Business Details
14 Years
experience
Expert US Immigration Lawyers in London
Chavin Immigration Law Office is a specialist US immigration and visa practice based in London, offering tailored legal solutions for business and personal transitions to the United States. With over two decades of experience in immigration law, the firm combines expertise in complex visa applications, citizenship processes, and compliance strategies. Our founder, Melissa Chavin, brings blue-chip legal training from top-tier international firms to deliver meticulous, client-focused services.We serve multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and families, addressing challenges ranging from employment-based visas to renunciation of US citizenship. Our commitment to ethical practice, attention to detail, and deep understanding of US immigration policy have established us as a trusted advisor for clients navigating intricate legal landscapes. We prioritise transparency, maintaining small caseloads to ensure dedicated support for each client's unique circumstances.
Services
US Visa Applications
Citizenship Processes
Family Immigration
Work Permits
Investor Visas
Renunciation Services
Visa Delays
Inadmissibility Waivers
Consular Processing
EB-5 Visas
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialist US immigration experience.
- Our team combines Magic Circle law firm expertise with personal service.
- We maintain small caseloads for dedicated client attention.
- Our lawyers hold leadership roles in AILA's EMEA chapter.
- We provide forensic analysis of financial documents for investor visas.
Associations and certifications
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- New York State Bar Association
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Texas Bar Association
What people say
Professional and straightforward
Deep legal knowledge
Genuine care for clients
Excellent communication
Successful visa outcomes
Services
US Visa Applications
We specialise in all categories of US visa applications including B1/B2 visitor visas, E-2 investor visas, and H-1B work permits. Our service includes document preparation, compliance checks, and interview preparation for both temporary and permanent residency pathways. Clients benefit from our extensive experience in overcoming visa ineligibility issues related to prior immigration history.
Citizenship Processes
Our citizenship services cover naturalization applications, renunciation of US citizenship, and acquisition of citizenship through parents. We provide detailed guidance on eligibility requirements, documentation preparation, and interview processes. Special expertise exists in handling complex cases involving prior immigration violations or dual citizenship considerations.
Family Immigration
We handle marriage-based immigration, fianc(e) visas, and family-sponsored preference categories. Our support includes preparing Affidavits of Support (I-864), documenting relationships, and navigating consular processing. We offer strategic advice on overcoming inadmissibility issues in family-based cases.
Investor Visas
Our investor visa services focus on E-2 Treaty Investor and EB-5 Immigrant Investor programs. We provide financial document analysis, business plan preparation, and compliance strategies to demonstrate investment legitimacy. Clients receive tailored guidance on job creation requirements and regional center options.
Visa Delays
We resolve prolonged visa processing delays through diplomatic engagement and administrative remedies. Our expertise includes addressing ESTA denials, overcoming inadmissibility grounds, and navigating special circumstances like prior criminal cautions. We provide strategic interventions to expedite stalled applications.
People
Melissa Chavin
Managing Attorney
US immigration attorney with 20+ years' experience, formerly at Akin Gump and Clifford Chance. Specialises in complex visa cases, investor immigration, and citizenship matters. Holds leadership roles in AILA's EMEA chapter and speaks regularly on immigration ethics.
Steven D. Heller
Of Counsel
Recognised US immigration expert with 25+ years' experience including USCIS service. Specialises in visa inadmissibility waivers and consular processing. Chair of AILA's national Department of State Liaison Committee, with expertise in challenging immigration cases.
Questions
Can I visit the US after a criminal caution?
We provide confidential advice on visa eligibility following criminal cautions, drink driving incidents, or other law enforcement encounters, helping you understand ESTA eligibility and visa requirements.
How do I maintain permanent residence while abroad?
We offer strategic guidance to green card holders planning extended overseas stays, advising on re-entry permits, residency maintenance, and avoiding unintended abandonment of status.
What are the requirements for E-2 investor visas?
We explain E-2 visa requirements including substantial investment, treaty country nationality, and business operational criteria, providing comprehensive support for application preparation and submission.
How does the visa renunciation process work?
We guide clients through US citizenship renunciation procedures, including embassy appointments, tax implications, and future US travel requirements as a foreign national.
Can you help with visa inadmissibility issues?
We specialise in overcoming visa inadmissibility grounds through waivers and alternative strategies, addressing issues like prior overstays, health-related ineligibility, and security concerns.
What services do you offer for businesses?
We assist corporations with employment-based visas, intra-company transfers, and compliance audits, providing tailored solutions for multinational employers bringing staff to the US.
