The Build Fellowship

03/25/2025

Amid policy uncertainty, there’s still plenty to be hopeful about in the immigration space 🌎✨

💡 More innovation than ever before
💰 Growing VC interest in immigration solutions
✅ Strong approval rates for well-prepared petitions

As Danielle Goldman put it: “There are more and more champions of foreign nationals that are coming out and building.”

Watch the full conversation: https://hubs.ly/Q03dnq3Y0

03/20/2025

🚨 The H-1B lottery is here! What do you need to know? 🚨

In episode 2 of Immigration 301, Jeff Goldman and Danielle Goldman dive into:
✅ H-1B lottery predictions & selection rates 🎟️
✅ Cap-exempt H-1Bs & how founders can sponsor themselves
✅ Increased RFEs & what to expect under a Trump administration
✅ ICE checkpoints & what to do if you're stopped 🚔

If you’re navigating U.S. immigration, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 Tune in now.



🔗 Listen here:

In this conversation, Jeff and Danielle discuss the current H-1B lottery season, the complexities of immigration law, and the impact of political uncertainty...

03/17/2025

📌 Thinking about an O-1 visa? Proving you’ve played a critical role in a distinguished organization can be tricky—but here’s a strategy:

🔹 Instead of proving impact at a big company, focus on a smaller, distinguished unit—like a lab, committee, or special project.
🔹 Want to meet the “judge/reviewer” criterion? Consider reviewing for a VC firm, a business competition, or an academic journal.

Creative positioning can make all the difference. Need more insights? Watch the full discussion here: https://hubs.ly/Q03bRM3T0 🎥

02/26/2025

📢 H-1B Amendments: When & How to File 📢

Did you know that material changes in an H-1B employee’s job—like location changes, promotions, or salary adjustments—may require an H-1B amendment? 🏢📄

✅ Worksite relocation outside the original MSA
✅ Major changes in job duties or promotions
✅ Salary modifications impacting wage compliance
✅ Corporate restructuring affecting employer details

🔴 Not filing an amendment can lead to loss of status and penalties! Stay compliant and avoid issues.

📖 Read our complete guide to H-1B amendments here: https://hubs.ly/Q038jLD_0

Providing the world's best talent the opportunity to build the future of the United States through cap-exempt H-1B visas.

02/11/2025

Wondering about how to apply for an H-1B extension?🚀

🕰️ If your H-1B visa is expiring soon, there are multiple extension options available with different eligibility requirements:

🔹 Initial Extension: Up to 6 years (3 + 3 years)
🔹 Beyond 6 Years: Possible under AC21 if you have a pending PERM or approved I-140

🕒 Plan ahead to avoid delays in extending your H-1B! Learn about fees, eligibility, documents, and best practices for a smooth extension.

Read more about eligibility requirements here:

Providing the world's best talent the opportunity to build the future of the United States through cap-exempt H-1B visas.

02/07/2025

📣 USCIS has just released dates for the FY 2026 H-1B cap lottery!

Employers looking to sponsor foreign talent must register between March 7 (12 PM ET) – March 24 (12 PM ET) via the USCIS online portal. With rising demand and a higher registration fee, preparation is more important than ever!

What’s New for 2025?
✅ Same Selection Process – USCIS will still select beneficiaries based on unique entries, not multiple employer filings.
✅ Enhanced Organizational Accounts – Easier case management, bulk uploads, and auto-filled I-129 forms for employers.
✅ Increased Registration Fee – Now $215 per beneficiary (previously $10).

Key Deadlines & Reminders
🚨 Employers must create a USCIS organizational account before registration.
🚨 New filers should set up accounts early—registration is only open March 7 – March 24.
🚨 Lottery results will be announced by March 31.

Read more about the FY2026 lottery timeline in our latest post:

Providing the world's best talent the opportunity to build the future of the United States through cap-exempt H-1B visas.

02/04/2025

📚 Are you a university administrator navigating new immigration challenges? 🌍

The Trump administration's policies will introduce stricter visa rules, increased enforcement, and uncertainties around DACA and TPS, which might create significant challenges for universities supporting groups of students and staff.

The American Council on Education’s recently released a brief to help institutions remain compliant & protect their communities, which we have summarized in our latest blog.

🔑 Key Takeaways for University Administrators:

📜Understanding discretionary immigration categories like DACA and TPS to support affected students.
🚨How to handle immigration enforcement visits and verify warrants before sharing information.
🔓How to balance student support with compliance to protect privacy and reduce legal risks under FERPA?

👩‍🎓 Learn how your institution can prepare:

Providing the world's best talent the opportunity to build the future of the United States through cap-exempt H-1B visas.

01/29/2025

💼 Navigating H-1B Filing Fees for 2025? 💼
Understanding the costs of the H-1B visa process can be complex for both employers and employees. From the $780 basic filing fee to the optional $2,500 premium processing, each of the eight different fees serves a purpose in ensuring a smooth application process. 📝💳

We’ve broken down everything you need to know about required and optional fees, exemptions, and responsibilities in our latest blog post. Stay informed and prepared for the upcoming lottery season! 💡

👉 Read the full guide here:
https://hubs.ly/Q033ZShB0

Providing the world's best talent the opportunity to build the future of the United States through cap-exempt H-1B visas.

01/27/2025

🌍 Unlock Your Career Potential with a Cap-Exempt H-1B Visa! 🚀
Did you know that cap-exempt H-1Bs offer a way to secure year-round work opportunities in the U.S. without being subject to the lottery? 🤔 There are four types of cap-exempt organizations:

📚Institutions of Higher Education
🏥 Nonprofit Organizations Affiliated with Higher Education Institutions
🔬 Nonprofit Research Organizations
🇺🇸 Government Research Organizations

💡 Take a deep dive how cap-exempt H-1Bs can transform your immigration journey in our latest blog post:

Providing the world's best talent the opportunity to build the future of the United States through cap-exempt H-1B visas.

01/13/2025

🌍 H-1B Visa Modernization: Big Changes Starting Next Week🚀

The Biden administration closed its term with sweeping changes to the H-1B program. The H-1B Modernization Rule, set to take effect on January 17, 2025, creates new policies that will affect international students, entrepreneurs, employers, and the U.S. economy.

📌 Key Highlights:
🔹 Seamless F-1 to H-1B transitions with cap-gap relief
🔹 More flexibility for entrepreneurs to self-petition
🔹 Simplified H-1B renewal processes with the deference policy
🔹 Greater hiring flexibility for employers in STEM and emerging industries
🔹 + many more.

But the big question remains—what will the incoming Trump administration do next?

👉 Dive into the details and learn how these changes impact you: https://hubs.ly/Q032nYV80

Share this with anyone who might find this useful! 🌟

Providing the world's best talent the opportunity to build the future of the United States through cap-exempt H-1B visas.