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Business immigration · Nashville · Korean and English

Before you spend a year on the wrong petition.

H-1B and EB-3 are the paths most people hear about. O-1, EB-1A, and EB-2 NIW are the ones that get skipped. If the honest answer is not yet, I will say so, and I will tell you what would have to change.

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  • 1,078

    PERMs Certified

    at a 99.7% approval rate

  • 8,000+

    Cases Handled

    (Across Past Firm Work)

  • 58+

    Countries Represented

  • 60+

    Employer Clients Served

    (Fortune 500 to family-owned)

1,078 certified PERM filings at 99.7%, per the 2025 DOL PERM Disclosure Data. It counts PERM labor certification filings only. These figures describe Joe Kwon's work as an attorney over the course of his career, including matters he handled at firms where he practiced before founding Joe Kwon Law, PLLC. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Joe Kwon, immigration attorney, seated outside a limestone building in Nashville and smiling at the camera.

The attorney you hire is the attorney who does the work.

There is one attorney at this firm and it is me. Not a platform, not an intake bot, not an unlicensed immigration consultant. I read the record and I write the argument, and I am the person you talk to. Two paralegals support the filing work. Anything that takes legal judgment comes back to me.

Joe Kwon. Licensed in Tennessee. Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility No. 036694.

How I practice

Case records

The work, with the reasoning showing

Adjectives are free. These are real matters written out: the facts, the argument that was actually made, and the thing that decided it. Read one and judge the work yourself.

  • EB-2 NIWNational interest waiver, approved

    The approval turned on the waiver argument

    A researcher petitioning without an employer. Most petitions treat the waiver itself as a closing formality. This one did not, and that is where it was decided.

    How it arrived Self-petition, no employer sponsor

    Where it stands I-140 approved, at consular processing as of August 2026

  • EB-2 NIWRejected at intake, rebuilt and refiled

    A rejected filing is not a decided case

    The first filing never reached an officer. It came back at the mailroom. Rejection and denial are not the same word, and the difference is worth knowing before it happens to you.

    How it arrived Earlier filing rejected at intake

    Where it stands Rebuilt, refiled, in adjudication as of August 2026

  • H-1BChange of employer, full period requested, approved

    The six-year limit had more room than the paperwork showed

    A job change inside the 60-day grace period, with a validity date that looked like it asked for more time than was left. Reading the travel history entry by entry is what made the full period fit.

    How it arrived Already out of the old job, inside the 60-day grace period

    Where it stands Approved on premium processing, for the full period requested

  • PERMEmployer sponsorship, recruitment complete, no decision yet

    The classification shaped the case before recruitment started

    An employer sponsoring an entry-level hourly role for a green card. The wage classification and the minimum requirements were both settled before a single advertisement ran, and everything the recruitment did afterward had to fit inside them. Nothing has been decided yet, and the record says so.

    How it arrived Employer sponsorship, nothing filed yet

    Where it stands Recruitment complete, ETA-9089 assembled, no labor certification decision as of August 2026

  • O-1AApproved after a Request for Evidence

    The blanks were in the paperwork, not in the career

    The first filing carried three case studies, an eighty-page report and eight senior letters, and USCIS still scored it at one criterion out of eight. What changed was how the same career was written down.

    How it arrived Request for Evidence on a petition already filed

    Where it stands Approved after the Request for Evidence response

  • EB-2 NIWSelf-filed petition, Request for Evidence answered, approved

    The Request for Evidence asked what the petition never answered

    She filed a thorough petition without a lawyer, and USCIS came back questioning all three parts of the legal test and her eligibility underneath them. The answer was not more paper. It was a plan stated specifically enough for an officer to check. The petition was approved.

    How it arrived Self-filed petition, Request for Evidence already issued

    Where it stands Request for Evidence answered, I-140 approved

See all case records

Client-identifying detail has been removed.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case turns on its own facts, its own evidence, and the law in effect when it is decided.

Experience

Four numbers, and what each one counts.

A figure without a source is not evidence. These four are mine. They cover my work as an attorney across my whole career, including the years I spent at firms before this one, and the PERM figures come out of a government file you can open yourself.

  • 58+

    Countries Represented

    Each mark is one country a client has come from.

  • 1,078

    PERMs Certified

    at a 99.7% approval rate

    (2025 DOL Disclosure)

  • 8,000+

    Cases Handled

    (Across Past Firm Work)

    (Including O-1 · EB-1A · NIW)

  • 60+

    Employer Clients Served

    (Fortune 500 to family-owned)

Where these numbers come from

These figures describe Joe Kwon's work as an attorney over the course of his career, including matters he handled at firms where he practiced before founding Joe Kwon Law, PLLC.

1,078 certified PERM filings at 99.7%, per the 2025 DOL PERM Disclosure Data. It counts PERM labor certification filings only.

