Business & Work Visas
Strategic Immigration Solutions for Employers, Professionals, and Investors
As someone who has lived and worked abroad, I understand the complexities of becoming an international professional. I help employers, professionals, and investors navigate U.S. immigration with clarity, aligning every step with their goals and long-term business strategy.
For Professionals: Working and Living in the U.S.
If you’ve been offered a job in the U.S. or are transferring from abroad, I’ll guide you through each step, from securing the right visa to maintaining lawful status once you arrive.
U.S. employment-based immigration offers several pathways depending on your qualifications, experience, and goals. I guide clients through all major visa and green card categories, including EB-1 (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, and multinational executives), EB-2 (advanced-degree professionals and exceptional ability), EB-3 (skilled and professional workers), and EB-5 investor programs, helping each client determine the right strategy and timing for their situation.
Because eligibility, quotas, and timelines vary, I monitor the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin to keep clients informed on current processing priorities.
Common visa types include:
• H-1B (Specialty Occupations)
• L-1 (Intracompany Transfers)
• O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)
• TN (Professionals from Canada and Mexico)
• E-2 (Treaty Investor or Entrepreneur)
Services include:
• Employment-based green card applications
• Temporary work visa extensions and renewals
• Change of status or adjustment of status within the U.S.
• Dependent and family visa processing
• Career-specific guidance for professionals in tech, healthcare, science, and the arts
For Athletes, Coaches, and Performance Professionals
The U.S. offers multiple visa pathways for athletes, coaches, and support personnel, from short-term training visits to long-term professional contracts. Whether you’re competing, teaching, or performing at an elite level, I help you determine the right strategy for your goals and timeline.
Common visa categories include:
• B-1/B-2 (Visitor for Business or Pleasure) – For amateur athletes or coaches entering for short-term training or competitions, typically up to 180 days (or 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program).
• O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability) – For athletes who have achieved national or international recognition in their sport; valid for up to three years and renewable.
• P-1 (Internationally Recognized Athletes or Teams) – For athletes or teams recognized at an international level who wish to compete or coach in the U.S.; may be issued for up to five years.
• P-3 (Culturally Unique Performers or Coaches) – For athletes and coaches participating in culturally unique programs, performances, or teaching engagements.
I also assist with visa extensions, change of status applications, and documentation for essential support personnel — such as coaches, trainers, and specialists — whose work is vital to an athlete’s performance.
Examples of sports and disciplines served:
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Team Sports: Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey
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Combat Sports: Boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Fencing
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Action Sports: Surfing, Snowboarding, Skateboarding, Skiing
Whether you’re competing at the amateur level or transitioning into a professional career, I provide the legal guidance needed to keep your momentum moving forward.
Employer Sanctions & I-9 Compliance
A crucial part of hiring internationally is ensuring every hire is properly documented. Every U.S. employer is required to verify that their employees are authorized to work in the United States, including citizens and noncitizens alike. I help businesses understand and meet these obligations under federal law, including accurate completion of Form I-9 and maintaining proper records.
Even small documentation mistakes can create serious liability. I provide practical guidance on hiring procedures, internal audits, and how to use tools like E-Verify responsibly to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Adjustment of Status and Green Cards
For those already in the U.S., I guide you through the steps to adjust your status and secure permanent residency:
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Form I-485 filing and documentation review
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Work and travel authorization applications (Employment Authorization Document / Advance Parole)
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Interview preparation and representation
For Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Specialized Professionals
Whether you’re investing in a U.S. business, founding a new company, or contributing specialized expertise in your field, I help clients design immigration strategies that align with their long-term professional and personal goals.
Investor and Business Visas:
• E-1 (Treaty Traders)
• E-2 (Treaty Investors or Entrepreneurs)
• L-1 (Intracompany Transferees)
• EB-5 (Immigrant Investors – “Million Dollar Green Card”)
I assist with entity formation, business plans, and job-creation documentation to ensure every investment meets USCIS requirements while supporting your growth.
Specialized Professionals:
I’ve represented clients across diverse industries including physicians, nurses, researchers, athletes, entertainers, and religious workers, each with unique eligibility pathways such as the National Interest Waiver (NIW) or O-1 extraordinary ability visas.
Whether you’re growing a business or advancing your career, I’ll help you find the right path to build your future in the U.S.
Permanent Employment-Based Visas (Green Cards)
For many professionals, temporary work visas are just the first step toward long-term residency. Employment-based green cards provide the next opportunity to stay and grow in the U.S.
I assist both employers and employees in developing a clear, efficient strategy from labor certification through final approval, helping ensure every filing supports your long-term goals.
Common categories include:
• EB-1 – Priority Workers, including individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers.
• EB-2 – Professionals holding advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability in their field.
• EB-3 – Skilled workers and professionals seeking permanent employment in the U.S.
• National Interest Waiver (NIW) – For individuals whose work benefits the U.S. broadly, allowing them to self-petition without employer sponsorship.
I guide clients through every stage, from preparing strong documentation to coordinating with U.S. employers, so their efforts result in long-term stability and opportunity.
Why Businesses Choose My Practice
I bring both legal insight and real-world understanding of international business. Before becoming an attorney, I worked abroad as a translator, teacher, and consultant for companies doing business with U.S.
corporations. That experience taught me how critical communication and cultural understanding are in every cross-border matter.
When you work with me, you can expect:
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Strategic planning aligned with business goals
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Consistent communication and transparent timelines
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Meticulous documentation and follow-through
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Personalized guidance for every visa type and career stage
I understand what’s at stake for both companies and individuals, and I take pride in helping each client move forward with confidence.
Real Stories, Real Results
Here’s what clients have shared about their experiences working with me.
Michael Ruttle is the best and the most professional lawyer! Michael and his team are very knowledgeable and experienced; they guided me through the naturalization process with support, care for details, active communication, and patience with all my questions. I am forever grateful for Michael and his firm for helping me with a successful and smooth naturalization process!
Farah S
From start to finish, they were professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer our questions or provide updates. Their expertise made what could have been a stressful process feel seamless and efficient. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about their clients and works tirelessly to achieve results, I highly recommend Michael.
Negin N.
Michael is the best of the best immigration attorneys I've ever worked with for my cases ever since I came to the US almost 2 decades ago. I even wish I had known him earlier. He is not only kind and easy to talk to, but always very considerate for his clients and his assurance has always made me feel at ease during the process. Even the immigration officer was impressed with all his prepared paperwork!
Naomi T.
For Employers: Hiring or Transferring Global Talent
I help companies of all sizes bring key employees to the United States, ensuring compliance and minimizing delays.
Services include:
Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Work Visas
H-1B (Specialty Occupations)
L-1 (Intracompany Transfers)
O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)
P-1 / P-3 (Athletes, Artists, and Performers)
TN (NAFTA Professionals for Canada and Mexico)
PERM Labor Certification (Employment-Based Permanent Residency)
Employer Sponsorship for Green Cards (EB-1 through EB-3 categories)
National Interest Waivers for Advanced Degree Professionals (NIW)
Compliance and Audit Readiness — I-9 verification, documentation, and strategy
Ongoing Counsel for HR teams managing multi-national employees
Whether you’re bringing your first international team member on board or managing a global workforce, I provide practical, responsive support to help you stay compliant and focused on your business.