Corporate Teleconference
 

Topic	The Role of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Immigration Matters
Date	Wednesday, 02.Dec.2009
Time	2:00pm (Eastern Time, U.S.)

The topic our December teleconference in this series for employers and their representatives is the role of the United States Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) in the United States immigration system. The session will specifically describe potential pitfalls and complications to watch out for when applying for readmission to the United States after international travel. It also will address the manner in which these issues can be examined, adjudicated, and resolved by the CBP. As many employees of IT consulting and other corporate entities are now planning travel outside the United States during the holiday season, this is a timely discussion for employers who may be concerned about the orderly readmission of their employees to the United States to continue their critical occupations in the United States. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm will discuss what constitutes an error on an I-94 card issued by the CBP, how an error can be resolved, and other frequently asked questions about the CBP and how it conducts the orderly admission of arriving non-citizens.

Instructions for Registering for Corporate Teleconferences

This FREE teleconference series is designed to guide employers, enabling them to better serve their foreign national employees in these matters. To participate you must be an employer, HR manager, or similar agent in a company.

If you have already attended a Murthy Law Firm corporate teleconference, you will automatically receive an eMail reminder and a follow-up eMail with details for upcoming corporate teleconferences about 24 hours before. If you have NOT signed up for this teleconference series before, please eMail the following information to corporate@murthy.com. Specifics regarding the topic, as well as the telephone number, access code, and other details regarding the teleconference will be eMailed to interested company representatives prior to the teleconference.

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Please feel free to share this announcement with your company representative. Murthy Teleconferences cover a wide variety of topics, announced on MurthyDotCom and in the MurthyBulletin. We address many of the concerns shared by our readers.



Past Teleconferences in this Series

Nov 04, 2009  Corporate Teleconference
Consular Processing H1B/L-1 Nonimmigrant Visas and EB Immigrant Visas
The topic of our November 04, 2009 teleconference in our series for employers and their representatives was an overview of consular processing for H1B/L-1 visas as well as for employment-based (EB) immigrant visas. The session addressed some consular matters specific to employees of IT consulting companies. As many employees plan to travel during the holiday season, this discussion proved timely for employers concerned about their employees' consular processing. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed basic requirements for consular processing, special issues for IT consulting companies, and some of the most frequently asked questions about consular processing.

Oct 07, 2009  Corporate Teleconference
When USCIS Comes Knocking - the USCIS Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), Part II
Our October 07, 2009 teleconference continued the look at visits by officers from the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Office. Because of the interest in this important matter, attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm furthered their discussion of the increasing frequency of such visits to H1B employers, employers’ options in responding to such visits, what they should do if the officers ask to speak with employees, the authority of the FDNS officers, and the potential consequences of such visits, among other issues. (This teleconference was rebroadcast on Nov 18, 2009.)

Sep 02, 2009  Corporate Teleconference
When USCIS Comes Knocking - the USCIS Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), Part I
Our September 2, 2009 session in this teleconference series focused on visits by officers from the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Office. In this overview, attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed the increasing frequency of such visits to H1B employers, employers’ options in responding to such visits, what to do if the officers want to speak with employees, the authority of the FDNS officers, and the potential consequences of such visits, among other issues. (This teleconference was rebroadcast on Nov 18, 2009.)

Aug 05, 2009  Corporate Teleconference
LC Primer
Our August teleconference, provided an overview of the PERM labor certification process. This teleconference reviewed the standard procedures involved in filing a labor certification case, as well as recent case law developments.

Jul 01/15, 2009  Corporate & Public Teleconferences
Successful AOS Applications for EB Immigration
The topic of this teleconference was successful adjustment of status (AOS) applications for employment-based (EB) immigration, including current and potential issues with cases filed during the June and July 2007 VisaGate period, AC21 portability, and I-140 revocation, the nature and the movement of priority dates, and general I-485 filing strategies and procedures. Due to the popularity of this topic, the teleconference was replayed for the general public on July 15, 2009.

