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Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],

Happy Wednesday. ✨

Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club. :)

I have two exciting updates to share:

• ​We launched the brand new website for Unshackled a week ago! Take a look at it and hit reply if you've got some feedback.
• We're making the event at UC Berkeley free and open to the public, happening on April 20th, 2024. Come spend your Saturday evening with me, a top immigration lawyer, and a Canada expert to nerd out on O1/EB1 and entrepreneurship!

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Also, we've crossed 13,000+ subscribers in our newsletter. Welcome to all the new folks! Now, onto the newsletter.

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This week's TL;DR

• ​In-person event in Bay Area for O1/EB1 aspirants: RSVP for free.
• Good news: pending EAD applications get 540-day extension.​
• ​Free webinar on O-1 for content creators and influencers.

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📌 UNfold: Breaking news

​USCIS Announces H-1B Cap Lottery Results for Fiscal Year 2025​

USCIS has released the results of the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap lottery, initiating the filing period for selected registrants. This year's lottery selections were conducted over five days and concluded on April 1, 2024. USCIS implemented new selection methods to ensure equal chances for beneficiaries and reduce fraudulent registrations. Selected registrants can file H-1B cap petitions from April 1 to June 30, 2024. USCIS has introduced online filing options and "cap-gap" extensions for selected applicants on OPT or STEM OPT.

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​Indians with Pending EAD Applications of H-1B Visa Holders Get 540 Days Extension​

Good news! USCIS has temporarily extended the automatic extension period of expiring EAD holders. Indians with pending EAD applications will benefit from the extended validity tenure, which increased from 180 days to 540 days. This extension applies to H-4 visa holders, green card applicants, and US asylum seekers. The aim is to mitigate employment gaps and job loss due to processing delays, benefiting around 800,000 EAD renewal applicants.

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​FY2025 H-1B Filing Fees: Online vs Paper Filing Overview​

Effective April 1, 2024, filing fees for FY2025 H-1B petitions have increased. USCIS now requires a new edition of Form I-129, with H-1B petitions now eligible for online filing. While USCIS offers discounts on filing fees for some online filings, the I-765 form for the H4 EAD (c)(26) category must be submitted via USCIS Lockbox and is ineligible for online filing.

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🎁 UNlock: Webinar invites & resources

​[Podcast]​ Alternatives for Employees Not Selected in the H-1B Visa Lottery​

This podcast covers alternatives for employees not selected in the H-1B lottery, given the stagnant number of USCIS selections made for H-1B visas despite an increased demand over the past few years. Meagan discusses potential options for visa applications, including specialty occupation and treaty visas, such as the H-1B1 and E-3 visas, as well as the TN professional and O-1 extraordinary ability visas. Meagan also explores opportunities for applicants in a dependent status, including spousal visas and other employment authorization documents.

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​[Free Webinar] From Viral to Global: O-1 Visas for Influencers & Content Creators (April 17th, 10.30 PM PST)​

Join this webinar to uncover the secrets of navigating the U.S. immigration system and learn how the O-1B visa can be your gateway to international opportunities. Whether you're a YouTuber, blogger, podcaster, or any digital dynamo with a substantial following, this session is tailored just for you!​
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💫 UNcover: Latest trends

• H1B visa seekers share ordeal: ‘H1B visa is a painful death.’​
• H-1B denial rates: Trends signal approval predictability for employers.
• ​99-Year-Old Indian woman gets US citizenship.​
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⚖️ Find top lawyers through Unshackled

On popular demand, we’ve launched a new directory of 8 top, trusted immigration lawyers. We've carefully vetted lawyers who can help you with everything from EB-1A profile evaluations to setting up your business as a student on OPT. And everything in between. Book a consult today!​
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🪄 UNveil: This week’s partners

​Say goodbye to job search frustrations with Wynisco. Their proven approach helps job seekers land fulfilling roles within 50 to 90 days -- guaranteed. Best part? You only pay when you secure the job! Join their community of over 350 successful alumni who have found their career success in the last 6 years. They stand out from being just another consulting firm, by helping you till you land your job. Ready to kickstart your career journey? Apply now at wynisco.com.

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​Did an unsuccessful H-1B lottery leave you looking for a Plan B? You're not alone. Less than 25% of all registrants entering the annual lottery are selected. If your Plan B involves staying in North America, consider MobSquad. MobSquad helps tech professionals like you eliminate US work visa issues by enabling you to continue working with your current company, nearshore from Canada in just four weeks. They go above and beyond to make the immigration, relocation, and resettlement experience seamless. Find out how by booking a free 1:1 call with the team. ​
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👉 Want to put yourself in front of 13,000+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.

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Until next week, stay lovely.

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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 hit reply and let me know so I can connect you with one.

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