Business Immigration
Your talent is here. The paperwork shouldn't stop them. Whether you are a founder moving to the U.S. to build your company, a researcher your organization is trying to bring on board, or a company navigating talent immigration for the first time — the legal work is the same: an argument that a person qualifies under a demanding federal standard. We build that argument.
A specific inflection point.
Business immigration at LMH Law is for individuals and organizations at a specific inflection point: a person with recognized expertise needs to be in the United States, and a visa petition is the mechanism.
Founders & Entrepreneurs
You are building a company and need to be — or stay — in the United States. The O-1 is often the right tool: no lottery, no employer sponsorship required for self-petitioners, renewable indefinitely.
Researchers & Scientists
A university, research institution, or private lab is bringing you on and needs the petition built correctly. We translate a publication record, citation history, and peer review work into a case USCIS can evaluate.
Engineers & Technical Leads
High-compensation roles, critical technical positions, and documented industry contributions can meet the O-1 standard. If you have been told you might qualify but aren't sure, a strategy session will clarify it.
Companies Sponsoring Talent
You have identified someone you want to hire and need the petition filed correctly the first time. A denial or a Request for Evidence (RFE) is expensive — in legal fees, in time, and in the cost of a delayed start date.
The O-1, in plain terms.
For most extraordinary-ability clients, the work starts with the O-1 — a nonimmigrant petition built on evidence. We can advise on the longer arc from the start, so the first petition is built with what comes next in mind.
O-1 Visa
Grants lawful status to work in the United States for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in their field. No green card required to begin.
- — Initial period up to 3 years; renewable in 1-year increments
- — Requires petitioner (employer, agent, or self in certain cases)
- — Premium Processing: 15 business-day decision
- — O-1A (science, business, athletics) / O-1B (arts, film, TV)
The O-1 vs. the H-1B
H-1B- — Annual lottery (approximately 65,000 cap)
- — Requires employer sponsorship
- — Filed once a year in April; months of uncertainty
- — No lottery. No cap.
- — Available year-round
- — Renewable indefinitely in 1–3 year increments
- — Premium Processing available: decision in 15 business days
The scope of representation and the fee are agreed in writing before any work begins — covering drafting, evidence organization, and follow-up correspondence.
Start dates matter. We work with your timeline and can advise on Premium Processing where available to minimize delays.
Before you call.
From founders, HR teams, and individuals navigating this for the first time.
Can a founder petition for themselves on an O-1?
Yes, with some structure. USCIS requires an O-1 petitioner — a U.S. employer or agent — to file on behalf of the beneficiary. A founder can use an agent arrangement or have the company file on their behalf. We can advise on the right structure for your specific situation during a consultation.
How long does an O-1 petition take to process?
Standard processing currently runs several months. Premium Processing — an additional USCIS fee — offers a decision within 15 business days. We advise on whether Premium Processing makes sense for your timeline.
Our employee is outside the U.S. Can you still help?
Yes. Our practice is entirely online and we work with clients internationally. If the beneficiary is abroad, the petition is still filed with USCIS in the U.S., and upon approval they attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. We coordinate throughout the process.
Ready to start?
A strategy session is the right first step — whether you are a founder assessing your O-1 eligibility, a company evaluating a hire, or an individual ready to move.
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