Jane Orgel Immigration Law Firm

08/18/2023

Libby Johnston is a New York-based musical theatre performer from New Zealand who has appeared in numerous productions across both hemispheres since her professional stage debut in 2017. We filed her first O-1 visa on May 31, 2023, and it was approved on July 13, 2023. Miss Johnston writes:

“I can’t express just how grateful I am for Jane Orgel and her paralegal Jennifer Jordan.

I graduated from Manhattan School of Music in May 2022 knowing I wanted to transition from my F-1 OPT status to an O-1B visa the following year, but didn’t know where to begin. I was apprehensive as I didn’t know the likelihood of a recent musical theatre graduate being approved, and the process seemed incredibly daunting.

A mutual friend in the performing arts recommended I work with Jane; applauding the firm’s expertise, attention to detail and outstanding success rate. Needless to say, I was placed in good hands and choosing to work with Jane was the best decision I could have made.

Throughout the process I felt supported, and all my questions were speedily answered. My case took five months to compile and my approval notice came a little over a month after it was sent out. Jane and Jennifer are highly knowledgeable and do absolutely everything in their power to ensure your success.

If you’re needing to undergo a visa application, I cannot recommend Jane Orgel - Immigration Law Firm enough.”

08/11/2023

Alexandre Durand is a French Content Creator/Influencer. We submitted his O-1 application on 04/27/2023 and it was approved on 05/25/2023. Mr. Durand writes,

“I am absolutely thrilled to share my incredible experience with Jane Orgel and her associate attorney Rongrong. Their remarkable teamwork and expertise played an instrumental role in helping me secure my O-1 visa within a mere six months.

From the outset, Jane and Rongrong exhibited an unparalleled level of professionalism and commitment. Jane’s extensive knowledge of immigration laws, coupled with Rongrong’s meticulous attention to detail, created a dynamic duo that navigated the complexities of the O-1 visa process flawlessly.

What truly struck me was their genuine dedication to their clients. Throughout the journey, both Jane and Rongrong demonstrated a profound understanding of my aspirations and goals. They addressed my concerns promptly and went above and beyond to keep me informed at every stage.

Their collaborative approach, consistent communication, and personalized guidance alleviated any worries I had about the visa process. With Jane and Rongrong by my side, I felt supported and confident every step of the way.

If you’re in search of immigration professionals who are not only highly knowledgeable but also deeply compassionate, I wholeheartedly recommend Jane Orgel and Rongrong. Their ability to turn what could have been a daunting experience into a smooth and successful journey speaks volumes about their exceptional skills.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jane and Rongrong for making my O-1 visa a reality. Your dedication has made a significant impact on my life, and I couldn’t be more thankful.”

08/10/2023

Ms. Chieh-Ting Chuang is an architectural designer from Taiwan. We filed her first O-1 visa on May 31, 2023, and it was approved on August 1, 2023. Ms. Chuang writes:
“Jane and her team are super professional and considerate. They worked with me on my O1 visa case as an architectural designer to guide me to prepare my documents. The communication process was super precise and clear and they took care of all my questions during the process immediately.
They have abundant experience in the O1B visa application process and they are friendly and professional. Whenever I asked any questions they can respond immediately with all the options I have handy.
I am super happy that I choose them as my attorney!”

07/28/2023

Ms. Alexandra Petina is a fashion designer from Russia. We filed her first O-1 visa on May 18, 2023, and it was approved on June 23, 2023.

Ms. Petina writes:

"I am a fashion designer who graduated from Parsons MFA and after the OPT period I decided to apply for O-1. I had a great experience of working with Jane Orgel and her team. The whole process went very smoothly due to their attentiveness. During document preparation I had a lot of help from Jane and her assistant. Before starting working with them I was scared by the list of documents required for an O-1 visa. They made every step of it easier and clearer for me and responded very quickly when I needed help. I especially liked attentiveness to the details of each document and evidence required for the case, due to this I got my O-1 visa successfully approved within 5 weeks. I would highly recommend Jene Orgel to other fashion designers who want to get a US artist visa."

