In Episode 11 of the ImmiGreat Podcast, Richard Wilner sits down with Master Rafael Cordeiro — founder of King's MMA in Huntington Beach, three-time Brazilian Muay Thai champion, black belt in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the coach behind some of the biggest names in MMA, including Mike Tyson.

But this episode isn't just about fighting. It's about what it really takes to build a life in America the right way.

Rafael came to the United States on an O-1 visa, a classification reserved for individuals of extraordinary ability, and went on to complete one of the most demanding immigration pathways: the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card petition. Years later, he and his entire family became United States citizens.

In this conversation, Rafael and Richard discuss:

• Growing up in Curitiba, Brazil, and training at the legendary Chute Boxe gym 
• Traveling to Japan 52 times to compete in PRIDE FC 
• The moment he fell in love with Huntington Beach and decided to bet everything on America 
• How the O-1 visa works for athletes and coaches 
• Starting from zero in the U.S. — no credit, no social security, no students 
• Building King's MMA from the ground up during the 2008 financial crisis
• Training world champions, including Fabricio Werdum, Chris Cyborg, and Mike Tyson 
• What becoming a U.S. citizen meant to him and his family
•  His advice for anyone dreaming of building a life in America

Rafael's story is a powerful reminder that the American dream is still real, but it requires vision, discipline, and the courage to follow the process, even when it's hard.

🔗 Follow Rafael Cordeiro & King's MMA! 

Have immigration questions? Contact us! 

https://www.wilneroreilly.com/contact/ 

The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, provides practical, real-world insight into complex immigration topics affecting individuals, families, and employers. Each episode is designed to help listeners better understand their options and next steps.

Think you understand employment-based immigration? In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, breaks down all five employment-based green card categories (EB-1 through EB-5), including who qualifies, what the PERM/labor certification process is, and how long each path actually takes.

You’ll learn: 
➡️ EB-1: Extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and multinational executives
➡️ EB-2: Exceptional ability and the National Interest Waiver (NIW)
➡️ EB-3: Skilled and unskilled workers
➡️ EB-4: The "catch-all" category (special immigrants, Afghan/Iraqi nationals, and more)
➡️ EB-5: Investor visas — direct investment vs. regional centers
➡️ The Gold Card: What is it and could it replace EB-5?

Whether you're a foreign national navigating the system or an employer sponsoring workers this episode gives you the real picture.

Learn more at www.wilneroreilly.com

Are you confused about how family-based immigration actually works? In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, breaks down the only two paths to permanent residency in the U.S.

While politicians often discuss "chain migration," the reality of the law is much more complex, involving strict categories and long waiting periods.In this video, you’ll learn: 

• Immediate Relatives: Who qualifies for the "fast lane" with no annual visa caps.
• The "Minor" Distinction: Why being under 21 years old changes your legal status.
• Preference Categories (F1-F4): A breakdown of sponsorship for adult children, spouses of green card holders, and siblings.
• Realistic Timelines: Why some sponsorships can take 10, 15, or even 20 years to complete.
• Maintaining Status: The risks of falling out of status while waiting for a priority date.

Visit www.wilneroreilly.com to learn more!

Is your immigration application stuck in a "black hole"? Whether it's an asylum application, a green card through marriage, or a naturalization case, excessive government delays can be devastating.

In this episode of "Immigrate," Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, breaks down a powerful legal tool: the Writ of Mandamus.

In this video, you will learn:

• What a Writ of Mandamus is and how it functions as a federal lawsuit.
• Why it is most commonly used for asylum applications pending over 5 years.
• The step-by-step process of filing a complaint in U.S. District Court.
• How the government typically responds and the role of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
• Why the goal is getting an interview, not necessarily an immediate approval from the judge.

If your case is pending well beyond normal processing times, a Writ of Mandamus might be the key to moving your life forward. For more information or to discuss your specific immigration matter, visit us at www.wilneroreilly.com.

Are you or a loved one facing a notice to appear in immigration court? 

In this episode Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, breaks down the essential forms of legal relief available in removal proceedings. "Removal" is the legal term for deportation, and being in court means your case is heard by a judge rather than an immigration officer.
We dive into the critical details of:
- Asylum & Withholding of Removal: The difference between affirmative and defensive applications. 
- The One-Year Deadline: Why missing this deadline may change your case to "withholding of removal." 
- Cancellation of Removal: How permanent residents and non-residents can qualify to stay in the U.S. 
- The Hardship Standard: Proving "extreme and exceptionally unusual hardship" to qualifying relatives. 

