$100,000 H-1B changes
It’s never been easy to build a life and career as an immigrant. As someone who has immigrated three times, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging, uncertain, and ultimately rewarding this journey can be. Like many who read this, I had to navigate complex bureaucracies, start from scratch in new countries 3 times, and learn how to succeed in cultures where no safety net waited for me (no parents, no relatives, no government support). It was always harder for me than for locals: my Russian classical piano training wasn’t recognized in Western databases, I faced discrimination as an immigrant, and securing a job involved significant barriers.
Today, the window is narrowing. Countries everywhere are tightening rules, delaying applications, raising costs, and closing immigration pathways. In the U.S., a new proposal would force companies to pay $100,000 to sponsor a single H-1B applicant. The pendulum is swinging toward tougher immigration policies worldwide, and the United States is no exception.
Employer-backed immigration is becoming harder to secure, and future pathways will be fewer, tougher, and more expensive for a while. Waiting for things to “normalize” is not a good plan because generally, when the pendulum swings the other way, it takes some time before it will swing back.
That’s why we’ve guided professionals through an alternative path: the EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability). Unlike the H-1B, it doesn’t depend on luck, lotteries, or employers. It’s a merit-based process that puts you in control. As part of this effort, we launched an accompanying EB1A coaching program designed for those willing to strategically build their achievements and professional narrative to qualify, with our guidance and support, of course. However, we had clients secure permanent residence in the United States just by following the guidance we shared in an Insider program available to all Insider and Legacy members: USA Green card: Leaving her H1B - Lisa's 1.4 yr Journey. Below is feedback from one of such members.
Our clients’ results speak for themselves.
Unlike H-1B, EB-1A lets you take control. You don't need an employer. You don't need to win a lottery. It is merit-based, and up to you to work hard and smart to qualify.
We worked with many of our clients to identify the best plan of action to secure specific achievements to qualify, mapped their personalized “critical path,” guided them through it, and helped them secure permanent residence. What I love about this process is that you’re not just working toward a green card, but actively accelerating your career, building your resume, skillset, and recognition along the way.
We don’t know exactly what’s next.
We don’t know which policies will pass, which doors will close next, or how long the current pathways will remain open.
But we do know that the window is closing.
We’ve seen work permits for spouses threatened, green card cases delayed, and the U.S. raise denial rates to 1 in 4 initial H-1B applications; similar patterns are now appearing in Canada, the UK, Australia, and Europe.
And for many, what was “possible” is now on the verge of being completely inaccessible.
If you want to secure your ability to live, work, and make independent decisions in this extraordinary country, now is the time to take this seriously. We’ve guided clients through the uncertain years, helped them position (and create) the needed achievements, and watched them go from “I’m not extraordinary” to EB-1A approval, career acceleration, and lasting security for their families.
Of course, no one can guarantee an EB-1A approval. That decision always rests with U.S. immigration authorities. What makes our work different is that we don’t focus on documentation. That’s the easy part, and lawyers can handle it. We focus on the harder, more strategic work: identifying which EB-1A criteria you can realistically pursue, then mapping out a critical path of achievements and guiding you through both the planning and execution. By helping you do the right things in the right order, we significantly increase your chances of success.
Here’s what we offer:
In-depth 1-on-1 sessions with you within a small group environment on every call. We identify exactly which EB-1A criteria make sense to focus on, given your unique education, background, interests, and network. From there, we design a clear milestone roadmap and guide you step-by-step, focusing on meaningful career achievements you can benefit from well beyond securing EB-1A. This also includes practical support such as iterative resume rewrites, article writing and publishing, personal branding, and, importantly, navigating recommendation letters. Who you ask, how you ask, and what is said in those letters can make a significant difference, and we guide you through those nuances. All steps are designed not just for immigration but also for career growth.
No need to live in the U.S. now: You can apply from abroad, building your career while preparing for your application.
Most clients initially do not qualify. A part of the program is to show you how to become eligible by doing real, impactful work that strengthens your career, reputation, and application.
If you want to take the next step:
Apply for our 1-year executive coaching program where, if it is a good fit, we’ll work with you personally to create a clear path to maximize your chances for success.
Email us at team@firmsconsulting.com with your background, goals, and resume to learn if we’re a mutual fit.
My advice as an immigrant and someone who cares about your future: don’t wait for “when things settle down.” In today’s world, “later” may simply not exist.
P.S. You can also join our Published Author program, write your own article or book chapter, and strengthen your professional brand while potentially meeting EB-1A criteria (Executive or Lite levels of the program).
P.P.S. If applying for coaching feels premature, you can still begin preparing. Our Insider and Legacy memberships on StrategyTraining.com include access to the same advanced strategy, consulting, and leadership training trusted by top firms worldwide, including USA Green card: Leaving her H1B - Lisa's 1.4 yr Journey.