07/28/2023

Ms. Sandra Jockus is an illustrator/graphic designer from Germany. We filed her first O-1 visa on June14, 2023, and it was approved on July 21, 2023.

Ms. Jockus writes:
“Jane and her team are amazing!
So professionel, knowledgeable, caring and always super quick with replying. I applied for O1 as an illustrator and got approved within 6 weeks. They are doing an amazing job, would always consider them for further needs. Highly recommend!”

09/23/2022

Rosa Agraz is a Mexican architectural designer, specializing in commercial and residential architectural interior design. She is a registered licensed architect in Mexico. She studied architecture at the Universidad Iberoamericana from 1999 to 2004 and received a Master’s Degree at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in 2009. She was a professor of projects at the Universidad Iberoamericana from 2006 to 2011. Her agent O-1 application was submitted on 10/25/2021 and was approved on 11/16/2021, regular processing. Ms. Agraz writes,

“Working with Jane and her team was a very easy and pleasant task to get my O-1 Visa. You can tell how much experience she has from the first interview through the end of the process. Especially working in the field of art, she is not another immigration lawyer but someone who understands how the art world works and so will give you the correct advice according to your specific case. They have an amazing system so you gather all your information and put it in the correct place to build up your case. You will always get a quick response from her team to any doubts that come in the way, which gives you a lot of confidence and peace of mind. From my case, I can say she is a very creative lawyer and will look for out-of-the-box options to make it work. I would definitely recommend working with Jane Orgel Immigration firm.”

09/21/2022

Zhiquan Yang is a Chinese Lanscape Architectural Designer based in San Francisco, CA, specializing in green infrastructure and climate positive design. She received a Bachelor of Environments in Landscape Architecture from The University of Melbourne in Australia in May 2016, and a Master of Landscape Architecture in Environmental Study from University of California, Berkeley in May 2019. Ms. Yang’s agent O-1 case was filed on 8/1/2022 and was approved swiftly on 9/6/2022. Ms. Yang writes:

"I highly recommend architectural designers and landscape designers to hire Jane and her team to apply for O1. I'm a landscape designer working for a small landscape architecture firm in San Francisco. Before deciding to cooperate with Jane, I consulted many law firms, and finally I chose her not only because of her professionalism, but also because of Jane's sincerity. For every concern I raised, she gave a corresponding solution at the first consultation. For example, my company is a small firm, but she said to me that we need to highlight my indispensable angle in the team. Jane also told me the entire timeline of applying for O1 and how to make my case the most convincing. Her analysis made me choose her team without hesitation. When preparing the materials, Rongrong gave me clear direction and guidance. Her feedback is also very timely, and we checked the materials and preparation progress almost every day. I am very grateful to Rongrong for her dedication to my case in the past two months and her meticulous work attitude. Strongly recommended!"

08/01/2022

The Very Versatile O-1 Visa!

Many of our clients wish to work as independent contractors and consultants on a self-employed basis. They do not wish to be tied down to one employer. The O-1 regulations provide for this scenario by allowing an “agent” to sponsor the O-1 applicant. The O-1 applicant then has a good amount of freedom. We have many years of experience with this type of case and can provide an agent with minimal liability. The agent regulations allow for several options. You can have a full time employer or talent agency sponsor you and act as your manager. You have an exclusive representation agreement with this agency. This is a popular option for models. In this scenario, only one contract is needed, between the employer or agency and the applicant. An itinerary, or schedule of engagements, is also needed.

Another option is to use an agent purely for immigration purposes, to serve as your sponsor or petitioner. The agent’s role is a much more limited one in this scenario, which allows the O-1 applicant maximum flexibility. However, here the applicant must provide agreements (“letters of intent”) with the various entities for whom she plans to work, as well as an itinerary.

Of course, the straightforward option is for the applicant to be sponsored by a regular employer and just work for that employer. This is a good way to get your initial O-1 visa.

Finally, the O-1 applicant can set up their own corporation and be sponsored by the corporation. This is a more challenging route that must be carefully reviewed with the attorney, but it is feasible under the right circumstances. This option is successfully implemented by entrepreneurs and investors.

