Early-Stage Startups — Founding Team Visas
Early-Stage Startups — Founding Team Visas

US Visa for the
Founders and First Hires,
at Lightning Speed.

US Visa for the
Founders and First Hires, at Lightning Speed.

From founder visas to your first international engineer, Manifest gives early-stage teams the speed, expertise, and creative legal strategies to hire the best and brightest regardless of citizenship.

From founder visas to your first international engineer, Manifest gives early-stage teams the speed, expertise, and creative legal strategies to hire the best and brightest regardless of citizenship.

100+ Attorneys with 11+ years average experience*

100+ Attorneys with 11+ years average experience*

Manifest Clients Are Backed By

Disclaimer: *Average years of experience of all Manifest lawyers is as of March 30th, 2026.

Manifest Clients Are Backed By

Disclaimer: *Average years of experience of all Manifest lawyers is as of March 30th, 2026.

Why Manifest.

Why Manifest.

Why Manifest.

01

Attorneys Experienced in Supporting Tech Founders

From O-1, EB-1 to EB-2 NIW, Manifest offers hands-on evidence development advisory and transition strategies from employer-sponsored to self-sponsored founder visa. So you can build the strongest possible case.

15% Higher Approval Rate than USCIS Average*

01

Attorneys Experienced in Supporting Tech Founders

From O-1, EB-1 to EB-2 NIW, Manifest offers hands-on evidence development advisory and transition strategies from employer-sponsored to self-sponsored founder visa. So you can build the strongest possible case.

15% Higher Approval Rate than USCIS Average*

01

Attorneys Experienced in Supporting Tech Founders

From O-1, EB-1 to EB-2 NIW, Manifest offers hands-on evidence development advisory and transition strategies from employer-sponsored to self-sponsored founder visa. So you can build the strongest possible case.

15% Higher Approval Rate than USCIS Average*

02

Hire International Employees, Fast

Manifest helps you navigate time-sensitive situations with dedicated and responsive attorneys. We commit to specific filing timelines. 

Response in Minutes, not Days 

02

Hire International Employees, Fast

Manifest helps you navigate time-sensitive situations with dedicated and responsive attorneys. We commit to specific filing timelines. 

Response in Minutes, not Days 

02

Hire International Employees, Fast

Manifest helps you navigate time-sensitive situations with dedicated and responsive attorneys. We commit to specific filing timelines. 

Response in Minutes, not Days 

03

White Glove Service and Dedicated Team

Every client gets a dedicated attorney, account manager, and government relations advisor who know your business. Direct-line access, proactive case updates, and a strategy advisory to help you with every stage of growth.

03

White Glove Service and Dedicated Team

Every client gets a dedicated attorney, account manager, and government relations advisor who know your business. Direct-line access, proactive case updates, and a strategy advisory to help you with every stage of growth.

03

White Glove Service and Dedicated Team

Every client gets a dedicated attorney, account manager, and government relations advisor who know your business. Direct-line access, proactive case updates, and a strategy advisory to help you with every stage of growth.

04

Transparent Pricing, Money Back Guarantee

Fixed fee pricing with end-to-end service — no surprise invoices, no nickel-and-diming for emails, phone calls, technology platform access, or add-on services. And if the case isn't approved, you get your money back.

04

Transparent Pricing, Money Back Guarantee

Fixed fee pricing with end-to-end service — no surprise invoices, no nickel-and-diming for emails, phone calls, technology platform access, or add-on services. And if the case isn't approved, you get your money back.

04

Transparent Pricing, Money Back Guarantee

Fixed fee pricing with end-to-end service — no surprise invoices, no nickel-and-diming for emails, phone calls, technology platform access, or add-on services. And if the case isn't approved, you get your money back.

Disclaimer: *Represents approvals for cases handled by Manifest Law that received a decision during quarter three of 2025 compared to published approval rates by USCIS for O-1 and EB-1 during the same period. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Disclaimer: *Represents approvals for cases handled by Manifest Law that received a decision during quarter three of 2025 compared to published approval rates by USCIS for O-1 and EB-1 during the same period. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Disclaimer: *Represents approvals for cases handled by Manifest Law that received a decision during quarter three of 2025 compared to published approval rates by USCIS for O-1 and EB-1 during the same period. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Deep Bench of Attorneys and
Government Advisors.

