The services of an immigration lawyer typically fall into two categories: business and family. My practice deals both with U.S. businesses seeking to be compliant with existing immigration laws and with individuals who are seeking to legally reside, work or study in the United States. Many of my clients have already attempted to work on their own cases or with other attorneys and encountered complications. However far along you are in your case, I can help to sort out and resolve your immigration issues. Please be assured that whatever your legal needs, I will treat you and your case with respect and confidentiality.
Individuals:
I keep current the on filing locations, fees and forms necessary to make your application move quickly through the system. A green card or citizenship application can take what seems to be a long time, but six weeks is the longest you should wait for a visa petition filed by a relative or employer. If you have been waiting longer, it is time to have an immigration attorney follow up. Many people find out late in the game that it is extremely difficult to change a name on an immigration document after it has been issued. I can help make the name change on my client's new immigration documents easy. I help my fiancé- and marriage-visa clients bridge the transition with little effort.
Businesses:
Assistance with foreign employees includes help with employment authorization documents, green card filing and visas for visiting employees, including H-1B visas. I offer client companies a complimentary analysis of their current employee document retention scheme and recommend no-cost strategies to reduce risk. My specialty is helping small businesses with 20-80 employees solve their workforce issues. This includes work authorization and I-9 compliance.
Language Schools:
Like all businesses, language schools have to be aware of compliance issues, but they present a particular challenge due to the volume of foreign students. As in-house counsel to a language school in San Francisco and former manager of a world-renowned training program with J-1 and H-1 postgraduate trainees at the University of California, I have insight into how successful programs operate.
Students:
For students on F visas who have fallen out of status, there is the option for reinstatement. Before embarking on this, students should fully understand the downside of a denial, particularly if they do not seek the guidance of an attorney before filing. Many students are not aware that when they enter through a Visa Waiver program they cannot stay as long as they would like in the U.S. or change or adjust status without marrying a U.S. citizen. A better alternative for a student who wants to remain in the U.S. is an F visa.
