Immigration Services
Every immigration case starts with a question, and often, more questions follow. This page covers the core services we offer, organized by visa type, with answers to the questions we hear most. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, or you’re not sure where your situation fits, we’re a phone call away.
Family Immigration
Your family shouldn’t have to wait on the other side of a border. Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, bringing a parent home, or starting a life together in the United States, we handle the process with the care and precision your family deserves, so you can focus on what’s ahead, not the paperwork behind it.
Not sure which visa applies to your situation? Schedule a free consultation.
IR-1/CR-1 / IR-6/CR-6 Visa – Spouse of U.S. Citizen
A person in a legally valid, bona fide marriage to a U.S. citizen may qualify. The petitioner and beneficiary must establish the qualifying marital relationship and satisfy the applicable immigration requirements.
The U.S. citizen generally files Form I-130 and must establish a valid bona fide marriage. The beneficiary must complete either adjustment of status or immigrant-visa processing and satisfy applicable admissibility, financial sponsorship, medical, documentation, and other requirements.
Total government filing fees will typically range between $1,120 and $2,375 per person. Fees vary based on several
case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
IR-2 (IR-7) Visa – Unmarried Child (Under 21) of U.S. Citizen
IR-5 (IR-10) Visa – Parent of U.S. Citizen (Over 21)
IR-5 (IR-10) is an immediate-relative immigrant classification permitting a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old
to petition for a qualifying parent to become a lawful permanent resident. The IR-5 designation is for immigrants
applying outside the U.S. (Consular Processing), and IR-10 refers to those applying in the U.S. (Adjustment of
Status).
A qualifying parent of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 may qualify. Immigration law contains specific requirements
for establishing biological, step, and adoptive parent-child relationships.
The U.S. citizen petitioner must be at least 21 and generally file Form I-130 with evidence of citizenship and the
qualifying parent-child relationship. The parent must complete adjustment or immigrant-visa processing and satisfy
applicable admissibility, medical, financial sponsorship, and documentation requirements.
IR-5 (IR-10) visas are not subject to family-preference numerical waiting lines. USCIS reports a FY2026 historical
national median of approximately 12.9 months for immediate-relative I-130 petitions; adjustment or consular
processing adds additional time. Timelines vary by case.
Total government filing fees will typically range between $1,120 and $2,375 per person. Fees vary based on several
case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
F1 Preference Category – Unmarried Child (Over 21) of U.S. Citizen
The F1 category is a family-based immigrant visa for the unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. It provides qualifying beneficiaries with a pathway to lawful permanent residence. Unlike immediate-relative visas, F1 visas are subject to annual numerical limits.
An unmarried son or daughter who is 21 or older may qualify if their parent is a U.S. citizen. The applicant must remain unmarried throughout the process. If the applicant marries before visa issuance, the case may fall within the F3 category instead. A qualifying beneficiary’s unmarried children under 21 may generally qualify as derivative beneficiaries.
The U.S. citizen parent generally files Form I-130 and must establish the qualifying parent-child relationship. The beneficiary must be unmarried and at least 21 years old. An immigrant visa must be available and the beneficiary must satisfy applicable immigration requirements before permanent residence can be granted.
F1 visas are numerically limited and significantly backlogged. As of August 2026, the worldwide Final Action Date is December 15, 2018, with substantially earlier dates for Mexico and the Philippines. Actual waiting time depends on the applicant’s priority date and country of chargeability.
Total government filing fees will typically range between $1,120 and $2,375 per person. Fees vary based on several case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
F2A Visa – Spouse and Unmarried Child (Under 21) of Lawful Permanent Resident
The F2A category is a family-based immigrant visa for spouses and unmarried children under age 21 of lawful permanent residents (green card holders). It provides qualifying family members with a pathway to lawful permanent residence in the United States. An F2A child may age out from this category, so strategy should be discussed with an attorney as early as possible.
