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Corstange Law Group

Immigration for Startups

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About

In addition to providing exceptional legal advice and representation, our goal is that each of our clients feels heard and taken care of throughout the often long and frustrating immigration process. This means being accessible to answer questions, and sending frequent updates as we prepare the case and correspond with the appropriate government agencies.

Our law practice is modern, mobile, and flexible, enabling us to take on immigration cases throughout the US and the world. We can work together in whatever way is most convenient for you–over the phone or video chat, in person at our Manhattan, San Francisco, or Cleveland offices.

About Sarah Corstange, Founding Attorney

I love working with startups and small businesses in part because I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, working during the early years of e-commerce in my dad’s mail order business from the time it started on our dining room table as it evolved into a thriving company supporting dozens of employees. My interest in international law was sparked later, between college (Williams College) and law school (University of Maryland), when I lived, worked, and traveled in the Middle East for a number of years. In my current practice, I  blend my entrepreneurial roots with the love I developed while traveling of connecting with people from different cultures.

I like the challenge of taking on the giant US immigration machine with my clients, and see one of the most important aspects of my job as grabbing the attention of the people behind the machine to communicate my clients’ stories in a way that turns them from a series of facts on a black and white form into living human beings.

I also love the complexity of immigration law. It is often said that immigration and taxes are the two most labyrinthine areas of the U.S. code. Even an immigration case that looks straightforward on the surface probably has an interesting twist that keeps the analytical part of my brain continuously engaged.

In my free time I can be found running along the green spaces of Manhattan, playing the harp, quilting, or making a mess in the kitchen.

April Nakanishi, Attorney

I am an experienced immigration attorney.  Throughout my career I have had the pleasure of representing a wide range of clients including large multinational companies, small businesses and start-ups in diverse industries.  My practice spans the entire range of  employment based nonimmigrant and immigrant visas.  I have extensive experience with complex cases such as O-1 visas, new office L-1 visas and E-2 and E-2 treaty visas.  Additionally, I have experience with challenging green card applications including PERMs, national interest waivers, extraordinary ability and outstanding researcher petitions.  I am passionate about transparency and clarity during the immigration process and enjoy partnering with clients to grow and build their businesses in the U.S.

Sarah Pelud, Attorney

Since 2006, I have represented businesses of all sizes in their attainment of temporary and permanent work authorization in the U.S., worksite compliance matters, government enforcement actions, and development of customized immigration compliance policies and programs. Having practiced several years as In-House Counsel for a fast-growing IT firm, I have first-hand insight into business operations and recognize the need for attentive, swift and comprehensive immigration counsel in order to secure and maintain international talent. I love immigration law because it gives me the opportunity to connect with fascinating people from around the world. I am licensed in the State of New York and am also a member of the Barreau du Quebec as a foreign licensed lawyer. When not navigating the complicated web of immigration law for clients, I love to travel, spend quality time with my family, hike and read mystery novels!

Christa Byker, Paralegal

I come to the immigration field with a variety of perspectives. First, I have lived all over the world and so have myself been subject to immigration regulations and procedures. Second, I served for almost 5 years as a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassies in Mexico City and Guatemala City. There, I applied U.S. immigration law to thousands of cases. Finally, I became an advocate for more transparent and efficient visa processing through volunteer and research work in Mexico City and beyond. I bring all of these perspectives to my case work to deliver the best client service possible. A graduate of the University of Virginia and the Universidad de Navarra, I studied political science and am fully fluent in Spanish. When not engaged in immigration matters, you can typically find me hiking, gardening, or learning the tango. 

Amanda Ye, Paralegal

I have worked as an Immigration Paralegal for over fifteen years, focusing mainly on employment-based immigration.  What initially attracted me to this field was my love of travel and meeting people from different backgrounds, as well as my desire to perform meaningful work that would have a positive impact.   This initial interest has grown into a full-on passion for immigration law, and I love being able to help clients from all over the world pursue their dream of living in the U.S.   

I have significant experience preparing various non-immigrant and immigrant cases, including H, L, TN, E-3, PERM, I-140, and Adjustment of Status applications.  I have also worked on J-1, H-3, Humanitarian Parole, and Naturalization cases.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies from Penn State University, and have interned at both an NGO in Rwanda and at the U.S. Department of State.  Outside of work, I enjoy reading, hiking, running, and travelling to anywhere I haven’t been before.

Ani Schweighart, Case Coordinator

Over a decade ago I left my home in Cyprus and came to the US in pursuit of higher education. Navigating the complex immigration system in the US stirred the desire in me to become an immigration attorney. Having held numerous visa categories myself, I know firsthand what many of our clients experience. As the case coordinating attorney, I strive to serve my team, and our clients, with efficiency, clarity, and kindness. In my free time I enjoy listening to podcasts and nonfiction audiobooks, traveling with my husband, and spending time with my plott hound, Maisie.

Veronica Black, Paralegal

Lorenz Wolffers, Of Counsel

I truly enjoy assisting businesses large and small in relocating talent from all over the world to the United States. My clients include publicly traded companies as well as start-ups and individuals with a vision. Over the last decade I have gained experience and an excellent track record with complex immigrant and non-immigrant cases. I have 

successfully handled a large number of EB-1 Extraordinary Ability cases for professionals from the world of music, art, business, and science as well as non-immigrant visas including E-2, L-1, O-1, and R-1. I also have experience with Labor Certification (PERM) and National Interest Waiver cases, and I have represented clients requesting hardship waivers. Being fluent in German and French helps me to communicate with many of my clients and I have worked with individuals from over 30 different countries. My work has been featured on WNYC, NBC News, the Immigration Lawyer’s Podcast, and by the NYCLU.

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*Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information in this website is intended for general informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for advice about your specific case. Each immigration case is unique and should be discussed in detail with an immigration attorney. This website constitutes attorney advertising.