Greetings!
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. Please forward this newsletter to persons you think will be interested. |
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Lakshmi Challa selected as one of Virginia Lawyers Media's "Influential Women of Virginia" for 2012.
Virginia Lawyers Media, publishers of Virginia Lawyers Weekly and the Virginia Medical Law Report, has announced the Class of 2012 of "Influential Women of Virginia."
This awards program, now in its fourth year, recognizes the outstanding efforts of women in the commonwealth in all fields, including law, business, health care, education and the arts. The honors are given to individuals who are making notable contributions to their chosen professions, their communities and society at large.
The managing Partner of Challa Law Offices, Lakshmi Challa is one among the honorees.
The honorees will be celebrated at a gala luncheon on May 10 at the Richmond Marriott in downtown Richmond. The "Influential Woman of the Year" for 2012, to be voted on by the 2012 honorees themselves, will be announced at this luncheon.
Each honoree also will be profiled in a special publication that will be distributed at the event and inserted into Virginia Lawyers Weekly in early May.
We at Challa Law Offices are proud of Lakshmi Challa's selection and would like to congratulate on her accomplishments and wish her continued success. |
H-1B Cap Season is Upon Us
Overview of H-1B Cap System
The current annual cap (set by Congress) on the H-1B category is 65,000. However, 6,500 of these visas are generally set aside for Chile and Singapore. Additionally, there are 20,000 visa numbers available to persons who have earned masters' or higher degrees from U.S. institutions of higher education. Some exemptions to the H-1B cap are:
- The petition is an amendment to or extension of stay for the beneficiary's current H-1B visa;
- The beneficiary was previously granted an H-1B visa in the past 6 years;
- The beneficiary is applying from abroad to reclaim the remaining portion of the 6 years;
- Institutions of higher education;
- Nonprofit organizations or entities connected or associated with institutions of higher education;
- Nonprofit research organizations or governmental research organizations.
*Cap exempt visas are issued under case specific circumstances. There are certain requirements to qualify for a fresh 6 year maximum. Please set up a consult in order to assess individual cases and for more information.
The Cap Season Last Year
The cap on H-1Bs is reached at different times each year. Our firm monitors the number of H-1B visas received by USCIS in order to advise clients when the numbers begin to rise. Last year, USCIS received a sufficient number of petitions to reach the statutory cap for FY 2012 on November 22, 2011. USCIS also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the advanced degree exemption as of October 19, 2011.
FY 2013: What to Expect
While no one can predict exactly what date the cap will be reached, a few things to keep in mind over the coming weeks and months: last year's cap was reached earlier than that for FY 2011, and with the economy's slow recovery, we may see an earlier date this year.
Challa Law will keep you informed of the cap count as we move into the season. Please contact our offices with any questions. You can call 8043608482 to reach the Richmond Office or call 919-380-4044 to reach our NC office. You can also reach your attorney/paralegal directly or email us at info@challalaw.com USCIS begins to accept cap-subject H-1B petitions for FY 2013 on April 2, 2012. The earliest start date for petitions submitted during the FY 2013 cap season is October 1, 2012. |
Raleigh Chamber's Immigration Forum
Our managing partner and attorney Lakshmi Challa, introduced Congressman David Price at the Raleigh Chamber's Immigration Forum on Monday, March 12, 2012. Congressman Price currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee and is the ranking member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.
It was a unique opportunity to participate and learn about immigration policy and its impact on businesses. The Immigration Forum featured a national expert and author of "Immigrant, Inc," Richard Herman, and a panel of local business leaders who presented on how smarter policies can effectively help businesses expand, create American jobs, and keep the talent we need in our community. The panel included:
- Eric Buckland, Bioptigen
- Dr. James Goodnight, SAS
- Dr. Louis Martin-Vega, NC State University
- Rick McNeel, LORD Corporation
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3 C's of Global Connectivity
Cadre
Defined as a group of people specially trained for a particular purpose or profession, Cadre is the first "C" of global connectivity because it establishes the foundation necessary for a business to appeal to an international client base. For example, at Challa Law, we have selected team members who not only have years of experience and training in immigration law and procedure, but who also speak a variety of languages enabling our firm to connect with clients from all over the globe.
Capital
Capital refers to the investments dedicated to the initial establishment and continued growth of a business. As the second "C" of global connectivity, its role is to provide a business with the ability to acquire resources, such as equipment and personnel, used in the production of goods and services. At Challa law, capital allowed the firm to fund multiple U.S. and international office locations as well as to employ a team of talented individuals from various parts of the world.
