New immigration law excludes Hutch staff from
visa cap
A federal immigration bill signed into law last month permanently
excludes from the overall H-1B visa cap staff of the Hutch and
other non-profit research organizations, academic institutions
and governmental research agencies.
The law also exempts such institutions from visa application
fees charged to commercial employers. Other provisions include
the following:
An H-1B holder
may accept new employment immediately upon the filing of a change-of-employer
petition by the prospective employer. Employment for this person
may continue until the petition is considered. If it is denied,
authorization to work for the new employer will cease.
H-1B visa holders
can remain in the United States while their green-card applications
is pending. Previously, H-1B visas were valid for three years
and may be renewed once, for a total of six years.
Foreign workers
who have had a green-card application pending for more than 180
days are no longer required to wait until the approval of their
applications to seek new employment as long as they remain in
the same or a similar occupations.
Kayak caroling on Lake Union set on four December nights
Moss Bay Rowing and Kayaking Center is sponsoring the second
annual Kayak Holiday Caroling Party on Lake Union Dec. 9, 12,
16 and 19, with proceeds benefiting Northwest Harvest.
The firm will provide single and double kayaks and paddling gear.
Also available are large voyager canoes for 10 or more people
who aren't comfortable entering and exiting a kayak. Groups are
limited to 30 people each night. More info and to reserve space,
call 682-2031 or visit <mossbay@earthlink.net>.