The Best Immigration Attorneys in UVM, Vermont
Top 3 immigration attorneys in UVM, Vermont. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
Jared H. Carter
Carter & Greenfield, PLC
Jared Carter is a highly respected immigration attorney with extensive experience serving the UVM community and international students. He specializes in complex immigration cases including employment-based visas for academic professionals, student visa matters, and family-based petitions. With over 15 years of practice, he has built a strong reputation for successful deportation defense cases and asylum applications. Carter is known for his personalized approach to client representation and maintains excellent standing with the Vermont Bar Association. His firm has successfully handled numerous cases for UVM faculty, researchers, and international students.
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Jonathan T. Rose
Rose Immigration Law Firm
Jonathan Rose focuses exclusively on immigration law and has developed a strong practice serving the Burlington area and UVM community. He has particular expertise in employment-based immigration, including H-1B visas for university professionals, O-1 extraordinary ability visas, and EB-1/EB-2 petitions for researchers and professors. Rose is recognized for his strategic approach to complex immigration matters and maintains a high success rate in adjustment of status cases. Clients consistently praise his responsiveness and thorough understanding of academic immigration needs. He regularly works with UVM's international scholars and foreign national employees.
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Michael J. DiRisio
DiRisio Law Group
Michael DiRisio brings nearly two decades of immigration law experience to his Burlington practice, with a focus on family-based cases and humanitarian immigration. He has successfully represented numerous UVM international students in OPT/CPT matters and status adjustments. DiRisio is particularly skilled in removal defense cases and has achieved favorable outcomes in complex asylum proceedings. His firm is known for handling sensitive VAWA cases and U visa applications with discretion and expertise. With strong bar standing and multiple successful federal court appeals, DiRisio provides comprehensive immigration services to the UVM community and broader Vermont population.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in UVM, Vermont
As a UVM student on an F-1 visa, what are my options for staying in Vermont to work after graduation?
As a UVM student, you have several pathways to remain in Vermont post-graduation. The most common is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows for 12 months of work authorization directly related to your major. For STEM degree holders, a 24-month extension may be available. For longer-term stays, you may need employer sponsorship for an H-1B visa, though the annual cap is competitive. An experienced Burlington immigration attorney can help you navigate these options and assess eligibility for other visas or potential pathways to permanent residency.
What immigration legal services are available for UVM faculty and researchers from other countries?
UVM faculty and researchers often utilize the O-1 visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, or the J-1 visa for research scholars and professors, though the latter may be subject to a two-year home residency requirement. The H-1B is also common for specialty occupations. The University of Vermont's Office of International Education provides initial support, but for complex cases like waiver applications for J-1 requirements or preparing a strong O-1 petition, consulting with a local Vermont immigration lawyer who understands academic and research institutions is highly advisable.
How can an immigration attorney in Burlington help with family-based petitions for someone living in Vermont?
A Burlington-based immigration attorney can assist Vermont residents with the entire family-based petition process, from filing initial forms (like I-130) to adjustment of status or consular processing. They are crucial for navigating potential complications such as demonstrating sufficient financial support (I-864 affidavit) for sponsors in Vermont, which has its own cost-of-living considerations, or addressing issues like prior immigration violations. Their local knowledge includes coordinating with the USCIS field office in St. Albans, Vermont, for interviews and understanding regional processing times.
Are there any unique immigration resources or considerations for asylum seekers in the Burlington, VT area?
Yes, Vermont has a supportive network for asylum seekers. The Vermont Immigration and Asylum Advocates (VIAA) and the Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV) in Burlington provide crucial resources and referrals. An immigration attorney in this region can help prepare and file the I-589 application, gather evidence specific to your claim, and represent you before the Boston Immigration Court, which has jurisdiction over Vermont cases. Given the current backlog, securing legal representation early is critical to navigating the complex asylum process successfully in this region.
What should I look for when choosing an immigration lawyer to handle my case in Chittenden County, VT?
When selecting an immigration attorney in Chittenden County, prioritize those with specific experience in your visa category or issue (e.g., employment, family, asylum). Verify they are in good standing with the Vermont Bar Association. It's beneficial to choose a lawyer or firm with a physical presence in Burlington who is familiar with local resources, community organizations, and the specific procedural nuances of the St. Albans USCIS office. Many offer initial consultations to discuss your case specifics, fees, and their strategy, which is highly recommended before making a decision.
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About UVM, Vermont
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