Deep Bench of Attorneys
and Government Advisors.

Haesung Kim

Head of Legal Operations

Former Partner at BAL (Berry Appleman & Leiden) with 20+ years of experience. At BAL, she oversaw a team of 100+ professionals and serviced some of the largest corporate clients in the industry.

Haesung Kim

Former Partner at BAL (Berry Appleman & Leiden) with 20+ years of experience. At BAL, she oversaw a team of 100+ professionals and serviced some of the largest corporate clients in the industry.

Head of Legal Operations

Sairah Saeed

Legal Quality Lead

Former Associate General Counsel at USCIS overseeing various agency training. Prior to USCIS, Sairah was a trial attorney at the DOJ and an attorney in leading immigration law firms.

Sairah Saeed

Former Associate General Counsel at USCIS overseeing various agency training. Prior to USCIS, Sairah was a trial attorney at the DOJ and an attorney in leading immigration law firms.

Legal Quality Lead

Michael Valverde

Manifest Government Relations

Former Associate Director of Field Operations at USCIS. Over 7,500 employees under Mike's leadership over 28 years at USCIS.

Michael Valverde

Former Associate Director of Field Operations at USCIS. Over 7,500 employees under Mike's leadership over 28 years at USCIS.

Manifest Government Relations

Emilio Gonzalez

Manifest Law advisor

Former Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and former Director at the National Security Council under President George W. Bush.

Emilio Gonzalez

Former Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and former Director at the National Security Council under President George W. Bush.

Manifest Law advisor
/Who do we serve?

How does Manifest

compare?

How does Manifest

compare?

How does Manifest

compare?

Founder Visas

Founder Visas

Speed

Speed

Pricing

Pricing

Communication

Communication

Guarantee

Guarantee

Traditional Law Firms

Traditional Law Firms

Rarely handled

Rarely handled

Weeks to get started; months to file

Weeks to get started; months to file

Nickel and dime; hidden costs

Nickel and dime; hidden costs

Email chains with junior paralegals

Email chains with junior paralegals

None

None

Manifest Law

Manifest Law

Deep O-1, EB-1, EB-2 NIW experience with evidence development support

Deep O-1, EB-1, EB-2 NIW experience with evidence development support

Committed filing timelines — we move at your pace

Committed filing timelines — we move at your pace

Transparent flat fees; startup grants up to $25K via SAFE

Transparent flat fees; startup grants up to $25K via SAFE

Direct access to your dedicated senior attorney via portal

Direct access to your dedicated senior attorney via portal

Visa approved or your money back

Visa approved or your money back

Creative Strategy Case Studies
Creative Strategy Case Studies

Creative Strategies that Drive

Creative Strategies
that Drive

Real Results.

Real Results.

  • E-2

    E-2 TREATY INVESTOR

    Winning E-2 at 49% ownership.

    CHALLENGE

    Client held only 49% of a U.S. e-commerce company — one point below the threshold most attorneys treat as a hard floor for E-2.

    APPROACH

    Demonstrated actual control through governance rights, voting structure, and operational authority — ownership percentage isn’t the whole picture.

    Result: Consular approval

  • O-1B

    O-1B EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY (ARTS)

    The HR leader who qualified as an artist.

    CHALLENGE

    A tech company’s senior people leader specialized in creative organizational culture design — shaping environments, rituals, and experiential frameworks. Another firm said there was no viable path.

    APPROACH

    Argued her into the O-1B category by framing organizational culture design as a creative discipline under the broad legal definition of “arts,” backed by her sustained thought leadership, peer recognition, and published body of work.

    Result: Approved — no RFE

  • J-1

    J-1 RESEARCH SCHOLAR

    Three weeks to seat a fintech pioneer.

    CHALLENGE

    Major financial institution needed a senior exec in 3 weeks to build a first-of-its-kind crypto compliance framework. H-1B, TN, and O-1 were all off the table.

    APPROACH

    Used the overlooked J-1 Research Scholar category — building something with no precedent qualifies as research, even at a corporate facility.

