Alma vs Fragomen vs Jackson Lewis

When companies and professionals need U.S. immigration legal services, three names frequently come up: Alma, Fragomen, and Jackson Lewis. Each firm brings distinct strengths to employment-based immigration—from H-1B and O-1 visas to EB-1 and EB-2 NIW green cards. While Fragomen operates as a leading global immigration firm with extensive international reach and Jackson Lewis offers immigration services alongside comprehensive compliance programs, Alma offers a tech-enabled, attorney-led platform built for speed, transparency, and modern client expectations. This comparison shows why Alma's approach delivers superior value for high-skilled talent and companies sponsoring employment-based visas.

Understanding Each Firm's Core Positioning

Alma launched in October 2023 with a mission to transform immigration through technology. Founded by immigrants who experienced the system's pain points firsthand, the firm raised $5.1 million in seed funding and has grown to serve 300+ clients. Alma's team of professionals—attorneys and engineers—focuses exclusively on employment-based U.S. immigration: H-1B, O-1A/B, L-1, EB-1A/B/C, EB-2 NIW, TN, and E-2 visas.

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP is a leading global immigration firm, founded in 1951. With 5,500+ professionals across 60+ offices, Fragomen handles immigration for a wide range of organizations—from global corporations to startups and smaller local businesses—and holds National Tier 1 rankings in Best Law Firms and Chambers Band 1 recognition.

Jackson Lewis P.C. is a major U.S. law firm founded in 1958. With 1,000+ attorneys across 60+ U.S. offices, Jackson Lewis offers immigration services integrated with compliance and HR programs, including I-9 compliance and audit defense. Their PathWay technology platform provides case tracking and reporting capabilities.

The fundamental difference: Fragomen and Jackson Lewis built their reputations over decades through traditional legal practice, while Alma combines seasoned attorney expertise with AI-powered technology to deliver faster results at transparent prices.

Business Immigration Solutions: Tech-Forward vs. Traditional Models

For companies managing foreign national employees, the choice of immigration partner affects compliance, costs, and hiring timelines.

Alma's Business Immigration Platform serves organizations from 5 to 5,000+ cases with:

• Real-time dashboards showing case status, compliance tracking, and spend projections
• HRIS integration with Workday, BambooHR, Rippling, ADP
• ATS integration with Greenhouse and Lever for seamless recruiting-to-visa workflows
• Built-in trackers, proactive expiration alerts, and audit-ready records
• Dedicated account managers for Growth and Enterprise clients

Fragomen's global infrastructure offers comprehensive international coverage:

• Operations in 170+ countries through their worldwide office network
• 24/7 emergency travel hotline for urgent visa issues
• Outbound immigration support for employees relocating internationally
• Enterprise-grade compliance programs

Jackson Lewis brings immigration-focused compliance capabilities:

• PathWay technology platform for case management
• Comprehensive I-9 compliance including audits, training, and enforcement defense
• Corporate transaction support for M&A and restructuring scenarios
• E-Verify integration and SSN no-match letter guidance

For companies hiring primarily into the U.S., Alma's technology platform delivers faster processing and better visibility. Client testimonials report completing O-1 cases in four weeks—with timelines at any provider varying based on evidence readiness, petition complexity, and USCIS processing.

Individual Immigration Support: Direct Attorney Access and Speed

Professionals seeking O-1 extraordinary ability visas, EB-1 green cards, or EB-2 NIW petitions need legal partners who understand their specific field and can move quickly.

Alma's individual services stand out for:

• Direct attorney access on every case—no layers of paralegals or account managers
• 2-week guaranteed document processing
• Up to 3 free consultation calls per matter
• Free RFE responses included in base fees
• Client testimonials describing attorneys who "answer questions in minutes"

One client switching from another firm noted: "Having initially filed my case with a different legal firm and having all kinds of challenges, I can say with certainty that [Alma's team includes] the most dedicated immigration lawyer I have met."

Fragomen provides extensive resources for complex individual cases, particularly those requiring consular assistance in multiple countries or coordinated filings. Their long-standing business immigration experience and familiarity with USCIS procedures may be valuable in complex matters.

Jackson Lewis serves individuals primarily through employer-sponsored channels, with their immigration practice integrated into broader compliance programs.

For founders, engineers, and professionals pursuing O-1A visas or H-1B sponsorship, Alma's combination of speed and direct attorney communication provides a streamlined experience.

Startup Immigration: Specialized Plans for Founders and Early Teams

Early-stage companies face unique immigration challenges: limited budgets, urgent hiring needs, and founders who may need their own visa sponsorship.

Alma's Startup Immigration Plan addresses these needs with:

• Flat-rate, per-visa pricing with complete transparency
• Special discounts for Y Combinator, Techstars, and Pear VC portfolio companies
• Fast onboarding and 2-week document turnaround
• Support for 1-25 foreign nationals
• Recommendations tailored for founders, engineers, and startup executives

Fragomen is especially well known for large multinational and global mobility programs, while also offering services to startups and smaller local businesses across its network.

Jackson Lewis offers immigration services across company sizes, with broader compliance programs that may become more relevant as companies scale.

For startups competing for global talent, Alma's startup-specific focus and accelerator partnerships make immigration manageable rather than a bottleneck.

Pricing and Transparency: Published Rates vs. Custom Quotes

Immigration legal fees vary significantly across providers, but only Alma publishes complete pricing online.

