Author: Jeff MacArthur

Yesterday, the Department of State (DOS) announced that the technological visa system issues experienced by U.S. embassies and consulates around the globe have been corrected. All visa-issuing embassies and consulates are now back online. Visa interviews are again being scheduled and nonimmigrant and immigrant visas are once again being issued. More than 300,000 nonimmigrant visas […]

On Friday, June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a historic 5 to 4 decision that same-sex couples have the right to marry in all U.S. states and in unincorporated U.S. territories, like Puerto Rico. Same-sex couples could already marry in 36 states and the District of Columbia, but with this ruling the […]

L-1 work authorization is available to individuals who have worked on a full-time, continuous basis for at least one year of the last three years preceding the filing of the petition.  The beneficiary must have been employed with a foreign corporation with a parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate in the U.S.  The individual must hold […]

Meet Founder and Managing Partner Rosanna Berardi as she describes the services our firm offers and how our attorneys can help make your American dreams a reality!

It is unlawful to knowingly hire or continue to employ unauthorized workers in the U.S.  Employers must verify the identity and employment authorization of every employee hired after Nov. 6, 1986, by use of Form I-9. When Must Form I-9 Be Completed? • Section 1 must be completed by the employee at the time employment […]

As we reported last week, the Bureau of Consular Affairs continues to face technological issues with its visa systems. The Department of State (DOS) posted a statement yesterday that it endeavors to have the system fully reconnected this week. As of noon yesterday, 22 posts around the world have been reconnected. This represents approximately half […]

What is a TN Nonimmigrant Visa? The TN visa category was created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for qualifying Canadian and Mexican professionals. Nonimmigrants qualified to enter the U.S. under this category may work for a company located in the U.S. for a temporary period. What are the requirements for TN status? […]

Toronto-native Erran Fichman came to Berardi Immigration Law just three years ago wondering how he could expand his furniture business to the United States. Fichman owns Fichman Furniture (www.fichman.com), a company that designs and manufactures custom radiator covers. After successfully running his business for seven years in Canada, the demand for his product grew exponentially. […]

A systemic technological issue within the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has globally halted U.S. passport and visa issuance. The issue originates within the Consular Consolidated Database (CCD), a data platform operated by the Bureau to store information on applicants for immigrant visas, non-immigrant visas, and U.S. passports at consular posts abroad. […]

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) developed the TN visa category to facilitate the entry of professionals across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico for temporary employment purposes. NAFTA created a list of more than sixty professional designations through which applicants may be eligible for TN status. Each professional designation on this list requires applicants […]