Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],
Happy Wednesday! ✨
Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club & co-founder of greencard.inc. :)
Exciting update: We're hosting a free monthly series of in-person meetups starting in February. Join us for the founders & entrepreneurs meetup in the Bay Area on February 28th at 6:00 PM PST. This event is hosted by RK, founder of Greencard Inc and EB-1A and O-1A visa holder. Light refreshments will be served, and spots are limited—don’t miss out!
Now, onto the newsletter.
You're receiving this email, alongside 27,000+ 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
U.S. visa dropbox eligibility returns to pre-COVID rules
Some bad news: U.S. Department of State has revised eligibility for visa interview waiver (dropbox) appointments, reverting to pre-pandemic standards. Now, only applicants renewing a visa in the same category that expired within the past 12 months qualify for dropbox processing. This is a shift from the COVID-era policy, which allowed eligibility for visas expired within 48 months. As a result, more applicants will face in-person interviews, leading to increased demand and longer wait times at U.S. consulates. H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other nonimmigrant visa holders should check their eligibility early to avoid travel disruptions.
March 2025 visa bulletin: No change for EB-1; some change for EB-2/3
The March 2025 visa bulletin is here! No surprises for EB-1—cut-off dates remain unchanged for India and China, just like in previous months. EB-2 and EB-3 for India saw a small step forward, both moving ahead by two weeks, but no significant movement beyond that. Other employment-based categories saw minor shifts but nothing major. Family-based categories remain unchanged as well. As always, we’ll keep you posted on any movements.
Highlights from Modi-Trump meeting: Trade, defense, and immigration
During their latest meeting, PM Narendra Modi and President Trump announced a new US-India energy deal, with India committing to increased imports of American oil and gas to address the bilateral trade deficit. The discussion also covered military cooperation, with India agreeing to purchase US-made fighter jets. On immigration, Modi pledged to repatriate undocumented Indian nationals, while Trump confirmed the extradition of a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The meeting showcased growing cooperation despite tensions over trade tariffs.
🎁 UNlock: Relevant resources
[Free Bay Area meetup: Feb 28, 6:00 PM PST] In-person meetup with founders
This February 28th, we're hosting a free in-person founders & entrepreneurs meetup at 6:00 PM PST to connect you with startup founders and innovators. Plus, you'll hear from RK, founder of Greencard Inc. and an EB-1A, O-1A talent visa holder! We plan to host a networking event every month from now. Spots are limited, so RSVP soon.
[Free Webinar: March 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 lawyer AMA: March 11, 6:30 PM PST] U.S. immigration Q&A with a Lawyer [ft. Attorney Allison]
Join a free lawyer Q&A with Allison Kranz, an immigration lawyer with over 15 years of experience. Whether you have questions about the new administration, talent visas, or filing green cards, this is the place to be. This will be happening every second Tuesday of the month from 6:30 PM PST to 7:30 PM PST. RSVP to secure your spot.
💫 UNcover: Latest trends
🪄 UNveil: This week’s partner
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⚖️ 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!
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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 lovely.
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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