Have you been thinking of expanding your business overseas, but not sure of the hurdles?

Have you wondered how you can grow your business right here at home by connecting with international companies in the Triangle?

Don't miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from a panel of experts who have been there - through the regulations, the questions on tariffs, the workforce adjustments - and more.

A timely topic with implications across the region, Triangle Business Journal's Global Research Triangle promises to uncover the opportunities to capitalize on global relationships while building business with no boundaries.

Lakshmi Challa, Managing Partner of Challa Law Offices will be one of the panelists who will be speaking on the above subject

Date:           September 20, 2012

Location:      Sheraton Imperial RTP,

                      4700 Emperor Blvd.,

                     RTP 27703 (off Page Rd.)

Time:                    7:30 AM

For questions, please contact Becky Sandefur at 919-327-1004 or bsandefur@bizjournals.com

The Importance of AC21 Portability and Notifying USCIS of any Change in Employers

Under the American Competitiveness in the 21^st Century Act (AC21), applicants with approved Form I-140s awaiting green cards can change employers and extend their current H-1B status beyond the 6-year limit.  This benefit of being able to switch employers from the employer who initially petitioned the applicant's employed-based visa (I-140) is called "portability."    

Applicants will be eligible for the AC21 portability benefits and seek new employment when the following are met:

1. The employment is in the "same or similar" occupation classification as the one described in the initial Form I-140;
2. The Form I-140 has been approved by USCIS, or is approvable when filed concurrently with I-485; and
3. The Form I-485 has been pending for at least 180 days.

Furthermore, the new job does not have to be in the same geographic location, the new job does not have the pay the same or a higher salary; and no new labor certification needs to be filed.

It is vitally important to notify USCIS of any change in employers and that you are using the benefits of AC21 portability.  Firstly, you must inform "material changes" that have occurred in your life that affect your immigration petition.  A change in employer is a material change.  Second, if the immigration officer adjudicating your I-485 (adjustment of status) application does not know you have changed employers, the inconsistency between your current employer and the employer who filed your initial I-140 petition can be grounds for a denial of your I-485.      

Should you need assistance in invoking your AC21 portability benefits, please contact Challa Law Offices at 804-360-8482 for our VA office, 919-380-4044 of our NC office, or at info@challalaw.com.

U.S.Consulate in Hyderabad, India is Discontinuing Advance Submission of Documents 

On August 1, 2012, the office of the U.S Consulate in Hyderabad, India announced it is no longer accepting the advance submission of documents for all Business Executive Program (BEP) cases and for all H and L visa cases as of August 6 2012.

The last interview date for advance submission was August 3 2012. Anyone with visa appointments with the consulate from August 6 2012 onwards are now required to carry their documents directly to the consulate on the day of their interview.

Challa Law Offices Hosted a DEFERRED ACTION CLINIC in VA and NC on August 18, 2012

The two clinics were well attended and our attorneys offered consultations and answered questions regarding President Obama's new immigration policy preventing the deportation of illegal immigrants who entered the United States under the age of 16.

 Under the new policy, those who demonstrate they meet the below requirements will be eligible for "deferred action" (a type of deportation relief) for two years, subject to renewal, and will also be eligible to apply for work authorization.