Extraordinary Individuals
Bespoke solutions for extraordinary talent
You’ve achieved exceptional things. We make sure the U.S. recognizes it
Extraordinary ability visa applications require striking narratives — why your work and your accomplishments warrant special consideration.
You bring the impressive career, we bring the legal creativity and storytelling craft. Together, we transform a pile of documents into a visa-worthy narrative.
Your Attorney
Michael Serotte
Founding Partner
Michael founded Serotte Law after a career that took him from public accounting to law and finance in Washington, D.C. — and that business background shapes how he sees extraordinary ability cases. He serves as Immigration Counsel for Stanford's StartX and Graduate School of Business, Duke's Entrepreneurship Initiative, and accelerators like Unshackled, Alchemist, and Founder Institute, giving him a front-row seat to what makes a founder or innovator truly exceptional.
What sets Michael apart is that he doesn't just see a visa application — he sees a business case. Having built his own firm from nothing, he knows what it takes to translate ambition and achievement into a narrative the U.S. government will recognize. For entrepreneurs, founders, and individuals whose accomplishments don't fit neatly into a checklist, Michael brings the strategic eye to know what story needs to be told, and the legal craft to tell it.
Do I actually qualify?
This is the question most people start with. The honest answer: how your achievements are documented matters as much as what you've achieved.
How we build your case
An extraordinary ability petition is only as strong as its evidence package. But it’s not only about stacking credentials; you have to build a narrative that resonates with a USCIS officer.
Choosing between O-1 and EB-1A
These two categories use similar evidence but serve different purposes. Choosing the right one (or both) depends on your goals and your timeline.
Do I actually qualify?
The O-1A and EB-1A both require evidence of extraordinary ability… but the standard isn't as narrow as most people think. You don't need a Nobel Prize or an Olympic medal. USCIS looks for sustained recognition and a career placing you near the top of your field. That can take many forms: major awards, but also published research that's heavily cited, media coverage of your work, a high salary relative to peers, membership in selective organizations, or evidence that you've judged the work of others.
You need to meet at least three of the evidentiary criteria, and your packet has to demonstrate that taken together they paint a picture of someone operating at the highest level. Whether you're clearly there or still a few credentials short of qualifying, we’ll assess your situation honestly and map your path strategically.
How we build your case
The process starts with a deep dive into your career: CV, publications, citations, patents, awards, press, contracts, salary history, recommendation letters, conference invitations, advisory roles, peer review history. We identify which pieces map to which USCIS criteria, then figure out what's missing and how to get it.
The petition letter itself is where everything comes together. This is a sustained legal argument, often 20 to 30 pages long, that walks an adjudicator through your career and connects each piece of evidence to the regulatory criteria. This is where narrative skill and legal craft do the heavy lifting.
Choosing between O-1 and EB-1A
The O-1A is a nonimmigrant visa. It gets you into the U.S. to work for a specific employer or agent, typically for three years (but with unlimited renewals). It's the right starting point when you need work authorization now or want to test the waters before committing to permanent residence.
The EB-1A is the green card version. No employer sponsor required (you petition for yourself), and you skip PERM entirely. For many clients, the smartest move is filing O-1A first for immediate authorization, then filing EB-1A while in O-1 status. The evidence packages overlap significantly, so the second filing builds on the first.
In their own words
I cannot say enough wonderful things about the entire team at Serotte Law, and how seamless they made my process in obtaining my nonimmigrant E1 Treaty Trader visa. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Rita Georges as my lawyer and Brenna Scanlon as my paralegal, both of whom offered incredible guidance through every step of the process. They both went out of their way to provide support not only outside standard business hours, but even during the Thanksgiving weekend when an urgent matter arose in my case. Danielle Roberts also played an important role supporting me throughout my journey and her dedication and timeliness were invaluable. Although the process was backlogged due to delays related to the pandemic, the entire team was continually in touch with me providing updates and any time I had a question (and there were many) I received a response almost instantly. Truly "white-glove", five star service from start to finish. Of note, the firm is especially skilled in working with entrepreneurs such as myself and was extremely detailed and meticulous in assembling my application package, leaving no detail to chance. In the instance I needed a referral to a business plan expert, they were quick to provide a recommendation with whom I also had an outstanding experience. Even for some unexpected issues in my case (namely, administrative processing) the entire team was both knowledgeable and supportive about what needed to be done such that I was ultimately successfully issued my E1. Your search for a law firm ends here.