As always, it is crucial to have a good strategy in place from the outset – review the client’s history and materials, narrow the O-1 field she will work in, see what evidence she can obtain and show that she has solid work lined up. Our team of lawyers, paralegals, writers, and legal assistants includes native Japanese, Mandarin, Italian, Portuguese and Korean speakers. Contact us at [email protected] or [email protected].

07/29/2022

We were also thrilled to get a swift O-1B approval for Creative Producer, Nicole Dzenga. A national of Zimbabwe and former professional tennis player, Nicole received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida in May 2019 followed by a Master’s in Film and Television from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta in March 2021. Her case was received by USCIS on June 1, 2022 and approved on June 13, 2022 using Premium Processing.

07/29/2022

We were pleased to get a second three-year O-1 visa for our iconic Italian client, Ricky Russo. Ricky has had an eclectic career as writer, journalist and musician. As a bilingual musical historian and licensed tour guide in New York City, Ricky is much in demand by Italian tourists for his expertise and provides fascinating tours featuring the haunts of famous New York musicians of the past. Ricky’s case was filed on April 29 2022 and approved on June 3, 2022. See www.rickyrusso.com.

07/29/2022

Many designers approached us to apply for an O-1 visa after failing to get selected for the H-1B lottery in April 2022. Chinese architectural designer Yihan Li is one of them. She was sponsored by a small but distinguished New York architecture firm. Yihan has a first-rate academic record, having received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Pratt Institute in 2017 followed by Master of Science in Design from the University of Pennsylvania in 2018. As part of her regular and STEM OPT, Yihan had accumulated over two years of professional experience at US architecture firms working on major projects. Nevertheless, the Immigration Service questioned her leading roles. We were able to overcome this objection and her case was approved this month. The response to the RFE was received by USCIS on June 21, 2022 and approved on July 14, 2022.

07/25/2022

Another win was an O-1 for Sound Engineer and Drummer, Dmitrii (“Dima”) Skakun, Dima was on an O-2 visa as an essential support for O-1 visa holder and dancer, Maria Skakun. While it is often difficult to transition from an O-2 essential support to an O-1 leading role, Dima’s three-year O-1 was swiftly approved. It was filed on May 16, 2022 and approved on June 10, 2022. An O-2 visa holder can only work together with the O-1 principal. Having his own O-1 allows Dima to work independently.

07/25/2022

Jane Orgel PC was recently featured on the industry website, Gemtracks as one of the ten best US immigration law firms dealing with musicians. Gemtracks states:

“Jane Orgel immigration law firm is a U.S law firm situated on 111 John Street, Suite 1640, New York. The firm specializes in visas and green cards for artists, entrepreneurs, designers, and individuals of extraordinary ability in any field. Their expertise in working with people of extraordinary ability means they always understand the right course of action to take on even the most challenging and unusual visa applications. They have 20 years of experience in acquiring O-1 and H-1 visas and green cards for architects, designers, and artists with a high success rate of almost 100%.

They have clients from all over the globe with many good reviews and recommendations. With this kind of experience and connections, they are capable of developing a detailed application strategy specifically customized to anyone's case. Jane Orgel, who is the founder of this law firm, has been practicing immigration law for 20 years now. She brings her wide experience, expertise, and enthusiasm to each application. When presented with a case, Jane Orgel's law firm reviews and analyses every case rigorously so that when collaborating with a client a comprehensive strategy is reached."

For the full feature, see

Complete list of American immigration law firms work with musicians and singers to get them visas. See their ratings.

07/25/2022

Our stellar record for performing artists continues, including a recent approval for Italian Upright and Electric Bass player, Luca Chiappara. It is often hard to get approvals for bass players, who invariably play as part of a group and are therefore not always considered to be in a “leading role.” Luca was sponsored by one of our agents, Artists & Entrepreneurs Inc., since he is essentially self-employed, as most musicians are. Indeed, Luca received a tough Request for Evidence (RFE) but his case was approved within a few days after we submitted our response. This month, July, Luca received his three-year O-1 visa stamp from the US Consulate in Florence. In fact, the interview was waived and the passport was mailed to him! Luca’s new release is out now. See https://lucachiappara.com/

07/22/2022

We are excited to have received a swift approval of our most recent National Interest Waiver application for a small interior design operation in New York City. The applicant self-petitioned through his business, which has no employees except for himself, and has low revenues. The applicant, a Hong Kong national already on an E-2 Investor Visa, holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design from the Pratt Institute in New York. We filed the case as an Advanced Degree professional and submitted a very detailed business plan. The applicant has introduced several innovative design schemes which we believe are in the national interest. The case was received by the Immigration Service on March 4, 2022 and approved THREE MONTHS later, on June 2, 2022.

