Raymond’s journey began in Hungary, where his mother sought better educational opportunities for him. That search led to a scholarship at United World College and brought Raymond to the U.S. at just 16 years old.
From the start, he treated every moment as a building block toward something bigger.
Raymond earned a full scholarship to the University of Richmond and majored in finance and economics. But unlike most students, every choice he made academically and professionally was calculated with immigration strategy in mind.
After graduation, Raymond had just one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) — not enough time to secure a green card. But Tingen Law identified a bold solution: if his economics degree could be reclassified as STEM, he’d earn two more years of OPT.
With help from his university and some persuasive advocacy Raymond’s degree was successfully reclassified. His OPT was extended, giving him the window he needed to apply for residency.
Raymond didn’t take shortcuts. He pursued a green card through employment going through the long and demanding PERM process, including proving no other American candidates were more qualified.
“It was exhausting. It was intimidating. But it worked.”
Now, Raymond is thriving as a financial professional in the U.S., with plans to apply for citizenship in two years.
His journey wasn’t easy, but it was deliberate and it paid off. His parents are proud. His girlfriend supported him every step of the way. And today, he’s living the life he envisioned when he first arrived as a teenager.
At Tingen Law, we specialize in helping smart, determined individuals like Raymond navigate the U.S. immigration system with intention and success.
Whether you're here on a student visa, navigating OPT, or planning for long-term residency, we’re here to help you do it right.
Schedule your free consultation today and let’s build your path forward together.