Immigration Law in Pembroke Pines, Florida

Andrew Cargill handles family-based petitions, naturalization, residency and green card matters, and visa applications for clients in Pembroke Pines and across South Florida. Handling immigration matters in South Florida since 2006.

What Andrew Handles

Family-Based Petitions

Family-based petitions are the largest part of the firm’s immigration practice. The most common matter is a husband-wife petition — a US citizen or lawful permanent resident filing on behalf of a spouse. The firm also handles parent-child petitions, sibling petitions, and other qualifying family relationships. Andrew evaluates eligibility, prepares the petition, gathers the supporting evidence, and represents the client through USCIS processing.

Naturalization (US Citizenship)

Andrew handles naturalization matters for lawful permanent residents who are eligible to apply for US citizenship. This includes evaluating eligibility, preparing the N-400 application, gathering supporting documentation, and representing the client at the naturalization interview. Andrew also handles naturalization matters for clients whose prior residency status needs to be addressed first — including matters that require multiple years to resolve before the citizenship application can move forward.

Residency and Green Card Matters

The firm handles adjustment of status (Form I-485) for applicants already in the United States, consular processing for applicants outside the United States, and a range of related residency matters — conditional residency, removal of conditions, and the work and travel authorization that goes alongside an adjustment application.

Student and Travel Visas

Andrew handles student visa matters and travel-related visa applications. This includes the initial application, status maintenance issues, and transitions between visa categories where appropriate.

Employment-Based Matters

The firm handles employment-based immigration matters for both employers and individual applicants where the matter fits the firm’s practice scope.

What the Process Looks Like

Every immigration matter starts with an honest evaluation of eligibility. The most expensive mistake in immigration is filing an application that should not have been filed — either because eligibility is not established, or because the filing creates a record that complicates a future application.

At the initial consultation, Andrew reviews:

• The applicant’s current immigration status
• The history of any prior applications, denials, or status issues
• The eligibility requirements for the specific benefit being sought
• The realistic timeline based on current USCIS processing data
• The documentation that will need to be gathered
• The fee structure for the firm’s representation

If the matter moves forward, the firm prepares and files the application, responds to USCIS requests for evidence, and represents the client at any interviews.

Factors That Affect Cost

Immigration fees vary depending on the matter:

• Standard filings — naturalization applications, family-based petitions, residency and green card filings, visa applications — are typically handled on a flat fee.
• Complex residency and green card matters that span multiple filings or extended timelines may be handled on an hourly or phased basis.
• USCIS filing fees are separate from attorney fees and are paid directly to USCIS.

The fee structure for your specific matter is discussed at the consultation and included in the written retainer agreement before any work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the citizenship (naturalization) process take?

USCIS processing times for naturalization (Form N-400) vary by service center and have fluctuated meaningfully over recent years — anywhere from 8 months to more than 24 months from filing to oath ceremony. Andrew gives an honest current-timeline estimate at the consultation based on the latest USCIS processing data.

Who is eligible to file a family-based petition?

US citizens and lawful permanent residents can file family-based petitions on behalf of certain qualifying relatives — spouses, children, parents (for citizens), and certain siblings (for citizens). Different categories have different waiting periods, depending on the relationship and the home country of the beneficiary. Andrew evaluates eligibility at the initial consultation.

What happens if my green card application is denied?

It depends on the basis of the denial. Some denials can be challenged through a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider. Some are appealable to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). Some require addressing the underlying issue and refiling. Andrew evaluates the denial notice and explains the realistic options.

How long does the green card / adjustment-of-status process take?

USCIS processing times for adjustment of status (Form I-485) vary by service center and by the underlying petition category. Family-based adjustments often take a year or more, sometimes longer for categories with backlog. Andrew gives an honest current-timeline estimate at the consultation based on the latest USCIS data and the applicant’s specific category.

Can I work in the US while my immigration application is pending?

It depends on the type of application and the applicant’s current status. Adjustment of status applicants are typically eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while the application is pending. Different visa categories have different rules. Andrew explains the work-authorization options at the consultation.

Do I need an attorney for an immigration matter?

USCIS forms can be filed without an attorney, and many people do. The risk is that mistakes on immigration forms can have permanent consequences — including denial that affects future applications, accidental misrepresentation under penalty of perjury, and adverse impact on a family member’s eligibility. For matters that involve the applicant’s long-term ability to live and work in the US, the cost of representation is typically modest relative to what is at stake.

Schedule a Consultation

Immigration matters often have hard deadlines and stakes that affect a family for years. Andrew offers initial consultations to discuss your situation and the realistic options available.

The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.