DHS to give new opportunities to STEM professionals
Feburary 28, 2022
January 21, 2022, the Departments of State and Homeland Security announced new actions to advance predictability and clarity for pathways for international STEM scholars, students...
Categories: Professional Workers; Temporary Visas
Consular Officers May Waive in-Person Interview Requirement for Visa Applicants
Feburary 3, 2022
Visa interviews are a necessary part of the visa process, but in some cases, they can be avoided. The Department of State has announced that, due to their limited capacity to process visa applications...
Implication of the Reconciliation Bill on U.S. Immigration
December 5, 2021
The budget reconciliation bill (The Build Back Better Act) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is on the Senate as of November 19, 2021. What is at stake for millions of undocumented...
Requirements for the E-2 Visa: Common Issues and Grounds for Denial
October 28, 2021
The application of the requirement for a "substantial" investment can vary widely between consular officers and United States Immigration Service (USCIS) immigration officers. The regulations...
Categories: Investor Visas; Temporary Visas
Importance of Hiring a Board Certified Immigration Attorney in Florida
October 4, 2021
Are you or a loved one looking to immigrate to the United States? The state of Florida is home to people from around the world, but if you are moving here, you will need some help! The U.S. immigration system is complex...
Can a minor US Citizen marry a foreigner and sponsor them for a Green Card?
September 1, 2021
The first barrier is that the underage U.S. citizen's marriage to their spouse must be lawful. Marriage laws vary widely from state to state, and not all states will recognize a marriage between a minor and an adult...
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Categories: Green Cards
ESTA (Part 2): Can I work under ESTA?
July 25, 2021
Working for a U.S. corporation (for example, a subsidiary of a foreign employer) or performing actual work in the United States is not permitted when entering the United States with an ESTA, even if the activity is subject...
More About the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA): Can I Extend My ESTA?
June 15, 2021
If you enter the U.S. on ESTA, you'll be able to remain in the country up to ninety days. Although it’s not possible to extend your ESTA, there is an exception that allows you to stay within the U.S. past the 90-day period...
TPS for Venezuelans
March 9, 2021
Due to extraordinary conditions, Venezuela has been designated for TPS for the next 18 months (until Sept 2022). Here are some questions we have received. Has Venezuela TPS been approved?...
Update on DACA - December 2020
December 10, 2020
In compliance with an order of a United States District Court, effective December 7, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is: Accepting first-time requests for consideration of deferred action under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals...
Becoming a Foreign Legal Consultant in Florida
October 30, 2019; Reviewed December 11, 2020
Under Florida law, a foreign legal consultant in is an individual admitted as an attorney, counselor of law or the equivalent in a foreign jurisdiction and who is qualified to give legal advice on the laws of the foreign jurisdiction(s) where they are admitted...
Presidential Proclamations Restricting the Entry of Immigrants and Nonimmigrants, and Exceptions*
August 14, 2020
Seven presidential proclamations issued by President Trump in 2020 have restricted travel to the United States for immigrants and nonimmigrants, that is, all foreign nationals (non-US citizens). Here is the list...
Read More...Difference Between the Requirements of Extraordinary Ability (O1A), Distinction (O1A -arts) and Extraordinary Achievement (O-1B)
July 20, 2020
“Extraordinary ability” applies to the sciences, education, business or athletics. It requires sustained national or international acclaim in the field of endeavor and comparable evidence is allowed. You should still be at the top of your field when you apply...
Read More...Categories: Professional Workers; Temporary Visas
The 3- and 10-year Bars to Re-admission to the United States
July 9, 2020
The 3- and 10-year bars were created as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) of 1996. Under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the statute imposes re-entry bars...
Read More...Categories: Waivers
Supreme Court Upholds DACA for Now, but Proceed With Caution
June 29, 2020
The Supreme Court’s 5-4 majority decision issued June 18, 2020, Department of Homeland Security Et Al v. Regents of the University of California Et Al, penned by swing voter Chief Justice John Roberts, was hailed as a victory to the Dreamers and DACA...
Read More...How to Extend your Stay or Change your Status While Visiting the United States
June 27, 2020
During your stay in the United States on a B-1 or B-2 visa (i.e., as a visitor for business, tourism, medical treatment, etc.), your plans may change after you arrive. You may be able to extend your stay in the U.S., or even work or study in the U.S...
Read More...Request for Satisfactory Departure: Are you at Risk of Overstaying Due to COVID-19?
April 15, 2020
With the stress of COVID-19, many visitors may be wondering what happens to them should their flight be cancelled, and they are unable to depart. What if I am on ESTA and my flight was cancelled? What do I do if I cannot depart prior to the expiration...