Jun 02/17, 2009  Corporate & Public Teleconferences
Employment Immigration Options Including: EB1, EB2, EB3, EB4, and EB5
In our June 2009 teleconference, attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed various employment-based immigration options. These included EB1 Priority Workers (Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professor or Researcher, Multinational Executive or Manager), EB2 Members of the Professions Holding Advanced Degrees and Aliens of Exceptional Ability, National Interest Waiver, EB3 Skilled Workers, Professionals and Other Workers, EB4 Special Immigrants, and EB5 Investor. This teleconference was replayed for the general public on June 17, 2009.

May 06, 2009  Corporate Teleconference
H1Bs, Public Access Files, & I-9 Compliance
The topic of our May session in this teleconference series, specifically addressing the concerns of employers, enabling them to better help their employees going through the immigration process, addressed the H1B process, including: LCAs, wages, public access files, how employers must comply with rules and regulations, types of records that need to be made available and to whom, retention of records, relocating employees, events that can trigger investigations, and recommendations for successfully navigating active Department of Labor investigations.
©MurthyDotCom
Apr 01, 2009  Corporate Teleconference
Life after the Green Card : Planning for Your Future with Reentry Permits, Naturalization Eligibility, and Maintaining Your Permanent Residence
Our April teleconference for employers and their agents addressed the interaction of permanent residents, or green card holders, of the United States with immigration law. Our attorneys answered the important questions to help attendees understand some of the rights, obligations, and benefits of permanent residents. New permanent residents, whether with employment- or family-based green cards, may be considering extensive travel outside the United States, eventually applying for citizenship or accepting a professional opportunity abroad. Led by Attorney Sheela Murthy, our attorneys explained the use of reentry permits, the requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen, and some best practices to ensure permanent residence is not only maintained, but that it also can be proven.
©MurthyDotCom
Mar 04, 2009  Corporate Teleconference
Welcome Changes to Your H1B and Green Cases? Understanding iCert & New DOL Applications
This teleconference series specifically addresses the concerns of employers, enabling them to better help their employees going through the immigration process. In March, attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm focused on changes introduced to PERM Labor Certification and H1B Labor Condition Application (LCA) forms by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Employers will experience major changes when the new forms are required and with the DOL's new iCert portal for submission. It is important to understand changes that have been made to the questions on the forms. Led by Attorney Sheela Murthy, our attorneys will explain the new LCA Form 9035 and the PERM Form 9089. They will draw distinctions from the current versions, so that employers will be apprised of how they must comply with program rules and regulations.
©MurthyDotCom
Feb 04, 2009  Public Teleconference
Crossing the Bridge to Employment - F-1 Students and the Transition to H1B Employment
The February 2009 teleconference presented by the Murthy Law Firm examined how employers can bring on new foreign national employees who have not worked in H1B status previously, or who are now graduating from U.S. universities. Our attorneys discussed the different options that may be available for employing a foreign national in F-1 status, upon his/her earning a U.S. degree, as well as concerns regarding transition into the workforce. Led by Attorney Sheela Murthy, the February 2009 Murthy Law Firm teleconference discussed some of the requirements of Optional Practical Training (OPT), as well as the OPT STEM extension option and the nuances that arise when a company asks USCIS to change a foreign national's status in the H1B visa program. Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
Jan 07, 2009  Corporate Teleconference
Making Your Business Work : Workforce Reductions & Immigration Law Compliance
The first teleconference of 2009 presented by the Murthy Law Firm focused on strategies for employers and foreign national employees amidst unfortunate workforce reductions. While the slowing economy is imposing changes, it is important to follow the requirements under immigration law regarding employment reduction and maintenance of status. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed how to prepare for and handle reductions in force and other terminations in the immigration law context, both from the employer and employee perspectives. Led by Attorney Sheela Murthy, the January 2009 Murthy Law Firm Teleconference explained some of the nuances and issues for which employers and employees should be watchful in times of increased layoffs. Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
Dec 03, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
Beating the Cap & Winning the H1B Lotto - When & How to File Your New H1B Petitions in April 2009
