Background:
The client is an architect, a profession that typically requires a U.S. license — a major hurdle for H-1B approval without supplementary documentation. Since obtaining an architect license in the U.S. is extremely difficult, we focused on leveraging licensure exemptions.

Our Strategy:
We thoroughly researched both state and federal regulations on licensure exemption. By proving that the client was working under the direct supervision of a licensed architect, we successfully waived the license requirement — a key factor in securing the initial H-1B approval.

Later, when handling the H-1B change of employer (COE) petition, we realized the client was close to exhausting the H-1B cap. We immediately began preparing his EB-2 green card case. Given the limited time left on his H-1B (less than 2 years), we anticipated that waiting for PERM certification might not be viable.

To protect his cap, we advised the client to plan for international travel before his status expired. Meanwhile, we expedited every stage of the PERM process — from job ads to PWD — without delay. Thanks to the client’s full trust, we were able to move quickly.

Outcome:
After returning to the U.S., the client received PERM certification in just over a year. We then promptly filed an I-140 via premium processing, which was approved in one week. With the approved I-140, he was able to file for an H-1B extension beyond the 6-year limit, which was also successfully approved.