Ascend HSI
16th December 2025
Challenge
Ascend, an immigration coaching firm specializing in EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, and O-1A cases, faced a critical challenge: their most qualified candidates never reached out. Traditional contact forms generated 100 monthly inquiries, but researchers with 15 publications and international speaking credentials would self-select out, thinking "I'm not extraordinary enough." These hidden strong candidates were slipping away before Ascend could demonstrate their qualification potential.
Outcomes
After implementing LegalBridge AI Evaluation, lead volume doubled from 100 to 200+ monthly evaluations
70% conversion rate from completed evaluations to paying clients
100+ hours saved monthly on initial qualification assessments
Clients more than doubled while reducing manual consultation overhead
The Uncertainty Barrier
Immigration consulting and coaching requires extensive upfront assessment. Every potential client needs evaluation against specific visa criteria before meaningful guidance can begin. For Ascend, this created a dual problem: prospects faced a $200-500 barrier just to learn if they qualified, while the team spent countless hours on assessments that often led nowhere.
The deeper issue was psychological. Candidates with textbook credentials for extraordinary ability visas routinely underestimated themselves. Academic researchers with extensive publication records, international recognition, and peer review experience would dismiss their own qualifications before ever making contact.
Firm Profile
Focus Areas: EB-1A Extraordinary Ability, EB-2 NIW National Interest Waiver, O-1A Extraordinary Achievement
Model: Immigration coaching and consulting for aspiring immigrants and entrepreneurs
Mission: "Immigration for immigrants by immigrants"
Scaling Lead Volume Without Adding Staff
Before LegalBridge
Lead Volume: 100 contact form submissions monthly
Qualification Process: Manual review of each inquiry, 30-45 minutes per prospect
Conversion Barrier: $200-500 paid consultation required for initial assessment
Hidden Candidates: Strong prospects self-selecting out due to uncertainty
Time Zone Limits: Prospects could only engage during business hours
"We'd talk to people who'd published 15 papers, spoken at international conferences, and reviewed work for major journals. They'd say 'I don't think I'm extraordinary enough for EB-1A.' Meanwhile, they had textbook credentials."
How the AI Evaluation Works
LegalBridge's AI evaluation became Ascend's primary website call-to-action: "Discover Your Visa Eligibility in 10 Minutes." When prospects click through, they answer detailed questions tailored to their target visa category.
The AI provides immediate feedback including likelihood of approval, case strength assessment across each criterion, potential challenges to address, and recommended next steps. This instant value exchange builds trust before any sales conversation begins.
For EB-1A candidates, the evaluation covers publications, citations, awards, judging experience, media coverage, and original contributions. O-1A evaluations focus on major awards, media recognition, critical roles in distinguished organizations, and compensation evidence. EB-2 NIW assessments examine advanced degrees, exceptional ability evidence, and proposed endeavor details.
Service Stratification by Readiness
The evaluation stratifies prospects by readiness level, enabling appropriate services at appropriate price points. This creates a natural pipeline where even early-stage candidates become future clients.
Tier | Profile | Typical Engagement |
|---|---|---|
Tier 1 | Strong credentials, straightforward cases | $3,000-5,000 focused petition strategy |
Tier 2 | Good foundation, needs strengthening | $8,000-12,000 comprehensive coaching |
Tier 3 | Early career, needs 1-2 years development | Roadmap guidance now, paid coaching later |
1%
1%
Faster Results
18%
18%
Client Satisfaction
1+
1+
Law Firm's Trust
The Conversion Path
Prospect completes free AI evaluation (10 minutes)
Receives immediate qualification assessment with criterion-by-criterion analysis
Ascend reviews results and sends personalized follow-up within 24 hours
Qualified prospects book paid strategy consultations ($200-500)
Strategy consultation converts to comprehensive coaching or direct filing services ($3,000-12,000+)
The AI provides immediate feedback including likelihood of approval, case strength assessment across each criterion, potential challenges to address, and recommended next steps. This instant value exchange builds trust before any sales conversation begins.
We’ve Got the Answers You’re Looking For
Quick answers to your questions.