How We Help
At Tampa Immigration Law Center, we work with our clients to provide tailored, expert advice across a range of legal immigration challenges. Based in Tampa, our commitment to transparency and firsthand problem-solving experience are why we stand out from the competition.
We specialize in US immigration law, providing our clients with confident guidance, experienced advice, and sound counsel regarding living and working in the United States.
An application for naturalization is a path to citizenship for current permanent residents of the United States. It’s a lengthy process, with strict requirements for eligibility. However, there are provisions if your spouse is a citizen, or you’ve lived in the US for over 20 years.
- You must already have a Permanent Resident Card.
- You have to have lived in the US for more than five years.
- Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Complete an interview with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
The application for US citizenship uses the same form as an application for naturalization, which permanent residents can now file online. The application makes special provisions for certain circumstances for which you may qualify.
- Exemption from the language requirement for applicants over 50.
- Certain exemptions from language and civics requirements for medical disabilities.
- If your employment requires international travel, you may be exempt from continuous residence requirements.
The United States prioritizes family unity when awarding visas to non-residents. If you’re currently engaged to someone from another country, it’s your responsibility to file the necessary application for their visa.
- You must intend on getting married within 90 days.
- If you are married within 90 days of your fiancé entering the country, they may apply for a Green Card.
- This visa is only for couples who are not yet married, and the fiancé is not already residing in the United States.
If you’re considered inadmissible by the United States, you aren’t necessarily out of options. It’s advisable to work with an experienced immigration attorney who can help you navigate the process of waivers of inadmissibility.
- If your inadmissibility is due to criminal activity, you may be eligible for a waiver if the crimes are over 15 years old.
- Further, if your crime is considered a petty offense, punishable by no more than a year, you may receive a waiver.
- If you’re returning as a lawful permanent resident and ruled inadmissible, you may be awarded a waiver if you have seven years of continuous presence in the US.
People who are considered inadmissible to the United States may apply for Humanitarian Parole to gain access to the country. For immigration purposes, it is not considered entry to the US to live and work. These paroles are granted in limited circumstances.
- To enable you to visit an ill family member.
- To attend the funeral of a family member.
- The applicant requires medical care only available in the US.
- There is significant public benefit from the applicant’s entry to the US.
Immigrants who reside in the United States and receive a Notice to Appear in immigration court from the Department of Homeland Security require deportation defense. It is one of the most complicated immigration law areas, but you’re not out of options once you enter proceedings. You may receive a cancellation of removal if:
- If you’ve been living in the US for more than ten years
- You have a spouse, child, or parents who is a US citizen.
- You have no criminal convictions or resided in the US for more than seven years before the conviction.
Navigating the international travel rules for permanent residents and visa-holders is complex and can put your resident status at risk, but it isn’t impossible. We have experience helping people travel and re-enter the country without risking future naturalization. Talk with our legal team before making international travel plans.
- Issuance of passports and other travel documents.
- Visa applications to other countries and for re-entry to the US.
- Legal assistance following disasters, arrests, or medical emergencies while traveling abroad.
Immigrant visas allow residents of other countries to enter the United States to live and work permanently. With nearly 200 different kinds of visa, it can be hard to find one for which you and your loved ones are best suited to apply. An experienced immigration legal team can help maximize your chances of visa approval.
- In most cases, a relative or employer sponsors the visa.
- Individuals with unique skills or investors may sponsor themselves.
- A visa does not guarantee entry to the United States, only eligibility.
There are immigration benefits available to undocumented family members of both active duty and veteran military personnel. Parole in Place (PIP) refers to these opportunities that aren’t generally available to civilians and their families. It provides a solution for the harsh immigration policies surrounding Greencard eligibility following an unlawful stay in the United States.
- Military personnel can apply for Parole in Place for their family members.
- Beneficiaries of PIP are protected against deportation and allowed to live and work in the US.
- They can also apply for a Greencard while living in the US, circumventing the standard removal and 10-year waiting period following an unlawful entry to the United States.