The spouse or unmarried child under age 21 of a lawful permanent resident may qualify. A spouse must have a legally valid qualifying marriage, while a child must have the required parent-child relationship with the permanent resident petitioner. A qualifying beneficiary’s unmarried children under 21 may generally qualify as derivative beneficiaries.
The lawful permanent resident generally files Form I-130 and submits evidence establishing the qualifying family relationship. Spouses must establish a qualifying marriage; children must establish the parent-child relationship. The beneficiary must also satisfy applicable immigration requirements, and an immigrant visa must be available before permanent residence can be granted.
F2A is numerically limited but currently has substantially more favorable visa availability than other family-preference categories. As of August 2026, the Final Action Date is July 22, 2026 for most countries and July 22, 2025 for Mexico. Actual timelines vary by case.
Total government filing fees will typically range between $1,120 and $2,375 per person. Fees vary based on several case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
F2B Visa – Unmarried Child (Over 21) of Lawful Permanent Resident
The F2B category is a family-based immigrant visa for unmarried sons and daughters age 21 or older of lawful permanent residents. It provides qualifying beneficiaries with a pathway to lawful permanent residence in the United States.
An unmarried son or daughter who is 21 or older may qualify if their parent is a lawful permanent resident. The beneficiary must remain unmarried throughout the process to qualify in the F2B category.
The LPR parent generally files Form I-130 and must establish the qualifying parent-child relationship. The beneficiary must be unmarried. An immigrant visa must be available and the beneficiary must satisfy applicable immigration requirements before permanent residence can be granted.
F2B is subject to annual numerical limits and typically involves a wait of many years. As of August 2026, the worldwide Final Action Date is January 1, 2018, with substantially earlier dates for Mexico and the Philippines. Visa Bulletin dates can change monthly.
Total government filing fees will typically range between $1,120 and $2,375 per person. Fees vary based on several case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
F3 Visa – Married Child (Over 21) of U.S. Citizen
The F3 category is a family-based immigrant visa for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens. It provides a pathway to lawful permanent residence. A qualifying beneficiary’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 may generally qualify as derivative beneficiaries.
A married son or daughter of a U.S. citizen may qualify. Their spouses and qualifying unmarried children under 21 may generally immigrate as derivative beneficiaries. Unlike F1, the F3 category applies specifically to married sons and daughters.
The U.S. citizen parent generally files Form I-130 and must establish the qualifying parent-child relationship. The beneficiary must also establish the relevant family relationships for any derivative beneficiaries. An immigrant visa must become available, and each intending immigrant must satisfy the applicable requirements for permanent residence.
F3 cases generally involve substantial waiting periods because visas are numerically limited. As of August 2026, the worldwide Final Action Date is May 15, 2012. Mexico and the Philippines have substantially earlier dates. The actual timeline depends on the priority date, country of chargeability, and future Visa Bulletin movement.
Total government filing fees will typically range between $1,120 and $2,375 per person. Fees vary based on several case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
F4 Visa – Sibling of U.S. Citizen (Over 21)
The F4 category is a family-based immigrant visa that allows U.S. citizens age 21 or older to petition for their brothers or sisters. It provides qualifying siblings with a pathway to lawful permanent residence. Their spouses and qualifying children may generally immigrate as derivative beneficiaries.
A brother or sister of a U.S. citizen may qualify if the U.S. citizen petitioner is at least 21 years old. The required sibling relationship must be established. A qualifying beneficiary’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 may generally qualify as derivatives.
The U.S. citizen petitioner must be at least 21, file Form I-130, and establish the qualifying sibling relationship — generally requiring documentation showing that the petitioner and beneficiary share at least one qualifying parent. An immigrant visa must become available, and each intending immigrant must satisfy the applicable immigration requirements.
F4 has an exceptionally long backlog. As of August 2026, the worldwide Final Action Date is September 1, 2009. Dates are even earlier for India, Mexico, and the Philippines. The actual wait cannot be predicted precisely because visa availability and Visa Bulletin dates can change over time.
