Immigration Law

---

An immigration attorney can help you with various immigration matters, including:

· Guiding you through visa applications, such as family visas, work visas, and student visas.

· Assisting with the naturalization process for U.S. citizenship.

· Representing you in deportation and removal proceedings.

· Helping you apply for asylum or refugee status.

· Providing legal support for business immigration, including E-2, EB-5, and O-1 visas for investors, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs.

· Offering counsel on waivers for inadmissibility and helping you navigate complex paperwork and timelines.

Working with an immigration lawyer ensures your applications are accurate, timely, and tailored to your specific situation.

It’s important to consult with immigration lawyers directly to get an accurate quote based on your case. Many Florida immigration attorneys offer free consultations to provide specific pricing for your situation.

In Florida, the cost of hiring an immigration lawyer is generally in line with national averages but can vary depending on factors like case complexity, location, and the lawyer's experience. Here's a breakdown of typical costs:

Green Card Application:

• Family-based       green card cases can range from $1,500 to $5,000 in legal fees.
• Employment-based       green cards can cost $3,000 to $10,000 or more, especially for       complex cases.

Naturalization (Citizenship) Application:

• Legal       fees for citizenship applications usually range from $1,000 to $3,500      in Florida.

Deportation Defense:

• Attorney       fees for removal proceedings or deportation defense can range from $1,500       to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it       requires court appearances.

Work Visa Applications:

• H-1B       and other work visas typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000,       with more complex cases potentially costing more.

Asylum Application:

• Legal       fees for asylum cases in Florida often range from $2,000 to $7,000      or more.

DACA Applications:

• For       Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), attorney fees can range       from $500 to $2,000.

Family Petitions:

• Filing       a family petition usually costs between $1,000 and $3,000.

U.S. citizens and green card holders can file Form I-130 to sponsor their spouse for a green card, starting the process for a CR-1 or IR-1 visa.

In determining the length of time to obtain a marriage visa, several factors must be considered, such as the processing time of the USCIS and/or whether the spouse is already in the United States or abroad. 

Fiancé(e)s on a K-1 visa cannot work immediately upon arrival but can apply for work authorization (EAD) after marrying their U.S. citizen partner.

The length of time depends upon the applicant’s location and/or USCIS processing times. 

You must be a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), have good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and meet physical presence requirements.

Some criminal convictions may disqualify you, but it depends on the type of crime.

An F-1 visa is for international students pursuing academic studies in the U.S. You must be accepted to a U.S. institution, complete Form I-20, and apply through your nearest U.S. consulate.

F-1 visa holders can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) on-campus and may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.

You must be physically present in the U.S. and file Form I-589, "Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal," within one year of arriving.

You must demonstrate fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group in your home country.

Yes, once asylum is granted, you are authorized to work in the U.S. You can also apply for a work permit (EAD) while your asylum application is pending.

The H-1B visa is for foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree. It is employer-sponsored and requires a job offer in a specialized field.

H-1B visas are initially granted for 3 years, with an option to extend up to 6 years.

Yes, H-1B holders can apply for permanent residency (green card) through employment-based sponsorship.

The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees to U.S. offices. The employee must have worked for the company abroad for at least 1 year in a managerial or specialized knowledge role.

The E-2 visa is for investors from treaty countries who invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business. The investment must be active and generate income.

To qualify for an EB-5 visa, an investor must generally invest $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the United States. However, if the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA), which includes certain rural areas and areas of high unemployment, or in statutorily defined infrastructure projects, the required investment amount is reduced to $800,000.

The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as the arts, sciences, business, or athletics. Applicants must demonstrate national or international acclaim in their field.

O-1 visas are granted for up to 3 years, with the option to extend as long as the individual continues to work in their field of extraordinary ability.

Common reasons include violating immigration laws, committing crimes, overstaying a visa, or entering the U.S. unlawfully.

Apply for asylum; cancellation of removal; adjustment of status: or filing an appeal. 

Depending on the circumstances, you may be barred from re-entering the U.S. for a specific period, typically 5 to 20 years, unless you obtain a waiver.