What Observers say about IAG Assemblies

At each of our three annual Assemblies we invite potential members to join us as Observer Firms, with the aim that they will understand more about how IAG works, meet our members and start their journey with IAG.

These firms are fully vetted before being invited, and during their time at the Assembly they are invited to speak during the Business Session to explain more about their business and how they will work with our current members.

It is a great way to really get to know these potential members, and hearing their feedback iabout their first experience of IAG Assemblies is invaluable to us.

During our Rio de Janeiro Assembly in May, we welcomed Mexican law firm AZIZ & KAYE Business Law, and Italian law firm DIKE Schindhelm.

This is what they had to say about their experience…

Attending the IAG Rio Assembly as an Observer Attendee was an outstanding experience.The event was exceptionally well-organized, and I truly appreciated the opportunity to engage with such a dynamic and accomplished group of professionals.

The conversations were insightful, the collaboration inspiring, and the sense of community within the organization was remarkable. It reinforced our belief that this organization is a great fit for us, and we would be honored to take the next steps toward becoming a member firm.

Thank you again for the warm welcome and for allowing us to be part of such an enriching experience. I look forward to staying in touch and exploring how we can contribute to the organization.

Allan Kaye Trueba, AZIZ & KAYE Business Law, Mexico

I was very pleased and grateful with my experience at the IAG Global Assembly held in Rio de Janeiro! It certainly exceeded my expectations.

From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the members, who made me feel at ease in a very friendly environment and gave me the opportunity to introduce myself.

The event proved to be an important opportunity to meet colleagues from all over the world, allowing me to deepen my knowledge of the network and to begin to understand its dynamics which, I am sure, will be very useful to further enhance my business.

I also had the pleasure and fortune to participate in extraordinary events in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, which made the whole experience unforgettable.

Special thanks goes to Daniel, for the exceptional organization and for making this event a unique experience for all participants, even – I am sure – the most long-standing ones.

It was certainly an enriching and stimulating experience, from a human and professional point of view. IAG seems to be a really well-knit and structured organization.

I’d like to thank everyone (members, staff and board) for their welcome and for the opportunity to participate in what I hope is only the first of many meetings!

Tommaso Olivieri, DIKE Schindhelm, Italy

 

We are looking forward to welcome Allan and Tommaso to their second Assembly when they join us in Prague for our General Assembly in June.

Law firms, accountancy firms or business service providers who are interested in joining IAG Global should email [email protected] or fill in the CONTACT FORM.

 

Photo – The Board with Allan Kaye Trueba (l) and Tommaso Olivieri (r)

YDES announces partnership with Lyon notary office

French IAG member YDES is pleased to announce its partnership with the notary office “Paul et Associes – Notaires” to create a new notary office in Lyon, named “Paul et Associes – Notaires Lyon”.

This new entity now allows YDES to offer French and international clients the services of experienced notaries who are fluent in French, English, Italian, and German.

The services provided cover the entire French territory and all areas of real estate law (purchase, sale, real estate development, etc.), family law (marriage, civil partnerships, divorce), inheritance and gift law, and business law (executive protection, etc.) financing (Real estate mortgage, credit caution) and signature certification.

In France, notaries are the only professionals authorized to pass family and real estate deeds.

“Paul et Associes – Notaires” is already established in Paris and Nice. The opening of this new office in Lyon strengthens its long-term partnership with YDES, which also has offices in Lyon, Paris, Avignon and Bourg-en-Bresse.

The partner of “Paul et Associes – Notaires Lyon”, Mrs. Corinne Nicolle is available for any further information [email protected]

U.S. Registration Requirement & Address Changes

What Business Immigration Clients Need to Know.

On March 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that requires certain individuals to register their presence in the United States and provide fingerprints if they stay for 30 days or more. The rule introduces an online registration option for those who are not yet registered. The rule also introduces harsher penalties for failure to report address changes.

Key Requirements and Who is Affected

The new rule mandates that starting April 11, 2025, all noncitizens residing in the U.S. for 30 days or longer must register and provide fingerprints (fingerprinting is waived for children under 14 years old). Noncitizens who are already registered do not have to register again1; however they are still required to report a change of address within 10 days of any move.

Exemptions apply to certain visa holders who have already undergone registration and fingerprinting, such as nonimmigrant visa holders, green card holders, those in the U.S. for less than 30 days, and some American Indians.

Registration does not create any kind of immigration status, legal pathway, or benefit. Registration may expose individuals to immigration enforcement. Failure to register can expose individuals to fines, imprisonment, and denial of future benefits.

