Top-Rated Immigration Lawyer: John Nicelli & Associates
Since 1985, our immigration lawyer has helped clients achieve their dreams in the U.S. and worldwide. Talk to us, and let us help you, too! Reach out to us for a consultation to learn more about our immigration law services.
We are an all inclusive law firm proud to serve the LGBTQ+ community.
Top-Rated Immigration Lawyer: John Nicelli & Associates
Since 1985, our immigration lawyer has helped clients achieve their dreams in the U.S. and worldwide. Talk to us, and let us help you, too! Reach out to us for a consultation to learn more about our immigration law services.
We are an all inclusive law firm proud to serve the LGBTQ+ community.
Decades of Expertise
Over 40 years of immigration practice experience.
Pillars of Excellence
Honesty, integrity, & success are at the core of everything we do.
Driven Advocacy
Results-oriented and focused on fighting alongside you every step of the way.
Multilingual Support
We can assist you in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese & Polish.
Reputable NYC Immigration Lawyer Dedicated to Helping Clients In Need Across the United States and Worldwide
With over 40 years of dedicated practice in immigration law, our law firm possesses the expertise to navigate a diverse range of immigration cases, from the straightforward to the highly intricate. Recognizing the uniqueness of each client’s situation, we approach every immigration case with meticulous care and attention to detail.
Wherever you are located, our mission is to guide you toward a successful outcome, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of the best possible solution for your immigration case. Rest assured, we stand by your side, committed to supporting you at every step of the process.
Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with our NYC immigration attorney and determine your next best steps!
Your Trusted Choice Among Top Immigration Lawyers NYC Has to Offer
Clients searching for a reputable “immigration attorney near me” can confidently turn to John Nicelli & Associates. We have a successful track record of helping former clients make informed decisions and execute proven and tested methods to ensure the best results. By having at your disposal the counsel of top immigration lawyers NYC has trusted for decades, you can maximize your chances of approval in your immigration case, no matter its complexity.
US Green Card Applications
US Green Card Applications
Work Visas
Work Visas
Deportation Defense
Deportation Defense
Family-Based Immigration
Family-Based Immigration
Citizenship & Naturalization
Citizenship & Naturalization
Our NYC Immigration Attorney is Ready to Assist with All Types of Immigration Cases Wherever You Are
When dealing with immigration challenges, it is highly advisable to have legal representation. The United States legal system can be complex and presents significant hurdles for immigrants. Many require a strong advocate to protect their interests. At John Nicelli & Associates, we are committed to improving the lives of immigrants across the country.
We will use all our resources to achieve the results you need and deserve. Our team will assess your situation, explore all available legal options, and advise you on the most practical means of proceeding. We take pride in being among the top immigration lawyers NYC trusts, so we pledge to deliver honesty, integrity, and success to all our clients. We understand how important your immigration case is and we will stop at nothing until we find a solution that helps you best.
Complete US Citizenship & Naturalization Services
Becoming a United States citizen comes with many advantages, such as the right to vote in elections. However, the process of naturalization can be complicated and challenging. That’s where we come in. Our NYC immigration attorney can help you with each process step, from completing Form N-400 to preparing you for the naturalization interview and exam. We can even represent you in all your communications with USCIS.
John Nicelli & Associates
Employment-Based Immigration Solutions
Most employment-based green cards require a job offer from a qualifying US employer. However, the USCIS only allocates a limited number of work visas per year, and sometimes, the demand exceeds the supply.
A dedicated NYC immigration lawyer at our law firm can assist you and your sponsoring employer in filing the Petition for an Alien Immigrant Worker, Form I-140, which the USCIS must approve before you can formally seek a green card. If you encounter any problems with Form I-140, we can help you and your employer reapply or appeal.
PERM, which stands for Program Electronic Review Management, plays a pivotal role as the initial step in the employment-based green card process in the United States. Administered by the Department of Labor (DOL), PERM is an electronic system designed to streamline and expedite the labor certification process for employers seeking to sponsor foreign workers for permanent employment. Labor certification, the fundamental component of the PERM process, requires employers to demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available to fill the position for which they intend to sponsor a foreign national. This entails a rigorous recruitment and advertising process to test the labor market adequately.
Once the employer successfully navigates through the PERM process and receives certification, they can proceed with the subsequent stages of the employment-based green card process, such as filing an immigrant petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign worker.
