STAY UPDATED ON HOT TOPICS

We keep you updated on all hot topic issues related to employment, business, and immigration law.

USCIS Announces New H-1B Registration Process Starting March 1, 2020

Feb 5, 2020
3 min

USCIS Announces New H-1B Registration Process Starting March 1, 2020

On December 6, 2019, USCIS announced that it is implementing an electronic registration requirement for petitioners seeking to submit H-1B cap-subject petitions. Employers seeking to file FY2021 H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, must first electronically register and pay an associated $10 fee for each electronic registration they submit to USCIS. The registration process now commences a month earlier, on March 1. This a a

How to Obtain Temporary Hospitality, Retail, and Service Industry Workers Through the H-2B Visa

Jennifer Grady

Jul 24, 2019
11 min

How to Obtain Temporary Hospitality, Retail, and Service Industry Workers Through the H-2B Visa

One of the biggest complaints in the hospitality, retail, and service industries is the difficulty in finding and retaining a reliable workforce. Over the past few years, there has been high turnover as companies struggle to recruit and retain workers. However, for employers who need to add to their workforce, there is the option to bring workers from other countries to the United States for a temporary period of nine months out of the year. The H-2B visa permits US employers

USCIS Continues to make Marijuana Activity a “Conditional Bar” to Obtaining U.S. Citizenship

Jennifer Grady

May 3, 2019
5 min

USCIS Continues to make Marijuana Activity a “Conditional Bar” to Obtaining U.S. Citizenship

Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels Thirty-three US states, The District of Columbia, and at least 26 countries around the world have legalized the production and use of cannabis for medical, and, in some jurisdictions, for recreational use. This wave of legalization has led to a growing and dynamic industry that employs thousands of individuals and has reduced the levels of criminalization of marijuana-related crimes. Despite this changing landscape however, United States C

Canadian Citizens Will No Longer Be Permitted To Extend or Renew L-1 Status at the US Border

Jennifer Grady

May 3, 2019
3 min

Canadian Citizens Will No Longer Be Permitted To Extend or Renew L-1 Status at the US Border

Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently implemented a major policy change to the adjudication process of L-1 Intracompany Transferee petitions filed by Canadian citizens. Beginning in March of 2019, CBP officers at all ports of entry and pre-clearance facilities ceased adjudicating L-1 petitions for extension or renewal, including L-1A blanket petitions. CBP continues to adjudicate all new L-1 petitions for Canadian citiz

USCIS Increases Premium Processing Fee by 15% on October 1, 2018

Jennifer Grady

Sep 5, 2018
2 min

USCIS Increases Premium Processing Fee by 15% on October 1, 2018

On August 31, 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will adjust the premium processing fee for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker and Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, beginning on October 1, 2018, to “more effectively adjudicate petitions and maintain effective service to petitioners. ” These forms are typically used for H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1 or R-1 petitions.

Clarification of STEM OPT Extension Reporting Responsibilities and Training Obligations

Jennifer Grady

Aug 23, 2018
3 min

Clarification of STEM OPT Extension Reporting Responsibilities and Training Obligations

Certain F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). On August 17, 2018, USCIS updated the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page of its website to clarify the reporting responsibilities for participation in the STEM OPT program. Students and employers must report material changes to the Designated School

Immigration As Usual? Moving Forward in Times of Uncertainty

Jennifer Grady

Nov 16, 2017
12 min

Immigration As Usual? Moving Forward in Times of Uncertainty

by Anthony Mance, Esq. and Jennifer Grady, Esq. Recent announcements by the Trump Administration declaring enhanced vetting of current immigration cases; talks in Congress about major proposed changes to the immigration laws; and constant media discourse regarding the future of DACA, the Travel Ban, employment-based visas, and increased waiting times, may have the effect of chilling immigration applications. However, with the right information, and a plan that takes these ch

The Grady Firm to Join MAPLE Business Council Delegation in Toronto, Canada, September 21-22, 2017

Jennifer Grady

Sep 7, 2017
1 min

The Grady Firm to Join MAPLE Business Council Delegation in Toronto, Canada, September 21-22, 2017

As part of their cross-border mission to promote investment, trade and entrepreneurship between Southern California and Canada, MAPLE Business Council is leading a two-day business delegation to Toronto, Ontario on September 21-22, 2017. The purpose of the mission is to provide delegates with a turnkey opportunity to take the pulse of Canada’s financial capital and North America’s 4th largest market. The mission will include private briefings with leading innovation, governme

The Grady Firm Attorneys Speak to Students at UCI Blackstone Launch Pad on business and visa options

Jennifer Grady

Oct 19, 2016
2 min

The Grady Firm Attorneys Speak to Students at UCI Blackstone Launch Pad on business and visa options

Founding Attorney, Jennifer A. Grady, Esq. Jennifer Grady, Esq. is an experienced speaker and accomplished mentor in the areas of business, employment, and immigration law. She has lectured extensively throughout the US, Canada, Argentina, and Chile about business and immigration topics for entrepreneurs. If you are interested in engaging Jennifer as a speaker or trainer at your company or organization, or to learn more about the event, please contact us. Anthony E. Mance,

Immigrant Entrepreneurs May Be Able to Remain in the U.S. on Parole Under New Rule Proposed by DHS

Jennifer Grady

Sep 20, 2016
2 min

Immigrant Entrepreneurs May Be Able to Remain in the U.S. on Parole Under New Rule Proposed by DHS

On August 31, 2016 , the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed an amendment to its regulations in an effort to increase and enhance entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation in the United States. The proposed rule would allow for the use of “parole” on a case-by-case basis for certain Startup entrepreneurs whose entry into the United States would provide a significant public benefit through “the substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth an

