Seattle’s vibrant economy and diverse community make it a hub for immigrants seeking opportunities. With nearly 1 in 5 Seattle residents born abroad and the metro area adding tens of thousands of new international residents each year, navigating U.S. immigration law can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a green card, work visa, citizenship, or facing deportation, an immigration lawyer in Seattle can provide crucial guidance. Immigration law involves federal regulations, changing policies, and lengthy paperwork, so a knowledgeable attorney helps avoid errors and delays. Seattle’s attorneys offer expertise on family-based petitions, employment visas, waivers, asylum, and more. Many top firms have decades of experience and free or affordable consultation options. In this guide, we rank the 15 best immigration lawyers in Seattle (Washington state, USA), highlighting their specialties, experience, and client focus. Each profile includes key practice areas and why they stand out.
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Choosing the right attorney depends on factors like experience, track record, practice areas, and client reviews. For example, many Seattle lawyers handle specific issues: green cards for spouses and families, work permits for tech workers, investor (E-2/EB-5) visas, asylum cases, DACA applications, and citizenship. Some specialize in deportation defense or waivers. Look for lawyers who are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and who speak your language. Check Seattle immigration attorney reviews on Google, Avvo, or Yelp to gauge reputation. Many top firms offer a free consultation (or low-cost first meeting) so you can discuss your case and fees. For instance, one firm charges about $150 for a one-hour consult, while others waive fees for initial advice. Also consider affordable immigration lawyers in Seattle: some boutique firms pride themselves on reasonable flat fees or payment plans.
Demographic trends show Seattle’s need for immigration expertise: nearly 19.3% of Seattle residents are foreign-born, and recent data indicate the metro gained almost 64,000 residents from international migration in a single year. This immigration-driven growth underscores why many families and businesses in Seattle seek legal help. Organizations like the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) and local bar associations (e.g. Latino Bar Association of WA) also provide legal workshops and referrals. Still, for personal cases (green cards, visas, deportation defense), hiring one of Seattle’s experienced immigration attorneys is often the best strategy for success.
How to Choose the Best Seattle Immigration Lawyer
When selecting an immigration lawyer in Seattle, consider the following:
- Expertise & Experience: Look for attorneys who focus exclusively on immigration law. Firms like Gibbs Houston Pauw and Soreff Weinrich have attorneys with decades of combined experience. In particular, founders with 20+ years (Gibbs Pauw’s Robert Gibbs has practiced since 1997; Paul Soreff has 35+ years) bring deep knowledge of U.S. immigration regulations. An experienced lawyer understands evolving policies and common pitfalls immigration lawyer seattle
- Practice Areas: Match your needs. Some lawyers focus on family-based immigration (spouse/relative visas, green cards) or humanitarian cases (asylum, U visas), while others handle employment/business visas (H-1B, L-1, investor visas). For example, Maria Hajar’s firm covers a broad range including family petitions, visas, green cards, and naturalization. ERM Immigration Law emphasizes both family-based and employment immigration with affordable service. If you need a specific service (like a work permit or green card), choose a lawyer who highlights that area. Many Seattle attorneys list “green cards” and “visas” prominently in their profiles immigration lawyer seattle
- Reputation & Reviews: Check reviews and ratings. Many Seattle immigration lawyers appear on Avvo, Google, or legal directories. Top firms often have 4.5–5.0 star ratings. For instance, Erin Cipolla and Rosché Law are both rated 5.0 on Google. Read client feedback: satisfied clients often praise clear communication and successful outcomes. Also verify credentials – AILA membership or specialty certifications indicate commitment to the field immigration lawyer seattle
- Language & Cultural Fit: Seattle’s international community includes many non-English speakers. Firms like Chamberlain & Sanchez (Seattle/Bellingham) offer services in multiple languages and are known for DACA and family cases. If you prefer a lawyer who shares your cultural background or language, research their profile. Many attorneys list languages spoken on their websites.
- Affordability & Consultations: Legal fees can vary. Ask about flat fees vs hourly rates, and whether an initial consultation is free. Some lawyers advertise “free 30-minute consult” or “low $150 consult fee”. Firms like ERM Immigration Law emphasize “affordable rates” in their reviews. In your first meeting, get a clear fee quote and refund policy immigration lawyer seattle
- Accessibility: Location and communication matter. Seattle law firms are often downtown near King County or Tacoma immigration courts. Virtual consultations are common too. Ensure the firm is easy to reach by phone/email and commits to keeping you updated.
