1000+Cases Won
99%USCIS Approval Rate
16+Years Of Experience
Where Ambition Meets Admission
Stelmakh & Associates, LLC is an immigration law firm based in Seattle serving needs of entrepreneurs, start up founders, individuals with extraordinary abilities and their families.
Seattle Immigration Lawyers Providing Legal Services and Guidance for Foreign Clients Who Want to Live, Work or Start a Business in The United States
Over 1.5 million immigrants arrive in the United States every year, many of them chasing the dream of a better life or the opportunity to take their business or professional career to the next level. However, understanding American immigration laws and all the requirements to obtain a visa can be a daunting task for most people, causing many to give up on their dreams or put them on hold due to the complexity of their visa application process.
The immigration attorneys at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC know all about the challenges prospective immigrants face in order to enter the United States to live and work legally. Our law firm is based in Seattle and serves clients across the globe, assisting them with the process of selecting and applying for a visa and helping them maximize their chances of approval. We believe talent should not be limited by borders. Contact us at 206-558-6288 to learn more about how we can help you achieve your dream.
Entrepreneurs & Investors
I’d like to start my own business
or invest into a U.S. company
Extraordinary Abilities
I’m very accomplished in
business \ science \ art \ athletics
Work Visas & Green Cards
I have a job offer from
a U.S. company
Citizenship
I would like to apply for
USA citizenship
Family Immigration
I have a relative in the USA
willing to sponsor me for immigration
Marriage
I am getting married to
a U.S. citizen or green card holder
What Should I Expect When Working With Stelmakh & Associates, LLC?
When you reach out to the legal team at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC, you will have the opportunity to schedule an initial consultation. During the consultation, you will have a chance to confidentially discuss your situation and learn the different options we can offer to solve your immigration needs. If you decide to work with us, we will send you an electronic agreement and an invoice. You may sign your agreement online.
In order to start working on your case, we usually charge 50% of attorney fees upfront and 50% before filing the petition. After payment, we will invite you to our case management portal, where you can upload your documents and fill out a questionnaire. We will use your answers to prepare your immigration forms. Next, our legal team will draft the legal argument, compile all your evidence for submission to the USCIS, and share the petition packet with you for a final review. You can sign the forms in our office or send them by email. After that, we will email you all USCIS notices relating to your case – Receipt Notice, Fingerprints Appointment Notice, Interview Notice (if any), and Decision Notice.
We will follow up with the USCIS on your behalf if your case is not reviewed within normal processing times. The final step is preparing you for the interview so you can be confident and ready to answer all of the consular officer’s questions. In addition, our attorney can appear at your USCIS interview in person, by phone, or via video conference. A large percentage of clients who decided to hire Stelmakh & Associates, LLC for their case have had their petitions approved by the USCIS, making it a wise decision for themselves and their families.
Immigration Legal Services
We provide the following services:
We are result oriented
Our team
Katya Stelmakh
Founder and Managing Director
Immigration attorney Katya Stelmakh has over 15 years of successful experience in the field of business immigration law. Prior to founding Stelmakh & Associates in 2008, Ms. Stelmakh managed business immigration practice of an international law firm with offices in Philadelphia, Moscow, and Kiev. While with the firm, Ms. Stelmakh counseled one of the world’s largest ferro-alloy and steel manufacturers on all international business personnel relocation matters and travel concerns. She also litigated international legal disputes and advised corporate clients on business transactions.
Kimberly McGurn
Associate Attorney
Kimberly is a dedicated and compassionate immigration attorney with expertise in the O-1 Extraordinary Ability visa, as well as various permanent residency paths such as EB-1 Extraordinary Ability and Outstanding Researchers, EB-2 National Interest Waivers, and their accompanying Adjustment of Status applications ("green cards"). She is experienced in assisting clients navigate complex legal systems in creative ways, adept at creating optimal outcomes for clients and collaborating in teams to foster successful results for internal and external stakeholders. She has experience at both small and mid-sized firms, as well as in the private and public sector. Prior to becoming an attorney, Kimberly held roles in the startup and finance industries.
