(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 15, 2010 )
Fort Lauderdale, FL
The TN visa being well over a decade old – as it was created by virtue of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) – still remains unclear to many people of which it was tailored for.

What exactly is the TN visa?

This category of visa was introduced as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Some people refer to it as a specific H1B visa as it is tailor made for certain nationals. With the TN status, Canadian and Mexican nationals are allowed within US borders temporarily for vocational and/or business purposes. The number of workers granted TN status is not subject to any control or regulation by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services but applicants are expected to meet a number of qualifications.
For eligibility, you should currently be a citizen of Mexico or Canada. Permanent residents or landed immigrants awaiting these two nations’ citizenship do not qualify. Applicants should be willing to enter US borders on a temporary basis and for the duration necessary unless a petition for extension is made by the hiring company or by the applicant him or herself under instruction from the company. Prior to applying for a job in the US, the Canadian or Mexican needs to ensure that minimum qualifications for the profession are met. Ms. Sheila Danzig, director of a foreign degree evaluation agency, TheDegreePeople.com, strongly advocates that such individuals need a professional credential evaluation to avoid disappointments. “On event that the Mexican or Canadian citizen acquired credentials in another country, other than Mexico, USA or Canada, then the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may require degree equivalence evaluation from reliable [foreign] credential evaluators,” she adds.
These are just but a few of the requirements for eligibility for a TN Visa. For a more comprehensive list and access to credential evaluation services, visit Career Consulting International, www.TheDegreePeople.com or call 1-800-771-4723. TheDegreePeople.com is a foreign credential evaluaiton agency with recognition by the U.S. Department of Education as an education resource.

While already in the US the Canadian and Mexican citizens may extend their visas for up to three years at a single petition. There is also no cumulative limit on time on the TN status. The only thing that should remain constant is your assurance that you are planning to be in the US only temporarily.
Processing time for this visa varies because Canadians are exempt from having to attain the TN visa at their US consulate. It takes a longer time for Mexicans since they are not endowed this exemption and have to go through the US consulate office in Mexico to get the visa.
The good thing about the TN visa is that you don’t have to incur any charges to process it (just like for the H1B) – your employer or sponsoring company is responsible for paying all filing, legal and any other fee required for your papers to be processed.
The TN Visa has been responsible for increased trade and business partnerships.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 17, 2009 ) Sunrise, FL On the basis of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), some Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify to work in the United States on a temporary basis under nonimmigrant TN status.
Given below are the terms and conditions that must be satisfied in order to become eligible for the TN Visa:

• The occupation should be on the NAFTA list.
• The foreign national must hold the required academic or training record for a specific occupation.
• The applicant’s proposed position must fall under the category of professional positions.
• It is mandatory for the applicant to work for a U.S. employer.

In the case of Canadian citizens, there’s no need for filing a petition for employment. All that needs to be done is to simply acquire TN status at a port of entry. On the other hand, applicants from Mexico must submit application at the U.S. consulate in Mexico.

In addition to the degrees, diplomas, or any kind of educational credentials granted by any foreign educational institution, the applicant must submit a foreign credential evaluation report prepared by a specialized credential evaluation service. One firm offering this credential evaluation service for the TN Visa is www.TheDegreePeople.com This foreign degree evaluation must be secured prior to crossin the border.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 05, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale/Miami FL, The current presidential administration has declared immigration reform to be a high priority issue. At present, the administration has focused primarily on the country’s economics and the need for reform of the American healthcare system. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), however, is preparing for the eventual announcement that the President is turning his eyes to comprehensive immigration reform, commonly referred to as CIR. Once this reform has been initiated, USCIS expects a considerable increase in numbers of cases.

Prior to the most recent presidential election, Obama indicated his resolve to significantly reform the immigration process. He has made it clear that this reform will involve the large numbers of undocumented immigrants currently residing in the United States. In fact, part of the reform proposal is expected to contain a plan for status legalization for many of these people.