    Result: Approved within deadline

  • L-1

    L-1A INTRACOMPANY TRANSFEREE

    The L-1A with no subordinates.

    CHALLENGE

    Senior PE leader needed a U.S. transfer but had zero direct reports — every other attorney said L-1A was impossible without a team.

    APPROACH

    Built the case around functional management of human capital across the portfolio — she controlled the function, not a headcount.

    Result: Approved — no RFE

  • E-2

    E-2 TREATY INVESTOR

    Winning E-2 at 49% ownership.

    CHALLENGE

    Client held only 49% of a U.S. e-commerce company — one point below the threshold most attorneys treat as a hard floor for E-2.

    APPROACH

    Demonstrated actual control through governance rights, voting structure, and operational authority — ownership percentage isn’t the whole picture.

    Result: Consular approval

  • O-1B

    O-1B EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY (ARTS)

    The HR leader who qualified as an artist.

    CHALLENGE

    A tech company’s senior people leader specialized in creative organizational culture design — shaping environments, rituals, and experiential frameworks. Another firm said there was no viable path.

    APPROACH

    Argued her into the O-1B category by framing organizational culture design as a creative discipline under the broad legal definition of “arts,” backed by her sustained thought leadership, peer recognition, and published body of work.

    Result: Approved — no RFE

  • J-1

    J-1 RESEARCH SCHOLAR

    Three weeks to seat a fintech pioneer.

    CHALLENGE

    Major financial institution needed a senior exec in 3 weeks to build a first-of-its-kind crypto compliance framework. H-1B, TN, and O-1 were all off the table.

    APPROACH

    Used the overlooked J-1 Research Scholar category — building something with no precedent qualifies as research, even at a corporate facility.

    Result: Approved within deadline

  • L-1

    L-1A INTRACOMPANY TRANSFEREE

    The L-1A with no subordinates.

    CHALLENGE

    Senior PE leader needed a U.S. transfer but had zero direct reports — every other attorney said L-1A was impossible without a team.

    APPROACH

    Built the case around functional management of human capital across the portfolio — she controlled the function, not a headcount.

    Result: Approved — no RFE

  • E-2

    E-2 TREATY INVESTOR

    Winning E-2 at 49% ownership.

    CHALLENGE

    Client held only 49% of a U.S. e-commerce company — one point below the threshold most attorneys treat as a hard floor for E-2.

    APPROACH

    Demonstrated actual control through governance rights, voting structure, and operational authority — ownership percentage isn’t the whole picture.

    Result: Consular approval

  • J-1

    J-1 RESEARCH SCHOLAR

    Three weeks to seat a fintech pioneer.

    CHALLENGE

    Major financial institution needed a senior exec in 3 weeks to build a first-of-its-kind crypto compliance framework. H-1B, TN, and O-1 were all off the table.

    APPROACH

    Used the overlooked J-1 Research Scholar category — building something with no precedent qualifies as research, even at a corporate facility.

    Result: Approved within deadline

  • O-1B

    O-1B EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY (ARTS)

    The HR leader who qualified as an artist.

    CHALLENGE

    A tech company’s senior people leader specialized in creative organizational culture design — shaping environments, rituals, and experiential frameworks. Another firm said there was no viable path.

    APPROACH

    Argued her into the O-1B category by framing organizational culture design as a creative discipline under the broad legal definition of “arts,” backed by her sustained thought leadership, peer recognition, and published body of work.

    Result: Approved — no RFE

  • L-1

    L-1A INTRACOMPANY TRANSFEREE

    The L-1A with no subordinates.

    CHALLENGE

    Senior PE leader needed a U.S. transfer but had zero direct reports — every other attorney said L-1A was impossible without a team.

    APPROACH

    Built the case around functional management of human capital across the portfolio — she controlled the function, not a headcount.

    Result: Approved — no RFE

/BUILT FOR FOUNDERS
/BUILT FOR FOUNDERS

Full Visibility.

Full Visibility.

Committed Timeline.

Committed Timeline.