04/21/2022

Mengnan Cheng is a Chinese architectural designer specializing in commercial and residential architectural interior design. She received a master’s degree in Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2019. We submitted her sponsor-based O-1 on 03/17/2022, and it was approved in less than a month on 04/11/2022 with regular non-expedite processing. Ms. Cheng writes:
“I am an architectural designer working for an architectural firm in New York. This is my first time applying for O1B visa. In the early days, I didn't know much about O1B, and I didn't have a lot of confidence to apply for it successfully. After consulting three firms, Jane Orgel, P.C. was the firm that gave me the most confidence to apply for an O1B visa. Unlike other firms who only gave a general application direction and process during the consultation process, Jane and Rongrong had a very careful and in-depth understanding of my overall situation and background, summed up my advantages, and responded accordingly. The general directions for subsequent applications are given. This made me more sure about the O1B application. During the preparation of materials, Rongrong explained the requirements of all materials professionally, and during the preparation of the entire portfolio and other materials, she often urged me to complete and continuously review my materials so that she could give timely comments and suggestions. Adjustment. Jane and Rongrong will also put forward many new perspectives to help me improve my application advantages.
It was because of the professional attitude and professionalism of Jane and her team that my application was approved in two weeks. I am so grateful to have met Jane and her team. I highly recommend them. I believe they will help more people.”

04/14/2022

Chun Yao Chang (https://www.cchunyao.com/) is an award-winning VFX Compositor and Matte Painter. He received a BA degree in Visual Design from National Kaohsiung Normal University in Taiwan in 2012 and an MFA degree in Computer Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York in 2019. We submitted his agent-based O-1 on 03/17/2022, and it was approved in less than a month on 04/11/2022 with regular non-expedite processing. Mr. Chang writes:
“I am very grateful to Jane and Rongrong for their professionalism and seriousness, which allowed me to get the O1B visa in a very short time of two months (from when they took over my case to when the case was approved).
This is the first time I applied for an O1 visa. I was very unfamiliar with the application process. Before I found them, I went through a long and bewildering process with my previous lawyer. I was worried every day whether I might have to leave the U.S. and just return to Taiwan. I highly recommend them because Jane's expertise has given me a quick understanding of how to apply with the highest probability of success and is always quick to answer all my questions. Knowing my time pressure, Rongrong regarded my case as her top priority, and helped me with professional and earnest help from template guidance, recommendation letter revision to portfolio integration to printing, and completed all preparations efficiently. They made it very smooth for me to get my visa while working full time.
The professionalism and seriousness and good communication of Jane's team made me feel very reliable and trustworthy. I will definitely ask them for help next time I apply.”

04/14/2022

Christina Son (http://sugarinstudio.com/) is a Lashes and Cosmetic Tattoo Artist. We have successfully applied for 4 O-1s for her since 2016. Thank her for the testimonial and flower.

04/07/2022

Shu Zhao has been an interior designer since 2014. She received her MFA from Parsons School of Design in 2013. We filed Ms. Zhao’s first O-1 case on February 14, 2022 and it was approved on March 29, 2022. Ms. Zhao writes:

“I am an interior designer working for an international design firm in New York. Before deciding to work with Jane, I consulted with multiple lawyers, and the very different tones made me hesitant to apply for O1. I found Jane on the recommendation of a colleague. Jane’s confidence in me and her precise analysis of my personal situation made me choose her team without hesitation. Jane and Rongrong gave me very clear strategies and timely feedback during the material preparation stage, showing a very professional attitude. They meticulously helped me review materials and portfolios. At the last minute of the application deadline, my company suddenly declined to sponsor my O-1. But Jane and Rongrong immediately started to help me prepare agent O-1, instructing me to prepare new materials and submit the application within an extremely limited time. I am very glad that I chose Jane Orgel law firm and finally got my o1 visa.”

