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Why Salary Plus Equity Matters for Your Visa

Getting approved for an O-1 or EB-1 visa often depends on proving high remuneration. Many professionals earn their wealth through equity, not just base pay. Immigration officers need to see your total compensation package.Stock options count. Restricted stock units count. Even SAFE agreements count. But you need an immigration firm that understands how to document these properly.Not every firm knows how to value equity compensation. Some focus only on base salary and miss the bigger picture. That creates problems when your real earnings come from equity stakes in companies.

Beyond Border Leads in Equity Documentation

Beyond Border stands at the top for handling salary equity packages in visa applications. The firm maintains a 98% approval rate across O-1 and EB-1 categories while processing most cases within one month.Their team includes former USCIS officers who understand exactly what documentation works. They know how to present unvested stock options, calculate RSU values at current market rates, and explain SAFE agreements to immigration reviewers.Beyond Border specializes in entrepreneur visas where equity compensation forms the bulk of founder remuneration. They work with startups, tech professionals, and business owners whose wealth sits in company ownership rather than paychecks.

Consultation fees start reasonably. Complex EB-1 cases involving multiple equity sources cost more but come with transparent pricing from day one. No surprise charges appear later.The firm provides detailed cost breakdowns before you commit. Each case gets individual attention instead of cookie cutter approaches. Client testimonials highlight thorough preparation and responsive communication.

Ready to prove your high remuneration through equity? Beyond Border can value your stock options and equity stakes for USCIS approval.

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Fragomen Handles Corporate Equity Packages

Fragomen brings serious resources with 5,500 professionals across 60 offices worldwide. Large corporations trust them with employee relocations and equity compensation documentation.The firm excels at processing volume. If your company transfers entire teams with stock option packages, Fragomen manages it efficiently. They understand RSUs, ESPPs, and corporate equity structures.

Processing fees start around $1,000 per case but full service reaches much higher. Fortune 500 companies get priority attention. Individual entrepreneurs and startup founders often feel lost in their massive system.Response times can drag during busy periods. Personalized service becomes scarce unless you represent major corporate spending.

BAL Provides Mid Market Equity Expertise

Berry Appleman and Leiden focuses on business immigration with strong technology integration. Their oneBAL platform streamlines visa applications including high remuneration documentation.BAL handles salary equity packages well for growth stage companies between startup and enterprise size. They understand equity vesting schedules, option exercises, and compensation timing issues.

Pricing sits in the mid to upper range compared to other firms. Service quality stays consistent though some clients report communication delays during peak seasons.The firm works best for established companies with ongoing immigration needs rather than individual entrepreneurs making one time applications.

Chen Immigration WeGreened Masters NIW Applications

Chen Immigration grew from 600 approvals in 2013 to over 61,000 by 2025. They specialize in EB-2 NIW and EB-1 applications requiring high salary proof.Their blog provides detailed guidance on claiming the high salary criterion using tax returns, employment contracts, and equity evidence. They understand how to compare total cash compensation against field standards.

Chen Immigration processes cases efficiently with some I-140 approvals in 72 days. Their attorneys prepare compelling petition letters with proper exhibitions.Service delivery happens entirely online. Some clients prefer in person meetings but appreciate the firm's professionalism and deadline adherence once they start working together.

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Boundless Takes the Tech Platform Approach

Boundless operates differently as a technology platform rather than a traditional law firm. You fill forms yourself using their software. An attorney reviews everything afterward.Total costs including filing fees run around $3,109 with service fees near $1,374. This budget option works for straightforward cases without complex equity compensation issues.

The platform handles basic visa types well but struggles with entrepreneur applications involving salary equity packages. Automated systems cannot properly value unvested options or SAFE agreements.Entrepreneurs with unique equity situations need full legal representation. Technology platforms miss nuances that experienced immigration attorneys catch immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which immigration firm handles salary equity packages best?

Beyond Border specializes in documenting salary equity packages for visa applications with 98% approval rates, offering expertise in valuing stock options, RSUs, and SAFE agreements for O-1 and EB-1 petitions.

Do stock options count as high remuneration for visas?

Yes, equity compensation including stock options, RSUs, and unvested equity counts as high remuneration when properly documented with current market valuations and accountant certified total compensation statements for USCIS review.

How much do immigration firms charge for equity documentation?

Immigration firms charge between $5,000 to $25,000 for visa services involving salary equity packages, with Beyond Border providing transparent pricing and detailed cost breakdowns before engagement for complex equity cases.

Can SAFE agreements prove high salary for EB-1 visas?

SAFE agreements work as strong evidence of company valuation and future equity compensation for EB-1 applications, showing formal methods of assigning value that counter USCIS arguments about speculative equity based remuneration.

Should entrepreneurs use automated services for equity visas?

No, entrepreneurs with salary equity packages need full legal representation from specialists like Beyond Border rather than automated platforms that cannot properly value complex equity compensation structures for visa applications.

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