Sheila Danzig, executive director of a foreign degree evaluation agency Career Consulting International, has stated that America’s present economic condition makes it likely that legalization will be strongly opposed, and the current lack of jobs for legal residents and U.S. citizens makes opposition even more likely. Despite this, USCIS is aware that at least some cases will be presented to that agency for consideration, and this is likely to bog down an already backlogged immigration service even further.
At present, persons who apply for I-140 visas (which are also known as “green cards”) must wait up to one year after their petition is filed for an interview to be scheduled. The process can be complicated by documentation or education issues. Sometimes, the USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, or RFE, indicating that some aspect of the petitioner’s application – possibly the labor certificate or educational credentials – requires further investigation.

Many companies who employ legal residents, as well as workers residing in the U.S. on temporary work visas, such as H1B visas, are concerned that this anticipated increase in USCIS’s caseload will further slow the visa approval process. Many employers depend on highly trained or skilled workers who enter the country on employment-based visas, and could experience a shortage of trained employees if this potential problem does become a reality.
The USCIS caseload is already backlogged, and the H1B visa cap did not fill for 2009 as a consequence, in part, of the recession. If the economy does recover substantially, and visa applications do increase significantly in the coming year, USCIS will need to meet the usual demands of H1B visa season, as well as Obama’s proposed immigration reform.

Career Consulting International, other foreign credential evaluation agencies, immigration attorneys, and the American public will watch the reform proposals with interest. How they affect the USCIS remains to be seen, but an increased caseload is almost certain.
For more information about foreign credential educational evaluations for H1B or I-140 Visas, visit www.thedegreepeople.com or call 1-800-771-4723.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 29, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale, FL October 29, 2009

How Many Years Does it Take to Complete a Bachelor’s Degree?

Although the answer to this question frequently depends on the university you choose to attend, many colleges and universities throughout the United States have begun to offer three-year degree programs. Why? More students are anxious to save time, as well as money, and begin their careers. Fewer people have the extra financial resources to stay in college an extra year and “take it easy” academically.

As a result of ever-increasing tuition expenses and the need to secure a good job and support one’s family, many students are opting for creative degree programs that allow them to finish their education and begin working as quickly as possible. Recognizing this trend, many universities and colleges have started to offer students accelerated degree programs or the option of taking extra classes in an effort to assist them in finishing school more quickly.

Unfortunately, though, the United States isn’t at the forefront of this educational trend. Ten years ago, in June 1999, European countries joined together to sign the Bologna Accord, a document in which the majority of European countries agreed to standardize educational requirements throughout the continent. This agreement resulted in the widespread acceptance of a three-year Bachelor Degree program, into which students entered after completed an extra year of schooling at the secondary level.
Other countries, such as India and Pakistan, have long offered three-year degree programs after twelve years of elementary and secondary education. Many foreign credential evaluation agencies recognize these programs as equivalent to only three years of secondary education. Likewise, the USCIS often does not recognize these programs as equivalent to a four-year degree for H1B and I-140 visa applicants unless accompanied by a detailed evaluation and even then there is no guarantee.

Career Consulting International, however, a foreign credential evaluation service headed by Executive Director Sheila Danzig, has for several years assisted clients with three-year degrees to demonstrate that their degrees are in fact equal to a U.S. four-year degree program.

Indeed, the U.S. Department of Education acknowledges that some three-year Bachelor Degree programs, such as that offered by University of Sydney, Australia, are equivalent to U.S. four-year degrees. (This university is accredited by the AACSB, an accrediting board recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.) Similarly, certain U.S. regional education accreditation bodies, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, do not require that a U.S. Bachelor Degree program be four years in duration.

A number of three-year Bachelor Degree programs are already offered by accredited U.S. colleges and universities, such as those at Drexel University,, University of Notre Dame, and Georgetown University and several others already offer their students the option of completing their undergraduate degree within three years. In addition many US universities recognize 3 year degrees from other countries as equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree for purposes of applying to masters degree programs. They generally require a foreign credential evaluation from a foreign credential evaluation agency showing this equivalency.

