Author Archive Phillip Kim

ByPhillip Kim

4 Tips on How to Find Immigration Lawyer Fresno Green Card Attorney

Even with so many immigration attorneys in Fresno, the chances are that you do not have an attorney in your circle of friends and family members. Thus, hiring an lawyer could be a daunting experience especially under the time pressure of dealing with your legal issues in a timely manner. Considering that the outcome of many legal cases could differ depending on the lawyer you hire, choosing the right attorney is critical.

Here are a few tips on how to choose an immigration attorney.

1) First, ask around and get referrals. Ask your friends, family members, or neighbors whether they know any immigration attorneys. If they do, ask how satisfied they were with their attorneys’ work and how reasonable their legal fees were. The more information you have about the attorney, the easier you get to evaluate the attorney.

2) Second, interview several attorneys in person or on the phone. You do not need to have legal knowledge to understand what the attorney says about your case. In fact, the attorney should be able to explain to you without using much legalese. If you do not understand any of the legal terms the attorney uses, you should ask the attorney to explain the meaning in lay terms. You should be also very comfortable with the attorney you hire because you will frequently have an opportunity to speak with your attorney until your case is resolved. The attorney should be willing to spend enough time explaining your legal issues and answering your questions. After interviewing several attorneys, you will get an idea as to which attorney you feel most comfortable with. Then, trust your judgment or even instinct and go with your gut feelings.

3) Third, ask the attorney questions about his or her practice. Ask how familiar the attorney is with the type of case you have; or whether the attorney has handled cases similar to your case. If he has, ask what the outcomes of those cases were. Is the attorney explaining not only strong but also weak points of your case from a practical standpoint? Ask who will mainly handle your case. Some attorneys assign their work to their legal assistants without much supervision. You need to make sure that your attorney is the one who mainly handles your case and approves the final work product.

4) Fourth, are the attorney fees reasonable? Although there are no strict guidelines as to how much the attorney fees should be, the fees must be reasonable. If you interview several attorneys, you will get an idea as to how much the going rates are for your case in your geographic area. The fees should not be too high or too low, either. The attorney who is willing to take your case for very low fees might not spend much time on your case himself and rely too much on his legal assistants.

Professional Immigration Services in Fresno, California
PhillipKimLaw.com
Call to directly speak with an Immigration Attorney: (559)761-1040

ByPhillip Kim

5 Fast Ways to Get a Green Card in Fresno California Attorney Greencard Lawyer

Here are the 5 FAST Ways to Get a Green Card in Fresno California

1. Through Family Members
2. Through Employment
3. Through Asylum
4. Through Registry
5. Through Cancellation of Removal

First, the most common way of getting a green card is through a family member.
Your spouse, parents, children, and siblings can sponsor you.
Depending on which family member sponsors you, the whole process could take between close to one year and over five years. The status of the sponsoring family member is also a factor- either a US citizen or a permanent resident.

Second, employment is also a common way of getting a green card.
The most difficult part of this particular process could be finding an employer who is willing to sponsor you. Many employers are reluctant to sponsor a foreign worker due to the legal and application costs in combination with the employer’s legal obligation. Thus, as a beneficiary, you need to ensure that your potential employer understands the legal process for sponsorship. There could be also a huge difference in legal fees among attorneys. So, you need to make sure to hire an attorney with reasonable legal fees.

Third, the goverment reports that there have still been a large number of asylum applicants each year. The unique aspect of the asylum process is that the asylum case is heavily based upon the applicant’s personal statement. Supplemental documents of articles and affidavits from witnesses could strengthen the case. The applicant also needs to well prepare for the interview. The attendance of an attorney of the interview is highly recommended.

Fourth, if you can prove that you have been in the United States since 1972 with a few requirements satisfied, you have a very good chance of getting a green card by registry. Your tax and social security would certainly help your case.

Last, cancellation of removal could also be used as a way of getting a green card. Please note that this method should be used as a last resort because deportation proceedings are highly likely to follow if the asylum application is denied.

