US Visas & Immigration Solicitors in London
OTS Immigration Lawyers is an award-winning City of London law firm advising individual clients on all aspects of their immigration matters, including US Visas and citizenship, with specialist expertise in handling E2 Visas and EB5 Visas for foreign investors.
To talk to one of our award-winning immigration lawyers about applying for a US Visa, or to discuss any other US immigration matter, please contact us on 0203 959 9123 to make an appointment.
We offer the full range of US visa and immigration services to clients across the globe. Whether you are seeking employment, support with joining your family in the US, advice on gaining citizenship or accessing a visa to conduct your studies, our team will on hand to provide the advice you need.
Our US visa and immigration specialists in London can help with various matters related to UK work visas, US family visas, US citizenship and US student visas, with particular expertise in advising on:
- E2 Visas
- E2 Visa Renewals
- EB5 Visas
- E3 Visas
- L1 Visas
- L-1 Visa Renewals
- H1B Visas
- US Media Visas
- O-1 Visas
- B1 Visas
- B2 Visas
- Criminal Waiver of Inadmissibility
- Renouncing US Citizenship
- Green Card through Marriage
- US Green Cards
Our many years of collective experience and expertise, as well as our detailed knowledge of US immigration rules means that we are well placed to support you with whatever application you need to make.
Speak to our US visa and immigration lawyers in London now
We can discuss your US visa and citizenship requirements with you at our offices, over the phone or online via Web Conferencing such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco WebEx or Skype.
To speak to our US visa and immigration lawyers in London, please call now on 0203 959 9123 or use our simple online enquiries form.
Our US visa and immigration services
US work visas
The documentation and processes involved in US work visa applications can be extremely complex, with the guidelines being very strict in many cases. To ensure that you stand the best possible chance of having an application accepted, the support of our specialist US immigration lawyers is essential.
Gaining employment or making an investment in the US is, understandably, a very attractive prospect for professionals working in a variety of industries. However, to achieve this, it will be necessary to apply for a suitable work visa, depending on your current circumstances and requirements.
Each US work visa category has its own set of requirements that applicants must meet. In most cases, for a US work visa to be approved, there also needs to be a job offer from a US-based employer who will act as the sponsor for the visa.
Our team have substantial experience and expertise in handling a wide range of US work visas, including E2 Visas and EB5 visas for foreign investors.
The full list of work visas our US visa and immigration lawyers can also advise on include:
- Work Visas for America
- A1 visa (Diplomatic Visa)
- E1 Visa – Treaty Traders
- E2 Visa – Treaty Investors
- E3 Visa – Australian Professionals
- H1B Visa – Specialty Workers
- H-1B2 Visa
- H2B Visa – Temporary Workers
- H3 Visa – Exchange Visitors
- Work Visas for America
- H4 Visa – Dependents Visa
- 01 Visa – Extraordinary Ability
- O2 Visa
- 03 Visa – Dependents Visa
- E2 Visa
- EB1 Visa – Extraordinary Ability
- EB1-2 Visa – Outstanding Researcher
- EB2 Visa – Second Preference
- EB3 Visa – Workers Green Card
- EB4 Visa – Special Immigrant Visa
- EB5 Visa – Investors Green Card
- I Visa – Journalists and Media
- L1 Visa – Intra-company Transfer
- L-1A Visa (Executive or Manager)
- L-1B Visa (Specialized Knowledge Workers)
- L2 Visa – Dependents Visa
- P1 Visa – International Athletes
- P1-A Visa – (Athlete Visa)
- P1-B Visa
- P2 Visa (Reciprocal Exchange Program Performers)
- P3 Visa – Artists and Entertainers
- P4 Visa – Dependents Visa
- R1 Visa – Religious Workers
- TN Visa – NAFTA Professionals
What is an E2 visa?
An E2 visa (also known as an E2 Investor Visa allows foreign nationals from specified treaty countries to enter the United States with the purpose of making an investment into a US business, or to start a US business.
The aim of the Visa is to help promote foreign investment and facilitate the movement of individuals who are directly contributing to the US economy.
Our team regularly work with individuals who are seeking to make an application for an E2 Visa, notifying them on their eligibility and the steps that need to be fulfilled – whether an application is being made from within, or outside, the US.
Am I eligible for an E2 visa?
There are certain eligibility requirements for E2 Visas that you should be aware of.
