For startup founders, scientists, IT professionals, researchers, and executives. Personalized immigration strategy from a top-rated business immigration law firm.
We will break down the following visa classifications designed for entrepreneurs, founders, scientists, IT professionals, and executives.
Designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics. Provides work authorization for up to 3 years, with the possibility of unlimited 1-year extensions. Ideal for startup founders, engineers, scientists, business leaders, and tech professionals with national or international recognition.
A permanent immigration option for individuals with extraordinary abilities. Shares the same legal criteria as O-1A but requires more objective documentary evidence. You must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim — rising to the top of your field. Self-petition available — no job offer required.
For outstanding professors and researchers with a demonstrated record of significant achievements. No labor certification required. Requires: a substantial body of work (publications, citations, awards), a job offer for a tenure-track position, and 3 years of teaching or research experience.
For executives and managers transferring to a U.S. branch of their multinational company, or entrepreneurs who want to establish a U.S. subsidiary. Must have worked in an executive or managerial role abroad for at least 1 year in the past 3 years. No labor certification required.
To qualify for O-1A or EB-1A, applicants must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim by meeting at least 3 of these 8 criteria:
Membership in distinguished organizations that require outstanding achievements as a condition of admission.
Published material about you or your work in major media or trade and industry professional journals demonstrating your recognition in the field.
Participation as a judge of the work of others in your field — including peer reviews, panel judging, hackathons, startup competitions, and advising professionals in your area of expertise.
Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in your field that have influenced or advanced the work of others.
Command of a high salary or other significantly high remuneration compared to peers in your industry. For example, senior software developers in the U.S. earn over $200K annually.
Authorship of scholarly articles published in major media or professional journals in your field, demonstrating your expertise and contributions to the discipline.
Performance in a critical, leading, or essential role at an organization or establishment that has a distinguished reputation in the field.
Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in your field of expertise.
O-1A provides greater flexibility and fewer restrictions compared to other work visa categories:
The immigration process is complex and stressful but can become more manageable with proper guidance. Our legal team will review your documentation, help build a strong case, and guide you through each step.
You will confidentially discuss your situation and the different options we can offer. You will leave with an action plan, understanding of timelines, and an estimate for our services. Please send us your CV beforehand — it helps us prepare for the meeting.
We will send you an electronic agreement you can sign online and the first invoice. We usually charge 50% of attorney fees upfront and 50% before filing the petition.
Our Onboarding Specialist will: schedule a 30-minute Zoom call to explain our petition preparation process; invite you to our communication app where you can track each stage of your case; invite you to our case management portal where you’ll upload evidence and complete your worksheet; introduce you to our partners — business plan writers, business attorneys, payroll providers, PR companies, and taxation specialists.
After reviewing your documents, the onboarding specialist schedules a strategy call with the legal team. The attorney will advise on how we will argue the case and what additional evidence can strengthen it.
We prepare immigration forms, draft the legal argument, and compile all evidence as exhibits. We share the petition packet with you for final review. Sign in our office or send signature pages by email.
After filing with USCIS, we email you all notices (Receipt, Fingerprint Appointment, Interview if any, Decision). We follow up with USCIS if review exceeds standard processing times. If an RFE is issued, we respond at no additional charge. If denied, we refile free of charge.
I’m Katya Stelmakh, Founder and CEO of Stelmakh & Associates, LLC — a business immigration law firm.
We help entrepreneurs, startup founders, scientists, IT professionals, and their families with work visas and green cards.
I was in the same shoes. When I was 19, I came to the U.S. on a J-1 Exchange student visa from the Soviet Union — a very empowering experience. I decided to pursue legal status in the U.S., advance my career, and establish my life here.
With over 20 years of experience in U.S. immigration law, I have guided Stelmakh & Associates to achieve a 97% approval rate, helping thousands of professionals, startup founders, and entrepreneurs.
Complete the form and our intake team will contact you within 24 hours to schedule a free consultation to discuss your visa qualifications, timelines, and next steps.
We’ll be in touch within 24 hours.
“Our firm’s vision is a world where ambition earns opportunity and talent has no borders.”