May
26

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EB-1A Visa Approved for International Soccer Star | Extraordinary Ability Green Card for Athletes

Category: "Extraordinary Ability" Green Card, "Extraordinary Ability" Visa, Athletes, Best EB-1 attorney in Scottsdale, Best immigration attorney, Best immigration attorney in Scottsdale, EB-1 green card, EB-1 Visa, Green card, Green card attorney, Green card without job offer, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale Tags: , , , , ,

EB-1A Petition Approved for Internationally Acclaimed Soccer Player

We are thrilled to announce the approval of an EB-1A petition—a first-preference immigrant petition—for our client, a world-class professional soccer player. This successful case highlights how athletes of extraordinary ability can qualify for a U.S. green card without employer sponsorship or labor certification.

Our client’s remarkable achievements on both national and international stages met the strict legal requirements under 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3) for individuals of extraordinary ability.

What Is the EB-1A Petition for Individuals of Extraordinary Ability?

The EB-1A immigrant petition is designed for individuals who are at the very top of their field—whether in athletics, the arts, sciences, business, or education. It provides a direct path to a U.S. green card without needing a job offer or PERM labor certification.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim through documentation of a major internationally recognized award or satisfy at least three out of ten criteria.

How We Proved EB-1A Eligibility for a Professional Soccer Player

In our client’s case, we strategically demonstrated that he met three key EB-1A criteria for athletes of extraordinary ability:

  1. Nationally and Internationally Recognized Awards

Our client received numerous awards honoring his soccer achievements. He was the top goal scorer in his home country, broke longstanding records both there and in the U.S., and earned recognition from leading soccer organizations. These formal accolades played a critical role in proving national and international acclaim.

  1. Membership in Athletic Associations requiring Outstanding Achievement of their Members, as judged by Recognized National and International Experts

He held membership in high-level soccer associations, including:

  • National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
  • United Soccer League Players Association (USLPA)
  • His national soccer team, where he competed internationally

We demonstrated in detail to the satisfaction of USCIS that our client (i) was a member of the associations, (ii) the associations operate in the field of soccer, (iii) membership requires outstanding achievements, and (iv) admission is evaluated by recognized experts—thereby meeting the second criterion.

  1. Published Material about Client in Major Sports Media

Our client’s career was extensively covered by national and international sports outlets. These features highlighted his milestones, record-breaking achievements, team affiliations, and awards, thereby establishing that he met the third criterion.

Continuation of Professional Soccer Career in the U.S. and Merit Evaluation

As required under the EB-1 category, our client demonstrated that he will continue his professional soccer career in the United States. After USCIS determined that he met at least three of the regulatory criteria, it proceeded with the final merits determination. Numerous expert opinion letters from respected figures in the international soccer community assisted USCIS in its evaluation and ultimately supported the petition’s approval.

A Winning Legal Strategy for Extraordinary Ability Petitions

Filing a successful EB-1A green card petition requires more than meeting technical requirements—it demands a persuasive, well-documented narrative aligned with USCIS expectations. Our immigration law firm works closely with clients to build strong, individualized cases that meet each of the EB-1 regulatory criteria.

Interested in learning if you qualify for an EB-1 green card as an athlete?

If you are a professional athlete, coach, or performer with international recognition and a record of sustained excellence, you may qualify for a U.S. green card through the EB-1A extraordinary ability category.  Our firm specializes in extraordinary ability visas for athletes and professionals.

Find out if you qualify for an EB-1 green card: https://juraslaw.com/do-you-qualify-for-eb-1/
Schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/irena-3
Explore your immigration options and take the first step on your U.S. immigration journey today.

Feb
7

By

Fast NIW Approval for an Engineer

Category: Best NIW attorney, Green card, Green card attorney, Green card for an Engineer, National Interest Waiver, NIW attorney, NIW for an engineer Tags: , ,

Securing a National Interest Waiver (NIW) can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, recent cases show that well-prepared petitions can lead to swift approvals. One notable example involves an electrical engineer specializing in control systems who achieved rapid NIW approval due to his innovative work in automation, renewable energy, and semiconductor technology.

