North Dakota EB-1A Immigration Lawyer for Engineers, Scientists, and STEM Professionals Seeking a Green Card
"My experience working with the Alagiri law firm for my EB1A application was truly exceptional. Priya's expertise and in-depth knowledge of the EB-1A category, especially for individuals employed in the science and research fields, made a significant difference. I wholeheartedly recommend Priya for EB1A applications and any other visa requirements."
Are you a highly skilled engineer, scientist, or STEM professional in North Dakota seeking permanent residency in the United States? The EB1A visa, also known as the “Einstein Visa,” could be your path to a green card.
At Alagiri Immigration Law, we specialize in helping extraordinary individuals in STEM fields obtain permanent residency through the EB1A category. With over 15 years of experience and a deep understanding of both immigration law and technical fields, we’ve helped countless engineers and scientists achieve their immigration goals.
EB-1A Visa Lawyer: Success Stories
What is the EB1A for Engineers, Scientists and STEM Professionals?
The EB1A is your path to permanent residency without employer sponsorship or labor certification. Key advantages include:
✓ Self-petition without employer sponsorship
✓ No PERM labor certification required
✓ Premium processing available (15-day initial decision)
✓ Priority visa date allocation
✓ Spouse and children under 21 included
Do I Qualify? Common Concerns Addressed
“I don’t have enough publications”
Publications are just one way to qualify. We’ve successfully represented clients who qualified through:
- Patents and innovations
- Technical reviews
- Industry impact
- Leadership roles
- High compensation
“My work is confidential/proprietary”
We have extensive experience handling cases involving confidential work through:
- Redacted documentation
- Expert letters
- Impact statements
- Public aspects of private work
“I’m too early in my career”
Age and years of experience aren’t deciding factors. We’ve secured approvals for:
- Professionals 2-3 years post-graduation
- Early-career innovators
- Rising stars in emerging fields
“I was told I don’t qualify”
Many of our successful clients were previously told they weren’t qualified. Our unique approach focuses on:
- Creative evidence strategies
- Deep technical understanding
- Comprehensive documentation
- Strong narrative development
EB-1A Visa Criteria: Awards
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must meet at least 3 of the below 8 criteria (although there are 10 EB-1A criteria, two related to the arts are not listed):
- Awards and Prizes
- Industry recognition
- Innovation awards
- Professional honors
- Professional Memberships
- IEEE Senior Member
- Distinguished professional societies
- Exclusive technical groups
- Published Material About You
- Technical press coverage
- Industry publications
- Media recognition
- Judging Others’ Work
- Code review leadership
- Conference committee roles
- Peer review activities
- Original Contributions
- Patents
- Technical innovations
- Industry impact
- Published Articles
- Technical publications
- Conference presentations
- Industry papers
- Leading Role
- Technical leadership
- Project management
- Team direction
- High Salary
- Base compensation
- Equity/stock options
- Total rewards
Application Process and Timeline
- Initial Consultation (Week 1)
- Case evaluation
- Strategy development
- Timeline planning
- Evidence Collection (Week 2)
- Document gathering
- Letter coordination
- Evidence organization
- Expert Testimonial Letter Drafting (Weeks 3-4)
- Recommenders identified
- Custom testimonial letters drafted
- Recommender review and signatures
- Petition Support Letter Preparation (Weeks 5-7)
- Legal brief drafting
- Evidence review
- Quality control
- Filing and Processing (Week 8)
- Forms completion
- USCIS submission
- Status tracking
Current USCIS Processing Times and Priority Dates
As of December 2024:
I-140 Petition Processing
- Premium Processing: 15 calendar days
- Regular Processing: 12-14 months
Priority Dates for North Dakota
- EB-1A India: April 15, 2022
- EB-1A China: January 1, 2023
- EB1A All Other Countries: Current
Why Choose Alagiri Immigration Law?
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, our firm brings unique advantages to your EB1A case:
- Deep STEM Experience – We understand complex technical achievements and how to present them effectively to USCIS
- Proven Track Record – High approval rates for engineers and scientists
- Strategic Approach – Customized strategy based on your specific qualifications and background
- Personal Attention – Direct access to experienced attorneys who understand your goals
- Efficient Process – Streamlined systems to prepare strong cases quickly
North Dakota EB1A Immigration Resources
North Dakota offers unique advantages for EB1A applicants:
Major Employers
- Major Tech Companies
- Microsoft Corporation: With a campus in Fargo, Microsoft focuses on software development and support, contributing significantly to the local tech ecosystem.
- John Deere Electronic Solutions: Located in Fargo, this division specializes in developing advanced electronic components and software for agricultural and construction equipment.
- Aldevron: Headquartered in Fargo, Aldevron provides plasmid DNA, RNA, and proteins to the biotech industry, supporting research and clinical applications.
- Appareo Systems: Based in Fargo, Appareo designs and manufactures innovative electronic and software solutions for aviation and agriculture industries.