If you need more information on getting a green card, please contact here.

Attorney Phillip Kim represents his clients from the Central Valley, Southern California, and Northern California including Fresno County, Kings County, Kern County, Stanislaus County, Tulare County, Merced County, San Joaquin Valley County, Los Angeles County, and the San Francisco Bay area with cities such as Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Merced, Tulare, Visalia, Modesto, Stockton, Hanford, Lemoore, San Jose, San Francisco, and San Diego.

ByPhillip Kim

Deportation Defense Lawyer Fresno Immigration Attorney Green Card

If you are not a US citizen, you could get deported under certain circumstances.

What are those circumstances?
Some of the most common grounds for deportation / removal from the U.S. include criminal convictions, status violations, unlawful presence, prohibited employment activity and unlawful entry (illegal immigration). If you are facing the possibility of deportation/removal, call a law firm with the knowledge and experience to defend against removal, arguing effectively on your behalf for:

Cancellation of removal
Adjustment of status
Asylum, Withholding of deportation, Torture under the Geneva Convention
Waivers

Law Offices of Phillip Kim, Inc. specializes in Deportation Defense and Cancellation of Removal.

If you are facing the possibility of deportation / removal, the lawyer you choose is very important. You want an experienced immigration law attorney who will fight for you.

If you or your loved one is in Deportation Proceedings, please contact us at (559) 761-1040.

Attorney Phillip Kim’s clientele has expanded to other states in the United States and to other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Greece, Australia, India, the Philippines, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Yemen, Iran, Egypt, Afghanistan, etc.

Attorney Phillip Kim represents his clients from the Central Valley, Southern California, and Northern California including Fresno County, Kings County, Kern County, Stanislaus County, Tulare County, Merced County, San Joaquin Valley County, Los Angeles County, and the San Francisco Bay area with cities such as Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Merced, Tulare, Visalia, Modesto, Stockton, Hanford, Lemoore, San Jose, San Francisco, and San Diego.

ByPhillip Kim

There are many different ways to obtain a green card. This article summarizes the green card process in a nutshell. If you need more information on a particular way of getting a green card, please click on “sitemap” below.

If you would like to become a lawful permanent resident in the United States, you must file the following items with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services:

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Biographic Data Sheet (Between the ages of 14 and 79)

Medical Examination Sheet (not required if you are applying based on continuous residence since before 1972, or if you have had a medical exam based on a fiancé visa)

Two color photos taken within 30 days (Please see USCIS Form I-485 for more instructions on photos.)

Affidavit of Support (completed by the sponsor). (This requirement may not apply to you if you are adjusting to permanent resident status based on an employment petition.)

In addition:

If you have already been approved for an immigrant petition , you must submit a copy of the approval notice sent to you by the USCIS.

If someone else is or has filed a petition for you that, if approved, will make an immigrant number immediately available to you, you must submit a copy of the completed petition that is being filed for you. Such applications include only immediate relative, special immigrant juvenile or special immigrant military petitions.

If you were admitted into the United States as a fiancé of a U.S. citizen and married that citizen within the required 90 days, you must submit a copy of the fiancé petition approval notice and a copy of your marriage certificate.

If you are an asylee or refugee, you must submit a copy of the letter or Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) that shows the date you were granted asylum or refuge in the United States.

If your parent became a lawful permanent resident after you were born, you must submit evidence that your parent has been or will be granted permanent residence. You must also submit a copy of your birth certificate, and proof of your relationship with your parent.

For more information:
(559) 761-1040

If you would like to hire an attorney for reasonable and affordable fees, please call to speak DIRECTLY with an attorney:

Immigration Law Offices of Phillip Kim, Inc.
www.PhillipKimLaw.com
(559)761-1040

To find out the attorney’s legal FEES, go to:
www.PhillipKimLaw.com and click on “legal FEES”.