Academic and Professional Background

The engineer’s research focuses on applying advanced control theories and electrical engineering principles to industrial systems, especially in high-impact sectors like semiconductors, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy. He holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering in Instrumentation and Control Engineering. During his master’s program, he published several papers in reputable journals and presented his findings at prestigious conferences.

Contributions to National Interests

Collaborating on a key project with the Department of Energy, he developed technology that enhances the viability and economic competitiveness of renewable energy sources. This innovation reduces U.S. reliance on foreign energy, thereby strengthening national security. Currently, he designs and develops electrical systems, automation frameworks, and control systems for multi-million-dollar semiconductor manufacturing process modules.

Demonstrating National Importance

To support his NIW petition, the engineer provided extensive evidence of the substantial merit and national importance of his work. Letters from leading industry experts and government officials highlighted the critical impact of his contributions and the adoption of his innovations in key projects. The petition successfully established that waiving the standard labor certification requirement was in the best interest of the United States, allowing him to continue his research and development efforts without employer sponsorship.

Swift Approval

What set this case apart was the speed of approval. While NIW cases can sometimes take several months, this petition received a favorable decision in just a few weeks, thanks to compelling evidence and well-structured legal arguments.

Conclusion

This case illustrates that professionals in fields such as electrical engineering, automation, semiconductor technology, and renewable energy—particularly those contributing to national security and energy independence—can successfully obtain a National Interest Waiver. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prioritizes cases where the applicant’s contributions clearly benefit the country, making a well-documented petition essential.

If you are an engineer or researcher working in critical sectors like automation, renewable energy, or semiconductors, this success story demonstrates that an NIW could be a viable pathway for you. Contact us and schedule your consultation at https://calendly.com/irena-3 to explore your options and build a strong case for your immigration journey.

Jun
16

By

Success Stories Architect’s NIW Approved in 13 Days

Category: Architect, EB-2, Green card, Green card attorney, Green card without job offer, immigration Attorney in phoenix, Immigration attorney in Scottsdale, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, immigration lawyers phoenix, National Interest Waiver, NIW Tags: , , , , , ,

The National Interest Waiver (NIW) offers qualified individuals the opportunity to petition for a green card without the need for a job offer from an employer. In this case study, we explore the petition of our immigration law firm‘s client, a highly accomplished professional in the field of sustainable architecture.

Upon reviewing his resume, it became evident that he was an ideal candidate for the NIW. Holding a Ph.D. in arid lands resource sciences, a master’s degree in architecture, and a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering, his academic background showcased specialized knowledge in sustainable architecture, energy conservation, and design principles. Holding an advanced degree is a requirement for obtaining an NIW.

Architect

Now, let’s examine the three prongs that must be met for USCIS to waive the normal job offer and labor certification requirements for a green card.  First, his proposed endeavor must have substantial merit and national importance. Our client’s endeavor as Senior Lecturer and Faculty Advisor in the Master of Science in Architecture Graduate Program fits the criterion perfectly.  It plays a  role in the urgent fight against climate change by shaping future professionals to lead the charge in reducing architecture’s impact on the environment.  Furthermore, his proactive approach to conducting research and disseminating knowledge beyond his university promotes sustainable practices in the field of architecture.  The university’s trust in his expertise is evident, as he was entrusted with assisting in establishing a state-of-the-art carbon-zero energy environmental research laboratory and revising the environmental and technology curriculum – both critical steps in advancing the fight against climate change.

Our client’s second endeavor as Senior Project Manager in a reputable architecture firm, with a strong focus on sustainable design, is also of substantial merit and national significance.  It has the potential to make considerable strides in reducing the carbon footprint of U.S. communities.  As a leader and advisor to a team of professionals involved in sustainable architectural projects, he plays a crucial role in ensuring adherence to sustainable practices. These projects have the potential to positively impact education and medical access for numerous communities across the United States.   His leadership and guidance in this endeavor are of paramount importance to achieving sustainable outcomes that will benefit communities for years to come.

Both of our client’s endeavors are vital to the fight against climate change, an Immediate Priority Announced by the Current United States Administration. His academic and advisory responsibilities play a crucial role in meeting the demands of science and promoting sustainable practices in the field of architecture. Supported by overwhelming evidence and numerous references from experts in the field, his work holds significant merit and national importance, which certainly helps him qualify for a National Interest Waiver.

