The H-1B visa is the primary US work visa made available to people from all over the world. The US government introduced the H-1B visa program to offer and enable skilled international professionals and international students, from all over the World, the opportunity to live and work in the USA. The H-1B is the most popular and sought after US work visa and US immigration requires every foreign national to obtain a visa in order to legally work in America. One of the main advantages of the H-1B visa is that it is a ‘dual intent’ visa which means that you can apply for a Green Card (legal permanent residency).  Read More

As tensions run high between the Obama Administration and Congress over budget cuts and spending, another battle looms in the background. Immigration reform is the next big issue for the government to resolve. Like two prize fighters preparing to step into the ring, both sides have already begun the pre-fight hype. Both Congress and the Obama Administration have outlined their visions of America’s future immigration policy through proposals. Below is a look at each plan and the effects the pending immigration reform will have on America in the coming years. Read More

The decision to start a small business is a significant one that involves making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities. A successful entrepreneur isn’t always the classic, bull-by-the-horns risk-taker of legend. Sure you’ll need passion, drive and a good idea. But moxie will only get you so far. You’ve got to know your strengths and know how to make the most of them. Most importantly you must be organized, a planner and persistent. Below is a basic guide for those considering starting their own business and for those that have already started businesses that might be looking to improve their business structure. Read More

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), provides job security to an employee who is absent from work because of the employee’s own serious condition or to care for specified family members with serious health conditions. This includes the birth of a child, care for a newborn child, child being placed for adoption or foster care of a child of an employee.  Congress enacted the FMLA because employer leave policies often did not permit employees to miss work during serious illness or to reasonably balance family obligations and work responsibilities. Therefore, the purpose of the Act was to “balance the demands of the workplace with the needs of the families, to promote the stability and economic security of families, and to promote national interests in preserving family integrity.” Read More

On January 2^nd President Obama signed into law the American Tax Payers Relief Act (ATRA 2012) designed to yank the nation back from fiscal disaster. The effects of the fiscal cliff deal are far reaching and have left many small business owners with a wide range of emotions including relief, frustration and confusion. So what does the fiscal cliff mean for small business in 2013? Below is a look at some of the key elements of the fiscal cliff deal and the possible effects they may have on small business.

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Fiscal Cliff Deal

Early this morning, the U.S. Senate, by a vote of 89 to 9, passed a bill designed to back the nation away from the fiscal cliff—potentially averting a critical challenge to the nation’s economic recovery and forestalling a feared negative reaction from the stock markets upon opening Wednesday morning. The agreement means an increased tax bill for those earning more than $400,000—as the current top rate of 35 percent rises to 39.6 percent.  Read More

What Is A Green Card?

A green card or Permanent Resident Card is a permanent visa to the United States. A green card gives you the status of a permanent resident along with legal rights to work in the USA. Once you have a green card, you may apply for U.S citizenship after a few years of stay in the USA. Further, a green card does not affect your present citizenship status in your home country, is typically issued for 10 years and can be renewed by submitting a green card renewal application. The green card gives you permanent U.S. resident status, which allows you the freedom to leave and return to the U.S., to seek employment and study similar to American citizens. Read More

ADEA Overview

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) is part of a statutory scheme protecting employees over 40 years old against discrimination in the workplace nationwide.  The ADEA which was passed by Congress in December of 1967 points out the disadvantage of older workers in retaining employment or regaining employment when displaced from jobs. The ADEA addresses arbitrary age limits which were commonplace at the time of its passage, and embodies congressional recognition that older workers are particularly at risk for long term unemployment. Congress further recognized the undesirable effects of long term unemployment including deterioration of skill, morale and employer acceptability. Read More

Seed Financing

Generally, “seed” financing refers to a company’s very first round of financing and is typically for less than $1 million.  Many start-up companies need initial or “seed” financing before they have tested their concept with a strategic partner, launched their website or assembled their management team. Often, the founders may have overextended their personal resources and need to turn to others for additional start-up funding. The question is where can a new business find seed financing? Read More

Overview

Visas are typically the starting point for foreign nationals to visit, work, or live in the United States. Visas are official government endorsements permitting a foreign national to remain in a non-native country. In the U.S., foreign nationals may receive either an immigrant or non-immigrant visa for entry, depending on their goals and their status with regard to U.S. immigration rules. Read More