Total government filing fees will typically range between $1,120 and $2,375 per person. Fees vary based on several case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
K-1 (Fiancé(e)) Visa
The K-1 is a temporary visa allowing the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying that U.S. citizen within 90 days after admission.
A foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen may qualify when both parties are legally free to marry, genuinely intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s U.S. admission, and generally have met in person during the two years before filing, subject to limited exceptions.
The U.S. citizen generally files Form I-129F. The couple must establish their genuine intention and legal ability to marry and satisfy the applicable in-person meeting requirement or exception. After USCIS approval, the foreign fiancé(e) completes consular processing and must marry the petitioner within 90 days of admission.
USCIS reports a FY2026 historical national median of approximately 7.8 months for Form I-129F petitions. This does not include subsequent National Visa Center and U.S. embassy or consulate processing, so the total K-1 process generally takes longer.
Government filing fees for a K-1 visa are typically $675 for Form I-129F and $265 for consular processing. Fees vary based on case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
Immigrant Visas
An immigrant visa is a path to permanent residence — a green card — through employment, investment, or extraordinary achievement. The category you qualify for determines your timeline, your requirements, and your strategy. We’ve guided clients through every employment-based category for over 40 years, from EB-1 extraordinary ability cases to EB-5 investor petitions.
Have a specific case in mind? Talk to us.
EB-1 Visa
EB-1 is the first-preference employment-based immigrant category. It covers individuals of extraordinary ability (EB-1A), outstanding professors and researchers (EB-1B), and certain multinational managers and executives (EB-1C), and can lead to lawful permanent residence.
Eligibility depends on the subcategory. Applicants may qualify through extraordinary ability, qualifying international recognition as an outstanding professor or researcher, or qualifying employment as a multinational manager or executive.
Requirements differ substantially by subcategory. EB-1A permits self-petitioning and does not require permanent labor certification. EB-1B and EB-1C generally require qualifying U.S. employers and employment. Each category has specific evidentiary standards established through Form I-140 and supporting documentation.
Timing depends on Form I-140 processing, premium processing availability, the applicant’s priority date and visa availability, and adjustment of status or consular processing. Premium processing is available and can significantly reduce I-140 adjudication time. There is no single EB-1 timeline.
Filing Form I-140 typically costs between $665 and $1,315 depending on employer size; premium processing is available for $2,965. Consular processing adds approximately $345. Contact our office to discuss the full fee schedule and legal fees applicable to your case.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
An EB-2 NIW is an employment-based immigrant classification in which USCIS may waive the usual job-offer and labor-certification requirements because granting the waiver is in the national interest. The applicant must first qualify for EB-2 as an advanced-degree professional or person of exceptional ability.
The applicant must qualify for EB-2 and establish that the proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, that the applicant is well positioned to advance it, and that, on balance, waiving the job offer and labor certification would benefit the United States.
The applicant must establish underlying EB-2 eligibility and satisfy USCIS’s three-part NIW framework. Unlike ordinary employer-sponsored EB-2 cases, an NIW may be self-petitioned and does not require permanent labor certification or a specific permanent job offer.
Timing depends on Form I-140 processing, whether premium processing is used, visa availability under the Visa Bulletin, and adjustment of status or consular processing. A current priority date is generally necessary before permanent residence can be completed. Timelines vary significantly by country of chargeability.
Filing Form I-140 typically costs between $665 and $1,315 depending on employer size; premium processing is available for $2,965. Consular processing adds approximately $345. Contact our office to discuss the full fee schedule and legal fees applicable to your case.
EB-2 Visa (PERM)
EB-2 is a second-preference employment-based immigrant category for qualifying advanced-degree professionals and individuals of exceptional ability. In a conventional employer-sponsored EB-2 case, the employer generally obtains permanent labor certification (PERM) before filing Form I-140.
Generally, a worker offered a permanent qualifying position may qualify if the position and worker satisfy the advanced-degree requirements or the worker meets the exceptional-ability standard. The employer must generally complete the Department of Labor’s permanent labor-certification process.
