Skilled Immigration Attorney Near You

Free Consultation. Call Us 24/7.

Let Us Be Your Guide

The United States is built on diversity and has more immigrants than any other country in the world. As such, immigration law within the U.S. can be incredibly complex and difficult to navigate. Let us advocate for you throughout the immigration process.

Our skilled lawyers have experience with all facets of the U.S. immigration system and take a personalized approach to every case that crosses our desks. Whether you need help with student visas, employment-based immigration, family-based immigration, naturalization & citizenship, or asylum cases, we are on your side.

Student Visas

The United States is home to some of the most elite learning institutions in the world. Our country prides itself on the quality of its education and the caliber of its teachers & professors.

There are a wide variety of options available to students who wish to pursue study in the United States. The first step to any student visa is always applying to & being accepted to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program school (SEVP). Once you have checked this off your list, it is time to begin the process of obtaining your visa. The type of visa for which you apply is highly dependent on the nature of your coursework. The different types of student visas available include:

F-1 student visas – These visas are reserved for students pursuing studies at universities, high schools, seminaries, conservatories, private elementary schools, and other academic institutions.

M-1 visas – These visas are generally issued to students who are attending vocational schools or participating in other sorts of non-academic training.

Visitor (B) visas – These visas are appropriate for students enrolling in short-term or recreational programs, specifically non-degree, non-certification courses.

J-1 visa – These visas can be issued for people participating in work or study-based exchange programs. These include au pair programs, internship programs, teaching exchange programs, or professor/research exchange programs.

J-2 visas – These visas are reserved for any dependents, spouses, and/or children of J-1 visitors.

The process of obtaining a student visa can be lengthy. It usually involves various application forms, documentation related to education & finances, and an interview. We can help you navigate this process and also assist you in the complex process of transferring your student visa to an H-1, E-1, E-2, or O-2 visa should you wish to remain in the country following completion of your studies.

Use Form or Call 1.800.391.0227

Free Consultation. Call Us 24/7.

If you or a loved one has a related case, please fill out the form below to schedule a call.

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Tell us about your case ...

Schedule your free consultation now

Select Day:

Time (CST):

You may have seen us mentioned in ...

Employment-Based Immigration

The United States has some of the best corporations in the world, many of which place immense value on utilizing talent from other countries. Businesses within the United States offer foreign nationals great opportunity for both professional & personal growth. Our employment-based immigration services offer clients assistance in securing employment-based visas.

There are two overarching categories of employment-based visas; those that are issued temporarily and those that are issued permanently.

When you obtain a temporary employment visa, you should keep in mind that your ability to change jobs will be limited and that termination may prevent you from being able to remain in the country. Temporary employment visas include H-1B visas, H-2A visas, H-2 B visas and L-1 visas.

Permanent employment visas, on the other hand, allow visa holders to work and live permanently in the U.S which means that you are free to apply for any jobs. Additionally, a period of unemployment will have no effect on your visa status. Permanent visas are usually issued to priority workers with extraordinary abilities in industries such as science, the arts, education, business, and athletics. They can also be issued to people with advanced degrees and specialized skills. EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 are all examples of permanent employment visas.

The first step to obtaining your temporary or permanent employment visa is to file a petition with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition is usually filed by an employer or prospective employer, but in some cases, the candidate may be able to file the petition himself/herself. Once the petition has been approved, the official visa application forms (DS-160 in the case of temporary visa applicants or DS-261 in the case of permanent visa applicants) must be completed. Next, processing fees must be paid, and applicants may potentially need to undergo medical examinations & receive vaccinations. Finally, applicants will need to complete an interview.

Often, this process can take a long time due to the limited number of visas available and the complex nature of the application process. It is not uncommon for a visa application to be denied or delayed due to application mistakes. Our legal team has a demonstrated track record of helping our clients understand the intricacies of the system and avoid making application errors or missing important deadlines.

Family-Based Immigration

We want to help you keep your family together. Each family-based immigration case is unique and presents its own complexities. While family-based immigration cases can involve lengthy application processes, we strive to help each and every client resolve their case as smoothly & as quickly as possible.

There are two categories of family-based immigration: immediate relative immigration and family preference immigration.

