We are the immigration lawyers for creative professionals.

A Fresh Approach

We're not your average immigration law firm. We do things differently and are the best at what we do. We eat, sleep and drink occupational visas and immigration issues and we won't rest until we produce a successful outcome for our clients. We pride ourselves in making the visa and immigration processes as clear, streamlined, and easy to understand as possible.

Who We Serve

Our legal team practices exclusively in immigration law with a focus on individuals and companies in creative industries. Fashion, entertainment, design, art, music – you name it, we've handled it.

If you are a foreign creative professional wanting to work in the United States, a creative organization seeking foreign talent to work in your U.S. office, or if you or your relative is seeking residence or having an immigration issue, we can help.

Meet the Team

We have spent our entire careers practicing exclusively in immigration and nationality law and have built a team with unrivaled collective experience and determination to provide the highest levels of professional service.

We ensure that our clients are the most informed about what can be a complicated process. Our successful track record is a direct result of clients who are empowered and actively participate in their immigration journey. We take the extra time to get to know our clients and determine together the best course of action whether that is pursuing an application for an artist visa, permanent residence or citizenship.

  • Michael Lehach, Esq.

    Michael Lehach, Esq.

    Founding Partner
  • Alejandro Filippa, Esq.

    Alejandro Filippa, Esq.

    Founding Partner
  • Silvia Gacina, Esq.

    Silvia Gacina, Esq.

    Managing Attorney
  • Serena Zachariah, Esq.

    Serena Zachariah, Esq.

    Associate Attorney
  • Xixi Liu, Esq.

    Xixi Liu, Esq.

    Of Counsel
  • Shruti Bali, Esq.

    Shruti Bali, Esq.

    Of Counsel
  • Hongfei Gao, Esq.

    Hongfei Gao, Esq.

    Of Counsel
  • Shushana Khan

    Shushana Khan

    Senior Paralegal
  • Chelsea Salzan

    Chelsea Salzan

    Senior Paralegal
  • Matt Berry

    Matt Berry

    Paralegal
  • Danielly Nicchio

    Danielly Nicchio

  • Dilcia Gutierrez

    Dilcia Gutierrez

    Paralegal
  • Monika Uherik

    Monika Uherik

    Paralegal
  • Lillian Kaar

    Lillian Kaar

    Office Manager
  • Click for full bios

What People Are Saying

  • Alejandro, Michael and the Lehach Filippa team are a class act. Their professionalism and detailed knowledge of the steps to obtaining an O-1 visa gave me confidence throughout the process. Within six weeks I successfully obtained my artist visa. Lehach Filippa gave me the tools to put my best foot forward and now I have the creative freedom to work for any employer in the United States.

    — Melanie G., Stylist

  • Anyone who has gone through the immigration process of either obtaining a work visa or citizenship knows that it can be overwhelming. Yet, working with the Lehach Filippa team was such a positive experience. They took the time to get to know me and address all of my concerns. Thanks to their hard work, I was able to successfully obtain my Greencard which has allowed me to start my own business and finally work for more than one agency.

    — Matteo C., Fashion Model

  • I like to think of Lehach Filippa as my personal team of lawyers. Their level of service, attention to detail and tenacity make them the best in the business. When I first came to their office, they helped me to secure my O-1 visa. When I met my wife, a US citizen, they helped me successfully obtain my Greencard. Lehach Filippa has been with me every step of the way on my citizenship journey. They really care about their clients!

    — Eduardo R., Architect

  • It’s rare to find a legal team that is so invested in the success of their clients. My path to obtaining a work visa was filled with highs and lows, but the Lehach Filippa team was consistent and unwavering. They were there for me every step of the way and because of their vast experience with every type of immigration law, I was fully aware of my options and able to reach a successful outcome. They are the best, hands down.

    — Lucie B., Musician

Contact Us

Our approach is collaborative and team oriented. We ask questions, we engage, we leave no option unexplored. We will be honest and direct about your options. Our rates are very reasonable and in most types of immigration cases a substantial portion of the fees will be due only upon approval.

We invite you to get in touch. Visit our offices for a complimentary consultation or drop us a note to request our introductory materials at hello@lehachfilippa.com

Services

What Do We Do

We focus exclusively on immigration and nationality law. We prepare temporary work visas, applications for permanent residence and represent clients in complex immigration matters. Our clients work in diverse industries such as the performing arts, music, fashion, film, photography, design, fine art, journalism, and more.

