How Deel Immigration helped a founder transform his business and his life

In 2017, Shanghai entrepreneur Yijin (Michael) Li founded AMB Digital Agency after spotting a gap few US universities even knew existed: they wanted Chinese students, yet didn’t know how to reach them—or earn their trust—inside China’s fiercely competitive market.

China is the second-largest source of international students in the United States, so the need was obvious; the path, less so. Li positioned AMB as a digital bridge between US campuses and Chinese families, pairing local insight with best-in-class marketing. Interest surged, then the realities of distance hit.

• 15-hour time difference
• No on-the-ground team in North America
• Limited face-to-face time with decision makers

Scaling relationships from Shanghai proved nearly impossible. To unlock growth, Michael decided he had to be on the ground in America—and fast. That pivot created a new challenge—immigration. Securing the L-1A visa was just one piece of the puzzle; Li needed clarity, seasoned guidance, and the confidence that his expansion strategy would stick on American soil.

With the right partners by his side, he converted a logistical hurdle into the launchpad for AMB’s next chapter.

Michael scoured the market and compared multiple immigration-service providers. Deel stood out—decisively.

• Radical transparency: Every “what-if” and “how-long” answered; a step-by-step eligibility check eliminated guesswork.
• End-to-end visibility: Smart digital intake forms asked for the essentials, while an in-app tracker showed real-time progress—no status-chasing required.
• Dedicated legal firepower: An immigration attorney stayed on call for one-to-one advice, freeing Michael to stay laser-focused on AMB’s expansion.

“Every other firm left me guessing; Deel handed me total clarity and the confidence to bring AMB to America.” — Michael Li, General Manager, AMB Digital Agency

Early in the process, Deel’s attorneys flagged a hidden hurdle: without a US bank account, Michael’s application could stall—or even be denied. Acting on that insight saved weeks of back-and-forth and kept the timeline intact.

Deel’s immigration specialists walked Michael through every step of the process, from paperwork to visa interviews. During a time of great uncertainty, Michael felt constantly supported. Suddenly, the path was clear, and the move became a reality.

“I was still in China and Deel took care of everything. I sent in my documents and made the payment, and everything was done.” — Michael Li, General Manager at AMB Digital Agency

Deel’s immigration experts managed the process so meticulously that the U.S. government approved it without even requesting additional evidence (RFE). With Deel handling the paperwork and red tape, Michael could focus on what mattered most: launching AMB’s US operation.

Since relocating to California, Michael has seen rewards in both his professional and personal life. Being present in the US and working the same hours as US clients has given him more credibility and is opening new doors for AMB Digital Agency.

Meeting potential clients in person demonstrates they're "a real partner" and not an anonymous agency overseas. AMB Digital Agency is starting to build stronger relationships and capitalize on more business opportunities.

Michael is also embracing his new surroundings, enjoying all of the sunshine, beaches, and mountains California has to offer. He plans to explore other cities and travel more in the year to come.

Helping students dream bigger

Michael’s relocation didn’t just transform his own life—it widened the path for Chinese students dreaming of studying in the United States. By turning AMB’s “digital bridge” into a physical presence on US soil, he now meets admissions teams face-to-face, sharpens each university’s China strategy, and guides families toward the schools that fit them best. Top-tier campuses gain visibility; students gain a clear route to their goals.

Michael has already used Deel to renew his visa just as smoothly as before. Next, he plans to apply for a green card — again, with Deel Immigration by his side.

Michael’s story is about more than one person’s success. It’s about connections: between countries, between schools and students, and between ambition and opportunity. Deel helped change his life, and he’s helping others do the same.