Latest news with #Boundless
Time Business News
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
10 Risks to Assess When Choosing a Work Visa for International Staff
Hiring international staff can open the door to a broader talent pool, global innovation, and a competitive edge. But with opportunity comes complexity, especially when selecting the right U.S. work visa. This article explores the key risk factors HR professionals, hiring managers and founders must consider when choosing a work visa for international hires. The first step in visa selection is determining whether the candidate qualifies for the chosen visa type. Misalignment here can lead to denials, audits, or worse. Common Risks: Misunderstanding degree requirements for H-1B visas Assuming 'extraordinary ability' under O-1 without strong documentation Using L-1 without sufficient intra-company history Mitigation Tip: Use corporate immigration platforms like Boundless, which help automate eligibility screening and prepare documentation for common work visas, including H-1B, L, and O visas. U.S. immigration timelines are notoriously unpredictable. Premium processing may shorten some timelines, but bottlenecks in consulates or USCIS offices can delay onboarding by weeks or months. Common Risks: H-1B cap lottery delays or rejections EB green cards are subject to country-specific backlogs (India and China, especially) Security checks and document requests prolong approval Mitigation Tip: Plan visa timelines 6–12 months in advance. Monitor Visa Bulletin updates to USCIS processing stages in order to identify delays early. Once a visa is approved, the employer must maintain compliance with Department of Labor and USCIS rules. Failure to do so can lead to fines or disqualification from future visa sponsorship. Common Risks: Incorrect wage level filings for H-1B Incomplete Public Access Files (PAFs) Misclassification of visa status (e.g., interns misrepresented as employees) Mitigation Tip: Work with HR platforms and legal partners that maintain digital audit trails. Use structured workflows for onboarding, compensation documentation, and visa updates. Visa processing can be expensive. Fees vary based on visa type, premium processing, legal counsel, and ongoing compliance. Average Costs (approximate): H-1B: $5,000–$10,000 L-1: $4,000–$8,000 O-1: $6,000–$12,000 EB Green Cards: $10,000–$20,000 over multiple years Mitigation Tip: Use transparent, flat-fee platforms for predictable budgeting when hiring international talent. More complex immigration cases might require an immigration attorney or in-house counsel. Visa constraints can affect job satisfaction, mobility, and retention. Employees waiting years for a green card or dependent on employer sponsorship may feel stuck, or leave when options arise. Common Risks: Long wait times for EB-2/EB-3 green cards Spouses unable to work (dependent visa restrictions) Employees lured by companies offering better immigration pathways Mitigation Tip: Provide long-term sponsorship roadmaps and support (EB categories), invest in employee experience, and communicate clearly about options and timelines. Not every visa aligns with your company's size, structure, or global goals. A mismatch can introduce friction. Examples: L-1 requires a qualifying relationship between foreign and U.S. entities O-1 demands extensive documentation of individual acclaim H-1B relies on a lottery (March–April), limiting spontaneity Mitigation Tip: Consider hybrid solutions: hire offshore temporarily, use remote-first models, or explore cap-exempt H-1Bs (e.g., through nonprofit partnerships or research institutions). U.S. immigration policy shifts with each administration, and even legal visa holders can be affected by sudden regulatory changes. Recent Trends: Travel bans, visa suspensions, or executive orders under the Trump administration Increased scrutiny of STEM-related H-1Bs Green card backlog reform debates in congress Mitigation Tip: Monitor immigration policy closely and build redundancy into your talent strategy (e.g., remote teams in Canada or EU). Platforms like Boundless Immigration also offer compliance updates and government alerts. Top talent often travels with spouses or children. A restrictive dependent policy may deter candidates. Considerations: H-4 spouses may not be eligible to work without an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) School access and local licensing for dependents Permanent residency path for family members Mitigation Tip: Include family support in relocation packages and immigration planning. Errors or embellishments in visa applications can lead to denials or blacklisting, even if unintentional. Examples: Inaccurate job descriptions or inflated credentials Fake degrees or work experience (especially from third-party firms) Misuse of Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Mitigation Tip: Conduct thorough reference and credential checks. Centralize application materials and vet with legal oversight. Can your chosen visa process scale as your company grows? Questions to ask: Is your legal partner or platform equipped to handle dozens of visas at once? Will your HR systems track visa milestones at scale? Can your business model handle recurring sponsorship costs? Mitigation Tip: Invest in tools for end-to-end visa lifecycle management. Choose partners who can scale with your hiring roadmap. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hype Malaysia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Japanese Singer Mika Kobayashi To Hold Solo Concert In KL This November
