1000+Cases Won

99%USCIS Approval Rate

16+Years in Business

Our Goal Is To Make Your Immigration Journey Easy

Stelmakh & Associates, LLC is an immigration law firm based in Seattle serving needs of entrepreneurs, startup founders, individuals with extraordinary abilities and their families.

About Us

O-1 Work Visa

For extraordinary individuals.
Flexible job roles, no wage requirement.

EB-1 Green Card

For top-tier achievers.
Quickest path to Green Card.

EB-2 NIW Green Card

For professionals with advanced degrees.
No labor certification.

Seattle Immigration Lawyers Providing Legal Services and Guidance for Foreign Clients Who Want to Live, Work or Start a Business in The United States

Over 1.5 million immigrants arrive in the United States every year, many of them chasing the dream of a better life or the opportunity to take their business or professional career to the next level. However, understanding American immigration laws and all the requirements to obtain a visa can be a daunting task for most people, causing many to give up on their dreams or put them on hold due to the complexity of their visa application process.

The immigration attorneys at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC know all about the challenges prospective immigrants face in order to enter the United States to live and work legally. Our law firm is based in Seattle and serves clients across the globe, assisting them with the process of selecting and applying for a visa and helping them maximize their chances of approval. We believe talent should not be limited by borders. Contact us at 206-558-6288 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your dream.

Entrepreneurs & Investors

I’d like to start my own business
or invest into a U.S. company

Take a quiz

Extraordinary Abilities

I’m very accomplished in
business \ science \ art \ athletics

Take a quiz

Work Visas & Green Cards

I have a job offer from
a U.S. company

Take a quiz

What Should I Expect When Working With Stelmakh & Associates, LLC?

When you reach out to the legal team at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC, you will have the opportunity to schedule an initial consultation. During the consultation, you will confidentially discuss your situation and learn the different options we can offer to solve your immigration needs. If you decide to work with us, we will send you an electronic agreement and an invoice. You may sign your agreement online.

In order to start working on your case, we usually charge 50% of attorney fees upfront and 50% before filing the petition. After payment, we will invite you to our case management portal, where you can upload your documents and fill out a questionnaire. We will use your answers to prepare your immigration forms. Next, our legal team will draft the legal argument, compile all your evidence for submission to the USCIS, and share the petition packet with you for a final review. You can sign the forms in our office or send them by email. After that, we will email you all USCIS notices relating to your case – Receipt Notice, Fingerprints Appointment Notice, Interview Notice (if any), and Decision Notice.

We will follow up with the USCIS on your behalf if your case is not reviewed within normal processing times. The final step is preparing you for the interview so you can be confident and ready to answer all of the consular officer’s questions. In addition, our attorney can appear at your USCIS interview in person, by phone, or via video conference. A large percentage of clients who decided to hire Stelmakh & Associates, LLC for their case have had their petitions approved by the USCIS, making it a wise decision for themselves and their families.

Immigration Legal Services

We provide the following services:

What Kind of Visa and Immigration Cases Does Stelmakh & Associates, LLC Handle?

While our firm can help clients around the world with a variety of immigration matters, our main focus is on business immigration. Investors and entrepreneurs often move when they acquire a business. Attorney Stelmakh is passionate about helping businesses grow. She and her legal team help entrepreneurs build business plans supporting immigration requirements and business success. The team at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC focuses on the following cases:

Investment Visas
Permanent Work Visas
Temporary Non-Immigrant Visas
E-1 Visas
E-2 Visas
L1 Visa Options
EB-1(A) Extraordinary Ability Green Cards
EB-1(B) Outstanding Professor / Researcher Green Cards
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waivers)
O1 Visas

We understand that, for many people, securing a visa or achieving permanent residency in the United States may seem like a pipe dream. The team at Stelmakh & Associates LLC is here to assist you in the process of making your immigration goals achievable.

