WOLFSDORF IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP

OCTOBER 2009 NEWSLETTER

1. Are you Ready for an I-9 Audit? Missed Our Prior I-9 Web Seminars? Here are Other Opportunities to Get Your I-9's in Order!

Don’t miss the chance to listen to the I-9 Web Seminar that has received overwhelming praise from employers. Register for the next Wolfsdorf Immigration Law Group I-9 Web Seminar being held on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm (PST).
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm (PST).
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm (PST).
Thursday, December 3, 2009 between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm (PST).

Here is what leading professionals are saying about the Wolfsdorf Immigration Law Group’s I-9 Web Seminar:

"The I-9 seminar with Wolfsdorf covered a large breadth of information in a simple and detailed fashion." -- Caroline Galbraith, Vice President of Human Resources, Rhythm & Hues Studios

"...the I-9 seminar was great! Bernie and TL were great presenters that provided useful information as far as I-9 compliance guidelines, changes in the Form I-9, auditing, and basic practices to follow. Our company is also in the process of implementing e-verify, so that section of the presentation was the most helpful. I felt that the Q&A portion was also the most informative because we were able to ask questions on the spot and received detailed responses. I would 100% attend another seminar!" -- Pam Wong, Employee Relations Specialist, Comcast Entertainment Group

“With the maze of new I-9s requirements, this Webinar is an absolute must for all companies. The information was practical, relevant and incredibly timely. We thought the Q and A session was especially informative and really helped us focus on ensuring our policies and procedures are current.” -- Abby Walsh, General Counsel, CBOL Corporation

"I thought the webinar was excellent, I learn something new every time...Would love for webinar’s like this to be done regularly, on all topics as [I] always have so many questions about visas, forms, etc." -- Jamie Miller, HR - News Corporation

“The information provided will certainly make the entire I-9 process easier and more efficient for me.” -- Manny, Human Resources, Twentieth Century Fox

"This program is excellent and provides critical guidance to H.R." -- Sandra, H.R. Director at major apparel company

For more information and to register please contact Art Rivadeneyra at art@wolfsdorf.com.

2. Change in CBP Policy on Deferred Inspection of Legal Permanent Residents with Criminal Convictions

During a teleconference with the AILA/CBP National liaison committee on September 29, 2009, CBP National Headquarters confirmed that, beginning on October 1, 2009, there is a greater likelihood that returning Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) with criminal convictions will be issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) at ports of entry versus a grant of deferred inspection. In addition, depending on the nature of the conviction, CBP staffing, and available detention bedspace, among other factors, it also is possible that more returning LPRs with criminal convictions will be detained. CBP confirmed, however, that deferred inspection for such returning LPRs is still an option. CBP explained that it modified its policy based on information reflecting that an appreciable percentage of those granted deferred inspection do not show up for such inspection. More guidance to the field will be forthcoming from CBP, but be aware of the likelihood of an increase in the number of LPRs being detained and/or issued NTAs at ports of entry. CBP confirmed that this policy already had been in place in Georgia and Florida.

The committee raised the following points: LPRs cannot be detained if they are in possession of evidence that proves that their conviction does not render them inadmissible pursuant to INA 212(a)(2). They also noted with great concern that the Ninth and Fourth Circuit Courts of Appeals have ruled that returning LPRs with pre-1997 convictions cannot be lawfully charged by CBP as inadmissible pursuant to INA 212(a)(2), and, therefore, detaining them as returning LPRs at Ports of Entry under these circumstances would not be a lawful action by CBP.

If you have any criminal arrest or conviction on your record, whether from the United States or abroad, please contact your Wolfsdorf attorney with advance notice prior to international travel. In light of increased CBP enforcement and vigilance for criminal issues, we recommend that clients travel prepared to answer questions and provide documentation to CBP to prove their admissibility.

3. Alert: Be Prepared for Surprise Enforcement Site Visits

As part of the Department of Homeland Security's stepped-up enforcement efforts that include increased audits of businesses to detect immigration and labor law violations, employers are reporting random, unannounced visits by the Fraud Detection and National Security Division (FDNS) of USCIS. FDNS inspectors often use a script of questions and ask to speak with an employer representative and any foreign workers. FDNS is also using what it learns to add fraud indicators to its database in an effort to identify patterns and potential fraud during adjudications.

