EB-3 skilled worker green cards are designed for individuals who have at least two years of training or work experience in a skilled position. To qualify, the employer must first complete the PERM labor certification process, which shows the U.S. Department of Labor that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job and that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect local wages or working conditions. Once PERM is approved, the employer can file the immigrant petition, and the worker can move forward with obtaining permanent residency. For many applicants, the EB-3 pathway offers a reliable and structured route to a green card through long-term, full-time employment. This is a lengthy process and the timing is critical. Please reach out to our offices today to find out how we can help.
Practice Areas
Employment-Based Immigration
EB-1 Extraordinary Ability
EB-1 visas offer a fast, high-priority path to permanent residency for individuals who have reached an exceptional level in their careers or hold key leadership roles. This category includes EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability, EB-1B for outstanding professors and researchers, and EB-1C for multinational managers and executives. Many applicants value the EB-1 category because it can move quickly, and in the case of EB-1A, does not require an employer sponsor. To qualify, applicants must show strong, well-documented achievements and a consistent record of excellence recognized at the national or international level.
EB-2 National Interest Waivers (NIW)
A National Interest Waiver (NIW) allows certain professionals to apply for a green card without needing a job offer or labor certification if their work benefits the United States. Under the Dhanasar framework, applicants must show three things:
(1) their work has substantial merit and national importance;
(2) they are well-positioned to advance that work, and;
(3) on balance, it would benefit the United States to waive the usual job offer and labor certification requirements.
In simple terms, if your contributions have real value, you can continue making progress in your field, and the country benefits from letting you do so without extra hurdles, you may qualify for an NIW. This is a challenging standard to meet and must be well-documented by evidence. Contact our office to see if you qualify.
EB-3 Skilled Workers
ESTA/B-1 or B-2 Entries
Entering the United States on ESTA or a B-1/B-2 visa can create challenges for employers who need their employees to work in the U.S. These entry categories do not permit employment, making it essential to consider the appropriate nonimmigrant visa to remain in full compliance with U.S. law. Choosing the right visa classification for yourself or your employees helps prevent complications at the border and allows you to stay focused on what matters most—running your business.
Individuals who enter on ESTA have limited rights in the United States and generally cannot change to another status from within the country. If you are in the U.S. on ESTA and need to manage or operate a business, it is important to speak with an immigration attorney to understand your options.
Similarly, the B-1 category only allows certain preliminary business activities, such as market research or signing leases. If you or your employees need to actively manage a business from within the United States, contact our office to determine which nonimmigrant visa category best fits your needs.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Our firm provides bilingual support for companies seeking nonimmigrant visas such as H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, R-1, P-1, L-1A, L-1B, O-1, and TN for their employees. With clear communication in both English and Spanish, we help HR teams and international talent understand each requirement and step in the process. By offering culturally aware guidance and direct access to an attorney, we streamline document preparation, reduce misunderstandings, and create a smoother, more efficient experience for employers and their global workforce.
E-1/E-2 Treaty Traders & Investors
Investor visas are available to nationals of certain countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. The applicant must trade a substantial amount with the U.S., or invest in a new or existing commercial enterprise. To find out more about the requirements and how we can help, schedule a consultation with Attorney White.
H-1B Visas
A specialty occupation visa (or a change of status to an H-1B if the applicant is already in the U.S.) is for individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a field related to their job opportunity and is sponsored by a U.S. employer. New H-1B applicants submit applications in April and are selected by lottery. Visas are limited to 65,000 annually and an additional 20,000 for individuals holding a Master’s degree.
L-1A Multinational Managers and Executives
A foreign business that intends to open a U.S. office or branch, or has an existing U.S. business, may petition to transfer its executives or managers to the U.S. company. There must be common ownership of both the foreign and U.S. companies, and the foreign company must remain open and operating while the visa holder is in the United States. The L-1A may be available for an initial period of three years with two year extensions, for up to seven years. An employee who is traveling outside of the United States frequently may be able to recapture time outside of the United States during an extension.