Compliance
Since laws within the U.S. and internationally are in a constant state of flux, it is of vital importance for a business to stay current of these changes and thus remain in compliance with such laws. This third "C" of global connectivity is defined as acting in accordance with established guidelines, regulations, or legislation. At Challa law, the nature of a global practice means in order to be successful we must be in compliance not only with U.S. immigration laws but also with international standards and regulations. |
L-1B Approval Rate on the Decline
The L-1B visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows a U.S. employer to transfer an employee with 'specialized knowledge' working abroad to come to the United States and work in the U.S. employer's American offices. To be eligible for an L-1B visa, the employer has to demonstrate that the employee has special knowledge of the company product or services and its application in international markets, or has advanced knowledge of processes and procedures of the company.
USCIS just recently released its report on the approval rates for L-1B visas for the calendar years 2003-2011. From 2003 to 2007, the approval rates were steadily increasing, averaging at least 90% approval and peaking at an impressive 94% in 2005 and 2006. However, as the economy bottomed out in 2008, the approval rate for L-1B visas dramatically fell to 78%, a drop of 15 points.
Since 2008, the approval rates for L-1B visas has continued to linger around the 70 percentile range, dropping to its lowest rating of 73% in 9 years in 2011. These ominous approval ratings are further reflected in the total number of petitions filed for L-1B visas. As the approval rate was on the incline from 2003 to 2007, the total number of petitions also increased, peaking at over 32,000 petitions in 2007. However, as the economy went into decline in 2008, so too did the number of petitions which now hover around 20,000. |
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India China Employment Based Priority Dates:
For April 2012
China India
5th Pilot Programs C C
First C C
Second 01 MAY 10 01 MAY 10
Third 01 MARCH 05 01 SEP 02
Fourth C C
Fifth C C
OTHER Workers 22 APR 03 01 SEP 02
Religious Categories C C
Targeted Employment Areas C C
If you would like to know about your case status, please call our office 804-360-8482 in Richmond or 919-380-4044 in NC and ask your attending paralegal/attorney or email them directly or send an email to our office at info@challalaw.com and someone will be able to help you. |
Good news for American visa-seekers
New Delhi, India: In good news to American visa applicants, USA announced those Indians who are renewing their visas, valid or expired, within 4 years, are likely to get waiver for a personal interview.
"This new programme will permit consular officers to waive interviews for some qualified applicants who are renewing their visa within 48 months or four years, of expiration of their previous visa and within the same classification as the previous visa," Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Janice Jacobs said.
The new rules will apply to those within categories of B1, B2, C and D. Asked to specify the possible beneficiaries, Jacobs, who is in the country for the 2nd USA-India Consular Dialogue, said "it will apply for tourists, business travellers, crew members and for students."
"Beginning today, our consulates in India are introducing a new programme to streamline the visa renewal process. "Over time, this programme has the potential to benefit hundreds of thousands of visa applicants here in India," she said. However, she also said "not all applicants will be accepted for streamlined processing. "
India and USA share mutual interest in global security and countering terrorism around the world. "So, maintaining strict security standards in our visa process is a fundamental importance to all of our citizens. "For that reason, our consular officers may request an applicant to appear in person for interview at any time for any reason during the visa application process," she said.
If you need to speak to one of our knowledgeable staff on this subject, please contact our office at 804-360-8482 in Richmond or 919-380-4044 in North Carolina or send an email to
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Disclaimer
This newsletter has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No information included herein shall create an attorney/client relationship or constitute an invitation for such a relationship. This newsletter is not intended to be an advertisement. You should always seek professional, independent legal consultation before taking or refraining from any action. |
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Sincerely,
Lakshmi Challa
Challa Law Offices
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Lakshmi Challa's Upcoming Events:
Selected to the
the Class of 2012 of "Influential Women of Virginia."
The honorees will be celebrated at a gala luncheon on May 10 at the Richmond Marriott in downtown Richmond.
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Challa Law Offices After Hours Drop Box
For you convenience we now have this facility at our Richmond office.
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Our Office Locations:
RICHMOND, VA:
5040 Sadler Place
Suite 200
Glen Allen, VA 23060
804-360-8482
VA BEACH, VA:
4445 Corporation Ln. Suite 291
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
800-913-4122
MORRISVILLE, NC:
5105 Grace Park Drive
Morrisville, NC 27560
919-380-4044
HYDERABAD INDIA:
Challa Legal Services Pvt. Ltd
401 Flora Apartments
Road Number 3
Banjara Hills
Hyderabad, AP. India
91 40 23352295/6 |
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