The Best Immigration Attorneys in University Park, Pennsylvania
Top 3 immigration attorneys in University Park, 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
Lance T. Marshall
Marshall & Marshall Law Offices
Lance Marshall is a highly respected immigration attorney with over two decades of experience serving the University Park and Central Pennsylvania region. His practice specifically focuses on serving Penn State University students, faculty, and staff with employment-based visas, OPT/CPT applications, and academic professional immigration matters. With exceptional client satisfaction ratings and numerous successful cases for international students and researchers, he maintains an excellent standing with the Pennsylvania Bar Association. His expertise extends to complex family-based petitions and removal defense cases, with a reputation for personalized attention and high success rates in challenging immigration matters.
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Craig S. Shagin
The Shagin Law Group
Craig Shagin is a nationally recognized immigration attorney with extensive experience serving clients throughout Pennsylvania, including the University Park area. As a former immigration prosecutor and current adjunct professor, he brings exceptional depth to complex immigration cases. His firm handles significant employment-based immigration for academic professionals, researchers, and university staff, with particular expertise in EB-1 and O-1 visas for exceptional scholars. With an outstanding track record in federal immigration courts and appellate practice, he maintains the highest peer ratings and has successfully represented clients in precedent-setting cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
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Matthew R. Arch
Arch & Associates, P.C.
Matthew Arch leads a well-established immigration practice located minutes from Penn State's University Park campus, providing comprehensive immigration services to the academic community and local residents. His firm has extensive experience with F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visitor programs, and H-1B specialty occupation visas for university professionals. With strong client satisfaction ratings and a focus on clear communication, his practice has successfully handled hundreds of family-based petitions, naturalization applications, and employment-based cases. He maintains excellent standing with the American Immigration Lawyers Association and is known for his responsive approach to client needs in complex immigration proceedings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in University Park, Pennsylvania
What types of immigration cases are most common for attorneys in University Park, PA, to handle?
In University Park, immigration attorneys frequently handle cases related to student visas (F-1, J-1), employment-based visas for researchers and professors (H-1B, O-1), and family-based petitions. Given the presence of Penn State University, a significant portion of practice involves helping international students, scholars, and faculty with status maintenance, Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM extensions. Attorneys here are also experienced with adjustment of status for those transitioning from student or work visas to permanent residency.
How can an immigration attorney in University Park assist with a student visa (F-1) application or renewal?
A local immigration attorney can guide you through the entire F-1 visa process, from initial application at a U.S. consulate abroad to maintaining status at Penn State. They help prepare documentation, advise on demonstrating non-immigrant intent, and assist with complex issues like visa denials or reinstatement if status is violated. For renewals or changes, they can also provide crucial advice on transitioning to OPT or other visa categories, ensuring compliance with both USCIS regulations and Penn State's International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA) office requirements.
Are there specific immigration resources or support at Penn State that local attorneys work with?
Yes, immigration attorneys in University Park often collaborate with Penn State's International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA) office. While ISSA provides general advising on immigration compliance for the university community, a private attorney offers personalized legal representation for complex cases, petitions, or appeals. Attorneys are familiar with the specific forms and procedures used by Penn State for visa sponsorship (like I-20 or DS-2019 issuance) and can provide targeted legal strategies that complement the university's support services.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration lawyer in Centre County, PA?
When selecting an immigration attorney in Centre County, look for specific experience with academic and employment-based immigration, given the local economy's ties to Penn State and related research industries. Verify their credentials, such as membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and check for familiarity with the USCIS Philadelphia Field Office, which has jurisdiction over Pennsylvania. It's also beneficial to choose a lawyer who understands the unique timelines of the academic calendar and can provide accessible in-person or virtual consultations in the State College area.
Can a University Park immigration attorney help with employment-based green cards for researchers or professors?
Absolutely. Immigration attorneys in University Park are well-versed in employment-based green card categories like EB-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-1B (outstanding professor/researcher), and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver), which are highly relevant to Penn State's academic and research staff. They assist in preparing extensive petition packages, including evidence of publications, awards, and letters of recommendation, and navigate the labor certification process (PERM) if required. Their local expertise includes understanding how to frame an applicant's work to highlight its significance to Pennsylvania and national interests.
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About University Park, Pennsylvania
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