Second, we need to demonstrate that he is well-positioned to advance his endeavors. Our client’s advanced degrees in sustainable architecture, along with over ten years of experience in the field, recognition for achievements by distinguished individuals and organizations, and relevant professional memberships and publications, all demonstrate that is well-positioned to advance his endeavors. He has spent the last decade focused on sustainable, energy-efficient design, contributing to projects like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), High Performance Sustainable Building (HPSB) and net-zero buildings design. Moreover, he has a track record of conducting architectural design analysis and implementation through computer simulation for existing and new buildings, actively engaging in research, mentorship, interdisciplinary collaborations, current debates, and staying informed about current developments. He also contributes to the industry through conference papers and published peer-reviewed works while serving as an experienced reviewer of scholarly work and research proposals.

Last, we must show that, on balance, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the requirements of a job offer and labor certification. Our client’s exceptional achievements in sustainable architecture have resulted in significant benefits to major industries in the U.S. and beyond. His contributions extend beyond his roles as Senior Lecturer, Faculty Advisor, and Senior Project Manager. He also dedicates himself to teaching and mentoring future leaders, conducting research, publishing, presenting, and serving as a leader in leading professional associations. Denying him a National Interest Waiver and permanent residence solely because another individual may be “minimally qualified” for his specific job would be unjustifiable.

His exceptional knowledge and skills in technology and business, particularly in design and energy conservation, have led to remarkable and documented advancements in sustainable architecture, as recognized by top academic experts and published throughout the industry. Such a level of achievement and a unique combination of skills and knowledge cannot be easily articulated in a labor certification application, where employers must state only the minimum requirements and search for a minimally qualified worker, rather than someone who has the proven ability to substantially advance an entire field forward. Based on the overwhelming evidence documenting the above, our client met the requirements for a National Interest Waiver, and his petition was approved in just 13 days.

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice. We have simplified the law to provide general information about one National Interest Waiver case.  If you would like to determine if you qualify for the National Interest Waiver or explore the best visa or green card options for you, schedule a consultation today with an experienced immigration lawyer or contact us at the Juras Law Firm office at 480-425-2009! We look forward to talking with you and assisting you in obtaining the National Interest Waiver and green card!

Jun
8

By

Success Stories: NIW for Researcher Approved in 13 Days

Category: Employment green card, Green card, Green card attorney, Green card through employment, immigration Attorney in phoenix, Immigration attorney in Scottsdale, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Legal permanent residency, Legal Permanent Resident Status, National Interest Waiver, Uncategorized

As an immigration attorney, I am thrilled to share an exciting success story. Recently, I had my client’s National Interest Waiver petition approved in just 13 days. This achievement not only underscores my client’s exceptional qualifications but also showcases my commitment and expertise.

In this blog post, I will examine this case in detail. Many clients come to my office to explore eligibility for the National Interest Waiver because it allows them to bypass the usual employment-based green card requirements of a job offer and the lengthy labor certification process. In order to qualify for the National Interest Waiver (NIW), the professionals need to hold an advanced degree and provide evidence that they meet the following three criteria: (i) their endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance, (ii) they are well positioned to advance the endeavor and (iii) on balance, it would be beneficial to the U.S. to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements. That’s where we come in when you contact us!

NIW for Geologist

I determined that my client, with his impressive academic background and significant contributions to the field of geology, was a strong candidate for the NIW. First, we submitted extensive documentary evidence establishing that the impact of my client’s research on the furtherance of human knowledge, especially the evolution of the solar system and prediction of climate change, has both substantial merit and national importance. My client holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geology. He is working on two fully funded federal grants in his role as Assistant Research Professional.  Notably, his work on a NASA grant focuses on examining the impact history of the moon, providing humanity with a more complete picture of the evolution of the solar system, the Earth, and the Moon. Additionally, my client secured a National Science Foundation grant that facilitated the purchase of advanced equipment. This equipment allows him to push the boundaries of microanalytical techniques. We thus established that my client meets the first criterium.

