For sponsored professionals in specialty occupations.
The H-1B is the workhorse non-immigrant visa for tech, finance, science, and engineering professionals with US employer sponsorship. Subject to an annual cap of 85,000 (65,000 + 20,000 master's reserve), with cap-exempt employers (universities, research institutions) able to file year-round.
For the demonstrably exceptional.
Sustained national or international acclaim — awards, original contributions, leading roles, judging others' work. O-1A applies to sciences/business/athletics, O-1B to arts/film/television. No annual cap, year-round filing.
Employment-based first preference, self-petition.
Direct green-card path for individuals with extraordinary ability — a higher bar than O-1 but with permanent residence at the end. No employer needed. We typically guide O-1 holders into EB-1A as the natural next file.
National Interest Waiver — self-petition, no PERM.
For advanced-degree professionals whose work is in the national interest of the US. Skips the labor-certification (PERM) process. Especially common for STEM researchers, public-health workers, climate scientists, AI safety researchers.
For multinational transferees.
L-1A for executives and managers (up to 7 years), L-1B for specialized-knowledge employees (up to 5 years). Requires 1 of last 3 years employed abroad with the qualifying entity. Common for companies opening US offices.
For US citizens marrying a foreign national here.
Brings a fiancé(e) to the US for a 90-day window during which you must marry. After marriage, file adjustment of status (I-485) for a green card. We handle interview prep at the consulate and post-arrival adjustment.
For couples already married abroad.
If you're already married, the CR-1 (conditional, marriage less than 2 years) or IR-1 (immediate relative, marriage 2+ years) brings the foreign spouse directly as a green-card holder. Generally faster than K-1 + AOS for already-married couples.
USMCA professional visa for Canadians & Mexicans.
Renewable in 3-year increments with no cap and no lottery. The catch: the role must appear on the TN occupations list and the foreign national must hold the named credential. Processing can be same-day at a port of entry for Canadians.
Capital-investment path to permanent residence.
$1,050,000 minimum investment ($800,000 in TEA — Targeted Employment Areas) creating 10 full-time US jobs. Direct investment in your own enterprise or via a Regional Center pooled investment vehicle.
For victims of qualifying crimes who assist law enforcement.
Annual cap of 10,000 with a long backlog. Provides 4-year status, work authorization, and a path to LPR after 3 years. Requires a signed I-918 Supplement B from law enforcement certifying cooperation.
Protection for those facing persecution.
Affirmative (within 1 year of arrival) or defensive (in removal proceedings). Persecution must be on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
From green card to citizen.
After 5 years as an LPR (3 if married to a US citizen), file Form N-400, pass civics + English tests, attend an oath ceremony. We prep for the interview and represent on contested cases (criminal history, continuous-residence issues).