Wolfsdorf Immigration Law Group recommends that employers prepare for immigration-related worksite inspections by developing and implementing robust compliance policies, auditing their I-9s and H-1B public access files, and planning in advance how to respond when immigration agents visit. Wolfsdorf Immigration Law Group also recommends designating an immigration compliance officer, who should contact immigration counsel immediately upon an FDNS site visit, and implementing an investigation response plan in advance that includes everyone from upper management to receptionists. Contact your Wolfsdorf attorney for help in preparing for potential onsite FDNS inspections.

4. U.S. Department of State Announces Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery) Registration Period

The U.S. Department of State has recently announced that that the online registration period for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program for Fiscal Year 2011 (DV-2011) will be October 2, 2009 until November 30, 2009. The official online application form is available only on the Department of State Diversity Visa online entry website at www.dvlottery.state.gov, which will be accessible on the first day of the registration period. The Congressionally mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes available 50,000 diversity visas (DV) annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

5. USCIS Issues Guidance on E-Verify Federal Contractor Rule

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminded federal contractors and subcontractors that effective September 8, 2009, they "may be required" to use the E-Verify system to verify their employees' eligibility to work in the United States if their contract includes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) E-Verify clause. The regulation states that federal contracts will be awarded only to employers who use E-Verify to check employee work authorization.

The E-Verify federal contractor rule extends use of the E-Verify system to cover both federal contractors and subcontractors, including those who receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Applicable federal contracts awarded and solicitations issued on or after September 8 will include a clause committing government contractors to use E-Verify.

Companies awarded a contract with the E-Verify clause are now required to enroll in E-Verify within 30 days of the contract award date. With certain exceptions, E-Verify must be used to confirm that all new hires, whether employed on a federal contract or not, and existing employees directly working on these contracts are legally authorized to work in the U.S.

More than 148,000 participating employers at nearly 560,000 worksites nationwide currently use E-Verify to electronically verify their workers' employment eligibility, according to USCIS. The agency noted that since October 1, 2008, more than 7.8 million employment verification queries have been run through the system and approximately 96.9 percent of all queries are now automatically confirmed as work-authorized within 24 hours or less.

The USCIS announcement is available at http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Office%20of%20Communications/Press%20Releases/FY%2009/September%202009/EVerifyFederalContractorRule8Sep09.pdf.

6. E-Verify Supplemental Guide for Federal Contractors

USCIS has issued the E-Verify Supplemental Guide for Federal Contractors. The guide discusses regulations affecting federal contractors; instructions for verifying new and existing employees; E-Verify enrollment and participation as a federal contractor; enrollment instructions for certain organizations that qualify as exceptions; qualifying contracts, exemptions, and exceptions; subcontractors, independent contractors, and affiliates; and information for designated agents.

The guide is available at http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/E-Verify/Federal%20Contractors/Supplemental%20Guidance%20for%20Federal%20Contractors%20082709%20FINAL.pdf. Other E-Verify guidance includes the E-Verify User Manual for Employers, available at http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/E-Verify_Manual.pdf, and the E-Verify User Manual for General Users, Program Administrators and Designated Agents, available at http://www.uncp.edu/hr/employment/E-VerifyUserManual.pdf.

7. October Visa Bulletin Shows EB-3s Backlogged 7 Years

The Department of State's October 2009 Visa Bulletin shows a cut-off date for employment-based third preference visa numbers of June 1, 2002, for all chargeability areas except for China-mainland born (February 22, 2002); India (April 15, 2001); Mexico (May 1, 2002); and Philippines (June 1, 2002).

All chargeability areas are current for EB-2 numbers, except for China-mainland born (March 22, 2005), and India (January 22, 2005). For the third preference "Other Workers" category, all chargeability areas have a cut-off date of June 1, 2001, except for India (April 15, 2001).

