What Are the Options Beyond the H-1B?
Giselle Carson Mar 5, 2019 in Business Visitors/ESTA
Unfortunately, some new H-1B petitions will not be accepted this year or might not get approved. I explore the options beyond the H-1B with my clients. But I’m so passionate about helping our clients achieve their immigration goals that I took the time to write a book about it. My book, Beyond the H-1B: A Guide to Work Visa Options for Employers, Foreign Nationals, and Graduating Students, is designed to help readers understand the most […]
Continue ReadingArchitecture Designated as STEM Subject – But Status Quo for Immigration
Giselle Carson Jan 8, 2019 in Immigration Blog
In 2018, Congress passed a bill which officially recognized architecture as a STEM subject. This is significant for the profession as it will lead, among others, to a needed more diverse workforce and increase funds to promote and modernize education in architecture. However, that recognition unfortunately did not translate to any changes to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List used for F-1 STEM OPT (nor the Occupational Outlook Handbook used for H-1B filings.) The […]
Continue ReadingFor the first time in many, many years, the number of international students and scholars at US universities declined. This decline is attributed to various factors. Uncertainty about visa policies. Instability about OPT and CPT options. And yes, the United States being a less welcoming place to foreign students under the Trump presidency. Many new immigration policies make it difficult to recruit talented students and scholars to American campuses. This is also impacting US employers’ […]
Continue ReadingMost students in F-1 or J-1 status are exempt from FICA (Medicare and Social Security) taxes, but once an employee’s status changes to H-1B, that exemption ends. They will become subject to FICA taxes. As the employer, you must begin withholding FICA taxes upon the effective date of the change.
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