Immigration Law for
Entrepreneurs, Investors & Businesses
Expert counsel on EB-5, E-2, H-1B, O-1, and L-1 visas. Seattle-based firm serving clients worldwide.
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Who We Help
Immigration built around your situation
Whether you're launching a startup, investing capital, joining a U.S. company, or building a global team — we have the right pathway.
For Founders
Visa pathways that don't require an employer sponsor — O-1A, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, E-2, and more.
For Investors
EB-5 green cards and E-2 visas for those investing capital in U.S. enterprises.
For Employees
H-1B, O-1, and L-1 visas for professionals joining U.S. companies — including startups.
For Companies
Corporate immigration programs for HR teams managing H-1B, L-1, and employer-sponsored green cards.
Practice Areas
Find your path to U.S. business immigration
From work visas to investor green cards, we handle the full spectrum of business and investor immigration.
H-1B Visa
Specialty occupation visa for skilled professionals sponsored by a U.S. employer.
EB-5 Investor Visa
A direct path to a U.S. green card through qualifying business investment.
E-2 Investor Visa
Start or acquire a U.S. business — renewable indefinitely, no lottery.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
For those with nationally or internationally recognized achievement — no lottery.
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
Transfer managers and key employees from your global office to the United States.
EB-1 Priority Worker
The fastest employment-based green card — no PERM labor certification.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver
Self-petition for a green card — no employer sponsor, no PERM required.
Schedule a Consultation
Talk to an immigration attorney today
Every immigration situation is different. Book a consultation to understand your options, timeline, and next steps.
Schedule a Consultation
Speak With an Immigration Attorney
Book a 30-minute consultation directly with our team. Select a time that works for you.
About Our Founder
Tahmina Watson — A Voice for Immigrants in America
Tahmina Watson obtained her law degree and graduated from Brunel University, London, England in 2000. She was Called to the Bar in 2002 (became a barrister) as a member of the Middle Temple Inn. After completing her pupillage (apprenticeship) from Bridewell Chambers in London in 2004, Tahmina continued as a practicing barrister, handling mainly criminal defense matters, before relocating to the United States in 2005.
Tahmina was admitted to the New York Bar in 2006. Prior to founding Watson Immigration Law, Tahmina was a partner at White & Watson from July 2006 to December 2008 practicing exclusively in the area of U.S. Immigration and Naturalization law. Before that, Tahmina externed with His Honor Judge Ricardo Martinez at the District Court of Western Washington in downtown Seattle. She also interned for multiple terms at the Northwest Women's Law Center (now known as Legal Voice).
Her work has been cited in The New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg, NPR, and The Guardian.
- •Washington State Bar Association
- •New York State Bar Association
- •Member of the Middle Temple, London, UK
- •American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- •King County Bar Association
- •Adjunct Fellow, The Niskanen Center (Washington DC)
- •Chair, Legal Advisory Committee — Global Entrepreneur in Residence Coalition
- •Columnist, Above the Law
- •Contributor, Entrepreneur Magazine
- •AILA WA Response Committee Chair
- •AILA National Media Spokesperson
Published Works
Tahmina's bestselling books
Tahmina Watson is one of the few immigration attorneys who has written books making complex visa strategies accessible to founders and investors worldwide.
The Startup Visa
2nd Edition
The definitive guide to U.S. immigration for international startup founders and entrepreneurs. Updated with the latest visa strategies and pathways.
The Startup Visa
Spanish Edition — La Visa Startup
The complete startup visa guide in Spanish, making immigration knowledge accessible to Latin American founders and entrepreneurs.
The Startup Visa
1st Edition
The original startup visa guide that established Tahmina Watson as the leading voice on immigration for entrepreneurs.
Legal Heroes in the Trump Era
Stories of immigration attorneys who stood up for their clients during one of the most turbulent periods in U.S. immigration history.
Tahmina Talks Immigration®
The immigration podcast for founders & entrepreneurs
Tahmina interviews thought leaders, policymakers, investors, and founders at the intersection of immigration and entrepreneurship. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Pandora.
Our Team
Meet our immigration attorneys
Founder & Immigration Attorney
Founder of Watson Immigration Law, barrister (Middle Temple, 2002), and U.S. immigration attorney since 2006. Author of four books including The Startup Visa. Adjunct Fellow at The Niskanen Center and host of Tahmina Talks Immigration® podcast.
- •Washington State Bar Association
- •New York State Bar Association
Chief of Staff & Managing Paralegal
Nicole is an experienced immigration paralegal with extensive knowledge of employment-based immigration, with a particular focus on investment visa matters. She has substantial experience assisting attorneys and clients with complex investor visa petitions, helping businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors navigate the U.S. immigration process with accuracy, efficiency, and attention to detail. Nicole is known for her thorough case preparation, strong organizational skills, and commitment to providing exceptional client service throughout every stage of the immigration process.
Business Immigration Specialist
Business Immigration Specialist and licensed attorney in São Paulo, Brazil. LL.M. in Global Business Law from the University of Washington. Experienced across L-1A, O-1A, E-2, EB-1A, NIW, and EB-5 matters.
- •Licensed Attorney (São Paulo, Brazil)
- •LL.M., Global Business Law
Paralegal
Paralegal with a B.S. in Financial Management from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan and a Six Sigma Yellow Belt, bringing experience in finance, operations, and compliance from the British Embassy Manila.
- •Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Paralegal
Paralegal with a background in psychology and humanitarian work, including UN Migration (IOM), Plan International, Save the Children, and the Colombian Red Cross. Bilingual in Spanish and English.
Administrative Assistant & Social Media Specialist
Administrative Assistant & Social Media Specialist with a degree in Business Administration (Marketing) and two master's degrees from EUDE Business School in Madrid. Fluent in Spanish and English.
Administrative, Billing & Paralegal Assistant
Administrative, Billing & Paralegal Assistant with an MPhil in Comparative Government from the University of Oxford and a B.A. in Political Science from Dickinson College. Passionate about human rights and social justice.
Administrative, Billing & Paralegal Assistant
Administrative, Billing & Paralegal Assistant pursuing a Bachelor of Paralegal Studies at Highline Community College, with a creative background as a former baker and cake decorator.
Marketing & Communications Assistant
Marketing & Communications Assistant supporting the firm's content, social media, and email newsletters. Passionate about digital marketing and storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common immigration questions.
Still have questions? Speak directly with an immigration attorney.
Contact UsFrom the Blog
Latest immigration updates
H-1B Lottery 2026: What To Do If You Weren't Selected
Not selected in the H-1B lottery? Don't panic. Here are the best alternative visa options for professionals and founders who want to stay in or come to the United States.
Tahmina Talks Immigration: Startup Visa Advocacy with Congressman X
In this episode of Tahmina Talks Immigration, Tahmina speaks with a member of Congress about the push for a dedicated U.S. startup visa and the legislative outlook for immigration reform.
H-1B Lottery Opens March 4, 2026: What You Need to Know
The FY2027 H-1B lottery registration window opens March 4–18, 2026. This year's lottery introduces new wage-based selection rules. Here's what employers and workers need to know.