Doing this homework up front will help you find the best immigration lawyer Seattle for your case – one who is experienced, top-rated, and fits your budget and needs immigration lawyer seattle
Top 15 Immigration Lawyers in Seattle (2025)
Below are Seattle’s top 15 immigration law firms and attorneys, selected for their experience, client focus, and reviews. (The list includes attorneys serving Seattle and nearby areas, including Bellevue. The names are not paid endorsements.) Each profile highlights key practice areas and unique strengths immigration lawyer seattle
1. Law Office of Maria Hajar (Bellevue/Seattle)
Maria Hajar’s boutique firm in Bellevue (Seattle metro) offers personalized immigration services for individuals and businesses. The practice handles a wide range of cases including family-sponsored green cards, employment-based visas, E-2/EB-5 investor visas, visas for entrepreneurs, and naturalization. Maria Hajar herself is an immigrant and member of AILA, giving her personal insight into clients’ experiences. Clients describe her as responsive and thorough immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Family-based immigration, non-immigrant work and investor visas, green cards and citizenship, asylum and waivers.
- Why hire them: Maria Hajar’s firm “helps individuals and businesses in Seattle resolve immigration and corporate issues” with an immigrant’s understanding. She emphasizes clear communication and has expertise in both business and family immigration.
2. ERM Immigration Law, PLLC (Seattle)
Emily Reber-Mariniello (Founder) – ERM Immigration Law is a Seattle-based firm focusing on family and employment immigration. They assist clients nationwide in family petitions, spouse or fiancé visas, as well as employer-sponsored visas (H-1B, L-1, EB visas). The founder and team aim to combine big-firm results with “personal care, quality, affordability, and accessibility”. ERM prides itself on affordable rates and personalized service, making it a top choice for budget-conscious clients.
- Key Services: Marriage and family green cards, K-1 fiancé visas, adjustment of status, employment visas (temporary and permanent), visa renewals, and naturalization.
- Why hire them: ERM Immigration Law is noted for “personalized service” and “affordable rates” in Seattle. They have handled diverse cases from asylum to EB-2/EB-5 and emphasize clear guidance and creative solutions for clients immigration lawyer seattle
3. Gibbs Houston Pauw (Seattle)
Robert H. Gibbs, Matthew (Matt) Hou; Founding Partner: With offices in downtown Seattle, Gibbs Houston Pauw is a well-established immigration firm (founded 1994) serving individuals, families, and businesses. Together its attorneys have over 100 years of collective experience. The firm focuses solely on immigration law and is known for comprehensive advocacy on visas, green cards, and deportation defense. They assist with family-based petitions, employment and investor visas, citizenship, asylum, and compliance matters. The founding partners are active in AILA and community outreach.
- Key Services: Family-based and employment-based immigration, work and investor visas, citizenship/naturalization, and deportation (removal) defense.
- Why hire them: Gibbs Houston Pauw brings deep experience to Seattle cases – their attorneys have handled thousands of petitions over decades. They’re equipped for complex cases, including I-9 compliance and class-action immigration issues, and emphasize keeping clients informed through every step immigration lawyer seattle
4. Higuera & VanDerhoef PLLC (Seattle)
Marie Higuera, Peter VanDerhoef: This Seattle firm specializes in language-accessible immigration services. They guide clients through family petitions, waivers, and removal defense, with an emphasis on overcoming barriers like language or past issues. The partners have 30+ years combined experience. Clients praise them for handling sensitive cases (like asylum, DACA, green card waivers) and “keeping clients informed” throughout the process immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Family-based immigration (adjustments, consular processing), asylum and humanitarian relief, removal defense, DACA work, waivers (I-601, I-212), and citizenship.
- Why hire them: Higuera & VanDerhoef are known for compassion and diligence. They especially assist clients facing deportation or needing asylum, and they tailor their approach to families from diverse backgrounds. Clients note the firm’s expertise in filings like immigration waivers and obtaining green cards despite challenges immigration lawyer seattle
5. The Law Office of Elisa Ford, PLLC (Seattle)
Elisa Ford (Principal Attorney): Elisa Ford’s Seattle practice is focused on family and humanitarian immigration cases. She handles adjustment of status, removal of conditions, waivers, and consular processing. Ford also represents clients in deportation defense (non-criminal) and advocates for vulnerable populations. She’s an AILA member and even volunteers with women’s shelters. Clients appreciate her thoughtful guidance on sensitive cases immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Family-based green cards, fiancé visas, waiver petitions, asylum and humanitarian cases, and citizenship applications.
- Why hire them: With over 20 years of legal experience, Elisa Ford provides personalized attention to family and humanitarian cases. Her track record on complex filings and client testimonials reflects a high level of care; for instance, she consistently earns 5-star Avvo and Google ratings.
