Immigration and Nationality

Immigration and Nationality Law

Portland Japanese Gardens

We represent clients in both family and business-employment immigration matters.

The U.S. immigration system is daunting to businesses and individuals alike, due to the maze of bureaucracy and lack of clear guidance about their individual situation. The firm’s immigration practice group is able to guide clients through this maze, by providing the necessary guidance based on a strategy suited to each client’s particular case.

For families and individuals, we provide advice regarding the sponsorship of family members (fiancé/ée, spouse, children, and parents) and we assist clients through the permanent residence or “green card” process, both in the United States (through the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) and through U.S. embassies overseas.

For individuals in the arts, sciences, or athletics who might qualify under the “extraordinary ability” criteria for non-immigrant or permanent status in the US, we obtain “O” category temporary visas and permanent residence under the appropriate immigrant visa categories.

For businesses and employers, we provide counsel regarding professional employment visas (for example, “H-1B” and “TN” categories), treaty-based trade and investment visas (“E-1” and “E-2” categories), international intra-company transferee executives, managers, and specialized knowledge personnel (“L-1A” and “L-1B” visa categories), and business visitors and other visa categories.

We guide employers and employees through the employment-based permanent residence process, including all aspects of permanent labor certification, immigrant petitions, and adjustment of status or consular processing. We also work with healthcare providers, such as Registered Nurses and their employers, in the special processes available to them for their permanent immigration to the U.S.

When employers are faced with a federal Department of Labor or Citizenship & Immigration Services audit or investigation regarding immigration matters, we provide advice and counsel throughout that process.

We also assist and advise clients in the naturalization (US citizenship) process, and we advise clients regarding the requirements and means for maintaining permanent resident status in the U.S., when faced with extended overseas assignments or residence due to employment or personal reasons.

Please contact Matt McClellan with any inquiries regarding immigration matters.