Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Is PERM Labor Certification?
Many immigrants must obtain PERM labor certification to live/work in the United States. But, some immigrants can bypass PERM labor certification, if they qualify for certain visa arrangements. Going over what, exactly, PERM labor certification is, and speaking with a lawyer, will allow an immigrant to live/work in the United States. What Is PERM… Read More »
You Can Help Your Family Member Obtain A Green Card
A person who wishes to help one of their family members obtain a green card will be able to apply for a green card on that person’s behalf. Even though the above is true, there is one thing to know about this: the process of helping a family member obtain a green card differs… Read More »
The Questions Your Family Member May Be Asked At A Family Visa Interview
Right before a family member can receive the family visa they have been sponsored for, they must go to an interview conducted at a United States embassy/consulate. By going to this interview, the USCIS agent or consular officer can assess the family and their responses to the questions that they have been asked. This… Read More »
The Family Visa Your Family Member Needs
A U.S. citizen can bring their family members into the United States. This same basic fact applies to permanent residents who currently live/work in the United States, although it is a little more limited. Going over the family visa a U.S. citizen and/or permanent resident’s family member needs, while speaking with a lawyer, will… Read More »
TN NAFTA Visas: A Pathway for Professionals from Canada and Mexico
The TN NAFTA visa offers a unique and streamlined pathway for professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the United States. Established under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and continued under its successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the TN visa is designed to facilitate the temporary entry of qualified professionals… Read More »
The EB-5 Visa Classification: A Pathway to U.S. Residency Through Investment
The EB-5 visa program, established by Congress in 1990, offers a unique pathway to U.S. residency for foreign investors. Designed to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment, the EB-5 program has become an attractive option for many investors worldwide. The EB-5 visa, or the Immigrant Investor Program, allows foreign nationals… Read More »
Schedule I Substances and Immigration Consequences for Noncitizens
In recent years, many states and localities have moved toward legalizing and decriminalizing certain controlled substances, particularly marijuana and Psilocybin, also known as “Magic Mushrooms” or “Shrooms.” However, these state-level changes do not affect the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which continues to classify marijuana and other substances as Schedule I drugs. On May… Read More »
The Impact of the Supreme Court Overturning the Chevron Doctrine on Immigration Policies
The recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the longstanding Chevron Doctrine represents a shift in the landscape of administrative law and its implications for immigration policies. The Chevron Doctrine, established over 40 years ago, mandated that federal courts defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes. By dismantling this precedent, the Supreme… Read More »
Comparing L-1 and H-1B Visas: Which Is Right for Your Business Needs?
Businesses looking to employ foreign nationals often find themselves weighing the benefits of two prominent visa categories: the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees and the H-1B visa for specialty occupation workers. Both visas serve as critical tools for companies aiming to leverage global talent, but they cater to different needs and scenarios. Understanding the… Read More »
From L-1 to Green Card: Transitioning from a Temporary Worker to a Permanent Resident
For many L-1 visa holders, the journey to the United States begins with the promise of temporary work as an intracompany transferee. However, the ultimate goal for some is to transition from this temporary status to becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR), commonly known as holding a green card. This transition is not just… Read More »