Mika Kobayashi's (小林未郁) voice is the soul behind some of the most emotionally charged moments in modern anime. Not just background music – it becomes the atmosphere, the emotion, the unspoken dialogue, and the breath between battles. Through her collaborations with one of the most iconic composers of all time, Hiroyuki Sawano, she helped shape the sonic identity of genre-defining titles. She is set to make her long-awaited solo debut in Southeast Asia with a performance on 16th November 2025, at Zepp Kuala Lumpur. Titled 'Boundless', the show promises to be an immersive music experience unlike any other. Proudly presented by ICHIGO LIVE, this special show invites the audience into a cinematic world built on sound and soul. More than a concert, 'Boundless' is a journey, inspired by Mika's own reflection on music as a living, breathing force. As she puts it: 'The universe was not created and completed at one shot – it is constantly being recreated. This growth is infinite. And music, to me, is the flowing energy of the universe – a gentle stream that nourishes all things'. The voice hehind hit anime official soundtracks, such as 'Attack On Titan' from 'Attack On Titan', and 'Houkai Sekai no Utahime (Honkai World Diva)' from 'Honkai Impact', witness Mika Kobayashi's music in its rawest and most expressive form. From breathtaking ballads to explosive battle cries, her voice will take the centre stage, carrying you across galaxies of emotions. Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness a world-class vocalist in her element. Mika Kobayashi 'Boundless' Concert Live In Kuala Lumpur Date: 16th November 2025 (Sunday) 16th November 2025 (Sunday) Time: 8 pm 8 pm Venue: Zepp Kuala Lumpur Zepp Kuala Lumpur Organiser: ICHIGO LIVE ICHIGO LIVE Ticket Price: RM380 (VIP), RM380 (DUO/ 2 GA Ticket Bundle), RM260 (GA) RM380 (VIP), RM380 (DUO/ 2 GA Ticket Bundle), RM260 (GA) Ticket Link: Seating Plan: Tickets will be available for purchase at BookMyShow starting 30th June 2025 (Monday) from 3pm onwards. To keep up with the latest updates on Mika Kobayashi's anticipated show in Kuala Lumpur, head on over to ICHIGO LIVE's social media platforms for the latest updates. Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Scotsman
Seeing Edinburgh from Arthur's Seat named top UK experience
Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh Seeing Edinburgh from the top of Arthur's Seat has been named among the top trips parents would like to do with their children, as new research by Boundless reveals the ultimate family travel bucket list. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Climbing Arthur's Seat to witness the stunning views of the Scottish capital ranked at number 15 in the list of global travel experiences and was the top UK experience in the list, with 19 per cent of parents saying they'd like to take their family there. Visiting Times Square at night came top, with almost half of British parents (44 per cent) naming visiting the iconic Manhattan destination as a trip they'd like to do with their family. This was followed by tucking into a margherita pizza in Naples (32 per cent), travelling on the Orient Express (30 per cent) and seeing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik (27 per cent). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Researchers polled 2,000 British parents to find out the best travel experiences they'd love to do with their children, revealing a host of diverse options, from experiencing the thrills at Disneyland Paris (25 per cent) to discovering the ancient Roman world of Pompeii (24 per cent), through to swimming in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia (22 per cent) and spotting animals on safari in South Africa (21 per cent). Other holiday experiences that parents would like their little ones to enjoy include eating deep dish pizza in Chicago (19 per cent), trekking along Hadrian's Wall (18 per cent), celebrating the day of the dead in Mexico (17 per cent), exploring the lost city of Petra in Jordan (17 per cent), learning about art at Amsterdam's Van Gogh museum (15 per cent) and surfing lessons in Newquay (14 per cent). The research, commissioned by Boundless, also found that almost eight in ten (78 per cent) mum and dads believe travel helps to broaden children's horizons and helps them learn about different cultures (77 per cent). 71 per cent go a step further and say that exploring the world together helps give children more confidence in later life. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 39 per cent are travelling more with their children now compared to three years ago, so much so that two thirds (64 per cent) say their children travel more than they did when they were their age. On average families are planning five holidays this year. In contrast, a third (35 per cent) are travelling less because it is too expensive (64 per cent), they have too many commitments at home (17 per cent), they can't take the time off work (10 per cent), or they prefer to stay at home (eight per cent). Two thirds (66 per cent) wish they could travel more with their children, with 64 per cent admitting they are currently working their way through a family 'bucket list'. Darren Milton at Boundless, the membership club for public sector and civil service workers and retirees, said: 'It is clear UK families love to travel – it has the power to educate, inspire and bring people closer together. Sadly, it's not surprising to see that a third of families are travelling less now because of the cost. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'At Boundless, we're proud to help our members make the most of their time off by offering great value days out, travel deals and inspiration for holidays in the UK and abroad. Whether it's a staycation or ticking off a bucket list adventure overseas, we're here to help our members create lasting family memories without breaking the bank.' More than half (53 per cent) of the parents surveyed think that the best way to make family memories is through travel, with one in two (50 per cent) admitting that lots of their favourite childhood memories are from family holidays. 96 per cent hope that family holidays will inspire their children to take their own kids away when they grow up. A WHOPPING 91 per cent think that fantastic family holidays needn't have to cost a fortune with 94 per cent agreeing that a staycation can be just as fun as a holiday abroad. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Two thirds (63 per cent) would love to explore and travel in the UK more. THE ULTIMATE FAMILY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES, ACCORDING TO BRITISH PARENTS* See Times Square at night, New York – 44% Eat margherita pizza in Naples, Italy – 32% Go on the Orient Express – 30% See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik – 27% Go up the Empire State Building in New York – 25% Go on rides at Disneyland Paris – 25% Visit Pompeii – 24% Swim in the crystal-clear lagoons of the Maldives – 23% Explore the Valley of the Kings in Egypt – 23% Swim the Great Barrier Reef in Australia – 22% Go on safari in South Africa – 21% See Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 20% Eat deep dish pizza in Chicago – 19% Go whale watching in Iceland – 19% See Edinburgh from the top of Arthur's Seat – 19% See the Colosseum in Rome – 19% Trek along Hadrian's Wall – 18% Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico – 17% Island hop in Greece – 17% See the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Rome – 17% Get a selfie under the Eiffel Tower in Paris – 17% Explore the Grand Canyon in Arizona – 17% Drive Route 66 across America – 17% Eat Pastel de Nata in Lisbon, Portugal – 17% Visit the Lost City of Petra in Jordan – 17% Visit Lapland and go on a husky sleigh ride – 16% Learn about art at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam – 15% Visit the Parthenon in Athens – 14% See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, Paris – 14% Take surfing lessons in Newquay, Cornwall – 14% Take a picture 'holding up' the Leaning Tower of Pisa – 14% Eat street food in Bangkok, Thailand – 14% Stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame – 13% Tour the Lord of the Rings set in New Zealand – 13% Snorkelling in Egypt – 13% Visit the White House in Washington DC – 13% Learn to surf in Hawaii – 12% Watch 'Old Faithful' blow in Yellowstone National Park, USA – 12% Take a gondola ride in Venice – 11% Visit the Taj Mahal in India – 11% Boundless membership is available to all civil service and public sector workers, working or retired. This includes teachers, civil servants, local-government workers and members of the armed forces, fire service, NHS, police and more. For more information, please visit: *This research of 2,000 parents was commissioned by Boundless and conducted by Perspectus Global in May 2025.
Geek Wire
18-06-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
‘Flight to security': Tech employers, foreign workers anxious amid ICE raids and immigration uncertainty
American flag. (GeekWire Photo / Kurt Schlosser) U.S. immigration crackdowns aimed at undocumented workers in agriculture, construction and elsewhere are having ripple effects in the tech world, which employs thousands of foreign-born workers with highly sought-after computer science skills. Two Seattle startups providing immigration services say the climate is stoking fears and a sense of urgency. 'Anxiety has increased,' said Xiao Wang, co-founder and CEO of Boundless. 'The volume of questions, inquiries, and the amount of misinformation that goes on through social media is such that people are increasingly concerned about what is real, what is not real.' Priyanka Kulkarni, founder and CEO of Casium, also sees corporations that sponsor employees from abroad examining their options. A variety of temporary work visas and green cards are available for immigrants with special knowledge and abilities. That includes the H-1B visa that's often issued by lottery to qualified tech candidates, and the O-1 visa for globally exceptional talent. EB-1 'Einstein visas' are awarded to world-class professionals, professors and researchers, while EB-2 visas go to workers in areas of national importance or holding essential skills. 'Employers are getting really rational,' Kulkarni said. 'They're trying to separate signal from noise. They want to understand realistic options. We're developing multi-track strategies, so different visa categories for different talent profiles.' Amazon ranked No. 1 in the tech sector for H-1B visa approvals last year at 14,764, while Microsoft secured 4,725 of the visas. Boundless co-founder and CEO Xiao Wang. (Boundless Photo) Boundless and Casium have built technology to speed the application process for landing visas, assess the suitability of candidates, collect data on which applications are successful, and provide legal support. Wang and Kulkarni said people are being aggressive in managing their immigration status, hoping to stay ahead of a potentially shifting landscape. 'People are really trying to take control of their immigration journeys,' Kulkarni said. They're 'more proactively reaching out.' 'I call it a flight to security,' Wang said. People on temporary visas are seeking something more permanent, like a green card. Those whose status is work-related, are seeking options that aren't non-employer based. Demand for naturalization services are strong right now, he added, which is unusual. It's more common to see a lull in citizenship interest after a presidential election year. Some foreign workers aim to strengthen their profiles by holding leadership roles or publishing in academic journals, for example. Employers are ensuring their actions comply with regulations, such putting wages at the right level and aligning job duties with a visa's focus. 'As there is more increased scrutiny,' Kulkarni said, 'the ability to get clarity and the ability to get education on the options is going to become more important.' Priyanka Kulkarni, CEO and founder of Casium. (Casium Photo) While tech companies over the years have advocated for the use and expansion of visas allowing them to hire talented workers, they've been mum on ICE enforcement actions. When reached by GeekWire, Microsoft declined to comment on immigration issues, and Amazon has not responded to an inquiry. Given that the raids have focused on undocumented employees, it's no surprise to Wang that tech companies aren't speaking up. 'The immigrant community is not a monolith. There are different people with different backgrounds who come via different avenues and have different interactions with the government,' he said. 'It's a very rational decision for large tech companies wanting to keep their cohort of international employees — especially in engineering and high tech roles — out of the spotlight of this particular issue.' Even if the administration's current policies aren't directly disrupting the flow of tech workers from abroad, Wang said he's seeing a 'chilling effect' on new immigrants coming to the U.S. and companies recruiting foreign workers. By turning people away, 'there can be a real dampening effect on new job creators, new innovators, new entrepreneurs that will also cause the U.S. to lose its lead in science, technology and the global economy,' he said. 'It's against our own interest.'