As more colleges and universities continue to acknowledge the pressing concerns of finance and career stability recognized by students today, this trend will continue. This is likely to have significant positive implications on graduates from foreign degree programs. Until then, however, American students will have to “shop around” and look for a college degree program that will most effectively meet their educational and financial needs.

Immigration visa applicants desiring more information about three-year degree programs at foreign colleges and universities may visit http://www.thedegreepeople.com/press/articles/three-year-degrees-and-i-140-visas-an-impossible-combination-2/, or call Career Consulting International at 1-800-771-4723 with questions or visit www.TheDegreePeople.com/

(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 05, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale, FL – Time and again, people who apply for foreign credential evaluations for Bachelor or Master Degrees do not realize that there is a huge difference between the Advanced and Ordinary Level secondary exams. Actually, in a lot of countries, Advanced Level exams are equivalent to an additional year of college education.

Countries for instance Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sri Lanka, France, and several others provide students ordinary level exams that are equal to high school graduation of US. These countries, on the other hand, offer A Level exams as well, which is equal to one year of undergraduate studies. Due to this, they can easily show their three-year Bachelor Degrees to be equivalent to US Bachelor Degree, for the purposes of both education and the H1B visa.

However, other countries counting those in West Africa (including Cameroon, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) offer ordinary and advanced level exams together. For a lot of these students, though, the completing the A level exams is equal merely to graduation from high school and not an undergraduate year of college.

A number of people do not understand the difference; however, a lot of other people automatically think that these differences will be taken into account by the credential evaluation service devoid of having evidence of the completion of these examinations. But, according to Sheila Danzig, executive director of Career Consulting International, this is not the case. The applicants will not get the credit for this education unless they send the results of these exams.

So if you studied your high school in a foreign country, and you are ready to apply for evaluation of academic credentials, send your high school diploma with your results of ordinary and advanced level exam. This will facilitate you obtain the highest educational equivalency that your academic credentials are worthy of.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 02, 2009 ) Fort Lauderdale, FL – A number of students from all around the world have this dream of completing higher studies from reputed institutes in the United States. And to fulfill their dreams, students with foreign credentials apply to obtain student visas. Several agencies like the Career Consulting International, www.thedeegreepeople.com, offer credential evaluation services and the students after getting their diplomas/certificates assessed, get enrollment in the university or college. Normally, students who are enrolled in the American institutes, having the temporary visas are categorized under the Student Exchange and Visitor Program database.

For such students, it is the responsibility of the colleges and universities to inform the relevant authorities about the students’ enrollment status. Moreover, the educational qualifications along with the grade point averages (GPAs) are thoroughly examined through the database. Schools that are unable to specify this data don’t comply with the terms and conditions set by the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS.
There are some foreign students who try to get themselves enrolled in college degree programs without even earning a proper visa. So, what goes for them? Firstly, the university isn’t responsible to confirm whether a student has entered the United States with a documented visa status or not. In case, it comes to the knowledge of the school officials that any student does not hold a documented immigration visa, the staff isn’t responsible to inform the Department of Homeland Security about this issue.

It is actually the responsibility of the student to abide by the rules and regulations established by the American government. Now, if a student is staying in the United States illegally, the government has the authority to deport him anytime, the officials discover the truth. Usually, such students are not allowed to re-enter the U.S. in the future as well, once they’ve been deported.

Therefore, to avoid such problems and to continue education without any tension of being caught, foreign students are appreciated to obtain a legal immigrant visa before the commencement of college studies in the U.S. Although this can be a difficult or time-consuming procedure, opting for it is a thousand times better than having it the illegal way. Besides, if a student seeks the assistance of foreign credential evaluation agencies and immigration attorneys, the overall process can be made much simpler and easier.

