Nosotros are the immigration lawyers for creative professionals.

A Fresh Approach

We're not your average immigration constabulary firm. Nosotros exercise things differently and are the all-time at what nosotros do. We swallow, slumber and drink occupational visas and clearing issues and we won't rest until we produce a successful effect for our clients. We pride ourselves in making the visa and immigration processes as articulate, streamlined, and easy to understand equally possible.

Who We Serve

Our legal team practices exclusively in clearing law with a focus on individuals and companies in creative industries. Fashion, entertainment, design, art, music – you proper name it, nosotros've handled it.

If yous are a foreign creative professional wanting to work in the U.s., a creative system seeking foreign talent to work in your U.S. role, or if you or your relative is seeking residence or having an immigration effect, we tin can assistance.

Meet the Team

Nosotros have spent our entire careers practicing exclusively in immigration and nationality law and have built a squad with unrivaled collective experience and determination to provide the highest levels of professional service.

We ensure that our clients are the nearly informed well-nigh what can be a complicated process. Our successful track record is a direct effect of clients who are empowered and actively participate in their immigration journey. We have the extra time to get to know our clients and determine together the best class of action whether that is pursuing an application for an creative person visa, permanent residence or citizenship.

  • Michael Lehach, Esq.

    Michael Lehach, Esq.

    Founding Partner

  • Alejandro Filippa, Esq.

    Alejandro Filippa, Esq.

    Founding Partner

  • Jung Eun Kim, Esq.

    Jung Eun Kim, Esq.

    Partner

  • Fabiana Araujo, Esq.

    Fabiana Araujo, Esq.

    Managing Attorney

  • Xixi Liu, Esq.

    Xixi Liu

    Associate Attorney

  • Kaitlyn Marrero

    Kaitlyn Marrero

    Paralegal

  • Dilcia Gutierrez

    Dilcia Gutierrez

    Paralegal

  • Christopher Hydal

    Christopher Hydal

    Associate Attorney/Solicitor

  • Stephanie Drucker

    Stephanie Drucker

    Function Manager

  • Click for full bios

What People Are Saying

  • Alejandro, Michael and the Lehach Filippa squad are a class act. Their professionalism and detailed cognition of the steps to obtaining an O-i visa gave me confidence throughout the process. Within 6 weeks I successfully obtained my creative person visa. Lehach Filippa gave me the tools to put my best human foot forward and now I accept the creative freedom to piece of work for any employer in the United States.

    — Melanie Grand., Stylist

  • Anyone who has gone through the immigration process of either obtaining a work visa or citizenship knows that it tin be overwhelming. Yet, working with the Lehach Filippa team was such a positive experience. They took the time to get to know me and address all of my concerns. Thanks to their hard work, I was able to successfully obtain my Greencard which has immune me to starting time my ain business and finally work for more than one agency.

    — Matteo C., Way Model

  • I similar to remember of Lehach Filippa equally my personal team of lawyers. Their level of service, attention to item and tenacity make them the best in the concern. When I starting time came to their office, they helped me to secure my O-1 visa. When I met my wife, a Usa denizen, they helped me successfully obtain my Greencard. Lehach Filippa has been with me every pace of the style on my citizenship journeying. They really care almost their clients!

    — Eduardo R., Architect

  • It'due south rare to find a legal squad that is so invested in the success of their clients. My path to obtaining a work visa was filled with highs and lows, but the Lehach Filippa team was consistent and unwavering. They were there for me every stride of the mode and because of their vast experience with every type of immigration law, I was fully enlightened of my options and able to attain a successful upshot. They are the best, hands downwards.

    — Lucie B., Musician

Services

What Practise We Practice

Nosotros focus exclusively on clearing and nationality law. We prepare temporary work visas, applications for permanent residence and represent clients in complex clearing matters. Our clients work in diverse industries such every bit the performing arts, music, fashion, motion picture, photography, blueprint, fine art, journalism, and more than.

Why Nosotros Do It

Nosotros believe creative professionals should be empowered and active participants in their immigration journey.

