Common questions

We handle the full range of employment-based immigration applications — including work visas such as O-1, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, TN, E-1, E-2, and E-3, and green card categories EB-1 through EB-5. We also support J-1 exchange visas through our J-1 partner. We work with both individuals and employers. See all visa pathways →

Timelines vary by visa type. O-1 cases typically take 2-4 weeks to prepare and 2-8 weeks for USCIS to adjudicate (15 business days with premium processing). H-1B cases depend on the lottery cycle. We provide a detailed timeline during your initial consultation.

Pricing depends on the visa type and complexity of your case. We provide transparent, flat-fee pricing during your consultation so there are no surprises. Government filing fees are separate and vary by visa category.

While not legally required, working with experienced immigration counsel significantly improves your chances of approval. Immigration law is complex, and small errors can lead to denials or Requests for Evidence (RFEs) that delay your case by months.

You do not need a Nobel Prize. USCIS looks for sustained national or international acclaim in your field. You need to meet 3 or more of 8 criteria: awards, memberships, press coverage, judging, original contributions, scholarly articles, critical employment role, or high salary. Many tech professionals qualify without realizing it.

You need a U.S. petitioner, which can be an employer, an agent, or your own U.S. company. If you are a freelancer or consultant, an agent petition allows you to work for multiple clients. If you have a U.S. LLC, your own company can petition on your behalf.

The overall USCIS O-1 approval rate is approximately 90-93%. At Compass Visas, our approval rate across all visa types is 99%, because we only file cases we believe will be approved and we build each petition to withstand scrutiny.

Yes. The O-1 is a common stepping stone to an EB-1A or EB-1B green card. Both share similar criteria, so the evidence you build for your O-1 case often directly supports a future green card petition.

Each year, USCIS accepts H-1B registrations in March. If the number of registrations exceeds the annual cap (65,000 + 20,000 for advanced degree holders), a random lottery determines which registrations are selected. Selected registrations can then file full petitions.

If you are not selected, there are several alternatives: O-1 visa (no lottery or cap), L-1 visa (if you have worked for the company abroad), TN visa (for Canadian and Mexican citizens), or O-1 for individuals with extraordinary ability. We help identify the best alternative path.

Yes. You can transfer your H-1B to a new employer. The new employer files a new H-1B petition on your behalf, and you can begin working for them as soon as the petition is filed (you do not need to wait for approval).

EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) requires demonstrating sustained acclaim through evidence like awards, publications, and high salary. EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) requires showing that your work is in the national interest of the United States. EB-1A has no backlog for most countries and does not require employer sponsorship.

EB-1 green cards are currently available with no backlog for most countries (except India and China, which have multi-year waits). Processing times vary, but with premium processing available for EB-1, you can get an answer in as little as 15 business days.

We review your background, assess which visa pathways you qualify for, identify any gaps in your case, and provide a clear recommendation with timeline and pricing. Most consultations happen within 48 hours of submitting your information.

Yes. We regularly work with clients who received denials or RFEs from other firms. We review the denial, identify what went wrong, and build a stronger case for refiling. Many denied cases are approved on resubmission with proper framing and documentation.

Absolutely. Many of our clients are based abroad and going through consular processing. We handle the full process regardless of where you are located.