Leilani M. Nelson

In January 2020, Leilani M. Nelson joined Sapon Immigration as an Associate Attorney.

In her role, Leilani handles various aspects of immigration and nationality law, primarily offering employment-based immigration solutions to various businesses and individuals across the United States. Her work centers around H-2A/H-2B Temporary Nonimmigrant Visas, O-1 Visas for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement, National Interest Waivers, TN NAFTA Visas, R-1 Nonimmigrant Religious Worker Visas, H-1B Specialty Occupation Visas, and Employment-Based Permanent Residence.

Before joining Sapon Immigration, Leilani gained substantial experience working with family-based and employment-based immigration matters, including H-1B, L-1, and E-3 petitions. She has significant experience handling immigrant worker petitions (green cards) for professionals, advanced-degree individuals, multinational managers and executives, and skilled workers. Additionally, she represented clients in family-based applications and petitions, focusing on Form I-130, Immediate Relative petitions, Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Applications, Consular Processing Applications, and N-400, Naturalization Applications. She also has extensive experience working with victims of crimes (U Visas) and VAWA applicants.

Leilani graduated from Soka University of America (B.A., 2007) and received her law degree in 2011. After graduating from law school, she worked as a Program Associate for a Non-Governmental Agency affiliated with the United Nations, where she focused her attention on organizing programs on thematic issues, including women’s rights, sustainable development, nuclear non-proliferation, and disarmament.

Leilani is admitted to practice law in New York and is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.