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Your Employer's Lawyer Works for Them.
We Work for You.
Confidential, independent immigration counsel for H-1B, L-1, TN, and J-1 professionals who need a green card strategy that's personal — and portable.
Confidential · Never disclosed to your employer · One-on-One Strategy Session
You Need Independent Counsel If…
Your employer's attorney files your H-1B but you've never spoken to them directly.
You're considering changing jobs and aren't sure what happens to your green card.
You've heard layoffs are coming and don't know your options or timeline.
You want to start a side business or consult independently while on H-1B.
Your PERM has been pending for years and you're not sure of your portability rights.
Your J-1 waiver ties you to an employer you may need to leave.
What's Actually at Risk When You Don't Have Your Own Counsel
Your employer's attorney is legally bound to prioritize the company's interest — leaving you unprotected during restructuring, layoffs, or salary negotiations.
H-1B layoffs
You have a grace period to find new sponsorship. Miss it and you're out of status. Most employees learn the rules after the severance conversation, not before.
L-1B to green card
Your company's counsel manages your petition on a timeline that works for the company. Your career plans may not align.
PERM portability
You can change employers after 180 days of an approved I-140 — but only under specific conditions. Your employer's attorney may not be responsible for advising you on these personal immigration options.
J-1 waiver breach
Leaving early has serious consequences — but there are often more options than you've been told.
Our Practice
What's Actually at Risk When You Don't Have Your Own Counsel
H-1B Status Review & Portability Analysis
A clear picture of your current status, your options, and your timeline.
Career Change Planning
Job changes, promotions, and employer transfers, planned around your immigration status — not in spite of it.
I-140 Portability & Green Card Strategy (AC-21)
Understanding exactly when and how you can change employers without losing your priority date.
Layoff Response & Grace Period Planning
Confidential strategic planning to navigate the 60-day H-1B grace period and maintain lawful status.
J-1 Waiver Analysis & Conrad 30 Guidance
Strategic guidance for international medical graduates navigating waiver and home-residency requirements.
PERM Status Review & Self-Petition Options
Analyzing self-sponsored alternatives — including EB-1A and EB-2 NIW — to reduce your dependence on a single employer.
Why Professionals Choose I.S. Law Firm
You Are the Client — Not Your Employer
Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege between you and us, not your HR department.
Local to Northern Virginia
We serve the specific employment ecosystem of the NoVA tech corridor, federal contractor community, and Northern Virginia hospital system.
Immigration + Career Strategy
We help you think through career options, family stability, and your long-term green card path simultaneously — not just the current rule set.
Your Counsel
Ismail Shahtakhtinski, Esq.
Founder & Managing Attorney
Extensive experience protecting individual employee interests — separate from employer-side counsel — including representing professionals before federal agencies and courts. His team's sole obligation in this practice is to you, not your employer.
Virginia State Bar · New York State Bar · AILA Member
What Happens After You Book
STEP 1
Confidential Status Review
We review your current visa status, priority dates, and employer arrangements — entirely between you and us.
STEP 2
Options Map
A clear picture of your realistic options: stay, move, self-petition, or restructure your timeline.
STEP 3
12–24 Month Strategy Session
A forward-looking plan that accounts for career changes, layoffs, or family needs — not just your current job.
STEP 4
Ongoing Support
Continued counsel as your situation evolves, on your timeline.
Real Transitions, Real Protection
“My company started layoffs and I had no idea what my actual options were. They mapped it out in one call and I never lost a day of status.”
— H-1B Software Engineer, Northern Virginia
“I switched employers and kept my priority date — something my old company's lawyer never once explained to me.”
— L-1B Executive, AC-21 Portability
“Finally, someone whose only job was to look out for me, not my hospital.”
— J-1 Physician, Conrad 30 Waiver
Illustrative examples. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer cancel my approved I-140 if I leave?
An employer can withdraw an I-140, but if it was approved for 180+ days and you change to a same or similar job, your priority date is generally protected under AC-21 portability rules.
How do I calculate my 60-day grace period after a layoff?
The grace period generally runs from your last day of employment, not your termination notice date. We help you calculate your exact window and your realistic options within it.
Does changing work locations require an H-1B amendment?
Often yes, particularly for changes outside your original Metropolitan Statistical Area. We review your specific situation to confirm what's required.
Will my employer find out I spoke with you?
No. Your consultation and all communications with us are protected by attorney-client privilege and are never disclosed to your employer or their counsel.
Can I change employers while my PERM is pending?
It depends on the stage of your PERM and I-140. We walk through the specific portability rules that apply to your case during your consultation.
What if I want to leave my J-1 waiver employer early?
There are often more options than employees are told; including alternative waiver pathways. We review the specific terms of your waiver agreement with you.
Who Protects Your Immigration Future?
Your employer's lawyer represents the company. We represent you — confidentially, and exclusively.
