Experienced notary providing professional consultations on immigration, visas, green cards, and citizenship. Assist clients in preparing and submitting asylum applications, including drafting personalized asylum case histories.
Situation
A client approached me after receiving an official job offer from an American IT company. The employer was ready to act as a sponsor for obtaining an H‑1B work visa, but the client had no experience in preparing documents for such a complex process.
The specific challenge in this situation was that the H‑1B filing period is very limited in time (only a few weeks each year), and the requirements for documents are extremely strict. Even a minor mistake could lead to a refusal or a one‑year delay in the review process.
My Actions
- Consultation and requirement analysis
I conducted an initial consultation with the client and the employer to clarify all details of the upcoming application. We confirmed the eligibility for the H‑1B, ensured the position met the “specialty occupation” requirements, and agreed on the list of necessary documents.
- Verification and preparation of personal documents
The client provided diplomas, certificates, and proof of work experience. I checked the documents for compliance with USCIS requirements and, if necessary, prepared official notarized translations into English. Special attention was paid to the accuracy of the name and date of birth transliteration to avoid discrepancies with the passport.
- Preparation of employer documents
I provided the employer with step‑by‑step instructions for preparing documents, including: a job offer confirmation, a detailed job description, salary information, a company activity statement, and registration documents. I also explained the process of obtaining the Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the U.S. Department of Labor, without which the petition cannot be filed.
- Completion and verification of USCIS forms
I completed the main form for the H‑1B work visa application — Form I‑129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) — and included all necessary supplements and cover letters. I carefully ensured that the data in the forms matched the information in the personal and corporate documents.
- Compilation and organization of the document package
I organized the entire package in a logical structure, added a table of contents and dividers for easy review by USCIS officers. Each document was numbered and labeled to create a professional impression and simplify the review process.
- Filing and case support
The document package was filed with USCIS during the first week of the H‑1B application window. I monitored the receipt notices, tracked the case status, and promptly updated the client.
- Response to possible requests (RFE)
I prepared the client in advance for a possible Request for Evidence (RFE). In our case, USCIS did not require any additional evidence, as the package was prepared flawlessly.
Result
Within a few weeks, the client received confirmation that their application successfully passed the H‑1B lottery.
After the review process, USCIS approved the petition without further questions. The client successfully obtained the visa at the U.S. consulate and officially began working at the American company.
Thanks to proper document preparation and strict adherence to requirements, we avoided delays and increased the chances of success on the first attempt.
Obtaining an H‑1B work visa is a complex, multi‑stage process that requires careful organization and attention to detail. In this case, success was achieved through:
- the correct strategy choice;
- thorough verification of client and employer documents;
- flawless form completion and a professionally compiled package;
- timely filing within the first week of the lottery opening.
As a result, the client gained the opportunity to work legally in the U.S., advance their career, and plan their future in a new country.
