EB-1A Immigration Pipeline β€” Lawmatics Workflow
Lawmatics Automation Blueprint

EB-1A Immigration Pipeline
Workflow System

Complete stage-by-stage automation reference for an EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Visa practice β€” tasks, communications, and pipeline transitions.

Intake Coordinator
Ops Manager
Attorney
Auto Email
Auto SMS
1

Onboarding

Client has signed β€” welcome, portal access, and case kickoff setup

πŸ“‹ Tasks
Send Retainer & Engagement Letter
Day 1
Generate and send the engagement letter and fee agreement via Lawmatics e-signature. Confirm execution before proceeding.
Intake Coordinator
Create Client Matter & File Structure
Day 1
Open the Lawmatics matter, assign a case number, create document folders (personal records, evidence, forms, correspondence).
Ops Manager
Assign Attorney to Case
Day 1
Assign the lead attorney in Lawmatics. Share the signed engagement letter and initial case notes with attorney.
Ops Manager
Attorney Welcome & Strategy Call
Day 3
Attorney introduces themselves, explains the EB-1A process and timeline, discusses the client’s extraordinary ability criteria, and sets expectations.
Attorney
Send Onboarding Questionnaire
Day 2
Send client the comprehensive EB-1A intake questionnaire covering all 10 USCIS criteria, publications, awards, and professional history.
Intake Coordinator
πŸ“§ Automations
βœ‰ Auto Email
Welcome to the Firm
Warm welcome email introducing the firm, the team, and what to expect during the EB-1A process. Includes a link to the client portal and next steps.
Trigger: Stage entered β€” Day 1
πŸ“± Auto SMS
Questionnaire Reminder
“Hi [Name], your EB-1A intake questionnaire has been sent to your email. Please complete it within 5 days so we can begin your case. [Firm]”
Trigger: Questionnaire not submitted β€” Day 4
⚑ Stage Triggers
Condition: Retainer signed + Onboarding questionnaire received + Attorney call completed
β†’
Move to Document Collection
2

Document Collection

Gathering all evidence and supporting documentation to establish extraordinary ability

πŸ“‹ Tasks
Send Document Checklist
Day 1
Send a tailored EB-1A document checklist based on the questionnaire. Include required evidence for each applicable USCIS criterion.
Intake Coordinator
Collect Personal Identity Documents
Day 5
Passport bio pages, I-94 travel history, prior visa copies, any prior immigration filings (if applicable).
Intake Coordinator
Collect Evidence of Extraordinary Ability
Day 10
Publications, citations, awards, judging activities, high salary documentation, critical role evidence, media coverage, memberships, and exhibition records.
Intake Coordinator
Attorney Document Review & Gap Analysis
Day 14
Attorney reviews all submitted documents, identifies gaps in evidence for each criterion, and flags any items needing additional support.
Attorney
Identify & Request Recommendation Letter Writers
Day 10
Work with client to identify 5–8 experts who can serve as recommendation letter writers. Confirm willingness and collect their CVs and contact info.
Attorney
Follow Up on Missing Documents
Day 12
Track document submission status in Lawmatics. Follow up with client on any outstanding items from the checklist.
Ops Manager
πŸ“§ Automations
βœ‰ Auto Email
Document Checklist Sent
Notifies client their personalized document checklist has been shared. Explains the importance of each category and sets a 10-day submission window.
Trigger: Stage entered β€” Day 1
πŸ“± Auto SMS
Document Submission Reminder
“Hi [Name], your document submission deadline is in 3 days. Please upload any remaining items via your portal. Need help? Call us at [Phone].”
Trigger: Documents incomplete β€” Day 7
βœ‰ Auto Email
Gap Analysis Results
Shares the attorney’s gap analysis with the client. Lists items still needed and provides guidance on how to obtain or strengthen each piece of evidence.
Trigger: Gap analysis task completed β€” Day 14
⚑ Stage Triggers
Condition: “Attorney Document Review” task complete + all critical documents received
β†’
Move to Forms I-140
Condition: Key documents still missing after Day 15
⚠
Alert Ops Manager β€” escalate to client directly
3

Forms I-140

Preparing and reviewing USCIS Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers)