Read More...K-1 Fiancé Visa Immigration Attorneys with Expert Advise
November 5, 2018
In this case, the K-1 fiancé visa would be your best next step moving forward. It is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the prospective resident spouse abroad to obtain permission to marry his or her American fiancé (e) in the United States within 90 days...
Read More...Categories: Green Cards
Planning to Expand your Business to the U.S.?
March 22, 2018
You have grown your business in your home country and have found the challenge of expanding abroad to be quite tempting. Perhaps you visited the U.S. on a tourist visa and realized that your business would do well in its vast...
Read More...Categories: Professional Workers; Investor Visas; Temporary Visas
Misrepresentation Guidance Tightens and Creates Implications Beyond the Obvious
December 15, 2017
There are a myriad number of reasons that a person may be found inadmissible to the United States. The grounds of inadmissibility apply to both temporary and permanent visa applicants Waivers may be available for some of these grounds...
Read More...Categories: Waivers
Aspiring Student? Going From a B1/B2 to an F1
November 27, 2017
One of the most common changes of status that clients request is to change status from B-1/B-2 Business/Tourist to F-1 student. To change status from B-1/B-2 to F-1, the underlying B-2 status must remain valid until the 30 days immediately before the program...
Read More...Categories: Temporary Visas
What You Need to Know for the Upcoming DV 2019 Green Card Lottery
September 21, 2017
An approximate 50,000 immigrant visas are given by a drawing from random selection by the U.S. Department of State through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. This DV lottery gives the opportunity for applicants of countries with low rates...
Read More...Categories: Green Cards
Recent News – DACA
September 14, 2017
On September 5th, 2017 President Trump officially announced that the DACA program will be ending. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (also known as « DACA ») was an American immigration policy that was established during President Obama's...
Read More...DACA Changes
September 5, 2017
On September 5, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced President Trump’s decision that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive action was withdrawn and cancelled. Approximately 800,000 people have been granted DACA...
Read More...The RAISE ACT (Senate Bill 354)
August 3, 2017
The policy and belief behind this visa is as follows: The United States accepts approximately 1 million immigrants annually mostly through family petitions that lead to “chain migration.” This generation-long influx of low-skilled labor has been a major...
Read More...Categories: Green Cards
E-2 Visa Qualifications for Dual Nationals, and Dual Nationality Seekers
May 2, 2017
E-2 visa qualifications for dual nationals, and dual nationality seekers Do you have European or Japanese citizenship? Do you have $75,000? You may be able to qualify for an E-2 visa. The E-2 visa is a popular investor visa that permits a foreigner...
Read More...Categories: Investor Visas; Temporary Visas
President Trump’s Immigration Mandate - New Law to Reduce Legal Immigration Proposed
February 09, 2017
President Trump is seeking to limit immigration. Not just illegal immigration by building a wall, but legal immigration as well. About 1 million people legally immigrate to the United States annually with permanent visas. Contrast that with 11 million annual...
Read More...Categories: Green Cards
After Trump's Election: Business as Usual for Legal Immigration
December 15, 2016
The results are in and Donald Trump is going to be the 45th President of the United States of America. For legal immigration to the United States, we expect business as usual. Though Donald Trump promises to be tough on enforcement, foreign investors...
Read More...O-1 Visa Agent: The basics
October 13, 2016
As a highly specialized individual in sciences, education, business, athletics, motion pictures or another type of artist, you might consider an O-1 visa “for people with extraordinary ability or achievement” to come into the United States. Although...
Read More...Categories: Professional Workers; Temporary Visas
Reentry Permit to Retain your Green Card
August 31, 2016
When you become a Permanent Resident (LPR), or Green Card holder, you have to maintain your primary residence in the U.S. This means that, among other things, you are not supposed to remain outside of the American soil...
Read More...Categories: Green Cards
Provisional Waiver Program: the Expansion Explained
August 3, 2016
A reform of the Provisional Waiver Program will go into effect on August 29, 2016, enlarging considerably the range of Applicants eligible for the Provisional Waiver Program. This Program allows applicants whose I-130 Petition was approved...
Read More...Categories: Waivers
E2 Employee: What is It?
July 7, 2016
The E2 employee visa allows a person who will be in an executive or managerial position and/or who has specific skills to come to the U.S. for the purpose of working for the considered business. This business has to either be owned and run...
Read More...Categories: Investor Visas; Temporary Visas
Work Authorization: Will my Spouse be Allowed to Work?
June 1, 2016
Very few visas which will allow your spouse to obtain a work authorization. The main category of visas which allow the spouse of the main visa holder to get a work authorization are the investors visas. Whether you are considering an essential...
Read More...Categories: Investor Visas; Professional Workers; Temporary Visas
EB5: Regional Center or Direct Investment?