The PERM and labor certification stages serve as crucial foundations, ensuring that the employment-based immigration process adheres to the principle of protecting job opportunities for U.S. workers while providing avenues for skilled foreign professionals to contribute to the American workforce.
John Nicelli & Associates
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on your country of nationality, the visa is usually issued for a period of 2 to 5 years. However, the E2 visa can be extended indefinitely as long as the business continues to meet the requirements.
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for E2 dependent visas. Most importantly, E2 spouses are eligible for work authorization in the U.S.
The E2 is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it does not lead directly to a Green Card. However, many of our clients eventually qualify for an EB-1C (Multinational Manager) or an EB-5 (Investor) green card.
You do not necessarily need employees on day one, but you must show a credible hiring plan in your 5-year business plan.
There is no legal minimum, but in a high-cost market like NYC, our E2 visa lawyer NYC team typically recommends an investment that clearly covers all startup costs and at least 3-6 months of operating capital.
No. The law understands that startups take time. However, your 5-year projections must show that the business will become profitable and non-marginal within that timeframe.
Planning to Travel to the United States?
What You Need to Know About U.S. Visa and Stay Duration
If you’re planning to visit the United States, it’s important to know about the visa requirements and process. A visa is like an official document that permits you to travel to a US port of entry. However, having a visa doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed entry into the country. The decision to allow you entry is made by immigration officers at the port of entry, who also decide how long you can stay.
The visa’s validity period indicates when you must enter the United States but doesn’t determine how long you can stay. The dates on your visa show the time period within which you must enter the country. Single-entry visas permit only one entry, while multiple-entry visas allow you to enter the US more than once within the visa’s validity period.
John Nicelli & Associates
Are You a Student Planning to Study in the United States?
If so, you must obtain a student visa, which requires you to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay. But what if you also want to work and earn some extra money? Don’t worry! It is possible to work while studying in the US with a student visa.
Here’s what you need to know:
First, there are two types of student visas – F and M visas. Both visas require you to be enrolled in an academic program, have enough funds to support yourself and live outside the US after your studies are over.
F-1 visa holders can work on-campus or off-campus, participate in practical or optional training, or experience a qualifying economic hardship or emergent circumstance after one academic year.
M-1 visa holders can only work by participating in a practical training program after completing their course.
Remember, there are limitations on how much and when you can work, but don’t let that discourage you. Talk to one of the top immigration lawyers NYC trusts only here at John Nicelli & Associates for more information and guidance on the US immigration system!
Remember to Plan Your Trip Wisely and Avoid Overstaying to Prevent Legal Issues
When traveling to the United States, having a visa does not guarantee entry into the country. The officials at the port of entry have the final say on how long you can stay in the US, regardless of the expiration date on your visa. If you extend your visit past the permitted duration, your visa may be canceled. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to plan your trip carefully and apply for an extension if needed. By doing so, you can avoid any issues while entering the country.
If you are among the many who have searched “immigration lawyer near me” to get clear answers on immigration law, feel free to reach out by filling out our online contact form to receive a prompt response from our NYC immigration attorney!
Ready to Help With All Types of Immigration Cases
Employment Immigration
Most employment-based green cards require an offer of employment from a qualifying United States employer. However, USCIS only allocates a limited number of work visas per year, with demand sometimes outstripping supply.
Our team can work with you and your sponsoring employer to file Form I-140, the Petition for an Alien Immigrant Worker, which must first be approved by USCIS before you can formally seek a green card. Should you face problems with Form I-140, we can help you and your employer reapply or appeal.
If you have never been to the United States and have not previously violated any U.S. Immigration law, it is possible to be sponsored through employment to enter the United States as a permanent resident. You do not need to be physically present in the United States during the time your case is being processed.
We are also able to help you with temporary, nonimmigrant work visas of various types. Our attorney is prepared to help you achieve your career goals regardless of the complexity of your case.
Waivers of Inadmissibility
If an immigrant is rendered inadmissible as a result of some offense, they are barred from legally reentering the country, even if they otherwise qualify for legal means of immigration. Waivers of inadmissibility can help immigrants in certain categories overcome these bans and remain in the United States.
Common grounds for inadmissibility include unlawful entry into the country, accumulating too much unlawful presence, criminal convictions, public charge concerns, health and safety concerns, and past deportation orders. However, some types of inadmissibility do not have waivers available.