Generally, the employer must obtain PERM labor certification after completing required recruitment and wage procedures, demonstrate its continuing ability to pay the offered wage, and file Form I-140. The worker must satisfy the education, experience, and other requirements stated in the labor certification.
The process may include a prevailing-wage determination, recruitment, PERM processing by the Department of Labor, Form I-140 processing, waiting for visa availability, and adjustment of status or consular processing. Visa backlogs can substantially extend the overall timeline, particularly for nationals of certain countries.
Filing Form I-140 typically costs between $665 and $1,315 depending on employer size; premium processing is available for $2,965. Consular processing adds approximately $345. Contact our office to discuss the full fee schedule, PERM-related costs, and legal fees applicable to your case.
See Also
EB-3 Visa (PERM)
EB-3 is the third-preference employment-based immigrant category for skilled workers, professionals, and certain “other workers.” It generally provides a path to permanent residence through sponsorship for a permanent U.S. job.
Skilled workers generally require at least two years of training or experience; professionals generally require at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent; and other workers perform qualifying unskilled labor requiring less than two years of training or experience.
Most EB-3 cases require a permanent full-time job offer and Department of Labor permanent labor certification. After certification, the employer generally files Form I-140 and must establish the beneficiary’s qualifications and the employer’s ability to pay the offered wage.
The process may include prevailing-wage processing, recruitment, PERM adjudication, Form I-140 processing, waiting for an immigrant visa number, and adjustment of status or consular processing. Visa Bulletin backlogs can add years for nationals of certain countries and classifications.
Filing Form I-140 typically costs between $665 and $1,315 depending on employer size; premium processing is available for $2,965. Consular processing adds approximately $345. Contact our office to discuss the full fee schedule, PERM-related costs, and legal fees applicable to your case.
See Also
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
EB-5 is an employment-based immigrant investor program through which qualifying investors may obtain permanent residence by making the required investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise and satisfying applicable job-creation requirements.
A qualifying investor who invests the legally required amount of lawfully obtained capital in an eligible U.S. commercial enterprise and meets applicable requirements — including creation of at least 10 qualifying full-time jobs — may qualify. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may also qualify as derivative beneficiaries.
Requirements include the applicable minimum qualifying investment, lawful source and path of invested capital, investment in a qualifying new commercial enterprise, and creation of at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers. Different rules apply to standalone and regional-center investments.
EB-5 timelines vary substantially. USCIS reports FY2026 historical medians of approximately 10.5 months for Form I-526E regional-center investor petitions and 25 months for Form I-526 standalone investor petitions. Visa availability and subsequent permanent-residence processing can add substantial additional time.
Filing Form I-526 typically costs $3,675 and filing Form I-526E typically costs $4,675. Contact our office to discuss the full fee schedule and legal fees applicable to your case.
Non-Immigrant Visas
Non-immigrant visas are temporary by design, but the decisions you make during that time aren’t. Whether you’re coming to work, study, invest, or visit, the right visa classification matters from day one. We help individuals and employers get it right the first time, and plan what comes next.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options.
B-1 Visa
The B-1 is a temporary visitor visa for people traveling to the United States for legitimate business activities such as consulting with business associates, attending professional or business conferences, and negotiating contracts. It generally does not permit employment or ordinary work in the United States.
A person may qualify if they are coming to the United States temporarily for permitted business activities and can demonstrate that the visit will be for a limited period. Applicants generally must also show sufficient financial resources and strong ties outside the United States supporting their intention to depart after the visit.
Applicants generally must complete Form DS-160, pay the required fee, have a valid passport, and provide a qualifying photograph. They must establish a legitimate temporary business purpose, an intention to leave the United States after the visit, and the ability to pay their travel expenses. Additional documentation may be requested.
The largest variable is typically interview wait time, which varies considerably among U.S. embassies and consulates. The State Department publishes current B-1/B-2 appointment wait times by location. Additional administrative processing may extend timelines at some posts.
A B-1 visa application typically costs $185 in government filing fees. Fees vary based on case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss legal fees applicable to your case.
