1000+Cases Won

97%USCIS Approval Rate

17+Years in Business

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Our Goal Is To Make Your Immigration Journey Easy

At Stelmakh & Associates, LLC, we help technology professionals, startup founders, and extraordinary individuals build their future in the United States. Founded in Silicon Valley and based in Seattle, our firm helps with O-1, EB-1A, and EB-2 NIW visas, guiding clients through every stage of the immigration process.

Our extraordinary clients come from

Find out which U.S. visa fits you best

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Entrepreneurs & Investors

I’d like to start my own business
or invest into a U.S. company
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Extraordinary Abilities

I’m very accomplished in
business \\ science \\ art \\ athletics
Group 120
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Work Visas & Green Cards

I have a job offer from
a U.S. company
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Our Mission

stelmakh mission

We believe talent should not be limited by borders, and our clients are brave heroes ready to take risks for a better future for themselves and their families.

We empower people to achieve their American dream. We help motivated and talented individuals navigate the complex American immigration system with compassion. We enable them to access better career opportunities in the US, build American companies, innovate, and benefit the US economy.

Why choose our firm

  • Technology 1Customized Strategy
We don’t craft cookie-cutter petitions. Our managing attorney Katya Stelmakh has been practicing business immigration law since 2006. She will develop a customized case strategy tailored to your professional plans and background, whether you’re applying for an EB-1A green card, O-1 visa, or other U.S. immigration programs.
  • Experience 1Empathy

As immigrants ourselves, we have a deep understanding of your goals and the immigration process. Our team provides personalized and empathetic immigration services. We believe that ambition deserves admission, and talent should not be limited by borders.

  • Accessibility 1Legal Team
3 professionals will work on your case: the Managing Attorney Katya Stelmakh, an experienced Associate Attorney, and an accomplished Paralegal, committed to responding to your emails within 48 hours. We handle hundreds of cases per year and have a 97% approval rate.
  • Transparency 1Transparency

We will deliver an honest assessment of your case and will not give you false promises. You will always be fully informed of your options and any potential obstacles along the way. We will invite you  to an app where you can see yourself moving on the timeline and track the case progress.

  • results 1Guarantees

We offer a full money-back guarantee within seven calendar days of signing the retainer agreement. All RFEs and NOIDs are fully covered – we’ll answer them at no cost.

  • Support 1Network

With over 17 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and professionals immigrate to the U.S., we have developed a strong support network that can advise you on all aspects of relocation. We have proven partners to help you with your taxes, business plan, media coverage, and more.

Our process. What to expect?

01. Schedule a Consultation

You will confidentially discuss your situation and the different options we can offer to solve your immigration needs. You will come out of the discussion with an action plan, an understanding of the next steps, and an estimate for our services.​

A Client Success Manager will conduct a preliminary review of your background to determine your eligibility. An Attorney will review and confirm this evaluation.

Please send us your CV beforehand! It will help us prepare for the meeting and use the consultation timeframe most efficiently.

02. Sign Our Retainer Agreement

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.

03. Onboard

 You will have an initial meeting with an Attorney and our Onboarding Paralegal to finalize your eligibility criteria and outline required evidence. Our Onboarding Paralegals are specially trained to assist you in collecting the necessary evidence to build a strong case. They will:

  • invite you to a communication app where you can see each stage of your case explained in detail and receive updates on your case progress via text and email;
  • invite you to our case management portal, where you will upload evidence and complete a worksheet to help us prepare your immigration forms;
  • check the provided evidence and answer your questions;
  • introduce you to our partners — business plan writers, business attorneys, payroll providers, PR companies, taxation specialists, etc., depending on your needs and petition requirements.

04. Meet the Legal Team

Once your initial evidence portfolio has been compiled, you will be assigned to your dedicated legal team to discuss your case strategy. Your legal team will include at least one experienced Paralegal, one Associate Attorney, and the Managing Attorney. 

During this call, the attorney will advise on how we will argue the case and on any additional action items that may be needed to strengthen the petition.

05. We Prepare Your Petition Package

After preparing immigration forms for your case, we draft the legal argument and compile all your evidence for submission to the USCIS. We will share the petition packet with you for a final review.

06. Sign the Immigration Forms

You can sign the forms in our office or send them by email. 

07. We Print and Send Your Package to the USCIS

We will email you all USCIS notices relating to your case – Receipt Notice, Fingerprints Appointment Notice, Interview Notice (if any), and Decision Notice. 

08. We Monitor the Status of Your Case

We will follow up with the USCIS on your behalf if your case is not reviewed within normal processing times.

09. Congratulations on Your Approval!

In the case of the RFE, we will prepare and send the answer without any additional fees. If the case denied, we can refile it or appeal USCIS denial decision.

Immigration news

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Травневий візовий бюлетень!

Травневий візовий бюлетень! Якщо ви EB-1 або EB-2, народжені в Індії або Китаї, 30 квітня може бути останнім днем, коли ви можете подати I-485 до...

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May Visa Bulletin Alert!

🚨 May Visa Bulletin Alert! If you're EB-1 or EB-2 born in India or China, April 30 may be your last window to file I-485 until November...

