If you’re planning your next immigration step in San Antonio, Texas, the fastest way to reduce delays is to follow a clear pathway: choose the right category, build the correct evidence, and file the right forms in the right order. Let The Echavarria Law Firm help you !

This guide hub covers three high-demand areas our San Antonio clients ask about most:

  • Employment visas (H-1B, TN, EB-1A/EB-2, E-2, L-1)

  • Fiancé (K-1), marriage, and family preference visas (I-130 + consular processing or adjustment of status)

  • DACA renewal strategy and practical documentation tips

Important: Immigration rules and forms can change. Always confirm current requirements on USCIS and consult an attorney for case-specific strategy.

Quick “Where do I start?” selector

  • You have a U.S. employer sponsor → Start with Employment Visas

  • You’re engaged or married to a U.S. citizen/LPR → Start with K-1 / Marriage & Family

  • You already have DACA and need to renew → Start with DACA Renewal

Employment Visas (San Antonio): H-1B, TN, EB-1A/EB-2, E-2, L-1

1) H-1B (Specialty Occupation)

Best for: Jobs that typically require a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a specific field.

High-level eligibility

  • A qualifying employer/position (specialty occupation)

  • Worker meets education/experience requirements

  • Employer files the petition and complies with wage/LCA requirements

Typical filing steps

  1. Employer confirms role qualifies and identifies SOC/wage level

  2. Employer completes required labor condition steps (where applicable)

  3. File petition with supporting evidence (role, beneficiary credentials, company)

  4. If approved: change of status (if eligible) or consular processing

Common delay points (fixable)

  • Vague job duties that don’t “map” to a specialty occupation

  • Weak employer evidence (org chart, projects, end-client letters)

  • Degree/experience mismatch (needs strong equivalency support)

H-1B document checklist (starter)

  • Passport biographic page + immigration history docs

  • Resume + degree(s) + transcripts + evaluations (if foreign degree)

  • Detailed job description + minimum requirements

  • Employer support letter + business documents (as applicable)

2) TN (USMCA/NAFTA) for Canadian & Mexican Professionals

Best for: Canadian and Mexican citizens in specific professional categories (USMCA list).

High-level eligibility

  • Citizenship requirement (Canada/Mexico)

  • Job offer in a listed profession

  • Qualifications match the profession category

Typical process

  • Confirm the correct TN profession category (this is where many cases fail)

  • Build a tight support package: duties, qualifications, employer letter, timeline

  • Apply at the port of entry (Canada) or consular route (Mexico), as applicable

TN document checklist (starter)

  • Employer letter (title, duties, salary, duration, location, profession category)

  • Proof of qualifications (degree, license if required, transcripts)

  • Proof of citizenship + prior U.S. status history (if any)

3) EB-1A / EB-2 (including NIW) — Employment-Based Green Card Pathways

Best for: Highly accomplished professionals (EB-1A) or advanced degree/exceptional ability (EB-2), sometimes via NIW.

High-level strategy

  • EB categories are evidence-heavy. Winning cases are built like a legal brief:

    • Define the standard

    • Prove each prong with documentary exhibits

    • Tie evidence back to the standard consistently

Common evidence types

  • Publications, citations, media coverage

  • Awards, memberships, judging/review roles

  • Letters from independent experts

  • High salary / critical roles / original contributions

EB document checklist (starter)

  • CV + publications list + citation metrics (where relevant)

  • Reference letters (independent + internal)

  • Exhibits for each criterion (organized and labeled)

  • Plain-English case narrative (why you qualify)

4) E-2 Investor Visa

Best for: Treaty-country investors starting or buying a U.S. business.

Core focus areas

  • Treaty eligibility

  • “Substantial” investment and lawful source of funds

  • Real operating business (not passive)

  • Business plan + job creation/impact story

E-2 document checklist (starter)

  • Business plan (credible numbers + hiring timeline)

  • Source-of-funds tracing documents

  • Purchase/lease contracts, invoices, bank transfers

  • Corporate docs (formation, ownership structure)

5) L-1 Intracompany Transfer

Best for: Companies transferring executives/managers (L-1A) or specialized knowledge employees (L-1B) from abroad.

