Navigating Visa Options as an Architect: A Recap of the IAC Panel

On 1st April 2025, I had the honor of joining a panel hosted by the Immigrant Architects Coalition (IAC) titled “Visa Options for Architects.” This virtual event brought together professionals from India, Poland, and China—myself included—to share firsthand experiences with the U.S. immigration system. As an architect currently on an O-1 visa, it was a deeply personal and meaningful conversation to be part of.

Moderated by IAC co-founder, vice-president, and treasurer  Graciela Carrillo, FAIA, the discussion aimed to help fellow immigrant architects understand the complexities of U.S. work visas and permanent residency pathways. We were joined by Michael Lehach, Esq., an experienced immigration attorney; Sameedha Mahajan, an architect from India who recently secured her O-1 visa; and Rufei Wang, who successfully transitioned from a visa to a green card through the EB-1A process.

Understanding the Options

The panel opened with a clear and concise overview of the most relevant visa types for architects:

• H-1B, a lottery-based, employer-sponsored visa with strict limitations;

• O-1B, designed for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in creative fields such as architecture and design;

• EB-1A and EB-2 NIW which are permanent residency options for those with outstanding achievements or contributions in their field.

Michael emphasized that the O-1B visa is especially valuable for architects due to its flexibility and self-funding option, compared to the more rigid H-1B. He also clarified that O-1 applications hinge on proving significant accomplishments, often through portfolios, expert letters of recommendation, and press coverage.

Sharing Our Journeys

As panelists, we each shared how we navigated this process in our own ways.Sameedha spoke about moving to the U.S. for her master’s in urban design and ultimately pursuing an O-1 visa when the H-1B path proved too uncertain. Her advice was clear: highlight the real-world impact of your work, and be strategic about collecting evidence, especially around public-facing projects, publications, and awards.

I shared my own story, which started over a decade ago when I came to the U.S. from Poland on an exchange program. I later obtained an H-1B visa and worked with various firms, including time abroad in India. When I returned to the U.S., I realized the O-1 was a better fit for the kind of career I wanted to build. My biggest takeaway for others is this: it’s not just about great projects—it’s about proving your influence and leadership within them. Make sure your name is documented, collect testimonials from industry leaders, and don’t underestimate the power of your network.

Rufei provided a compelling case study on the EB-1 green card route. Despite initial doubts and multiple rejections from attorneys, she dedicated nearly a year to building her portfolio, carving out a niche in sustainability and education. Her story was a powerful reminder that career development and visa qualifications can go hand in hand when approached intentionally.

Legal Advice and Best Practices

Michael provided valuable insights into building a strong case for either visa. Some of his tips included:

• Focus on projects that have received media attention or awards.

• Recommendation letters should come from respected professionals—ideally U.S.-based but not exclusively.

• For EB-2 NIW, having a U.S. license or showing direct benefit to U.S. interests is essential.

• Don’t be modest—include all relevant achievements, even if you think they’re small.

He also explained that for those on OPT, it typically takes about three months to prepare an O-1 application, and timing is critical. He highlighted the flexibility of agent-sponsored O-1 visas, where multiple job offers can be bundled into a single case.

Questions from the Community

The live Q&A session reflected the curiosity and challenges many of us face. Attendees asked about transitioning from O-1 to EB-1, how to build a strong application early in their career, and how to gather supporting evidence when firm policies limit the sharing of design work. We discussed how to navigate these issues creatively, whether by blurring images, sharing metrics, or documenting your process through public platforms like LinkedIn.

Final Thoughts

This panel reminded me of the strength and resilience of our community. Each of us has a unique journey, but we share common hurdles—and we’re stronger when we support each other. The U.S. immigration process can feel overwhelming, but it is possible to succeed with preparation, the right support, and confidence in your value as a designer.

I’m grateful to the Immigrant Architects Coalition for creating this space, and I encourage others to connect, share, and keep pushing forward. Your work matters. Your voice matters. And your story, no matter how complicated, deserves to be told.

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