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Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],

Happy Wednesday. ✨

Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club. :)

I have THREE exciting updates to share:

• ​First, we're hosting a big party next Monday (April 22nd) for O1/EB1 aspirants: I've decided to make the last stop of the "Unshackled Campus Tour" free and open to the public, and not only Stanford students. If you're in the Bay Area, don't miss it. ;)
• ​Second, our event at UC Berkeley is also open to public (April 20th): Come spend your Saturday evening with me, a top immigration lawyer, and a Canada expert to nerd out on O1/EB1 and entrepreneurship!
• ​Finally, we launched the brand new website for Unshackled: It's new. It's beautiful. It's designed for talent visa aspirants. Take a look at it and hit reply if you've got some feedback.

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Also, we've crossed 14,000+ subscribers in our newsletter. Welcome to all the new folks! Now, onto the newsletter.

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This week's TL;DR

• ​May visa bulletin is here... and there's no change.
• ​Free webinar on O-1 visa for content creators.
• ​Free in-person event in the Bay Area (April 22nd). Come meet me!

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📌 UNfold: Breaking news

​May Visa Bulletin: No Movement in Priority Dates​

The May Visa Bulletin is here... and it shows no changes from April. For China, EB-1 is set at September 1, 2022; India remains at March 1, 2021 for EB-1 and April 15, 2012 for EB-2. USCIS accepts I-485 applications based on Final Action Dates. USCIS's use of Dates for Filing depends on visa availability and operational factors.

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​Not Indentured: Most New H‑1B Hires Are Changing Jobs​

Critics often label H-1B visas as "indentured" servitude, but data shows otherwise. H-1B workers, paid in the top 10% of U.S. earners, change jobs regularly, with over 1 million switches from 2005 to 2023. Factors include a tighter labor market, increased H-1B presence, and a government-granted grace period for job change. While challenges exist, job mobility refutes claims of servitude, emphasizing H-1B workers' contribution to various fields.

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​Over 1 Million Indians Await Highly Skilled Immigrant Visas in US​

More than one million highly skilled Indian professionals are currently facing extensive waits in US employment-based immigration queues, according to data from the United States government. USCIS figures highlight significant delays in obtaining permanent residency due to low annual quotas, impacting both applicants and the US economy.

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🎁 UNlock: Webinar invites & resources

[TODAY] [Free Webinar] From Viral to Global: O-1 Visas for Influencers & Content Creators (April 17th, 10.30 PM PST)​

Join this webinar to uncover the secrets of navigating the U.S. immigration system and learn how the O-1B visa can be your gateway to international opportunities. Whether you're a YouTuber, blogger, podcaster, or any digital dynamo with a substantial following, this session is tailored just for you!

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​[Free Event in Bay Area] Join 200+ O1/EB1 Aspirants & Get Your Questions Answered by Top Lawyers (April 22nd, 5:30 PM PST)​

If you're from the Bay Area, come join me & 200 others for a FREE party happening on talent visas & entrepreneurship next Monday. The event will have everything: Q&A with experts, networking with some really smart people, signed copies of my book Unshackled, free snacks and swag packets and some self-deprecating humor on immigration :P Don't miss this!

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​[Free Webianr] How to win scholarships as a First Gen and International Student (April 29th, 5.30 PM CST)​

​If you're an international or first-generation student and are looking for ways to secure scholarships, this is for you! This webinar will dive deep into ways you can search for scholarships and how you can apply for them. ​

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💫 UNcover: Latest trends

• ​Indian techie finally gets a Green Card after 9-year wait... criticizes H-1B System.
• ​H-2B or not to be: a cautionary tale.
• ​Here’s how to check your US H-1B visa status in 2024.

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⚖️ Find top lawyers through Unshackled

On popular demand, we’ve launched a new directory of 8 top, trusted immigration lawyers. We've carefully vetted lawyers who can help you with everything from EB-1A profile evaluations to setting up your business as a student on OPT. And everything in between. Book a consult today!​

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🪄 UNveil: This week’s partners

Ready to ditch the confusion and take charge of your immigration journey? Connect with Poonam Gupta, a strategic immigration lawyer! Have a compassionate legal counsel by your side – one who understands not just the legalities, but the human story behind them. Poonam will help you create a tailored roadmap for your American dream, no matter what path you want to take. Book a free strategy session with Poonam.​

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Did an unsuccessful H-1B lottery leave you looking for a Plan B? You are not alone. Less than 25% of all registrants entering the annual lottery are selected. If your Plan B involves staying in North America, consider MobSquad. MobSquad helps tech professionals like you eliminate US work visa issues by enabling you to continue working with your current company, nearshore from Canada in just four weeks. They go above and beyond to make the immigration, relocation, and resettlement experience seamless. Find out how by booking a free 1:1 call with the team. ​
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👉 Want to put yourself in front of 14,000+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.

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Until next week, stay wonderful.

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Yours truly,

Soundarya 💚

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💡 None of the information shared in this newsletter is meant to be legal advice. If you're looking for legal advice, speak to a lawyer, or hit reply and let me know so I can connect you with one.

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