BUSINESS IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
Business Immigration Counsel
As a federal appellate attorney turned business immigration advocate, I approach every petition like it’s going before a panel of judges. That means your filings aren’t just complete — they’re strategically designed to persuade. From Fortune 500 sponsors to first-time H-1B filers, I bring courtroom-caliber advocacy to every case, helping businesses and professionals navigate the U.S. immigration system with confidence.
After more than two decades defending clients in federal appellate courts — crafting persuasive arguments, challenging government overreach, and winning on the written record — I chose to pivot my career toward helping businesses build their teams and helping talented professionals build their lives here in the United States.
“Business immigration…is good for all of us”
BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
Helping Our Communities Grow
I’ve lived and worked in South Carolina for much of my life, and I care deeply about this state and this region. Over the years, I’ve watched South Carolina evolve into a hub for aerospace, advanced manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and research. We’re home to world-class companies like Boeing, BMW, and Michelin, as well as thousands of smaller companies innovating and creating jobs every day.
But we still have room to grow — economically, culturally, and creatively. Business immigration helps us do just that.
When a company here brings in a software developer from India, a physician from Nigeria, or a researcher from Brazil, it’s good for all of us. It creates jobs, strengthens industries, and enriches our communities. I see my role as helping companies build the teams they need to thrive while also helping our region grow into an even more welcoming, dynamic, and diverse place.
Our business immigration services include:
Workplace Immigration Enforcement
Business related visas including H-1B. L-1, E-1, E-2, E-3, O-1, TN, B-1, H-2B, EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-5.
Get Started With Us
If your business is considering foreign recruitment, or already has a promising candidate in need of sponsorship, schedule a consultation today.
Why I Chose
Business Immigration
I believe in the power of business to change lives. I believe in the power of people to build something bigger than themselves. And I believe that our country is stronger when we welcome talented, hardworking people from all over the world to contribute their skills, ideas, and ambitions here.
Running my own law firm for years has taught me just how much every single hire matters — not just to your bottom line, but to your culture, your reputation, and your ability to grow. Finding the right person for the right role can be transformative. Yet today’s local labor markets often don’t have enough qualified candidates. That’s where business immigration comes in — allowing you to reach beyond borders to bring extraordinary talent into your business.
This work also allows me to help employees — bright, ambitious people who have studied here, worked here, and dreamed of staying here — secure a future in the only country they want to call home. That intersection of business need and personal aspiration is where I thrive: helping people build businesses, careers, and lives.
BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
Why My Appellate Background Benefits You
Immigration petitions — especially employment-based ones — aren’t just paperwork. They are legal arguments. Every word you submit is part of a narrative you’re building to persuade a government officer to approve your case. That’s where my appellate experience gives you a unique advantage.
I spent over 20 years writing briefs and crafting arguments to convince federal judges in high-stakes appeals. That same skill helps me build strong, persuasive immigration petitions designed to succeed the first time.
Strategic Storytelling
When a case receives a Request for Evidence (RFE) or is denied, it becomes adversarial. My litigation background means I’m ready to respond under pressure, preserve the record, and, if necessary, litigate in federal court to fight for your case.
Navigating Challenges
In appellate work, a single overlooked fact or poorly phrased argument can mean the difference between winning and losing. I bring that same discipline and precision to immigration cases — ensuring that every document, every explanation, and every piece of evidence is clear, accurate, and compelling.
Attention to Detail
HOW WE HELP EMPLOYERS
Our approach is not volume-based. We work closely with employers across industries — tech startups, research institutions, healthcare providers, universities, and professional firms — to understand your business goals and align immigration solutions accordingly.
We help businesses:
Hire global talent through the H-1B process, including cap-subject and cap-exempt filings.
Navigate STEM OPT transitions, change-of-status petitions, and visa extensions.
Anticipate and overcome RFEs with strong legal arguments.
Prepare the record for litigation if administrative remedies are exhausted.
Understand Department of Labor wage requirements and USCIS scrutiny patterns.
We also tailor our intake and compliance process to fit your internal systems, with full transparency about fees and timelines. Simply put, we bring strategic, litigation-tested advocacy to bear on every immigration petition we file — because your business deserves more than just paperwork.
HOW WE HELP PROFESSIONALS
For many talented professionals, securing a U.S. work visa is more than just a job — it’s about realizing their American dream. We help foreign nationals navigate the complex and often stressful process of staying and building a life here, with guidance and advocacy every step of the way.
We’ve helped clients move from nervous applicants to confident professionals, homeowners, and even U.S. citizens. We take pride in helping you secure not just a visa, but a future.
BUSINESS IMMIGRATION
Common FAQs
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Some of the most common visas include:
H-1B (Specialty Occupations)
L-1 (Intra-Company Transfers)
E-2 (Treaty Investors)
E-1 (Treaty Traders)
O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)
EB-5 (Immigrant Investor Program)
TN (for Canadians and Mexicans under USMCA)
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Yes, there are several employment-based green card categories, including:
EB-1: For multinational executives, outstanding researchers, or individuals with extraordinary ability.
EB-2: For advanced degree professionals or those with exceptional ability.
EB-5: For investors who meet specific investment and job creation requirements.
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ocessing times vary by visa type, consular backlogs, and whether premium processing is used. For example:
H-1B: 2–6 months (or 15 days with premium processing)
L-1: 1–3 months
EB-5: 1–3 years or more
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Yes. Immigration law is complex, and errors or missed deadlines can cause delays or denials. An experienced attorney can help you navigate eligibility, documentation, and compliance.
Why Elizabeth Franklin-Best should be your top choice for your business immigration counsel
WHY US?
At this point in my career, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless clients fight — and win — against the odds in the courtroom. But as much as I valued my appellate work, I wanted to use my skills in a way that felt more creative and forward-looking. Business immigration allows me to help people build: businesses, careers, and communities.
It allows me to use everything I’ve learned about advocacy, strategy, and precision to help others succeed — and to contribute to the growth and vitality of the Southeast and beyond.
Amy B.
“Very impressed first time I met Elizabeth Best, upon arrival of my first visit she already had my son on the phone going over case. She even took the time to drive and see my son at the facility face to face. I love the case portal to keep up with updates.”
READY TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION?
Time is of the essence in filing an appeal, so it is important to act quickly. We invite you to schedule a consultation to see if we’re the right fit for your case. To ensure every client receives the attention they deserve, we carefully choose the cases we take on as this gives us the ability to give each case the time, focus, and dedication it deserves.