The Visa Bulletin for October 2009 is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4575.html

8. Labor Dept. Issues Proposed Rule on Temporary Agricultural Employment of H-2As

The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division proposes to amend its regulations governing the certification of temporary employment of nonimmigrant workers in temporary or seasonal agricultural employment and the enforcement of the contractual obligations applicable to employers of such nonimmigrant workers. The proposed rule reexamines the process by which employers obtain a temporary labor certification from the Department for use in petitioning the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to employ a nonimmigrant worker in H-2A status. The Department also proposes to provide for enforcement under the H-2A program so that workers are protected when employers fail to meet the requirements of the H-2A program.

The proposed rule, which includes a number of requirements and a proposed timetable under the proposed H-2A program, is available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-21017.pdf. The Department made a technical correction to the proposed rule, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-21274.pdf.

9. DHS Proposes Nonimmigrant Investor Visa Classification for Northern Marianas

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a proposed rule on September 14, 2009, proposing to recognize a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-specific nonimmigrant investor visa classification. The "E-2 CNMI Investor" status is one of several CNMI-specific provisions in the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, which extended most provisions of federal U.S. immigration law to the CNMI. This status would be available only to investors in the CNMI who have been granted a qualifying status by the CNMI before the "transition period," which begins on November 28, 2009, and ends on December 31, 2014. With E-2 CNMI Investor nonimmigrant status, eligible CNMI investors would be able to remain in the CNMI for an initial period of two years, and the period would be renewable through the duration of the transition period. CNMI investors would be able to exit and enter the CNMI with valid E-2 CNMI Investor visas.

The proposed rule is available at 74 Fed. Reg. 46938 (Sept. 14, 2009) ( http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-21967.pdf ). Related questions-and-answers are available at http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Office%20of%20Communications/Press%20Releases/FY%2009/September%202009/CNMI_InvestorQandA.pdf.

10. OMB Extends I-9 Approval to August 31, 2012

USCIS announced on August 27, 2009, that the Office of Management and Budget has extended its approval of Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification Form) to August 31, 2012. Consequently, USCIS has amended the form to reflect a new revision date of August 7, 2009.

Employers may use Form I-9 with a revision date of either August 7, 2009, or February 2, 2009. The revision dates are located on the bottom right-hand portion of the form.

The announcement is available at www.uscis.gov under News.

 11. Congress Examines E-Verify and EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programs

The Senate recently held hearings on the E-Verify employment verification program and the EB-5 immigrant investor program.

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on July 20, 2009 about the recent decision to make E-Verify mandatory for federal contractors. Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) expressed his concern about implementing E-Verify "without first fixing the current problems with the system." He noted that according to a 2006 report by the Social Security Administration's Inspector General, "the data set on which E-Verify relied contains errors in 17.8 million records, affecting 12.7 million U.S. citizens. If E-Verify becomes mandatory before these errors are fixed, millions of Americans could be misidentified as unauthorized to work." Sen. Feingold's statement is available at:
http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/hearing.cfm?id=3982.

On July 22, 2009, The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on "Promoting Job Creation and Foreign Investment in the United States: An Assessment of the EB-5 Regional Center Program." Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) noted in his opening statement that the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program is set to expire at the end of September, and that making the program permanent "is a critical first step to its continuing success." Sen. Leahy noted that the program "has been responsible for the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars, and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs in American communities since 1993." Sen. Leahy's statement is available at:
http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/hearing.cfm?id=3998.

 12. SEVIS Data To Be Integrated Into E-Verify

In fiscal year 2010, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to improve the E-Verify system's ability to automatically verify international students and exchange visitors through the incorporation of Student and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS) data into E-Verify. E-Verify is a means of checking a worker's employment authorization. According to the DHS, by incorporating SEVIS nonimmigrant student visa data into the automatic initial E-Verify check, the number of students and exchange visitors who receive initial mismatches should be reduced. In 2010, the DHS will launch a new version of SEVIS (SEVIS II), which will include employment eligibility information that E-Verify will be able to access electronically. Currently, the SEVIS database is checked manually by immigration status verifiers after an initial mismatch occurs.

DHS's proposed rule is available at:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-19826.pdf.

 13. Seventh Circuit Affirms Time Limits on Labor Certifications

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that the Department of Labor's regulation setting time limits on grants of labor certification was legal. Specifically, the regulation states that an approved permanent labor certification expires if not filed in support of an I-140 petition within 180 calendar days of the date the DOL granted the certification.