Facing deportation is serious, but there are legal pathways to fight your case. Contact us at www.wilneroreilly.com

If a friend or family member has been detained by ICE, the process of getting them released can be overwhelming and stressful. In this episode of the Immigrate Podcast, Richard Wilner—a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law—breaks down the essential steps for navigating custody and bond hearings. In this episode, we cover:

• Locating a Detainee: How to use the ICE Inmate Locator and why it usually takes 48 hours for the system to update. 
• Determining Eligibility: Understanding how arrival methods and specific criminal convictions can impact bond eligibility. 
• Mandatory Detention: What it means and alternative "custody mechanisms" like ankle monitors. 
• The Bond Hearing: How a custody redetermination hearing works separately from removal proceedings. 
• Proving "Flight Risk": Why showing up to court is the key factor and how to demonstrate significant community and family ties. 
• Next Steps: What happens to an immigration case after someone is released on the non-detained docket. 

Resources:
Find a detained individual: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/
Work with us:  www.wilneroreilly.com

Navigating the U.S. immigration system requires more than just luck, it requires a proven legal strategy

In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, pulls back the curtain on the reality of removal proceedings.

Many people assume that receiving a court date means automatic deportation. In reality, the immigration court process is an opportunity to present your case and fight for your right to stay in the United States.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The Notice to Appear (NTA): Deep dive into the legal document that officially initiates the removal process and why it matters.
• The Risk of Absence: Understanding the severe consequences of being deported in absentia (in your absence).
• Pleadings and Allegations: How the court reviews your country of origin, entry dates, and the specific reasons for the proceedings.
• Forms of Relief: We explore pathways to stay in the U.S., including Green Cards through marriage, Asylum, and Cancellation of Removal.
• The Merits Hearing: Understanding the difference between preliminary hearings and the final stage where your case is won or lost.
  
  Removal proceedings are stressful and filled with anxiety. However, as Richard Wilner explains, it is not the end of the world if you have the right advocacy. Whether you are facing a charge of removability or looking to change your status, having an expert ensures your rights are protected every step of the way
  
  For more information or to discuss your case, visit us at www.wilneroreilly.com.

In this episode of ImmiGreat, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O’Reilly, explains the L-1A and L-1B visa categories for multinational companies transferring employees to the United States.

This video provides a clear overview of how the L-1 visa works for executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge who are being transferred from a foreign company to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. Unlike treaty-based visas such as the E-1 and E-2, the L-1 visa does not require treaty nationality and is available to qualifying companies and workers from most countries.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between L-1A and L-1B
• The one-year overseas employment requirement
• How company-to-company transfers work under the L-1 visa
• Requirements for transferring to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate
• What qualifies as executive, managerial, and specialized knowledge roles
• L-1 new office visas vs established office transfers
• How long L-1A and L-1B visas are valid (7-year vs 5-year maximums)
• How to apply from inside the U.S. vs through a U.S. consulate abroad
• L-2 dependent visas for spouses and children
• Work authorization for spouses on L-2 status
• School options for children on L-2 visas
• How L-1 visas can later lead to green card options

This episode is ideal for business owners, international companies expanding to the U.S., executives, managers, specialized knowledge workers, and families exploring U.S. work visa options.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific.

Visit www.wilneroreilly.com for more information!

In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O’Reilly, provides a clear and practical overview of the E-1 and E-2 visas. These visa categories are designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and foreign companies seeking to start or expand a business in the United States.

In this video, you will learn:
- Treaty Country Requirements: What it means to be a national of a treaty country and why treaties of friendship, commerce, and navigation (FCN treaties) determine eligibility.
- E-1 Visa Overview: How trade-based businesses qualify and what “substantial trade” means between the U.S. and your home country.
- E-2 Visa Overview: How investment-based businesses qualify and how “substantial investment” is evaluated depending on the type of business.
- Nationality of Companies: How ownership structure and stock exchange location impact eligibility for privately held and publicly traded companies.
- Employee Eligibility: The executive, managerial, and essential employee categories and how individuals qualify under each.
- Key Advantage of E Visas: Why E-1 and E-2 visas do not require prior overseas employment, unlike L-1 visas.

Visit www.wilneroreilly.com for more information!

In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, provides a detailed overview of TN and E-3 visas. These visa categories are essential for professional workers from specific countries who wish to work in the United States in specialty occupations.

In this video, you will learn:
- Nationality Requirements: Key details for nationals of Canada and Mexico (TN) and Australia (E-3).
- What is a Specialty Occupation? The requirement for a bachelor’s degree or higher and how the Department of Labor defines these roles.
- TN Visa Application Paths: The differences in processing for Canadian and Mexican nationals, including port of entry applications and visa-exempt status.
- Management Consultant Category: Why this TN category is highly scrutinized and how to navigate it properly.
- E-3 Visa Insights: Specific rules for Australian nationals, including self-employment options and the evaluation of three-year degrees.

Visit www.wilneroreilly.com for more information!