Attorney White has extensive experience with L-1A petitions for multinational managers and executives. She also responds to complex Requests for Evidence regarding these petitions. If you have a Request for Evidence or want to petition for the transfer of a manager or executive from an office abroad, please reach out to our offices and schedule a consultation to find out more.
J-1 Visas for Interns, Trainees, and Researchers
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program offers valuable opportunities for interns, trainees, and researchers to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience in the United States. Whether you are participating in a structured internship, advancing your career through specialized training, or contributing to academic research, the J-1 visa can open doors to meaningful professional growth. Each category has specific requirements, including approved program sponsors, detailed training or research plans, and strict compliance guidelines that must be followed throughout the stay.
Our firm helps applicants and host organizations navigate every step of the J-1 process—from confirming eligibility and preparing documentation to understanding program rules and avoiding common pitfalls. We ensure that interns, trainees, and researchers have clear guidance and strong support from start to finish.
The government announced that both F-1 and J-1 visa holders may have limited admissions to the US of up to four years and need to extend their stay if their program lasts longer. The regulatory change was announced August 28, 2025. Regulations are typically subject to at least a 60-day notice and comment period before they enter into effect.
If you are considering a J-1 visa or need help with the application process, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and find out more.
Athletes and Performers
P-1 status (or visa) is a nonimmigrant visa for athletes or performers who are internationally recognized, either individually or as part of a team or performing group. A P-2 visa may be available to an artist or entertainer who will perform as part of an exchange program between the U.S. and a foreign organization. A P-3 visa may be available to an artist or performer coming to perform, coach, or teach in a “culturally unique” art form. Visas may also be available for essential support personnel, spouses, and children coming to join the visa holder.
Waivers
A 212(d)(3) waiver allows individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to the United States to apply for a nonimmigrant visa despite past issues such as prior immigration violations, certain criminal offenses, or misrepresentation. This waiver is discretionary, meaning U.S. authorities review each case carefully to determine whether the applicant poses any risk and whether their reasons for travel are legitimate and compelling. A well-prepared 212(d)(3) waiver highlights the purpose of the trip, the applicant’s ties outside the United States, and evidence showing they do not present a danger or risk of overstaying. For many travelers, this waiver offers a valuable opportunity to overcome past obstacles and obtain temporary permission to visit the United States. If you believe you may need a 212(d)(3) waiver, our firm can guide you through the requirements and help you present the strongest application possible.
Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) can be stressful, especially when the notice includes extensive or technical document demands. RFEs often arise when immigration officers need more proof to verify eligibility, clarify inconsistencies, or evaluate the strength of a petition. Responding thoroughly and accurately is essential—missing details or weak explanations can lead to delays or denials.
Our bilingual firm provides experienced, strategic support for preparing RFE responses of all complexity levels. We review every line of the government’s request, identify exactly what evidence is needed, and help you gather the strongest documentation available. With clear communication in both English and Spanish, we guide individuals, families, and businesses through each step, ensuring that your response is complete, well-organized, and persuasive. Whether you are dealing with an employment-based, family-based, or humanitarian case, we bring extensive experience and careful attention to detail to help protect your immigration goals.
Consular Processing
Consular processing can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with forms, document requests, and interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Working with a bilingual attorney ensures that every step is clearly explained in the language you feel most comfortable with—whether English or Spanish. This helps prevent misunderstandings, reduces delays, and makes the process smoother for families and employees navigating the system from outside the United States.
Our firm provides clear guidance on required documents, prepares clients for their consular interviews, and communicates with U.S. consulates when issues arise. We bridge language gaps, address cultural concerns, and make sure you understand what to expect at every stage. With bilingual support and extensive immigration experience, we help you move confidently through consular processing and toward successful entry to the United States.