Once, a student decides to immigrate to U.S. for further education, contacting a foreign credential evaluation agency with a good standing, should be his very first step. The sole aim of such organizations is to prepare evaluation reports, indicating a student’s present level of education, in addition to the U.S. equivalency for the student’s foreign qualifications. In this way, a student’s time is saved and he doesn’t have to repeat the same classes again.

Often, people are unaware of the fact that a majority of colleges and institutes in the U.S. even require evaluation reports for the overseas high school diplomas. It’s a fact that most of the overseas countries have satisfactory standards for secondary education, when it comes to the comparison with the U.S. credentials, but there still are some countries where the educational standards aren’t up to the mark. In some countries, high school diplomas are awarded in specific fields or at different levels and students holding these diplomas don’t qualify for admission in certain university departments.

So, if a foreign student wants to successfully qualify for admission in reputed American universities, taking the most appropriate step towards getting the international credentials evaluated is extremely important. A student must satisfy all the requirements to immigrate to U.S. on legal grounds. Remember, if things are done in the legal way, a foreigner has greater chances of successfully completing graduation from an American institute.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 22, 2009 ) Orlando FL – Business Visas: Legal Aliens Help Support the U.S. Economy
©2009 Thomas W. Goldman, Esq., JD, LLM and Peter J. Loughlin, Esq. JD, LLM

We often hear our immigration laws need reforming, but most of the attention is on reforming laws affecting immigrants who are in the United States illegally. We do, of course, realize that is perhaps not the politically correct way of saying it, but if we are going to solve our immigration problems, we have to face reality. Those individuals who are here legally also have immigration problems, and these are all too often ignored.
While cries for legalization are even heard in street protests as well as in Congress, the fact is that it is easier for some illegal immigrants to obtain permission to work and to obtain a green card than it is for legal immigrants.

How is this so? Well, let’s take a person who comes to the United States unlawfully and without inspection by boat to Miami or St. Thomas, and then files an application for political asylum. In 150 days, an employment authorization document can be issued permitting the individual to work in the United States, and, permanent residence can eventually be granted if the refugee is granted asylum. After five years they may file for and become a U.S. citizen.

Contrast this scenario with a business investor from another country who wants to live and work in the United States, and is able to invest money in our economy and pay his or her own way while in this country. For example, some foreign nationals apply for an EB-5 visa by investing a minimum of $500,000 to $1,000,000 or more in a qualified business. Others, who own an ongoing business in their home country may invest money in establishing a viable branch office in the U.S. and obtain an L-1visa—also a potential track to obtaining lawful permanent residence status, that is, a green card.

If the foreign national does not have sufficient funds to, in effect, buy a visa (and potentially a green card), or does not have an ongoing business in the home country, another very popular business investor visa is the E-2 visa. With this visa, they are able to purchase or start a new business in the United States and live and work here for an indefinite period of time. However, this type of visa will not allow the investor to ever apply for permanent residence. As wonderful as the business investor visas can be, they are not without problems.

While at a restaurant recently, talking to the owner, he mentioned an unpleasant experience he had with the U.S. consular office in his home country of Germany. He and his wife were renewing their E-2 visa, which is required periodically in order assure that the business is still viable and, at least potentially helpful to the U.S. economy. To do so, he had to temporarily close the restaurant in order to return to his home country because the business requires his management and presence. He took his renewal application (four to five inches thick) to one of the examiners’ windows where he spoke with two US immigration officers to “resell” them on the continued viability of his business.

This was not an easy process. The restaurant owner and his wife have been running this business in the U.S. for 10 years. They and their children have effectively made the U.S. their home. All of their money is tied up in the business. Yet, all could be lost in a matter of minutes in this interview.

