Introduction   An employment-based adjustment of status interview with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can a crucial step for foreign nationals seeking to obtain permanent residency (a green card). This interview is typically the final stage in the lengthy and complex process of becoming a lawful permanent resident. In employment-based cases interviews are generally waived, they will be scheduled If there are additional questions that USCIS would like to ask the foreign national. This often occurs if there are certain red flags that can trigger an interview ..read more

Are you looking into getting an O-1 visa as someone with extraordinary ability in your field? You may be wondering- how can I qualify for an O-1B visa?   Fiona McEntee, an experienced immigration attorney with over 16 years in the field, has some invaluable insights into navigating the O-1B visa criteria. Fiona also regularly speaks on the O-1 visa including leading panels and teaching other immigration lawyers about this option at our national bar association conferences (AILA).   The O-1B visa is for those with exceptional talents in arts, including creative fields, content cr ..read more

Are you looking into getting an O-1 visa as someone with extraordinary ability in your field? You may be wondering- how can I qualify for an O-1A visa?   Fiona McEntee, an experienced immigration attorney with over 16 years in the field, has some invaluable insights into navigating the O-1A visa criteria. Fiona also regularly speaks on the O-1 visa including leading panels and teaching other immigration lawyers about this option at our national bar association conferences (AILA).   The O-1A visa is for those with exceptional talents in business, science, education, and athletics, and ..read more

Coachella, Summerfest, South by Southwest, and Lollapalooza are some of the most-shared music festivals in the world, and they’re all based in the United States. Each year, these festivals put together top-tier line-ups, and that usually means importing talent. Like any type of employment, international musicians being contracted to play festivals need a visa. Though everyone’s situation is different, we see most our clients go with the P-1B visa. Read on for an overview of the what, the why, and the how!   What is the P-1B? P visas are a type of employment-based visa, meaning they are vi ..read more

The United States is undoubtedly the global center for poker. It has both the highest population of poker players and the highest number of casinos of any country in the world, making it a prime travel destination for fans of the card game. Many international poker players enter the United States on a tourism visa (the B-2 visa) or ESTA. Sometimes, though, someone entering the United States to play poker might require a type of employment-based visa called a P visa. When is a tourism visa enough, and when should you consider the P visa?   What is a P Visa? A P visa is, in the most general ..read more

We’ve recently been hearing a lot about Schedule A and some proposed changes, which could be great for many immigrants (or would-be immigrants) to the U.S. This blog post will explain what Schedule A is, what proposed changes are being discussed, and how this could benefit you.   What is Schedule A in U.S. Immigration? Schedule A jobs in the context of U.S. immigration refers to a specific category of jobs that the Department of Labor (DOL) has pre-certified as having a shortage of available, qualified, and willing U.S. workers.   The Benefits of Schedule A for Green Card Sponsorship ..read more

  Most people have a specific image in mind when I say I’m a lawyer. Suited up, arguing in court. Stacks of files on my desk with a shelf full of leatherbound law books behind me. Constant IV coffee drip to keep it all going. This isn’t totally inaccurate but we’re finding more balance in 2024! I’ve been a practicing attorney since 2018, and I work exclusively in immigration law. I’ve been with McEntee Law Group for almost three years. As a Chicago native, I’m grateful to be working in the city I love most but my clients are actually from all over. Every workday is truly different but her ..read more

History of the EB-1A “Einstein” Green Card The U.S. has historically aimed to attract top talent from around the world, and the EB-1A green card is great way for this to happen. The EB-1A allows individuals of extraordinary ability to sponsor themselves for green cards and, in doing so, the U.S. hopes to remain competitive in various fields by drawing in internationally recognized experts and talents. Some people have referred to the EB-1A green card as the “Einstein Green Card” and this is because it’s for people with demonstrated “extraordinary ability”. However, don’t let the “Einstein” lab ..read more

Embarking on a new journey as an immigrant in the United States often comes with a blend of excitement and challenges. One such challenge is the delay in receiving the physical Green Card after entering the U.S. While new immigrants attain the status of permanent residents upon entry, the Green Card is not immediately provided, sometimes leading to anxious waiting periods and potential complications. Here is a guide for new immigrants who are addressing green card delays post U.S. entry.   The Journey to Receiving Your Green Card   The Gap Between Entry and Physical Proof Upon enteri ..read more

  As we observe Transgender Awareness Week, it’s crucial to reflect on the strides made towards equality and recognition for the transgender community. A notable milestone in this journey was the Biden-Harris administration’s announcement in 2022, introducing significant policy changes in the US passport system. These changes not only symbolize progress in gender inclusivity but also address practical challenges faced by transgender and non-binary individuals.   A Step Towards Accurate Representation   The introduction of an “X” gender marker on US passports marked a historic mo ..read more