Appeals
If you have already filed an application with the government for yourself or someone else, you may have gotten a denial. When you receive a denial letter from the government, it may include a deadline for you to respond or file an appeal. In many cases, applicants may have as little as 30 days to respond by filing an appeal. Cases filed at the consulate do not have an appeals process, but may be reviewed in certain circumstances. Contact our office to find out if we can help.
Families and Individuals
Permanent Residency
The U.S. Department of State issues a limited number of visas each year for the families of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The number of available visas is published online each month in the Visa Bulletin. The immediate relatives of U.S. citizens do not need to wait in line for a visa. All other family based immigrants must have a visa available for them to be eligible to apply.
An immediate relative of a U.S. citizen includes their spouse, parent, or child under age 21. The U.S. citizen must file a petition for these relatives and they can become residents or conditional residents without having to wait in line for a visa.
Other categories of immigrants that are eligible to apply based on a family relationship include:
- F1- Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
- F2A- Spouses and children under 21 of Lawful Permanent Residents
- F2B- Unmarried children over 21 of Lawful Permanent Residents
- F3- Married children over 21 of U.S. citizens
- F4- Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. citizens
If the U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident applies for their child before they turn 21, they may be able to benefit from the Child Status Protection Act, which protects the child from aging out before the date of their interview. To take advantage of this, we recommend talking with our attorney to find out more.
Citizenship & Naturalization
Current lawful permanent residents of the United States can apply to become naturalized citizens as early as four years and nine months from becoming a resident. Spouses of U.S. citizens can apply for naturalization as early as two years and nine months from the date their residency was approved. Applicants for citizenship must pass a civics test with questions related to the U.S. government and must generally be able to read, write, and understand basic English unless they can qualify for an exception to this requirement based on their age and length of residency, or a documented medical disability. Applicants must also reside continuously in the United States before they can apply for citizenship. For a full understanding of the requirements, contact our office to speak with our attorney.
F-1 Student Visas
The student visa (F-1 status) is for individuals coming to study at an institution of higher education in the United States, including accredited colleges and universities. These students must obtain an acceptance from the school and an approved form I-20 for international students.
Students must generally attend school full-time to maintain their student visas. After one year of study, student visa holders may qualify for a limited work authorization related to their discipline, and can work at the university or college.
After graduation, students can qualify for optional practical training, which allows them work authorization for an additional year. Students whose degrees are in a STEM field can qualify for an extension of their work visas beyond one year. STEM fields include several degrees under the umbrella of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The government has announced changes to the duration of stay for student visa holders. Instead of being admitted for the duration of their program, students will be given a set amount of time to depart the US on each entry, capped at a maximum of four years. Students would also need to apply to extend their status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services if their program takes longer than their initial admission period. The proposed rule was announced on August 28, 2025 and will not take effect until the public has a chance to receive notice and comment on the proposed changes. Comments were due on September 29, 2025. To find out more about how this change could impact your program, contact Attorney White today.
Deferred Action
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (the DACA program) provides individuals who arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16 and present in the United States on June 15, 2012, with the possibility to live and work in the United States without being deported.
Successful applicants can apply for work authorization, a social security number, and driver license or state ID. To qualify, the individual must be currently enrolled in school, a graduate of an accredited college or university, a recipient of the G.E.D. or high school equivalency diploma, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. armed forces. Additionally, there are criminal background requirements.
Unlike most immigration benefits, DACA is not a status or a path to permanent residency. The initial authorization lasts for two years and can be renewed. The program has allowed many individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children to continue their education or work in the U.S.
DACA has faced many legal challenges over the years and is limited in the state of Texas. Find out more about the DACA program by scheduling an appointment with Attorney White today.
LGBTQIA+ Immigration
LGBTQIA+ identifying immigrants can have unique challenges when it comes to obtaining immigration benefits, visas, and government-issued IDs. Unfortunately, many LGBTQIA+ immigrants are vulnerable to discrimination and abuse. We provide legal services to LGBTQIA+ individuals and are here to provide compassionate, informed counsel regarding their legal rights and options. Contact Attorney White today for more information.