Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about our coaching. For detail on each pathway, read our guides to the EB-1A, O-1A and EB-2 NIW. For how we handle your data, see our privacy policy. Have a question that is not answered here? Email us at hello@buildcaliber.pro.
Questions and answers
What does BuildCaliber do?
BuildCaliber coaches professionals who are building a profile for an EB-1A, O-1A or EB-2 NIW petition. We assess your record against the USCIS criteria, give you a structured plan to find, organize and strengthen your evidence, review your work, and hand you to independent partner attorneys when your profile is ready.
Is coaching only for tech professionals?
No. We work with professionals in every field, including the sciences and research, engineering and technology, business and entrepreneurship, medicine and healthcare, education, the arts and athletics.
Do you provide legal advice?
No. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. We coach you on preparing your profile. Legal advice and the petition come from a licensed immigration attorney.
Do you guarantee approval?
No. Outcomes depend on your record and on decisions made by the government. We will tell you honestly what we think about your profile.
Who files the petition?
Independent partner attorneys prepare and file it. Your coach introduces you when your profile is ready, and the attorneys review and verify the evidence before filing.
Which pathway is right for me: EB-1A, O-1A or EB-2 NIW?
It depends on your record and goals. EB-1A is a green card for people at the very top of their field. O-1A is a temporary work visa for people with extraordinary ability, filed by a U.S. employer or agent. EB-2 NIW is a green card for people with an advanced degree or exceptional ability whose work is in the national interest. The free evaluation helps us suggest a starting point, and an attorney confirms the strategy.
How long does it take?
It depends on where you start and how much time you can give each week. Many profiles take several months of preparation before the attorney stage. The free evaluation asks about both so we can give you a realistic view.
Can you help me build evidence I do not have yet?
We help you find evidence you already have but have not documented, and we point out legitimate ways to grow your profile, such as peer review, speaking and writing. We only work with genuine achievements and genuine letters.
What happens to my documents?
They are stored privately. Only you, your assigned coach and our administrators can see them. They are never public and are never shared across clients.
What does the free evaluation involve?
A short online form about your background and achievements. We review it and reply with an honest view, and there is no obligation.
Do I need a PhD for EB-1A, O-1A or EB-2 NIW?
No. None of the three requires a PhD. EB-1A and O-1A depend on documented achievements, not degrees. EB-2 NIW needs either an advanced degree (a master's, or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience) or exceptional ability, which can be shown without a degree.
Can I pursue O-1A and EB-1A at the same time?
Many people do. The O-1A is a work visa and the EB-1A is a green card, and much of the evidence overlaps. A common path is to work in the U.S. on an O-1A while building toward an EB-1A. An attorney confirms whether that sequence suits your situation.
Do you write recommendation letters?
No. Letters must come from real experts who know your work and must reflect their own views. We help you identify who could genuinely speak to your contributions and what evidence they can point to. Attorneys handle the letters themselves.
Do you work with people outside the United States?
Yes. Coaching happens online, so you can work with us from any country. The O-1A needs a U.S. employer or agent to file, while EB-1A and EB-2 NIW can be filed while you live abroad.
How much does coaching cost?
It depends on your profile and the scope of the work, so we share pricing after the free evaluation, once we know what you need. The evaluation itself is free and has no obligation.
Do you offer coaching for founders and startups?
Yes. We offer one-on-one startup coaching on go-to-market, sales, business development and expansion, and coaching for H-1B holders who want to build their own company as a second sponsor.
How do I contact you?
Email us at hello@buildcaliber.pro. We read every message and reply personally. To get an honest view of your profile, start with the free evaluation form.
Still deciding which route fits? Compare them in our guides to the EB-1A, O-1 visas, EB-2 NIW and H-1B founders, or read about startup coaching. For focused answers, such as EB-1A vs EB-2 NIW or EB-1A without a PhD, browse the guides library.
We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. Talk to a licensed immigration attorney about your own situation.