Attorney Phillip Kim represents his clients from the Central Valley, Southern California, and Northern California including Fresno County, Kings County, Kern County, Stanislaus County, Tulare County, Merced County, San Joaquin Valley County, Los Angeles County, and the San Francisco Bay area with cities such as Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Merced, Tulare, Visalia, Modesto, Stockton, Hanford, Lemoore, San Jose, San Francisco, and San Diego.

ByPhillip Kim

H-1B Visa Attorney H1 work visa H1B Fresno Immigration Lawyer Green Card Visas Citizenship

H1B UPDATE 07/10/09:

The USCIS reports that it has received approximately 44,900 cap subject H1b applications and approximately 20,000 petitions qualifying for the US Masters degree exemption as of 7-10-09. The USCIS continues to accept applications in both categories.

You may still adjust your status to H-1B.

Immigration attorney in Fresno, CA:
Immigration Lawyer Fresno;
Green Card Attorney Fresno Lawyer;
Citizenship Lawyer Fresno Attorney;
Fiance Visa Lawyer Fresno;
Sponsor Wife Husband Fresno Lawyer;
Deportation Defense Attorney Fresno;
Cancellation of Removal Lawyer Fresno;

Please contact:

Immigration Law Offices of Phillip Kim, Inc.
1320 E. Shaw Avenue, Ste 148
Fresno, CA 93710

Phone:
(559) 761-1040

Affordable Immigration Services by Experienced Attorneys


(click on “legal fees”)

Attorney Phillip Kim represents his clients from the Central Valley, Southern California, and Northern California including Fresno County, Kings County, Kern County, Stanislaus County, Tulare County, Merced County, San Joaquin Valley County, Los Angeles County, and the San Francisco Bay area with cities such as Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Merced, Tulare, Visalia, Modesto, Stockton, Hanford, Lemoore, San Jose, San Francisco, and San Diego.

ByPhillip Kim

Deportation Defense Lawyer Fresno Immigration Attorney Green Card Visa Citizenship Cancellation of Removal Fresno Merced Modesto Notice to Appear

Are you looking for a Deportation Defense Lawyer?
Do you need an Immigration Attorney?
Did you commit a crime?
Are you in a Detention Center?
Did you receive an Immigration hold on your release from jail or prison?

You will be allowed to stay in the US if you meet the requirements below; OR
qualify in other categories.

Pursuant to INA §240A(a), cancellation is available for any LPR who–

1) Has been an LPR for not less than five years; and
2) Has resided in the United States for not less than seven years in any status; and
3) Has not been convicted of an aggravated felony.

Pursuant to INA §240A(b), cancellation is available to a non-permanent resident of the United States in any immigration status who–

1) Has continuously resided in the United States for at least ten years; and
2) Has been a person of good moral character throughout this time; and
3) Is not otherwise subject to criminal bars arising from a conviction of any crime outlined in INA §212(a)(2), §237(a)(2), or §237(a)(3); and
4) Establishes that removal would result in “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship” to the alien’s spouse, parent, or child who is a United States citizen or legal permanent resident.

Please Contact:

Immigration Law Offices of Phillip Kim, Inc.
1320 E. Shaw Avenue, Ste 148
Fresno, CA 93710

Phone:
(559) 761-1040

https://phillipkimlaw.com
(

    click on “legal fees”)

Attorney Phillip Kim represents his clients from the Central Valley, Southern California, and Northern California including Fresno County, Kings County, Kern County, Stanislaus County, Tulare County, Merced County, San Joaquin Valley County, Los Angeles County, and the San Francisco Bay area with cities such as Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Merced, Tulare, Visalia, Modesto, Stockton, Hanford, Lemoore, San Jose, San Francisco, and San Diego.

ByPhillip Kim

How to Apply for H-1 Visas or Change Status to H-1B? Immigration Lawyer Fresno Attorney

Q: Whom can you work for?
H-1B aliens may only work for the petitioning U.S. employer and only in the H-1B activities described in the petition. The petitioning U.S. employer may place the H-1B worker on the worksite of another employer if all applicable rules (e.g., Department of Labor rules) are followed. H-1B aliens may work for more than one U.S. employer, but must have a Form I-129 petition approved by each employer.