Reviews About Stelmakh & Associates, LLC

What Our Clients Say

All reviews

Why Choose Our Firm

Experience

Our attorney, Katya Stelmakh, has been practicing business immigration law since 2006. She solely practices immigration law and is always up to date with the ever-changing immigration laws and regulations.

Accessibility

We make it easy for you or your company to work with us. We serve clients throughout the world and can handle cases by phone, email, and video meetings, in addition to meeting clients in person at our Seattle office.

Technology

We use a cutting-edge immigration case management system powered by AILAW, which helps us handle your information efficiently and confidentially. Your case is important to us and deserves individual attention.

Transparency

We will deliver an honest assessment of your particular case and will not give you false promises. You will always be fully informed of your options and any potential obstacles you may encounter along the way.

Results

We handle hundreds of cases per year and have more than a 99% approval rate. We are committed to getting results for our clients and supporting them in their journey of relocating to the United States.

Support

With over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and professionals immigrate to the U.S., we have developed a strong support network that can advise you on all aspects of relocation, from choosing the right school for your children to purchasing properties and selecting the right insurance.

Our Work Process. From Start to Success.

What To Expect?

01. Schedule a Consultation

You will confidentially discuss your situation and the different options we can offer to solve your immigration needs. You will come out of the discussion with the action plan, an understanding of the next steps, and an estimate for our services. Please send us your CV beforehand!

02. Sign Our Retainer Agreement

We will send you an electronic agreement you can sign online and the invoice. We usually charge 50% of attorney fees upfront and 50% before filing the petition.

03. Onboard

Our onboarding specialist will invite you to the app, where you can find each step of your case explained in detail and receive updates via text and email as your case progresses. We will also invite you to our case management portal, where you will upload evidence and complete a worksheet so we can use your answers to prepare the immigration forms.

04. Meet the Legal Team

After reviewing your documents and worksheets, the onboarding specialist will schedule a meeting with the legal team to polish your case strategy. During this call, the attorney will advice on what evidence you can add to strengthen your case.

05. We Prepare Your Petition Package

After preparing immigration forms for your case, we draft the legal argument and compile all your evidence for submission to the USCIS. We will share the petition packet with you for a final review.

06. Sign the Immigration Forms

You can sign the forms in our office or send them by email.

07. We Print and Send Your Package to the USCIS

After, we will email you all USCIS notices relating to your case – Receipt Notice, Fingerprints Appointment Notice, Interview Notice (if any), and Decision Notice.

08. We Monitor the Status of Your Case

We will follow up with the USCIS on your behalf if your case is not reviewed within normal processing times.

09. Congratulations on Your Approval!

In the case of the RFE, we will prepare and send the answer without any additional fees. We have very high approval rates, but a case can still be denied – if so, we will refile it free of charge.

Immigration News & Press About Us

Two environmental scientists reviewing architectural or environmental blueprints near a water treatment facility

How Environmental Scientists Can Secure an EB-2 NIW: Key Strategies for Success

What can you do if you don't have a job offer to immigrate to the U.S.? Securing a position as an environmental scientist can be challenging due...

Scientist wearing protective gear examining samples under a blue ultraviolet light in a dark lab environment

How Scientists Can Prove Their Contributions for an EB-1a Visa Application

America has long been a land of opportunity, with immigrant entrepreneurs playing a vital role in innovation and economic success. Immigrants or...

How Katya Stelmakh Became a Leading Immigration Attorney for the Venture Ecosystem

In a recent feature on The Vertical, Katya Stelmakh’s rise to prominence as an immigration attorney for the venture ecosystem is highlighted....

Man in a suit holding a coffee cup at a wooden table, with a blue tie featuring anchor designs

Comparing EB-5 and EB-1A Green Card Pathways for Entrepreneurs and Investors

The EB-5 and EB-1A green card pathways are for entrepreneurs and investors seeking permanent residency in the United States. Both paths offer...