Special notice for dependent children: Any noncitizen, whether previously registered or not, who turns 14 years old in the United States, must register within 30 days after their 14th birthday.

Who is Registered?

The USCIS website says these people are registered:
• Lawful permanent residents [2];
• Aliens paroled into the United States under INA 212(d)(5), even if the period of parole has expired;
• Aliens admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants who were issued Form I-94 or I-94W (paper or electronic), even if the period of admission has expired [3];
• All aliens present in the United States who were issued immigrant or nonimmigrant visas before their last date of arrival [4];
• Aliens whom DHS has placed into removal proceedings;
• Aliens issued an employment authorization document;
• Aliens who have applied for lawful permanent residence using Forms I-485, I-687, I-691, I-698, I-700, and provided fingerprints (unless waived), even if the applications were denied; and
• Aliens issued Border Crossing Cards.

The USCIS website says these people are NOT registered:
• Aliens present in the United States without inspection and admission or inspection and parole who have not otherwise registered (that is, aliens who crossed the border without inspection and admission);
• Canadian visitors who did not receive an I-94 upon entry5 and are staying 30 days or longer;
• Aliens who submitted one or more benefit requests to USCIS not listed in 8 CFR 264.1(a), including applications for deferred action or Temporary Protected Status who were not issued evidence of registration listed in 8 CFR 264.1(b).

Compliance Steps and Penalties

To comply, individuals must:

1. (If not already registered) Register and Provide Fingerprints: Failure to do so can result in fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 180 days, or both. Fraudulent registration is grounds for deportability.

2. Carry Proof of Compliance: Those 18 and older must carry evidence of registration and fingerprinting at all times. Noncompliance may lead to a misdemeanor charge, with penalties including fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to 30 days. May also lead to adverse discretionary decisions or findings of lack of good moral character.

3. Notify DHS of Address Changes: Changes of address must be reported in writing within 10 days. Noncompliance may lead to a misdemeanor charge, with penalties including fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to 30 days. May also lead to adverse discretionary decisions or findings of lack of good moral character.

Proof of registration can include various documents like Form I-94, Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card), or the “Proof of Alien Registration” generated after completion of Form G-325R with biometrics. It is a best practice to print out your evidence of registration. Handing a scan of a document on your phone to an immigration agent may be considered giving consent to search your phone.

Using the New Online Registration Option

The IFR introduces Form G-325R, which allows online registration through a MyUSCIS account. This option, currently free with potential future fees, triggers (unless exempt) a Biometrics Services Appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (“ASC”). Successful registration allows individuals to download and print proof of registration, which they must carry at all times.

What questions are on the form? A sample of the form’s questions are available here.

Can an attorney complete the online registration form for me? Unlike some forms that have a feature allowing an attorney to prepare the application and then send it to the client’s MyUSCIS account for approval, the G-325R does not have this feature. Therefore, it may be tricky for an attorney to complete or review an application. To discuss representation on a registration application with our office, please schedule a consultation.

What happens after you register? Once biometrics is completed or waived, the USCIS website will generate a “Proof of Alien Registration” with a unique identifier printed on the document. This Proof of Alien Registration document will then be posted to the alien’s myUSCIS account. The applicant should then print and carry the document as proof of registration.

Further Resources
American Immigration Council Fact Sheet

Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration Fact Sheet

National Immigration Law Center FAQ

Additional Support
If you require more detailed advice tailored to your specific situation, JSPBC offers comprehensive paid consultations. These sessions are designed to provide you with the necessary information for successful compliance with registration requirements and address any unique concerns you may have.

[1] With the exception of children who turn 14 years of age who must re-register and provide fingerprints.
[2] See note 1.
[3] Note that this conflicts with 8 CFR 264.1(b) which states that “a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant DHS admission or parole stamp in a foreign passport constitutes evidence of registration” (emphasis added).
[4] See note 1.
[5] As a best practice Canadian travelers should always request an I-94 upon admission if they do not already have a multiple-entry I-94. Canadians entering via air and sea ports are usually automatically issued an I-94 upon admission. Canadians traveling via the land border can apply for a provisional I-94 on the CBP Home app.

DISCLAIMER
This outline is not intended as legal advice in any specific case. The facts of a specific case may render the information in this outline inapplicable.

Copyright 2025, Jewell Stewart Pratt Beckerson & Carr PC

Traveling to the U.S.: What you need to know

U.S. Immigration lawyers Jewell Stewart Pratt Beckerson & Carr PC have issued a highly useful document for anyone traveling to the U.S.