One officer listened while another reviewed the documentation. According to the owner, the attitude of the officers was somewhat confrontational with questions like, “How do you make so much money with so few employees.” The owners felt a sense of hostility and suspicion towards them although they have worked hard to establish and expand their business and have certainly contributed to the U.S. economy.
What the restaurant owner may not have realized was that he was fortunate that the officers took the time to be prepared during the interview. We have, on occasion, had clients of Goldman & Loughlin go to the interview only to discover the officer had not taken the time to review the application and supporting documentation. While such incidents are admittedly rare, it should never happen to anyone—particularly hard working investors who have taken the time and effort to come to the U.S. lawfully and contribute to the community and economy of this nation.
Getting back now to our point about the contrast between illegal and legal aliens. A process that allows refugees to come to America and receive permanent status, and potentially, US citizenship is just and noble. Many of these people are destitute, have no education and no ability to support themselves. Yet, through persistence and help from family, friends and the US government, a new life with all of the benefits of living in America can be started.

The call is being made, however, to provide a path to permanent residence not only to refugees, but to anyone who has been able to make it across our borders and avoid detection. (The PC way of saying this is that there should be an undocumented workers program.)

If Congress ever develops the political will to move ahead with immigration reform, attention must be paid to those who have come here legally as well as illegally. We, as a country, need to identify people who have the education and skills to help our economy grow and offer visas to encourage this class of foreign national to enter the U.S. as well. After all, due to the downturn in our economy, the ever-expanding opportunities for jobs in other countries such as India and China, over regulation of businesses and burdensome tax laws in the United States, educated and/or highly skilled engineers, mathematicians, scientists and health care professionals have a variety of other attractive options.

Congress should continue to allow America to be a safe haven for refugees from around the world, and reform immigration laws in a realistic and humane way. However, it is imperative for our country to find solutions for immigrants who come here legally. We need to find ways to attract investors and other foreign nationals rather than discourage them from applying for visas.

The good news is that our new-found friend and superb restaurateur was granted his visa and we will be able to continue to enjoy his great cuisine!

About the Authors
Attorneys, Thomas W. Goldman and Peter J. Loughlin are the founders and senior partners of Goldman & Loughlin, PLLC, a nationwide U.S. immigration law firm with offices in Orlando FL, Naples FL and Bradenton FL (www.USImmigrationTeam.com). They also host the popular blog and Internet radio talk show at: www.ImmigrationNewsRadio.com.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 17, 2009 ) Mumbai, India – US Assistant Secretary of State for Education and Cultural Affairs Goli Ameri addressed students at the Techno India Institute telling them to come to the US for graduate studies. But according to By Dr. R.Venkatachalam, former professor of psychology at Bharathiar University, India, it is not the Indian students he must address it is the US admissions officers who are not fully accepting foreign credential evaluations showing that the three year degree from India is equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree

In the recent past, a growing number of American universities have started accepting Indian three-year degrees, at least in principle, as equivalent to American four-year degrees. This was revealed in a survey by John Kersey, Ph.D., Amos Bronson Alcott Center for Educational Research at European-American University http://www.thedegree.org/ and Sheila Danzig, Ph.D., Career Consulting International www.TheDegreePeople.com/

This piecemeal acceptance is far from satisfactory and does not effectively remove the discrimination Indian three year graduates are subjected to.

http://www.emailwire.com/doc/three-year-indian-degree.pdf

(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 17, 2009 )
It is a requirement for the US Citizen and Immigration Service that every foreign national to obtain a visa to legally work in the US borders. The H1B Visa is the most sought after official visa by people from all over the world wishing to temporarily relocate to live and work in the US – both professionals and students. This visa usually has a 6-year validity period and allows people to be employed by different employers.

This ‘dream come true visa’ as seen by many seeking after it, was introduced by the United States Government to help the International Students as well as International Professionals, from all niches in the globe, secure an opportunity to live and at the same time work within the US borders.

The greatest advantage of bearing this visa is that it bears dual intent meaning that you can still have it, apply and wait for a Green Card for permanent residency.