6. Watson Immigration Law (Seattle)
Tahmina Watson (Principal): Watson Immigration Law serves both individuals and businesses in Seattle. The firm handles a comprehensive range of immigration services, including employment-based visas (H-1B, L-1, TN), family-sponsored visas, and investor visas. They also assist with naturalization, asylum claims, and non-immigrant visas. Watson (with over 15 years experience) led the Washington Women Lawyers organization, demonstrating community leadership immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Business and employment visas, investor visas, family visa petitions, naturalization, asylum, and non-immigrant work visas.
- Why hire them: As a boutique firm, Watson Immigration Law is known for attention to both corporate and personal clients. They emphasize strategic advice on work and investor visas, while also covering the full spectrum of family immigration needs immigration lawyer seattle
7. Rosché Immigration Law PLLC (Seattle)
Danielle Rosché (Attorney): Rosché Immigration Law in Seattle offers full-service immigration representation, including remote clients worldwide. Attorney Rosché focuses on family-based cases (spouses, fiancés), naturalization, and DACA. She is experienced with humanitarian relief (asylum, refugee, U visas) and even complex writs (mandamus, habeas) for stalled cases. Notably, Rosché often provides free consultations for low-income families and is active in advocating for reform in D.C.
- Key Services: Family-based immigration (green cards, K-1 visas), citizenship/naturalization, asylum and refugee petitions, DACA renewal, and other humanitarian visas.
- Why hire them: Danielle Rosché’s personalized approach and willingness to serve underserved communities set her apart. She maintains high satisfaction (5.0 Google, Yelp) and offers payment plans or pro bono work for qualified clients immigration lawyer seattle
8. Stratton Immigration (Seattle)
James Stratton (Founder): Stratton Immigration is a Seattle law office dedicated to individual and family immigration. James Stratton has 10+ years of experience helping clients navigate deportation risks, visa applications, and citizenship. The firm notably guides clients through complex processes to become citizens or stay legally in the U.S., offering advice at every step immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Family-based petitions, removal defense, citizenship/naturalization, and visa applications.
- Why hire them: Founding attorney Stratton is praised for “navigating the ever-changing immigration policies” and for helping families avoid deportation with expert advice. The firm’s focus on individual attention has earned it a solid reputation in Seattle (4.4 Google, 5.0 Facebook).
9. Millar & Hayes, P.C. (Seattle)
Duncan Millar (Founder): Millar & Hayes is a Seattle-based firm specializing in business and family immigration. With decades of experience, their attorneys handle investor and employment-based green cards, marriage petitions, and business visas. They also assist refugees, crime/victim visas (U visa), and waivers. The firm provides citizenship and naturalization services, as well as detailed guidance on maintaining lawful status immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Family-based green cards, EB-5 investor visas, marriage visas, naturalization, asylum and U visas, and green card renewals.
- Why hire them: With a “decades of experience” track record, Millar & Hayes offers comprehensive services. Clients highlight their skill in “business immigration and green cards,” and their strong ratings (5.0 Avvo, 4.6 Google) reflect trustworthy, knowledgeable representation.
10. Chamberlain Sanchez Immigration Law PLLC (Seattle & Bellingham)
Diana F. Chamberlain (Principal): Chamberlain Sanchez has offices in Seattle and Bellingham, serving family immigration needs across the state. Their practice focuses on family petitions and permanent residency applications, including marriage green cards. They also handle DACA (Dreamers) issues, asylum applications, and removal defense for clients facing deportation. Diana Chamberlain has practiced since 2006 and is known for community involvement and pro bono work immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Family-based immigration (adjustment of status, marriage visas), DACA renewal, asylum claims, and deportation defense.
- Why hire them: Clients choose Chamberlain Sanchez for their expertise in family unity cases. As one review notes, the firm “guides family members in applying for permanent residence” and also offers assistance with DACA and asylum. They have earned top ratings (5.0 Avvo/Google), reflecting strong results for family immigration immigration lawyer seattle
11. Soreff Weinrich Law (Seattle)
Paul Soreff, Ann Weinrich: Soreff Weinrich is a Seattle immigration firm with over 35 years of experience. They handle a broad spectrum of cases: family and employment immigration, citizenship/naturalization, DACA cases, and waiver applications. They also cover compliance issues like I-9 audits and workplace matters. Founder Paul Soreff is a long-time AILA member (35+ years) and together the team brings decades of local insight.
- Key Services: Family and employment visas, green cards, citizenship, DACA cases, and immigration compliance (I-9/workplace waivers).
