Working with Altius
Do I have to come to your office, or can we meet remotely?
Either. We are based in Washington, DC and meet clients at the office by appointment, and we work with clients across all 50 states and overseas by video consultation. Most of an immigration case is handled remotely — documents, filings and correspondence — so where you live does not limit how well we can represent you.
Which languages do you work in?
English, Portuguese, French and Spanish. You can have your consultation, and work through your case, in whichever of those you are most comfortable with.
Do you work with clients outside Washington, DC, including outside the United States?
Yes. U.S. immigration law is federal, not state law, so we represent clients in all 50 states. We also work with clients who are still living abroad and applying to come to the United States — that is a large part of what we do.
What types of immigration cases do you handle?
Family-based petitions, including fiancé, spouse, parent and child visas; employment-based green cards, including EB-1, EB-2, the National Interest Waiver and EB-3; temporary work visas, including H-1B, L-1, O-1 and P-1; E-2 treaty investor visas; adjustment of status; and citizenship and naturalization.
Do you handle visas for athletes, coaches and performers?
Yes, and it is an area we know particularly well. We regularly work on O-1 and P-1 visas for athletes, coaches, artists and entertainers. Our founder, André Matias, is an immigration attorney and an Olympian — the firm's name comes from the Latin word in the Olympic motto.
Do you work with entrepreneurs and investors?
Yes. The E-2 treaty investor visa lets nationals of treaty countries live and work in the United States on the basis of an investment in a business here. Whether it fits depends on your nationality, the business, and the size and nature of the investment.
How do I get started?
Book an initial consultation. There is no obligation beyond that conversation, and you will leave it knowing which options realistically apply to you.
What happens in an initial consultation?
We go through your situation, explain the routes that are actually open to you, and tell you honestly which ones are not. You will get a clear picture of what the process involves, roughly how long it takes, and what it would cost — before you commit to anything.
How much does it cost to hire an immigration lawyer?
There are two separate costs in almost every immigration matter, and they go to different places. Government filing fees are paid to USCIS or the Department of State, are set by the government, and are the same for everyone — no lawyer can reduce them. Attorney fees are for the legal work: assessing your case, preparing the petition, and dealing with the government on your behalf. What the total comes to depends on the type of case, which is why we give you a specific figure at your consultation rather than a range on a web page.
My application was denied, or I received a Request for Evidence. Can you help?
Yes, and a denial is not always the end of the matter. Depending on why it happened, the options may include responding to the request for evidence, appealing, filing a motion to reopen or reconsider, or refiling. The first step is understanding exactly what went wrong, which is not always what the notice appears to say.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration in the United States
General Immigration Questions
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that grants a foreigner the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It is the first step towards American citizenship.
Who is eligible for a Green Card?
Eligibility for a green card varies according to the category. Family members of US citizens, family members of permanent residents, people with specific skills, through employment (EB), refugees, and asylees have different paths to obtaining a Green Card.
What is the Family Sponsorship Process for a Green Card?
Family Sponsorship is one of the ways to obtain a Green Card in the United States. This involves a family member who is already an American citizen or green card holder applying for a green card for a foreign relative.
What documents are needed to apply for an employment-based green card?
The documentation required may vary depending on the basis of the green card. However, documents such as proof of employment, qualification certificates, and financial proof are usually required. Altius can guide you in preparing and organizing these documents.
What happens if my green card application is denied?
If your application is denied, you will have the opportunity to appeal. Altius can help you understand why it was denied and outline the next steps, which could include appealing the denial.
Is it possible to maintain permanent residence in the United States and live abroad?
Yes, it is possible, but there are strict rules about how long you can spend outside the United States without losing your permanent resident status. Your Altius immigration lawyer can provide guidance on how to comply with these rules.
What are the benefits of obtaining citizenship after getting a Green Card?
Obtaining American citizenship offers many benefits, such as the right to vote and the possibility of sponsoring other family members to obtain green cards. We will discuss with you the advantages of seeking citizenship after obtaining a Green Card.
How does Altius keep my data and information safe during the immigration process?
The security of your data is our priority. We ensure that all information provided is kept confidential and secure, strictly complying with US privacy and data security laws.
How long does it take to get a green card for a family member?
Processing times vary depending on the relationship and immigration status of the family member. Some processes can be faster than others. Our team can provide a time estimate based on your specific situation.
How can I check the status of my Green Card application?
You can check the status of your petition online through USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) using the receipt number. Altius Law can help you with this.
Green Card Application Process
How to apply for a Green Card?
The process of applying for a green card can be complex and requires filling out certain forms, collecting documents, and interacting with various government agencies. That's where Altius comes in, providing expert assistance.
How long does it take to get a green card?
The processing time varies according to the category and the individual situation. It can take months or even years. It's important to be patient and prepared for the time needed.
Can I work in the US while my green card is pending?
Once you have received your Employment Authorization, you can work in the USA while you wait for the decision on your Green Card application.
Altius Services
How can Altius help with my immigration process?
Altius offers comprehensive immigration services, from initial consultations to the preparation of petitions, visa interview assistance and much more. Our experienced team is ready to take care of every detail of your process.
What are the costs associated with obtaining a Green Card?
The costs vary according to the category of green card. In addition to government fees, there are expenses for legal services. At Altius, we provide cost transparency and offer affordable solutions.