Moving to America for work requires the right legal help. Software engineers and actors face unique visa challenges. Engineers often need H-1B or O-1 visas. Actors typically pursue O-1 status for extraordinary ability.The best immigration services for relocating software engineers and actors understand these specialized needs. They know tech industry requirements. They handle entertainment visa complexities.We compared five firms that excel in these areas. Each offers different strengths for professional relocation.
Beyond Border specializes in immigration services for relocating software engineers and creative professionals. The firm handles O-1 visas for both tech talent and entertainment industry workers.Their team understands startup founder needs. They process EB-5 investor visas. They navigate E-2 treaty requirements. Beyond Border built expertise helping Indian and UK entrepreneurs access American opportunities.
Software engineers benefit from Beyond Border's tech-focused approach. The firm knows H-1B lottery challenges. They prepare strong O-1 extraordinary ability cases. Their attorneys understand coding portfolios and GitHub contributions.For actors, Beyond Border processes O-1B petitions efficiently. They compile performance reviews. They gather critical acclaim evidence. They coordinate with production companies and talent agents.
Want personalized guidance for your US move? Book a consultation with Beyond Border today and discover which visa pathway fits your career best.
Response time matters. Beyond Border typically responds within 24 hours. Case managers provide regular updates. Clients access their portal for document tracking.Processing fees start around $5,000 for standard cases. Complex situations cost more. But the firm offers payment plans.
BAL ranks among America's largest corporate immigration firms. Founded in 1980, they serve Fortune 500 companies globally.This firm excels at handling immigration services for software engineers at major tech companies. Amazon, Microsoft, and Google use BAL services. They processed over 10,000 cases in 2024.
Their Cobalt platform provides digital case management. Employers track visa status in real time. The technology reduces processing delays.BAL handles H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas efficiently. They maintain offices in 12 time zones. Their global reach helps multinational companies transfer talent.
Actors and entertainers access BAL's sports and entertainment division. This specialized team handles O-1B visas for performers. They work with production studios and talent agencies.Costs run higher at BAL. Corporate clients pay premium rates. Individual consultations start at $10,000 for complex cases.The firm's strength is corporate immigration programs. Small companies or individual applicants might find better value elsewhere.
Fragomen operates as one of the world's largest immigration firms. They serve major entertainment studios and tech giants.Their entertainment practice handles actors, directors, and production staff. Fragomen processes hundreds of O-1 visas for actors annually. They maintain relationships with every major Hollywood studio.For software engineers, Fragomen offers comprehensive H-1B support. They navigate the lottery system. They prepare green card applications. Their tech division understands AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity roles.
The firm's Center for Strategy and Applied Insights provides immigration policy guidance. This helps clients adapt to changing regulations quickly.Fragomen charges corporate rates. Individual cases start at $8,000 minimum. Processing takes 2-4 months typically.Their global network spans 60 offices worldwide. This helps international productions and multinational tech companies. Small startups might find their services expensive.
WR Immigration earned National Tier 1 rankings in 2025. Bernard Wolfsdorf founded the firm in 1986. They operate 10 offices across 12 time zones.The firm handles immigration services for software engineers through their tech industry practice. They process H-1B, O-1, and EB-1 cases. Their attorneys understand specialty occupation requirements well.WR Immigration provides strong O-1 visa support for creative professionals. Musicians, artists, and actors use their services. They gather peer testimonials effectively. They document extraordinary achievements thoroughly.
Their approach balances technology with personal service. Clients access online portals. Attorneys provide hands-on guidance.Fees range from $6,000 to $15,000 depending on case complexity. Premium processing adds $2,805. Rush cases cost more.The firm's regional presence helps clients nationwide. Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Oakland, San Diego, and San Francisco offices serve major tech and entertainment hubs.
Manifest combines legal expertise with technology. The newer firm launched with former Big Law attorneys. They focus on O-1, EB-1, and EB-2 NIW cases.Software engineers appreciate Manifest's streamlined approach to O-1 visas. The firm targets tech professionals with extraordinary ability. They understand patents, publications, and technical contributions.Their approval rate exceeds 95% across all visa types. Cases handled by Manifest attorneys achieved these results at current and prior firms.
Actors seeking O-1B visas work with Manifest's entertainment specialists. The firm compiles award evidence. They document critical reviews. They present performances at distinguished venues.Manifest charges transparent flat fees. O-1 cases start at $7,500. EB-1 green cards cost $12,000 minimum. No hidden charges appear later.The firm operates entirely online. No physical offices exist. This reduces overhead costs. Savings pass to clients.Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks. Premium processing speeds this to 15 days. The firm uses proprietary software to track deadlines.
1.What visa do software engineers typically need to work in the US?
Software engineers most commonly use H-1B specialty occupation visas or O-1 extraordinary ability visas. The H-1B requires employer sponsorship and lottery participation. The O-1 needs proof of exceptional achievements but avoids the lottery system.
2.How much do immigration services cost for actors relocating to the US?
Immigration services for actors typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000 for O-1 visa applications. Prices vary based on case complexity, firm reputation, and whether premium processing is needed. Additional government fees of approximately $1,305 apply.
3.Can immigration lawyers help with both H-1B and O-1 visas for software engineers?
Yes, experienced immigration firms handle both H-1B and O-1 visas for software engineers. Many attorneys recommend O-1 applications for experienced engineers with publications, patents, or significant open-source contributions since O-1 visas avoid the H-1B lottery.
4.What makes Beyond Border different from larger immigration firms?
Beyond Border combines expertise with personalized service and competitive pricing. While large firms like BAL and Fragomen serve Fortune 500 clients at premium rates, Beyond Border focuses on individual professionals and startups with faster response times and flexible payment options.
5.How long does the O-1 visa process take for actors and software engineers?
Standard O-1 visa processing takes 2-4 months. Premium processing reduces this to 15 days for an additional $2,805 fee. Total timeline includes evidence gathering, petition preparation, USCIS review, and consular interview scheduling for applicants outside the United States.