- Why hire them: With one of the longest tenures in Seattle, Soreff Weinrich combines seasoned experience with personalized service. Paul Soreff’s 35+ years of practice mean the firm has seen virtually every type of case. They’re a go-to for clients needing comprehensive immigration support.
12. Stelmakh & Associates LLC (Seattle)
Katya Stelmakh (Founder) and Kimberly Mcgurn: Stelmakh & Associates has been serving Seattle businesses and families for 15+ years. They specialize in business immigration and investment visas, as well as family-based cases. The firm helps clients secure employment visas (H-1B, L-1, TN), investment visas (EB-5, E-2, EB-5), and family green cards. They also assist with waivers and naturalization. Founder Katya Stelmakh previously headed a multinational firm’s U.S. immigration practice immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Business and investor immigration (EB-2/EB-5, L visas), employer-sponsored visas, family-based immigration, and visa renewals.
- Why hire them: Stelmakh & Associates combines international perspective with local service. Clients benefit from the firm’s strong history in investment and corporate immigration. The firm’s high ratings (4.8 Google/Avvo) reflect their success in securing visas and green cards for both businesses and families immigration lawyer seattle
13. Choquette Law Group (Seattle)
Paul Choquette (Principal): With over 25 years of practice, Choquette Law Group is an experienced Seattle firm for general immigration issues. They focus on family petitions and citizenship. The firm helps spouses and relatives apply for green cards, and assists clients with fiancé K-1 visas. As needed, they also file for naturalization to obtain U.S. citizenship. Paul Choquette has 33 years of legal experience and guides clients through personal aspects of the immigration journey immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Family-based green cards, K-1 fiancé visas, U.S. citizenship (naturalization), and family visa renewals.
- Why hire them: Choquette Law Group is highly rated (5.0 Yelp). In their words, they “help clients obtain legal status as a U.S. citizen and documents such as green cards”. For family immigration matters (marriages, fiancés) and citizenship applications, Choquette’s long experience and supportive approach are major assets immigration lawyer seattle
14. Erin Cipolla Immigration Law (Seattle)
Erin Cipolla (Principal): Erin Cipolla’s Seattle practice emphasizes keeping families together. She assists individuals and families with all stages of immigration: obtaining visas, green cards, and citizenship. She also handles asylum, U visas (crime survivors), and consular processing cases. A former human rights advocate, Cipolla brings compassion to sensitive cases and ensures clients fully understand their options. She is a member of AILA and active in immigrant rights immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Family-based visas and green cards, citizenship/naturalization, as well as asylum and humanitarian visas immigration lawyer seattle
- Why hire them: Clients commend Erin Cipolla for her dedication to family unity. She “helps clients secure visas, green cards, or U.S. citizenship” for their loved ones. With a 5.0 Google rating and 16 years of practice, her firm is a top choice for comprehensive family immigration and refugee cases immigration lawyer seattle
15. Metz Law Group PLLC (Seattle)
Matthew Metz (Founder): Metz Law Group has been serving Seattle since 1991. The firm offers full-service immigration law for individuals, families, and businesses. Their services cover family-based petitions, asylum and removal defense, consular processing, waivers, and non-immigrant visas. They also conduct legal research (FOIA) and handle citizenship applications. The team’s experience includes humanitarian and criminal history cases. Matthew Metz has 30+ years practice, making this one of Seattle’s most seasoned firms immigration lawyer seattle
- Key Services: Family petitions (green cards), asylum and withholding of removal, visa applications (immigrant and non-immigrant), citizenship/naturalization, and waivers.
- Why hire them: Metz Law Group’s longevity (est. 1991) and broad scope of services make it a standout. According to their profile, they “handle a wide range of immigration cases” from family to asylum. Clients benefit from their comprehensive approach and the fact that both the founder and associates are AILA members immigration lawyer seattle
Each of these Seattle immigration attorneys is top-rated in their niche, with proven track records and strong client testimonials. Choosing among them depends on your specific needs (family vs. business, asylum vs. employment, etc.) and budget. All these firms prioritize communication and often offer initial consultations to discuss your case. Many Seattle attorneys also provide multilingual services and flat-fee arrangements, so be sure to inquire about fees during your first meeting immigration lawyer seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can an immigration lawyer in Seattle help me?
A: A Seattle immigration lawyer understands U.S. immigration laws and local procedures. They can guide you through green card applications, work or student visas, citizenship/naturalization, deportation defense, and more. For example, an attorney will ensure forms (like I-130, I-485) are correctly filed, help you prepare for interviews, and advise on qualifying issues. Whether you need a Seattle immigration lawyer for green card or a visa extension, they provide tailored legal strategies and represent you before USCIS or courts. They also keep up with policy changes (e.g. DACA rules, public charge regulations) so your case uses the latest information immigration lawyer seattle
Q: How do I find a top rated immigration lawyer in Seattle?
