Congratulations!

I would like to share another happy result for one of our clients.   This gentleman, a talented Industrial Engineer from the Philippines, had been waiting over 7 years for his green card – believe it or not, this is a normal waiting time simply because of his Filipino nationality. 

I am very happy for this client and his family, all of whom are hard-working and productive members of American society.  But, the long wait they had to endure exposes one of the problems with our current employment-based immigration rules, which delay the immigration process for educated professionals based solely on country of nationality.  (Nationals of India, China, and Mexico in this employment-based category for professionals with Bachelor’s Degrees must also wait years and years to complete the green card process.)

Timothy R. Bakken

Congratulations!

Another remarkable musician granted permanent resident status.  Congratulations to Bakken Law client, Nicolo Spera, whose green card application as an “extraordinary ability” Classical Guitarist was approved by the USCIS this week!  

Dr. Spera is an Instructor in the Music Department at the University of Colorado at Boulder – see his bio and samples of his music here. 

Timothy R. Bakken

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our client, Dr. Ysmael Reyes, a world-renowned flutist and now a permanent resident of the United States! 

This week, USCIS issued Dr. Reyes a green card based on his extraordinary ability in his field.  Check out www.ysmaelreyes.com to learn more about Dr. Reyes and to listen to selections of his beautiful playing.

Timothy R. Bakken

Department of State simplifies filing process for Mexican TN professionals

DENVER: In a welcome change, the Department of State will no longer require prior petition approval from CIS for Mexicans applying for professional TN visas under NAFTA.  Mexicans applying for TN visas will now be able to apply directly at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy and following visa issuance apply at a land port-of-entry or airport preflight inspection for admission to the U.S. For more information check this link from the Department of State.

Timothy R. Bakken

Happy New Year

There are only a few hours left of this year, so I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and all the best to you and your Family in 2014.

Timothy R. Bakken
Founder & Attorney

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

Welcome to my first blog entry!  Please feel free to comment or provide suggestions for any immigration topic about which you would like more information.

As we approach another new year, we again are waiting to see if Congress will act on comprehensive immigration legislation.  Small signs suggest something could happen in the 2014 legislative session.  For example, the hiring by Representative Boehner of an immigration staffer formerly working on immigration issues with Senator McCain, who has historically supported immigration reform measures. Check The Hill article dated December 3rd 2013 for more information. 

Various news reports have noted the increasingly hopeful prospects for reform. Check the USA Today article dated December 16th 2013 for more information.    

As in past years, these signs of optimism could be squelched by the House of Representatives.  But, for now and as we anticipate a new year, those who favor fair and modern immigration policies should work to build on these positive signs and continue to encourage our Senators and Representatives to support comprehensive immigration reform. Check the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives web sites for more information about whom to contact. 

On a more nuts-and-bolts level, it is definitely not too soon to start preparing for the annual H-1B cap.  Petitions must be filed with CIS on April 1, 2014 to provide the best chance of being counted under this year’s cap.  Last year the cap was reached within the first week following the April 1 filing start date.  Accordingly, and with signs of an improving economy, I believe it is likely the cap will be reached very quickly, if not on the very first day.   Preparations for filing an H-1B petition require a great deal of work, including the filing of an LCA (Labor Condition Application) with the Department of Labor.  Issuance of an LCA takes at least 7 days, and thus waiting until April 1 to start H-1B petition preparations risks missing the cap altogether.  Please contact me if you have questions about the H-1B requirements and petition process, e-mail contact@bakkenlaw.com or by phone 303-293-1963.

 I wish everyone of you a happy holiday season and a very Happy New Year! 

Timothy R. Bakken
Founder