Kelsie Milham
Senior Paralegal
Kelsie has several years of experience in U.S. immigration law, specializing in the O-1 Extraordinary Ability visa, EB-1 Extraordinary Ability and Outstanding Researchers, EB-2 National Interest Waivers, Adjustment of Status applications, and RFE responses.
Before joining the firm, she worked at Legalpad, an immigration support startup, for 3 years, where she helped a multitude of startup founders, business executives, and STEM workers navigate their complex immigration journeys. Kelsie helped the legal team grow by developing critical SOPs and resources, resulting in a high approval rating for EB-2 NIW, O-1A, and EB-1A petitions. After Legalpad was acquired, Kelsie worked in a management role where she trained and mentored a team of 5 immigration paralegals.
As a child of Cambodian refugees, Kelsie understands the complexities, stress, and heightened emotions of the U.S. immigration process. She is extremely passionate about providing exceptional white-glove service and an empathetic approach to her clients.
What Kind of Visa and Immigration Cases Does Stelmakh & Associates, LLC Handle?
While our firm can help clients around the world with a variety of immigration matters, our main focus is on business immigration. Investors and entrepreneurs often move when they acquire a business. Attorney Stelmakh is passionate about helping businesses grow. She and her legal team help entrepreneurs build business plans supporting immigration requirements and business success. The team at Stelmakh & Associates, LLC focuses on the following cases:
- Investment Visas
- Permanent Work Visas
- Temporary Non-Immigrant Visas
- E-1 Visas
- E-2 Visas
- EB-1(C) Visas
- EB-1(A) Extraordinary Ability Green Cards
- EB-1(B) Outstanding Professor / Researcher Green Cards
- EB-2 National Interest Waivers
- O-1 Visas
We understand that, for many people, securing a visa or achieving permanent residency in the United States may seem like a pipe dream. The team at Stelmakh & Associates LLC is here to assist you in the process of making your immigration goals achievable.
Reviews About Stelmakh & Associates, LLC
What Our Clients Say
Why Choose Our Firm
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Experience
Our attorney, Katya Stelmakh, has been practicing business immigration law since 2006. She solely practices immigration law and is always up to date with the ever-changing immigration laws and regulations.
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Accessibility
We make it easy for you or your company to work with us. We serve clients throughout the world and can handle cases by phone, email, and video meetings, in addition to meeting clients in person at our Seattle office.
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Technology
We use a cutting-edge immigration case management system powered by AILAW, which helps us handle your information efficiently and confidentially. Your case is important to us and deserves individual attention.
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Transparency
We will deliver an honest assessment of your particular case and will not give you false promises. You will always be fully informed of your options and any potential obstacles you may encounter along the way.
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Results
We handle hundreds of cases per year and have more than a 99% approval rate. We are committed to getting results for our clients and supporting them in their journey of relocating to the United States.
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Support
With over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and professionals immigrate to the U.S., we have developed a strong support network that can advise you on all aspects of relocation, from choosing the right school for your children to purchasing properties and selecting the right insurance.
Our Work Process. From Start to Success.
What To Expect?
01. Schedule a Consultation
You will confidentially discuss your situation and the different options we can offer to solve your immigration needs. You will come out of the discussion with the action plan, an understanding of the next steps, and an estimate for our services.
The consultation fee will be credited towards your case fee if you decide to hire us – all consultations for our clients are free and unlimited
02. Sign Our Retainer Agreement
We will send you an electronic agreement you can sign online and the invoice. We usually charge 50% of attorney fees upfront and 50% before filing the petition.
03. Complete Our Questionnaire
We will invite you to our case management portal, where you will upload supporting documents and fill out a questionnaire. We will use your answers to prepare the immigration forms.
04. We Prepare Your Petition Package
After preparing immigration forms for your case, we draft the legal argument and compile all your evidence for submission to the USCIS. We will share the petition packet with you for a final review.
05. Sign the Immigration Forms
You can sign the forms in our office or send them by email.
06. We Print and Send Your Package to the USCIS
After, we will email you all USCIS notices relating to your case – Receipt Notice, Fingerprints Appointment Notice, Interview Notice (if any), and Decision Notice.