Overview
Traveling to the United States can be an exciting yet complex experience, especially when it comes to navigating immigration processes. This handout provides valuable insights and tips to ensure you are well-prepared for your journey. It is crucial to understand the limitations of legal representation at U.S. ports of entry and the importance of being thoroughly prepared.

Click here to read the full document

Jewell Stewart Pratt Beckerson & Carr are available for consults if needed for any clients, colleagues, or loved-ones. They can also customize the attached if any clients want to send information out to their foreign national employees or U.S. business travelers.

We are still waiting on the travel ban to be issued but will post updates to our blog and mailing list when that happens. Anyone can sign up for our mailing list on our homepage (towards the bottom): https://www.jspvisa.com/

New Visa Rules for Visitors to the UK – January 2025

“Visiting the UK for business” by Birketts LLP

Immigration is fast becoming one of the most complex and complicated issues businesses have to deal with. The rules relating to visiting the UK for business have become especially difficult to navigate. This opens businesses up to risk of disruption and various financial, organisational, and reputational risks. Ever-changing rules and procedures make ensuring compliance more difficult. It is therefore important to understand which activities are permissible and which are not when
coming to the UK as a business visitor.

It is a common misconception that because a trip is short in duration, a visa is not required – but this is not the case. Even short visits may require a visa depending on the activity being undertaken on arrival.

This document includes:

  • Visa or no Visa?
  • Introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation
  • How long can a visitor stay?
  • Employment and pay
  • What can a business visitor NOT do?
  • What CAN a business visitor do
  • The consequences of getting it wrong
  • Documentation required
  • Other visitor routes

READ THE FULL DOCUMENT

End of Year Message from IAG Chairman

The end of the year is approaching, and this is usually a time for summarizing and celebrating. Therefore, we have prepared a small summary of the events and changes in IAG that happened and accompanied us this year.

We hope that the moments of emotion and memories of the past year will also be with you in the coming New Year, which promises to be exceptionally exciting.

Over the past months, the Board has been taking a number of steps to further develop the organisation and strengthen it. However, the sole aim of the actions taken has been to build an organisation that responds to the needs of its members. An organisation that brings together not only business partners, but also friends. We sincerely believe that we are achieving this goal, mainly thanks to you.

On behalf of the IAG Board and the Executive Office, we thank you, our members, for being with us and hope that you will continue to grow and develop our organisation with us.

Tomasz Szarek
Chairman

IAG Welcomes Two New Members

IAG Global was delighted to welcome two new members during the Los Angeles Assembly in October 2024.

Stelios Ieronymides and Associates LLC is a law firm based in Nicosia, Cyprus. You can find the firm’s profile here

Vertical Advogados is a law firm based in Lisboa, Portugal and here is the link to their profile

We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with both firms.

 

 

Photo – Members of the IAG Board with representatives from Vertical Advogados and Stelios Ieronymides & Associates at the Los Angeles Assembly in October 2024

Andrew Fleming

We are very sorry to share the sad news that our very good friend and colleague Andrew Fleming passed away on Friday 11 October following an illness.

Andrew was a highly active member of IAG Global and a very familiar face at IAG Assemblies, working as Treasurer on the Board, and playing an important role in the relationship between Novack and Macey, and more recently, Armstrong Teasdale and IAG.

Andrew and his team at Novack and Macey recently hosted the Chicago Assembly in 2022, and Andrew created a wonderful programme for the delegates, showcasing his love of the city and his passion for IAG.

His presence will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him, and we send our deepest condolences and best wishes to his family, friends and colleagues.

IAG Welcomes New Brazilian Member

IAG Global was delighted to welcome new member Daniel Urbano Advogados at the Hamburg General Assembly in June 2024.

Daniel Urbano was represented by Ursula Evangelista in Hamburg, her second attendance at an IAG Assembly, the first being in Madrid in March 2024.
Daniel Urbano Advogados was unanimously voted in by members during the Business Session.

Founding Partner Daniel Urbano said, “We are excited to join IAG and serve as a reference point in Brazil for all members and their clients. This presents a great opportunity for us and our clients to access a worldwide support network, creating substantial business prospects!”

The Brazilian law form is host of the upcoming IAG Global Rio de Janeiro Assembly taking place in March 2025.

View the profile of Daniel Urbano Advogados

Photo – The IAG Board with Ursula Evangelista from Daniel Urbano Advogados, following ratification of the firm at the Hamburg 2024 General Assembly.