, saving time and resources. The update reflects efforts to make the immigration process more efficient for skilled workers in the U.S.
USCIS updates O-1 visa rules for extraordinary ability workers
More good news: On January 8, 2025, USCIS updated its guidance in the Policy Manual for O-1 nonimmigrant visas, clarifying how to evaluate eligibility, including those in emerging technologies. They clarified that you can file a petition on behalf of a company you own. They also shared examples of relevant evidence and outlined the situation when USCIS would limit your extension to only one year.
🎁 UNlock: Relevant resources
[Free Workshop: Jan 16th, 7:30 PM PST] How to master research paper writing
We’re hosting an exciting workshop on how to write impactful research papers—a critical skill for standing out in talent visa applications. The session will be led by Nikin Tharan, an EB-1A recipient and co-founder of Greencard Inc., along with Dr. Purabhi Sarkar, PhD, Research Advisor. RSVP now!
[Free Webinar: Feb 4, 6:30 PM PST] Building a strong profile for talent visas [ft. Soundarya & Nikin Tharan]
Join a free webinar where Nikin Tharan (my co-founder & EB-1A recipient) and I show up to address all your questions. This will be happening every first Tuesday of the month from 6:30 PM PST to 7:30 PM PST. It's been so fun to meet some of you, answer your questions, & talk about the EB-1A Copilot program. RSVP for the next webinar right away & claim your spot!
[Free Guide] O-1 visa workbook, your step-by-step guide by Marlene Ronstedt
This detailed guide by Marlene breaks down everything you need: personal docs, job offers, self-sponsorship, recommendation letters, and the 8 key categories for O-1 eligibility. Plus, you’ll find tips on working with a lawyer, filing your petition, and a complete checklist to keep you on track. This is your one-stop guide to navigating the O-1 process!
💫 UNcover: Latest trends
🪄 UNveil: This week’s partner
[Book] How to deliver bad news and get away with it: Telling people what they don’t want to hear is tough, but it’s a skill every leader needs. Author and Tech Executive Mahesh Guruswamy draws on his two decades of experience in the software development industry to provide a wealth of practical advice and relatable anecdotes to help readers master this complex art. The book covers a range of topics, including how to prepare to give bad news, how to tailor your message to different audiences, and how to deal with receiving bad news yourself. Get your copy here.
👉 Want to put yourself in front of 26,000+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.
⚖️ UNshackle: Consult with a lawyer
Finding a trusted, vetted lawyer is hard. We've done the hard work by curating a list of 8 top attorneys we recommend consulting with. Whether you're looking for an EB-1A profile evaluation or to set up your business as a student, this is for you. Book a consultation today!
Are you an EB-1/NIW/O-1 aspirant? Join our flagship course for $299 taught by an attorney.
We've launched three flagship courses consisting of 60+ in-depth modules that walk through every step of filing and getting an EB-1A, NIW, and O-1A. Don't worry though—there's little legal jargon. This is for you if you want to escape the H-1B lottery or the 100-year green card backlog and secure your future in America based on merit. Click here to join for $299 today. 🚀
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Until next week, stay awesome.
Yours truly,
Soundarya 💚
💡 None of the information shared in this newsletter is meant to be legal advice. If you're looking for legal advice, speak to a lawyer or visit the Unshackled lawyer directory with vetted lawyer recommendations.
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