✈️ U.S. Visa Application Attorneys

The Right Visa,
The Right Attorney

Whether you're a skilled professional seeking an H-1B, a student on an F-1, or a company relocating global talent, the right visa strategy makes all the difference. Our attorneys have handled thousands of visa cases across every major category.

● H-1B Specialists
● F-1 Student Visa
● O-1 Extraordinary Ability
● EB Employment-Based
✈️ Start My Visa Application 📞 Call (814) 555-0192
Visa Categories

All Major U.S. Visa Categories

We handle applications, extensions, transfers, and appeals across all major nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories. Each visa type has unique requirements — we match you to the right category and build your strongest case.

H-1B

Specialty Occupation Work Visa

The H-1B is the primary work visa for professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree. We handle petitions, extensions, transfers, and respond to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

F-1

Student Visa

The F-1 allows full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions. We assist with initial applications, OPT/CPT authorization, STEM OPT extensions, and change of status from F-1 to other visa categories.

O-1

Extraordinary Ability Visa

The O-1 is available to individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. We build comprehensive evidentiary packages demonstrating your sustained national or international acclaim.

B-1/B-2

Visitor / Tourist Visa

B-1 (business visitor) and B-2 (tourist/medical) visas allow temporary entry. We help with initial applications, extensions of stay, and change of status requests when your plans change after arrival.

EB-1/EB-2/EB-3

Employment-Based Immigrant Visas

The EB preference categories lead to permanent residency. EB-1 covers extraordinary ability and multinational managers. EB-2 and EB-3 require employer sponsorship and labor certification (PERM). We manage the entire multi-year process.

TN / E-3

NAFTA/USMCA & Australian Visas

Canadian and Mexican professionals may qualify for TN visas under USMCA. Australian nationals in specialty occupations may qualify for the E-3. These are often faster alternatives to the H-1B lottery with no annual cap.

The H-1B Lottery: What You Need to Know

The H-1B visa is subject to an annual numerical cap — 65,000 regular cap visas and an additional 20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders. Because demand far exceeds supply each year, USCIS conducts a random lottery in March for petitions targeting the upcoming fiscal year (beginning October 1). If you are selected in the lottery, your employer must then file a complete H-1B petition. If not selected, there are several alternative strategies: TN status for NAFTA-country professionals, O-1 for those with exceptional credentials, L-1 for intracompany transfers, or employment at a cap-exempt organization such as a university or nonprofit research institution. Our attorneys review your background and develop a multi-pathway strategy so your options don't hinge on a single lottery outcome.

F-1 OPT and STEM OPT Extensions

International students on F-1 visas may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization — after graduation. Students who graduated with a qualifying STEM degree from a U.S. institution may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, providing up to 36 months of total post-graduation work authorization. OPT and STEM OPT are critical bridges from student status to employer-sponsored work visas. Timing is everything: OPT applications must be filed with USCIS no more than 90 days before graduation and no later than 60 days after graduation. Our attorneys guide F-1 students through OPT authorization, STEM OPT applications, and the H-1B petition process so there are no gaps in status.

O-1 Visa: Extraordinary Ability and Achievement

The O-1A (science, education, business, athletics) and O-1B (arts, film, TV) visas are reserved for individuals who have risen to the top of their fields. Unlike the H-1B, there is no annual lottery for O-1 visas — they can be filed at any time and processed in a matter of weeks with premium processing. Qualifying for O-1 requires substantial evidence such as awards, published articles, high salaries relative to peers, critical roles at distinguished organizations, original contributions of major significance, and press coverage. Our attorneys have successfully built O-1 packages for software engineers, researchers, chefs, athletes, musicians, and entrepreneurs. If you've made notable contributions in your field, you may qualify even if you haven't thought of yourself as "extraordinary."

Common Questions

Visa FAQs

What happens if my H-1B petition is denied after I receive an RFE? +
A Request for Evidence (RFE) is not a denial — it's USCIS asking for more information. You typically have 84 days to respond. A strong, well-documented RFE response can turn a potential denial into an approval. Our attorneys carefully analyze every RFE, identify what USCIS is looking for, and draft comprehensive responses with supporting documentation. If USCIS denies the petition after an RFE, you have the right to file a Motion to Reconsider, a Motion to Reopen, or an appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). We have successfully reversed many H-1B denials through these channels.
Can I change from a tourist visa (B-2) to a work visa without leaving the U.S.? +
Yes — this is called "change of status" and it allows you to transition from one visa category to another from within the United States, without departing. To change from B-2 to H-1B, your employer must first petition for you and you must be selected in the lottery or qualify for a cap-exempt position. You can change from B-2 to F-1 (student visa) without a lottery, provided you are admitted to a qualifying school. The key requirement is that your B-2 status must still be valid at the time you file the change of status application. Overstaying your B-2 can seriously complicate or bar a change of status application.
I'm on H-1B and my employer just laid me off. What are my options? +
H-1B holders who lose their jobs have a 60-day "grace period" to find a new employer willing to file an H-1B transfer petition, change to another visa status, or depart the United States. This 60-day window is critical. If you find a new employer, they can file an H-1B transfer petition (with premium processing for faster approval) and you can begin working for the new employer as soon as the petition is received by USCIS — you don't have to wait for approval. If the 60-day period is running out, you may have options to change to B-2 visitor status to extend your stay while job searching, or to F-1 status to pursue further education. Contact our office immediately if you are facing this situation.
What is the difference between a visa and a status? +
This distinction confuses many immigrants. A visa is a stamp in your passport that allows you to travel to and seek admission to the United States. Your "status" is the immigration category you are authorized to be in once admitted. Your visa may expire while you are in the U.S. — that's completely fine, as long as your authorized period of stay (shown on your I-94) has not expired. Conversely, if you overstay your I-94, your status is violated even if your visa stamp still appears valid. For most visa categories, you may remain in the U.S. as long as your status is valid, even after your visa stamp expires — but you'll need a valid visa to re-enter the U.S. after international travel.
How long does H-1B premium processing take, and what does it cost? +
Premium processing guarantees that USCIS will adjudicate your H-1B petition (approve, deny, or issue an RFE) within 15 business days. As of 2024, the premium processing fee is $2,805 for most H-1B petitions. This is in addition to the standard H-1B filing fees (which range from approximately $730 to $6,460 depending on employer size and whether the Asylum Program fee applies). Premium processing is especially valuable for time-sensitive situations such as job transitions, start dates, and renewal filings. Many employers pay the premium processing fee on behalf of sponsored employees. We advise on whether premium processing is necessary for your specific circumstances.
Can dependents (spouse/children) of H-1B holders work in the U.S.? +
Spouses of H-1B holders are admitted in H-4 status. Historically, H-4 dependents could not work. However, since 2015, certain H-4 spouses have been eligible for work authorization (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) if the H-1B holder has an approved I-140 immigrant petition or has been granted H-1B extensions beyond the normal 6-year limit under AC21. The H-4 EAD program has faced legal challenges, but as of 2024, it remains in effect. We help eligible H-4 spouses apply for and maintain their work authorization, and we monitor ongoing litigation that could affect this rule.
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Our visa attorneys are ready to review your case and identify the best pathway for your situation. Whether you need an H-1B, O-1, F-1, or another category, we'll give you a clear roadmap in your free consultation.

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Don't Let Visa Status Hold You Back.

Immigration deadlines are unforgiving. Whether you have an expiring status, a pending RFE, or you're planning ahead — the sooner we talk, the more options you have.

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