Source: 2025 DOL PERM Disclosure Data, published by the U.S. Department of Labor

Check the data at dol.gov

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Immigration outcomes depend on the facts, the record, the law in effect when the case is decided, and the officer's discretion.

Published, quoted and broadcast by

Paths

What you might actually qualify for

Six places people land. Each one has a page that explains what the standard really is, in plain words, before you commit to anything.

  • You are petitioning for yourself

    No employer, no sponsor, nobody to ask permission from. The record you already have is the case.

    • O-1A
    • O-1B
    • EB-1A
    • EB-2 NIW

  • An employer is sponsoring you

    Or you are the employer. Most problems here are not legal arguments, they are calendar problems.

    • PERM
    • H-1B
    • EB-3
    • L-1

  • It is about family

    Rarely hard law. Hard because the evidence is your private life, and nobody tells you which parts an officer reads.

    • Marriage
    • Adjustment of status
    • Naturalization

  • O-1A and O-1B

    Researchers, engineers, founders, artists

    A work visa for people at the top of a field. It does need a U.S. petitioner, but that petitioner does not have to be your current employer, and an agent can file it. Most people on H-1B have never been told that part. Arts, entertainment, and creative work is read under O-1B.

    O-1, in detail

  • EB-1A

    The same record, aimed at a green card

    The extraordinary-ability green card, and you file it for yourself. No employer, no sponsor, nobody to ask permission from. USCIS checks ten criteria first, then steps back and weighs the whole record again, and that second step is where most of these are really decided.

    EB-1A, in detail

  • EB-2 NIW

    Work that serves a U.S. interest

    An EB-2 green card where you ask the government to waive the job-offer requirement because your work helps the country. Publications are evidence, not an entry fee. What sinks most NIW cases is a plan too vague to judge.

    EB-2 NIW, in detail

  • PERM, H-1B, EB-3

    Employers and the employees they sponsor

    PERM is the Department of Labor step before most employment-based green cards, and H-1B is the specialty-occupation visa that usually comes first. Most PERM problems are not legal arguments, they are calendar problems. The posting period for the notice is counted in business days, not calendar days, and a notice one day short can send the whole thing back to the start.

    For employers

  • Family

    Spouses, fiancés, parents, children

    Marriage-based green cards, adjustment of status, fiancé visas, and naturalization. These cases are rarely hard law. They are hard because the evidence is your private life, and nobody tells you which parts of it an officer actually reads.

    Family immigration

  • Not sure yet

    Most people, honestly

    Not knowing which of these you are is the normal starting point, not something to be embarrassed about. The services page puts the categories side by side, so you can see which questions apply to you before spending anything.

    See all categories

What I do not take: asylum, U or T visas, and deportation defense, which is also called removal. Those are different practices, and if that is your situation you want someone who does that work every day.

Reviews

What clients wrote, unedited

5.0

20 Reviews on Google
Checked on the Google Business Profile on September 30, 2026

Every review is here, complete and as written. I do not screen them and I do not pick out the good ones. Each review and reply appears in the language it was written in. Nothing here is translated.

A few years ago, I was going through a very difficult and complicated situation when I had the opportunity to work with attorney Joe Kwon.

Not only was I overwhelmed by the legal side of things, but I was also struggling with language barriers as someone whose first language is not English. Joe was incredibly patient, thoughtful, and genuinely supportive throughout the process.

One thing I especially appreciated was his fluency in both Korean and English. Being able to clearly communicate and fully understand complex matters in my own language gave me a great sense of comfort and trust.

What stood out most to me was that he truly cared about helping people, not just handling cases professionally. His guidance was honest, realistic, and compassionate during a time when I really needed it.

I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney who is both knowledgeable and genuinely caring toward his clients.

So Yeon Kim 19 weeks ago, on Google

Joe Kwon Law, Owner

It means a lot for me to be able to advocate for you and your family So Yeon. Thank you for the kind words.

I’ve known Joseph for some time and he’s someone I trust and respect deeply. He recently started his own law practice focusing on immigration, and I know firsthand how committed he is to helping people navigate what can often be a very complicated process.

Joseph is incredibly knowledgeable, honest, and always willing to take the time to help or point people in the right direction. Even when he’s just offering guidance or answering questions, he approaches everything with professionalism and integrity.

If you’re looking for an immigration attorney who truly cares about his clients and takes pride in doing things the right way, Joseph is a great person to have in your corner.

Andy Cho 25 weeks ago, on Google

Joe Kwon is an excellent attorney professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring with his clients. He takes the time to understand your situation, explains everything clearly, and always treats people with respect. Highly recommended for anyone needing legal guidance in the U.S. or Mexico.

