Conrad 30, Investor, Religious Worker, and E-Verify Extensions until Sep 2012

President Barack Obama signed a law on October 28, 2009, extending three key immigration benefits programs. The FY10 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill extends the Conrad 30, EB5 Investor, and Non-Minister Religious Worker programs until September 30, 2012. The same law also contains an extension of the E-Verify employment-authorization verification system.

Extensions Were Expected

The extension of the three important immigration programs was expected, as was the extension of the more controversial E-Verify program. Regular readers of MurthyDotCom and the MurthyBulletin read about a temporary extension of these programs in our October 16, 2009 article, Conrad 30, Religious Worker and EB5 Program Temporary Extensions.

The Conrad 30 program is a J-1 physician-specific waiver program. The extended portion of the immigrant religious worker program involves non-minister religious workers. The EB5 extension relates to the immigrant program for investors. Those unfamiliar with these programs may wish to review our earlier articles describing these programs in detail.

Conclusion

The three-year extension of these important immigration benefits programs until September 30, 2012 is a positive step towards helping employers and individuals planning for future filings. Attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm have experience with the programs involved, and are available to assist individuals who believe they may qualify for participation in any of these programs. We will continue to follow important changes in immigration laws and policies to share information with our readers.