Second, we submitted overwhelming evidence that my client is well-positioned to advance the endeavor. My client has a Ph.D. in geology. His research culminated in many research papers that were published in notable scientific journals. His research has been referenced by many articles utilized by other scientists. He collaborates with various external clients from numerous national and international universities. His two main research projects are focused on the evolution of the surface of Mars. Understanding these surface conditions and environments of Mars is important in humanity’s efforts for the future colonization of Mars. As such, he is well positioned to advance research furthering human knowledge, especially the evolution of the solar system and the prediction of climate change. Based on the above, he meets the second criterium.

Third, my client was hired as the top candidate in the advertised competitive search. Our immigration lawyers submitted support letters confirming that none of the U.S. candidates – many from top U.S. universities – provided the same level of accomplishment and promise as my client. We established with overwhelming evidence that my client offers contributions of such value that, he will serve the national interest to a substantially greater degree than would an available U.S. worker having the same minimum qualifications even if other qualified U.S. workers are available.  Accordingly, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification requirement. The waiver of the job offer is in the national interest.  Accordingly, my client met the third criterium. We have demonstrated that my client’s contributions in the Earth and Space science field are of such unusual significance that they merit the special benefit of an interest waiver.

Please review our other post discussing some of our other National Interest Waiver cases: click here (NIW for Senior Power System Engineer) or here (NIW for Mining Engineer).

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice.  We simplified the law to provide general information about the National Interest Waiver.  If you would like to discuss if you qualify for the National Interest Waiver or what is the best visa or green card option for you, schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer in Scottdale, Arizona or call the Juras Law Firm office at 480-425-2009! We look forward to talking with you and helping you obtain the National Interest Waiver and green card!

 

 

Nov
3

By

TPS recipients who entered US illegally are eligible to adjust status

Category: Green card, LPR, Temporary Protected Status, TPS Tags: , , , , ,

The Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit held that a foreign national who entered the U.S. illegally (without inspection and admission) and received Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”), is deemed “inspected and admitted” for purposes of adjustment of status and may adjust their status to that of lawful permanent resident.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  If you need any assistance associated with your TPS status and would like to discuss how this decision may impact you, call our experienced TPS attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online.

Sep
26

By

Does a position shared by several employees count as one full-time job for EB-5 job creation?

Category: Best EB-5 attorney in Phoenix, Best immigration attorney, Best immigration attorney in Scottsdale, Best Investor visa attorney in Phoenix, EB-5 job sharing, EB-5 visa, EB-5 visa attorney, Green card, Green card through investment, immigration Attorney in phoenix, Immigration attorney in Scottsdale, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, Investor visa, Legal permanent residency, Top EB-5 attorney in Phoenix, Top immigration attorney, Top immigration attorney in Phoenix Tags: , , , , , , , ,

In order to get an EB-5 green card through investment, the investor has to create at least 10 full-time jobs. A client wanted to invest in a restaurant where several employees would share some positions. Does that qualify?

To be considered a full-time job, it requires 35 hours a week. Where two or more employees share a full-time position it counts as one-full time job if they combine at least 35 hours per week. To demonstrate a full-time position is shared by more than one employees, the investor may should a written job-sharing agreement, we weekly schedule or evidence of the sharing of the responsibilities or benefits of a permanent full time position. However, two part-time jobs do not count.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law to outline only one aspect of the EB-5 green card process. If you would like to obtain an investment (EB-5) green card, call our experienced EB-5 green card attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online.

Aug
30

By

What are the income requirements for marriage green card?

Category: Affidavit of support, Best immigration attorney, Best marriage green card attorney in Phoenix, Best marriage green card attorney in Scottsdale, Green card, Green Card based on Marriage, Income, Legal Permanent Resident Status, Marriage Green Card, Marriage green card attorney in Phoenix, Marriage green card attorney in Scottsdale, Top immigration attorney, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , ,

In order to obtain a green card (legal permanent resident status), the green card applicant must submit an affidavit of support by a sponsor.   The sponsor must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident, 18 years of age, domiciled in the and have an income 125% above the federal poverty line. In 2020, an income 125% above the federal poverty line for a household of 2 people is $21,550, for a household of 3 people $27,150 and for the household of 4 people is $32,750.   The income of certain household members may be included.  If the sponsor cannot meet the minimum-income requirements, (s)he may provide evidence of assets that are readily available or seek a joint sponsor.  The affidavit may not be necessary if the green card applicant already has 40 quarters of earnings in the US.     