B-2 Visa
The B-2 is a temporary visitor visa for travel to the United States for tourism or pleasure. Common purposes include vacations, visiting family or friends, and obtaining medical treatment. Certain recreational courses and unpaid participation in amateur social, musical, or sporting events may also qualify.
A person may qualify if they intend to visit the United States temporarily for tourism, vacation, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or another permitted purpose. Applicants generally must demonstrate that their stay will be temporary and that they have sufficient ties outside the United States to ensure their departure.
Applicants generally must complete Form DS-160, pay the required fee, have a valid passport, and provide a qualifying photograph. They must demonstrate the purpose of their trip, their intention to leave after a temporary stay, and their ability to pay the trip’s expenses. Additional documentation may be required.
Processing times vary significantly depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate where the applicant applies. Interview availability can range from relatively short waits to several months or longer at some locations. The State Department publishes updated B-1/B-2 appointment wait times by post.
A B-2 visa application typically costs $185 in government filing fees. Fees vary based on case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss legal fees applicable to your case.
E-1 Visa
The E-1 treaty trader classification allows qualifying nationals of treaty countries to enter the United States to engage in substantial trade principally between the United States and the treaty country.
A qualifying treaty-country national may qualify as the owner of a treaty enterprise or, in appropriate circumstances, as an employee performing executive, supervisory, or specially qualified essential duties.
The enterprise must have the nationality of a qualifying treaty country; trade must be substantial and principally between the United States and the treaty country. Qualifying employees generally must share the employer’s treaty nationality and perform executive, supervisory, or essential-special-skills duties.
Applicants abroad generally apply through a U.S. embassy or consulate, whose scheduling and processing times vary by post. Eligible applicants already in the United States may request E-1 classification through USCIS. No single processing time applies across all cases.
Government filing fees for an E-1 visa typically range from approximately $810 to $1,615, and may be higher depending on case specifics. Optional premium processing is available for an additional $2,965. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
E-2 Visa
The E-2 treaty investor classification permits qualifying nationals of treaty countries to develop and direct a U.S. enterprise in which they have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital.
Treaty-country nationals who make a qualifying substantial investment and will develop and direct the enterprise may qualify. Certain employees sharing the treaty nationality may also qualify when serving in executive, supervisory, or qualifying essential capacities.
Generally, the investment must be substantial, at risk, lawfully controlled by the investor, and placed in a real and operating commercial enterprise. The investor must develop and direct the enterprise, and the enterprise cannot be merely marginal.
Applicants abroad ordinarily apply through a U.S. embassy or consulate, and timing varies significantly by post. Eligible applicants in the United States may request E-2 classification through USCIS; processing depends on the applicable USCIS workload and filing method. No single processing time applies.
Government filing fees for an E-2 visa typically range from approximately $810 to $1,615, and may be higher depending on case specifics. Optional premium processing is available for an additional $2,965. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
E-3 Visa
The E-3 classification allows qualified Australian nationals to work temporarily in the United States in specialty occupations. It is a separate classification from H-1B, although both involve specialty-occupation employment.
Australian nationals offered employment in a qualifying specialty occupation who possess the necessary academic or other qualifying credentials and any required professional license may qualify.
Applicants abroad generally apply directly through a U.S. embassy or consulate. Eligible applicants in the United States may seek a change or extension of status through USCIS. Processing therefore varies by consulate or USCIS workload. No single timeline applies to all E-3 cases.
Government filing fees for an E-3 visa typically range from approximately $810 to $1,615, and may be higher depending on case specifics. Optional premium processing is available for an additional $2,965. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
F-1 (Student) Visa
The F-1 visa permits eligible international students to enter the United States temporarily to pursue a full course of study at an approved academic institution or language-training program.
Generally, a student accepted by an SEVP-certified school who intends to pursue a qualifying full course of study, has sufficient financial resources, and otherwise meets temporary student visa requirements may qualify.
