The Best Immigration Attorneys in Ontario, New York
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Ontario, New York. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Scott M. Plette
Plette & Associates, PLLC
Scott Plette is a highly regarded immigration attorney with over two decades of experience, focusing primarily on business and employment-based immigration. His firm serves clients throughout the Rochester metropolitan area, including Ontario. With an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and numerous 5-star reviews, Plette has built a reputation for successful H-1B, L-1, EB-1, and PERM applications. Clients consistently praise his responsiveness, deep knowledge of complex immigration matters, and high approval rates for both corporate and individual cases.
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Jeffrey W. DeLott
True Law Firm
Jeffrey DeLott leads the immigration practice at True Law Firm, serving the Greater Rochester region including Ontario. With extensive experience in both family-based and humanitarian immigration cases, he has successfully handled numerous asylum applications, removal defense cases, and family petitions. His firm maintains a strong track record with USCIS and immigration courts, with clients frequently noting his compassionate approach and strategic case management. DeLott is recognized for his expertise in complex removal proceedings and has successfully represented clients from diverse backgrounds.
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Immigration Law Team
Boylan Code LLP
Boylan Code's immigration law team serves businesses and individuals throughout Western New York, including Ontario. With decades of collective experience, the team specializes in corporate immigration matters including H-1B, L-1, TN, and E-2 visas, as well as permanent residence applications. The firm has established strong relationships with regional employers and maintains high success rates for employment-based petitions. Clients appreciate the team's comprehensive approach, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex immigration regulations for both corporate and individual clients.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Ontario, New York
What are the most common types of immigration cases handled by attorneys in Ontario, NY?
In Ontario, NY, immigration attorneys frequently handle cases related to family-based petitions (for spouses, children, and parents), employment-based visas for professionals at local employers like Finger Lakes Health or the Canandaigua VA Medical Center, and humanitarian cases such as asylum and U-Visas. Given the area's agricultural presence, H-2A temporary agricultural worker petitions are also common. Additionally, attorneys assist with naturalization applications for residents in Wayne and Ontario counties, and defense against removal proceedings initiated by the Buffalo Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over this region.
How does being near the Canadian border in Ontario, NY affect immigration cases?
Proximity to the Canadian border significantly impacts immigration matters in Ontario, NY. Attorneys often advise on issues related to border crossings, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspections at the nearby Port of Rochester or other Western New York ports of entry, and applications for Canadian visas or status. It also affects cases involving inadmissibility due to prior border encounters or expedited removal. Furthermore, attorneys may assist with applications like Advance Parole or I-192 waivers for clients who need to travel to Canada but have past immigration violations.
What local resources or courts in Western New York are important for immigration cases from Ontario, NY?
Key local resources include the Buffalo Immigration Court, where removal proceedings are held, and the USCIS field office in Buffalo for interviews. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also conducts some biometrics appointments at its Application Support Center in Rochester. Immigration attorneys in Ontario, NY are familiar with these venues and often coordinate with community organizations like the Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services or the Justice for Immigrants Coalition in Rochester to support clients with integration and legal aid.
Are there specific immigration challenges for agricultural workers in the Ontario, NY area?
Yes, the agricultural sector in Wayne and Ontario counties presents specific challenges. Workers often come on H-2A visas, and attorneys help employers with the rigorous certification process from the New York State Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Labor. Challenges include ensuring proper wages, housing inspections, and defending workers' rights. Attorneys also assist workers in transitioning to other statuses, addressing visa violations, or pursuing permanent residency through employment-based or other avenues, which can be complex given the seasonal nature of the work.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration attorney in Ontario, NY?
When selecting an immigration attorney in Ontario, NY, look for specific experience with cases similar to yours, whether family-based, employment-based, or defense in the Buffalo Immigration Court. Verify they are in good standing with the New York State Bar Association and, ideally, are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Given the local context, choose an attorney familiar with the USCIS Buffalo field office procedures and the agricultural landscape if relevant. Also, consider their ability to communicate in your language and their connections to local immigrant support networks in the Finger Lakes region.
Navigating Marriage Immigration in Ontario, NY: Why a Local Lawyer Matters
For couples in Ontario, New York, where one partner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and the other is not, navigating the path to a green card through marriage is a journey filled with both hope and complex legal procedures. While Ontario itself is a welcoming community in Wayne County, the immigration process is governed by federal law, making the guidance of a specialized marriage immigration lawyer invaluable. This isn't just about filling out forms; it's about building a compelling case that proves the authenticity of your relationship to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A lawyer who understands both the national framework and the local context of Upstate New York can be your greatest asset.
A marriage-based green card application typically involves multiple stages, including filing a petition, applying for adjustment of status, and attending an interview at a USCIS field office. For residents of Ontario, NY, the nearest USCIS field office is in Buffalo, which is where your interview will likely be scheduled. An experienced marriage immigration lawyer familiar with the officers and procedures at the Buffalo office can provide crucial, localized preparation. They can help you anticipate the types of questions asked and ensure you and your spouse are ready to confidently demonstrate the genuine nature of your marriage, from shared financial accounts to photos of your life together in the Finger Lakes region.
One of the most critical roles a lawyer plays is in proactively addressing potential complications. If either spouse has a prior immigration history, such as overstaying a visa, or if there is a significant age difference or short courtship, USCIS may scrutinize the application more closely. A skilled attorney will help you assemble robust evidence—like joint leases from the Ontario area, utility bills, affidavits from local friends, and records of shared memberships—to create a strong, cohesive narrative. They also ensure all forms, such as the I-130 Petition and I-485 Application, are completed flawlessly to avoid requests for evidence (RFEs) or delays that can stretch the process from months into years.
When searching for a marriage immigration lawyer in or serving Ontario, NY, look for an attorney with a proven track record in family-based immigration. Schedule consultations to discuss your specific situation. A good lawyer will explain the process clearly, outline their fees, and make you feel supported. Remember, this legal partnership is about more than paperwork; it's about securing your future together in the community you call home. With the right professional guidance, you can navigate this complex system with greater confidence, turning the focus back to building your married life in Ontario.
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