Information technology companies hire non-immigrants from various countries with work visas such as the H1B / L1 visa. Start-ups don’t have too many non-immigrant employees and it’s not worth your time and money to hire an immigration coordinator as an EMPLOYEE. Therefore, it is profitable for independent contractors to coordinate their employees’ immigration process with the law firm.
Having worked in a law firm and in the immigration department of an information technology company, I am of the opinion that immigration coordinators can play an important role in the smooth running of the company.
Here are the ten things to look for when you have independent consultants to coordinate your immigration functions with the law firm:
- Being able to find an attorney / law firm that understands the needs of the employer and the employee.
- Being able to establish a link between the employee / employer and the law firm.
- Explain your ROLE clearly to the employee / employer / attorney verbally and in writing.
- Be willing to read USCIS newsletters, law firms, and listen to conference calls to keep up with changes.
- Many non-immigrants are technical professionals and may not be aware of the immigration process. The Immigration Coordinator must be willing to listen, understand all questions from the employee / employer and present them to the attorney.
- Have a good report with the Attorney and understand their requirements.
- Please respect the employee / employer / attorney’s time and arrange a conference call to address all employer / employee questions.
- You need to follow up closely with the employer / employee and make sure the correct documents are sent to TIME.
- You should also follow up with the law firm for delivery of services on time and also help them streamline employee / employer payments.
- Last but not least, understand that we are all human beings and we go through emotional roller coasters in times of uncertainty. The immigration coordinator must be in a position to empathize with the employer / employee situation and be willing to share success stories that increase their confidence. At the same time, the Immigration Coordinator must be willing to appreciate the challenges that paralegals / attorneys face and work as a team.