The Department of State (DOS) made an announcement in summer of 2007 that significantly impacted global HR departments managing green card applications. On June 13, the DOS removed the majority of employment-based visas from a lengthy backlog allowing applicants to submit Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status) as early as July 1, 2007.

ATMI is a supplier of specialty material and high-purity material packaging and delivery. The company prides itself on its ability to help customers become more efficient, productive and cost-effective. When ATMI’s HR department learned of this announcement, they needed their immigration services provider to step up and deliver.

VISANOW was up to the challenge providing ATMI with complete legal support and a scalable process to handle the volume of applications they needed prepared to meet the filing date. VISANOW’s legal team utilized its innovative technology to keep cases moving despite the flood of thousands of inquiries from hundreds of applicants across their client base rushing to file after this announcement. VISANOW not only maintained its responsibility to ATMI and other clients throughout this period by providing fast responses, they continued to redefine the delivery of legal services filing over 1500 applications within this short time frame.

ATMI Talent Acquisition Manager Glenda Edwards admits that the period between the announcement and the date applications would be accepted was extremely stressful for her team; however, partnering with VISANOW gave them the tools to address this change in a short time. “Throughout this emotional time for our affected employees, VISANOW was always available through its Q&A site. They helped us interpret the DOS announcement and address our employees’ questions and concern. VISANOW did a great job staying very professional, but their empathy for our employees was clear.”

VISANOW’s legal service model is founded on providing unparalleled client service. Using patented technology to automate the time-consuming administrative parts of the process allows attorneys to focus on the legal aspects and promptly respond to client inquiries. VISANOW communicates not only with the HR or company representative, but also provides individual applicants direct access to legal counsel and case data cutting down on confusing and extensive relaying of information between the applicant and law firm. The integration of online tools and experienced legal team gave ATMI the transparent, accountable and complete service they needed to manage this stressful period.  

Edwards concluded, “Hands down, we’re very pleased with the VISANOW Web-based model. If I polled all of our active and non-active employees who went through the process they would agree. The control and empowerment ATMI employees have is priceless”

Top benefits:

• Responsive legal counsel
• Proactive and easily accessible client support
• Scalability to manage high-volume of applications
• Expedited case preparation