Webinar: Immigration Sponsorship for Lawyers in Light of COVID-19

GAPABA Webinar Series

Immigration Sponsorship for Lawyers

In Light of COVID-19: Updates & Tips

Thursday, April 30, 2020

5:30 - 6:45 PM

FREE, but RSVP REQUIRED

JOIN ON ZOOM

https://bit.ly/GAPABAWebinar4

or by PHONE: 929-205-6099

Meeting ID: 815-4007-9463, PW: 257520

PLEASE NOTE: THIS WEBINAR WILL BE

RECORDED FOR RE-BROADCAST

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SPEAKERS:

• Sarah Hawk, Immigration Partner, Barnes & Thornburg
• Tina Rousselot de Saint Céran, Director of International Student & Scholar Services, Georgia Tech
• Stephanie Kaczynski, Director of Recruiting, Eversheds-Sutherland
• Moderator: Kristin Aquino-Pham, Immigration Associate, Ogletree Deakins

Discussion Topics

What work authorization options do F-1 Students have?

• During law school: CPT/pre-completion OPT
• Immediately after graduating: Post-completion OPT

What has changed for F-1 students in light of COVID-19?

• Dept. of State, USCIS, and SEVIS updates
• Hiring | Economic predictions
• Recent Executive Order

What temporary work authorization options do licensed lawyers have?

• H-1B visa: Quick overview & caveats
• ­What do employers think about when deciding to sponsor an H-1B for someone who is not in a STEM role, like a lawyer?
• ­What’s the process like?
• O-1 Visa: Quick overview
• Other temporary options: TN, H-4, EAD. What’s the process like?

What about permanently working in the US? What options do licensed lawyers have?

• Employer-based green card sponsorship: Quick overview
• ­What do employers think about when deciding to sponsor a lawyer for a green card?
• Family-based green card sponsorship: Quick overview
• Challenges, considerations: Wait Times, etc.

COVID-19 is going to impact employers’ ability to hire and sponsor lawyers. What are some tips and best practices for foreign law students and lawyers?

• Building strong relationships with your immigration contacts
• Being up-front with prospective employers about sponsorship and be educated about what they would need to do to employ you
• Keeping scanned copies of all your immigration documents for permanent residence/ US citizenship
• Keeping resumes current
• Networking early to find a champion within your prospective employer.
• How to stand out: Sponsorship is expensive; your employer will need to know they are making a good investment
• Creating viable backup plans in your home country or third countries