Alma

"Journalists never respond to my emails..." [O-1 Visa PR template 👀 ] I hear this daily from O-1A candidates desperate for press coverage. This is how USCIS evaluates media in 2025: - Tier 1: NYT, WSJ, Forbes - Tier 2: Local trade publications - Tier 3: Your friend’s tech blog After seeing around 40 media placements for clients our last quarter, I can confirm: your approach is likely backward. Most founders pitch their story. Journalists don't care about your story—they care about THEIR readers. Want the template? Check the link in the comments. I've shared the exact email format that's landed our clients (and us) in WSJ, TechCrunch, and Forbes—publications that actually move the needle for O-1A approvals. Remember that immigration is a system designed to filter you out. The right media strategy is how you filter yourself in.

Today marks a HUGE moment for us at Alma! My co-founder Assel just received her EB-1A Green Card - a journey that took almost TWO DECADES and 4 different visas to complete. Think about that... she moved to the US when she was just 14 years old. Now, after nearly 20 years of navigating the complex immigration system, she can finally call this country home permanently. The journey hasn't been easy. Anyone who's dealt with immigration knows the uncertainty, the paperwork, the waiting, and the constant worry. That shared experience is exactly why we built Alma from the ground up. We wanted to create the immigration service we wished we had during our own journey. What's most meaningful? Assel secured her Green Card through the very company we created to help others. Talk about coming full circle! The best part? It took us only 2 weeks to file her EB-1A petition - a process that usually takes forever! For those still on their immigration journey - whether you're a founder, engineer, researcher, or dreamer - we see you. We've walked this path. And we're here to help make your road a little less bumpy. The US immigration system is complicated, but with the right guidance, it can make a big difference. Reach out to us if you need any help!

20 YEARS. 4 VISAS. 1 DREAM. 💚 I'm excited to share that my EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability Green Card) just got approved through Alma, a company we built from the ground up! When I moved to the US at 14, nobody warned me about what lay ahead. The immigration system became the background anxiety to every milestone in my life. Each visa renewal brought the same terrifying questions: • Will I get to stay? • What if I have to leave everything behind? • What about the company we're building? This constant uncertainty is why my co-founder Aizada, Shuo and I created Alma. We needed an immigration service that actually understood what was at stake - not just paperwork, but entire lives and dreams. The ultimate full-circle moment? Receiving my Green Card through the very company we built to help others navigate this system. The best part? It took us only 2 weeks to file my EB-1A petition - a process that usually takes forever! To every founder, engineer, researcher and dreamer still planning your life in "visa intervals": I see you. I was you. This journey is brutal, but not impossible. Today I celebrate. Tomorrow, we keep breaking down barriers for immigrants building the future. Want to share your immigration story? Drop it below - you'd be surprised how many of us are fighting the same battle. P.S. Endless gratitude to everyone who supported me through this marathon, especially Aizada who's been my rock through every step and Luke Galland the attorney-extraordinaire leading my case. We did it!

The H-1B lottery results are out. For those exploring next steps — especially individuals with a strong professional track record — the O-1A visa is a compelling alternative. Unlike the H-1B, the O-1A is not a lottery. It’s a merit-based visa for individuals with recognized achievements in their field — from tech and startups to research and the creative industries. No employer lock-in. No annual cap. Just a clear, fast path forward. At Alma, we prepare O-1A petitions in 14 days, with a 99%+ approval rate. We’ve put together a guide that walks through eligibility, timelines, and key steps. Link in the comments.

You've been working in the U.S. for years — or just landed a job offer from a U.S. company. Then the H-1B results come in: not selected. It feels like a door slamming shut after all that progress. But here’s the thing: the door isn’t closed. It’s just time to look for a different entrance. The O-1A visa is designed for individuals with a record of excellence — whether you’re leading teams, building products, publishing research, or earning recognition in your field. It’s not random. It’s based on you. And unlike the H-1B, it’s not tied to a lottery, and it doesn’t require employer sponsorship in the same way. At Alma, we prepare O-1A petitions in 14 days, with 99%+ approval. We just released a clear, step-by-step guide that explains how it works. Check the comments.

Nonbinary immigrants, read this A small but significant change just happened in U.S. immigration forms: - The term "noncitizen" has been replaced with "alien" - Gender options have been reduced to only "Male" and "Female" If you're nonbinary, this could mean delays or even rejection if your paperwork doesn’t match your legal documents. Here’s what you can do: - Make sure your application matches the gender on your legal documents to avoid complications. - Consult an immigration professional if you're unsure how this change affects you. USCIS has not clarified how this update will affect current or future cases. But if you're applying soon, it’s better to double-check your paperwork. And to know more about this change, click the link in comments. I have covered this and more immigration updates in details👇

This is what keeps us going - Another O-1 Visa Approved! Excited to share that Marcos Gaspar Brisson just received his O-1 approval through Alma! After initially facing hurdles with a different firm, he trusted us with his case—and I couldn’t be more proud of how smoothly the process came together this time. Marcos has been building incredible momentum at Kaizntree, and I’m beyond excited to see where his ambitions take him next. Thank you so much for the kind words! We know how valuable time is for founders, which is why we can help prepare your application in just two weeks—and as founders ourselves, we understand what’s at stake. If you’re exploring the O-1 route or any other startup visa, I’m here to help. Let’s make your vision a reality!

USCIS just got sued—and lost Imagine spending months on an immigration petition—only to have it rejected because you used the “wrong” form version. That’s exactly what USCIS did. - Overnight, they dropped new forms (like I-485 and N-400). - They immediately rejected older versions. - No warning. No transition period. Immigration attorneys then sued USCIS—and won. Now, USCIS has backed down: - You have 30 days after a form update to use the old version. - If you recently submitted a form, you’re safe. - This may seem like a small administrative fix, but for many immigrants, this change prevents needless rejections that could cost them years. And to stay ahead of these changes? Check the comments—I’ve got something for you.👇

A new executive order (EO 14159) is bringing back an old policy—mandatory registration for non-citizens in the U.S. The last time we saw this was during World War II. What this means for you? - If you're 14 or older, you must register (unless you already did when applying for a visa) - Parents must register kids under 14 - Everyone registered has to carry proof of registration at all times This could mean more scrutiny for: - Undocumented individuals - Visa overstays - and those on temporary status Most visa holders, green card applicants, and those with I-94s are already considered "registered." But millions of others are not—including those who entered on visa waivers, border crossing cards, or without inspection. We break it all down in our latest newsletter. Check the link in the comments👇

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