The case is available at:
http://adnet-nyc.com/Article/durable.pdf.

 14. USCIS Resumes Premium Processing for Nonimmigrant Religious Workers

After a suspension of several years, USCIS announced that it has resumed premium processing service for R-1 nonimmigrant religious worker petitions filed by certain petitioners. Only petitioners who have successfully passed an on-site inspection are eligible to file under premium processing service. Under the premium processing service, a petitioner may seek expedited handling for a $1,000 processing fee.

The announcement is available at www.uscis.gov under News.

15. DHS Announces New Directives on Border Searches of Electronic Media

On August 27, 2009, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a press release announcing new directives on DHS searches of computers, mobile phones, cameras, music and media players, and other electronic media at U.S. ports of entry. On August 20, 2009 and August 18, 2009, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) each issued, respectively, directives to provide guidance, policy and procedures in conducting border searches of electronic media consistent with DHS authority to search other sensitive non-electronic materials, such as briefcases, backpacks and notebooks.

The CBP directive provides that:

Officers may encounter materials that appear to be legal in nature, or an individual may assert that certain information is protected by attorney-client or attorney work product privilege. In these circumstances, the CBP may search the information if an Officer suspects that the content of such a material may constitute evidence of a crime or otherwise pertain to a determination within the jurisdiction of CBP. A limitation is that the Officer must seek advice from the CBP Associate/Assistant Chief Counsel before conducting a search of the material.

• Other possibly sensitive information, such as medical records and work-related information carried by journalists will be handled in accordance with applicable federal law and CBP policy.

• Officers encountering business or commercial information in electronic devices may seize this information. They are, however, instructed to treat such information as business confidential information and protect that information from unauthorized disclosure.

• Information that is determined to be protected by law as privileged or sensitive may be shared with any other federal agencies that have mechanisms in place to protect appropriately such information.

According to the CBP guidance, an officer at the border may "detain" electronic devices or copies of information contained in them for "a reasonable period of time to perform a thorough border search," which may take place either on-site or at another location. The guidance states that unless extenuating circumstances exist, the detention of such devices ordinarily should not exceed five days and should be completed "as expeditiously as possible." Supervisory approval is required for detaining electronic devices, or copies of information contained in them, for continuation of a border search after an individual's departure. Port Director, Patrol Agent in Charge, or other equivalent level manager approval is required to extend any such detention beyond five days.

In addition to the parameters in which the CBP and ICE can seize electronic media, DHS said the new directives will also allow the agency "to develop automated, comprehensive data collection and analytic tools to facilitate accurate, thorough reporting on electronic media searched at the border, the outcomes of those searches and the nature of the data searched." The press release noted that between October 1, 2008, and August 11, 2009, CBP encountered more than 221 million travelers at U.S. ports of entry. CBP conducted approximately 1,000 laptop searches during that time. Of those, 46 were "in-depth."

The DHS press release is available at:
http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1251393255852.shtm.

16. USCIS Says Fees May Rise

Alejandro Mayorkas, the new director of USCIS, said recently that the agency has received a significantly lower number of applications lately and that the resulting decline in revenue could lead to higher application fees. At a press conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 24, 2009, Mr. Mayorkas said there is a $118 million budget shortfall and that he has asked for Congress's help. "The potential fee increase is not something that is taken lightly. We understand very well its impact upon the community. In my personal view, it would be something of [a] last resort.”

Mary Giovagnoli, Director of the Immigration Policy Center, noted that an increase in fees could result in even fewer applicants. "Congress has been really reluctant to revisit this whole idea that we shouldn't be trying to finance our immigration system basically solely on the backs of applicants. I think the agency and the applicants are both kind of caught between a rock and [a] hard place.”

Fee increases were imposed two years ago, but a budget gap remains. For more on the drop in applications and its effect on USCIS's budget, see http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/apimmigrationfees09-14-09.htm. A news article about Mr. Mayorkas' press conference is posted at http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/apimmigfeesmayorkas109-24-09.htm. A USCIS Q&A on paying immigration fees and what types of payment are accepted is available at http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/Check_Instructions.pdf. For more guidance on how to pay immigration fees, see http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3850a99ba78af110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=7d316c0b4c3bf110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD.