We can help you pursue many types of waivers of inadmissibility, including:
- Form I-601A, the Waivers of Grounds of Admissibility – this waiver once granted, permits noncitizens to reenter the U.S. through legal immigration avenues after having accumulated unlawful presence in the United States for more than six months.
- Form I-601, the Waivers of Grounds of Admissibility- this waiver is used to be forgiven for past actions some of which may have involved a crime, misrepresentation, unlawful presence, and other issues.
- Form I-212, the Application to Reapply for Admission to the United States – this application formally requests noncitizens be permitted to apply for legal immigration tools after being deported.
- Waivers for Criminal Records – these can be obtained in situations where the noncitizen has been sufficiently rehabilitated and the infractions occurred more than 15 years ago; they can also be issued if the noncitizen's parent, spouse, or fiancé is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and would endure extreme hardship if the applicant is not readmitted to the U.S.
H-1B Special Work Visas
H-1B is a special, “dual intent” work visa that permits temporary entry into the United States for qualifying employment positions. It can also serve as a path to pursuing more permanent immigration options, including green cards.
In order to qualify, H-1B applicants must have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer for a job that requires a high level of education – usually a Bachelor’s degree or higher – or some level of specialized, hands-on knowledge. It is commonly used for computer programming and engineering roles, as well as many other professions.
Citizenship & Naturalization
Becoming a United States citizen entitles you to numerous benefits including the ability to vote in elections.
The naturalization process can be arduous and complex. We can guide you through each step of the process, including assisting in the completion of Form N-400, preparing you for the naturalization interview and exam, and representing you in all communications with USCIS.
Immigration Litigation
If you have received a Notice to Appear (NTA), you are at risk of being removed from the country through removal proceedings. Our founding attorney spent several years exclusively defending clients from deportation and is intimately familiar with the tools that can assist you in your case.
Some of the deportation/removal relief options we can help you explore include:
- Bond Hearings if you have been detained as a result of your removal proceedings, we may be able to facilitate a bond hearing to get you released; We can work with the authorities to set the lowest bond amount possible in order to reduce any financial hardship.
- Cancellation of Removal this refers to the act of reversing the attempt to deport you on the grounds established in your Notice to Appear; Generally requires proving you have “good moral character” and can demonstrate extreme and unusual hardship to your qualifying relative who are U.S Citizen or Permanent Residents, spouse, minor children or parents, in the event you are ordered removed from the United States.
- Adjustment of Status if you have only overstayed your visa past its expiration or otherwise qualify for some form of legal immigration, we can sometimes halt removal proceedings by simply applying to adjust or change your status before the Immigration Court.
- U-Visas if you have been the victim of domestic abuse, or certain qualifying crimes, this special classification of visa allows you to file for your permanent residence based on your cooperation with law enforcement.
- Asylum one can be designated an asylee if they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country as a result of their belonging to a protected class or identifying factor, like gender, religious beliefs, or race.
- Voluntary Departure negotiating to depart the country on your own terms, if necessary, can give you more options for legally reentering the country in the future.
Nonimmigrant Visas
If you are only seeking to do temporary business, vacation, or otherwise visit the United States, you will need a nonimmigrant visa. Some nonimmigrant visas nonetheless are “dual intent” visas, meaning they permit you to enter the country with the understanding that you may choose to apply for more permanent immigration options.
Our immigration legal services in Manhattan can assist you with many nonimmigrant visas, including:
- K-1 Fiancé Visa permits the fiancé or fiancée of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States to complete a marital ceremony.
- F-1 Student Visa authorizes students to study full-time at accredited United States learning institutions.
- B-1 Temporary Business Visa enables the beneficiary the ability to travel to the U.S. and complete business of a limited nature in a set period of time; these visas are often used to facilitate travel for work conferences, the settling of estates, or the completion of important deals.
- B-2 Tourism Visa allows tourists to travel to the country to vacation or visit friends and family.
- O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa authorizes those who can demonstrate “extraordinary” abilities or achievements, and the ability to work in a capacity related to their specialized field.
Employment Immigration
Most employment-based green cards require an offer of employment from a qualifying United States employer. However, USCIS only allocates a limited number of work visas per year, with demand sometimes outstripping supply.
Our team can work with you and your sponsoring employer to file Form I-140, the Petition for an Alien Immigrant Worker, which must first be approved by USCIS before you can formally seek a green card. Should you face problems with Form I-140, we can help you and your employer reapply or appeal.
