Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],
Happy Wednesday. ✨
Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club & co-founder of greencard.inc. :)
Hiring alert: We're hiring for two full-time roles at Unshackled x GCI. Both roles are remote and based out of India. We're hiring for an experienced Sales Operations Head and a Marketing Head. If you have a friend in India who may be a good fit, please share the respective job links with them!
You're receiving this email 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, forward this to 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
Second FY 2025 H-1B lottery filing deadline ends November 7
The second filing period for FY 2025 H-1B cap petitions closes on November 7, 2024. Employers must submit full H-1B petitions and supporting documents to USCIS by this date, as selected registrations expire afterward. USCIS might consider a third lottery in mid-November to fill the 85,000 annual H-1B cap, though there’s no confirmation yet. Employers should prepare for this possibility while ensuring timely submissions.
Trudeau announces cuts in immigration, citing unsustainable growth
Justin Trudeau announced a two-year reduction in immigration targets, with plans to lower permanent resident admissions from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025 and to 380,000 in 2026. Aimed at slowing population growth and stabilizing economic impacts, the temporary measure was supported by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who noted it would alleviate housing pressures. Meanwhile, internal Liberal Party dissent has increased, with some MPs calling for Trudeau’s resignation as party leader, though he confirmed plans to continue leading into the next.
DOS report: Immigrant visa backlog down 5.8% as interview scheduling rises
The Department of State's October 2024 Immigrant Visa Backlog report shows a 5.8% decrease in the backlog of pending immigrant visa cases, from 385,800 in September to 363,242 in October. Also, October saw an increase in scheduled interviews with 50,022 cases compared to 45,310 in September. While gradual, this increase reflects efforts to reduce the backlog as more priority dates become current, signaling continued improvements in visa interview scheduling.
🎁 UNlock: Relevant Resources
[Weekly Webinar] Building a Strong Profile for Talent Visas [ft. Soundarya & Nikin Tharan] Oct 30th, 06:30 PM PST
We kicked off a free weekly webinar last week where Nikin Tharan (my co-founder & EB-1A recipient) and I show up to address all your questions. This will be happening every Tuesday 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. Join for the next week's one right away & claim your spot!
[Article] Work visas for U.S. employers beyond H-1B: options and guidelines
With the H-1B cap reached, employers must explore other visas to meet hiring needs. Options include hiring H-1B holders already in the U.S. or cap-exempt categories, using L-1 visas for intercompany transfers, O-1 visas for extraordinary talent, E-3 visas for Australians, TN visas for Canadian and Mexican citizens, and F-1 practical training for students. J-1 and E-1/E-2 visas offer further alternatives based on program type and nationality.
[Guide] EB-5 Visa Guide: What investors need to know about costs and Job Creation
The EB-5 visa allows foreign investors to gain permanent resident status by meeting specific criteria, including a minimum investment of $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) and the creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. The total cost for the EB-5 visa can range from $21,130 to $22,225, excluding investment fees. Applicants must also demonstrate their involvement in the business and adherence to job creation requirements.
💫 UNcover: Latest trends
🪄 UNveil: This week’s partner
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⚖️ Finally, looking to consult with a lawyer?
Finding a trusted, vetted lawyer is hard. We've done the hard work by curating a list of 5 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!
Until next week, stay wonderful.
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.