El abogado Joe Kwon es muy profesional, atento y realmente se interesa por ayudar a las personas. Explica cada proceso de manera clara, transmite mucha confianza y se nota que conoce muy bien las leyes migratorias. Personalmente, me ha asesorado muy bien en temas de inmigración y en la realización de todos los trámites legales

María Pena Guel 19 weeks ago, on Google

We are truly grateful for the guidance and support we received from Joe during such an important moment in our lives. From the very beginning, he provided us with clear, honest, and accurate information, always helping us feel calm and reassured despite all the fear and misinformation often seen on social media.

His professionalism, knowledge, and genuine care for people truly stand out. He guided us with patience and gave us peace of mind during a very stressful time. We highly recommend Joe to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable immigration guidance.

Lucero Barbosa 19 weeks ago, on Google

I’ve known Joseph and have consulted his expertise since 2014. He is one of the most respectable, intelligent, and passionate people I’ve come to trust in my lifetime. When he has a goal, he fights hard for that goal. He’s very kind, supportive, and understanding while still maintaining a professional, protective role as your lawyer. He’s helped my husband and I navigate unfamiliar situations that changed the trajectory of our lives. We would not be where we are without his help and encouragement. I highly recommend his services.

Nina Chanth 19 weeks ago, on Google

NIW 상담을 받았는데, 무료로 검토해주시는 것인데도 불구하고 제 경력과 현재 상황을 꼼꼼하게 살펴보시고 현실적인 관점에서 설명해 주셔서 많은 도움이 되었습니다. 단순히 긍정적인 부분만 말씀해 주시는 것이 아니라, 현재 케이스의 강점과 부족한 부분, 그리고 앞으로 어떤 경험과 자료를 보완하면 좋을지 구체적으로 알려주셨습니다. 질문에도 자세히 답변해 주셔서 앞으로의 방향을 정리하는 데 도움이 되었습니다. 감사합니다.

BK 2 weeks ago, on Google

Joe handled my immigration issue under a tight deadline and made the whole process feel manageable. He’s incredibly detail-oriented, responsive, and took the time to explain every step clearly. He also acknowledged the stress of navigating immigration while starting a new journey, which genuinely meant a lot. Highly recommend, especially if you’re dealing with something time-sensitive.

Goeun Son 13 weeks ago, on Google

Joe Kwon is an excellent immigration lawyer. He provided clear, expert guidance that made navigating my international marriage process straightforward and stress-free. His one-on-one attention and deep knowledge gave me total confidence. Highly recommend him to anyone needing reliable immigration advice!

Andy Kim 19 weeks ago, on Google

Joe Kwon Law, Owner

I'm so honored to be able to support you and your family. Thank you!

I have known Joe for a few years now. He is a great lawyer and very knowledgeable. He explains things in great detail, and his experience has been incredibly helpful. The fact that he is also a family lawyer answered many of the questions I had before my marriage and helped me better understand my immigration process.

Perli Zúñiga 18 weeks ago, on Google

비자때문에 고민이 많은 찰나에 우연히 권 변호사님을 알게되어 상담을 진행할 수 있었습니다. 아직 준비할 것이 태산인 저에게 현실적인 조언과 지금부터 해야할 가장 적절한 준비과정을 알려주셔서 지금부터 제가 어떤 준비를 해야할지 명확하게 알수있었습니다. 친절하고 명쾌한 상담을 진행해주신 권변호사님께 감사인사드립니다!

박수연 2 weeks ago, on Google

If you have any immigration or family issues, he’s someone you can really count on. He’s easy to talk to, explains everything clearly, and genuinely cares about helping people. You can tell he puts a lot of effort into his work and looks out for his clients. I definitely recommend him.

Aiden Park (Food Wine Travel) 25 weeks ago, on Google

Joe Kwon Law, Owner

Thank you so much Aiden!

When I was navigating some legal issues, I was lucky to be able to reach out to Joseph for consultation. He is super thoughtful, empathetic, and knowledgeable and will be a great advocate for you.

Stephanie Kang 25 weeks ago, on Google

Joe Kwon Law, Owner

Thank you Stephanie! I really appreciate your kind words.

I had an immigration visa issue, but Attorney Joseph Kwon handled everything with precise documentation and great attention to detail, which helped me obtain my permanent residency. I highly recommend him!!

Bell 22 weeks ago, on Google

Joe Kwon Law, Owner

It was my pleasure to work with you guys!

무료 상담임에도 불구하고 줌으로 30분 이상 만나주시고 무료로 프로필 평가까지 해주셨습니다. 친절한 상담에 진심으로 감사드립니다.

YYS 10 weeks ago, on Google

I had a great experience with Joe Kwon. He was knowledgeable, professional, and took the time to understand my specific situation. He provided clear and practical guidance, and I felt confident that I was in good hands. Highly recommended!

Alejandro Garzon 3 hours ago, on Google

Joe Kwon is an incredible attorney and community member. He came to our organization and gave us insight on name change processes and guidance on conservatorships for the clients we served. I highly recommend.

