Immigration

The Immigration practice at Perkins Coie represents businesses and families seeking advice and assistance with a wide range of immigration issues. Because immigration is based on federal law, our attorneys provide legal services to clients located anywhere in the United States.

Many businesses require immigration advice in an increasingly global economy. A multinational company, for example, may need to relocate workers from abroad to the United States, and U.S. companies may look abroad to find the most qualified workers. Moving people across borders, however, raises highly technical issues involving visas, work authorization and taxes. Complying with immigration requirements can be confusing and time-consuming. The U.S. government's response to the events of September 11, 2001 has added additional complexity and new bureaucratic requirements to this process. In light of these changes, companies need skilled immigration counsel more than ever.

Our attorneys understand the needs of businesses. We help U.S. companies obtain visas for foreign nationals to work in the United States as managers, professionals and other specialized employees. We also assist foreign companies in transferring employees from abroad. We advise businesses regarding compliance with I-9 employment verification rules and assist businesses involved in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Department of Labor audits and investigations. Our attorneys have the experience and in-depth knowledge necessary to navigate the immigration processes of the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, State Department, and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

Among our clients are many manufacturing, software development and biotechnology firms that hire foreign nationals with specialized university degrees. We work with companies and their employees to obtain both temporary work authorization and permanent residency in the United States.

The attorney leading our immigration practice served as vice chair and secretary for the Washington Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has spoken extensively on immigration law topics.