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Immigrants are the engine of change
HARWOOD LAW FIRM
Where Trust is Placed
We offer a diverse portfolio of immigration programs, meticulously designed to support your family in building a safe and prosperous new life in USA — with the dedicated assistance of our team of immigration experts
Why us
About us
Unlocking The Golden Door Through Investment in The U.S.
HARWOOD Lawfirm is a global, immigration-focused law firm that helps clients from all over the world set up new and exciting businesses in the United States and procure the necessary visas to move to America to run and operate those businesses. To date, we have helped hundreds of families move to the United StatesOur team operates globally to provide the local support that our clients need to prosper in their new home.
Our services
Our team combines expertise with creativity to transform outdoor spaces into breathtaking landscapes that enhance the beauty of any property.
Investor Visas
The U.S. has dedicated visa types for foreign investors who seek to own businesses that create jobs for the domestic workforce.
The EB-5 Green Card is not limited by treaty. Upon the investment of $800,000 or $1.05 million (depending on geography) in a U.S. business that creates 10 jobs for U.S. workers, the immigrant investor may qualify for permanent residency. Most immigrant investors leverage licensed Regional Centers which serve to aggregate multiple investments and create jobs through economic modelling, as opposed to direct hires. A through source-of-funds analysis is required for this highly complex, nuanced visa. Moreover, unlike most visa types, the EB-5 investor is subject to conditional residency. After 21 months of LPR status, h/she may remove the conditions on the EB-5 Green Card upon a showing that the promised jobs were created and the U.S. business and investment were sustained. Matthew Galati is widely recognized by the EB-5 industry for his significant experience. He has been named a “Top 25 EB-5 Immigration Attorney” by EB-5 Investors Magazine, the industry’s most well-regarded publication
The E-2 Nonimmigrant Investor Visa
The E-2 visa is offered to investors where a qualifying treaty is in place between the U.S. and that individual’s country of nationality (i.e. the investor must hold the passport of the country that has the treaty). Upon opening a U.S. business and making a substantial investment that is destined to create jobs for more than just the investor and his/her family, an investor may apply for an E-2 visa at a consulate abroad, bypassing USCIS. While the E-2 visa at present does not, in and of itself, offer a path to a Green Card, there is no limit to the number of times it can be renewed. The maximum duration for an E-2 visa is 60 months, although this will vary from country to country. For individuals where no treaty exists, there may exist a path for the E-2 visa through citizenship by investment in the Grenada or Turkey visa programs. Upon awarding of a new nationality, these investors can then apply for an E-2 visa, provided that all other requirements are met.
Work Visas
Many companies require an international workforce to succeed in today’s economy. Our firm regularly works with employers to acquire immigration benefits for their foreign talent.
The Intracompany Transferee Visas
The intracompany transferee visas allow for U.S. companies to transfer qualified workers from abroad. In order to qualify, the individual must have been employed for at least one year in the preceding three for a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of the U.S. company. This visa type allows for U.S. companies to acquire talented managers or executives from abroad, as well as those possessing the specialized knowledge forged from sister foreign organizations.
Specialty Occupations
Professional workers in a specialty occupation may work in the U.S. under the H-1B visa for a bona fide employer, provided that certain requirements are met. Most private employers however are subject to an annual quota (the “H-1B Cap”) which is determined by lottery each March-April. The H-1B visa is the “go-to” visa for most American companies as there is no foreign employment or ownership required, as is the case with L and E-1/E-2 visas.
Permanent Sponsorship
Generally speaking, an employer that wants to sponsor a foreign worker permanently must undergo a complicated labor market test whereby it must be certified that there is no minimally qualified available U.S. worker for the subject position. This process requires advertising and recruitment steps, as well as a bona fide attempt to interview prospective workers for the subject petition.
Family Visas
One of the most rewarding parts of practicing immigration law is to assist U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents sponsor their family members who may be separated due to differing immigration status.
Spouses and Children
Both U.S. citizens and LPRs have the right to sponsor their spouses for residency. Depending on the circumstances, this process is handled domestically or abroad at a consulate. In the case of married couples, an in-person interview is required. We regularly assist families in procuring a visa, prepping for interviews, and handling follow-up applications where needed.
Parents and Siblings
U.S. citizens may also sponsor their parents and siblings. By law, there is never a quota backlog for parents, although the sibling wait times can be quite long. We assist families through this process, including in preparation for interviews at consulates abroad.
Fiance/ees
U.S. citizens may also sponsor their Fiance/ees residing abroad, granting them the ability to enter the U.S. for a marriage ceremony. This pathway then allows for adjustment of status, enabling one to receive a Green Card thereafter.
Best and Brightest
The U.S. immigration system allows for visa types for individuals who are standouts in their field.
O-1
The O-1 visa is a temporary visa that requires sponsorship by a U.S. employer or U.S. based agent. It is available for an initial period of up to three years, with an unlimited number of one-year extensions or new petitions available thereafter. O-1 visas are available to individuals who have extraordinary ability in business, athletics, or the sciences (O-1A) or are recognized as distinguished in the arts (O-1B). The visa classification also allows for accompanying essential personnel (O-2). Individuals can qualify for the O-1 visa by winning a major internationally recognized award in their fields, such as a Grammy. However, the vast majority of applicants are awarded O-1 visas after proving that they meet at least three regulatory criteria serving as evidence of their success in their respective fields.
EB-1A Green Card
The EB-1A Visa is often discussed in the media as the “Genius Green Card.” Its requirements are substantially similar to the O-1 visa, however in practice the threshold is higher to attain. Unlike the O-1 visa, individuals can self-sponsor, even if residing abroad. Many individuals first get an O-1 visa before transitioning to its permanent analogue.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver Green Card
Generally, most employment based Green Card categories require employer sponsorship and the testing of the U.S. labor market. Certain individuals can, however, obtain a waiver of this requirement where their immigration is in the “national interest.” In order to qualify for this visa, an applicant must have a Master’s Degree (or its equivalent, e.g. a Bachelor’s and five years of progressive experience) or show “exceptional ability.” Further, the applicant must show that the intended work in the U.S. is of substantial merit and national importance, as well as that the s/he is well positioned to advance that work. On balance, the U.S. government must in its discretion agree that it is more beneficial to grant the Green Card as opposed to require a labor market certification.
Our Core Value
We are committed to continuous innovation and growth, building a solid foundation to deliver comprehensive immigration and investment services—empowering thousands of clients to realize their dream of global residency.
MORE INFORMATION?
One of our core principles is responsiveness. All communications are generally addressed within 24 hours from existing clients, if not immediately. As part of our service we always set out clear timelines, so that you will know how and when your immigration needs will be met.
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FAQ
United States residence by investment program frequently asked questions
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