Unshackled #97: In-person meetup, Infosys lawsuit & free lawyer AMA


Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],

Happy Wednesday. ✨

Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club & co-founder of greencard.inc. :)

Exciting update: We're hosting an end-of-the-year, free party in the Bay Area to bring the immigrant community together. If you're free on December 28th, come join us! While I won't be there unfortunately (since I'm in India), you'll get to meet 50+ others along with my co-founder and EB-1A recipient, RK. Light refreshments will be served. Spots are limited.


Also, thanks to Crobo for sponsoring this newsletter & making it free for 22,500+ people! If you're looking to send money to India without any fee, check out Crobo.

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

Infosys agrees to pay Rs 238 crore penalty for abusing H1B visa

Infosys Limited, a global leader in tech and consulting, recently reached a landmark settlement with U.S. authorities, agreeing to pay a record Rs 283 Crore fine over allegations of visa misuse. The case centered around the improper use of B-1 visas instead of H-1B visas, highlighting the challenges of navigating complex immigration regulations. While Infosys did not admit liability, the unprecedented penalty underscores the importance of corporate compliance and ethical hiring practices.

FY2025 H-1B cap reached after two lottery rounds

The FY2025 H-1B cap has been reached and officially closed after two rounds of lottery selections, according to a recent update. USCIS confirmed that the maximum number of H-1B petitions allowed under the cap has been met. This marks the completion of this year’s H-1B selection process, leaving many applicants awaiting the next steps or exploring alternative visa options.

USCIS mandates submission of medical exam & vaccination record

USCIS now requires applicants to submit the Report of Immigration medical examination and vaccination record (Form I-693) alongside the initial adjustment of status filings. This update is designed to streamline case processing and reduce delays caused by requests for missing forms. The requirement applies to all adjustment of status applications filed on or after November 1, 2023, ensuring applicants meet health-related grounds of admissibility from the start.

🎁 UNlock: Relevant resources

[Free webinar] U.S. Elections Q&A with a Lawyer [ft. Soundarya & Attorney Allison] Dec 10th, 06:30 PM PST

I'm hosting a free webinar next Tuesday with an immigration lawyer. I suspect a lot of you still have questions based on the election results. While we won't be able to make any predictions on policies, the goal of this is to help address legal questions with the help of a veteran lawyer. RSVP to secure your spot. This will be the last webinar of the year!

[Podcast] Overview of U.S. immigration law and EB visa categories

In Episode 2 of The Maze, the team provided an insightful overview of various visa options, unraveling the nuances of each to help readers navigate their immigration journeys. Whether you're exploring work visas, permanent residency options, or special categories like the O1 or EB1, this episode serves as a practical guide for anyone seeking clarity in the often-confusing world of U.S. immigration.

[Free recording] Starting company as an F-1 student [Digvijay Singh | Co-founder of Drizzle Health]

In this masterclass, Digvijay shares insights on launching a company while on OPT, navigating STEM OPT as a founder, and securing an O-1A visa as an entrepreneur. With a background in Biomedical engineering and experience introducing COVID-19 diagnostics in the U.S., he provides actionable advice for international founders. Check it out!

💫 UNcover: Latest trends

🪄 UNveil: This week’s partner

Wanna send money from the US to India with zero fees? Enter Crobo, a startup founded by Indians, for Indians. Okay, there's tons of services that let you send money. Why Crobo? Well, for starters, they have the best exchange rate in the whole industry (we find the rates insane tbh). Add to that , they have no hidden costs, just fast, free transfers every time -- guaranteed. As a special offer, you also get a $25 Amazon gift card when you make your first transaction using the code "UNSHACKLED." Click here to get started, and make sure to use the code UNSHACKLED when you sign up!

👉 Wanna put yourself in front of 22,500+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.

⚖️ 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!

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. 🚀

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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Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE], Happy Wednesday. ✨ Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club & co-founder of greencard.inc. :) Exciting update: We're hosting an end-of-the-year, free party in the Bay Area to bring the immigrant community together. If you're free on December 28th, come join us! While I won't be there unfortunately (since I'm in India), you'll get to meet 50+ others along with my co-founder and EB-1A recipient, RK. Light refreshments will be served. Spots are limited....

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