Immigration Services

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT ONOR IMMIGRATION LAW

What makes ONOR Immigration Law different?
I bring both legal and healthcare experience to my practice as a New York–licensed lawyer and registered nurse. This gives me a practical understanding of the challenges migrants face, particularly healthcare professionals. My focus is on clear communication, careful preparation, and respect for each client’s journey.

Is ONOR Immigration Law a legitimate law firm?
Yes. ONOR Immigration Law is a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) registered in New York. I am admitted to practice law in the State of New York and in good standing with the New York State Bar. As a licensed U.S. attorney, I am authorized to represent clients in U.S. immigration matters before government agencies worldwide.

Where are you based?
ONOR Immigration Law is a New York–registered PLLC. All client work is handled online, which allows me to serve individuals and businesses across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Do you work with healthcare professionals?
Yes. I assist nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals with EB-3 and H-1B visas, as well as related U.S. immigration matters.

How much do your services cost?
Unless otherwise agreed, I use flat-fee pricing for most cases. The fee depends on the type of petition or application. Costs will be outlined before you decide to proceed.

What languages do you support?
Services are primarily provided in English. I am also fluent in Filipino and Cebuano, with a good understanding of French, Spanish, and German. If needed, interpreter support can be arranged to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the process.

Is everything handled online?
Yes. Consultations, document exchange, and updates are managed securely online. U.S. immigration filings are submitted directly to government agencies, and clients receive official notices from those agencies.

When does an attorney-client relationship begin?
An attorney-client relationship begins only once a signed retainer agreement is in place. Until then, any consultation is considered informational.

Do you guarantee results?
No. Immigration outcomes depend on government decisions. I do, however, commit to handling your matter with diligence and professionalism.

NATIONALITY AND CAREER-RELATED QUESTIONS

I am Australian. Is there a special immigration pathway for me?
Yes. Australian citizens may be eligible for the E-3 visa, a U.S. work visa available only to Australians in specialty occupations. The E-3 requires a job offer from a U.S. employer and proof of professional qualifications. Australians may also apply for other U.S. visa categories such as H-1B, L-1, or family-based green cards, depending on their situation. Part of our role is to assess your eligibility and help you choose the most suitable pathway.

I am Canadian. Is there a special immigration pathway for me?
Yes. Canadian citizens may be eligible for the TN visa under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). This visa is for certain professional occupations such as nurses, engineers, and accountants, and it requires a U.S. job offer in one of the qualifying fields. Canadians may also qualify for other U.S. visa categories — including H-1B, L-1, or family-based green cards — depending on their circumstances. We can review your background and goals to identify the most suitable option.

I am British. Is there a pathway for me?
Yes. British citizens do not have a country-specific U.S. visa like Australians (E-3) or Canadians (TN), but they are eligible for most standard U.S. immigration pathways. These include employment-based visas such as H-1B, L-1, and O-1, as well as family-based green cards if you have immediate relatives who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The right pathway will depend on your profession, family situation, and long-term goals.

I am from the Philippines. Is there a pathway for me?
For nationals of the Philippines, the EB-3 visa for nurses and other skilled workers is a well-used pathway, alongside H-1B, family-based immigration, and other employment categories.

I am from China or India. Is there a pathway for me?
If you are from China or India, common options include the H-1B for specialty occupations, the L-1 for intracompany transfers, or the EB-5 investor visa.

I am from Chile or Singapore, is there a pathway for me?
If you are from Singapore or Chile, you may qualify for the H-1B1 visa, which is a special category under free trade agreements with the U.S. This can sometimes be more flexible than the standard H-1B.I am from the Middle East. Is there a pathway for me?

I am from the Middle East. Is there a pathway for me?
Yes. U.S. immigration law applies globally, and options depend on your citizenship, not just where you live.

• If you are a citizen of a Middle Eastern country: You may qualify for employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, EB-3), family-based green cards, or investment visas. Some Middle Eastern countries also have treaties with the United States that allow eligibility for the E-2 treaty investor visa.

• If you are not a citizen but live in the Middle East: Your eligibility is based on the passport you hold. For example, a British citizen in Dubai would apply under U.K. eligibility, not Emirati.

Why does my nationality or career background matter?
Part of our consultation process is clarifying your nationality, residence, and career background so we can recommend the most suitable immigration pathway.

IMMIGRATION TERMINOLOGY-RELATED QUESTIONS

Adjustment of Status (AOS)

Q: What is Adjustment of Status?
A: Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) lets you apply for a green card without leaving the U.S.

Q: How long does it take?
A: On average, 8–14 months depending on USCIS workload and background checks.

Q: Can I work while waiting?
A: Yes — if you apply for and receive a work permit (EAD) alongside your AOS.

Change of Status (COS)

Q: What is Change of Status?
A: It’s when a non-immigrant already in the U.S. switches to another non-immigrant visa category (e.g., from student to work visa) without leaving the U.S.

Consular Notification / Consular Processing

Q: What’s the difference between Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing?
A: AOS is processed inside the U.S., while Consular Processing is handled at a U.S. consulate abroad.

Q: When is Consular Notification required?
A: Employers must notify the consulate when a foreign worker is approved for certain visa categories, like H-1B.

Extension of Status

Q: What does Extension of Status mean?
A: It’s when a visa holder asks USCIS to extend their current non-immigrant status before it expires.

Amendment of Non-Immigrant Status

Q: When do I need an amendment?
A: If there are material changes to your non-immigrant visa conditions (e.g., new work location for an H-1B), you must file an amended petition.

Fees

Q: How much are USCIS filing fees?
A: It varies by form. Example: Adjustment of Status (I-485) is typically $1,440 for adults (as of 2025). Additional costs apply for biometrics and medical exams.

Work Authorization & Travel

Q: Can I travel while my case is pending?
A: Not without advance parole (Form I-131). Traveling without it may abandon your application.

Q: Can I stay in the U.S. if my tourist visa expires but my AOS is filed?
A: Yes, as long as your AOS is properly filed, you are considered in a “period of authorized stay” while waiting.