Why We Do It

We believe creative professionals should be empowered and active participants in their immigration journey.

We are committed to providing exceptional guidance, clear communication and education for all our clients. We've been called pioneers and progressives in our industry as a result of our streamlined, efficient and fresh approach to obtaining work visas, residence and/or citizenship.

What Type of Client Are You?

Types of Clients Types of Clients

Which Type of Visa and/or
Residence Status Applies to You?

Temporary

  • Work Visas
  • O-Extraordinary Ability (O-1B) "The Artist Visa"
  • H1-B Specialty Occupation
  • E-3 Specialty Occupation (applicable to Australian nationals)
  • Treaty National (applicable to Canadian and Mexican nationals)

Permanent

  • Residence based on Extraordinary Ability
  • Employer Sponsored Residency
  • Family Relationship Residence

Special Cases

  • Asylum
  • Citizenship
  • Removal Defense

Our team is experienced in obtaining all types of immigration benefits for creative professionals.

We obtain benefits that will maximize our clients’ freedom and professional success in the United States.

The Process
And What to Expect

There are 2 ingredients to the Artist Visa

ingredients to the Artist Visa ingredients to the Artist Visa

It can seem like a tall mountain to climb, but we’re here for you every step of the way.
All 10 steps.

  1. Provide us your elaborated CV/resume with all the details

    Work history, description of your role, notable clients, awards, list of press, publications.

  2. Education and timing is everything

    We'll discuss the timeline from start to completion, so you'll know what to expect and make sure nothing is unexplored in the visa process.

  3. Provide us a list of at least eight professionals able to speak to your extraordinary abilities

    Notable to your field and profession.

  4. Complete a client-sponsorship questionnaire

    We'll ask you all the questions we'll need answers to in order to complete your visa application.

  5. Employer, Agency or Agent Sponsor?

    We'll talk about the requirements and definitions of each and choose the best course of action together.

  6. Paperwork inventory and checklist

    We like efficiency just like you, so our process is made to be as comprehensive and painless as possible – we promise!

  7. Portfolio please

    A compilation of all the elements referenced in your CV in visual form when applicable, consider this the proof that your CV is accurate.

  8. We develop your personal plan and navigate the land of forms

    We tell you the information we need, we'll be your team to get it done.

  9. Approval of application and/or request for further evidence

    We're almost there! We know this process in and out, we make sure to leave no stone unturned to emphasize all the relevant information and achieve the best possible outcome.

  10. Final review and assessment

    In some cases this could also include a meeting at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy for which you will be prepared by our A+ team.

Extension time?

If and when it comes time to extend your visa, try to reach out to us at least six months before your current visa expires. Together we'll maximize your options to extend your visa and keep your employment status active.

Our Approach

Education. Collaboration. Results.

Our passion is advising and empowering our clients to successfully navigate the immigration process. We do this through our clients-first approach, we get to know your issues and work with you to determine the best course of action. Our approach is collaborative and team-oriented – we ask questions, we engage, we leave no option unexplored.

We are masters of our craft and we have a formula that works to help our clients achieve their legal goals. The most empowered clients are the most successful clients.

Vision

To empower talented creative professionals seeking a path to work in the United States with the tools to fully understand their legal options and make informed decisions to be active participants in their immigration journey.

Our Mission

  • Accessibility

    To be accessible as a team by cultivating open, honest and direct relationships with clients. We reveal information and share knowledge pivotal to a client's immigration journey.

  • Excellence

    Continue to be the best-in-class, most knowledgeable, preferred choice among creative professionals and organizations for all immigration and naturalization law needs.

  • Environment

    Foster a healthy and productive work environment that reflects our core values of transparency, honesty, and respect so that every employee is recognized and valued for their commitment, talent and skill.

  • Communication

    Our business philosophy is cultivated on information sharing, transparency, directness, mutual respect and honesty between lawyer, team and client.

  • Compassion

    To act with integrity, compassion and respect to achieve the desired goals of our clients.

Team Bios

Michael Lehach, Esq.