High-level eligibility

  • Qualifying relationship between entities (parent/sub/affiliate)

  • Prior employment abroad with related entity

  • U.S. role qualifies (manager/executive or specialized knowledge)

L-1 document checklist (starter)

  • Corporate relationship evidence (ownership charts, filings)

  • Proof of prior employment abroad + role description

  • U.S. role description + org charts showing managerial level (L-1A)

K-1 Fiancé, Marriage, and Family Preference Visas (San Antonio)

K-1 Fiancé Visa (overview)

Best for: Engaged couples where the petitioner is a U.S. citizen and the beneficiary is abroad.

Typical flow

  1. File the fiancé petition

  2. Case moves to consular processing

  3. Interview + entry to the U.S.

  4. Marriage within the required period

  5. File adjustment of status package (green card process)

K-1 document checklist (starter)

  • Proof of relationship + intent to marry

  • Evidence of in-person meeting (where required)

  • Identity documents + prior marriage termination docs (if any)

  • Organized timeline of relationship milestones

Spouse / Marriage Green Card (consular processing vs. adjustment of status)

Two common routes

  • Consular processing: beneficiary completes interview abroad

  • Adjustment of status: beneficiary applies from inside the U.S. if eligible

Key success factor: Strong, organized evidence of a bona fide marriage.

Marriage green card checklist (starter)

  • Marriage certificate + prior divorce decrees (if any)

  • Joint financials (bank, lease/mortgage, insurance, taxes)

  • Photos + travel records + communications evidence

  • Affidavits from friends/family (where appropriate)

  • Medical exam / ID docs (as required)

Family Preference Visas (I-130 categories)

Best for: Certain family relationships where visa availability depends on priority dates.

What clients need to understand

  • Some categories have long waits

  • Accuracy matters because priority date and category determine your place in line

  • Strategy includes: correct classification, clean documentation, and planning for timing

Family preference checklist (starter)

  • Proof of relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, legitimation/adoption docs)

  • Petitioner status proof (citizenship/LPR evidence)

  • Name-change documents if discrepancies exist

DACA (San Antonio): Renewal Strategy + Practical Filing Readiness

Who this section is for

  • You currently have DACA and want to renew with minimal risk and avoid gaps in coverage.

Renewal strategy (practical, non-legal-advice guidance)

  • Plan early: Build a renewal calendar so you’re not forced into last-minute filing

  • Consistency matters: Use stable addresses and consistent names across documents

  • Document your life cleanly: Keep copies of approvals, work authorization, ID, and any interactions that may affect eligibility

DACA renewal checklist (starter)

  • Prior DACA approvals and EAD card copies

  • Passport/ID copies (as available)

  • Current address history

  • Any arrest/citation records (if applicable—seek legal review before filing)

If you have any criminal history, prior removal issues, or complicated travel/entry history, get legal screening before filing.

Why San Antonio clients choose a guided approach

Immigration cases often get delayed for predictable reasons: missing evidence, incorrect classification, or confusing timelines. A structured plan typically improves:

  • Case clarity (officer can follow the narrative)

  • Evidence completeness (fewer RFEs)

  • Faster decision readiness (fewer “back and forth” cycles)

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Schedule a consult with STX Legal Group (San Antonio, TX)

  • Office: San Antonio & surrounding areas (Bexar County)

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FAQs (San Antonio Visa Guides)

What’s the difference between consular processing and adjustment of status?

Consular processing is completed through a U.S. consulate abroad. Adjustment of status is filed from inside the U.S. if eligible.

Can I switch from a work visa to a green card?

Sometimes, depending on category, employer sponsorship, and your immigration history. Strategy depends on timing, eligibility, and evidence strength.

Is TN the same as H-1B?

No. TN is limited to Canadian/Mexican citizens in listed professions under USMCA. H-1B is a broader specialty occupation category with different requirements.

What’s the biggest cause of delays?

Incomplete evidence, misclassification, and inconsistent documents are common causes of delays and RFEs.

When should I renew DACA?

Many people plan early to avoid gaps. The best timeline depends on your situation and current processing conditions.