OUR SERVICES
The Law Offices of Harvey Shapiro specializes in both business and family immigration matters. We proudly serve a wide range of clients, from large multinational corporations to small businesses, across various industries. Our comprehensive services are designed to address the unique immigration needs of each client, ensuring personalized and effective solutions.
Citizenship & Naturalization
Our firm is dedicated to helping you achieve United States citizenship through the naturalization process. Whether you are a current permanent resident (green card holder) aiming for citizenship, or someone looking to understand the potential pathways to obtaining a green card and eventually citizenship, we are here to guide you through every step of the journey.
Path to Citizenship for Permanent Residents
Becoming a U.S. citizen comes with numerous advantages, such as the right to vote, eligibility to run for public office, and access to a broader range of social services. Permanent residents who have resided in the U.S. for five years typically qualify to apply for naturalization. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible after just three years of residency.
Our experienced team will help you navigate the complexities of the naturalization process, ensuring you meet all the necessary requirements and understand the benefits that come with U.S. citizenship.
Employment-based Immigrant Visas
Securing a green card allows individuals to reside and work in the United States indefinitely. Given the increasing complexity of the process, our clients rely on us for expert guidance through this challenging journey. The following are the main pathways to achieving permanent residency:
Family-Based Immigration
Permanent residency can be obtained through certain familial connections to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Qualifying relationships include spouses, siblings, children, and parents. This category is subject to a quota system, often resulting in backlogs.
Employment-Based Immigration
Foreign nationals can achieve permanent residency through employment opportunities, classified into five preference categories:
(1) First Preference/EB-1 (Priority Workers)
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Aliens of Extraordinary Ability: Individuals with exceptional talents in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
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Outstanding Professors and Researchers: Academics recognized internationally for their significant contributions.
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Multinational Executives and Managers: Managers or executives of multinational companies transitioning to U.S. positions.
(2) Second Preference/EB-2
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Advanced Degree Holders: Individuals with a Master's degree or equivalent and a qualifying job offer. Requires a Labor Certification to confirm the absence of qualified U.S. workers.
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Exceptional Ability: Individuals with exceptional expertise in science, arts, or business.
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National Interest Waiver: For those whose work benefits the U.S., bypassing the Labor Certification requirement.
(3) Third Preference/EB-3
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Skilled Workers: Jobs requiring at least two years of training or experience.
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Professionals: Jobs requiring at least a U.S. bachelor's degree.
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Other Workers: Jobs requiring less than two years of training.
(4) Fourth Preference/EB-4
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This category includes religious workers, certain international organization employees, juvenile court dependents, and others specified under special conditions.
(5) Fifth Preference/EB-5
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Investors who create jobs through substantial capital investments in U.S. businesses, either independently or via regional centers.
Diversity Lottery Visa
The Diversity Visa Lottery Program allocates 55,000 immigrant visas annually to individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates. Eligibility criteria include a high school education or equivalent, or two years of work experience in a job requiring at least two years of training. Eligibility is based on nationality, with some countries excluded each year due to high immigration rates.
Employment-based Nonimmigrant Visas
Temporary visits to the United States generally require nonimmigrant visas, which vary based on the purpose of the visit. The duration of stay in the U.S. is determined by the visa type. Individuals can often extend their stay or change their visa status for different activities.
Navigating the immigration process can be complex. Success requires careful planning and strict adherence to procedures. Our firm will assess your specific situation to identify the appropriate visa category and guide you through each step, ensuring your best interests and rights are protected.
These are some common temporary work visa categories:
B-1 Business Visitor / B-2 Tourist Visa
The B-1 visa permits foreign nationals to visit the U.S. for business activities that do not involve receiving a U.S. salary. Acceptable purposes include consulting with business associates, attending conventions, and negotiating contracts. Applications can be submitted directly to the U.S. Embassy in the applicant's home country. The B-2 visa is for individuals visiting the U.S. for tourism, medical treatment, or participation in social events. It allows for activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends or family, and attending conferences.
E-1 Treaty Traders / E-2 Treaty Investor
The E-1 visa is for individuals engaging in substantial trade between their home country and the U.S. The applicant's home country must have a trade treaty with the U.S. The E-2 visa is for nationals of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. enterprise. Key employees with essential skills may also qualify.
E-3
Exclusive to Australian nationals, the E-3 visa is for those in specialty occupations requiring a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
F-1 Student
The F-1 visa allows individuals to study full-time at accredited U.S. academic institutions, with limited work opportunities including
on-campus jobs and off-campus training (CPT and OPT)
H1-B Specialty Occupation
This visa is for individuals employed in specialty occupations requiring a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. There is an annual cap on H-1B visas, with additional slots for holders of U.S. advanced degrees and exemptions for certain employers.
J-1
The J-1 visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs, including students, researchers, and medical trainees. Some J-1 visa holders must return to their home country for two years after their program ends before applying for other U.S. visas or residency.
L-1 Intra-company Transfers
The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge to the U.S.
The employee must have worked abroad for the company for at least one year within the last three years.
O-1 Individuals of Extraordinary Ability or Achievement and O-2 Accompanying Individuals
The O-1 visa is for those with extraordinary ability in fields like science, arts, and athletics, proven by national or international acclaim. The O-2 visa is for essential support personnel.
P-1
This visa is for internationally recognized athletes and entertainers. It includes P-1A for athletes and P-1B for members of entertainment groups.
P-3
The P-3 visa allows artists or entertainers to come to the U.S. to perform, teach, or coach as part of a culturally unique program, requiring proof of the cultural uniqueness and recognition in their field.
TN Professionals and TD for Spouse and Children
Available to Canadian and Mexican nationals, the TN visa is for professionals in specific fields under NAFTA. TD visas are for their dependents.
Visa Waiver
Citizens of certain countries can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa for business or tourism. This program requires a valid passport and a return ticket, with no option to extend the stay or change immigration status. Currently, 36 countries participate in this program.
Family Based Immigration
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor relatives for permanent residence. At our firm, we assist clients in navigating the process to reunite with their loved ones in the United States. Here are the main eligibility criteria and pathways for
family-based green cards:
(1) Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens
Immediate relatives enjoy certain benefits, including no annual limits on the number of visas available. This category includes:
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Spouses
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Unmarried children under 21 years old
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Parents (if the sponsoring citizen is at least 21 years old)
(2) Family Preference Categories
Other family relationships fall under the preference categories, which are subject to annual visa limits:
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First Preference (F1): Unmarried adult children (21 years or older) of U.S. citizens
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Second Preference (F2A): Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of lawful permanent residents
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Second Preference (F2B): Unmarried adult children (21 years or older) of lawful permanent residents
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Third Preference (F3): Married children of U.S. citizens
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Fourth Preference (F4): Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the sponsoring citizen is at least 21 years old)
(3) Adoption by U.S. Citizens
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Children being adopted by U.S. citizens