17. Labor Dept. Issues FAQ on LCAs

The Department of Labor recently issued frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the new iCERT Portal and the newly redesigned ETA Forms 9035 and 9035E. Topics discussed include how to correct an invalid federal employer identification number after denial of a labor condition application (LCA) on that ground; filing on behalf of a new company created through a merger, acquisition, or sale; what contact information to enter for employer point of contact; how to enter a prevailing wage survey on the new LCA; and how to withdraw an LCA after receiving certification via the iCERT Portal.

The FAQ is available at http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/pdf/FAQ_iCERT_090909_%20FINAL_Elissa_090909.pdf. A press release is available at http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/New%20Structure/Press%20Releases/FY%2009/September%202009/website_redesign.pdf.

 18. USCIS Announces New Web Site Design

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) says its redesigned Web site, in English and Spanish, is more customer-centric, providing users with a "one-stop shop" for immigration services and information.

Before the redesign, users described the USCIS Web site as "frustrating" and "hard to navigate." The new "Where to Start" tool, located on the top left of the homepage, allows for direct navigation to information.

By clicking on the first drop-down menu, users have the opportunity to choose who they are from a number of options. After selecting who they are, clicking on the second drop-down menu allows them to select what they want to do.

USCIS says the "Where to Start" tool will take users to the information they want without having to search the entire site. Applicants for citizenship may also follow the progress of their cases online, and receive notifications via e-mail or text messages when their application status changes.

The USCIS Web site is at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. A related fact sheet is available at http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/New%20Structure/Press%20Releases/FY%2009/September%202009/Where%20to%20Start%20Fact%20Sheet_ckn%2016Sept09.pdf.

19. Interim EADs Issued to Salvadorans

USCIS announced that interim Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will be issued to Salvadoran temporary protected status (TPS) beneficiaries who have not yet received a final action on their re-registration applications and whose re-registration applications have been pending for more than 90 days.

Initially, the expiration date for Salvadoran EADs was March 9, 2009. USCIS automatically extended the EAD validity period to September 9, 2009. USCIS said that issuance of the interim EADs will allow TPS beneficiaries to continue working while the agency completes processing of their re-registration applications.

Any applicant who receives an interim EAD must still respond to any USCIS requests, including for additional evidence, documents, or biometric/fingerprint appointments. To maintain employment authorization through September 9, 2010, an applicant had to respond to any USCIS requests and resolve all issues so that a new EAD could be provided.

For more information, see http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5de2eb7cf98c3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a2dd6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD.

 20. Global Entry Program Now Available at Detroit Airport

Global Entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) new clearance system for international air passengers, is now open at Detroit Metropolitan International Airport.

Global Entry allows pre-screened, approved, registered travelers (including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. and citizens of certain other countries) to use automated kiosks to receive expedited processing upon arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Global Entry participation is voluntary. Participants must possess a machine-readable U.S. passport or permanent resident card, pay a non-refundable $100 application fee, submit an online application, and complete an interview at a CBP enrollment center.

Global Entry is now available at Miami, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Sea-Tac, Dallas, Newark, San Francisco, Boston, Orlando, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Orland-Sanford, Philadelphia, San Juan and Fort Lauderdale, as well as Detroit.

The Detroit announcement is available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/09182009_4.xml. Additional information on the Global Entry program (including enrollment application) is available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/global_entry/.

GLOBAL IMMIGRATION NEWS

21. Turkish Immigration - AMS Visas

Hans is a software technician working for Finance Software, GmbH, which produces highly specialized banking software products. Finance Software has signed a major contract to produce, install, and customize its software for a Turkish bank. Because the software products are very complex and must be customized on site, Hans must spend several months in Turkey for installation work. Does Hans need a work permit in Turkey? Fortunately not, but instead he will need to obtain an Assembly and Maintenance Service (AMS) visa.

Under Turkish immigration law, under certain conditions a work permit is not needed if an employee of a foreign entity engages in assembly and maintenance service work in Turkey for the benefit of a receiving Turkish company if the equipment subject to maintenance and installation services was imported to Turkey. An AMS visa is applicable to many categories of "assembly and maintenance" work, including computer software and hardware, complex machinery, energy equipment, manufacturing equipment and more, as evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Obtaining such a visa should be attempted whenever feasible given the difficulty and length of time it takes to obtain a work permit.