πŸ“‹ Tasks
Prepare Draft I-140 Form
Day 3
Attorney or paralegal prepares the I-140 petition form using client data. Select the correct EB-1A classification checkbox and complete all fields accurately.
Attorney
Client Review of I-140 Draft
Day 5
Send draft I-140 to client for review and signature confirmation. Explain each section and verify all biographical data is correct.
Intake Coordinator
Prepare Filing Fee Payment
Day 5
Confirm current USCIS filing fee for I-140 and any premium processing (Form I-907) if applicable. Collect payment from client.
Ops Manager
Attorney Final Review of I-140
Day 7
Attorney performs a final review of the completed I-140, verifying all fields, attachments, and accuracy before signing and adding to the packet.
Attorney
πŸ“§ Automations
βœ‰ Auto Email
I-140 Draft Ready for Review
Notifies client that their I-140 draft has been prepared and is ready for their review via the portal. Requests confirmation within 48 hours.
Trigger: Draft I-140 task complete β€” Day 3
πŸ“± Auto SMS
I-140 Review Reminder
“Hi [Name], your I-140 draft is waiting for your review. Please check your email or portal and respond within 24 hours. [Firm]”
Trigger: No client response β€” Day 5
⚑ Stage Triggers
Condition: “Attorney Final Review of I-140” task completed and approved
β†’
Move to Letter Drafting
4

Letter Drafting

Drafting expert recommendation letters that substantiate the client’s extraordinary ability

πŸ“‹ Tasks
Draft Recommendation Letter Templates
Day 3
Attorney drafts individualized recommendation letter templates for each expert. Each letter should address at least 2–3 EB-1A criteria with specific examples.
Attorney
Send Letters to Recommenders
Day 4
Send each expert their draft letter with instructions: review, personalize, sign on letterhead, and return within 14 days. Include client CV and supporting materials.
Intake Coordinator
Track Letter Submissions
Day 10
Monitor outstanding letters using Lawmatics task tracking. Log receipt of each signed letter and follow up with any unresponsive recommenders.
Ops Manager
Attorney Review of Received Letters
Day 16
Attorney reviews each returned letter for adequacy. Request revisions if content is too generic or lacks specific references to EB-1A criteria.
Attorney
πŸ“§ Automations
βœ‰ Auto Email
Letters in Progress Update
Notifies client that recommendation letter drafts are being prepared and sent to their designated experts. Sets expectation for 2-week turnaround.
Trigger: Stage entered β€” Day 1
πŸ“± Auto SMS
Recommender Follow-Up Alert
“Hi [Name], we’re still waiting on letters from some of your recommenders. Please encourage them to submit soon β€” we need all letters by [Date].”
Trigger: Letters pending β€” Day 12
⚑ Stage Triggers
Condition: Minimum required letters received (typically 5+) + “Attorney Review” task complete
β†’
Move to Atty Cover Letter Drafting
Condition: Fewer than 5 letters received after Day 18
⚠
Alert Attorney β€” identify additional recommenders or extend deadline
5

Attorney Cover Letter Drafting

The most critical document β€” the legal brief tying all evidence to EB-1A criteria

πŸ“‹ Tasks
Draft Attorney Cover Letter (Brief)
Day 7
Attorney drafts the comprehensive legal cover letter addressing each EB-1A criterion claimed, citing specific evidence, case law, and policy memos where applicable. Typically 20–40 pages.
Attorney
Internal Peer Review of Cover Letter
Day 10
Ops Manager or second attorney reviews the draft for clarity, completeness, and persuasiveness. Flag any unsupported assertions or missing evidence references.
Ops Manager
Client Review of Cover Letter
Day 12
Share the cover letter draft with the client to verify all factual claims are accurate, especially regarding their professional achievements and contributions to their field.
Intake Coordinator
Finalize Cover Letter
Day 15
Attorney incorporates all feedback and finalizes the cover letter. Ensure all cited exhibit numbers match the final exhibit list for the packet.
Attorney
πŸ“§ Automations
βœ‰ Auto Email
Cover Letter Draft Ready
Notifies client that the attorney cover letter draft has been prepared. Explains what they are reviewing and asks them to confirm all facts are accurate within 48 hours.
Trigger: Client review task assigned β€” Day 12
⚑ Stage Triggers
Condition: “Finalize Cover Letter” task marked complete by Attorney
β†’
Move to Packet Assembly
6

