From Award-Winning Documentary to a Dream of Living in the U.S.

I’m a freelance Television Producer, and over the years I’ve been lucky enough to receive some of the industry’s highest honors—a BAFTA, an International Emmy, and a Royal Television Society Award for I Am Leo, a children’s documentary I pitched and produced for the BBC. It was a career highlight and one that eventually opened the door for me to pursue a dream I’d had for a long time: living and working in the United States.

From Australia to Manchester: A Career Built on Freelance Grit

My journey in television started in Australia, where I began as a runner and worked my way up to Producer/Director. I’ve always been freelance, which means adapting to a lifestyle of last-minute job offers, shoot cancellations due to weather, and reworking my personal plans to fit around work. It taught me to be flexible and resourceful—skills that have served me well in the industry.

For the past nine years, I’ve built my career in Manchester. I’d only ever visited the U.S. for holidays, but I knew the country offered incredible opportunities in television—and, let’s be honest, better weather than the North of England.

Discovering the EB-1 Green Card for Extraordinary Ability

After winning the awards I had, I realized I might be eligible for an EB-1 Green Card. It’s a U.S. visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field—people who can show sustained national or international acclaim. It’s rare and competitive, but it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime chance I couldn’t ignore.

The Importance of Legal Help for the EB-1 Petition

I knew I didn’t want to take on the EB-1 Green Card process alone. I’d read enough horror stories on forums to understand how complex and detail-heavy the petition was. The paperwork, formatting, and evidence requirements could’ve easily become a full-time job—and I was already working one. What scared me most was the thought of doing it wrong and jeopardizing the whole opportunity.

Why I Chose the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram

That’s when I found the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram. Working with Chris and his team was absolutely the right decision. From the very beginning, they guided me step by step and made what could have been a stressful experience feel clear and manageable. When I received the final petition binder they had assembled, I was honestly blown away. It was incredibly thorough—filled with documentation about my awards, career, ID, pay records, and more. I never would have known how to present myself that well on my own.

Gathering all the necessary paperwork did take time, especially since my husband and I applied together, which meant double the documents. Fortunately, I’m fairly organized, and the team helped us stay on track. Chris himself was always available when we had questions, which was so reassuring. His whole team was supportive, friendly, and genuinely excited for us throughout the process.

The day we found out our petition had been approved, my husband met me after work and we went out for a celebratory drink. It was a surreal moment—so exciting, but also overwhelming, knowing we had a big move ahead and so many people to tell. Still, we were thrilled.

Now, we’re in Los Angeles, easing into our new life. We’ve already found an apartment near the marina, and we’re enjoying some well-earned holiday time before jumping back into work. Of course, we miss our family and friends, but Manchester has direct flights to LA, and Virgin Atlantic even did a great job taking care of our dog on the journey. With video calls and modern tech, it’s easier than ever to stay close, no matter the distance.

Final Advice for EB-1 Green Card Applicants

If you’re thinking about applying for an EB-1 Green Card, my advice is simple: don’t go it alone. If you’re working full-time like I was, hiring an immigration lawyer—especially one with experience and a track record like Chris Ingram’s—is worth every penny. For me, the investment gave me peace of mind and, ultimately, a life-changing opportunity to live and work in the U.S.