- Noridian Healthcare Solutions: Operating in Fargo, Noridian offers administrative services for government healthcare programs, utilizing advanced IT systems.
- Research Institutions
- University of North Dakota (UND): Located in Grand Forks, UND conducts research in aerospace, energy, and health sciences, housing the Energy and Environmental Research Center.
- North Dakota State University (NDSU): Based in Fargo, NDSU focuses on agricultural sciences, engineering, and nanotechnology research.
- UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences: Offers research in rural health, biomedical sciences, and clinical medicine.
- NDSU Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering: Engages in research on nanotechnology applications in electronics and materials science.
- UND Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC): Specializes in energy and environmental research, including clean energy technologies.
- Innovation Centers
- Center for Innovation at UND: An entrepreneurial incubator in Grand Forks, providing support for startups and fostering tech entrepreneurship in rural America.
- NDSU Research & Technology Park: Located in Fargo, it facilitates partnerships between NDSU and tech companies, promoting research and development.
- UND Tech Accelerator: Provides resources for technology commercialization and business development.
- Fargo Startup House: Offers co-living and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs to collaborate and innovate.
- Grand Forks Herald Community Room: Hosts events and workshops for startups and tech enthusiasts.
Local Resources
- Professional Associations
- TechND: Represents tech-related businesses and advocates for the growth of North Dakota’s technology sector.
- North Dakota IT Council: Facilitates collaboration among IT professionals to advance the state’s tech industry.
- North Dakota Association of IT Professionals: Provides networking and professional development opportunities for IT workers.
- North Dakota GIS Users Conference: Brings together professionals in geographic information systems for knowledge sharing.
- North Dakota Cybersecurity Conference: Focuses on cybersecurity trends and best practices for professionals.
- Technical Meetups
- Fargo-Moorhead Developers Group: A community for software developers to discuss technologies and collaborate on projects.
- Minot Code Camp: Offers workshops and networking for coding enthusiasts in the Minot area.
- Bismarck-Mandan Tech Meetup: Connects tech professionals for discussions on industry trends and innovations.
- Grand Forks Tech Meetup: Provides a platform for tech enthusiasts to share ideas and projects.
- Fargo Game Makers: A group dedicated to game development and design collaboration.
- Industry Groups
- North Dakota Lignite Energy Council: Supports the lignite coal industry through research and advocacy.
- North Dakota Petroleum Council: Represents the state’s oil and gas industry, focusing on development and regulation.
- North Dakota Corn Growers Association: Advocates for corn producers, emphasizing technological advancements in agriculture.
- North Dakota Soybean Council: Promotes soybean production and research initiatives.
- North Dakota Renewable Energy Partnership: Encourages the development of renewable energy projects and technologies.
State Statistics
- STEM Professionals: North Dakota employs approximately 22,300 tech workers, comprising 4.7% of the state’s total workforce.
- Annual Growth in Tech Jobs: Over the past decade, North Dakota experienced a 16% increase in employment within tech subsectors.
- 2 research institutions (University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University)
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to explore your EB1A options? Contact Alagiri Immigration Law for a comprehensive case evaluation. Our experienced team will:
- Review your qualifications and achievements
- Assess your eligibility for EB1A
- Develop a customized strategy for your case
- Provide clear guidance on next steps
Don’t let immigration uncertainty hold back your career. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to get started on your path to permanent residency.
Serving clients throughout North Dakota and nationwide from our Silicon Valley office
"Priya Alagiri possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of Green card processing, particularly for individuals with extraordinary abilities employed in the technology sector. With her profound understanding of the subject matter, she and her exceptional team excels in crafting applications that effectively highlight the strengths and qualities of the applicants. Strongly recommend Priya for all your visa processing needs."
EB-1(A) Green Card Cost
How Much Does an EB-1(A) Green Card Cost?
We understand the costs of an EB-1(A) Green Card can be confusing. When you work with The Alagiri Immigration Law Firm, we carefully explain the several mandatory fees the USCIS demands. Below is a breakdown of costs you can expect while petitioning and applying for a green card inside and outside the U.S.
Within the U.S. (Status Change)
- I-140 Filing Fee – $700
- I-485 Fee: $1225 (Click here to learn more).
Outside the U.S. (Consular Processing)
- I-140 Filing Fee – $700
- DS-260 Fee – $345
- Affidavit of Support Fee – $120
Premium Processing Fees
The current processing times for an I-140 EB-1A visa petition is currently 20-22 months. If you want to speed up the process, you can pay a $2500 Premium Processing Fee to the USCIS to shorten your petition’s processing time to 15 calendar days. If the USCIS fails to meet the deadline, they will refund your premium processing fee.
How can Alagiri Law Help?
Our experienced and dedicated EB-1A visa lawyer can assist you every step of the way. Schedule an evaluation session with us and start your green card your journey!