The student generally needs acceptance by an SEVP-certified school, Form I-20, SEVIS registration and fee payment, sufficient financial support, and a valid F-1 visa when required. The student must maintain a full course of study and comply with applicable F-1 status requirements throughout their program.
Timing depends on school admission and Form I-20 issuance, SEVIS requirements, U.S. embassy or consulate appointment availability, and visa processing. Applicants should consult the applicable U.S. embassy or consulate for current appointment information well in advance of their intended start date.
Applicants typically incur a $350 SEVIS fee. Changing status within the U.S. costs approximately $420–$470, with premium processing available for $2,075. Applying abroad costs approximately $185. Contact our office to discuss legal fees applicable to your case.
F-1 OPT Employment Authorization ("OPT Card")
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization for eligible F-1 students to obtain practical training directly related to their major area of study. USCIS issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAD or “OPT card”) after approving Form I-765.
Generally, eligible F-1 students may receive up to 12 months of OPT at an educational level. Students must satisfy applicable academic and F-1 requirements and obtain their designated school official’s recommendation. Certain qualifying STEM graduates may seek an additional STEM OPT extension of up to 24 months.
The student generally must obtain the designated school official’s recommendation, have it entered into SEVIS and reflected on Form I-20, timely file Form I-765, and receive an EAD before beginning authorized employment. OPT employment must relate directly to the student’s major area of study.
USCIS processing times for Form I-765 vary; eligible OPT applicants may have premium-processing options. Because filing windows and requested employment start dates are important, students should file within the applicable regulatory period rather than relying on a particular estimated processing time.
Form I-765 for OPT typically costs between $260 and $520 depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Premium processing is available for $2,075. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B is a temporary employment classification principally used for workers performing services in a “specialty occupation” — an occupation requiring highly specialized knowledge and normally at least a bachelor’s degree in a directly related specific specialty, or its equivalent.
Generally, a worker offered a qualifying specialty-occupation position who possesses the required U.S. degree, equivalent foreign degree, required license, or qualifying equivalent education, training, and experience may qualify.
The employer generally must obtain a certified Labor Condition Application and file Form I-129. The position and worker must satisfy specialty-occupation requirements, and the employer must comply with applicable wage requirements. Cap-subject cases ordinarily must also complete USCIS’s registration and selection process.
Without premium processing, USCIS reports a FY2026 historical median of approximately 5.3 months for I-129 petitions generally; with premium processing, approximately 0.5 months. Cap-subject cases also depend on the annual registration and lottery cycle. Consular processing adds time if required.
Government filing fees for an H-1B visa typically range from approximately $460 to $7,400 depending on employer size and case type, and may be higher. Optional premium processing is available for an additional $2,965. Contact our office to discuss the full fee schedule and legal fees applicable to your case.
I-1 Visa
The I classification is a temporary visa classification for bona fide representatives of foreign information media coming to the United States to engage in qualifying media activities such as news gathering and reporting.
Qualifying reporters, journalists, film crews, editors, and certain other representatives of foreign media may qualify when their activities are informational and generally associated with the news-gathering process.
The applicant generally must represent a foreign media organization, perform qualifying media activities, maintain a home office in a foreign country, and establish appropriate credentials and the nature of the proposed U.S. assignment. Entertainment or commercial filmmaking generally do not qualify merely because the activity involves media.
Applicants abroad generally apply directly with a U.S. embassy or consulate, so timing depends primarily on appointment availability and the particular consular post. Whether additional administrative processing is required can also affect the timeline. No single processing time applies.
Changing status within the U.S. typically costs approximately $420–$470. Applying abroad for the visa stamp costs approximately $185. Fees vary based on case-specific factors. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 is an exchange visitor visa for individuals approved to participate in designated U.S. exchange programs involving education, training, research, teaching, cultural exchange, or other authorized activities.
Eligibility depends on the particular exchange category. Participants must generally be accepted into a program administered by a Department of State-designated sponsor and satisfy that program category’s education, experience, English-language, financial, and other requirements.
