Experienced in university compliance and securing visas for scholars
Ms. Godfread-Brown has extensive experience in the full spectrum of immigration needs for a University, such as :
General immigration counsel and advice
Representation of the university in PERM labor certification applications;
Handling all nonimmigrant and/or immigrant visa matters
Developing institutional policies and best practices for compliance with immigration laws
Providing immigration assistance during periods of leave or transition
Handling very specialized legal matters of particular importance for professors, scholars or staff.
Serving the Academic Community
Because of her background in a Higher Education setting, Ms. Godfread-Brown also has an understanding of the unique challenges inherent in working with an academic community, including the role and status of graduate students transitioning to academic jobs, the importance of the students status, whether it be F or J, as it plays into a transition to an academic title and work visa, hands-on experience with SEVIS system and the regulations that may affect future work status or green card applications, understanding of the academic hiring cycle for faculty and researchers and the associated timelines, using PERM system on behalf of the University for a variety of campus positions (from faculty to staff), experience in working with Athletics and obtaining the proper visas for coaches in a variety of sports.
Experienced with individuals in the medical specialties.
The Firm offers dedicated, responsive service for Medical Centers and Hospitals in developing highly efficient systems and procedures so that the HR department is not burdened with a cumbersome process. Knowledge and experience with individual cases in the medical specialties. Working knowledge of SEVIS since it's original implementation by Department of Homeland Security and experience with the J visa category and it's applicability for certain medical professions.
USCIS Announces Rule Prohibiting Most "Duplicate Filings" for H-1Bs
Immigration Services has published an interim rule governing when a petitioner will be able to file more than one H-1B work visa petition on behalf of a particular prospective foreign national employee.
For further information about the effect of the new rule on your company's H-1B filing strategy, please contact the GodfreadBrown Law Office.
Department of State VISA BULLETIN.
For the most recent information about permanent United States visa availability, please see the following link: Visa Bulletin
Potential Extension of F-1 OPT
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has submitted an interim final rule to the OMB to extend the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for eligible students in F-1 status by 17 months. Reportedly, it provides for an additional 17 months beyond the currently authorized 12 months, for a total of 29 months. For additional information and procedures contact our office.