Documents required for filing an AMS visa application at a consular post vary somewhat from post to post, but generally include a petition, an invitation letter from the Turkish company, a sending employer letter, a visa application form, and ID photos. Additional documents requested by the post often may include a round-trip ticket, several months of the applicant's personal bank account records, the applicant's personal tax records, a diploma, and insurance coverage in Turkey. In the event that either the employing company or the customer company is not well known, the consular post may require additional documents regarding the companies.

An AMS visa generally is issued for up to 90 days. While working in Turkey pursuant to an AMS visa, employees should continue to be paid by the foreign entity that sent them. An AMS visa allows the employees to work only in the designated locality for the Turkish company, as designated within the scope of the visa. Although the application considers a request for a single or multiple entry visa, in practice, the Foreign Ministry issues only single entry visas. Additionally, an AMS visa is only issued once per year per employee. Therefore, if the employee departs Turkey during this initial 90-day period, he or she will not be able to re-enter Turkey in AMS visa status for one year.

If an AMS visa is issued for fewer than 90 days, and the assembly/maintenance work persists beyond the duration of the visa, lawful stay may be extended at the discretion of the government, but generally for no longer than a total of 90 days. Authorization to remain based on AMS grounds will be in the form of a specialized residency permit. This application is filed at the Foreigner's Division of the Police Department in the locality where the work is being done.

Although Turkish visa regulations do not provide many options for employment-based visas outside of the work permit regime, the AMS visa is a common option used by companies.

FIRM NEWS

Bernie Wolfsdorf, National AILA President and firm founder, will be speaking on October 13th in New York City at the 42nd Annual Immigration & Naturalization Institute (Practicing Law Institute New York Center), regarding recent developments in consular processing with Jeff H. Gorsky, Chief, Legal Advisory Opinion Section - Visa Office, US Department of State. Bernie Wolfsdorf will also be moderating two panels ("The Visa Process: TCNs, Delays, Denials & Other Important Updates" and "Government Inter-Agency Panel") at the NAFSA Region XII Conference in San Diego, California on October 29th.

Attorney Allison-Claire Acker was recently appointed to the UCLA School of Law Alumni Board.

Attorney Avi Friedman will be attending the AILA/Department of State Liaison Committee meeting on October 22nd, 2009 in Washington, D.C. He will be also be speaking at the NAFSA Region III conference in Dallas, Texas on October 28th on a panel entitled "Consular Affairs Update." On October 29th, Avi will be speaking on the panel "The Visa Process: TCNs, Delays, Denials & Other Important Updates," with Bernie Wolfsdorf as moderator, at the NAFSA Region XII conference in San Diego, California

Attorney Rita Kushner will be speaking at AILA's "Immigration Options for Physicians" conference in Washington, D.C. on October 30th.

Attorney Andrew Stevenson was recently selected by the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Immigration Section as the expert panelist for the monthly "Lunch with the Expert" series. On September 30th, 2009, Andrew gave a presentation to Southern California immigration attorneys regarding Nonimmigrant Waivers under INA 212(d)(3).

We are pleased to announce the birth of Cliff and Yael Rosenthal’s son, born Tuesday, September 29th, at 6 lbs. 14 oz.

Government Agency Links

Follow these links to access current processing times of the USCIS Service Centers and the Department of Labor, or the Department of State's latest Visa Bulletin with the most recent cut-off dates for visa numbers:

USCIS Service Center processing times online: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplay.do

Department of Labor processing times and information on backlogs: http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/times.cfm

Department of State Visa Bulletin: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html

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The Wolfsdorf Immigration Law Group is one of the largest immigration boutique firms in the United States. With offices on both the east and west coasts, the firm serves an extensive and diverse client base, ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to entertainers and leading academic institutions. Our large and dedicated staff of 50 employees ensures prompt and expert attention to your immigration law matters. For more information about any of the above-mentioned issues, or any immigration-related questions or concerns, please contact our team of professionals or your assigned Wolfsdorf professional at 1(800)VISA-LAW or (310) 570-4088/(212) 899-5040 or contact us via email at visalaw@wolfsdorf.com

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