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between a non-immigrant visa and an immigrant visa?

A non-immigrant visa is a temporary visa that allows someone to travel to the United States for a limited period and a specific purpose, like business, tourism, or study. Examples of non-immigrant visas include the B-1 visa for business travelers, the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities, the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees, the H-1B visa for professionals in specialty fields, and the E-2 visa for investors.

An immigrant visa (green card) is a permanent visa that allows a person to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Common examples include the EB-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities and the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. These immigrant visas are ideal for those seeking permanent residency and a long-term career in the U.S.

Can I bring a family member to live in the USA?

Yes, both immigrant and non-immigrant visa holders may bring their immediate family members, such as spouses and children, to the United States. Family members can typically receive a derivative visa to enter and live in the U.S. alongside the primary visa holder.

If family members are already in the U.S., they may file an I-485 (Adjustment of Status) application, which allows them to adjust their status without leaving the country. In some cases, they may also file an I-765 (Employment Authorization Document) application to obtain work authorization. If family members are abroad, they can apply for a derivative visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country, which allows them to join the primary visa holder upon approval.

What happens if my visa application is denied?

If a visa application is denied, the applicant will receive a written notice of the denial, which will explain the reasons for the decision. Usually, the applicant can appeal the decision or reapply for a visa.

We only proceed with your case if we are confident in its success. If the petition we filed for you is denied, we will file it again free of charge and have it reviewed by another officer, with a high likelihood of approval. 

Does a green card allow me to become a citizen?

A green card holder is eligible to apply for United States citizenship through the process of naturalization. This process involves submitting an application, attending an interview, passing a written test on U.S. history and government, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States. After successfully completing all the steps in the naturalization process, the green card holder will become an official U.S. citizen.

How long does it take to file my O1, EB1 or EB2 NIW petition?

2-3 months if clients provide us with all the evidence. We do not rush our clients to file if they prefer to collect more evidence for the EB1A criteria to improve their chances of approval.

How does premium processing work, and is it worth it?

Premium processing allows for faster adjudication of certain immigration petitions. While paying for premium processing doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of approval, it can provide peace of mind and expedite the process. If you’re eager for a quicker decision, paying for premium processing may be beneficial.

How can I meet the criteria for major contributions to the field?

To meet the criteria, provide objective documentary evidence and recommendation letters from your peers, supervisor, and other experts in your field. While recommendation letters help, we may need more evidence. Include additional documentary proofs like screenshots of emails, internal or external press releases about significant projects or innovative products you contributed to, and product or project description documents, even if your name isn’t mentioned.

Do research papers from my previous studies count to meet the published scholarly articles criteria?

Yes. Academic articles in your field from Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD studies will be considered to meet the published scholarly articles criteria, and your research might also be considered for meeting the major contribution to the industry criteria.

Is there any degree requirement for EB1-A?

No, there is no degree requirement for EB1-A.

What types of memberships qualify to meet the membership criteria?

Any membership in professional organizations or associations that requires a high level of expertise to be admitted for membership counts. The strict admission criteria can be proven through screenshots from the organization’s website, testimonial letters, or other documentation.

How can I prove that I meet the criteria for holding a critical, essential, or leading role at a distinguished organization?

You can prove this criterion by obtaining testimonial letters from employers with distinguished reputations. Additionally, gather emails, internal corporate documents, presentations, or any relevant information such as awards or prizes earned within your company. Include evidence of creating impactful products, managing employees, and reviewing their work to strengthen your case.

What kind of visa and immigration cases does Stelmakh & Associates, LLC handle?

While our firm can help clients around the world with a variety of immigration matters, our main focus is on business immigration. Investors and entrepreneurs often move when they acquire a business. Attorney Stelmakh is passionate about helping businesses grow. She and her legal team help entrepreneurs build business plans supporting immigration requirements and business success. The team at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC focuses on the following cases:

  • Investment Visas
  • Permanent Work Visas
  • Temporary Non-Immigrant Visas
  • E-1 Visas
  • E-2 Visas
  • L1 Visa Options
  • EB-1(A) Extraordinary Ability Green Cards
  • EB-1(B) Outstanding Professor / Researcher Green Cards
  • EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waivers)
  • O1 Visas

We understand that, for many people, securing a visa or achieving permanent residency in the United States may seem like a pipe dream. The team at Stelmakh & Associates LLC is here to assist you in the process of making your immigration goals achievable.

Seattle immigration lawyers helping global professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators obtain U.S. legal status and permanent residence, start businesses, and build their future in America

Over 1.5 million immigrants arrive in the United States every year, many of them chasing the dream of a better life or the opportunity to take their business or professional career to the next level. However, understanding American immigration laws and all the requirements to obtain a visa can be a daunting task for most people, causing many to give up on their dreams or put them on hold due to the complexity of their visa application process.

The immigration attorneys at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC know all about the challenges prospective immigrants face in order to enter the United States to live and work legally. Our law firm is based in Seattle and serves clients across the globe, assisting them with the process of selecting and applying for a visa and helping them maximize their chances of approval. We believe talent should not be limited by borders. Contact us at 206-605-0550 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your dream.

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