
Several
steps must be completed before an H-1B petition can be filed. First, the
employer should work with legal counsel to prepare a detailed job description
that fits within the definition of a “specialty occupation.” In addition, if
the foreign national was educated abroad or does not have a degree, an expert evaluation
must be obtained to confirm that the degree or combination of education and/or
experience is equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree. Employers must also file
a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL),
which takes at least seven business days to process. The LCA processing time
may also be delayed if the employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number cannot
immediately be verified by the DOL. Given the preparation time needed and the
likelihood of high demand for H-1B visas this year, employers are strongly
encouraged to begin preparing their new H-1B petitions now.
Another
takeaway for employers from last year’s H-1B lottery experience is to consider
a potential back up plan in advance. In some cases, there may be alternatives
to the H-1B that allow for initial or continued work authorization for current
or prospective foreign national employees. For example, recent foreign
graduates of U.S. institutions may be eligible to apply for 12 months of
Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization. Foreign graduates with
degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics fields may also apply
for an additional 17 months of OPT if their employer participates in the
E-Verify system. In addition, foreign workers who are nationals of Canada, Mexico, Australia,
Singapore, or Chile or have achieved extraordinary accomplishments in their field may be eligible to apply for other types of
nonimmigrant visas. There may also be longer term solutions that could lead to
work authorization in the future. In
particular, if your company has operations abroad, you could consider sending
the foreign national to work in a foreign office for a year, after which he or
she may be eligible for an L-1A (executive/manager) or an L-1B ( specialized knowledge) intracompany transfer visa. While it may require
creativity and advance planning, these and other possibilities may provide
alternatives to the H-1B depending on the circumstances.
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