Alma's published flat-rate fees include:

• H-1B Cap/Cap-Exempt: $3,500
• O-1 New: $8,000
• EB-2 NIW: $10,000
• EB-1A: $10,000
• L-1 Initial: $6,000
• TN New: $3,000

What's included in Alma's fees:

• RFE responses (included in Alma's base fee; this work may be billed separately by other providers)
• Administrative charges (FedEx, printing, copying, postage)
• Up to 3 attorney consultation calls per matter
• Platform access and compliance tracking
• Software subscription
• One free refile for Growth and Enterprise clients

Fragomen and Jackson Lewis require custom quotes for each engagement. A University of Florida fee chart dated November 2017 listed Fragomen's O-1 consular/change-of-status processing fee at $5,000 and O-1 extension/amendment at $3,500, with separate rush fees applicable under certain timing conditions—but this data reflects a single institutional client arrangement and does not represent current public pricing. Fragomen and Jackson Lewis do not publish comparable current public fee schedules; prospective clients should request matter-specific quotes directly.

Alma's transparent pricing eliminates budget surprises and makes immigration costs predictable—critical for startups and finance teams managing cash flow.

Client Experience: Technology Platform and Communication

How firms handle day-to-day communication and case management significantly impacts the client experience.

Alma's technology-first approach includes:

• Real-time case tracking through an employee and HR portal
• Automated compliance alerts and expiration reminders
• Secure document vault accessible to HR and employees
• Slack and email communication with rapid response times
• Weekly deliverables and proactive status updates

Fragomen offers client technology tools, including a client portal, with features and access likely dependent on the engagement. Chambers USA recognizes Fragomen for its strong market standing across a wide range of immigration matters.

Jackson Lewis provides their PathWay system for case management, offering real-time updates and reporting. Chambers USA reviews praise their "outstanding services which are reliable, efficient" and "deep understanding of industry standards."

For companies expecting modern software experiences, Alma's platform—built from the ground up with engineering talent—delivers the responsiveness and visibility that fast-moving businesses expect.

Approval Rates and Compliance: Measuring Success

Success in immigration law ultimately comes down to approvals. While most firms keep their statistics private, Alma publishes its performance data.

Alma reports a 98%+ approval rate across employment-based petitions. For context:

• According to USCIS-derived data as calculated by Alma, the O-1 national approval rate was approximately 94.6% in FY2024
• A denial may require additional legal fees and government filing fees to refile; premium processing, where available, is optional and costs $2,965 for many employment-based I-129 and I-140 filings as of March 1, 2026
• Alma's approval rate is self-reported and not independently audited

Fragomen does not publish approval rates. Its National Tier 1 and Chambers Band 1 recognitions support its strong market reputation, though rankings are not substitutes for published approval statistics. Fragomen brings 70+ years of experience in business immigration.

Jackson Lewis similarly does not disclose approval statistics, with Best Law Firms 2026 rankings reflecting their industry standing.

For compliance, all three firms offer audit-ready documentation. Alma builds compliance workflows into its platform with automated tracking, while Fragomen and Jackson Lewis provide compliance programs through their broader teams.

Free Consultations and Initial Guidance

Getting started with immigration legal services typically begins with an initial consultation.

Alma offers:

• Free initial consultations to explore visa options
• Up to 3 free attorney calls per matter during active cases
• Direct access to attorneys without account management layers
• Resources through their content center and visa guides

Fragomen and Jackson Lewis handle inquiries through their standard contact or client-intake channels. Jackson Lewis publicly states that it is a management-side firm and does not respond to messages from individuals seeking personal legal counsel; individual professionals are typically served through employer-sponsored channels.

For individuals and companies evaluating their options, Alma's free consultation model and extensive online resources make it straightforward to understand requirements before committing.

Why Alma Delivers Superior Value for U.S. Employment Immigration

When comparing Alma, Fragomen, and Jackson Lewis for employment-based U.S. immigration, Alma's advantages become clear for companies and individuals prioritizing speed, transparency, and modern service delivery.

Speed that matters:

Alma's 2-week document processing guarantee and 4-week O-1 case completions as reported by clients mean faster hiring and reduced uncertainty. Total case timing still depends on case type, evidence readiness, USCIS processing, and whether premium processing is available—but Alma's accelerated document preparation and software-supported workflows are designed to minimize delays within an attorney's control.

Pricing you can plan around:

Published flat-rate fees eliminate surprise bills. When RFE responses, administrative costs, and platform access are included, companies can budget accurately—something that custom quotes from other providers cannot offer in advance.

Technology built for today:

HRIS and ATS integrations, real-time dashboards, and automated compliance tracking reflect how modern companies operate. Alma's platform was designed by engineers, not adapted from legacy systems.

Direct attorney relationships:

Working directly with experienced immigration attorneys—without layers of paralegals, associates, and account managers—means faster answers and better outcomes.

Specialized focus:

While Fragomen serves 170+ countries and Jackson Lewis offers integrated compliance programs, Alma concentrates exclusively on U.S. employment visas. This specialization drives expertise and efficiency in the categories that matter most for tech companies and high-skilled talent.

For startups, scaling companies, and professionals pursuing the American Dream through employment-based immigration, Alma combines the legal expertise of established firms with the speed and transparency of a modern technology platform.