Experienced Maryland Immigration Attorney
Thomas Lynch & Associates offers immigration advice to corporations and individuals nationally and internationally. Companies with immigration issues need competent attorneys to assist them in complying with ever increasing complex federal immigration laws. And Individuals who travel long distance from their home countries to establish their new residence in the United States need qualified representation before immigration authorities in this country. As a member of American Immigration Lawyers Association, we provide the expertise that matches the complexities of your needs, and we offer legal rates affordable to both corporate and individual clients. All attorneys at Thomas Lynch & Associated graduated from the Georgetown University Law Center - which is currently headed by a Dean that served as the General Counsel of the US Immigration & Naturalization Service. Call us to arrange a free on-site consultation.
Visitors
If you come to the U.S. on a temporary trip for business or for pleasure, you will need a B-1 Visa for business (e.g. attending conferences, business meetings) or on a B-2 Visa for pleasure (e.g. tourism, visit friends or relatives). Both B-1 and B-2 visas require that you have permanent residence in the home country (which you have no intention of abandoning), that you enter the U.S. for a temporary period, and that you engage in activity relating to business or pleasure. You may not be engaged in employment during your stay in the U.S.
We will evaluate your case and offer advice on the paperwork you should file in order to secure the B-1 or B-2 visa. We can also assist persons already in the U.S. with the filing for extensions of stay.
Students
If you go to school in U.S. fulltime, you will need the F-1 Visa or J-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows one to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at an accredited (U.S. government- approved) college or university. The student must be enrolled in a program or course of study that results in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The J-1 Visa (Exchange Student) is for students pursuing graduate / post-graduate studies, visiting scholars, medical doctors undergoing training, etc.
We will provide you with an evaluation of your case in detail and advise you on the paperwork you need to file in order to obtain the F-1 visa for the principal student and dependent family members. We can help with submitting the forms, etc, for the visa at the consulate or with the USCIS for change of status or extension of stay if you are already in the U.S.
Worker's visa
If you will work in the United States, you may need an H or L visa. You can start working in the U.S. after your employer files a petition with USCIS and the petition is approved. If you have a bachelors degree, you may qualify for the H1B visa. In this status, you can work for a total of six years in the United States. If you are a Registered Nurse, the H1C Visa may also be appropriate. If you are a Non Agricultural Worker, you may qualify for the H2B visa. If you are a Trainee, you may apply for the H-3 visa. If you have worked with foreign companies continuously for 1 year during the last 3 years, you may qualify for the L Visa for Intra-Company Transferees. To qualify, you must be an executive or a manager of a foreign-based company or be a "specialized-knowledge" employee.
We can provide employers as well as employees with all available options. Not only can we provide general information about obtaining these visas, we will also prepare the paperwork and documents and submit these to the USCIS. In addition, we offer experienced advice in how to present your best case to secure your approval given the unique circumstances of each individual applicant and his employer.
Green Card or Permanent Residency
If you plan to work, do business or just live in the United States permanently without any renewal of visa, you should apply for a Green Card. The Green Card (Alien Registration Card) is obtained upon the approval of an immigrant visa or an adjustment of status. Several paths can lead to Permanent Residency. The Permanent Residency can be obtained through Family Sponsorship, Labor Certification through Sponsorship by an employer in the U.S., by National Interest Waiver (Self-Sponsorship), or another special category for persons of Extraordinary Ability. Another option is the Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa).
We can process your green card application or petition, either on behalf of your employer or you. We will strategically analyze your employment and education situation and offer advice on the best strategy for you or your employer to get you the permanent residency you need in the most efficient way. We will work with you through every step in the process to be sure your interests protected -- until you receive your Green Card in the mail.
Citizenship
If you would like to become a U.S. citizen (that will secure your opportunity to work for the Federal Government and to vote or to be voted for), you need to apply for naturalization. There are additional benefits to becoming a U.S. citizen, such as higher estate tax exemptions and greater freedom of travel to other countries. In addition there are certain federal grants and scholarships available only to U.S. citizens.
We can help you to prepare and file your citizenship application. We can advise as to whether there are any issues in your background that could be a problem and how to address those issues on your road to becoming a United States citizen.
Thomas Lynch & Associates
705 Melvin Avenue Suite 104
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 349-4990
Fax: (443) 926-0574
e-mail
The Law Offices of Thomas M. Lynch provide legal advice to businesses throughout Maryland including Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and Baltimore County, as well as the cities of Baltimore, Arnold, Odenton, Crofton, Pasadena, Severna Park, Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Glen Burnie, Riva, Edgewater, and Bowie.