04/07/2022

Italian architect Simone Filippini, who holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Politecnico di Milano, was initially on a J-1 visa. The J-1 employer, a boutique architectural studio in New York, was impressed with Simone’s work and wanted to offer him a more long-term position. He agreed to sponsor Simone for an O-1 visa. Preparation of the file took about 7 weeks. We submitted Simone’s O-1 visa application on February 7, 2022 and it was approved on March 11, 2022 with standard processing. Simone, who is now in Italy, has obtained an O-1 visa stamp at the U.S. Consulate in Italy. Simone writes:

“Jane and her team are extremely professional and thorough. I was thrilled to get an approval in under three weeks without having to pay for Premium Processing. Associate Attorney Rongrong Jing provided very precise expert guidance daily throughout the process. This office is clearly very familiar with architect and designer cases. Highly recommended.”

03/17/2022

James K. Lowe (https://jamesklowe.com) is an acclaimed Photographer. He received his MFA from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland in 2017. We filed Mr. Lowe’s first O-1 case on January 20, 2022 and it was approved on February 17, 2022. Mr. Lowe writes:

“Jane and her team made quick work of my first O-1b visa with an approval in under 4 weeks.

I first approached Jane after a prior denial through another law firm. Jane’s initial response, looking over my case, explaining my options and laid out a plan on how she would receive approval on a second application, assured me I had contacted the right lawyer for me.

Jane and her paralegal, Jen, were thorough going through my documents, helpful with their suggestions on how to improve my application and very responsive in helping me through the stressful immigration process."

I wouldn’t hesitate to contact Jane, and will be doing so in future for my next renewal.”

03/10/2022

Ms. Toshika Kosako is a young Japanese Visual Producer/UX Designer. Her O-1 was approved in four weeks. This case was somewhat challenging as the employer, Monopo New York (https://monopo.nyc ), was a start-up company in the US, a subsidiary of a small but established Japanese studio, Monopo. Although Ms. Kosako was young and had little press, she had worked on the Japanese studio’s corporate accounts in Japan for a year or so. Ms. Kosako wrote:

“My case application was for the title of Producer/UX Designer, a title that is not well recognized in the arts field, and with a limited working background, but thanks to Jane and her associate Rongrong, it was approved in 4 weeks without premium processing. I received a lot of advice on the application and was able go into details, which is why I was able to obtain the visa.

I think there is always anxiety about applying for a visa, but Jane’s team always responded quickly, no matter what time of the day or night or weekend.”

For her work, please check monopo New York’s website ( https://monopo.nyc ). She was responsible for all listed projects.

03/02/2022

March 2022 updates

O-1 visa processing seem to be speeding up. Our 3-year O-1 visa petition for New Zealand photographer James Lowe was approved in four weeks using regular (non-premium) processing. James had filed another O-1 through a different lawyer a few months earlier. Unfortunately, that application was denied. Despite that, his next attempt went smoothly. James filed his case through an agent-petitioner, Artists and Entrepreneurs. See the exquisite work of James Lowe at https://jamesklowe.com.

We also had an O-1 approval for a Japanese make-up artist approved in four weeks with regular (non-expedite) processing. This was quite a unique case because she is an artist who specializes in cross-gender make up for male-to-female dressers. She has built her reputation on this expertise. She had filed an agent case which will allow her to work on several different projects, including writing a book.

Our O-1 for a young Japanese Visual Producer/UX Designer was likewise approved in four weeks. This latter case was somewhat challenging as the employer was a start-up company in the US, a subsidiary of a small but established Japanese studio. Although the producer was young and had little press, she had worked on the Japanese studio’s corporate accounts in Japan for a year or so.

