Spousal & Fiancee Visas

A petitioner may choose to marry in the petitioners home country and file for a spousal visa. This can take slightly longer to get approval than a K1 fiancee visa but work authorization and advanced parole are automatically included - so a spouse can work upon entering the US. Overall, the spousal visa is less costly than a K1 where the fiancee must marry within 90 days and may apply for advanced parole and work authorization upon entry (for additional fees).

Corporate Work Visas

Immigration Law

The purpose is to recruit foreign nationals by way of green card, L1 or H1b visa. This is a temporary, non-immigrant designation but can be converted into permanent residence based on family. Ties to the home country must be evident and a sponsoring employer must file the petition on behalf of the applicant. H1b/L1 is employer specific. A degree is normally required (there are exceptions) to obtain such a visa. Spouse and children qualify for an H4 visa. H1b has an 85,000 approval cap (unless the role is in certain education, non-profit or government research. Medical practicioners may also be exempt from the cap. H1b visas have a 6 year maximum term but those on the path to permanent residence can be given extensions if the applicant has filed an I-140 petition or has the correct labor certification. There is no cap for L1 visas.

Ronald Anderson is a US immigration attorney who originally emmigrated to the USA from Scotland in 2000. Ronald undertook all his own immigration work and that of his immediate family in the UK as well as his wife's and stepson's immigration application from the Philippines. Ronald was granted citizenship in 2007 and his two son's became citizens in 2009. His wife, Kezia, is a permanent resident and their son has citizenship in the US, EU and the Philippines - holding three passports.

Ronald continues to help people going through the immigration process filing K1/K2, Adjustment of status I-485, I-131 and I-765. Ronald has helped several immigrants with the confusing medical form I-693 requirements, even educating active civil sugeons that do not understand the rules and requirements - particularly for those arriving on a K1 visa that have aready had a medical exam in their home country.

Ronald has also helped those corporate immigrants (H1b and L1), ensuring the right requirements are in place to show the sponsoring company has 'right to control' work being undertaken.  As a former musician and manager, Ronald has worked to help musicians obtain Performance visas as well as copyrighting works and ensuring mechanical royalties are paid where due. Ronald is passionate about helping people through the minefield of immigration and to lessening the chance of USCIS requesting further evidence.

In addition, Ronald does not represent more client's than he can give personal attention to. He is diligent in his work and will work for you by researching similar cases and outcomes to maximize success.

Adjustment of Status Filing

Adjusting status; For example, if entering on a K1 fiancee visa, it is important to apply for a social security number and Form I-485 AOS in order to obtain health insurance benefits (ie through a spouse's employer). More importantly, the entrant has a K1 visa that will expire after 90 days. AOS should be filed in that time to avoid cost, scrutiny and a chance of deportation. AOS application packets must include I-693 health record or vaccination records (depending on when the medical exam was accomplished). USCIS charges $985 for AOS with a reduced rate for K2 children if filed concurrently. (There is a small added fee for those 14 or older that must have a biometric screening). K2 applicants may use the K2 visa up to a year after the K1 is issued. This is follow-on travel that allows time for the parent to settle before bringing the foreign child. Despite what civil surgeons tell you, if you had a recent medical in your home country by an authorized facility, you do not need to undergo another medical exam for a K1 applicant. Only a completed vaccination record is required. It is not easy to get this through to civil surgeons and Ronald has made several complaints to USCIS and the Ombudsman over such listed civil surgeons non-understanding of the requirements and regulations.

An Advisor, Counselor and Advocate

The generalized rule under the Immigration and Nationality Act is 'guilty until proven innocent' when it comes to immigration (S214(b)). The applicant has to prove that the intent is not to remain in the United States beyond the stated timeframe in the petition. Since this often depends on the petition document and the immigration officer, the decisions made by USCIS can be very subjective with two applicants with identical cases being given different decisions.

 

• Gained an Executive MBA in 1997
• ​Licensed attorney able to undertake immigration work in any US state.
  
• Over the past sixteen years worked in various top level companies in a managerial capacity negotiating with banks and other financial services/Payments companies.
• Diligent manager. Organized and timely in actions and responses.
• We will keep you informed and tell you of any filing and legal fees to ensure no surprises.
• We have agent lawyers in Manila, Philippines that can meet with you personally if necessary. 

Contact Us

Address: 1524 Chateau Drive, Atlanta, GA 30338