Immigration is federal law, and the stakes are high — a green card, a work visa, naturalization, or a defense against removal can change the course of a family's life. Greenville is one of the fastest-growing metros in the Upstate, with employers recruiting internationally and families reuniting from around the world. The right immigration lawyer knows the paperwork, the deadlines, and how cases for South Carolina residents move through USCIS and the immigration court in Charlotte.
Updated June 7, 202612 min readEditorially independent
Choosing an immigration lawyer in Greenville depends on what you need — a family-based or employment-based green card, a nonimmigrant visa, naturalization, asylum, or a defense against deportation. Below are firms and attorneys serving Greenville and the Upstate that appear consistently across Justia, Avvo, Super Lawyers, Expertise.com, and FindLaw, with verifiable immigration focus and recognized experience. We list credentials only, not client reviews or quotes.
How we picked these 10: We reviewed peer recognition (Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell), bar standing, years in immigration practice, and verifiable immigration focus across independent directories such as Expertise.com, Justia, Avvo, and FindLaw. Firms and attorneys that appeared consistently across two or more independent sources made the list. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
1
Allen C. Ladd, Attorney
GreenvilleSolo
Practice focus: Work visas, permanent residency, family petitions, asylum
A full-time immigration attorney practicing since 1990 who handles only immigration cases, with deep experience in employment-based visas, permanent residency through self-employment, exceptional ability, and investment, and family-based petitions including fiancé visas and hardship waivers. Fluent in French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, he represents multinational companies, entrepreneurs, and families across the Upstate and beyond.
Practice focus: Green cards, employment visas, naturalization, removal proceedings
An immigration-focused firm founded in 2017 that serves the Greenville area, assisting clients with green cards for permanent residence, employment-based visas, and representation in removal proceedings. The firm also handles citizenship and naturalization, nonimmigrant visas for work, study, and tourism, and petitions for businesses hiring foreign professionals.
Practice focus: Family visas, adjustment of status, asylum, deportation defense
Founded in 2011 with offices in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Greer, this firm handles immigration matters throughout the state with bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking staff. Its attorneys assist individuals, families, and businesses with adjustment of status, visa extensions, consular processing, family green cards through marriage, naturalization, asylum applications, and deportation proceedings.
Practice focus: Business immigration, employment visas, immigration compliance
A national business law firm founded in 1897 with a long-established Greenville office that handles U.S. immigration issues for clients worldwide. Its immigration attorneys assist businesses with visas for non-U.S. personnel, the international relocation of employees, and immigration compliance, and represent individuals facing removal, denial of entry, or visa denials at USCIS service centers and consulates.
Practice focus: Permanent residency, naturalization, asylum, deportation defense
Formed in 2014, this Upstate firm serves clients in Greenville and the surrounding areas with immigration services that include permanent residency, naturalization, work permits, and student visas. Founder Victoria S. Karastanov has focused on immigration matters since law school and represents clients seeking asylum and defending against deportation, alongside selected family law cases.
Fee structure
Flat fee per matter / hourly
Free consultation
Free consultation
Office
1725 John B. White Sr. Blvd, Unit B, Spartanburg, SC 29301
Practice focus: Family-based immigration, visas, work authorization
A Greenville firm whose attorneys, Alton L. Martin, Jr. and Laura E. Martin, together bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience. Laura E. Martin concentrates on immigration law, helping clients with deferred action, fiancé visas, work authorization, and other family-based matters, and the firm maintains a Spanish-speaking paralegal and experience attending immigration interviews, hearings, and appeals.
Practice focus: Adjustment of status, immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, asylum
A Greenville firm founded in 2019 that assists clients with adjustment of status, immigrant visas, and nonimmigrant visas including student and visitor categories. Its attorneys also represent refugees and those seeking asylum due to persecution, and handle citizenship issues for people born to U.S. parents and those naturalizing, alongside estate and business planning.
Practice focus: Visas, waivers, deportation defense, naturalization, appeals
An immigration firm representing clients worldwide, founded by Antonina Grek, who has practiced since 2014. The firm assists with immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, waivers of inadmissibility, employment authorization, deportation defense, and appeals, including matters for those in detention, plus battered-spouse petitions, PERM applications, DACA, and naturalization.
Practice focus: Family and employment immigration, visas, naturalization
A Greenville immigration practice led by Daniel Christmann, an attorney with experience since around 2010 who is dually trained and licensed in both Europe and the United States and is fluent in English and German. His background spans government, corporate, and private practice, bringing an international perspective to family- and employment-based immigration, visas, and naturalization.
Practice focus: Employment-based immigration, work visas, immigration compliance
The Greenville office of a national employment and labor law firm, with attorneys whose practice includes immigration alongside business and employment law. The team assists employers and individuals with employment-based visas, work authorization, and immigration compliance, drawing on the resources of a firm with a dedicated nationwide immigration practice.
Match the firm to your matter. A straightforward marriage-based green card or a naturalization application is well within reach of a solo or boutique immigration practice that does this work every day. An employment-based petition for a company, an H-1B or L-1 transfer, or a global relocation may fit better with a larger firm such as Nelson Mullins or Jackson Lewis that has a dedicated business-immigration bench. A removal-defense case, an asylum claim, or a waiver of inadmissibility calls for a firm that regularly appears before the immigration court in Charlotte and knows how those judges weigh evidence.