To secure this visa, you have to find a H1B Sponsorship Job. After evaluation of foreign educational credentials by a foreign credential evaluation firm such as www.TheDegreePeople.com, your prospective employer files your H1B visa application with the Immigration Bureau. This means that individuals cannot apply for this visa, it remains at the discretion of the Sponsoring Company or Employer. In other words you must have a sponsor and only the sponsor applies.

To qualify for this visa, you have to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree equivalency (from your country) or 12 years professional experience in your field. Another alternative is a hybrid of the two which entail a mix of higher education such as diploma equivalency mixing education and work experience. For example if you can combine two years of university level education with 6 years professional experience in the field to show an equivalency to a US bachelor’s degree. This can only be done by a credential evaluation agency with a professor with the proper credentials. Sheila Danzig, Executive Director of Career Consulting International a foreign credential evaluation agency stated, “It is very important to know that your education or education and work experience combination match the job offer. We often see people whose education does not match the job description and that simply won’t be approved by the Immigration Service.”

The ‘specialty occupations’ that make people qualify for the visa include: Accounting, Advertising, Banking, Business, Computing, Engineering (all types), Finance, HealthCare/Medical, IT, Lawyers, Legal, Management and Hospitality, Marketing, Networking, PR, Recruiting, Teaching and Telecoms among others.

Various reasons encourage Sponsoring companies or Employers to hire foreign national and seek H1B visas for them. These reasons include:
• These workers help in boosting the US economy in diverse ways while bettering their future.
• Help fill gaping holes in employment where there are shortages of highly skilled professionals in the field. Even now, during a recession, certain jobs need workers who of higher skill than are in our workforce.
• They possess global competitive advantage by bringing cultural diversity into the workplaces.
• They have strong work ethics as well as a great enthusiasm to work.

For students who qualify for these visas, transcript evaluation has to be performed so as to ensure that they are qualified students seeking further education (Diplomas, Bachelors or Masters) as they seek a livelihood while working at the same time.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 16, 2009 ) A Green Card is an official card issued by the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) granting foreign nationals permanent residency in the US. Form I-551 as it is officially referred to, allows the holder to live, work and study in the US. This makes it superior to H1B visa or any other visa available.

Basically, there are four sure ways to obtaining Green Card. They include:
• Green Card Employment & Sponsorship.
This way of securing a Green Card has very many advantages embedded in it. They include:
• Your sponsor or employer in most cases is responsible for all application costs. The Employer or the company is then liable to pay for your relocation costs as well.
• You do not have to undergo education evaluation since a college degree is not a requirement for qualifying for a green card.
• For an employer or sponsor to file your Green Card supplication, you mustn’t be currently in the US borders.
• You get a job waiting for you and a Green card simultaneously.

• Winning a Green card in the Lottery
There usually is an annual green card lottery which is referred to as the DV (Diversity Visa) Lottery.  It avails 50,000 permanent visas to random people across the globe. The program gets its mandate from Section 203(c) of 1990’s US Immigration Act. It is an easy process to apply and is rarely subject to any credential evaluation.
• Green Card through a US Citizen Family Member
For eligibility in this criterion, you must have immediate family currently in possession of a green card or is a US Citizen. For this (securing a Green Card on the basis of a relative being a US citizen), you have to undergo a rigorous, multi-faceted process. Your relative (sponsor) abroad has to undergo evaluation services e.g. Prove your relationship, prove support for you at 125% above poverty line et cetera.
• Green Card Via Marriage
By Marrying a US Citizen, you earn your citizenship. When the process is filed abroad (outside US) it takes a shorter duration of time usually within 6-8 months, to acquire the Green Card. While filed within the US, the individual applying, may work and live in the US immediately after filing but the process will take 12-18 months to actually secure the Green Card.
This process is not subject to any documentation by the credential evaluators.

Winning a Green Card rarely requires a credential evaluation. “We had one case of a Lottery Winner that needed an evaluations,” said Sheila Danzig, Executive Director of Career Consulting International, www.TheDegreePeople.com. “It was an unusual case and he had to show equivalence to a US High School diploma.”