Business Immigration

On October 8, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that significantly revises the "specialty occupation" H-1B legal standard, among other changes. The regulation is effective December 7, 2020, 60 days…

On October 8, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that impacts prevailing wage programs for H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 temporary classifications, as well as for certain permanent residence cases requiring labor…

On June 22, 2020, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation temporarily suspending entry into the United States of foreign nationals seeking certain nonimmigrant (temporary) work visas.

On April 22, 2020, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation temporarily suspending entry into the United States of certain foreign nationals outside the United States seeking immigrant visas. The Proclamation has several exceptions, and…

COVID-19 is rapidly affecting business immigration in multiple ways. Below is an outline of key impacts to date. Additional current information and details can be provided by attorneys in the Immigration and Labor and Employment practice groups.

USCIS released a new version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification on January 31, 2020. Employers should begin using the new version of Form I-9 at this time. Use of the new Form I-9 becomes mandatory starting May 1, 2020.

USCIS has announced that it will utilize a new electronic registration process for FY2021 H-1B cap petitions. Registrations must be submitted from March 1 through March 20, 2020. USCIS will charge a $10 registration fee.

Online registration for the 2021 DV Lottery (DV2021) begins Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), and will end Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5).

H-1B season is underway! U.S. employers can file for new H-1B visas on behalf of prospective or existing employees beginning April 1, 2019. The anticipated window for filing new H-1B petitions under the USCIS H-1B quota for FY2020 is April 1 through…

There is still time to register for the 2020 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Lottery). Online registration for the DV Lottery began Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), and will end Tuesday, November 6…

Join us as our Immigration Practice Group launches its new monthly webinar series covering the many changes to immigration impacting our clients and friends. Each month, we will discuss the latest changes affecting business immigration and offer…

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, 7:45 AM | Tonkon Torp LLP is hosting its annual year-end briefing for employers reviewing business immigration changes in 2019

In this era of heightened scrutiny, employers are facing increased worksite enforcement, new regulations, and potential penalties imposed by state laws and federal regulations. Join Tonkon Torp's Immigration attorneys for an update on worksite…

On September 10, Tonkon Torp’s Immigration Practice Group launched a recurring webinar series to help businesses navigate and preview changes affecting business immigration. Attorneys Melina LaMorticella, Alan Perkins, and Melany Savitt hosted the…

Nine Tonkon Torp lawyers representing nine practice groups have been honored in Best Lawyers' inaugural Ones to Watch directory. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch is a peer-review honor focused on acknowledging attorneys who have been in private practice…

Forty-nine Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 36 practice areas have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021. A majority of attorneys have been named to the peer-review list in past years, and most have been recognized for more…

Tonkon Torp Business Immigration partner Melina LaMorticella participated in a virtual town hall hosted by University of Oregon President Michael Schill to help international students navigate this time of crisis and change.

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 20 Tonkon Torp attorneys in seven practice areas in its 2020 USA Guide. Eighteen of the Tonkon Torp attorneys named have been previously ranked by Chambers.

Tonkon Torp is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, clients, families, and community. We are continually monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on our business community and will be providing clients with relevant…

Tonkon Torp partners Melina LaMorticella and Melany Savitt led a CLE program for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Oregon chapter on the 2020 H-1B lottery season. The attorneys reviewed the competitive H-1B program from both the…

On February 11, Turid Owren, Melany Savitt, and Erika Robles Jones spoke to international students at Reed College about their options for U.S. employment after they graduate. They reviewed optional practical training, the process for obtaining an H…

On February 6, attorneys from Tonkon Torp’s Immigration Practice Group held a briefing for employers to help them prepare for the upcoming H-1B Cap season. Attorneys Melina LaMorticella, Turid Owren, Alan Perkins, and Melany Savitt led a program that…

Tonkon Torp LLP has elected Claire Brown, Melina LaMorticella, and Melany Savitt to the partnership, effective January 1, 2020.