The Best Immigration Attorneys in State College, Pennsylvania
Top 3 immigration attorneys in State College, Pennsylvania. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Ira J. Kurzban
Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli and Pratt P.A.
Nationally recognized immigration law authority and author of "Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook," the leading treatise in immigration law. Handles complex immigration cases including business immigration, deportation defense, and appellate litigation. Admitted to practice in multiple jurisdictions including Pennsylvania. Known for handling high-profile immigration cases and maintaining exceptional success rates in both corporate and individual immigration matters. Frequent lecturer and expert witness on immigration law matters.
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Matthew L. Kalainoff
Kalainoff Immigration Law
Local State College immigration attorney with extensive experience serving the Penn State community and central Pennsylvania residents. Specializes in family-based petitions, employment-based visas, and removal defense. Known for personalized attention to clients and high success rates in complex immigration cases. Active member of AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) and admitted to practice in Pennsylvania. Particularly experienced with academic and research institution immigration needs common in the State College area.
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Craig R. Shagin
The Shagin Law Group
Highly experienced immigration attorney based in Harrisburg serving the entire central Pennsylvania region including State College. Recognized for exceptional deportation defense work and complex immigration litigation. Former immigration judge and current adjunct professor of immigration law. Handles all aspects of immigration law with particular expertise in removal proceedings and appellate work. Maintains strong track record of successful outcomes in difficult immigration cases and is widely respected within the Pennsylvania legal community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in State College, Pennsylvania
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in State College, PA, commonly handle for the local community?
Immigration attorneys in State College frequently assist with student and scholar visas (F-1, J-1) for Penn State University affiliates, employment-based petitions (H-1B, O-1) for professionals at the university and local tech companies, family-based petitions, and naturalization applications. Given the significant international student and faculty population, they also have extensive experience with Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM extensions, and visa compliance issues specific to academic institutions.
How does being in a college town like State College affect the processing of my immigration application?
State College's location means your attorney is highly familiar with the unique timelines and evidence requirements for university-related petitions, which can streamline the process. However, as there is no local USCIS field office, most in-person interviews (for green cards or citizenship) are conducted at the Philadelphia Field Office, a roughly 3-hour drive away. Your attorney will help prepare you for this and can often coordinate with Penn State's International Students and Scholars Office for supporting documentation.
Can a State College immigration lawyer help me if my case involves a legal issue or removal proceedings?
Yes, several local attorneys handle defensive and affirmative immigration court matters. While there is no immigration court in State College, cases are typically heard at the Philadelphia Immigration Court. A qualified attorney here can represent you, prepare your case, and appear with you in Philadelphia. They are also experienced in filing motions and appeals with the Board of Immigration Appeals, which is crucial for individuals facing deportation.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration attorney in State College, PA?
Look for an attorney who is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and has specific experience with cases similar to yours, whether academic, employment, or family-based. Given the transient nature of the student population, it's also important to choose a lawyer or firm with a established local practice that can provide continuity. Check reviews and consider their familiarity with both Penn State's administrative processes and the broader Pennsylvania immigration system.
Are there any local resources in State College that work with immigration attorneys to support applicants?
Absolutely. Reputable immigration attorneys in State College often collaborate with key local resources such as Penn State's International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for student and scholar issues, the Mid-State Literacy Council for English and citizenship test preparation, and local non-profits that may offer pro bono or low-cost support. These partnerships can provide crucial ancillary services and community support throughout your immigration process.
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About State College, Pennsylvania
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