We are committed to providing infrequent guidance, articulate advice and education for all our clients. We've been called pioneers and progressives in our industry as a outcome of our streamlined, efficient and fresh approach to obtaining work visas, residence and/or citizenship.

What Type of Customer Are Y'all?

Types of Clients Types of Clients

Which Type of Visa and/or
Residence Status Applies to You?

Temporary

  • Work Visas
  • O-Extraordinary Ability (O-1B) "The Creative person Visa"
  • H1-B Specialty Occupation
  • E-iii Specialty Occupation (applicable to Australian nationals)
  • Treaty National (applicable to Canadian and Mexican nationals)

Permanent

  • Residence based on Boggling Ability
  • Employer Sponsored Residency
  • Family Relationship Residence

Special Cases

  • Aviary
  • Citizenship
  • Removal Defense

Our team is experienced in obtaining all types of immigration benefits for artistic professionals.

We obtain benefits that will maximize our clients' freedom and professional person success in the United States.

The Process
And What to Wait

There are 2 ingredients to the Artist Visa

ingredients to the Artist Visa ingredients to the Artist Visa

It can seem like a tall mountain to climb, only we're hither for you every step of the mode.
All 10 steps.

  1. Provide u.s. your elaborated CV/resume with all the details

    Piece of work history, clarification of your role, notable clients, awards, list of press, publications.

  2. Didactics and timing is everything

    We'll discuss the timeline from start to completion, so you'll know what to wait and make certain nothing is unexplored in the visa procedure.

  3. Provide us a list of at least eight professionals able to speak to your boggling abilities

    Notable to your field and profession.

  4. Complete a customer-sponsorship questionnaire

    We'll inquire you all the questions we'll need answers to in order to consummate your visa application.

  5. Employer, Agency or Agent Sponsor?

    We'll talk about the requirements and definitions of each and choose the best grade of action together.

  6. Paperwork inventory and checklist

    We similar efficiency just like you, so our process is made to be equally comprehensive and painless equally possible – we promise!

  7. Portfolio delight

    A compilation of all the elements referenced in your CV in visual form when applicable, consider this the proof that your CV is accurate.

  8. Nosotros develop your personal plan and navigate the land of forms

    We tell you the data we need, we'll exist your squad to get it done.

  9. Approval of application and/or request for further bear witness

    We're almost in that location! We know this process in and out, we make sure to exit no stone unturned to emphasize all the relevant information and achieve the best possible consequence.

  10. Last review and cess

    In some cases this could besides include a meeting at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy for which you will be prepared by our A+ squad.

Extension time?

If and when it comes time to extend your visa, try to reach out to united states of america at to the lowest degree six months earlier your current visa expires. Together we'll maximize your options to extend your visa and go along your employment condition active.

Our Arroyo

Pedagogy. Collaboration. Results.

Our passion is advising and empowering our clients to successfully navigate the immigration procedure. We exercise this through our clients-commencement arroyo, we get to know your problems and piece of work with you to determine the best course of action. Our approach is collaborative and team-oriented – we ask questions, we appoint, nosotros leave no pick unexplored.

We are masters of our craft and we have a formula that works to help our clients achieve their legal goals. The most empowered clients are the virtually successful clients.

Vision

To empower talented artistic professionals seeking a path to work in the Us with the tools to fully understand their legal options and make informed decisions to be active participants in their immigration journey.

Our Mission

  • Accessibility

    To be accessible as a team past cultivating open, honest and directly relationships with clients. We reveal information and share cognition pivotal to a customer'southward immigration journey.

  • Excellence

    Continue to be the best-in-class, most knowledgeable, preferred choice amidst creative professionals and organizations for all immigration and naturalization law needs.

  • Environment

    Foster a healthy and productive work surroundings that reflects our core values of transparency, honesty, and respect so that every employee is recognized and valued for their commitment, talent and skill.

  • Communication

    Our concern philosophy is cultivated on data sharing, transparency, directness, mutual respect and honesty between lawyer, team and client.

  • Compassion

    To deed with integrity, compassion and respect to achieve the desired goals of our clients.

