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Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],

Happy Wednesday. ✨

Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club & greencard.inc. :)

Exciting news: We’re launching something called the "Research Excellence PhD Scholarship" for international PhD students across the world, offering discounts on our lifetime membership! This scholarship is open to any PhD student from anywhere in the world. We’re offering scholarships ranging from 30-100% off our lifetime membership to lower the barrier for researchers aiming to secure talent visas.

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Also, big thanks to our sponsor Immplify who made this newsletter free for all. If you need a secure one-stop-shop to store all your documents, check them out!

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This week's TL;DR

• ​Fewer H-1B visas sponsored in 2024 by top companies like Amazon and Infosys
• ​[Free Webinar, Oct 30th] Join me on the next webinar: It happens every week!
• ​Earning money on an F-1: what's allowed, and what's not?

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📌 UNfold: Breaking news

​Top US firms sponsor fewer H-1B visas in 2024​

In 2024, top U.S. companies like Amazon, Google, and Infosys sponsored fewer H-1B visas compared to 2023, per USCIS data. Amazon's sponsorship dropped from 11,000 to 7,000, while Infosys fell from 7,300 to 5,900. This decline is attributed to economic challenges, tech layoffs, and policy uncertainty ahead of the U.S. election. Despite this, experts suggest a broader distribution of sponsorship opportunities across more sectors.

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​Work visas at risk under Trump’s potential second term​

Donald Trump's 2024 immigration plan could impact work visas such as the H-1B and L-1. During his previous term, visa denial rates rose sharply, and similar restrictions may return if he is re-elected. Employers and workers relying on these visas should apply now to avoid potential delays, denials, and increased costs. Trump's plan could also affect employment-based immigrant visas and programs like DACA and TPS, making it harder for businesses to hire foreign talent and exacerbating labor shortages.

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​Termination not complete without USCIS notice: H-1B lawsuit reveals employer risks​

A recent lawsuit highlights the need to notify USCIS immediately when terminating an H-1B employee. An employer was ordered to pay back wages because they did not promptly revoke the H-1B petition after notifying the employee of termination. Employers must notify USCIS, offer return transportation to the employee's home country, and keep proof of the cancellation request. Failure to do so may result in penalties, including backpay, as termination is only effective once USCIS revokes the H-1B.

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🎁 UNlock: Relevant Resources

​[Weekly Webinar] Building a Strong Profile for Talent Visas [ft. Soundarya & Nikin Tharan] Oct 30th, 06:30 PM PST​

We kicked off a free weekly webinar last week where Nikin Tharan (my co-founder & EB-1A recipient) and I show up to address all your questions. This will be happening every Tuesday from 6:30 PM PST to 7:30 PM PST. It's been so fun to meet some of you, answer your questions, & talk about the EB-1A copilot program. Join for the next week's one right away & claim your spot!

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​[Podcast] Why employers should opt for O-1 visas​

In this week's BAL Immigration Report, Gabriel Castro discusses the growing use of O-1 visas as an alternative to the H-1B lottery. He explains the O-1A and O-1B visa categories, emphasizing how businesses, particularly in STEM and research, benefit from employing extraordinary talent without lottery constraints. The episode highlights a case where a biotech researcher secured an O-1 visa in record time, underscoring the visa's utility. Plus, the latest updates on the U.S.

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​[Guide] Earning money on an F1 visa: What’s allowed and what’s not​

F-1 students in the U.S. can earn passive income while adhering to visa restrictions. Legal options include renting out a room, investing (without day trading), publishing manuscripts in other countries, and entering competitions or lotteries. Students can also volunteer, gaining skills without violating visa rules. They can work up to 20 hours weekly during semesters and 40 hours during breaks.

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💫 UNcover: Latest trends

• ​Caught in H-1B nightmare: Indians trapped in the US
• No IIT, No H-1B: How Snapdeal's co-Founder turned setbacks into success​
• ​Which US states are most welcoming to H-1B workers?

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🪄 UNveil: This week’s partner

​All-in-one app to manage your immigration: Whether you need to securely store and manage your important documents or access certified immigration professionals 24/7, Immplify has you covered. I personally used it to store all my documents, and now I can go to one place for everything. With automatic reminders for renewals and updates, you’ll never miss a deadline. Plus, it’s designed by immigrants, for immigrants, so you know it’s built with your needs in mind. Download Immplify today and simplify your immigration journey!​

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👉 Wanna put yourself in front of 20,500+ 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 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!​

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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 visit the Unshackled lawyer directory with vetted lawyer recommendations.

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