  • *Representative image
    Not actual Manifest lawyer or client

    01

    Real-Time

    Case Tracking

    See exactly where your case stands at any moment through the Manifest portal — actions log, measurable tasks, and real-time status updates.

    learn more
  • *Representative image
    Not actual Manifest lawyer or client

    02

    Direct Attorney

    Access and SLAs

    Message your attorney directly in-portal or in slack. Schedule meetings. No chasing emails or waiting days for a callback.

    learn more
  • *Representative image
    Not actual Manifest lawyer or client

    03

    Evidence Development

    Advisory

    For O-1 and EB-1 cases, we help you build your evidence portfolio — recommendation letters, press strategy, award positioning — not just file what you give us.

    learn more
  • 01

    Real-Time

    Case Tracking

    See exactly where your case stands at any moment through the Manifest portal — actions log, measurable tasks, and real-time status updates.

    learn more
  • 02

    Direct Attorney

    Access and SLAs

    Message your attorney directly in-portal or in slack. Schedule meetings. No chasing emails or waiting days for a callback.

    learn more
  • 03

    Evidence Development

    Advisory

    For O-1 and EB-1 cases, we help you build your evidence portfolio — recommendation letters, press strategy, award positioning — not just file what you give us.

    learn more
  • *Representative image
    Not actual Manifest lawyer or client

    01

    Real-Time

    Case Tracking

    See exactly where your case stands at any moment through the Manifest portal — actions log, measurable tasks, and real-time status updates.

    learn more
  • *Representative image
    Not actual Manifest lawyer or client

    02

    Direct Attorney

    Access and SLAs

    Message your attorney directly in-portal or in slack. Schedule meetings. No chasing emails or waiting days for a callback.

    learn more
  • *Representative image
    Not actual Manifest lawyer or client

    03

    Evidence Development

    Advisory

    For O-1 and EB-1 cases, we help you build your evidence portfolio — recommendation letters, press strategy, award positioning — not just file what you give us.

    learn more

“Companies like Manifest Law are going to help people, because they do it in a very safe, legal, and transparent way. They understand the importance of bringing in exceptional talent into a country that has exceptional history and an exceptional future.”

“Companies like Manifest Law are going to help people, because they do it in a very safe, legal, and transparent way. They understand the importance of bringing in exceptional talent into a country that has exceptional history and an exceptional future.”

Emilio Gonzalez

Emilio Gonzalez

Former Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), former Director at the National Security Council under President George W. Bush.
Former Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), former Director at the National Security Council under President George W. Bush.

New to Immigration?

New to Immigration?

We’ve Got Answers.

Based Immigration Options?

What do we need in order to sponsor?

What do we need in order to sponsor?

What do we need in order to sponsor?

What internal capabilities do we need?

What internal capabilities do we need?

What internal capabilities do we need?

What visa types are common for startups?

What visa types are common for startups?

What visa types are common for startups?

How long does it take?

How long does it take?

How long does it take?

Can a founder sponsor themselves?

Can a founder sponsor themselves?

Can a founder sponsor themselves?

For Individuals
For Businesses
Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.

2026 Copyright held by Manifest Legal Tech, Inc.

SOC 2 Certification
Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.

2026 Copyright held by Manifest Legal Tech, Inc.

SOC 2 Certification
Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.

2026 Copyright held by Manifest Legal Tech, Inc.

SOC 2 Certification
Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.

2026 Copyright held by Manifest Legal Tech, Inc.

SOC 2 Certification
Attorney Advertising: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is no substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Only an attorney can provide you with legal advice, and only after considering your specific facts and circumstances. You should not act on any information on this website without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Manifest Law is an association of lawyers and legal entities that have agreed to do business under a common name, which includes Manifest Legal Services LLC, Manifest Legal Solutions LLC and Manifest Law PLLC. Manifest Legal Services LLC is an Arizona ABS regulated by the Supreme Court of Arizona. The use of the name “Manifest Law” does not imply that all lawyers or legal entities within the Manifest Law family are part of a single partnership or that they are responsible for the acts or omissions of each other. Any specific attorney-client engagement, the scope of any such attorney-client relationship, and the legal responsibility for any such engagement will be set forth in the retainer agreement entered into between the client and the relevant Manifest Law attorney(s). All legal services are conducted by licensed immigration professionals. This website is regulated by the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.

2026 Copyright held by Manifest Legal Tech, Inc.

SOC 2 Certification