Team Bios

Michael Lehach, Esq.

Michael Lehach, Esq. Founding Partner

Michael is a founding partner of the police office of Lehach Filippa. Michael has spent over a decade committed to reuniting families and helping clients to pursue opportunities to alive and work in the Usa. Since 2004, he has been advocating and litigating for clients on almost every type of immigration outcome including complex aviary and waiver cases, artist visas, green cards, family petitions, criminal-clearing cases, as well as appeals and Federal petitions for review. Michael is at ease in the courtroom and has presented oral arguments on precedent-setting cases before the Board of Clearing Appeals and the U.Southward. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In 2011, Michael merged his immigration practice with that of his partner Alejandro Filippa to form an clearing police business firm focused on facilitating artist visas and residence applications for artistic professionals. Today, Lehach Filippa is one of the most recognized and fastest growing law practices for clearing and nationality law in New York.

Michael earned his undergraduate caste in political science from the University of Florida, and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Michael is expert in Mandarin and completed further studies at Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, Taiwan and also at Shaanxi Normal University in Xi'an, Red china. Outside the office y'all can probable find Michael spending time with his family unit and friends or playing the guitar, bass or the drums.

Alejandro Filippa, Esq.

Alejandro Filippa, Esq. Founding Partner

Alejandro is a founding partner of the police role of Lehach Filippa. Alejandro has spent over a decade focused exclusively on immigration law. He began his career working with the New York Clan for New Americans, a not-turn a profit dedicated to providing legal services to the nearly underserved immigrant communities in the city. Later, Alejandro consulted for a few private law offices in Midtown Manhattan where he learned the inner workings of business organisation clearing and first dreamed of starting his own office.

Past 2006, Alejandro was in business organization for himself, continuing his passion for clearing law and narrowing his focus to facilitate work visas for creative professionals seeking to share their artistic talents in his hometown of New York City. In 2011, Alejandro partnered with fellow colleague and immigration attorney, Michael Lehach, to grade an immigration law firm focused on facilitating artist visas and residence applications for creative professionals. Today, Lehach Filippa is 1 of the most recognized and fastest growing law practices for immigration and naturalization law in New York. Alejandro earned his undergraduate degree in history and political science from New York Academy and his Juris Doctor from New York Police force Schoolhouse. When non in the office you can find Alejandro spending time with his family at their dwelling in lower Manhattan or brushing up on his Muay Thai martial arts moves.

Jung Eun Kim, Esq.

Jung Eun Kim, Esq. Partner

Jung is a partner and is responsible for supervising a team of associates, administrative staff and contract writers at Lehach Filippa. Jung's areas of focus include temporary visas, RFE petitions, permanent residence and aviary. Prior to joining the practice in 2013, Jung represented victims of domestic violence, kid custody, and immigration relief cases at the New York Legal Assistance Group. Previously, Jung represented petitioners in family court on behalf of the Courtroom Advocates Projection based in New York. Jung earned her undergraduate degree from Ewha Adult female's Academy, South Korea and her Juris Doctor from New York Police force School. In her spare time, Jung enjoys spending fourth dimension with her family, following the latest trends, and enjoying haute cuisine.

Fabiana Araujo

Fabiana Araujo, Esq. Managing Attorney

Fabiana is an acquaintance attorney at Lehach Filippa and has spent her career supporting corporate and individual clients with her expertise in business organization immigration law. Prior to her role at Lehach Filippa, Fabiana worked as an associate at Katona & Mir providing a range of immigration legal services. Prior to that, Fabiana was an associate at the law offices of Jan H. Brown focusing on not-immigrant and immigrant visa petitions. Fabiana has also held roles early in her career at Wildes & Weinberg and besides Families for Freedom, a New York-based homo rights arrangement created to support families facing and fighting deportation.

Fabiana earned her undergraduate degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and her Juris Md from City University of New York. While at CUNY she served as a student attorney in the Citizen Rights Dispensary and also equally a legal intern for the Un, in Vienna, Republic of austria, and for the International Criminal Court, in The Hague, Netherlands. When not in the role, y'all can find Fabiana soaking in the sun at the embankment or traveling abroad to a new destination.