Packet Assembly

Compiling, organizing, and quality-checking the complete USCIS filing packet

πŸ“‹ Tasks
Compile Full Exhibit List
Day 2
Create a numbered exhibit list matching each piece of evidence to its corresponding reference in the cover letter. Assign exhibit tab labels.
Ops Manager
Assemble Physical/Digital Packet
Day 4
Compile all documents in USCIS-required order: cover letter, I-140 form, filing fee check/receipt, exhibits tabbed in order. Prepare both physical and digital copies.
Intake Coordinator
Attorney Final Quality Check
Day 5
Attorney conducts a complete review of the assembled packet: cross-reference all exhibit citations in the cover letter, confirm form signatures, and verify filing fee amount.
Attorney
Confirm USCIS Mailing Address & Filing Method
Day 5
Verify current USCIS lockbox address for I-140 (or e-filing route if applicable). Confirm whether standard or premium processing is being used. Prepare certified mail or courier.
Ops Manager
πŸ“§ Automations
βœ‰ Auto Email
Packet Assembly in Progress
Informs client that all documents are being compiled into the final filing packet. Confirms no further action is needed from them at this stage.
Trigger: Stage entered β€” Day 1
βœ‰ Auto Email
Packet Complete β€” Ready to File
Notifies client that their EB-1A packet has passed the final quality check and is ready to be submitted to USCIS. Sets expectations for the filing confirmation to follow.
Trigger: “Attorney Final Quality Check” complete β€” Day 5
⚑ Stage Triggers
Condition: “Attorney Final Quality Check” passed + mailing info confirmed
β†’
Move to Send Packet
7

Send Packet

Filing with USCIS, receipt confirmation, and post-submission monitoring

πŸ“‹ Tasks
Submit Petition to USCIS
Day 1
File the complete I-140 packet via certified mail or courier to the designated USCIS lockbox. Retain tracking number and send copy to client. Log submission date in Lawmatics.
Intake Coordinator
Confirm Receipt Notice (I-797)
Day 14–30
Monitor USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797). Once received, upload to Lawmatics, record the Receipt Number (EAC/LIN/WAC/SRC), and forward to client immediately.
Ops Manager
Set Up USCIS Case Status Monitoring
Day 2
Register the receipt number on USCIS Case Status Online and set up automated email alerts for any case status changes. Share login or case tracker link with client.
Ops Manager
Prepare RFE Response Protocol
Day 7
Attorney prepares a preliminary RFE (Request for Evidence) response strategy in case USCIS requests additional evidence. Document in case file for quick reference.
Attorney
90-Day Status Check-In
Day 90
Check USCIS case status, review processing time estimates, and update client. If premium processing, follow up on any delays beyond 15 business days.
Attorney
πŸ“§ Automations
βœ‰ Auto Email
Petition Filed Confirmation
Confirms the petition has been submitted to USCIS. Includes the tracking number, estimated receipt notice timeline, and what to expect while waiting for a decision.
Trigger: Stage entered / submission confirmed β€” Day 1
πŸ“± Auto SMS
Filing Confirmation Alert
“Your EB-1A petition has been filed with USCIS! You’ll receive a receipt notice in 2–4 weeks. We’ll notify you immediately when it arrives. [Firm]”
Trigger: Submission confirmed β€” Day 1
βœ‰ Auto Email
Receipt Notice Received
Forwards the I-797 receipt notice to the client, explains what the receipt number means, and provides a USCIS case tracker link so they can monitor status independently.
Trigger: “Confirm Receipt Notice” task complete
βœ‰ Auto Email
90-Day Status Update
Proactive check-in email summarizing current USCIS processing time estimates and reconfirming the firm is actively monitoring the case.
Trigger: 90 days after submission
⚑ Stage Triggers
Condition: USCIS approval notice (I-797 Approval) received
β†’
Mark Matter as Approved β€” move to next petition stage (I-485 or Consular)
Condition: RFE received from USCIS
⚠
Immediate alert to Attorney + Ops Manager β€” initiate RFE response workflow
Condition: Denial received
⚠
Alert Attorney β€” evaluate appeal (AAO) or refile strategy