The immediate relative category is far more advantageous as an unlimited number of visas can be issued. Relatives that fall within this category include:

Spouses of U.S. citizens
Unmarried children of U.S. citizens (under age 21)
Parents of U.S. citizens

The family preference category does have a limited number of visas that can be issued annually and includes relatives such as:

Unmarried children of U.S. citizens (over age 21)
Spouses of permanent residents
Unmarried children of permanent residents (under age 21)
Unmarried children of permanent residents
Married children of U.S. citizens
Siblings of U.S. citizens

The first step in the family-based immigration process is filing an I-130 petition form which establishes eligibility. Once the petition has been approved, a green card application or adjustment of status application (in cases where the relative already has a temporary visa) must be completed and then an interview will be requested & scheduled, after which a final decision will be made.

Family-based immigration can be tough on families. We hope that you will let us help you through the process so that you can focus on the well-being of your loved ones.

Immigration Law Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If I have received a deportation order, is there anything I can do to avoid being deported?

Yes, there are options you may be able to pursue if you have received a deportation order. First, you may be able to request a motion to reopen your case. Bear in mind, however, that this will only apply if you were unable to attend the original proceedings due to exceptional circumstances or if the specifics of your case have changed (for example, if new evidence has come to light). You may also be able to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals if you suspect that the judge in your case came to the wrong conclusion due to misunderstanding or misapplication of rules, laws, and regulations.

Why would a green card application be denied?

There are several reasons why you may see your green card application denied. Some of the most common reasons include mistakes on the application, any health issues that may indicate that you pose a threat to others (ex. The diagnosis of a communicable disease or lack of vaccination records), criminal record, any indication that you may be a security threat, or any concerns about the likelihood that you may become financially dependent on the U.S. Government.

What is a biometric screening and why is it necessary?

During your biometric screening, your photograph and fingerprints will be taken, and you will be asked to provide a signature. It is a simple process that is required to confirm your identity.

What is premium processing?

Premium processing allows an employer to request expedited processing for a visa application. USCIS guarantees a fifteen-day turnaround time from the date that the request was received. However, it is important for employers to bear in mind that the request does not guarantee visa approval; an application may still be denied, or further information may be requested. The only guarantee on behalf of USCIS is that some decision will be taken within the fifteen days.

Does a criminal charge affect my visa status?

Yes, if you are charged with a crime, your visa status may be impacted. This is particularly true if a conviction follows. The consequences can, in fact, be dire. You may face deportation, have an application denied, or even be barred temporarily or permanently from entering the U.S. If you find yourself in this situation, contact a qualified immigration lawyer immediately for assistance.

Naturalization and Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. Citizen is an honor which should be celebrated, but unfortunately, the process can be long, difficult, and intimidating.

Before initiating the process, it is important to be aware of the myriad requirements for naturalization. Applicants must:

Be at least eighteen years of age.
Have been a green card holder for at least five years.
Be a person of good moral character.
Have a basic grasp of the English language including reading, writing, and speaking.
Have consistently resided in the U.S for at least the past five years.
Have basic knowledge of U.S. history and the U.S government.

After meeting the above requirements for eligibility, a person who wishes to begin the naturalization process must follow the below steps:

Complete the N-400 application form.
Attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints will be taken, and your identity will be confirmed.
Complete an interview & test to assess English skills and knowledge of U.S. history.
Take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Our legal team has a demonstrated track record of helping people successfully complete the naturalization process and become citizens of our great country. Our role is to help make this daunting process as quick & painless as possible so that you can celebrate this event in your life.

Asylum

Asylum seekers are in the difficult and distressing position of having left their homes in search of safety. Often, they have been forced to flee because of horrific human rights violations, war, and unjust persecution based on their religion, sexuality, or political views.

If you are seeking asylum within the United States, we believe that you have already been through enough and deserve help on your journey to rebuilding your life. Our experienced team of immigration lawyers is well-versed in asylum law and stays informed about the ever-changing circumstances within the countries of our clients.

The process of obtaining asylum status includes several important steps:

First, you must apply for asylum at a port of entry, such as a border crossing, airport, or seaport.
Next, you must be sure to file an application with EOIR or USCIS within one year of your arrival on U.S. soil.
You will then need to show that you have faced past persecution and are in danger if you return to your home country.

There are two avenues you may take when going through the application process. The first is affirmative asylum. In this process, USCIS will decide whether to grant you asylum status. If your application is denied, you have one more chance of being granted asylum; the defensive asylum process. You can utilize this if you have been denied asylum through the affirmative process, or if you have been taken into custody by ICE officers.

Knowledgeable Immigration Lawyers, Personalized Service

Our team has helped many individuals navigate the complex, intricate immigration system within the United States. Your case is unique and presents its own set of circumstances that needs to be carefully examined and understood. We can provide the information, guidance, litigation services, and personalized care that you require.

Contact Lawyer One