About Our Firm
Learn more about Tigris Legal
U.S. Immigration Law Firm
Tigris Legal PLLC is an immigrant-owned law firm specializing in the U.S. immigration practice. Located in New York, we serve clients with various backgrounds nationwide and internationally.
Our firm provides legal services to individuals who plan to obtain U.S. non-immigrant visas, green cards (employment-based/family-sponsored), and citizenship; companies planning to conduct businesses in the U.S.; and U.S.-based companies that plan to hire non-immigrant and immigrant employees.
Founded by a U.S. immigrant who underwent the U.S. immigration process, we recognize that the immigration process can be time consuming and require patience due to its complexity. We also understand that obtaining the U.S. non-immigrant/immigrant/citizen status is a life-changing event, and conducting businesses or hiring foreign nationals in the U.S. involves in major business decisions.
With that in mind, our mission is to provide tailored, appropriate, swift, and efficient legal services to each of our clients. We treat each case with utmost care and efficiency using strong analytical skills, attention to details, and computer technology. We are committed to guide your immigration process towards the best possible outcome.
Akiko Yamada, Esq.
Akiko Yamada, a founder of Tigris Legal PLLC, is an attorney licensed in Japan and New York. Born and raised in Japan, she started her career as an attorney at a top-4 law firm located in Tokyo. There, she practiced general corporate and finance.
After practicing law for about 6 years in Japan, she came to New York to attend law school. Fascinated by the vibrant city, she decided to pursue her career as an attorney in the U.S. Since then, she had worked at multiple litigation law firms based in New York, and gained extensive experiences in commercial, medical malpractice, and insurance litigation.
During the time in the U.S., she has also gained extensive knowledge and skills on the U.S. immigration practice. She underwent F-1 and H-1B non-immigrant visa proceedings, including visa lottery, application, extension, RFE (Request for Evidence), transfer, and recapture of unused time. In 2021, she also single-handedly filed an EB-2 (NIW) green card petition for the STEM category and successfully obtained USCIS’ approval, through which she obtained a U.S. permanent resident status as well.
As an immigrant herself, these experiences strengthened her interest in U.S. immigration practice, which led her to found Tigris Legal PLLC. Since then, she has been devoting herself to helping clients obtain U.S. nonimmigrant visas, employment-based/family-sponsored green cards, citizenship, and relevant U.S. immigration benefits. She finds the immigration practice very rewarding as she may assist clients in pursuing study, career, family unification, or safer, better, or new life in the U.S., which are oftentimes critical life events.
EDUCATION
New York University School of Law, LL.M.
Stern School of Business, Advanced Professional Certificate in Law & Business
University of Tokyo, LL.B.
BAR ADMISSIONS
New York
Japan (inactive)
MEMBERSHIP
American Bar Association
American Immigration Lawyers Association
LANGUAGES
English
Japanese (native)
What we do
Our firm provides legal services on the immigration matters listed here. For more details, please visit our “Services” page from the icon below.
Nonimmigrant Visa
If you wish to travel to the U.S. or pursue full-time study or career in the U.S., you will need a nonimmigrant visa except certain situations.
Green Card
Green card holders can live and work permanently in the U.S. as permanent residents so far as they comply with certain requirements.
Citizenship & Naturalization
Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. can obtain citizenship through a process called naturalization when they meet certain criteria.
Response to USCIS Notice
If applicable, applicants for U.S. visas or citizenship must submit responses to the Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny issued by USCIS.
Waiver Application
An individual who is ineligible to be admitted to the U.S. must file an application to seek a waiver of the grounds of inadmissibility or permission to reenter the U.S.
Incorporation
Certain U.S. work visas involve incorporations of business entities in the U.S.
Client Testimonials
“The attorney handled my NIW green card case with great efficiency and care. From drafting letters to helping me gathering the necessary documents I always received timely and accurate guidance. My case went perfectly smooth without RFE and I received my green card directly on the mail without interview. Would recommend this law firm to anyone.”
ELI S
“I worked with other law firm for my Eb2 NIW, which was a little frustrating to me. So, I chose Tigris Legal for my consular processing. I would say I should have chosen Tigris for my I-140 application. Quick responses, hard work, adequate advice etc.”
English 
Japanese