Italian ballroom dancer and Voguer, Dolores Parisi, obtained her third three-year O-1B through our agent. Dolores will be working for different employers over the next 3 years. Dolores was a dancer for the 63rd Grammys in March 2021. She achieved fame recently through her role as “Mother of the House of Ninja” in the Voguing competition series, Legendary, on HBO Max.

We obtained a three-year O-1 renewal for esteemed violinist, Anna Tsukervanik, who is originally from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Read about Anna’s impressive career at www. annatsukervanik.com. Anna was sponsored by the illustrious International Brazilian Opera Company, IBOC. IBOC, www.brazilianopera.com, is headed up by Artistic Director Joao MacDowell. A strong supporter of immigrant artists and especially underrepresented voices in opera, IBOC has successfully sponsored several of our clients. This is the second three year O-1 visa we have obtained for Anna.

Australian photographer Kristie Lee Tasik, had a three-year O-1 visa approved.

Back in December, we were honored to obtain an O-1 visa for Mexican architect, Rosa Agraz, a partner in the renowned Mexican architecture firm, Arroyo Solis Agraz. See their beautiful designs at http://www.arroyosolisagraz.com.

As usual, we look forward to at least some of our H-1B registrants being successful in the upcoming lottery, especially the architectural designers, architects and engineers that form the backbone of our H-1B practice. Not to mention H-1B visas for paralegals and foreign law associates. Kudos to architectural designer, client Yuanjun Summer Liu for her successful application through the distinguished SO-IL architecture studio.

One final note: Employment Authorization Cards (EAD) are now valid for two years for Green Card cases.

We processed a fair amount of marriage-based Green Cards and some clients received their work authorization (EAD) within six months of the case being filed. Interviews are being scheduled at the New York District Office around 12 months from date of filing.

02/18/2022

Meriem Sakrouhi is an architectural and project designer. We have successfully applied for three O-1 visas for her, and in January of this year, her application for National Interest Waiver application (Artist of Exceptional Ability) was approved. Ms. Sakrouhi wrote:

“Jane and her team make the very complex immigration process, much much easier. Jane worked on my case with her associate, Rongrong, and she was so responsive and thorough. When I just started on my immigration process before applying for the O1, I was anxious about finding the right lawyer that will understand how specific Architecture is and what needs to be shown as the portfolio, and so on. I was so glad to find Jane, and see how many specializations she has on her own portfolio, from dancers to architects, to badminton players… And I am certain I chose the right lawyer! Jane and her team take the time to review and make sure you have everything needed to get approval 🙂 I have recommended Jane to my closest friends and to anyone looking for an immigration lawyer, and I will keep doing so because I trust her and her team 1000%. Thanks to them, I have had an initial three O1 visa, two O-1 extensions and now I have just been approved for the National Interest Waiver Green Card! Thanks, Jane, and Rongrong!”

01/28/2022

FY 2023 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 1

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2023 H-1B cap. Important information is excerpted below:

FY 2023 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 18, 2022. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using USCIS online H-1B registration system.

Prospective H-1B cap-subject petitioners or their representatives are required to use a myUSCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for the selection process and pay the associated $10 H-1B registration fee for each registration submitted on behalf of each beneficiary. Representatives may add clients to their accounts at any time, but both representatives and registrants must wait until March 1 to enter beneficiary information and submit the registration with the $10 fee.

If USCIS receive enough registrations by March 18, they will randomly select registrations and send selection notifications via users’ myUSCIS online accounts. USCIS intend to notify account holders by March 31.

Please see the original announcement here: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2023-h-1b-cap-initial-registration-period-opens-on-march-1

We look forward to continuing our successful track record in obtaining H-1B visas. In past years, our office has successfully filed H-1B applications in the following fields:

Architect, Architectural Designer, Choreographer, Editor/Writer, Arts Administrator, Professor, Staff Scientist, Technical Associate, Food Technologist, Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Cost Engineer, Legal Assistant, Paralegal, Attorney, Creative Director, Graphic Designer, Industrial/Product Designer, Project Manager, Business Development Associate, Director, Business Development, Market Research Analyst, Chief Marketing Officer, Communications Specialist, Financial Research Associate, Financial Product Advisor, Production Associate, Budget Analyst, Director of Web Services, Information Technology Analyst