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Extraordinary Ability and High-Skill Immigration
for Researchers, Founders and Experts
Led by a US immigration and patent attorney with a science PhD
The United States continues to recognize contributions to high-impact technology areas. Expertise in fields such as AI and data science, life sciences, semiconductors, energy research, and advanced physics may form the basis for permanent immigration.
Specialized immigration pathways may be available if you:
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work in a high-impact or STEM field;
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hold an advanced degree;
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have extensive publications and/or patents;
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have otherwise been recognized in your field.
Evidence of exceptional or extraordinary ability can be demonstrated by major awards, patents, publications, and membership in selective professional societies.
At the same time, visa petitions are seeing increased USCIS scrutiny
USCIS sees thousands of applications generated by templates that all look alike, with generic descriptions of the applicant's expertise and vague connections to national interest. In today's increasingly difficult immigration landscape, such template-driven application are not enough.
To succeed, more thorough and particularized approaches are key
As scientists ourselves, we understand the impact that research, publications, patents, and industry results can have. We use our technical backgrounds to frame your expertise and contributions with credibility and sufficient detail, and tie it to USCIS's requirements.
Our Approach
We don't use template forms, and we take the time to talk with you and develop clear narratives, starting from your technical expertise and accomplishments and credibly tying it to its national impact, to reduce risks of denial or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
Lucas Koziol holds a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Southern California. He is the author of over 25 peer-reviewed scientific publications and an inventor on four patents.
As a former scientist who worked at a US national lab and a major energy company, he's worked with scientists from across the globe. He attended law school at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, graduating in the top 5% of his class. An immigrant himself, he uses his background to help clients pursue their immigration goals.
Selected Visa Pathways
EB-1 is the first-preferenced employment-based visa category. It is well-suited for researchers with influential publications and citations, industry scientists with patents or recognized technical leadership, and startup founders with recognized accomplishments.
EB-1
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Extraordinary Ability
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Outstanding Professors and Researchers
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Certain Multinational Managers and Executives
EB-2 with National Interest Waiver
EB-2 allows those with an advanced degree to qualify for permanent residence, including in STEM fields. An "advanced degree" is generally a master's or higher OR, equivalently, a bechelor's degree followed by at least five years of progressive experience in the specialty.
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Professionals Holding an Advanced Degree
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Exceptional Ability
O-1
The O-1 visa is for individuals with a demonstrated extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics. It is often used by founders who are launching or scaling US companies.
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Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
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Individuals with Extraordinary Achievement
Other visa categories
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L-1 (intra-company transfer)
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E (treaty traders or investors)
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EB-5 (immigrant investors)
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H-1B (specialty occupation work visa)
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B-1 (business visitor)