Apply NOW for U.S. Citizenship: Vote in November Elections & Have Your Application Reviewed

Jennifer Grady

Aug 8, 2016
2 min

Apply NOW for U.S. Citizenship: Vote in November Elections & Have Your Application Reviewed

If you are a Legal Permanent Resident who has held off on applying for U.S. citizenship, now is the time to submit your application to USCIS so that it can be reviewed and approved before November 2016. First, immigration will be a big ticket issue in the upcoming election, and the outcome and future of U.S. immigration policy could ride on your vote. Click the links to read more about the immigration platforms of the current Democratic (Hillary Clinton) and Republican (Dona

J-1 Cultural Exchange Visitor Visa for Entrepreneurs, Scholars, Au Pairs, Professors, and Trainees

Jennifer Grady

Jul 14, 2016
3 min

J-1 Cultural Exchange Visitor Visa for Entrepreneurs, Scholars, Au Pairs, Professors, and Trainees

The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant US visa available to cultural exchange visitors, scholars, and professors. The Exchange Visitor Program fosters global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. It is often used by entrepreneurs, “au pairs, ” or to obtain business or medical training in the United States. J-1 visas are obtained as part of an exchange program, and the Department of State designates both public and private entities to act as exchange sponsors. All

Visiting the US for Business or Pleasure? You May Need a B-1 or B-2 Visa

Jennifer Grady

Jun 16, 2016
2 min

Visiting the US for Business or Pleasure? You May Need a B-1 or B-2 Visa

B-1 and B-2 visas, also known as “visitor visas,” are nonimmigrant visas for persons who wish to temporarily enter the United States for business, tourism/pleasure, or a combination of both purposes. The process to obtain visitor visas is relatively simple, but visitors must comply with the regulations in order to ensure that their stay in the United States is legal and complication-free. Who Can Obtain a Visitor Visa? B1: Available to foreign workers participating in busine

Jennifer Grady

May 6, 2016
2 min

Jennifer Grady Esq. to Host Fireside Chat at UCI Blackstone LaunchPad

On May 23, 2016, Jennifer Grady Esq. will host an informative “Fireside Chat” about the various immigration options that are available to foreign students upon graduation from U.S. undergraduate or graduate programs. The event will take place at the Blackstone Launchpad of University of California, Irvine. The program will be recorded and available for later viewing by members of the international Blackstone Launchpad community. The esteemed UCI Blackstone Launchpad was found

USA Tops 2016 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index 4th Year In a Row

Jennifer Grady

May 3, 2016
5 min

USA Tops 2016 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index 4th Year In a Row

The United States is the top-ranked FDI destination for the fourth year in a row. The US economy is proving resilient to the risks facing other countries, including many other developed markets. Content excerpts courtesy of atkearney.com In May 2016, A.T. Kearney released its annual FDI Confidence Index, which surveys C-level executives and regional and business leads from companies from 27 countries. A.T. Kearney’s Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index®, established in

Jennifer Grady

Apr 14, 2016
2 min

Jennifer Grady, Esq. to Attend International Startup “Collision Conference” in New Orleans

Jennifer Grady Esq., principal attorney at The Grady Firm P.C., will be attending the third annual Collision Conference hosted in New Orleans, Louisiana, from April 26 to 28, 2016. The conference is strategically scheduled between New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival weekends to highlight New Orleans’ cultural and musical prowess. The Collision Conference (@CollisionHQ), “America’s fastest growing tech conference”, is a major US technology and entrepreneurship conference ho

Can’t Afford a Green Card Just Yet? How to Obtain Permanent Residency Through the E-2 Visa

Jennifer Grady

Sep 30, 2015
7 min

Can’t Afford a Green Card Just Yet? How to Obtain Permanent Residency Through the E-2 Visa

by Jennifer A. Grady, Esq. and Anthony Mance, Esq. The E-2 treaty investor visa can be a great way for a foreign entrepreneur to open a business and live and work in the United States legally. What’s more, it is relatively affordable in that it only requires a “substantial” capital investment in a bona fide U.S. enterprise (usually in the amount of $100,000 to $250,000). The investor must be seeking to enter the United States solely to develop and direct the investment enterp

STAY UPDATED ON HOT TOPICS

We keep you updated on all hot topic issues related to employment, business, and immigration law.

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Tel. 949-798-6298

info@gradyfirm.com

TELL US MORE

STAY UPDATED ON HOT TOPICS

We keep you updated on all hot topic issues related to employment, business, and immigration law.

Resources Blog Media Events Client Portal Speaking & Training Schedule Appointment AB5 Resources COVID-19 Resources About Jennifer Grady, Esq. Anthony Mance, Esq. Laura Lee, Paralegal Testimonials Philanthropy

Practice Areas

Business Law

Business formation

Contracts

Corporate Recordkeeping

Business Advising

Immigration Law

Green Card based on Marriage

Green Card based on Employment

Naturalization

Investor Visas

Employment Visas

Visas for Trucking Companies

Employment Law

Outsourced Human Resources Department

Personnel file documents and record-keeping

Severance Agreements

Anti-Harassment Training

Employee Investigations

Counseling and Planning on employee issues

GET SOCIAL

CONTACT US

Tel. 949-798-6298

info@gradyfirm.com

TELL US MORE

Resources
Blog
Media
Events
Client Portal
Speaking & Training
Schedule Appointment
AB5 Resources
COVID-19 Resources

About
Jennifer Grady, Esq.
Anthony Mance, Esq.
Laura Lee, Paralegal
Testimonials
Philanthropy