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Portner & Shure

Testmonials

Dear Mr.Ruby, Mr. Shure, Mrs. Horseman and Mrs. Linton: I would like to express my appreciation to your professional support and guidance during the 3 overwhelming years. I was involved in a car accident. Mr. Shure came to my home and provided assistance the day after the accident. Then, your paralegals, Sandy and Dawn assisted me on each steps and kept me updated. Mr. Ruby answered my questions and phone calls. He tried and settled my case successfully. Your team professional services is the key in the success of my case. I will recommend your firm to my friend Thanks again!

-Lisa Zhang
I got into a really bad car accident and had no clue what to do. Luckily I called Portner & Shure. Thanks to them I did not have to experience the stress of talking to the insurance company's, or the hassle of gathering additional information about my case. Portner & Shure did it all. They handled all of my medical bills, and even provided a convenient chiropractor that was amazing and made me feel like myself again. They also offered a settlement that I was very pleased with.The staff were friendly and respectful. My questions were answered promptly and in great detail. I felt like I was in good hands throughout the entire process Portner & Shure is top notch. They exceeded my expectations. I recommend this law firm to anyone who refuse to settle for less.. Thanks again Portner & Shure for making this tragic experience a stress-free process and providing a satisfying result.

Jessica Tabron, Montgomery County, MD
First of all I thank God to be alive and I thank you for helping me with my case. God bless you all. It was a great pleasure. Thanks.

Angel Regina Reyes de Hernandez
Pam Brown was the paralegal that was handling my case. She was wonderful. She was always pleasant to speak with on the phone and she always kept me updated on my case. I think her professionalism is a testament to the entire team of Portner and Shure. Thank you guys for everything. Jun Jie Liu

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J-1 Exchange Visitor Visas

By: Jonathan N. Portner
Sameer Sidh
March 26, 2009

The J-1 visa category allows foreign nationals to legally enter the U.S. in order to gain experience in a field of employment, for educational purposes, to perform research or to simply travel on a summer vacation. People who gain entry under J-1 status are required to be admitted into a government approved exchange-visitor program, and are only permitted to stay in the U.S. for a fixed period of time. The length of permissible stay is dependent on the type of exchange visitor program that an individual has gained admission in.

Student exchange visitors are generally admissible for the duration of their academic program, with some notable exceptions. Students who enter at the high school level or below are only admissible for a one-year period. Students who are admitted for post-graduate education below the doctorate level are permitted to stay for the duration of their program, and may also extend their stay for 18 months after attaining their degree for the purpose of training.

Students who attain a doctorate degree are allowed to extend their stay for 36 months after their education is complete. Any post-graduate student seeking an extension for training purposes must specifically apply for it.

There are also a number of possibilities to gain J-1 status based on temporary employment exchange programs. A notable type of program often utilized in the area surrounding Ocean City, Maryland are summer student work/travel programs. Foreign students who acquire exchange visitor visas under this category are granted admission for a four month period, generally during their summer vacations from school. During their stay, these students are free to work and to travel. Individuals in this program are permitted to remain in the U.S. for an additional 30 days beyond the stated four month period, but may not work during this additional 30 days. Similarly, people who gain admission into an exchange program for camp counselors can be granted J-1 status for a four month period.

Academic professionals are also commonly able to obtain J-1 visas through various types of exchange programs. In May of 2005, the maximum stay for college professors and research scholars was elevated from three years to five years. These new regulations also permit the individuals admitted into these exchange programs to enter and exit the country as many times as they desire during the duration of their five year stay. The drawback of exit and re-entry of the country under these provision is that time spent outside of the country will count toward the granted five years of admissibility. Teachers at the high school level and below are admissible for a three year period.

There are four general requirements that applicants must meet in order to qualify for a J-1 visa. The first requirement, discussed above, is that the applicant must gain acceptance into a government-approved exchange program. The Department of State has approved over 1,500 programs for exchange visitors. In order to be eligible for a J-1 visa, a foreign national must apply directly to and be accepted by a program sponsor. The second requirement is that an applicant must demonstrate that they intend to return to their home country after their visa expires. This requirement is met by the applicant showing significant attachment to his home country, in the form of money, property and/or family. Third, the applicant must show that he or she has sufficient funds to cover the expenses of their stay in the U.S. This requirement is usually met easily because many J-1 entrants are authorized to work while in the U.S. Last, the applicant must demonstrate a reasonable knowledge of the English language. Meeting this requirement may require the applicant to pass the ‘TOEFL’ English proficiency test.

If you have a relative or friend abroad that is interested in gaining entry into the U.S. on a J-1 visa, consult the advice of an immigration attorney.

Accident Lawyers in Maryland, Virginia & Washington DC

For over fifteen years the attorneys at Portner & Shure have been representing victims injured in automobile accidents. You may request a free consultation with our personal injury accident lawyers in Maryland, Virginia & Washington D.C., to make sure you get the benefits you are entitled to.

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