Specialized immigration legal services for software engineers, developers, data scientists, and IT professionals in New York's tech industry. Expert guidance on H-1B, L-1, O-1 visas, green cards, and startup immigration.
With H-1B lottery odds around 25-30%, you need strategic planning, multiple registrations (if eligible), and backup visa options to secure your work authorization.
Early-stage startups face unique challenges: no established wage data, company size requirements, ability to pay, and maintaining status during funding rounds or pivots.
Tech job titles, roles, and requirements evolve quickly. Your immigration strategy must adapt to role changes, promotions, layoffs, or company acquisitions.
USCIS often challenges tech job titles like "Full Stack Developer" or "DevOps Engineer." Proper documentation of duties, requirements, and specialization is critical.
Tech workers from India and China face years-long green card backlogs. You need strategic timing, alternative categories (EB-1, NIW), and H-1B extensions beyond 6 years.
Remote work, multiple work locations, and digital nomad arrangements create immigration complexities around LCA postings, prevailing wages, and work location amendments.
Most common visa for tech workers. Requires bachelor's degree or higher in specific field. 3-year initial period, renewable to 6 years (or beyond if green card pending).
Best For
Software engineers, developers, data scientists, product managers, UX designers with relevant degrees
Timeline
Lottery in March, start date October 1st. Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits) anytime.
For employees transferring from foreign office to US office of same company. L-1A for managers/executives, L-1B for specialized knowledge workers. No lottery, no prevailing wage.
Best For
Tech leads, engineering managers, architects with 1+ year at foreign office. Great for international companies.
Timeline
Premium processing available (15 days). Can start immediately upon approval. 5-7 year maximum.
For individuals with extraordinary achievement in tech. Requires evidence of sustained acclaim and recognition. No lottery, no degree requirement, unlimited renewals.
Best For
Senior engineers, CTOs, recognized experts, open-source contributors, speakers, award winners, published researchers
Timeline
Premium processing available. 3-year initial approval, unlimited 1-year extensions. Faster green card path.
Self-petition for green card without employer sponsorship. For tech professionals whose work benefits the US. Skip PERM labor certification. More flexibility than employer-sponsored.
Best For
AI/ML researchers, cybersecurity experts, health tech innovators, work in national interest areas (STEM, health)
Timeline
18-24 months average. Can change employers during process. Permanent residence immediately upon approval.
Scenario:
Your H-1B registration wasn't selected in March lottery. OPT/STEM OPT expires soon.
Our Solution:
Explore cap-exempt H-1B (university/nonprofit), L-1 transfer if you worked abroad, O-1 if qualified, or F-1 continuation (pursue Masters). We help identify alternative paths quickly.
Scenario:
Small startup wants to hire you but worries about sponsorship costs, paperwork, and ability to pay.
Our Solution:
We help startups understand streamlined H-1B process, reasonable costs ($3-5k), and prepare strong ability-to-pay evidence using funding rounds, revenue, or investor commitments.
Scenario:
You were laid off during tech downturn. H-1B grace period is only 60 days. Need to find new sponsor fast.
Our Solution:
We accelerate H-1B transfer process, help negotiate start dates, advise on grace period usage, and explore alternatives if transfer isn't feasible (cap-exempt, L-1, change of status).
Scenario:
Promoted from Software Engineer to Senior Engineer, or role changed from backend to full-stack. Need H-1B amendment?
Our Solution:
We analyze whether change is material requiring amendment vs. minor not requiring action. If amendment needed, we handle it efficiently to avoid work authorization gaps.
Scenario:
Have H-1B with current employer but received better offer. Worried about transfer process and timing.
Our Solution:
H-1B portability allows you to start working once new H-1B is filed (don't need to wait for approval). We file expedited transfer and manage transition smoothly.
Scenario:
PERM in progress but taking 1-2 years. H-1B 6-year limit approaching. Born in India/China with decades-long backlog.
Our Solution:
We pursue H-1B extensions beyond 6 years using pending PERM/I-140, explore EB-1A or EB-2 NIW as alternatives, and advise on AC21 portability for job changes during green card process.
We've worked with FAANG companies, startups, and tech SMBs. We understand software development cycles, agile methodologies, and tech job structures.
Tech moves fast - we do too. Quick response times, efficient filings, and proactive communication to match your hiring timelines.
Not just petition filing - we provide long-term immigration roadmaps aligned with your career goals and company growth plans.
USCIS increasingly issues RFEs for tech positions. Our strong evidence packages and persuasive RFE responses maximize approval rates.
We know startup challenges: limited resources, lean HR, funding cycles. Flat fees, streamlined processes, and practical advice.
Immigration doesn't end at approval. We support you through travel, extensions, amendments, and green card portability issues.
We serve tech workers throughout New York's major tech centers
Whether you're navigating H-1B lottery, changing employers, or pursuing a green card, our tech immigration specialists are here to help. Get expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.