A: Look for attorneys with high ratings and many positive reviews on Google, Avvo, Yelp, and legal directories. Check that they are licensed in Washington and ideally members of AILA. Ask for referrals from friends or community groups. You can start by consulting reputable legal sites (like Seattle Bar Association listings) and comparing credentials. During the initial consultation, ask about success rates in cases like yours. A “top-rated” lawyer will also have clear communication and be willing to discuss fees and timelines upfront. Many Seattle lawyers publish client testimonials on their websites, and some cases may even appear in news (like local press coverage of visa wins) immigration lawyer seattle
Q: How much do Seattle immigration attorneys charge? Are consultations free?
A: Fees vary by firm and case complexity. Many attorneys charge a flat fee for standard cases (e.g., marriage green card, naturalization) and hourly rates for complicated or court cases. In Seattle, a one-hour consultation might cost around $100–$200, though some attorneys offer a free initial consult to evaluate your case. For example, Law Office of Maria Hajar charges $150 for 1 hour, while others advertise free 30-min sessions. Always clarify fees before hiring. Don’t be afraid to compare quotes. Also, some firms offer payment plans or reduced fees for financial hardship. Non-profits (NWIRP, etc.) provide free legal advice to qualifying low-income clients, but private attorneys usually charge immigration lawyer seattle
Q: Can a Seattle immigration lawyer help me get a work permit or visa?
A: Absolutely. Immigration attorneys specialize in securing work authorization for clients. Whether you need an H-1B (professional), H-2A (agricultural), TN (North American), L-1 (intra-company transfer), or other employment-based visas, a Seattle lawyer will prepare the petition, gather employer documentation, and handle USCIS filings. If you already have status, they can extend it or adjust to a green card. They can also assist with E-2 visas for investors or O-1 visas for extraordinary ability. In Seattle’s tech and investment-driven market, many lawyers (e.g. Gibbs Houston Pauw, Stelmakh & Assoc.) focus on employment and investor visas immigration lawyer seattle
Q: Where can I get free or low-cost immigration help in Seattle?
A: Besides private attorneys, there are resources for lower-income immigrants. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) in Seattle provides free legal clinics and representation for vulnerable clients, especially refugees and victims of violence. Local law schools may offer clinics under supervision. Community organizations (e.g., Latino Community Fund, International Rescue Committee) often host legal aid workshops. You can also find referrals through the Washington AILA chapter or the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA). These alternatives are helpful for basic guidance, but for full representation (especially in court), a licensed attorney is advisable immigration lawyer seattle
Q: What is the difference between an immigration lawyer and an immigration consultant?
A: An immigration lawyer is a licensed attorney who can provide legal advice and representation in all immigration matters, including court proceedings. A consultant (non-lawyer) has much more limited authority and cannot represent you in immigration court or give comprehensive legal advice. In Washington state, only attorneys (or accredited representatives from non-profits) should handle your immigration case. Hiring a lawyer ensures you have someone accountable under bar regulations, with the education and license to protect your rights immigration lawyer seattle
Q: Do Seattle immigration attorneys speak other languages?
A: Many Seattle immigration lawyers serve multilingual communities. Firms often list languages spoken on their websites (Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc.).immigration lawyer seattle For example, Gibbs Houston Pauw and Chamberlain Sanchez have bilingual staff. If you need help in your native language, ask during your initial meeting. Clear communication is crucial in immigration cases, so reputable Seattle firms accommodate clients from around the world immigration lawyer seattle
We encourage readers to compare these attorneys and select the one who best fits their case. If you’ve worked with any of these Seattle immigration lawyers, feel free to share your experience in the comments. This guide is meant to help you navigate your options; sharing it can also assist friends and family in similar situations immigration lawyer seattle
In conclusion, hiring a qualified immigration lawyer in Seattle can make a significant difference in your case. Whether you need help with a green card, work permit, visa, or citizenship, these top-rated Seattle attorneys offer the expertise and support you need. They understand Washington’s process and will work to protect your future. If you’re unsure where to start, many of the above firms offer free consultations—take advantage of that opportunity and get professional advice as soon as possible. Don’t delay on your immigration journey; secure a reliable Seattle immigration attorney today!
Sources: Information is compiled from expert attorney directories and news sites, including Expertise.com listings of Seattle immigration lawyers, local data on Seattle’s immigrant population, and the SME Business Review profile of ERM Immigration Law. For additional legal assistance, see resources like the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and the official USCIS website immigration lawyer seattle
