Is Gewählt a U.S.-based law firm?
Yes, we are a U.S.-based law firm with accredited U.S. attorneys. We are fully authorized by the D.C. Bar to provide legal services, including legal advice and legal representation.
What is the EB-2 NIW Visa?
An EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) visa is a pathway for individuals with either a bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of work experience, or individuals that have an MBA. This visa grants you immediately with the green card, which is the U.S. residency. The advantage of this visa is that you don’t need an offer letter from a company nor sponsorship: you can apply for it, get your approval, and move to the U.S. to look for a job or open your own business.
What is an EB-1 A Visa?
The EB-1A is an immigrant visa for people that are nationally recognized for their work. Usually, they have appeared in media articles or had their work recognized on a national level in the fields of business, sciences, arts, education, or athletics.
Just like the EB-2 NIW, this visa does not require sponsorship nor an offer letter from a company.
What is the O-1 visa?
The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. It recognizes professionals who have demonstrated national or international acclaim through awards, publications, or distinguished achievements. Due to the recent restrictions on the H-1B program — including higher fees and stricter salary requirements — the O-1 visa has become a preferred alternative. It has no annual cap, offers more flexibility in filing dates, and evaluates applicants based on professional accomplishments rather than employer sponsorship.
Does the O-1 visa require sponsorship?
Yes. The O-1 visa must be filed by a U.S. petitioner, such as an employer or an authorized agent representing the beneficiary.
What are the main advantages of the O-1 visa?
The O-1 visa has no quota limits, can be filed at any time of the year, and provides greater flexibility for professionals who meet the eligibility requirements. It also allows extensions and renewals as long as qualifying activities continue.
Can I later apply for a Green Card if I hold an O-1 visa?
Yes. Many O-1 visa holders transition to the EB-1A or EB-2 NIW categories once they meet the necessary criteria for permanent residency.
What is the L-1 visa?
The L-1 visa allows international companies to transfer executives, managers, or specialized employees from a foreign branch to a related office in the United States. It facilitates intra-company mobility and can serve as a pathway to permanent residency.
What is the difference between a Regular L-1 and a New Office L-1?
A Regular L-1 is used when transferring an employee to an existing U.S. office. The New Office L-1 is for foreign companies establishing a new branch or subsidiary in the U.S. and transferring an executive or manager to oversee its operations.
How long is the L-1 visa valid for?
The initial validity for a Regular L-1A visa is up to three years and can be extended for a maximum of seven years. The L-1B visa, for specialized employees, can be renewed up to five years. For a New Office L-1, the initial validity is one year, with extensions granted based on business growth and compliance.
Does the L-1 visa require a minimum investment amount?
No specific minimum investment is required. However, the company must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to support its U.S. operations and the transferred employee’s position.
Can the L-1 visa lead to a Green Card?
Yes. L-1A executives and managers are eligible for the EB-1C immigrant visa, which offers a direct route to permanent residency.
What is the Adjustment of Status (AOS)?
The AOS process allows individuals already in the United States to apply for permanent residency (Green Card) without leaving the country.
Who is eligible to apply for AOS?
You may apply for AOS if you are in the U.S. under a valid non-immigrant status and have an approved immigrant petition (such as EB-1, EB-2 NIW, or EB-1C), or if both applications are filed concurrently.
What does the AOS process include?
It involves completing Form I-485, submitting supporting evidence, attending a biometrics appointment, and in some cases, an interview with USCIS.
Can I travel or work while my AOS is pending?
Yes, with proper authorization. You can request advance parole (Form I-131) for travel and employment authorization (Form I-765) while your AOS application is being processed.
Can I hire Gewählt only to respond to my RFE?
Yes. We can assist you exclusively with your RFE response. Our team carefully analyzes the RFE letter, creates a personalized action plan, guides you through every step of the process, and prepares a strong, well-structured response to improve your chances of approval.
How can Gewählt Law assist with my RFE?
Our firm provides a comprehensive review of your case, identifies the exact points raised by USCIS, and prepares a strong, well-structured response to address all concerns and maximize your chances of success.
How long does the process typically take for these visas?
The processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and government processing times. Generally, once all the documentation is submitted, we are able to compile the final package within 60 days. After submission, processing times can vary depending on the type of visa.
How can your law firm assist with these visas?
Our law firm will assess your background, prepare all the necessary documentation, and submit the visa petition for you. We provide tailored guidance and support to individuals seeking to obtain these visas, ensuring thorough preparation and compliance with immigration requirements.
How do I get started with your law firm for my visa application?
To get started with our law firm for your visa application, you can contact us through email or WhatsApp in the Contact section. Our team will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your case. During this meeting, we will assess your eligibility, gain insight into your general objectives within the immigration context, and outline the steps involved in the process.
What documents are required from me to apply for the visa?
Our company will assist you in gathering all the necessary documentation and evidence to support your visa application. Generally, for the EB-2 NIW visa, you will need your college diploma(s), certifications, evidence of prior work or projects you developed, and other documentation that we will help you in gathering and preparing.
What are the fees associated with your legal services?
Our firm offers competitive and transparent fee structures for immigration services. The exact fees may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the type of visa being pursued, and additional services required. We provide detailed information about our fees during the initial consultation, ensuring clarity and transparency throughout the process.
If I am not eligible for the visa, can your firm help in preparing my profile for eligibility?
Absolutely! We can mentor you in how you can enhance your profile, connecting you with other professionals and services that can help your case, such as press release services, judging opportunities, and others.
What are the accepted methods of payment for your legal services?
You can pay our fees using any credit or debit card, as well as by wire transfer or Zelle®.
What are the available options if my visa application is denied?
If your visa application is denied, we can assist you in exploring available options, including the possibility of appealing the decision or reapplying with strengthened documentation, free of any additional charges. We provide comprehensive guidance and support to help navigate through the appeals process or strategize for a successful reapplication.
How long will your company take to assemble my application process?
This will depend on the strength of your endeavor, your unique professional attributes, your expertise and experience, your level of education, and the basic initial documentation we will need to have. If you already meet the minimum requirements for the chosen visa category and have your documentation in order with sufficient evidence, the timeframe for us to assemble your case is around 60 days after all the documentation is provided.
What is your approval rate?
We have a 95% approval rate, and we take your case very seriously. We work diligently to make sure your petition includes all the necessary documentation to maximize the chances of a successful outcome.