April 5, 2016
Two options are available for immigrant investors looking to invest from half a million up to a million dollars in the U.S. in order to receive their green card through an EB5. You can choose to either buy or start your own qualifying business, or invest ...
Read More...Categories: Investor Visas; Green Cards
Investment Visa (E-2) Through a Franchise
March 4, 2016
When we talk about investment visa, people usually think about either buying an existing business, or creating a new one. But there is also an option that is somewhat in between, the franchise. A franchise is the right or license granted by a company to market...
Read More...Categories: Investor Visas; Temporary Visas
Am I Eligible for an L-1 Visa?
March 4, 2016
The L-1 Visa is given to “intracompany transferees” of high profile. This visa aims at facilitating the admission of multinational corporate executives and managers, or persons with specialized knowledge. And, a false common idea about this visa...
Read More..Categories: Professional Workers; Temporary Visas
Is it Time to Apply for your H1B Work Visa?
February 29, 2016
April 1st is quickly approaching, and given the limited quotas of the H1B work visa, it is imperative for H1B work visa applications to be ready to file by that date. With that in mind, is it time for you to contact our office in order to prepare your application?...
Read More...Categories: Professional Workers; Temporary Visas
Adjustment of Status and the New Priority Date system
February 1, 2016
A foreign national who seek to obtain a green card through a relative or employment will have to file for an Immigrant Visa or file for adjustment of status, if in the United States. For the Applicants falling into one of the categories which do not have immediate ...
Read More...Categories: Green Cards
E-2 Visa: What Will the Consular Officer be Looking for?
December 7, 2015
The E-2 Visa procedure is consular, which means that the intending E-2 investor will have to defend his or her application with an officer of an US Consulate or Embassy. The file has to be put in a certain order, demonstrate certain points, and be supported by...
Read More...Categories: Investor Visas; Temporary Visas
Hire an Orlando Immigration Lawyer if I Settle Elsewhere?
November 1, 2015
The American immigration law is regulated on the Federal level, therefore a Board certified Orlando immigration Lawyer will be competent to assist you wherever you may be located, even if Orlando is not the place you plan to settle in...
Read More...What is a § 237(a)(1)(H) Waiver?
July 30, 2015
The § 237(a)(1)(H) waiver is a humanitarian waiver created by Congress for certain deportable lawful permanent residents with a qualifying relative. It is a form of relief from removal (deportation). It provides a discretionary waiver...
Read More...Categories: Waivers
Refusal of Admission on ESTA
July 1, 2015
ESTA is not a visa and getting your confirmation page does not mean that you are entitled to enter the U.S.! And if you were found inadmissible by Immigration upon entry on ESTA, your only solution would then be to apply for an actual visa to enter the U.S. ...
Read More...Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Residence
June 11, 2015
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR’s) risk losing their LPR status when they are absent from the United States for extended periods of time and/or take certain actions while abroad. While abandonment does not present a threat to most LPR’s ...
Read More...Categories: Green Cards
Are you Eligible for an Extraordinary Ability Visa?
June 6, 2015
Foreign nationals who have achieved national or international acclaim for achievements in certain fields are eligible for a special non immigrant visa classified as the O-1 visa. This will allow the applicant to travel to the U.S. to temporarily work in the field of extraordinary...
Read More...Categories: Professional Workers; Temporary Visas
Visa Portability Opens Doors for Skilled Professionals and Potential Employers
April 1, 2014
H-1B holders are not trapped at their sponsor-employer, nor are non-sponsor employers completely barred from hiring H-1Bs. Thanks to the portability provision provided by the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act...
Read More...Categories: Professional Workers; Temporary Visas
How do I Challenge my Denied Naturalization Application?
October 15, 2013
If your N-400 is denied, you should consult with an experienced Immigration Attorney to see if they can help you Appeal your case. There is a limited opportunity after your denial to appeal your denied N-400. Typically, you only get 30 days and it takes time to prepare a quality appeal...
Read More...Removal of Conditions (ROC) on Residence
October 12, 2013
Generally a foreign national (FN) who marries a United States Citizen (USC) and obtains their immigrant visa before they have been married 2 years will receive conditional permanent residence valid only for 2 years. Conditions on residence...
Read More...Categories: Green Cards
Am I Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen?
January 2, 2012
In my daily practice, I encounter individuals who wonder if they should become citizens of the United States and whether they are eligible to do so. What truly are the benefits of obtaining United States citizenship and is it time for you to apply? I have people...
Read More...Are you Eligible for Cancellation of Removal?
July 19, 2010
A non-permanent resident foreign national, or permanent resident foreign national, placed in removal proceedings (formerly known as deportation proceedings) and charged under either Section 212 or section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act...
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