Michael Lehach, Esq. Founding Partner

Michael is a founding partner of the law office of Lehach Filippa. Michael has spent over a decade committed to reuniting families and helping clients to pursue opportunities to live and work in the United States. Since 2004, he has been advocating and litigating for clients on almost every type of immigration issue including complex asylum and waiver cases, artist visas, green cards, family petitions, criminal-immigration cases, as well as appeals and Federal petitions for review. Michael is at ease in the courtroom and has presented oral arguments on precedent-setting cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In 2011, Michael merged his immigration practice with that of his partner Alejandro Filippa to form an immigration law firm focused on facilitating artist visas and residence applications for creative professionals. Today, Lehach Filippa is one of the most recognized and fastest growing law practices for immigration and nationality law in New York.

Michael earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Florida, and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Michael is proficient in Mandarin and completed further studies at Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, Taiwan and also at Shaanxi Normal University in Xi’an, China. Outside the office you can likely find Michael spending time with his family and friends or playing the guitar, bass or the drums.

Alejandro Filippa, Esq.

Alejandro Filippa, Esq. Founding Partner

Alejandro is a founding partner of the law office of Lehach Filippa. Alejandro has spent over a decade focused exclusively on immigration law. He began his career working with the New York Association for New Americans, a non-profit dedicated to providing legal services to the most underserved immigrant communities in the city. Later, Alejandro consulted for a few private law offices in Midtown Manhattan where he learned the inner workings of business immigration and first dreamed of starting his own office.

By 2006, Alejandro was in business for himself, continuing his passion for immigration law and narrowing his focus to facilitate work visas for creative professionals seeking to share their artistic talents in his hometown of New York City. In 2011, Alejandro partnered with fellow colleague and immigration attorney, Michael Lehach, to form an immigration law firm focused on facilitating artist visas and residence applications for creative professionals. Today, Lehach Filippa is one of the most recognized and fastest growing law practices for immigration and naturalization law in New York. Alejandro earned his undergraduate degree in history and political science from New York University and his Juris Doctor from New York Law School. When not in the office you can find Alejandro spending time with his family at their home in lower Manhattan or brushing up on his Muay Thai martial arts moves.

Silvia Gacina

Silvia Gacina, Esq. Managing Attorney

Silvia Gacina has over ten years of experience in immigration law. She focuses on advising clients on complex areas of work authorization and immigrant visas, including employment-based and family-based immigrant visa petitions, as well as non-immigrant visa services for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts and creative fields. Silvia’s legal career includes practicing at several New York-based boutique and mid-sized law firms in the areas of immigration, intellectual property, employment law, and entertainment law. She also served as Legal Counsel at a talent management company in New York, where she led the company’s legal department and handled a wide array of issues including contract negotiation, employment matters and immigration compliance. She also represented talent and company employees in business immigration and employment issues before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, and at U.S. embassies/consulates around the world.

Silvia received her law degree from the Faculty of Law of The University of Rijeka in Croatia, as well as Master of Laws from Fordham University School of Law in New York where she specialized in intellectual property and entertainment law studies. She is admitted to practice in New York.

Serena Zachariah

Serena Zachariah, Esq. Associate Attorney

Serena is an associate attorney at Lehach Filippa. She received her bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University, her law degree from New York Law School, and recently graduated with a Masters of Fine Art in poetry from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Prior to joining the firm she practiced labor and employment law in both the public and private sector in New Jersey. She has bar admissions in New York and New Jersey and is a member of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. She lives in Brooklyn.

Xixi Liu

Xixi Liu, Esq. Of Counsel

Xixi is an associate attorney at Lehach Filippa who is dedicated to advocating for her clients in immigration law. Xixi earned her undergraduate degree from St. John’s University and her Juris Doctorate from New York Law School and is certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution Skills. During her time at NYLS, Xixi served as a student attorney in the Immigration Law and Litigation Clinic where she represented juveniles before the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Prior to joining the firm, Xixi interned for MFY (Mobilization For Justice) Legal Services, the Safe Passage Project, the District Attorneys Office in Queens County, and for the Honorable Deborah Monica-Stevens. During her free time, Xixi enjoys traveling, photography, and exploring the best cuisines in the City.

Shruti Bali

Shruti Bali, Esq. Of Counsel

Ms. Bali’s practice is dedicated to employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions representing clients in all stages of the administrative proceedings. Ms. Bali has extensive experience in preparing PERM applications in employment-based green card petitions before the Department of Labor. She has experience filing numerous I-140 and I-485 applications in EB-2 and EB-3 categories before USCIS, and H-1B petitions before USCIS in a wide range of occupations. She is well-versed in many areas of immigration law, including but not limited to: O-1 Aliens with extraordinary ability, E-1 Treaty trader, E-2 treaty investor, L-1 and J-1.