If you have never been to the United States and have not previously violated any U.S. Immigration law, it is possible to be sponsored through employment to enter the United States as a permanent resident. You do not need to be physically present in the United States during the time your case is being processed.
We are also able to help you with temporary, nonimmigrant work visas of various types. Our attorney is prepared to help you achieve your career goals regardless of the complexity of your case.
Waivers of Inadmissibility
If an immigrant is rendered inadmissible as a result of some offense, they are barred from legally reentering the country, even if they otherwise qualify for legal means of immigration. Waivers of inadmissibility can help immigrants in certain categories overcome these bans and remain in the United States.
Common grounds for inadmissibility include unlawful entry into the country, accumulating too much unlawful presence, criminal convictions, public charge concerns, health and safety concerns, and past deportation orders. However, some types of inadmissibility do not have waivers available.
We can help you pursue many types of waivers of inadmissibility, including:
- Form I-601A, the Waivers of Grounds of Admissibility – this waiver once granted, permits noncitizens to reenter the U.S. through legal immigration avenues after having accumulated unlawful presence in the United States for more than six months.
- Form I-601, the Waivers of Grounds of Admissibility- this waiver is used to be forgiven for past actions some of which may have involved a crime, misrepresentation, unlawful presence, and other issues.
- Form I-212, the Application to Reapply for Admission to the United States – this application formally requests noncitizens be permitted to apply for legal immigration tools after being deported.
- Waivers for Criminal Records – these can be obtained in situations where the noncitizen has been sufficiently rehabilitated and the infractions occurred more than 15 years ago; they can also be issued if the noncitizen's parent, spouse, or fiancé is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and would endure extreme hardship if the applicant is not readmitted to the U.S.
H-1B Special Work Visas
H-1B is a special, “dual intent” work visa that permits temporary entry into the United States for qualifying employment positions. It can also serve as a path to pursuing more permanent immigration options, including green cards.
In order to qualify, H-1B applicants must have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer for a job that requires a high level of education – usually a Bachelor’s degree or higher – or some level of specialized, hands-on knowledge. It is commonly used for computer programming and engineering roles, as well as many other professions.
Citizenship & Naturalization
Becoming a United States citizen entitles you to numerous benefits including the ability to vote in elections.
The naturalization process can be arduous and complex. We can guide you through each step of the process, including assisting in the completion of Form N-400, preparing you for the naturalization interview and exam, and representing you in all communications with USCIS.
Immigration Litigation
If you have received a Notice to Appear (NTA), you are at risk of being removed from the country through removal proceedings. Our founding attorney spent several years exclusively defending clients from deportation and is intimately familiar with the tools that can assist you in your case.
Some of the deportation/removal relief options we can help you explore include:
- Bond Hearings if you have been detained as a result of your removal proceedings, we may be able to facilitate a bond hearing to get you released; We can work with the authorities to set the lowest bond amount possible in order to reduce any financial hardship.
- Cancellation of Removal this refers to the act of reversing the attempt to deport you on the grounds established in your Notice to Appear; Generally requires proving you have “good moral character” and can demonstrate extreme and unusual hardship to your qualifying relative who are U.S Citizen or Permanent Residents, spouse, minor children or parents, in the event you are ordered removed from the United States.
- Adjustment of Status if you have only overstayed your visa past its expiration or otherwise qualify for some form of legal immigration, we can sometimes halt removal proceedings by simply applying to adjust or change your status before the Immigration Court.
- U-Visas if you have been the victim of domestic abuse, or certain qualifying crimes, this special classification of visa allows you to file for your permanent residence based on your cooperation with law enforcement.
- Asylum one can be designated an asylee if they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country as a result of their belonging to a protected class or identifying factor, like gender, religious beliefs, or race.
- Voluntary Departure negotiating to depart the country on your own terms, if necessary, can give you more options for legally reentering the country in the future.
Nonimmigrant Visas
If you are only seeking to do temporary business, vacation, or otherwise visit the United States, you will need a nonimmigrant visa. Some nonimmigrant visas nonetheless are “dual intent” visas, meaning they permit you to enter the country with the understanding that you may choose to apply for more permanent immigration options.
Our immigration legal services in Manhattan can assist you with many nonimmigrant visas, including:
- K-1 Fiancé Visa permits the fiancé or fiancée of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States to complete a marital ceremony.