Adam Haroun
Google Review
Prompt, efficient and proactive professionals, while being communicative and transparent every step of the way!! But most importantly, kind, compassionate and responsible. That is how I would describe Serotte Law(yers), in the true sense of every word!! I switched over to Serotte law 5 years ago, and as we all know switching law firms is a more tedious process than starting afresh, but Brenna made it seamless for me. Brenna Scanlon, their Managing paralegal is a highly qualified immigration expert, extremely well versed in her field of knowledge, and all of this while being a kind and compassionate human being. I don’t know of any other law firm that will call you after hours but these guys will. They will treat your sense of urgency as their own and that’s what stands them apart from the plethora of immigration lawyers out there!! Rita George’s, a highly capable and forthcoming lawyer, a solution finder, will guide you smoothly through every situation, every step of the way!! Immigration applicants tend to face many interrelated issues as well, but Serotte law guides you to the best of their ability there too, and if it’s not their forte they will refer you to the best of the best in the business - kinda like a concierge service!!! Thank you once again to team Serotte, Rita George’s, Brenna Scanlon, Danielle Roberts, Asia Battle, Mike Farrell, and everybody else for your able guidance and services.
KHANNA, Sahil
Google Review
I have had the pleasure of working with Serotte Law for the past 10+ years, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. From the very beginning, they have provided exceptional support and guidance through every step of my US immigration journey. Initially, Serotte Law assisted me with obtaining and renewing my L-1A visas. Their deep understanding of immigration law and meticulous attention to detail ensured a smooth and successful application process. Over the years, they have consistently demonstrated their expertise and dedication, making what could have been a stressful experience remarkably manageable. Most recently, Serotte Law helped me achieve a significant milestone: obtaining my green card. Their unwavering commitment and personalized approach were instrumental in this success. The team at Serotte Law, specifically Rita Georges and Asia Battle, is not only highly knowledgeable but also incredibly responsive and compassionate, always taking the time to address my concerns and keep me informed. If you are seeking reliable and professional assistance for your US immigration needs, look no further than Serotte Law. Their proven track record, coupled with their client-focused approach, makes them the ideal choice. I am immensely grateful for their support and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone navigating the complexities of US immigration.
Bryan Shapcott
Google Review
I have worked with quite a few immigration attorneys in the last 7 years, and the team at Serotte Law is one of the best I have encountered. As an immigrant that requires work authorization to live in the US, immigration is always on my mind, and I am always stressing about it to some degree. This changed after my firm hired the team at Serotte Law. They handled my H1B transfer, PERM, I-140, and H1B Extension applications flawlessly. They guided me and my company through every step of the process and make sure we were on-track to meet the deadlines. My timeline to procure the I-140 was pretty tight. As such, Susan and team wasted no time in getting all the document in order, and staying on top of the case in the last 18 months. I received regular status updates, prompt email responses, and complete transparency in the process at every step of the way. I would 100% recommend hiring this team for all your work based immigration needs.
Dhaval Bajaria
Google Review
Ready to get started?
Take our free immigration assessment to find resources tailored for you, or book a consultation with our immigration attorneys to map out the strongest path to your destination.
Visa options for Extraordinary Individuals.
Explore the visa types that may be applicable to your situation.
O-1 Visa
For individuals with extraordinary ability whose work places them at the very top of their field (and can prove it).
EB-1 Green Card
A fast-moving green card option for highly accomplished professionals whose work has national or international recognition.
National Interest Waiver (NIW)
A self-petitioned green card option for individuals whose work serves the national interest of the United States.
I-140 Immigrant Petition
The petition that proves a worker qualifies for a specific green card category and secures their place in line for permanent residence.
Adjustment of Status
Allows eligible individuals with an approved immigrant petition and a current priority date to apply for a green card without leaving the U.S.
Consular Processing
The process of obtaining a green card through a U.S. consulate abroad rather than adjusting status inside the U.S.