Blaker & Granet LLP

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Blaker & Granet LLP An LGBTQ+ and woman-owned law firm focusing entirely on U.S. Immigration and Naturalization law.

Blaker & Granet LLP (“B&G”) is an LGBTQ+- and woman-owned law firm focusing exclusively on U.S. Co-founders Stephen Blaker and Jacki Granet have devised creative immigration strategies for businesses and individuals for a combined twenty (20) years. Drawing from these years of experience, B&G partners with clients from around the world to achieve their immigration goals. Prior to founding B&G, Stephen and Jacki first met on January 3, 2017, when they began working within the immigration department of a full-service national law firm. They instantly connected over their shared commitment to developing immigration solutions and providing excellent client service (along with their mutual passion for movies and Taylor Swift). After years of partnering on cases, Stephen and Jacki launched B&G, combining this client-focused philosophy with cutting-edge immigration technology in order to provide the most efficient and accessible service possible.

There is no universal minimum investment amount for an E-2 visa.The investment must instead be substantial in relation t...
10/14/2026

There is no universal minimum investment amount for an E-2 visa.

The investment must instead be substantial in relation to the type and cost of the business. The funds must generally be committed and at risk, and the business must be a real, active commercial enterprise, not simply a passive investment.

Eligibility also depends on factors including the investor’s nationality, ownership or control of the business, and plans to develop and direct the enterprise.

Because every business is different, an E-2 strategy should be built around the actual investment, operating plan, and applicant, not an arbitrary dollar figure.

10/11/2026

Happy 5th Birthday to Polly, our Chief Pawlicy Officer! 🎉🐶

Five years of keeping morale high, supervising important meetings, and reminding everyone that every good office runs better with a little extra tail-wagging.

Wishing Polly a day full of treats, belly rubs and absolutely no billable hours. 💛

Happy Birthday, Polly! 🎂🐾

The next H-1B cap season may feel far away, but strong planning begins well before registration opens.Employers can use ...
10/08/2026

The next H-1B cap season may feel far away, but strong planning begins well before registration opens.

Employers can use this time to:

• Identify employees who may require sponsorship
• Review positions and degree requirements
• Evaluate alternative visa classifications
• Confirm internal budgets and approval processes
• Gather information before deadlines create unnecessary pressure

Starting early provides more time to identify potential concerns and determine whether the H-1B category or another immigration strategy is appropriate.

The best time to begin planning is before the calendar forces the conversation.

Got questions? We're here to help: https://www.blakergranet.com/contact/

There’s nothing better than hearing that a client felt supported from start to finish and beyond.We’re proud to have hel...
10/07/2026

There’s nothing better than hearing that a client felt supported from start to finish and beyond.

We’re proud to have helped Mikayla navigate the E-2 visa process and even prouder to continue being a resource after approval.

Thank you, Mikayla, for the kind words and for trusting Stephen and the Blaker & Granet team with such an important part of your journey.

Two employees with the same job title may have very different immigration options.A meaningful evaluation requires more ...
10/06/2026

Two employees with the same job title may have very different immigration options.

A meaningful evaluation requires more than “Software Engineer,” “Marketing Manager” or “Creative Director.” Immigration counsel may need to understand:

• The actual job duties
• Minimum education and experience requirements
• Salary and work location
• The candidate’s qualifications
• Current immigration status and history
• The employer’s timing and long-term plans

Job titles can vary significantly from one company to another. The underlying position and the candidate’s individual circumstances provide the information needed to evaluate potential strategies.

If you have questions, we're here to help: https://www.blakergranet.com/contact/

DHS has proposed an additional $103,265 fee for H-1B petitions subject to the annual cap.The proposal is not yet final. ...
10/01/2026

DHS has proposed an additional $103,265 fee for H-1B petitions subject to the annual cap.

The proposal is not yet final. If implemented, however, it could significantly affect how employers budget for and approach H-1B sponsorship—particularly small businesses, startups, universities, healthcare organizations, and other employers competing for specialized talent.

Employers should not assume that the proposal applies to every H-1B filing or that the announced amount is already in effect. The type of petition and the final language of any rule will matter.

Blaker & Granet LLP is closely monitoring this developing issue.

This post is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Immigration sponsorship is based on a specific employer, position and set of working conditions.When one of those detail...
09/29/2026

Immigration sponsorship is based on a specific employer, position and set of working conditions.

When one of those details changes, HR should not assume that an existing approval automatically covers the new arrangement. Some changes may require a new or amended filing, while others may simply require documentation.

A quick immigration review before implementing the change can prevent a much larger issue afterward.

If you are entering the U.S. using a visa, do not assume that your admission record is correct simply because you entere...
09/28/2026

If you are entering the U.S. using a visa, do not assume that your admission record is correct simply because you entered the United States without an issue.

After international travel, you should always retrieve your new Form I-94 and review:

• Your name and passport information
• Your immigration classification
• Your most recent entry date
• Your “Admit Until” date

If anything appears incorrect, contact immigration counsel promptly to determine the appropriate correction process.

A two-minute review after each trip may help identify an error before it affects a future filing, employment verification or immigration deadline.

Moving involves a long list of updates from your bank to your internet provider to your Costco membership, and USCIS sho...
09/28/2026

Moving involves a long list of updates from your bank to your internet provider to your Costco membership, and USCIS should not be overlooked.

Updating your address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) does not update it with USCIS, and USPS generally will not forward USCIS mail. Most noncitizens in the United States must report an address change to USCIS within 10 days by filing Form AR-11 (available online), although exceptions apply.

If you have pending cases, confirm that the address is updated appropriately for each matter and keep a record of the change.

Missing an important notice because it was sent to a previous address can create avoidable complications.

Your passport, visa, Form I-94, approval notice and employment authorization document may all display different expirati...
09/23/2026

Your passport, visa, Form I-94, approval notice and employment authorization document may all display different expiration dates and they do not all mean the same thing.

Confusing one date for another can affect travel, employment and maintenance of immigration status.

Keep copies of your current documents, track each expiration separately and ask immigration counsel which date controls your particular situation.

Address

1875 Century Park East, Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA
90067

Telephone

+13236137074

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