U.S. immigration matters we handle
Everyone's situation is different. Below, by category, are the applications we commonly handle and who each one tends to suit. If you're not sure which category you fall into, start with the 3-minute visa self-check, or book a consultation directly.
Investing, starting a company or expanding into the U.S.
For people with capital and business experience who want to personally run a business in the U.S., or to obtain a green card through investment.
E-2 treaty investor visa
Nationals of a treaty country invest in and run a U.S. business. Your spouse and children under 21 can come with you, and the visa can be renewed as long as the business keeps operating. Nationals of non-treaty countries, such as China, first need citizenship of a treaty country. Read the E-2 guide ›
EB-5 immigrant investor
Invest the required amount in a new U.S. commercial enterprise (currently generally US$1,050,000, or US$800,000 in a targeted employment area) and create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers to apply directly for a green card. You can invest directly or through a regional center project; proving the lawful source of your funds is a central focus of review.
L-1A multinational executives / new office
People who have worked as a manager or executive at an overseas affiliate for one year (one continuous year within the past three) can be transferred to manage a U.S. branch or open a new office. This can later lead to an EB-1C multinational executive green card.
U.S. company formation and compliance
Alongside the visa application, we help form the U.S. company, draft shareholder agreements and investment documents, and document the path of funds, so the company's structure meets visa requirements from the start.
Apply on your own achievements, without an employer sponsor
For researchers, engineers, physicians, artists, athletes, entrepreneurs and others who have achievements and recognition in their field, or whose work is of national importance to the U.S.
EB-1A extraordinary ability green card
Show that you are at the top of your field in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics: either through a major international award, or by meeting at least 3 of the 10 regulatory criteria and passing the overall merits review. EB-1A vs. NIW ›
NIW national interest waiver (EB-2)
For people with an advanced degree or exceptional ability whose work has national importance to the U.S. Evaluated under the three-prong Matter of Dhanasar test; you can file for yourself.
O-1 extraordinary ability work visa
A nonimmigrant visa for people with extraordinary ability in their field to work in the U.S. It must be filed by a U.S. employer or agent, and is often used as a bridge status before a green card.
EB-1B outstanding professors and researchers
For people internationally recognized in an academic field with at least three years of teaching or research experience, sponsored for a green card by a U.S. university or research institution.
Work status for employers and employees
For people who already have a U.S. employer (or U.S. businesses planning to hire foreign employees) and need a work visa or an employer-sponsored green card.
H-1B specialty occupation work visa
A U.S. employer hires a foreign employee for a professional position that requires at least a bachelor's degree. New petitions generally go through the annual lottery. H-1B fees and lottery rules have changed considerably in recent years, so the latest rules must be checked before filing.
L-1B specialized knowledge employees
Employees who have worked at an overseas affiliate for one year and have specialized knowledge of the company can be transferred to work in the U.S.
TN visa (Canadian and Mexican citizens)
Under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), Canadian and Mexican citizens can work in the U.S. in listed professional occupations. Canadian citizens can usually apply at a port of entry.
PERM labor certification and EB-2 / EB-3 green cards
Sponsored by a U.S. employer: the labor certification process comes first, followed by the I-140 and the green card application. We provide legal services only — we do not provide employer resources or job matching, so sponsorship must come from an employer you already have.
Dependent status (H-4, L-2, E-2 dependents)
Accompanying status for the principal applicant's spouse and children, and work authorization for spouses.
Reuniting with family in the U.S.
For people whose spouse, parent, child or sibling is a U.S. citizen or green card holder. Who can petition for whom ›
I-130 family-based petitions
U.S. citizens can petition for spouses, children, parents and siblings; green card holders can petition for spouses and unmarried children. Wait times vary widely by relationship.
Adjustment of status (I-485) or immigrant visa abroad
Eligible applicants in the U.S. can apply for a green card directly, along with a work permit and advance parole. Applicants abroad go through the National Visa Center and a U.S. embassy or consulate for an immigrant visa.
K-1 fiancé(e) visa
The foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen comes to the U.S. to marry, then applies for a green card in the U.S. after the marriage.
Removing conditions on a marriage-based green card (I-751)
If you were married less than two years when you got your green card, you receive a two-year conditional green card. Within the 90 days before it expires, you and your spouse must jointly file to convert it to a ten-year green card.
Student visas, post-graduation work and visitor visas
For people preparing to study in the U.S., currently studying or recently graduated, and those coming for short family visits or business.
F-1 student visa
Apply for the visa after receiving your school's I-20. We can help prepare for the visa interview, or handle a change to F-1 status inside the U.S.
OPT and STEM OPT
After graduation, F-1 students can apply for 12 months of OPT work authorization, and eligible STEM graduates can extend it by another 24 months, which can then lead to H-1B or other status.
Change and extension of status (I-539)
Change from one nonimmigrant status to another inside the U.S., or extend your stay; if there is a problem with your status, we assess whether it can be restored.
B-1/B-2 visitor visa
Short business trips, tourism and family visits. After a refusal (for example, under section 214(b)), we help analyze the reasons and decide whether and when to reapply.
After you get your green card
For green card holders who need to renew their card, plan extended time abroad, or apply to become U.S. citizens. N-400 requirements ›
N-400 naturalization
Hold a green card for five years (three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen), meet the residence and physical presence requirements, show good moral character, and pass the English and civics test.
I-90 green card replacement
Apply to replace a ten-year green card that is expiring, lost, damaged or contains incorrect information.
I-131 reentry permit
Green card holders planning an extended stay outside the U.S. apply before departure, to reduce the risk of being found to have abandoned their green card.
N-600 certificate of citizenship
Proof of citizenship for children who acquired U.S. citizenship by law through a parent's naturalization or at birth.
When an application runs into trouble
For people who have received a request for evidence or a notice of intent to deny, or whose application has been denied and who need to assess the next step. We also take cases you filed yourself or that another attorney filed.
RFE / NOID responses
We analyze each issue the officer raised, add evidence and draft the legal arguments, and complete the response before the deadline. What to do when you receive an RFE ›
Motions to reopen or reconsider, and appeals
After a denial, we assess whether a motion (I-290B), an appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office, or a strengthened new filing is the better route.
Re-planning after a visa refusal
Based on the reason for refusal, we determine whether the problem lies in the documents, the presentation or the visa category itself, and re-plan your application path.
Immigration records requests (FOIA)
Request your personal immigration file from the immigration agencies, to understand your past application history and prepare for a new application.
Scope of services: We provide U.S. immigration legal services only. We do not provide Canadian or other countries' immigration services; matters involving third-country citizenship are handled by that country's authorized agents or licensed attorneys. We do not provide employer resources or job matching. The outcome of any application is decided by the government agency, and we do not guarantee results.