Green Cards
Legal residency in the United States is attractive to millions of people around the world. Prerequisites are either investment; employment; close family ties to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents; or special talents. Salvatori, Wood & Buckel is an experienced immigration law firm that helps people obtain “green card” status in the U.S. Green cards grant the right to live, work, and enjoy the many opportunities that this nation has to offer. Salvatori, Wood & Buckel provides immigration advice and services to individuals, businesses, and corporations in matters involving permanent residency status, including:
Green Cards based on Investment
EB-5 visas — for persons starting businesses and creating jobs in the U.S. Requirements include an investment of between $500,000 - $1 million (depending on geographic location of the enterprise) and the creation of ten full time positions for U.S. workers.
Not interested in the day-to day business of running a company? Immigrant investors, who do not wish to be directly involved in running a U.S. enterprise and hiring at least ten employees have the option of investing in a special investment center approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service. These centers can be found in various locations throughout the U.S. They generally qualify for the minimum investment amount of $500,000 plus processing and immigrant visa preparation fees. Depending on whether you are already in the United States in another valid nonimmigrant status, processing times vary but are generally faster than many other immigrant categories. We would be happy to help you select a center that meets your criteria.
Green Cards based on Employment
Generally, immigration into the U.S. based on employment requires a Labor Certification. A Labor Certification shows that no U.S. workers are available for the position which the employer seeks to fill. However, there are several exceptions that allow a “fast track” to an employment green card:
- EB-1 visas — for multinational executives or persons of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. The prerequisites for multinational executives essentially mirror the requirements for the L-1A visa. Exceptional ability can be shown by proving sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the foreign national’s specialty field.
- EB-2 visas — for professionals holding advanced degrees, or persons of exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business, who can show that their activities in the U.S. will benefit the national interest.
The following visas require Labor Certification. However, wait times vary greatly. Please call us regarding processing times applicable to the various categories. - EB-2 visas — for persons with advanced degrees who cannot show that their activities in the U.S. are in the national interest
- EB-3 visas — skilled workers, professionals holding baccalaureate degrees and other workers
- EB-4 visas — for persons with special skills or attributes such as foreign language interpreters, members of international organizations, and others
Green cards Based on Close Family Relationships
Family petition visas — for the family members of U.S. citizens and legal residents. Depending on the status of the petitioning U.S. family member and on degree of relatedness, family visas are split into different categories which will entail different criteria and waiting periods. Salvatori, Wood & Buckel will advise you regarding the proper procedure and expected processing and waiting time (if applicable) for your relatives. In situations where a long wait is expected, we can also suggest temporary visa categories to help bridge the wait.
Salvatori, Wood & Buckel also helps clients obtain temporary business visas such as Treaty Investor visas, Treaty Trader visas, and visas for employees of multinational firms.
Focused on Success
When applying for a visa, it is extremely important that the application be complete and accurate. Delays or even rejection can result if the visa is not completed properly and the required supporting documentation is not supplied. Sometimes it is in our client’s best interest not to proceed with a petition at the current time. We will advise you based on the best outcomes for you. At Salvatori, Wood & Buckel, we have prepared many permanent visa applications for clients. Our knowledge of immigration rules and procedures can save you precious time, and reduce the frustration of dealing with the U.S. immigration system.
We Help People Build Lives and Businesses in the U.S.
For business people and entrepreneurs in particular, our comprehensive approach can smooth the path toward a new life in the U.S. In addition to helping obtain visas for entrepreneurs and their families, we can advise you in a number of business, real estate, and professional licensing matters.
Salvatori, Wood & Buckel is committed to helping our clients succeed and prosper as they make new lives for themselves in America.
For a consultation with an immigration lawyer at Salvatori, Wood & Buckel, call 239-552-4100, or contact us online.