Q: How long can you be on H-1B Status?
Under current law, an alien can be in H-1B status for a maximum period of six years at a time. After that time an alien must remain outside the United States for one year before another H-1B petition can be approved. Certain aliens working on Defense Department projects may remain in H-1B status for 10 years. In addition, certain aliens may obtain an extension of H-1B status beyond the 6-year maximum period.

Q: Can you immigrate permanently to the US?
Yes. An H-1B alien can be the beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition, apply for adjustment of status, or take other steps toward Lawful Permanent Resident status without affecting H-1B status. This is known as “dual intent” and has been recognized in the immigration law since passage of the Immigration Act of 1990. During the time that the application for LPR status is pending, an alien may travel on his or her H-1B visa rather than obtaining advance parole or requesting other advance permission from Immigration to return to the U.S.

Q: How can you apply for H-1 Visas or change status to H-1B?
H-1B status requires a sponsoring U.S. employer. The employer must file a labor condition application (LCA) with the Department of Labor attesting to several items, including payment of prevailing wages for the position, and the working conditions offered. The employer must then file the certified LCA with a Form I-129 petition plus accompanying fee of $130. (Prior to FY2004, employers were required to submit an additional $1,000 fee to sponsor the H-1B worker, unless specifically exempt.) Based on the USCIS petition approval, the alien may apply for the H-1B visa, admission, or a change of nonimmigrant status.

If you need legal assistance on H-1 H-1B, please contact us at
(559) 761-1040.
You will be able to DIRECTLY speak with an attorney.

Attorney Phillip Kim represents his clients from the Central Valley, Southern California, and Northern California including Fresno County, Kings County, Kern County, Stanislaus County, Tulare County, Merced County, San Joaquin Valley County, Los Angeles County, and the San Francisco Bay area with cities such as Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Merced, Tulare, Visalia, Modesto, Stockton, Hanford, Lemoore, San Jose, San Francisco, and San Diego.

ByPhillip Kim

H-1 Work Visa H-1B Immigration Lawyer F-1 Change of Status Attorney Fresno

Q: What is an H-1B?
The H-1B is a nonimmigrant classification used by an alien who will be employed temporarily in a specialty occupation or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability.

Q: Is there an annual limit?
The current law limits to 65,000 the number of aliens who may be issued a visa or otherwise provided H-1B status in FY2004. (The numerical limitation was temporarily raised to 195,000 in FY2001, FY2002 and FY2003.)

Q: How can I apply?
H-1B status requires a sponsoring U.S. employer. The employer must file a labor condition application (LCA) with the Department of Labor attesting to several items, including payment of prevailing wages for the position, and the working conditions offered. The employer must then file the certified LCA with a Form I-129 petition plus accompanying fee. (Prior to FY2004, employers were required to submit an additional $1,000 fee to sponsor the H-1B worker, unless specifically exempt.) Based on the USCIS petition approval, the alien may apply for the H-1B visa, admission, or a change of nonimmigrant status.

If you need legal assistance on H-1B H-1 Visas or Change of Status, please contact us at
(559) 761-1040.
You will be able to speak DIRECTLY with an attorney.

ByPhillip Kim

Apply for US Citizenship in Fresno California Citizenship Certificate Attorney Immigration Lawyer Green Card

You may have already become a US citizen without knowing that. In that case, you do not need to apply for citizenship. Instead, you can simply apply for a Citizenship certificate, which could be much simpler and less costly than applying for Citizenship.

Many of my clients come to my office thinking that they have to qualify and apply for citizenship to become a US citizen; but in some cases, they are pleasantly surprised to find out they do not need to apply for citizenship because they already have become a citizen. In that case, all they need to do is to apply for a citizenship certificate.