Hongfei Gao

Hongfei Gao, Esq. Of Counsel

As a Chinese immigrant in the United States, Hongfei Gao experienced the difficulties of immigration issues and understands the needs of her clients. Ms. Gao has extensive experience in immigration services for various enterprises and their alien workers, including PERM procedure (EB-2 and EB-3 Employment-based Immigrant Visa), O-1 non-immigrant visa for aliens with extraordinary ability, H-1B non-immigrant visa for specialty occupation workers, etc. She also provides customized immigration services for high net-worth individuals or individuals who have risen to the top of their industries, including but not limited to EB-1A visa for aliens of extraordinary ability and NIW petition. During her free time, Hongfei enjoys painting and traveling.

Shushana Khan

Shushana Khan Senior Paralegal

Shushana has over 20 years of experience in the immigration field, and she specializes in adjustment of status, immigrant visas, citizenship, and removal of conditions, among other areas of immigration. She completed her undergraduate studies in business studies and finance at Central London College. Shushana enjoys immigration law as it allows her to work with clients from all over the globe. When not in the office, her interests include geopolitics, world history, reading and watching soccer & tennis.

Chelsea Salzan

Chelsea Salzan Senior Paralegal

Chelsea is a Senior Paralegal who has been working in immigration since 2014. Prior to joining the firm in 2017, she was working at an immigration firm where she worked on marriage-based green cards and H1B filings. Chelsea earned her Bachelor's Degree from St. John's University in Queens, NY, with a focus in Pre-Law. During her free time, she likes to travel, attend concerts and entertain for friends and family.

Matt Berry

Matt Berry Paralegal

Matt Berry is a paralegal at Lehach Filippa. Prior to working the firm, he lived in Paris for 3 years and studied at Paris III La Sorbonne for a semester. Matt graduated from Lafayette College with a degree in Government & Law focusing on the Constitution and a degree in French Language and Literature. Beyond work, he enjoys performing in choirs and musicals around NYC, as well as attending every Broadway musical he can.

Danielly Nicchio

Danielly Nicchio

Danielly is passionate about U.S. immigration law and all the matters involved in this field. She earned her Masters of Law (LLM) at Fordham University School of Law in New York. Prior to that, she worked as a civil servant for the Municipal Government of Vitoria, in Brazil, where she was a Team Leader and Legal Advisor for the City Attorney on judicial recovery debts. Before, she served as a Public Tender Agent, coordinating procurement legal processes and leading the support team. Danielly also served the immigrant community by volunteering at the nonprofit English School TST Boces office, helping immigrants to enroll in English as a Second Language courses to improve their chances of securing better jobs. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places in New York City and spending time with her friends.

Dilcia Gutierrez

Dilcia Gutierrez Paralegal

Dilcia Gutierrez is a paralegal at Lehach Filippa. Prior to her current role, Dilcia was an administrative assistant to a fast growing team of real estate agents in Brooklyn, NY. Dilcia earned her undergraduate degree in business management and administration from the Southern Vermont College, a liberal arts college in Bennington, Vermont. During her free time, Dilcia enjoys spending time with family and friends, or finding the next binge worthy TV show.

Monika Uherik

Monika Uherik Paralegal

Monika is a paralegal, working on O1 visas. She got her B.P.S. in Arts in Hospitality Management from New York Institute of Technology. Before working here she was Director of Sales at an international boutique hotel group. When not in the office, she likes to spend time with her family, traveling, and hiking or any other outdoor activity.

Lillian Kaar

Lillian Kaar Office Manager

Lillian is the office manager at Lehach Filippa, providing administrative oversight, office maintenance, and customer assistance since 2019. Before joining the firm, she worked as a professional test administrator at a third-party testing company and provided volunteer administrative assistance to several small local museums. Lillian earned her undergraduate degree in Japanese at Vassar College. Outside of the office, Lillian enjoys sewing, freestyle embroidery, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.

Our Fees

We are the one immigration office concentrating on O-1 and EB1 applications that will charge you the majority of our service fee for new applications only when your petition is approved by USCIS. This one of a kind payment structure assures that we will only work with applicants that have an extremely high chance of success.

Let’s get into the numbers for the basic O-1B service for first time applicants, please note USCIS fees are not included below;

$2500 to begin the process
$3000 only when USCIS has approved the petition