Introduction to Immigration Law - Complete Overview Course

This is an introductory course covering the basics of United States Immigration Law and is best considered a supplement (study-aid) to a formal class, a good overview of the topic, or a refresher to sharpen existing skills. Topics we cover include: important concepts and issues in U.S. immigration law (e.g., status, visas, I-94s, EADs, etc.), terminology and acronyms (e.g., AOS, USCIS), agencies and their unique roles in immigration programs, and basic overview of the family and employment-based preference system and associated immigration queues (e.g., priority dates and the visa bulletin). Please note that this course does not provide coverage of special humanitarian programs or immigration removal relief. The course focuses on the basics of immigration, non-immigrant visas (NIVs), and the basics of family-based and employment-based immigration. It explains what lawful permanent resident (LPR or "green card" holder) means and some common paths people take to get a green card.

Law students and new immigration paralegals, or those who are interested in immigration paralegal jobs will find this course a useful introduction and overview of immigration in the United States of America. Law offices can also use this course as part of their training or on-boarding program for their immigration paralegals that are new on the job.

The course starts by introducing unique aspects of immigration law in the United States. It then introduces the sources of law, including statutes and regulations (e.g., Immigration and Nationality Act - INA) as well as the various immigration agencies that apply the laws and make decisions (e.g., DHS, DOS, DOL, DOJ). There's a consistent effort to introduce students to key terms and concepts, including both the formal names as well as common terms of art often used by immigration lawyers and paralegals.

The course includes illustrations, infographics, and examples that walk the student through some of the most common documents encountered in the immigration context (e.g., Forms I-20, DS-2019, I-797 Notices, Visa pages, admissions tamps, Forms I-94, and passport biographic pages). The course includes extensive lecture and visual materials; however, it is not a substitute for post-secondary instruction in immigration law. This course is also not intended to be continuing education and is not qualified for such credit in any jurisdiction. The course includes a certificate of completion.The course is for general information and educational purposes and does not provide any legal advice. However, it is carefully prepared to save you time and introduce you to the most fundamental and important terms and concepts, so you can jump start your learning.

The course focuses on topics that may be of interest to immigration paralegals, global talent and global mobility teams, and human resources (HR) professionals in the U.S. who want a fast and effective introduction to the most common and essential concepts. It is also a good orientation/training for immigration paralegals in training who want to supplement their formal training or studies or current paralegals, legal assistants, law clerks, or lawyers who are exploring immigration paralegal jobs or paralegal positions at immigration law firms.

The lessons focus on United States immigration law and are taught primarily in English. The course may also be applicable to other common law legal systems (e.g., India, United Kingdom - UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia) by analogy, but please keep in mind each country has its own rules and requirements for temporary and permanent residence and immigration.