From Canada to the U.S.: An EB-1 Green Card Success Story in Sound Engineering

I was born in Canada and have lived in England for the past 15 years, working as a sound monitor engineer for live music performances. My role ensures that artists, such as Foster the People, Nas, Passion Pit, The Hoosiers, Amy MacDonald, and currently 30 Seconds to Mars, fronted by Oscar winner Jared Leto, can hear each other clearly on stage. My career began in college as a sound technician for a musical production, which sparked my passion for the technical side of live shows. As a musician myself, I grew frustrated with subpar sound engineering during performances, so I decided to master the craft.

A Career in Live Music Engineering

This led to opportunities with The Hoosiers, followed by Amy MacDonald, who sought me out for my growing reputation. My expertise as a monitor engineer, a rare and valued skill, opened doors to work with top indie rock and pop artists.

The Dream of Nashville and Country Music

For years, my wife, Julia, and I dreamed of relocating to the United States, where I could pursue my passion for country music, an industry nearly impossible to break into from the UK without being based in Nashville.

My U.S. Work Visa Path: From O1 t o the EB-1 Green Card

Over the past five years, I’ve worked in the US on O1, O2, and P1 visas, primarily with American bands. The O1 visa, for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, allowed me to work as a sound engineer for renowned artists. The O2 visa, for support personnel accompanying O1 visa holders, facilitated my collaboration with bands on tour. The P1 visa, designed for internationally recognized entertainers or groups, enabled me to join performances with global acts.

However, to fully realize my career goals and improve our family’s quality of life, we pursued an EB1 green card, a permanent residency option for those with extraordinary ability, which would grant me unrestricted work authorization in the US. The EB-1 Green Card process was daunting, requiring extensive documentation, including letters for the Critical Role category from colleagues I’d worked with. As I was often on tour, accessing the internet and coordinating these documents was challenging, and following up for signed letters was, at times, frustrating.

Legal Guidance That Made It Possible

Despite these hurdles, we never considered giving up. Attorney Chris M. Ingram and his team provided exceptional guidance and support throughout. Their professionalism and responsiveness were outstanding, particularly the expertise of Lindsey, the EB1 Green Card specialist. Lindsey patiently guided me through every step, offering clear explanations and a calming presence during a stressful time. Whenever I had questions or concerns, the team was quick to reassure me, ensuring I felt confident in the process.

The moment of triumph came when Lindsey called to congratulate me on the approval of my green card. I was picking up our youngest child from school, surrounded by other parents, trying to contain my excitement. That evening, Julia and I celebrated with a bottle of champagne we’d saved for a special occasion—this was undoubtedly it.

Now, with the freedom to work in the US without visa restrictions, I’m eager to explore career opportunities in Nashville’s country music scene. My family looks forward to a better quality of life, warmer weather, and this new adventure, though we’ll miss our friends and family in the UK. We plan to visit them regularly while making America our home. To anyone navigating the complex EB-1 Green Card process, I strongly recommend the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram. The journey may be challenging, but Chris and his team are experts who will ensure everything is handled with care and precision. Don’t give up—trust their guidance, and you’ll be in good hands.