Attorney Manas Muratbekov discusses the Top Immigration Routes of 2025, mistakes to avoid, and explains why now is the best time to act.
Immigration isn’t just about documents; it’s about opportunity, a new life, and a choice that requires courage.
This is the philosophy of Manas Muratbekov, an attorney with over 1,000 successful cases in U.S. immigration law. His clients include doctors, engineers, IT specialists, designers, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs. He manages the most complex cases while also hosting weekly live sessions to explain, in simple terms, how to legalize one’s status in America. We spoke with him about the pathways still available in 2025, how the rules have changed, and where to start if you’re already in the U.S. but unsure of your next steps.
Manas, let’s start with the most important question: What will happen with the U.S. immigration system in 2025?
The immigration system is going through turbulence. Rules are changing, processing times are increasing, and courts are tightening requirements. But this doesn’t mean the doors are closed. On the contrary, new opportunities are emerging, but you must approach them strategically. Luck is no longer enough. You must act deliberately, understanding your starting point and end goal.
What does this mean in practice? For example, someone is already in the U.S. but lacks legal status. What should they do?
First, it is crucial to determine how they entered the U.S.: whether legally, overstayed a visa, crossed the border without documents, or arrived for humanitarian reasons. Do they possess an I-94, humanitarian parole, TPS, or other documentation? This serves as the starting point for legal analysis.
Second, we examine individual grounds for changing their status. Can they apply for asylum? Are they at risk of persecution in their home country? Can they legalize through marriage, a work visa, an employer petition, or based on extraordinary abilities? Or have they already started a business and are prepared to pursue immigration as an investor or entrepreneur?
There are no cookie-cutter solutions—only a tailored approach. We examine the facts, documents, and risks before crafting a strategy. That’s how results are achieved, because U.S. immigration law isn’t just about forms and paperwork; it’s a chess game where every piece matters.
Which immigration routes are currently the most viable?
Family-based immigration remains reliable: this is a solid path if you have a spouse or close relatives who are U.S. citizens or residents.
But there are also more ambitious, independent strategies.
For example, the E-2 visa is for those who want to start a business in the U.S. You don’t need millions; $100,000 to $150,000 in a real project can set you on the path to status. The L-1 visa is designed for business owners abroad who wish to open a U.S. branch and relocate as executives. This can also lead to a green card.
For those willing to invest more — starting at $800,000 — the EB-5 program allows you to invest in an approved project and gain status through investment.
I also want to highlight the EB-1A and EB-2 NIW categories. These are employer-independent green cards based on merit. You can apply on your own if you’re a top professional in IT, science, medicine, education, finance, agrotech, or urban planning. We handle such cases for IT specialists, researchers, professors, doctors, artists, and even for those who have created a unique course, startup, or method. The key is demonstrating your contributions and value to the U.S.
What’s the difference between the O-1, EB-1A, and EB-2 NIW visas? They’re often confused.
Yes, these categories are frequently mixed up because all three are for individuals with achievements. But they differ in “weight,” purpose, and legal logic.
O-1 is a temporary visa, while EB-1A and EB-2 NIW are immigration petitions leading to a green card. With O-1, you come to the U.S. to work temporarily—usually up to 3 years, with extensions possible. With EB-1A and EB-2 NIW, you become a permanent resident, getting a green card and eventually citizenship.
Now, the details:
O-1: A visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, the arts, sports, business, or education. You need a job offer from a U.S. employer or agent, which means you must demonstrate your achievements and provide a contract. It’s a great career launchpad, but it doesn’t automatically lead to a green card.
EB-1A: A green card for extraordinary achievements. The criteria resemble O-1, but the bar is higher. The key difference is that you can apply independently, without an employer. This isn’t temporary; it’s state-level recognition: “You’re a valuable professional—stay here permanently.”
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): A green card for professionals whose work benefits the U.S. You must prove your work serves the national interest—whether in science, medicine, ecology, tech, education, or entrepreneurship. Unlike EB-1A, you don’t need to be a “star.” Just show that your work is meaningful to the country. Plus, like EB-1A, no employer is required.
What do you say to a client who thinks, “I’m just a regular IT guy—this doesn’t apply to me”?
I say: “Half the EB-1A and NIW green cards in Silicon Valley go to ‘regular IT guys.’” They didn’t call themselves “regular.” They knew how to present their story.
Do you write code? Great. But do you write code or develop a product used by thousands? Do you work in a team, or do you mentor junior developers? Did you complete a task, improve the system, speed up processes, or implement architecture that others now copy?
The IT world isn’t show business. You don’t need fame—just real results and the ability to document them. We highlight what you consider “ordinary” and show why it’s exceptional.
My favorite moment is when someone starts by saying, “I’ve got nothing special…” a month later, we’ve built a case with publications, patents, and recommendations. So if you’re a “regular IT guy,” welcome. We know how to turn “ordinary” into green card-worthy.
What about asylum? Is it harder to get now?
Yes, especially if the basis is just war or instability. You must prove personal persecution. And you must file within the first year of arrival. We handle dozens of such cases. The key is presenting facts clearly, not fabricating them. And don’t delay: many lose their chance simply by not acting in time.
Many worry about the costs of hiring a lawyer. How can you persuade clients that hiring an attorney is an investment rather than a cost?
I’m honest: you can save now and spend five times more later fixing mistakes. Immigration is like surgery. Sure, you could try it yourself—but if it goes wrong, the consequences are irreversible.
When you hire a lawyer, you’re not just buying documents. You’re buying experience, strategy, and protection. It’s like having a navigator in the ocean: you can row alone, but do you want to drift in the fog without a map?
Our clients who’ve secured status through us launch businesses, buy homes, and bring their families over. For them, legal work was a springboard, not an expense. We don’t just fill out forms—we build a path where the stakes are your life in the U.S.
So the question isn’t about price. It’s: What’s your peace of mind worth?
What are the most common mistakes people make when trying to legalize their status?
First, hoping things will “work out on their own.” Second, relying on untested templates or Telegram advice. Third, trusting non-lawyers—or worse, AI that doesn’t understand the law. Immigration is about rights, not guesswork. We’ve seen one mistake trigger deportation proceedings. Don’t take that risk.
If someone’s reading this and doesn’t know what to do, what’s the first step you’d recommend? How can they reach you?
The first step is to avoid struggling alone with questions. No matter your situation—no status, on a visa, facing a denial, or just planning to move—don’t try to figure it out by yourself. Immigration isn’t a Google search; it’s a journey where laws, context, tactics, and nuances matter.
We don’t take on every case. First, we study the situation, conduct an audit, and only offer a strategy. We take on only those cases where we see a real opportunity for success. That’s our professional standard.
So my advice is to reach out. Not to “buy something” immediately, but to explore your options and potential. We work with people’s stories, not just forms.
You can easily connect with me—I share valuable insights on Instagram, Telegram, and YouTube under @muratbekovlaw. I post case studies, guides, and answers to my subscribers’ most pressing questions each week.
I also host free live Q&A sessions every Saturday—a chance to ask questions in real time, get direction, and map out the best route, whether a visa, green card, or defense in immigration court.
I invite you to my webinar, “7 Ways to Get a Green Card,” where I discuss key immigration paths, timelines, pitfalls, and common mistakes.
Register here: 7867887888.com/web_blog