- F-1 Student Visa authorizes students to study full-time at accredited United States learning institutions.
- B-1 Temporary Business Visa enables the beneficiary the ability to travel to the U.S. and complete business of a limited nature in a set period of time; these visas are often used to facilitate travel for work conferences, the settling of estates, or the completion of important deals.
- B-2 Tourism Visa allows tourists to travel to the country to vacation or visit friends and family.
- O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa authorizes those who can demonstrate “extraordinary” abilities or achievements, and the ability to work in a capacity related to their specialized field.
John Nicelli & Associates
Receive Immediate Attention for Your Immigration Needs in NYC
Same-Day Appointments Available!
We understand that some immigration cases require immediate attention, and in such cases, we offer same-day appointments. If you have received a Notice to Appear or have any other imminent immigration matter, it is crucial that you do not delay reaching out for legal advice.
We recommend scheduling an initial consultation with us as soon as possible. This can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through online videoconferencing. Rest assured that we will provide you with our utmost attention and review potential legal solutions that can help you pursue your case.
Over 30 Years of Immigration Experience
Immigration Law
Immigration Law
Family Immigration
Family Immigration
Employment Immigration
Employment Immigration
Citizenship & Naturalization
Citizenship & Naturalization
Waivers of Inadmissibility
Waivers of Inadmissibility
Immigration Litigation
Immigration Litigation
John Nicelli & Associates
Why Our Former Clients Turn to Our Immigration Lawyers in NYC
Over 30 Years of Experience
Our team of immigration lawyers in NYC has a solid reputation for successfully handling complex cases for over 30 years. We have an in-depth understanding of the ever-changing immigration laws and can confidently navigate intricate cases.
Honesty, Integrity, and Commitment to You
At the heart of everything we do are the values of honesty, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our clients. We believe in building strong, trusting relationships with our clients, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the process.
Results-Oriented and Client-Focused
Each of our immigration lawyers handling a case care about helping the clients themselves achieve positive results. We understand that each case is unique, so we work closely with you to create a personalized strategy that meets your specific needs and goals. We're always available to answer your questions and provide ongoing support.
We Speak Your Language
Our team understands the importance of clear communication, especially when dealing with complex legal matters. That's why we offer legal assistance in English, Spanish, Polish, and Portuguese. We want to ensure that all our clients can communicate with us easily.
Flexible Payment Plans
We understand that immigration conflicts can cause financial difficulties. To help, our NYC immigration attorney offers payment plans to our clients. The goal is to make legal assistance accessible to everyone by providing flexible and personalized payment plans that meet your specific needs.
Your American Dream Awaits! Schedule a Consultation With Our NYC Immigration Attorney
Contact Us Today at John Nicelli & Associates
Need legal help with your immigration case? Our immigration lawyer is here for you. Schedule a consultation today by calling (212) 227-8020 or contacting us online. We offer in-person, phone, and online video conferencing consultations in multiple languages.
Client Success Stories
Mr. Nicelli fought for me continuously and eventually we won. I am now a Lawful Permanent Resident and hope to become a U.S. citizen within the coming years.
Dorota M.
My husband is now a Permanent Resident and our life has finally returned to normal. Thanks to Mr. Nicelli, many of our dreams are now coming true.
Flavia G.
I would never trust another Immigration Lawyer other than Mr. Nicelli. He is extremely honest and only interested in getting results. He's really the best and someone to whom I will be forever grateful.
Malgorzata W.
My original lawyer had no idea how to handle my situation. Mr. Nicelli was just great, and I highly recommend him if you need help in any immigration matter.
Crystal M.
During the last twenty years, I had led a life free of crime. He was able to demonstrate that I did have good moral character despite my past. As a result, my application was approved and I later became a permanent resident of the U.S. Mr. Nicelli literally saved my life.
Weslely L.
The Immigration Judge reopened the case, rescinded the Order of Removal, and allowed me to leave the U.S. Voluntarily in order to attend an Immigrant Visa appointment in Brazil. An I 130 Visa petition and I-601A Visa waiver had also been filed and approved before the court proceedings were reopened. I was married to a U.S. citizen for a number of years previously to contacting Mr. Nicelli. Thanks to Mr. Nicelli I am with my wife and family here in the U.S. safe and free.
Adjustment of Status
Malgorzata W.