President Trump’s new travel ban, effective June 9, 2025, blocks or restricts U.S. visa access for 19 countries. Twelve face a full suspension for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, while seven face targeted limits, especially on tourist, student, and exchange visas. While some exceptions apply, the policy significantly disrupts travel, employment, and education plans. Affected individuals should consult legal counsel for guidance.

Considering a cultural exchange program? Learn the key differences between the Q-1 and J-1 visa programs. This post breaks down who can sponsor, how applications are filed, and the role of employment in each program. Whether you're a business seeking to host cultural ambassadors or a university welcoming international interns, this guide will help you choose the right path.

A new body of research is helping settle the debate around the H-2B visa program and H-2B visa benefits—and the results are compelling....

The Q-1 visa allows U.S. employers to bring in foreign nationals for work-based cultural exchange programs. Participants share their home country’s traditions, language, and history while working in roles that support cultural learning. This visa is ideal for businesses committed to cultural outreach. Learn what it takes to qualify, how to file, and what documents and fees are required to sponsor Q-1 participants.

A proposed 5% federal tax on remittances sent by non-citizens could significantly impact legal visa holders, including those on H-2A and H-2B visas. While aimed at deterring unauthorized immigration, the measure may disrupt essential financial support that seasonal workers send home—money that sustains families and communities abroad.

The H-2B cap makes securing seasonal workers in spring a gamble—but smart employers can use the October Strategy to improve their odds. By hiring in the fall or winter, workers are counted against the new fiscal year cap and become cap exempt for spring. This approach can even work for different winter roles, like snow plow drivers. With prevailing wages taking 30–35 days, now’s the time to act—contact me to explore if this strategy fits your business.

Tech startups can access multiple U.S. immigration pathways including H-1B, L-1 (for transfers and new offices), O-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), and EB-5 investor visas. Each option has specific requirements and benefits—from employer sponsorship needs to eligibility criteria. Choosing the right visa depends on the startup’s goals, founder’s qualifications, and business plans. Contact Kirchner Law for tailored guidance.

Employers using the H-2B visa program must meet strict compliance obligations, from paying the prevailing wage to both H-2B and U.S. workers, to maintaining accurate records and ensuring full-time work. Noncompliance can result in fines, audits, and debarment. This article outlines key compliance areas every H-2B employer should understand to protect their business and stay in good standing.

Choosing the right immigration lawyer can make all the difference in your journey to live or work in the United States. Your first meeting is a key opportunity to evaluate whether the attorney has the experience, communication style, and strategy that align with your needs. In this post, we outline the most important questions to ask during your consultation so you can make an informed decision and move forward with confidence.

Choosing between a J-1 au pair and an H-2B nanny involves more than just childcare preferences—it’s about understanding two very different visa programs. While J-1 au pairs are part of a cultural exchange with strict limits on hours and duties, H-2B nannies are hired as temporary workers with greater flexibility and fewer restrictions. This post breaks down the key differences to help families make the right choice for their needs.