Frequently Asked Questions

EB-1A is a first-preference employment immigration category for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics. Applicants must demonstrate top-level ability, typically by satisfying at least three of ten claims with substantial evidence.

A regular EB-2 typically requires employer sponsorship and an approved labor certification (PERM). NIW waives the labor certification requirement, allowing self-petition, provided the applicant demonstrates that their work benefits the U.S. national interest.

Timelines vary by category: first-preference categories like EB-1A are faster, family immigration is subject to priority-date backlogs, and marriage green cards depend on whether you adjust status in the U.S. Processing also depends on USCIS volume, RFEs and visa-bulletin movement.

A priority date is the date your I-130 or I-140 petition was filed. For categories subject to numerical limits, you must wait until the Department of State's monthly Visa Bulletin shows your priority date as current before proceeding to the next step.

An RFE means an officer needs additional evidence to reach a decision. Read each requirement carefully, provide targeted evidence and respond before the deadline. An experienced attorney can help prioritize and organize the response to maximize approval odds.

Yes. Most B-1/B-2 refusals are based on INA 214(b) — the officer finds you have not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. That is not a permanent denial; you may reapply with stronger ties to your home country or after a material change in circumstances.

Not necessarily. Many categories can be completed entirely abroad through consular processing, including EB-1A, NIW and certain family categories. You do not need to enter on a nonimmigrant visa first — you can receive an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate overseas.

Attorney fees are our fixed charge for legal services. Government fees are filing fees charged by official bodies like USCIS and the Department of State, set by the agencies and subject to change. They are listed openly and separately, not included in our service fee.