Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],
Happy Wednesday. ✨
Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club. :)
BIG NEWS: After months of ideating, shooting, and editing, we're proud to present our flagship EB-1A Extraordinary Visa course -- it's out for pre-orders today! I shot this course with Allison Kranz, immigration lawyer & founder of Lodestone Legal. Allison has 20+ years of experience and specializes in helping immigrants in STEM fields get talent visas, and has helped 1000s get it so far.
The course consists of 24 modules and walks you through everything you need to know about the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability visa, in simple, jargon-free language.
The course will officially launch early next week. But you can pre-order it today at a 20% discount for $199 (as opposed to $249) by using the code "EARLYSUPPORTER." Coupon valid till Sunday 11:59 PM PST.
Also, big thanks to FirstGen for sponsoring this newsletter & making it free for over 19,000 lovely immigrants! Now, onto the newsletter.
You're receiving this email as part of the Unshackled weekly newsletter. Immigration is a complex world. So every Wednesday, I simplify that by sharing breaking news, free webinar invites, & latest trends. If you find value in reading it, forward this to a lucky friend. If this was forwarded to you, get your own here! Read all the past editions here. 💃 |
This week's TL;DR
📌 UNfold: Breaking news
USCIS announces 36-month automatic extension for I-90 GC renewal applications
Some good news: Starting September 10, 2024, USCIS will automatically be extending the validity of green cards to 36-months for all those who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expired or expiring green card with USCIS. This means that receipt notices issued to green card renewal applicants will now automatically include the 36-month extension!
Global re-skilling crisis: Half the workforce needs new skills by 2025
The job market in 2024 faces severe talent shortages across industries, despite offering high-paying positions. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025, 50% of the global workforce will need re-skilling to keep up with changing technologies and market demands. Companies must urgently address this issue to remain competitive.
November 2024 visa bulletin predictions: slow progress for India and China
Sorry for being the bearer of bad news... but the November 2024 Visa Bulletin predictions don't have great news. For family-based visas, dates vary by country and category, with F2A being current for all. Employment-based categories show slow movement for India and China, with priority dates remaining backlogged, particularly for EB-2 and EB-3 categories.
🎁 UNlock: Relevant Resources
[Free Webinar - TODAY] AMA with former consulate visa officers [Sept 25th, 6:30 PST]
Come join a free webinar with former consulate officers. In this session, Dean and Düden will focus on the B1/B2 visa process for the parents and families of H1B, O1, and EB visa holders. They will cover the specific requirements and strategies for successfully obtaining a B1/B2 visa, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating strong ties to the home country and the purpose of the visit. Don't miss out!
[Article] What to do after an O-1 visa denial: options and next steps
An O-1 visa denial can be a significant setback for individuals with extraordinary abilities seeking to work in the U.S. Common reasons for denial include insufficient evidence, failing to meet the visa criteria, and issues with employment sponsorship. After receiving a Notice of Denial, it’s critical to consult an immigration attorney, gather additional evidence, and explore options such as refiling, filing a motion to reopen or reconsider, or appealing to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). Prompt action is essential to improving the chances of success.
[Resource] 5 essential SBA loan programs for aspiring founders
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provided $50 billion in funding to startups in 2023 and supported over 1.3 million small businesses. Here are five key loan programs for aspiring founders: 1) 7(a) Loan Program (up to $5 million); 2) SBA Express Loans (up to $500,000, quick processing); 3) 504 Loan Program (long-term for fixed assets); 4) Micro-loan Program (up to $50,000); 5) SBA Disaster Loans (for disaster-affected businesses).
💫 UNcover: Latest trends
🪄 UNveil: This week’s partner
Are you a first-gen immigrant looking to take control of your finances? For just $30, get a 30-minute personal finance coaching session focused on your unique needs. Whether you want to build a budget, manage debt, strategize your 401K, or learn about maximizing credit scores and unlocking bank bonuses, you can choose the topic that matters most to you. Use code "SOUNDARYA" to book your session today and start building a stronger financial foundation.
👉 Wanna put yourself in front of 19,000+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.
⚖️ 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 5 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!
Until next week, stay superb.
Yours truly,
Soundarya 💚
💡 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.