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Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],

Happy Wednesday. ✨

Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club. :)

Some exciting news: we've been working on the backend for the past month to build a marketplace for talent visa aspirants. Imagine: what if you had an Amazon.com specific to immigration and talent visas? All the services and products you need -- in one place. And I'd love to know: is there a specific service/product you need now in your O1/EB1/NIW journey? Just hit reply and let us know.

Also, a big thanks to VanHack for sponsoring this newsletter and making it free for all! They're a Canadian startup who've helped >2000 move & settle down in Canada. If you're thinking of a move, book a free call with their team here.​

Now, onto the newsletter.

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This week's TL;DR

• Great news on EB-1... priority dates just moved forward by 11 months!​
• More great news: President Biden introduces policy to protect the undocumented.
• [Paid Masterclass] Want to file your first patent for EB-1A? Come join us.

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📌 UNfold: Breaking news

​July 2024 Visa Bulletin: Major Shifts for India, Retrogression for EB-3​

Here's some great news for Indian nationals. The July 2024 Visa Bulletin shows significant movement: India’s EB-1 category jumps 11 months forward to February 1, 2022, while EB-3 for all other countries retrogresses almost a year to December 1, 2021. There are some minor advances in other categories, with some stalling. (In case you don't know how the visa bulletin works: USCIS accepts I-485 applications based on Final Action Dates.)

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​New Policy Grants Legal Status to Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens​

Some more great news: President Biden announced a new policy granting temporary legal status and work permits to undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. Known as "parole in place," this policy will allow these individuals to eventually apply for green cards and citizenship without leaving the U.S. This move aims to protect about 550,000 people but may face legal challenges. Eligible individuals must be legally married to a U.S. citizen and have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years.

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​USCIS Introduces Controversial H-1B Visa Changes, High Fees, and Stricter Criteria​

Now, some not good news: USCIS is introducing new H-1B visa rules on July 8, with public comments allowed afterward. The changes include a $4,000 fee to extend an H-1B visa and $4,500 for an L-1 visa. The rules also redefine specialty occupations, potentially limiting eligibility, especially for degrees not directly related to the job. This could impact many Indian professionals and international MBA students.

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🎁 UNlock: Resources

​[Paid masterclass] How to file your first patent for EB1A (ft. Sunku Ranganath)​

Ready to file your first patent? Join our masterclass with Sunku, a principal product manager and expert in Edge computing & 5G infrastructure. Sunku secured an EB1A with 8 criteria and has mentored others since. He has presented at over 30 peer-reviewed conferences and written 35+ patent applications, resulting in 13 filed and 3 granted by the USPTO. Go on and get your spot before it fills out!

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​[Free Webinar] O-1 Visa for Startup Founders (July 2nd, 9:00 AM PST)​

If you're a current or aspiring founder, the O-1 is one of the more friendly and flexible visas for you! Join this free webinar by Legalpad to understand all of your startup visa options, including a deep-dive on the O-1A, how to qualify, and the steps you’ll need to take to apply.

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​[Article] Securing an EB-1A Visa: How Artists Can Showcase Extraordinary Abilities​

The EB-1A visa allows artists and performers to gain permanent residency in the U.S. by demonstrating extraordinary ability. Key strategies include documenting achievements, highlighting international acclaim, crafting a compelling narrative, building a strong portfolio, seeking expert guidance, understanding visa requirements, and showing ongoing contributions to their field. Check out this piece to learn more!

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💫 UNcover: Latest trends

• Why a ‘heartland visa’ for skilled workers could be the answer to America’s immigration debate.
• HT Exclusive: Indian American visa podcaster shares H-1B visa hacks to extend stay in US.
• H1-B visa holder warned against buying property in Florida, faces jail term.​

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🪄 UNveil: This week’s partner

​Didn't get picked in the lottery? Thinking of a move to Canada? Enter Vanhack. Founded in 2015, VanHack has helped over 2000 people from across the world move to Canada! They help you with the end to end process, including getting you a work permit within 2 months and making sure you and your family are settled in. Having worked with companies like Brex, Headspace, and Accenture, VanHack works directly with your employer to make this happen, so you pay nothing out of pocket. If you got unlucky in the lottery and need a plan B, check out VanHack and book a free call with their team today!​

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👉 Wanna put yourself in front of 16,000+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.

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⚖️ Finally, looking to consult with a lawyer?

Finding a trusted, vetted lawyer is hard. We've done the hard work by curating a list of 8 top attorneys we recommend consulting with. Whether you're looking for an EB-1A profile evaluation or to set up your business as a student, this is for you. Book a consultation today!​

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Until next week, stay superb.

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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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