SARASOTA COUNTY IMMIGRATION LAWYER
Immigration Lawyer in Sarasota County, Florida
The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb offers experienced immigration counsel for a variety of legal matters. We help clients acquire immigrant and non-immigrant visas, green cards (permanent residency), and citizenship. Every case is unique, so our firm takes the time to understand your unique immigration situation and works to develop a unique immigration solution that is best for you.
We offer immigration representation for a range of immigration matters to clients in Sarasota County, Florida. We can help you acquire an employment-based green card, a family-based green card, or a temporary visa. We also help individuals navigate the sometimes complex path to citizenship afforded to permanent residents. The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb understands how important the immigration process is to families and individuals who want to start a new life in the U.S. We work diligently in order to ensure the best immigration outcome possible. Contact the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb today to learn about how we can help you immigrate, establish permanent residency, or attain U.S. citizenship.
I Need a Work Visa
There are several visa categories available to individuals interested in working in the U.S. Some of the more popular work visa categories include the L-1 visa, the H1-B visa, the TN visa, and the J-1 visa. In order to qualify for an intra-company transfer visa, or an L-1 visa, the foreign business must be affiliated with the U.S. business, the L-1 manager must be supervising workers in the U.S. business, have proprietary knowledge or skills which will be transferred to workers in the U.S. company, have worked one year for the company, and continue to supervise multiple individuals to qualify for a visa.
The H1-B visa, or the specialist worker visa allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers. The company must pay the worker the prevailing wage and the visa is capped at 65,000 each year. In order to qualify, the worker must be employed in a specialty area, requiring at least a bachelor’s degree. Three years of practical experience is considered the equivalent of 1 year of university study.
TN visas are available to workers from Canada and Mexico who are protected under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA has a list of specialty job titles under which an individual may apply. Canadians can acquire a TN visa at any entry point into the U.S., while Mexican workers are required to apply for the TN at a U.S. consulate before attempting to cross the border. Qualified workers need to demonstrate relevant education and experience and must have a job offer when applying for a TN visa.
J-1, or cultural exchange visas allow foreign applicants to enter the U.S. to work or learn. College and university students, traveling scholars, primary and secondary school teachers, foreign physicians, au-pairs, and camp counselors qualify under this visa designation. Applying for any of these visas can sometimes be complicated and it is important that applicants select the correct category of visa in order to ensure successful immigration. If you’re interested in acquiring a U.S. work visa, contact the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb today.
How to Acquire a Green Card
There are a wide variety of green card categories open to immigrants who wish to become permanent residents. Individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability or accomplishment in their field, or who offer outstanding academic research ability may qualify for a green card. Immigrants with advanced degrees, or those who are skilled workers can apply to enter the green card pool as well. Finally, investors or those who can show that they can improve the U.S. economy or other U.S. interests may qualify for a green card.
U.S. citizens are also allowed to sponsor family members for green cards. Immediate relatives such as spouses, children, and parents are not subject to the waiting periods for green cards. Other relatives are subject to waiting periods due to backlogs in the immigration system. If you require a green card either for economic reasons or for family reasons, it is important that you seek the help of a qualified immigration lawyer. It is important that all forms and supporting documents are properly submitted to guarantee a successful application. Contact the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb in Sarasota County, Florida today to learn more about how you or your family member can receive a green card (permanent residency).
The U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Process
In order to qualify for U.S. citizenship, an individual must have a green card (be a permanent resident), have held a green card for five years (or three years if you are a spouse of a U.S. citizen), have not left the country for more than six months during the permanent residency period, establish physical presence in the U.S. for at least two-and-a-half years (or one-and-a-half years for spouses of U.S. citizens), have lived in the state where the citizenship application will be filed for at least three months, prove the ability to read, write, and speak English, show knowledge and commitment to the U.S. Constitution, understand U.S. history and government, be of good moral character (have committed no serious crimes), and be at least eighteen years old. If you qualify for citizenship, and are ready to take this important step, it can be helpful to hire an immigration lawyer to help you navigate the process. The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb offers years of experience to individuals who want to become U.S. citizens in Glades County, Florida.
Immigration Representation Whatever Your Needs
The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb offers a range of immigration services to individuals who require representation. This includes deferred action. If you entered the U.S. illegally before your 16th birthday, are under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, have graduated from high school or are currently enrolled in high school, or have a GED, or received an honorable discharge from the U.S. army, have no serious criminal or misdemeanor convictions, and can prove physical presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, you may qualify for deferred action. Deferred action protects individuals from deportation and allows qualifying individuals to receive work authorization. You can only apply once for deferred action, so it is important that your application is correct and complete the first time. Finding an immigration lawyer who can help you complete your application can ensure that you receive deferred action if you qualify.
Whatever your immigration needs in Sarasota County, Florida, Michael M. Raheb offers a wide range of services to his clients. Whether you need a work visa, deferred action, or help with your green card or citizenship, the Law Offices Michael M. Raheb can help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you immigrate to the U.S.