Nicky Rodas Munoz 15 weeks ago, on Google

Joe is not just my lawyer he's my friend. He has helped me through some of the lowest times and been there with me all the way. Can't ask for a better partner to work with.

Hayden Orr 25 weeks ago, on Google

Joe Kwon Law, Owner

Thank you so much Hayden!

Joseph handled my case with care and did everything he could to make the process as efficient as possible. He ultimately got the best outcome for me and everyone else involved.

Lauren Marlar 17 weeks ago, on Google

Highly recommend! He provides excellent, thorough legal advice and is always prompt to respond. He truly cares about his clients!

susu 13 weeks ago, on Google

Joe helped me tremendously through my immigration process. Hands down the best in town.

Tae Kweon 19 weeks ago, on Google

Joe Kwon Law, Owner

Thank you so much, Tae!

Read them on Google

How this works

How this actually goes

Five steps. You will always know which one you are on.

  1. Tell me where you are

    A couple of minutes in the chat, or six questions that work out the honest next step. The questions send nothing: what you pick stays in your browser.

  2. We talk

    The free intake is with my paralegal team. The paid consultation is with me, in Korean or English, and it is where the legal read happens.

  3. You get the honest read

    Sometimes that is an engagement. Sometimes it is a Case Blueprint and a plan for what to build over the next year.

  4. I build the case and file it

    A flat fee split into three lines: the attorney fee, government filing fees, and other costs. I send you the draft petition to read before it is filed.

  5. You can see all of it

    Your documents, your case status, and your invoices sit in your client portal. And news reaches you from me, not from a status page.

Book a consultation

Next steps

Not ready to hire anyone yet

Two ways to get further without retaining a lawyer.

Case Blueprint

If you want the honest read in writing.

Some people are not ready to hire anyone yet. Others were told no somewhere else and never found out which part of the record was the problem. The Case Blueprint is a written evaluation of your profile and your options. The document is yours to keep, and you can take it to another attorney.

How the Case Blueprint works

Reading Room

Immigration, in plain words

Notes on the questions people work through before they hire anyone, written one at a time.

See what is in the Reading Room

Common questions

The questions people ask first

Six of them here. The rest sit on the pages they belong to.

I lost the H-1B lottery. What is actually left?

More than most people assume, and which of it applies depends on your record rather than on your luck. O-1A is the one worth reading first if you have real industry impact. Cap-exempt employers, meaning universities and some nonprofit and research institutions, can file an H-1B outside the lottery at any point in the year. E-2 is on the table if you are a treaty national investing in a U.S. business. Which of those is realistic for you is a question about your facts, not about the categories.

Do I need publications for O-1A?

No. The O-1 regulation lists eight kinds of evidence and asks you to meet three of them. Exactly one of the eight is about writing scholarly articles. The rest are awards, earned memberships, press written about your work, judging, original contributions, a critical role at an organization with a reputation, and high pay. An engineer or a founder can meet three of those without ever publishing a paper.

Is the free intake a consultation with you?

No. The free intake is with my paralegal team. They take the facts down, explain how the firm works and what things cost, and put you on the calendar when a consultation makes sense. The legal read is mine and it happens in the paid session. The firm does not advertise a free consultation with the attorney. If I ever offer one, it is my own decision in a particular case, not something you can book and not what most people get.

Why is the longer one paid?

Because it is the legal work rather than a pitch for the legal work. You are buying my read on your record: the categories it could support, the ones I would rule out, and the order I would do things in. Charging for it is also what keeps it honest. The session is paid work in its own right, so I have no reason to talk you into a case I do not believe in.

Other firms advertise a refund if the case is denied. Why don't you?

Because the thing you would get back is the wrong thing. In immigration the asset you are spending is time. A filing season. A status that runs out. The year a category was still open to you. If a case I should not have taken is denied, a refund returns the money and none of the years.

So I would rather give you the straight read before you pay me anything, including when the straight read is that I would not file this yet, or would not file it at all. No lawyer can guarantee an approval, because officers decide these and much of it is discretionary. A refund badge does not change that. It just moves the risk you can see onto the one you cannot.

Can we do this in Korean?

Yes. Both the intake and the consultation run in Korean or in English. My paralegal team includes a Korean speaker and I grew up speaking it. Tell us which you prefer when we first speak, and no one will hand you an interpreter you did not ask for.

More on which path fitsMore on how the consultation works

Find out what you actually qualify for.

Korean or English, either way.

Free intake, with my paralegal team

They take the facts down, explain how the firm works and what things cost, and put you on the calendar when a consultation makes sense.

Start the free intake

Consultation, with me

The legal read on your situation: which paths are real for you, which are not, and why. In Korean or English.

Book a consultation

Book a consultation