This teleconference in our corporate series was on the subject of "Beating the Cap & Winning the H1B Lotto - When & How to File Your New H1B Petitions in April 2009." We at the Murthy Law Firm are already preparing H1B Petitions for new workers to be filed in April 2009. Sheela Murthy was joined by attorneys Eunhae Gohng and Khorzad Mehta of our firm, who focused on some of the critical issues that need to be kept in mind when preparing one's first H1B visa. The demand for H1Bs exceeds the supply for the U.S. government's FY2009. What exactly is the H1B "cap?" How does a company sponsor a foreign worker within the rules? What to do with a new worker who might have a gap between the end of a student status and the start of H1B status? These are some of the topics that were covered by our team.
Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
Nov 05, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
The Mysteries of Mergers & Acquisitions : Unraveling the Immigration Law's Requirements for Your Business & Employees
This teleconference presented by the Murthy Law Firm focused on Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). With rapid corporate changes increasingly common in the current economic climate, the Murthy Law Firm dealt with on some of the key issues that arise in these situations. While each M&A deal has individual traits, the due diligence generally required can include examining I-9 forms and compliance, LCA public access files, and the impact on the continuing employment of foreign nationals. Attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm discussed some of the possible immigration-related effects of different kinds of M&A transactions such as mergers, asset purchases, and spin-offs. Our attorneys discussed why a proactive approach to examining these matters can greatly benefit all parties subject to corporate changes. Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
October 08, 2008  Public Teleconference
Immigration in these Economic Times
The current state of the U.S. economy has led to uncertainty among employers and employees alike. To address the effect these turbulent times may have on foreign nationals and their employers, and to explain and protect the interests of all parties concerned to the extent allowed under law, we at the Murthy Law Firm will conduct a special teleconference. Open to employers and employees, this FREE teleconference will focus on employment and immigration options and the provisions of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21).
©MurthyDotCom
October 01, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
The ABCs of H1Bs : Getting Back to the Basics of the H1B Visa
The October 2008 teleconference in our monthly series, answered many of the basic questions employers have about the H1B visa program. Companies interested in hiring professional workers typically start their immigration planning with the H1B. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm reviewed the essential concepts applied by USCIS when looking at a business's petition for an H1B to employ a foreign national, addressing topics like understanding what is a "specialty occupation," Labor Condition Application requirements, wage requirements, degree requirements, and Change of Status vs. Consular Notification. Our panel also discussed the special issues facing companies in the IT consulting industry. Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
September 03, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
Form I-9 Compliance & Working with ICE
The September 2008 teleconference in this monthly series addressed helping businesses proactively comply with the rules surrounding to the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, completed by all newly-hired workers, and the requirements relating to the employment of foreign nationals. These rules are enforced by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but may also extend to a company's general compliance with the U.S. immigration laws. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm discussed events that might trigger an ICE investigation of a company's compliance, as well as how a business can engage proactively in both fixing and avoiding any problems. Our panel also discussed the kind of procedure the government is required to follow and how to use an internal audit as a tool to address problems and protect your business if investigated. Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
August 06, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
Compliance with the DOL's LCA Program
The August teleconference in our monthly series focused on helping businesses proactively engaged in compliance with the DOL's rules for Labor Condition Application (LCA) program. Attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm discussed events that can trigger a DOL audit or investigation of a company's compliance with the LCA program rules, as well as how to repair and avoid any problems with the program. Also discussed were reasons for investigations, procedures the government is required to follow, and ways to use internal audits proactively to address problems and protect your business in the case of an investigation. Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
July 02, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
USCIS E-Verify Compliance
The July teleconference addressed the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The Murthy Law Firm was pleased to host USCIS Management and Program Analyst Gloria Aitken, who led this stakeholder meeting with Attorney Sheela Murthy and others from the Murthy Law Firm. Ms. Aitken reviewed current E-Verify policy, implementation, and compliance issues. This information was designed to enhance the awareness of the rules, policies, and laws that govern the process to help ensure transparent understand-ing and compliance with the E-Verify program. Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
June 04, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
I-140 RFE - Understanding & Responding to Common Problems Raised by the USCIS
