How A Turkish Immigration Law Firm In USA Can Help

The American dream remains a powerful motivator for Turkish entrepreneurs, professionals, and families seeking new opportunities, growth, and security. However, the path to achieving this dream is paved with complex legal hurdles. The United States immigration system is a notoriously intricate maze of codes, forms, and policies that can be overwhelming for even the most determined individuals, making guidance from a specialized Turkish Immigration Law Firm in USA essential.

For Turkish citizens, understanding the nuances of treaty agreements, specific visa criteria, and cultural contexts is critical. This is precisely where a specialized Turkish Immigration Law Firm in USA becomes your most valuable asset. This guide will explore the primary immigration pathways available to Turkish nationals, from temporary investor and work visas to permanent residency and complex defensive proceedings, illustrating how expert legal counsel can pave your way to success.

Navigating Investor Visas: E-1 and E-2 Options for Turkish Citizens

For Turkish entrepreneurs and businesses, the Treaty Trader (E-1) and Treaty Investor (E-2) visas represent one of the most accessible and popular routes to the United States. Thanks to the commerce and navigation treaty between Turkey and the US, Turkish citizens are eligible for these powerful visas.

• E-1 Treaty Trader Visa: This visa is designed for individuals or companies that engage in “substantial trade” in goods or services, with over 50% of that trade occurring between the United States and Turkey. This is an excellent option for established Turkish businesses looking to create a US footprint for their import/export operations.
• E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: The E-2 visa is perhaps the most sought-after option for Turkish entrepreneurs. It allows an individual to enter and work in the US based on a “substantial investment” in a new or existing American business.

While there is no fixed minimum dollar amount, the investment must be sufficient to establish a viable, “bona fide” enterprise. It cannot be a marginal operation set up solely to support the applicant. A crucial tip for E-2 success is preparing an immaculate business plan that details a 5-year forecast, job creation, and the “at-risk” nature of your investment. A Turkish Immigration Law Firm in USA will have deep experience in preparing E-2 packages specifically for review at the US consulates in Ankara and Istanbul, ensuring your application clearly demonstrates its merits.

Securing Talent: Key Employment Visas (H-1B, H-2B, L-1, O-1)

Beyond investment, the US offers several temporary (non-immigrant) visas to attract global talent. A Turkish Immigration Law Firm in USA can help both employers and employees navigate these complex processes.

• O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability): This visa is for individuals who have demonstrated “extraordinary ability” in fields like sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. This is a high-bar visa, requiring evidence of national or international acclaim, such as major awards, publications, or command of a high salary.
• L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee): L-1 visa allows a US company to transfer an executive, manager, or employee with specialized knowledge from one of its affiliated foreign offices (e.g., from an Istanbul office to a New York branch).
• H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations): This popular visa is for professionals in fields that typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher, such as IT, finance, and engineering. It is subject to an annual lottery due to high demand.
• H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers): This visa allows US employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary, non-agricultural jobs, often in industries like hospitality, landscaping, or construction, based on seasonal or peak-load needs.

Path to Permanent Residency: Employment-Based Green Cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-5)

For those seeking to make the United States their permanent home, employment-based (EB) Green Cards offer several paths.

• EB-1 (Extraordinary Ability): This is the immigrant version of the O-1, offering a direct path to permanent residency for those at the absolute top of their field. It also includes categories for outstanding professors/researchers and multinational executives/managers.
• EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): This is a powerful Green Card option for professionals with advanced degrees or “exceptional ability.” Its key advantage is that it allows for self-petitioning—you do not need a US employer to sponsor you. You must prove, however, that your work is in the “national interest” of the United States. This is a popular route for Turkish doctors, engineers, and scientists.
• EB-3 (Skilled Workers): This Green Card category is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. This path typically requires a permanent job offer and a PERM labor certification from a US employer, which proves there are no available US workers for the position.
• EB-5 (Immigrant Investor Program): For high-net-worth individuals, the EB-5 program offers a direct path to a Green Card for the investor and their family. It requires a significant capital investment (currently $800,000 or $1.05 million, depending on the area) into a US commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers.

The Green Card process, especially EB-5, is one of the most document-intensive in US immigration. A Turkish Immigration Law Firm in USA with expertise in finance and immigration law is essential to navigate this complex process, protecting both your investment and your family’s future in America.

Defense and Advocacy: Asylum and Immigration Court Proceedings

Immigration law isn’t just about business and employment; it’s also about protection and defense. A comprehensive Turkish Immigration Law Firm in USA also handles the most difficult and sensitive immigration matters.

• Asylum: Individuals who are in the United States and fear persecution in their home country (due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group) may apply for asylum. This is a complex humanitarian-based claim that requires extensive evidence and compelling testimony.
• Immigration Court (Removal Proceedings): If an individual violates their visa status, has an application denied, or is otherwise found to be in the US unlawfully, they may be placed in removal (deportation) proceedings. This is an adversarial legal process where you must defend your right to remain in the US before an immigration judge.

In these high-stakes situations, having culturally fluent legal representation is not a luxury—it is a necessity. A Turkish-speaking attorney can ensure you understand every step of your defense and that your story is told accurately and persuasively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Bridge to the United States

The journey from Turkey to the United States is filled with immense opportunity, but the legal pathway is defined by its complexity. Whether you are an entrepreneur launching an E-2 business, a professional seeking an O-1 visa, a high-net-worth individual considering an EB-5 investment, or an individual facing the fear of immigration court, every route demands precision, strategy, and expertise. A Turkish Immigration Law Firm in USA is more than just a legal service; it is your strategic partner, cultural translator, and dedicated advocate. Don’t leave your American dream to chance or try to navigate this complex system alone.

If you are a Turkish entrepreneur, professional, or family looking to build a future in the US, contact us for a consultation.

Your Trusted Legal Partner

At Onal Gallant, we guide clients through their legal matters in the United States. Our team focuses on immigration, corporate law, U.S. investments, intellectual property law, and real estate, offering fluent services in English, Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, and Russian.