Xixi Liu

Xixi Liu Acquaintance Attorney

Xixi is an associate attorney at Lehach Filippa who is dedicated to advocating for her clients in immigration police. Xixi earned her undergraduate degree from St. John's University and her Juris Doctorate from New York Law School and is certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution Skills. During her time at NYLS, Xixi served as a student chaser in the Clearing Law and Litigation Clinic where she represented juveniles before the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Prior to joining the house, Xixi interned for MFY (Mobilization For Justice) Legal Services, the Safe Passage Project, the District Attorneys Office in Queens County, and for the Honorable Deborah Monica-Stevens. During her free time, Xixi enjoys traveling, photography, and exploring the best cuisines in the City.

Kaitlyn Marrero

Kaitlyn Marrero Paralegal

Kaitlyn is a paralegal at Lehach Filippa and is responsible for assisting in all matters of immigration law with a focus on O-1 visas. Prior to joining the firm in 2015, Kaitlyn worked with the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration where she was responsible for coordinating cultural events, administrative petitions and drafting press releases. Prior to that, Kaitlyn was sharpening her legal skills at the constabulary offices of Daniel A. Serratelli focusing on kid custody, divorce, and domestic violence cases at the local, federal and state levels. Kaitlyn began her career helping others as a volunteer with the New York Cares organisation where she was responsible for organizing logistics and connecting those most in need to the nutrient banks they operate throughout the city. Kaitlyn earned her undergraduate caste in political science at Pennsylvania State Academy. When not in the office y'all can discover Kaitlyn at the volleyball court where she plays for a local league or enjoying a concert at one of her favorite music venues throughout the city.

Dilcia Gutierrez

Dilcia Gutierrez Paralegal

Dilcia Gutierrez is a paralegal at Lehach Filippa. Prior to her current role, Dilcia was an authoritative assistant to a fast growing squad of real estate agents in Brooklyn, NY. Dilcia earned her undergraduate caste in business management and administration from the Southern Vermont College, a liberal arts higher in Bennington, Vermont. During her free fourth dimension, Dilcia enjoys spending time with family and friends, or finding the next binge worthy Tv set show.

Christopher Hydal

Christopher Hydal Associate Attorney/Solicitor

Christopher is a solicitor at Lehach Filippa with a groundwork in international employment law. Prior to his function at Lehach Filippa, Christopher was an acquaintance at McAllister Olivarius, an international law business firm based in London, Great britain focused on protecting individuals who face up bigotry in the workplace. While at McAllister Olivarius, Christopher represented individuals seeking protections in the areas of reputation management and commercial dispute resolution. Prior to his office as an chaser, Christopher served every bit an analyst at the U.Southward. Embassy in London where he was tasked with compliance protection for non-immigrant visas.

Christopher earned his undergraduate degree in classics from Boston College and completed his legal studies in London at Kingston University, The City Police School and BPP University. When non in the office, Christopher enjoys spending fourth dimension with his wife, family and friends.

Stephanie Drucker

Stephanie Drucker Part Manager

Stephanie is the office manager at Lehach Filippa and provides administrative oversight, customer assistance, and maintenance of the firm's office space for associates and clients alike. Prior to joining the team in 2018, Stephanie served as an administrative assistant to some of New York'due south acme corporate executives. Stephanie earned her undergraduate caste in economic science from SUNY Buy College, Country University of New York. When not in the function you tin find Stephanie reading up on her favorite subjects – art history, philosophy, economic science and comic design.

Our Fees

We are the one clearing office concentrating on O-1 and EB1 applications that will charge you lot the majority of our service fee for new applications only when your petition is approved by USCIS. This one of a kind payment structure assures that we will simply piece of work with applicants that have an extremely high take chances of success.

Let'south get into the numbers for the bones O-1B service for first time applicants, delight note USCIS fees are not included beneath;

$1975 to begin the process
$3000 only when USCIS has approved the petition