Here is how you can save time and money by applying for a citizenship certificate.

You may file for a Certificate of Citizenship if you meet any one of the following requirements:

#1: You may file for a certificate of citizenship if all of the following actions occurred before your 18th birthday and prior to February 27, 2001: You regularly resided in the United States after admission as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), and both of your parents, the parent having legal and physical custody of you, or your sole surviving parent naturalized as a U.S. citizen.

#2: If you are the natural born child of a U.S. citizen, you were born outside the United States and you are claiming citizenship by having been born to U.S. citizen parent(s), you automatically become a U.S. citizen at birth if: You were born to two U.S. citizen parents and at least one of your parents had a residence in the United States or one if its outlying possessions. This residence had to have taken place prior to your birth; or You were born to parents, one of whom is an alien and the other a U.S. citizen who, prior to your birth, had been physically present in the United States or one of its outlying possessions for a period or periods totaling not less than five years, at least two of which were after the age of 14 years.

#3: If you are the biological or adopted child of a U.S. citizen, you were born outside the United States, and you are claiming citizenship by action of law, you automatically become a U.S. citizen if: You have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, whether by birth or naturalization; and You regularly reside in the United States in the legal and physical custody of your U.S. citizen parent; and You have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and You have not yet reached your 18th birthday; and You are a biological child, you were legitimate, or you were legitimated while in the legal custody of your legitimating parent(s) prior to reaching your 16th birthday; or You are a biological child born out of wedlock and you have not been legitimated and your mother naturalizes as a U.S. citizen.

#4: If you are now over the age of 18 years but all of the above conditions applied to you before your 18th birthday and you were under the age of 18 on February 27, 2001.

*** Please note that the list above is by no means complete. You may also qualify for citizenship in other circumstances depending on the specific facts of your case.

Immigration Law Offices of Phillip Kim, Inc.
1320 E. Shaw Avenue, Ste 148
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 761-1040

Attorney Phillip Kim represents his clients from the Central Valley, Southern California, and Northern California including Fresno County, Kings County, Kern County, Stanislaus County, Tulare County, Merced County, San Joaquin Valley County, Los Angeles County, and the San Francisco Bay area with cities such as Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Merced, Tulare, Visalia, Modesto, Stockton, Hanford, Lemoore, San Jose, San Francisco, and San Diego.

ByPhillip Kim

Fiance Visa K-1 Visas Green Card Lawyer Fresno Greencard Attorney CA

How to bring your fiance / fiancee to the United States? How to bring your girlfriend / boyfriend to the USA?
How to apply for a K-1 Fiance Visa?

*** If you want to speak DIRECTLY with an immigration lawyer, please call Attorney Phillip Kim now at (559) 761-1040. ***

PhillipKimLaw.com

Immigration Law Offices of Phillip Kim, Inc. is known to charge reasonable and affordable legal fees. The firm’s clients are highly satisfied with their Legal Fees.

To Find Out Legal FEES, go to PhillipKimLaw.com and click on “Legal Fees.”

Immigration Law Offices of Phillip Kim, Inc. is a full-service immigration law firm based in Fresno, California.

The Firm offers immigration solutions to individuals and businesses in the United States and overseas.

The Firm has a successful track record in all aspects of U.S. immigration services, including but not limited to:

A variety of Visas for temporary residence
Green cards for permanent residence
Naturalization/citizenship
Humanitarian relief such as asylum or refugee status
Deportation defense for clients in deportation/removal proceedings

Please call DIRECTLY speak with an attorney at (559)761-1040.
PhillipKimLaw.com

Attorney Phillip Kim represents his clients from the Central Valley, Southern California, and Northern California including Fresno County, Kings County, Kern County, Stanislaus County, Tulare County, Merced County, San Joaquin Valley County, Los Angeles County, and the San Francisco Bay area with cities such as Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Merced, Tulare, Visalia, Modesto, Stockton, Hanford, Lemoore, San Jose, San Francisco, and San Diego.