Every immigration journey is different, and every path through the U.S. immigration system comes with its own goals, requirements, and challenges. Whether you are reuniting with family, building a career, hiring international talent, seeking a green card, or pursuing U.S. citizenship, the decisions you make can have lasting consequences. At Ligris, our immigration attorneys provide clear, practical guidance to individuals, families, professionals, and employers at every stage of the process.
Build a Clear Path Forward
U.S. immigration law is complex, time-sensitive, and constantly evolving. Petitions and applications may involve U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Department of State, U.S. consulates, or immigration courts, each with its own rules, documentation requirements, and deadlines. We begin by understanding your circumstances and long-term goals, then help identify the immigration options that may be available and build a strategy around the path that makes sense for you.
Careful preparation matters. We help clients prepare thorough filings, respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and other government inquiries, and address potential issues before they create unnecessary delays or jeopardize an application.
Keep Families Connected
Family-based immigration can determine where spouses, children, parents, and other family members are able to build their lives. We advise U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents on family-based petitions, marriage-based green card matters, adjustment of status, consular processing, and related applications. When inadmissibility or unlawful presence creates an obstacle, we also advise on available waivers, including I-601 and I-601A hardship waivers, where appropriate.
We understand that these cases are about more than immigration status. They are about families, stability, and the ability to plan for the future. Our role is to make the process understandable, explain the risks and requirements clearly, and help you move forward with confidence.
Move Careers and Businesses Forward
Immigration is also critical to employers and professionals building careers in the United States. We advise on employment-based visas and sponsorship matters, visa extensions and changes of status, and related immigration documentation and compliance. For employers, we help navigate sponsorship obligations and immigration requirements while keeping business needs and timing in focus.
Whether you are an employer seeking international talent or a professional pursuing an opportunity in the United States, we focus on practical strategies that support both immediate needs and longer-term goals.
Take the Next Step Toward Permanent Residence and Citizenship
Lawful permanent residence and U.S. citizenship are major milestones. We assist clients with green card applications, adjustment of status, consular processing, and naturalization and citizenship filings. We also help clients understand how earlier immigration decisions may affect eligibility and timing so they can prepare for the next stage before filing.
Our Immigration Law practice advises on:
- Family-based immigration petitions
- Marriage-based green cards and family sponsorship
- Adjustment of status and lawful permanent residence (green card) applications
- Consular processing
- Employment-based visas and employer sponsorship
- Visa extensions and changes of status
- Naturalization and U.S. citizenship
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and other government inquiries
- Hardship waivers, including I-601 and I-601A matters
- Employer immigration compliance and related documentation
- Complex immigration and administrative matters
Why Ligris for Immigration Law?
Immigration decisions often affect far more than legal status. They can determine where you live, where you work, whether your family can remain together, and how a business recruits and retains talent. At Ligris, we take the time to understand what is at stake and provide responsive, strategic counsel tailored to the individual, family, professional, or business behind the case.
Our immigration team brings extensive experience in U.S. immigration and administrative law, including representation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Experience with both administrative proceedings and federal litigation helps us approach complex immigration matters with careful preparation, sound judgment, and a focus on practical outcomes.
When immigration matters intersect with business ownership, employment, family concerns, real estate, or other legal needs, our attorneys can collaborate with colleagues across the firm to provide practical, coordinated guidance.
FAQs
What does an immigration lawyer do?
An immigration lawyer helps individuals, families, professionals, and employers understand and navigate U.S. immigration law. Depending on the matter, an attorney may evaluate eligibility, recommend an immigration strategy, prepare petitions and applications, respond to government requests, address complications, and advocate for a client before immigration authorities or a court.
When should I speak with an immigration attorney?
It is often helpful to speak with an immigration attorney before filing an application or making a decision that could affect your immigration status. Early advice can help identify available options, uncover potential issues, and reduce the risk of avoidable delays or mistakes.
What is the difference between a visa and a green card?
A visa generally allows a person to seek entry to the United States for a particular temporary or immigrant purpose, depending on the visa category. A green card grants lawful permanent resident status, allowing an individual to live and work permanently in the United States, subject to applicable immigration laws.
Can you help with a family-based or marriage-based green card?
Yes. We advise clients on family-based immigration petitions, marriage-based green card matters, adjustment of status, consular processing, and related documentation. We help clients understand the process, prepare the required filings, and address issues that may arise along the way.
Can you help employers sponsor foreign workers?
Yes. We advise employers and professionals on employment-based immigration and sponsorship matters, including visa petitions, extensions or changes of status, and related immigration compliance and documentation. The appropriate strategy depends on the position, the individual’s background and immigration history, timing, and the employer’s goals.
What is adjustment of status?
Adjustment of status is the process through which certain eligible individuals who are already in the United States apply to become lawful permanent residents without completing the immigrant visa process at a U.S. consulate abroad. Eligibility depends on the individual’s immigration history, the basis for permanent residence, and other legal requirements.
What happens if USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE)?
A Request for Evidence means USCIS needs additional information or documentation before it can decide an application or petition. We help clients evaluate what USCIS is requesting, assemble a complete and timely response, and address the legal or factual issues raised in the notice.
What is consular processing?
Consular processing is the process used by many people outside the United States, and some applicants who must complete their case abroad, to apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate. The process typically involves multiple government agencies, documentation requirements, and an interview.
Can you help with an I-601 or I-601A hardship waiver?
Yes. In certain cases, a person who is otherwise inadmissible may be able to request a waiver. I-601 and I-601A matters can require detailed evidence showing how denial would affect a qualifying relative. We help clients evaluate whether a waiver may be available and, when appropriate, build a thorough, evidence-based application.
How long does the U.S. immigration process take?
Processing times vary widely depending on the type of petition or application, the government agency involved, the facts of the case, and current agency workloads. We help clients understand the likely sequence of the process and provide guidance as the matter progresses.