07. We Monitor the Status of Your Case
We will follow up with the USCIS on your behalf if your case is not reviewed within normal processing times.
08. We Attend the Interview with You
The final step is preparing you for the interview. Our attorney can appear at your USCIS Interview in person or by phone / video conference.
09. Congratulations on Your Approval!
Immigration News & Press About Us – Stelmakh Law
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between a non-immigrant visa and an immigrant visa?
A non-immigrant visa is a temporary visa that allows a person to travel to the United States for a limited period of time for a specific purpose, such as business, tourism, or study. Examples of non-immigrant visas include the B-1 visa for business travelers, the F-1 visa for students, and the H-2B visa for seasonal workers. An immigrant visa is a permanent visa that allows a person to live and work in the United States permanently. Examples of immigrant visas include the EB-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities, the EB-2 visa for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, and the EB-3 visa for skilled workers.
Can I bring a family member to live in the USA?
Immigration visa holders may be able to bring their immediate relatives with them to the United States. Family members may be eligible to receive a derivative visa, which allows them to enter the United States at the same time as the visa holder. The visa holder must be able to show financial support for their family members, and the family members must meet all other eligibility requirements.
Is a visa the same thing as a green card?
A visa allows a person to travel to the United States for a temporary period of time, while a green card grants the holder legal permanent residence in the United States. A visa is not the same as a green card and does not provide a path to citizenship. A green card is a form of identification issued by the U.S. government that serves as proof of an individual’s immigration status. A visa, on the other hand, is an endorsement on a person’s passport that grants permission to enter or leave the United States.
What happens if my visa application is denied?
If a visa application is denied, the applicant will receive a written notice of the denial, which will explain the reasons for the decision. Generally, visa applicants must demonstrate that they meet the requirements for the visa they are applying for, such as having adequate financial support, not having any criminal convictions, and meeting specific health requirements. If the applicant does not meet these requirements, their visa application may be denied. Usually, the applicant can appeal the decision or reapply for a visa. If the visa is denied due to insufficient evidence or other errors, the applicant may be able to provide additional evidence or correct any errors to have their application approved.
Does a green card allow me to become a citizen?
A green card holder is eligible to apply for United States citizenship through the process of naturalization. This process involves submitting an application, attending an interview, passing a written test on U.S. history and government, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States. After successfully completing all the steps in the naturalization process, the green card holder will become an official U.S. citizen.
Can I come to the United States to invest in a business?
There are a few different types of visas available for individuals looking to invest in the U.S. economy, including the E-1 visa, E-2 visa, and EB-1(C) visa. The E-1 visa allows foreign investors to enter the U.S. for the purpose of investing in a U.S. business. The E-2 visa is for investors from countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S. and allows them to enter and stay in the U.S. to direct and develop the operations of their business. The EB-1(C) visa is for foreign executives who have been employed in a managerial or executive capacity for at least one year outside the U.S. and are now looking to manage and direct the operations of a U.S. business. An attorney can recommend the right type of visa for your purposes.
What is a labor certification, and when is it needed?
A labor certification is a document issued by the U.S. Department of Labor that allows foreign nationals to apply for certain employment-based visas. It is required for those seeking to obtain an employment-based visa to the USA, such as an H-1B visa. The labor certification process requires employers to demonstrate that they are unable to find qualified U.S. workers for the job and that the foreign national’s employment will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
Why can't I self-petition for certain employment-based visas?
Certain employment-based visas, such as the EB-2 visa, require a standing job offer from a U.S. employer and a labor certification. This is because the labor certification process requires employers to demonstrate that they are unable to find qualified U.S. workers for the job and that the foreign national’s employment will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. Because the law requires applicants to have a standing job offer and a labor certification for certain work visas, self-petitioning may not always be possible unless you are applying for a visa that allows it, such as an EB-1 or an EB-2 NIW.
Investment Visas – If you are planning to come to the United States to invest in a business or grow your enterprise, our firm can help you select an investment visa that works for you.