A sleek modern workspace with a partially closed MacBook and a wireless mouse on a wooden desk, next to a minimalist white chair.

I am on an H1B visa, but I want to open a business in the U.S. What should I do?

Generally, H1B visa holders can register US companies, own equity in US companies, and invest in any businesses. They must obtain work...

What Legal Steps Should Tech Startups Take to Facilitate Employee Immigration in Seattle?

Seattle, known for its thriving tech industry, has become a magnet for tech startups and talent from around the world. As these startups grow,...

All News

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between a non-immigrant visa and an immigrant visa?

A non-immigrant visa is a temporary visa that allows someone to travel to the United States for a limited period and a specific purpose, like business, tourism, or study. Examples of non-immigrant visas include the B-1 visa for business travelers, the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities, the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees, the H-1B visa for professionals in specialty fields, and the E-2 visa for investors.

An immigrant visa (green card) is a permanent visa that allows a person to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Common examples include the EB-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities and the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. These immigrant visas are ideal for those seeking permanent residency and a long-term career in the U.S.

Can I bring a family member to live in the USA?

Yes, both immigrant and non-immigrant visa holders may bring their immediate family members, such as spouses and children, to the United States. Family members can typically receive a derivative visa to enter and live in the U.S. alongside the primary visa holder.

If family members are already in the U.S., they may file an I-485 (Adjustment of Status) application, which allows them to adjust their status without leaving the country. In some cases, they may also file an I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) application to obtain work authorization. If family members are abroad, they can apply for a derivative visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country, which allows them to join the primary visa holder upon approval.

What happens if my visa application is denied?

If a visa application is denied, the applicant will receive a written notice of the denial, which will explain the reasons for the decision. Usually, the applicant can appeal the decision or reapply for a visa.

We only proceed with your case if we are confident in its success. If the petition we filed for you is denied, we will file it again free of charge and have it reviewed by another officer, with a high likelihood of approval.

Does a green card allow me to become a citizen?

A green card holder is eligible to apply for United States citizenship through the process of naturalization. This process involves submitting an application, attending an interview, passing a written test on U.S. history and government, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States. After successfully completing all the steps in the naturalization process, the green card holder will become an official U.S. citizen.

How long does it take to file my O1, EB1 or EB2 NIW petition?

2-3 months if clients provide us with all the evidence. We do not rush our clients to file if they prefer to collect more evidence for the EB1A criteria to improve their chances of approval.

How does premium processing work, and is it worth it?

Premium processing allows for faster adjudication of certain immigration petitions. While paying for premium processing doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of approval, it can provide peace of mind and expedite the process. If you’re eager for a quicker decision, paying for premium processing may be beneficial.

How can I meet the criteria for major contributions to the field?

To meet the criteria, provide objective documentary evidence and recommendation letters from your peers, supervisor, and other experts in your field. While recommendation letters help, we may need more evidence. Include additional documentary proofs like screenshots of emails, internal or external press releases about significant projects or innovative products you contributed to, and product or project description documents, even if your name isn’t mentioned.

Do research papers from my previous studies count to meet the published scholarly articles criteria?

Yes. Academic articles in your field from Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD studies will be considered to meet the published scholarly articles criteria, and your research might also be considered for meeting the major contribution to the industry criteria.

Is there any degree requirement for EB1-A?

No, there is no degree requirement for EB1-A.

What types of memberships qualify to meet the membership criteria?

Any membership in professional organizations or associations that requires a high level of expertise to be admitted for membership counts. The strict admission criteria can be proven through screenshots from the organization’s website, testimonial letters, or other documentation.

How can I prove that I meet the criteria for holding a critical, essential, or leading role at a distinguished organization?

You can prove this criterion by obtaining testimonial letters from employers with distinguished reputations. Additionally, gather emails, internal corporate documents, presentations, or any relevant information such as awards or prizes earned within your company. Include evidence of creating impactful products, managing employees, and reviewing their work to strengthen your case.