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Visa Waiver Program
Implications of the Infosys settlement for B-1 visas

Implications of the Infosys settlement for B-1 visas

What can employers learn from Infosys’ recent settlement with federal prosecutors? Ultimately, the more conservatively one follows the immigration law, the more limited one’s interest may be. The government alleged that Infosys misused B-1 visitor visas – inexpensive, for short term stays, and for a narrowly-defined range of commercial activities – to bring foreign workers to the United States to perform skilled labor, for long periods of time, that should have required H-1B visas. It alleged that Infosys submitted false statements to deceive U.S. consular officials into granting B-1 visas to workers, and Customs and Border Protection officers into granting them entry to the United States. This included letters stating the purpose of travel as “meetings” when the true purpose was activities not authorized under a B-1 visa. The government also alleged that Infosys directed the workers themselves to take part in the deception. Infosys did not admit to the allegations of fraud and misfeasance, but agreed to a fine of $34 million.

Citizens of Taiwan eligible for Visa Waiver Program from November 1

Citizens of Taiwan eligible for Visa Waiver Program from November 1

News Release from Jewell & Associates, PC Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may come to the United States as visitors for business or pleasure without first obtaining visitors’ (B-1 or B-2) visas from U.S. Consulates. They may...

Form I-94W eliminated for VWP travel

Form I-94W eliminated for VWP travel

News Release from Jewell & Associates, PC - May 20, 2010 By the end of summer 2010, the paper arrival/departure form (Form I-94W) will be eliminated for visitors entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.  Paper I-94s will continue to be issued to travelers...

Citizens of Greece eligible for Visa Waiver Program

Citizens of Greece eligible for Visa Waiver Program

News Release from Jewell & Associates, PC - March 31, 2010 Citizens and eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may come to the U.S. as visitors for business or pleasure without first getting visitors’ (B-1 and/or B-2) visas in their passports...

New procedures for visitors to the United States (ESTA)

New procedures for visitors to the United States (ESTA)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced recently that, beginning January 12, 2009, eligible citizens or nationals from all Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States under the VWP.