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Scottish landmark beats Taj Mahal, Colosseum & Route 66 in Brits' top Bucket List destination
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTTISH landmark has beaten iconic tourist hotspots including the Taj Mahal, Maldives and Route 66, in Brits' top Bucket List destinations. A list of the top 40 dream holiday bucket list choices for families across the UK has been compiled by experts at Boundless. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Visiting the Taj Mahal in India came in 40th on the list Credit: Getty 4 Driving Route 66 across America ranked 23rd in the list Credit: Alamy 4 Mount Ngauruhoe, used as Mouth Doom in Lord of the Rings, came in at 34 Credit: Image Bank - Getty 4 They were all beaten by Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, which ranked 15th Credit: Getty The firm issued a new poll to 2,000 British parents to find out what experiences they would love to share with their children if money were no object. And it included some of the best of the best experiences across the globe. The research found that one destination in Scotland ranked high on the list. And it won out over trips to exotic places like surfing in Hawaii, celebrating the Day of the Dead in Mexico, and exploring the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Looking over Edinburgh from the top of Arthur's Seat came in at number 15 on the iconic list, with 19 per cent of families naming it as a dream trip to do with their family. Coming in at the number one spot was visiting the bright lights of Times Square in New York at night. Almost half (44 per cent) of British parents named visiting the iconic Manhattan destination as the most desirable thing to do with their children. This was followed by tucking into a pizza in Naples (32 per cent), travelling on the Orient Express (30 per cent) and seeing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik (27 per cent). Other family adventures to make the definitive list, were experiencing the thrills at Disneyland Paris (25 per cent) and discovering the ancient Roman world of Pompeii (24 per cent). Swimming in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia also came in high at tenth place with 22 per cent, closely followed by spotting wild animals on safari in South Africa at 21 per cent. W Edinburgh Crowned Scotland's Hotel of the Year 2025 Parents would also love to take their little ones to enjoy deep dish pizza in Chicago (19 per cent), trek along Hadrian's Wall (18 per cent), explore the lost city of Petra in Jordan (17 per cent), and see an original Van Gogh painting in Amsterdam (15 per cent). The research also found that almost eight in ten (78 per cent) mum and dads believe travel helps to broaden children's horizons and encourages them to learn about different cultures (77 per cent). However, 71 per cent go a step further and say that exploring the world together helps give children more confidence in later life. And 39 per cent are travelling more with their children now compared to three years ago. It is clear UK families love to travel – it has the power to educate, inspire and bring people closer together So much so that two-thirds (64 per cent) say their children travel more than they did when they were their age. In contrast, a third (35 per cent) are travelling less because of the cost (64 per cent), while two-thirds (66 per cent) wish they could travel more with their children. And 64 per cent are currently working their way through a family 'bucket list'. More than half (53 per cent) of the parents surveyed think that the best way to make family memories is through travel. And one in two (50 per cent) admit that lots of their favourite childhood memories are from family holidays. Almost all parents (96 per cent) hope that family holidays will inspire their children to take their own kids away when they grow up. While two-thirds (63 per cent) would love to explore and travel in the UK more. Darren Milton at Boundless, which commissioned the survey of 2,000 British parents, said: 'It is clear UK families love to travel – it has the power to educate, inspire and bring people closer together. "Sadly, it's not surprising to see that a third of families are travelling less now because of the cost. 'We're proud to help our members make the most of their time off by offering great value days out, travel deals and inspiration for holidays in the UK and abroad. "Whether it's a staycation or ticking off a bucket list adventure overseas, we're here to help create lasting family memories without breaking the bank."
