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Unshackled is the name of a book and its accompanying online community. On here, you’ll find articles on everything from building your profile for an O-1A visa to starting a company on your H-1B. Want to get such resources directly in your Inbox? Join 7000 immigrants who hear from us every Wednesday.
Hi [FORMATTED FIRST NAME GOES HERE],
Happy Wednesday. ✨
Soundarya here, from Unshackled. :)
I flew into San Francisco, CA yesterday. I drove past the Salesforce building on my way to the house, which was nostalgic. Almost exactly 2 years ago, I quit my job as a PM there. Now entering the country on an O1 feels surreal. If you’d like to read the full story behind my O1 visa, check below.
Before we jump in, I want to thank our sponsors SnowPay and LCR Captial who made this newsletter free for all. And, I'm delighted to welcome 470 new subscribers to our newsletter since last week. Welcome, welcome! 🙏
You're receiving this email as part of the Unshackled weekly newsletter. Immigration is a complex world. So every Wednesday, I try to simplify that by sharing top stories and relevant resources that matter to you. I also sprinkle it with updates on what's happening with the Unshackled online community. If you find value in reading it, forward this to a lucky friend. If this was forwarded to you, get your own here! Read all the past editions here. 💃
This week's TL;DR
- Biden's New AI Executive Order for Immigration: Read more
- Masterclass: How to get press without paying a PR agency, Sign up.
- Thinking of moving to Canada? This recording is for you.
📌 UNfold: Top stories
Biden's New AI Executive Order: Simplifying Immigration for Experts and Fighting Bias
President Joe Biden has signed a groundbreaking AI Executive Order (EO) aimed at enhancing AI safety, security, and equity. The EO seeks to protect privacy, civil rights, and consumer interests while positioning the US as an AI leader. Notably, it streamlines the immigration process for AI experts and skilled professionals, expediting green card applications and reducing visa processing times. The EO also addresses AI bias, emphasizing the importance of fair AI usage in justice and promoting best practices. While comprehensive, some critics argue it lacks enforceable legislative changes.
USCIS Updates J-1 and L-1 Policies, DHS Modernizes H-1B Program
USCIS clarifies J-1 and L-1 visa policies, impacting sole proprietorships and two-year foreign residence requirements. DHS proposes modernizing the H-1B program to streamline eligibility, program efficiency, and strengthening integrity measures. The proposed H-1B rule seeks to reduce misuse and benefit employers and workers.
Canada Temporarily Halts Consulate Operations in India Amid Diplomatic Dispute
Canada has suspended in-person consulate operations in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai, following a diplomatic dispute over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia. The move comes after Canada withdrew 41 diplomats from India. Despite the tensions, bilateral trade continues, with India denying any involvement in the leader's murder. Visa processing times may be affected, but Canada emphasizes its strong connection with Indian citizens. India's foreign ministry defends the downsizing of Canada's diplomatic presence.
🎁 UNlock: Relevant resources
Want to get PR for your work without paying a PR agency? This masterclass is for you. Daniela Herrera is a Talent and DEI Consultant, Speaker, and Career Coach with 17 years of experience in Recruitment, Talent Operations, and Leadership. In this session, she will teach you how building a powerful professional brand on LinkedIn can attract the media, press, and speaking opportunities you need and want. You don't wanna miss this! (This webinar is being conducted as part of the Unshackled online community.)
On September 12th, 2023, I got my O-1A extraordinary visa approved as the solo founder of an educational venture that publishes books & builds communities.
This is the FIRST masterclass where I will be diving deep into my journey to help you -- an ambitious immigrant -- build your roadmap and reach your end goal. You don't wanna miss this! (This webinar is being conducted as part of the Unshackled online community.)
BONUS: You get a free copy of my book with the ticket.
[Past webinar] Relocating to Canada with MobSquad (ft. Monish Khambhat)
We interviewed Monish Khambhat on his journey toward relocating to Canada! After several failed H-1B lottery attempts, Monish's future in the US was uncertain, until the opportunity to relocate to Canada with MobSquad was presented. In less than four weeks, Monish obtained a Canadian work permit and relocated to Vancouver, where he continues to support his US company, nearshore. This was originally conducted within the Unshackled community. If you'd like to join it (and get free consults from lawyers & O-1/EB-1 recipients), use this private link for a 10% discount!
🪄 UNveil: This week’s sponsor
Tired of sponsorship and renewals? EB-5 Visa holders can have an EAD and AP in 6-8 months. LCR Capital Partners has helped over 1,000 clients get Green Cards. Learn more about the EB-5 Immigrant Investors Visa with a complimentary, private consultation while they are in the Bay Area between November 16 and November 20, 2023. They will only be able to meet with 20 people. Apply here to schedule a time.
Do you hate logging into multiple portals to pay your credit card bills? Enter SnowPay. Built by an IITian, SnowPay provides a single portal to track, manage, & pay your credit card bills, while rewarding you with $ for doing it! Instead of logging into a dozen websites, let a single one rule them all. Best part? They're currently enrolling Campus Ambassadors. If you're a student, click here to join & earn money.
👉 Want to put yourself in front of 9000+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.
🥳 UNshackled: What's happening in the community?
Exciting news: we’re almost at 300 members on unshackled.club! As the members are growing, so is the value that everyone is able to get — from interacting with and collaborating with each other. Surreal to see how we started with 0 just a year ago.
Besides the above, here's what brewin' in the community:
- Upcoming masterclass with yours truly: I'm doing my FIRST masterclass to help you get sh*t done toward your O1/EB1 visa goal. This is free for members -- but you can also join by paying $50. Bonus: you get a free copy of my book.
- Upcoming masterclass with Daniela Herrera: In this session, Daniela will teach you how building a powerful professional brand on LinkedIn can attract the media, press, and speaking opportunities you need and want Join the session for $30. You can access the recording if you miss it.
- Launching Masterclass Library: I’m thrilled to launch our masterclass library, filled with 20+ short videos on focused topics around O1, EB1, & starting your company.
- [Coming soon] Case Study Library: Imagine if there was a library filled with case studies of past O-1/EB-1 recipients from 10 unique fields, sharing exactly how they got to the finish line. Coming soon.
- [Coming soon] O-1A self-assessment tool: I'm collaborating with the Schmidt Futures organization to build a tool that will give you a personalized roadmap for your O-1 journey. This will be open source.
Whenever you're ready to join the community, use this private link that lets you join for $539 (10% off). Once you join, get access to top lawyers, O-1/EB-1 mentors, weekly events, & a roadmap to reach your goal.
Join 275+ ambitious immigrants at 10% off
Until next week, stay wonderful.
Yours truly,
Soundarya 💚