Shams Vahedi
Summary
Experienced U.S. Immigration Attorney with a background in the higher education industry, currently specializing in business immigration at Michigan State University. Skilled in preparing petitions and advising on various non-immigrant and immigrant visas, Proficient in legal research and the use of INSZoom Immigration Case Management System and Sunapsis. Active member of both the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Employment-Based Immigration Advisor
Michigan State University
05.2020 - Current
- Analyze and integrate information from both sponsoring departments and foreign national employees to draft and file non-immigrant petitions, including H-1B, H-4, E-2 and TN visas
- Advise faculty and departments on immigrant visas (EB-2, EB-3) and PERM processing
- Utilize multiple online government processes and other systems to prepare and file immigration petitions, such as Prevailing Wage and LCA
- Monitor case status before and after filing, ensuring data integrity and providing regular monitoring and reporting
- Resolve complex issues relating to visa, immigration, and I-9/E-Verify with minimal management intervention
- Manage case initiation process and fact gathering, following up with faculty and staff to obtain outstanding documentation
- Promote immigration practice both internally and externally
- Deliver informative presentations to various departments, offering insights into the latest developments in immigration regulations.
Immigration Specialist - Student Visas
Michigan State University
05.2018 - 05.2020
- Advised international students and campus staff on procedures, policies, and regulations related to F visa and J status
- Advised students and scholars on their responsibilities for maintaining status and eligibility for benefits
- Stayed current on immigration policies and procedures from government agencies such as DHS, DOS, USCIS, SEVP, CBP, and ICE
- Assisted students and scholars in their transition to Michigan State University and the United States
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations by assisting with regulations reporting
- Interpreted post-completion regulations and created templates and outlines for students and staff to utilize in processing applications
- Advised on and processed F-1 student requests related to enrollment, post-completion optional practical training, change of status, curricular practical training, etc.
- Assisted with transitioning from the previous advising system to Sunapsis
- Conducted presentations and training sessions for both students and university staff, educating them on current immigration regulations and policies
J-Visa Specialist
Michigan State University
04.2017 - 12.2017
- Packaged and distributed immigration documents to various departments across campus
- Created and maintained email communication to departments and scholars regarding J-1 Scholar Visa intake and triage of DS-2019 requests
- Facilitated fulfillment of record-keeping procedures post-completion of DS-2019 requests
Summer Intern
30th Judicial Circuit Court
05.2017 - 07.2017
- Assisted in trial proceedings by diligently taking notes and providing support to the clerk as needed, ensuring smooth operations in the courtroom.
- Actively participated in trials, demonstrating a keen understanding of legal procedures and providing assistance to legal teams.
- Conducted in-depth research on various cases, offering valuable insights and contributing to informed decision-making processes.
- Collaborated with legal professionals to analyze case materials and develop effective strategies for litigation.
Legal consultant
KarnoTech
01.2014 - 08.2016
- Provided legal advice and consultation on a range of issues related to contracts and legal compliance in Iran.
- Reviewed and negotiated various contracts and agreements, including vendor contracts, service agreements, and employment contracts in compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to immigration and work permits, including filing and monitoring of visa and work permit applications.
- Developed, implemented, and maintained internal policies and procedures related to immigration and work permit compliance, including processes for obtaining and maintaining work permits for foreign employees.
- Conducted audits and reviews of existing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Prepared and filed immigration and work permit applications, including work visas and work permits for foreign employees.
- Provided guidance and training to HR and hiring managers on immigration and work permit-related matters, including recruitment, and hiring practices.
- Collaborated with external counsel and government agencies, as necessary, to resolve complex legal and compliance issues related to immigration and work permits.
Legal Consultant
Notary public office
10.2011 - 12.2013
- Provided legal advice and consultation on a variety of legal matters to clients at a notary public office in Iran.
- Prepared and reviewed legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and affidavits, in accordance with local laws and regulations.
- Assisted clients in preparing and filing legal documents with relevant government agencies and courts.
- Conducted legal research and analysis on various legal issues and provided recommendations to clients.
- Drafted legal correspondence, including letters and emails, on behalf of clients.
- Represented clients in legal proceedings, including negotiations and dispute resolution.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date client files and documentation.
- Collaborated with notaries and other legal professionals to ensure the timely and effective provision of legal services to clients.
- Managed client relationships and ensured client satisfaction through effective communication and service delivery.
Education
LLM American jurisprudence, Judicial law - Legal Studies
Michigan State University College of Law
East Lansing, MI01.2018
Juris Doctorate - Legal Studies
Azad University of Mashhad College of Law, Iran
Mashhad, Iran01.2011
Certification
- Fundamentals of Immigration Law - American Immigration Lawyers Association
- PERM Processing - American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Spanish for Lawyers - American University, Washington College of Law
Affiliations
- American Immigration Lawyers Association - Active member
- National Association of Foreign Students Advisors - Active member
Volunteer Experience
- American Immigration Lawyers Association National Committee Member
Serving as a member of the Distance Learning Committee, where responsibilities include assessing intricate business immigration law.
- Global Alliance for International Students Association, Board of Advisory, As a volunteer board member, provided free professional advising on immigration regulations to ensure compliance and successful transition for international students. Collaborated with other board members and university staff to identify and address challenges faced by international students and increase their enrollment and retention. Stayed up to date on immigration policies and procedures to provide accurate advice.
- Human Rights first's Project, Provided pro bono services to Afghan refugees in the United States during the initial screening process. Conducted interviews, in Farsi for the individuals with limited English language proficiency, to assess their eligibility for asylum or other forms of relief.
Languages
Persian
English
Publication
University Business
We need to get rights right for international students
https://universitybusiness.com/we-need-to-get-rights-right-for-international-students/
Timeline
Employment-Based Immigration Advisor
Michigan State University
05.2020 - Current
Immigration Specialist - Student Visas
Michigan State University
05.2018 - 05.2020
Summer Intern
30th Judicial Circuit Court
05.2017 - 07.2017
J-Visa Specialist
Michigan State University
04.2017 - 12.2017
Legal consultant
KarnoTech
01.2014 - 08.2016
Legal Consultant
Notary public office
10.2011 - 12.2013
LLM American jurisprudence, Judicial law - Legal Studies
Michigan State University College of Law
Juris Doctorate - Legal Studies
Azad University of Mashhad College of Law, Iran
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