- You must be a national of a country with an E2 treaty with the United States
- You must have the intent to depart the US once your E2 status ends
- You must make a substantial investment in a US company
- Your E2 business must be an active, for-profit business
- The business that you invest in cannotbe considered a marginal enterprise
- You must be entering the United States to direct and develop your E2 business
- The source of your investment funds must be lawful
- Your investment must be irrevocably committed to the E2 business and must be at-risk
As mentioned above, the E2 visa is only available to people from certain countries that have an E2 treaty with the United States. Notable countries that do not have a treaty include:
- Brazil
- China
- India
- Russia
Our specialist lawyers can support you with the eligibility requirements for an E2 Visa and how they relate to your current situation.
What is an EB5 Visa?
An EB5 Visa allows foreign investors to secure permanent residence in the US with a green card. The Visa is designed to help boost foreign investments, as well as the US economy.
Am I eligible for an EB5 Visa?
Individuals will be eligible for the EB5 visa if they are willing and able to:
- Invest in a new commercial enterprise; or
- Invest in an old commercial enterprise and significantly increase their net worth or workforce. A minimum 40% increase in net worth or employee number is required.
The EB5 Visa also requires that your investment create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.
US family visas
If you have a family member who resides as a US citizen, it may be possible to apply for a visa to join them either on a permanent or temporary basis. Your family member would act as a sponsor, allowing you to migrate to the country so long as you fulfil the requirements that have been set out.
Our US immigration lawyers are here to help you navigate the process of applying for a US family visa, tailoring our support to your needs. This may include advising you on your current eligibility for a family visa and what visa category will be best suited to you.
Our expertise with US family visas includes:
- US Family Visas
- K1 Visa – Finance Visa
- K2 Visa – K1 Dependents
- K3 Visa – Spouse Visa
- K4 Visa – K3 Dependents
- USA Marriage Visa
- Family Green Cards
- Family Based Green Cards
- F2A Visa – Spouses & Children
- F2B Visa – Adult Children
- F3 Visa – Adult Children
- F4 Visa – Brothers & Sisters
- Family Green Cards
- Petition for Alien Relative
- IR-1/CR-1 Visa – Marriage Green Card
- IR-2 Visa – Children Green Card
- IR-3 Visa for Children Adopted Abroad
- IR-4 Visa for Children Adopted in USA
- IR-5 Visa – Green Card for Parents
US citizenship
Foreign nationals can obtain citizenship via birth, marriage naturalisation and military service. For many US immigrants, obtaining citizenship via naturalisation is the most common option, but this will mean having to meet various eligibility criteria.
Our experts can advise you on your options for obtaining US citizenship and take you through the relevant processes, including guidance on:
- US Citizenship & Residency
- How to get US Citizenship
- US Citizenship via Birth
- Diversity Visa Program
- SB1 Returning Resident
- Citizenship through Family
- Through Parents being Naturalized
US student visas
To study in the US as a foreign national, you must first obtain an appropriate student visa. Depending on factors such as your school and course choice, there are three main types of US study visas you can apply for, these being the F1, M1 and J1 visa.
We can advise you on your options and the criteria for each of these visas, ensuring that you have the all the information you need at every stage of the application process.
Why choose OTS Immigration Lawyers to assist with US visa and immigration matters?
To ensure that your US immigration matters are handled with the utmost expertise, we are pleased to introduce you to OTS partners in the USA, a panel of highly qualified US immigration attorneys who possess a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of US immigration law. We are confident that they can offer you the best specialist immigration guidance you require whether you are in the UK, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa or currently in the States.
There are a number of key reasons to work with our team for US visa and immigration matters, including:
- We are proud of our very high success rate for our clients, including for US visa and citizenship applications
- We hold the highest Law Society Accreditation award in Immigration Law
- We have been consistently ranked as leading immigration experts by respected client guides the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners
- Head of Department Teni Shahiean is a Legal 500 recommended Immigration Lawyer
- Managing Partner Oshin Shahiean is a Law Society accredited Immigration Supervisor and accredited Senior Level 2 Immigration Advisor OISC Level 3
- Senior Immigration Consultant Paul Gulbenkian is a former Immigration Tribunal Judge and Crown Court Recorder, a founder member of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) and President of the European Immigration Lawyers Group
- Our team has over 85 years of combined experience and knowledge covering all areas of immigration law, including in relation to US immigration visas
No matter what your case may involve, or what you are looking to achieve, our approach remains the same. We are committed to keeping the process as simple and straightforward as possible for you, including providing a fixed fee so you can understand exactly how much our support will cost.
You will work directly with an experienced immigration lawyer, and you will always be able to speak to a member of our team if you have any questions.
You can read more about our expertise and exceptional personal service on our main immigration service page.
Speak to our US visa and immigration lawyers in London now
We can discuss your US visa and citizenship requirements with you at our offices, over the phone or online via Web Conferencing such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco WebEx or Skype.
To speak to our US visa and immigration lawyers in London, please call now on 0203 959 9123 or use our simple online enquiries form.