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law to outline one aspect of the marriage green card process.  If you would like us to obtain a marriage green card, call our experienced marriage green card attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online

Aug
30

By

How long does the adjustment of status takes in Phoenix?

Category: Adjustment of status, Best immigration attorney, Green card, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, Legal Permanent Resident Status, Top immigration attorney, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , ,

My clients met online and at the end of the foreign national US visit, they decided they don’t want to be separated any longer and got married.  We filed the petition with the USCIS and an adjustment application last July and the adjustment interview was scheduled for March.   In this case, it took7 months to have the adjustment application approved.  

The USCIS average processing time of the adjustment applications in Phoenix is now 9.5 – 29.5 and it’s been updated regularly.

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law to outline one marriage green card processing time.  If you would like us to obtain a marriage green card, call our experienced marriage green card attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online. 

Aug
30

By

Self-petition of abused spouse of US citizen (VAWA) approved

Category: Best immigration attorney, Green card, Green Card based on Marriage, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, Legal Permanent Resident Status, Marriage green card attorney in Phoenix, Physical and verbal abuse, Top immigration attorney, Uncategorized, VAWA, VAWA attorney in Phoenix, VAWA attorney in Scottsdale Tags: , , , , , , ,


This case originally started as a regular marriage green card case.  US citizen husband filed for his foreign spouse and their child was born.  Soon after the birth, the US citizen started to abuse his wife verbally and physically.  She tried everything, but at the end had no choice but to leave the household.   We documented the abuse, filed a self-petition for her and have her petition approved.   She can now safely raise her child without worries about her abusive ex-husband. 

Please note that this article does not constitute a legal advice.  We simplified the law to outline one case of an abused wife of a US citizen who we helped to get her green card.  If you are subject to a physical or psychological abuse by your US spouse and need help with your green card process pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”), call our experienced marriage green card attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online. 

Jul
31

By

How long will it take to process your EB-5 green card petition?

Category: Best immigration attorney, EB-5 visa, EB-5 visa attorney, Green card, Green card through investment, Immigration attorney Phoenix, Immigration lawyer Arizona, Immigration Lawyer Scottsdale, Investor visa, Investor Visa Attorney, Legal Permanent Resident Status Tags: , , ,

Last year the processing times of EB-5 petitions drastically increased overnight, jumping from a range of 20.5 to 27 months to a range of 29 to 45.5 months. Today, the estimated processing time is between 46 and 74.5 months and for petition to remove conditions between 27 and 48.5 months.

One potentially positive development is that the USCIS has proposed significant changes in how it will prioritize the EB-5 petition adjudications. On January 29, 2020, the USCIS announced that starting March 31, 2020 it would no longer continue its “first-in first-out” approach to adjudications, and instead would shift to a visa availability approach. Applicants from countries where visas are immediately available will now be better able to use their approximate 700 visas annual per-country allocation of EB-5 visas.

In August 2014, the U.S. Department of State, announced the first instance of EB-5 visa unavailability in the EB-5 program’s history, affecting investors born in China. Until recently, three countries face significant EB-5 visa backlog: China, Vietnam, and India. Chinese EB-5 visa backlog rose to a 16.2 year wait prediction in an October 2019. Vietnamese investors were predicted to wait 7.1 years. Indian investors filing in October 2019 had roughly 6.7 years’ worth of EB-5 visas “in line” ahead of them. Now, the EB-5 visa backlog for Chinese investors is less than 5 years and 3 years for Vietnamese investors. There is no longer backlog for investors born in India.

Despite the large amount of registered China fifth preference demand, currently there are not enough applicants who are actively pursuing their EB-5 case to fully utilize the amount of numbers which are expected to be available under the annual limit. Further, the spread of COVID-19 could also sap visa demand along with suspending visa services. Long waits may also become commonplace for all future investors if Congress enacts country cap removal legislation. Chinese investors would stand to gain from country cap removal legislation, whereas rest of would face longer wait times.

Please note that this articles does not constitute a legal advice.  We provided some insights into EB-5 processing. If you would like to discuss if you may qualify for EB-5 investor green card, call our experienced EB-5 visa attorney at 480-425-2009 or schedule your consultation online.  

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