A designated program sponsor must accept the participant and issue Form DS-2019. The applicant then completes the applicable visa process and must satisfy the requirements of the particular exchange category. Some J-1 participants are subject to a two-year foreign residence requirement after completing their program.
Timing includes acceptance by a designated sponsor, issuance of Form DS-2019, visa appointment availability, and Department of State processing. Administrative processing may lengthen some cases. Applicants should plan well in advance of their intended program start date.
Changing status within the U.S. typically costs approximately $420–$470, with premium processing available for $2,075. Applying abroad costs approximately $0 for U.S. government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges, or $185 for other programs. Contact our office to discuss legal fees applicable to your case.
L-1 Visa
L-1 classification permits qualifying multinational organizations to temporarily transfer certain employees to a related U.S. entity. L-1A applies to managers and executives; L-1B applies to employees with specialized knowledge.
Generally, an employee who worked abroad for a qualifying organization for at least one continuous year within the preceding three-year period and will work for a qualifying related U.S. organization as a manager, executive, or specialized-knowledge employee may qualify.
The foreign and U.S. organizations must have a qualifying relationship and generally be doing business. The employee must satisfy the required prior foreign employment and proposed U.S. employment requirements. L-1B cases must specifically demonstrate the employee’s specialized knowledge and qualifications.
USCIS reports a FY2026 historical median of approximately 5.3 months for non-premium I-129 filings and 0.5 months for premium filings generally. Actual L-1 processing and any subsequent consular processing can vary. Premium processing is available and can significantly shorten I-129 adjudication time.
Government filing fees for an L-1 visa typically range from approximately $695 to $6,985 depending on employer size and case type, and may be higher. Optional premium processing is available for an additional $2,965. Contact our office to discuss the full fee schedule and legal fees applicable to your case.
O-1 Visa
The O-1 is a temporary, employment-based classification for individuals who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (O-1A), or extraordinary ability or achievement in the arts, motion picture, or television industry (O-1B).
Individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability or achievement, that they have risen to the very top of a qualifying field, and that they are coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in that area may qualify.
For O-1A, applicants must typically have received a major internationally recognized award or satisfy at least 3 of 8 specific qualifying criteria. For O-1B, applicants must typically have received a significant award (e.g., Grammy, Oscar) or meet at least 3 of 8 specific qualifying criteria.
Evidence preparation typically takes 2–6+ weeks. Adjustment of status within the U.S. averages 2–4 months and can be expedited with premium processing. Consular processing abroad typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on the consulate. Overall timelines vary by case complexity and filing method.
Government filing fees for an O-1 visa typically range from approximately $830 to $1,655 depending on case specifics, and may be higher. Optional premium processing is available for an additional $2,965. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
P-1 Visa
P-1 is a temporary classification primarily for internationally recognized athletes and members of internationally recognized entertainment groups. P-1A generally covers qualifying athletes; P-1B generally covers members of qualifying entertainment groups.
Depending on the subcategory, internationally recognized individual athletes, members of qualifying athletic teams, and members of internationally recognized entertainment groups may qualify. Specific provisions also cover certain professional, amateur, theatrical, and esports-related circumstances.
A U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor generally files Form I-129 with evidence establishing the applicable P-1 criteria, details of the U.S. events or activities, and ordinarily a consultation from an appropriate labor organization. Requirements differ significantly between P-1A and P-1B.
USCIS reports a FY2026 historical median of approximately 5.3 months for non-premium I-129 petitions and 0.5 months for premium filings generally. Actual P-1 and subsequent consular processing times vary. Premium processing is available and can significantly shorten adjudication time.
Government filing fees for a P-1 visa typically range from approximately $510 to $1,615 depending on case specifics, and may be higher. Optional premium processing is available for an additional $2,965. Contact our office to discuss filing fees and legal fees applicable to your case.
R-1 Visa
TN Visa
Disclaimer
Please note that the filing fees and timelines discussed below are often revised by the government and subject to change. Contact Polatsek, Boheme & Wilkowski to discuss the most current fees and timelines that may be applicable to your case.
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