Your Questions and our answers about US Visas & Immigration
Thank you for your enquiry. In the UK, holding a sponsorship license as a business gives you the ability to sponsor skilled workers from outside the UK. However, having a sponsorship license does not obligate you to offer sponsorship for all skilled roles within your company. You have the flexibility to choose which positions you want to sponsor. A COS must be issued for all sponsored positions. For more information, please contact us on 02039599123 or click here
Thank you for your enquiry. If the admin review does not result in a favorable outcome, we can advise on potential legal avenues, such as appeals or judicial review. Given the complexities of immigration law, it is essential to have professional legal representation to navigate through these challenges successfully. It is also important at this stage to be able to substantiate and prove the elements referenced above. For more information, please contact us on 02039599123 or click here
With the CoS from your sponsor, you can then apply for the relevant UK work visa (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa) through the points-based system. This involves meeting the visa criteria, including a job offer from the licensed sponsor and meeting the required points based on salary, skill level, English proficiency, etc.
It’s essential that the company follows all legal and regulatory procedures to revive its status and apply for the necessary licenses to sponsor workers. Additionally, as an individual applying for a visa, you need to meet the specific visa requirements under Appendix Skilled Worker. Please contact us on 02039599123 or click here
Thank you for your enquiry. For your husband’s situation, as a dependent visa holder linked to your Tier 2 sponsorship and considering your naturalization as a British citizen, the appropriate form for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application would likely be FORM SET (O) – Application for Indefinite Leave to Remain Other Purposes.
FORM SET (O) is typically used for individuals who do not fall under specific visa categories and are applying for ILR for reasons other than those covered by other application forms. In this case, your husband, as a dependent on your previous visa, might not fit the criteria specifically outlined in FORM SET (M) for partners.
Rules and forms can occasionally change, and seeking advice from OTS Solicitors can offer tailored guidance based on the most current regulations. Please contact us on 02039599123 or click here
Thank you for your enquiry.
Your partner may be able to switch from sponsored employment to a spouse visa. There are various eligibility and suitability requirements for you and your child in addition to being able to meet the financial threshold of a minimum of £18,600 per year income plus additional for any dependents. The continuous residence would start from the beginning in this scenario. The requirements are in depth and we would advise that you arrange a consultation to determine if this route is appropriate. For more information, please call 02039599123 or click here
Thank you for your enquiry.
You would usually receive a curtailment letter from the Home Office explaining your options if your employer has correctly notified them on the company’s circumstances. You would usually have a limited amount of time to switch to another sponsored route which can be done within the UK. We would recommend that you get in touch for more information and visit our sponsorship licence pages. Please contact us on 02039599123 or click here
Thank you for your enquiry.
Your employer may need to find the most suitable and closest description under the relevant occupation code. It is important to note the ‘going rate’ and salary requirements for the position. We would recommend that you get in touch for more information and visit our sponsorship licence pages. Please contact us on 02039599123 or click here
Thank you for your enquiry.
The cost of the sponsorship licence will depend on the size of the business. If you are looking to sponsor candidates for employment, you would need to issue a valid CoS to the new employee. You may be able to apply for a defined CoS where you have already selected people to fill the positions or an undefined CoS which provides greater flexibility. We would recommend that you get in touch for more information and visit our sponsorship licence pages. Please contact us on 02039599123 or click here
Thank you for your enquiry.
The cost of the sponsorship licence will depend on the size of the business. If you are looking to sponsor candidates for employment, you would need to issue a valid CoS to the new employee. You may be able to apply for a defined CoS where you have already selected people to fill the positions or an undefined CoS which provides greater flexibility. We would recommend that you get in touch for more information and visit our sponsorship licence pages. Please contact us on 02039599123 or click here
Thank you for your enquiry.
This would depend on the category of visa you have been granted. If it is a family/partner based visa, you may be able to make an in-country extension to satisfy the 5-year continuous residence requirement. If you are on a sponsored visa for employment, you would need to be issued a valid CoS covering the period of leave. For more information, please contact us on 02039599123 or click here
Thank you for your enquiry.
The most-straightforward route may be to obtain a certificate of sponsorship from the company referenced above. The company would need to apply for a defined CoS which would enable them to sponsor you for a defined period to work for them. We can assist with the sponsorship licence and the skilled worker visa when you have obtained your CoS. For more information, please call 02039599123 or click here
Thank you for your enquiry.
You would first need to obtain endorsement from one of the relevant endorsing bodies prior to making your application. We would be happy to discuss this with you during a meeting and explain the endorsement process and how to obtain a letter of endorsement. For more information, please call 02039599123 or click here