Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
- 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
Pennsylvania EB1A Immigration Resources
Pennsylvania offers unique advantages for EB1A applicants:
Major Employers
- Major Tech Companies
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS has expanded its operations in Pennsylvania, including the acquisition of a nuclear-powered data center to support its cloud services.
- Google: Google maintains a significant presence in Pennsylvania, contributing to the state’s tech ecosystem through various initiatives and partnerships.
- Microsoft: Microsoft is involved in Pennsylvania’s tech scene, including efforts to revitalize energy infrastructure to support its data centers.
- Comcast: Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast is a global media and technology company offering services in cable, entertainment, and communications.
- SAP America: With a major office in Newtown Square, SAP America specializes in enterprise application software, serving various industries worldwide.
- Research Institutions
- Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): Located in Pittsburgh, CMU is renowned for its research in computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
- University of Pennsylvania (Penn): An Ivy League institution in Philadelphia, Penn excels in interdisciplinary research across technology, medicine, and business.
- Pennsylvania State University (Penn State): With multiple campuses, Penn State is a leader in engineering and applied sciences research.
- Lehigh University: Situated in Bethlehem, Lehigh is known for its research in engineering and technology.
- Drexel University: Based in Philadelphia, Drexel emphasizes experiential learning and research in computing and informatics.
- Innovation Centers
- Innovation Park at Penn State: A 118-acre business and research park offering office, manufacturing, and research space, fostering collaboration between businesses and Penn State’s resources.
- Penn Center for Innovation: Located at the University of Pennsylvania, this center facilitates the transfer of Penn’s research discoveries into the marketplace.
- Pittsburgh Innovation District: A hub for technology and research institutions, promoting collaboration and economic development in the Pittsburgh area.
- University City Science Center: Based in Philadelphia, it supports startups and established companies in the life sciences and tech industries.
- Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABC): Located in Doylestown, PABC supports early-stage life sciences companies and academic technologies.
Local Resources
- Professional Associations
- Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), Lehigh Valley Chapter: Provides IT professionals with resources and networking opportunities to advance their careers.
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Penn State Chapter: Promotes multidisciplinary engineering through networking and professional development.
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Penn State Chapter: Hosts events to develop computing skills among university members.
- Audio Engineering Society (AES), Penn State Chapter: Focuses on education and equipment demonstration in audio technology.
- Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Penn State Chapter: Offers networking and academic development opportunities in biomedical engineering.
- Technical Meetups
- Tech in Motion: Philadelphia: Hosts events for tech professionals to network and learn about industry trends.
- Pittsburgh B2B Software Meetup: Facilitates discussions and networking for professionals in the B2B software industry.
- NEPA Tech: Northeast Pennsylvania’s premier technology meetup, hosting speakers in technology, business, and the arts.
- Philly Hardware Meetup: Brings together hardware enthusiasts and professionals for networking and collaboration.
- Pittsburgh .NET User Group (PGHDOTNET): Focuses on discussions and learning opportunities related to .NET technologies.
- Industry Groups
- Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association: Supports the biotechnology industry through advocacy and networking.
- Pittsburgh Technology Council: Provides resources and networking opportunities for tech companies in the Pittsburgh area.
- Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT): Promotes growth and success in the technology and life sciences industries.
- Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC): Supports economic development and industry growth in the Lehigh Valley region.
- Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania: Provides funding and support services to early-stage technology companies.
State Statistics
- STEM Professionals: Pennsylvania employs a substantial number of STEM professionals, with projections indicating 590,000 new and replacement jobs in STEM fields through 2026.
- 3.4% annual growth in tech jobs
- 7 research institutions (Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, Lehigh University, Drexel University, and more)
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 Pennsylvania 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!