The June teleconference reviewed the current policy of the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) towards issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) regarding Form I-140 Petition filed to sponsor a foreign worker for the green card. The mechanics and mysteries of what USCIS asks when issuing the RFE were explained, including how to address questions about a foreign worker's credentials and the sponsoring company's financial situation. The Murthy Law Firm used its experience preparing I-140 petitions to avoid the RFE and rescuing cases from the threat of denial into recommendations and insights for finishing the second stage of the green card process. Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
May 07, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
Demystifying the PERM LC Process - The Basics of a Successful Green Card Case
Our May teleconference reviewed the current PERM Labor Certification process, the most common way to sponsor a foreign worker for permanent residency, known as the "green card." The mechanics and mysteries of the PERM process were explained, including how to present a properly completed case to the U.S. Department of Labor with the mandatory requirements completed to facilitate success. Based on our experience with the PERM Labor Certifica- tion process, attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm shared recommendations and insights for completing this complex stage toward an employee's green card. Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
April 02, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
After the Cap - Alternatives to H1Bs for Employers
Discussed in this month's teleconference were the options open to employers who do not obtain enough of the coveted H1B visas for their nonimmigrant employees for FY2009. We helped employers understand their options for maintaining and augmenting their nonimmigrant workforce using alternatives to H1B visas. We discussed a number of other visa categories that permit the employment of foreign nationals in the U.S. in 2008 and beyond.  Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
March 05, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
Business Immigration : Looking Back and Bracing for the Future!
Among the matters addressed in this teleconference were: the H1B cap and dire lack of adequate numbers; VisaGate, or employment-based priority dates becoming available to many permanent resident seekers, and then to everyone, and back and forth during the summer of 2007; the misnamed substitution regulation, who can pay, labor certification expiration dates, and more. Attorney Murthy also reported on her recent meeting with officials at the U.S. Consulate in Chennai, India.
©MurthyDotCom
February 06, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
H1B Cap Season - Fiscal Year 2009 (Part 2)
This teleconference in our monthly series continued to address important matters regarding the filings of H1Bs, as well as issues that arise after H1B applications are filed and approved. We discussed Labor Conditions Application (LCA) requirements, compensation for H1B workers - what may or may not be included in the compensation package for H1B workers - the U.S. Department of Labor's public access record requirements, and more.
©MurthyDotCom
January 09, 2008  Corporate Teleconference
H1B Cap Season - Fiscal Year 2009 (Part 1)
This teleconference in our monthly series to guide employers and HR managers and for the benefit of their employees addressed important matters regarding the filing of H1Bs for the fiscal year (FY) 2009 cap season, including: meeting the requirements for filing, how the H1B cap works, the importance of planning ahead, avoiding RFEs, and more.
©MurthyDotCom
December 03, 2007  Corporate Teleconference
The Why, What, and How of PERM Audits
This teleconference explored the subject of PERM audits and how employers can prepare for them. Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has increased the percentage of audits it conducts for PERM Labor certifications. Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm addressed some of the more commonly raised issues, as well as strategies to plan for and respond to audit notifications.  Read more on this topic.
©MurthyDotCom
November 07, 2007  Corporate Teleconference
What Employers Should Know After Filing I-485s in Jul/Aug 2007
This teleconference addressed some of the more pressing questions employers had after filing I-485s in July / August 2007 for many of their employees. Many individuals had the opportunity to file their I-485 Applications for Adjustment, based on their employment-based (EB) cases. Visa retrogression had previously prevented such filings for many of these individuals, and the opportunity for employees to file their I-485s was unexpected. In light of these events, employers had many questions concerning the impact the filings of so many employees may have had on their businesses. We at the Murthy Law Firm addressed these matters in November's teleconference.
©MurthyDotCom
October 03, 2007  Corporate Teleconference
Employer Expenses & Compliance with DOL Regulation
Attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm tackled many of the concerns faced by employers and HR managers in our first teleconference in this series. We provided practical advice on how to save costs in compliance with the DOL regulation, while still helping employees. Some areas of discussion included: refining job descriptions and/or developing clear verticals for specific positions, timing LC filings to maximize cost savings for the employer, and learning to identify a "PERM" (i.e. labor certification) process as opposed to a "non-PERM" related process.