Workplace Visas & COVID-19: Updates Employers Must Know

Summary

One of the largest impacts of COVID-19 for employers is the dramatic shift in U.S. work-related visa policies.  Amidst the shutdowns, an Executive Order has extended the restriction of the entry into the U.S. by H-1B and L-1 worker-visa seekers through the remainder of 2020. This impacts not only H and L visas, but also J visas awarded to au pairs, summer-season employees and other temporary workers.

Employers that rely on foreign workers to drive the success of their business are left wondering “what now?”  In this 90-minute program we’ll give you a clear understanding of the latest regulations impacting the foreign workforce sector and what it means to your current and future operations. We’ll cover:

• Overviews of the current status of the H-1B, H-2B and L-1 visas
• The latest Executive Order with special emphasis on the key exceptions and exemptions
• Possible alternatives to the H and L visas, including the business-visitor and outstanding-individual categories
• Review of the TN visa program under the “New NAFTA”
• Tips for dealing with the “new normal” at the Department of Homeland Security

Program Highlights

We’ll address key questions employer are asking, including:

• How can I hire foreign nationals while the June 22^nd Executive Order is in effect?
• Can I bring international students on board as interns?
• Will my current H-1B employees be able to extend their visas after three years?
• Do I dare allow my H-1B employees to travel overseas?
• Will my DACA employees be deported?
• Will our overseas executives be unable to travel to the U.S.?
• Is Optional Practical Training going to be the next visa category to go?
• When can international students stay in the US and study 100% online?

Latest Regulations Impacting Visa Holders & Foreign Workers

• Unpacking the most recent Executive Order and what it means for employers and employees
• Supreme Court’s new DCA decision and the future of the Dreamers
• Overview of Curricular Practical Training and Optional Practical training at the university level

About the Speaker

Jim Castagnera holds an M.A. in Journalism from Kent State University, and a J.D. and Ph.D. (American Studies) from Case Western Reserve University.  He practiced law for 36 years, before retiring in June 2019:

• His experience includes 10 years as a labor, employment and intellectual-property attorney with Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr; 3 years as general counsel for Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates; and 23 years as the associate provost & legal counsel for academic affairs at Rider University.
• Jim’s academic career also includes stints as a faculty member at UT-Austin and Widener Law School, and communication director at Case Western Reserve.
• He is the chief consultant for Holland Media Services, LLC, a freelance writing, training, and communications company. He also is Of Counsel to Washington International Business Counsel; and, an adjunct professor of law at Drexel University.

Program Benefits

In this 90-minute program we’ll address the latest regulations and Executive Orders impacting work visas, what this means for employers and how they can still build a productive workforce.

If you'd like this program customized for your organization, call us at 1-800-964-6033. We're certain we can fulfill your training needs, while making it fit in your budget!