Ask how much of the firm's practice is immigration, who will actually prepare and review your filings, and whether the team includes staff who speak your language. Because most immigration work is priced as a flat fee, the real questions are experience, attention, and communication. A lawyer who handles cases like yours week in and week out will spot the issues — prior entries, criminal history, prior filings, deadlines — that quietly decide outcomes.
What to look for in an immigration lawyer
The firms above are a starting point, not a verdict. The right lawyer for you depends on your facts, your budget, and how you want to be treated. Use these five signals to compare them.
Relevant, recent experience. “We handle everything” is a weakness, not a strength. You want a lawyer who works cases like yours — your visa category, your kind of relief — in Greenville regularly, not one who takes them occasionally between unrelated matters. Recent, repeated experience with cases like yours is the single best predictor of a good outcome.
Straight talk about your case. A good lawyer tells you what is strong and what is weak in your situation at the first meeting, not just what you want to hear. If everything sounds easy and approval sounds guaranteed, be skeptical — immigration carries real risk, and an honest lawyer names it.
Communication you can live with. Most complaints about lawyers are about silence, not losing. Ask who returns your calls, how fast, and whether you will reach the actual attorney. In immigration, where a missed notice can derail a case, responsiveness matters — set that expectation before you sign.
Fees in writing, in plain English. You should leave the first meeting knowing exactly what you will pay, what it covers, what the separate government filing fees are, and what could cost extra. A clear written fee agreement is a sign of a well-run practice.
Bar standing and credentials. Confirm the person is a licensed attorney in good standing — not a notario or unlicensed consultant. Peer recognition such as Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers, membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and a clean disciplinary record are easy to verify.
What an immigration case looks like in Greenville
Immigration is federal, so most of your case runs through national agencies rather than South Carolina courts. Affirmative applications — family-based and employment-based green cards, adjustment of status, work permits, and naturalization — are filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Many Upstate applicants attend biometrics and interviews at USCIS facilities in the region, and consular cases are processed at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
A family-based green card for the spouse of a U.S. citizen often takes roughly 12 to 24 months; employment-based and other family categories vary widely with visa availability. Naturalization commonly runs several months to a bit over a year from filing to the oath. Timelines shift with policy and backlogs, so treat any estimate as a range, not a promise.
Removal (deportation) cases are different. South Carolina has no immigration court of its own, so cases for Greenville residents are generally heard at the Charlotte Immigration Court in North Carolina, part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) within the U.S. Department of Justice. A removal case usually begins with a master calendar hearing, followed by an individual merits hearing, and can run one to three years or more. Common forms of relief include cancellation of removal, asylum, adjustment of status, and waivers — each with strict eligibility rules and deadlines that a lawyer can assess.
What does an immigration lawyer in Greenville cost?
Most immigration work is billed as a flat fee per matter, so you know the price before you start. As a general guide, a family-based green card commonly runs in the low-to-mid four figures, naturalization is often one of the more affordable matters, and employment-based petitions and removal defense sit at the higher end because of their complexity. Some firms bill hourly for contested litigation. These are ranges, not quotes — ask each firm for its own number in writing.
Remember that government filing fees are separate from attorney fees and are paid to USCIS or the State Department. A good firm will lay out the attorney fee, the filing fees, and any costs such as translations or medical exams so there are no surprises. Because pricing is largely flat, the decision comes down to experience and service, not a race to the lowest number — and a careful filing the first time is far cheaper than fixing a denial later.
Red flags to watch for
Notario fraud. This is the biggest danger in immigration. In many Latin American countries a “notario” is a licensed attorney, but in the United States a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice or represent you. Unlicensed “consultants,” “visa agencies,” and notarios have caused serious harm — missed deadlines, fraudulent filings, and even deportations. Work only with a licensed attorney or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice.
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can promise a specific approval. If a firm guarantees a green card, a visa, or a win before reviewing your file, walk away.
The disappearing senior lawyer. You meet a name attorney at intake, then never speak to them again while a junior or paralegal runs the file unsupervised. Ask in writing who your day-to-day lawyer will be.
Pressure to sign immediately. A reputable firm gives you the engagement letter in writing and time to read it. High-pressure intake is a sign of a volume mill, not a careful practice.
Vague fee terms. “Don't worry about the cost” is a red flag. Every legitimate firm puts the attorney fee, the separate filing fees, what is covered, and what triggers extra charges in writing.
10 questions to ask in your free consultation
Most firms on this list offer a consultation. Use it, take notes, and compare at least two firms before you sign.
Who, specifically, will prepare and review my case? Get a name and an email, not just a firm brand.
How many cases like mine have you handled in the last three years? You want a number, not a brochure line.
What is your flat fee, and what does it cover? Get the answer in writing before you sign anything.
What are the government filing fees, and what other costs apply? Translations, medical exams, and fees surprise people. Ask up front.
What is the realistic range of outcomes here? A good lawyer gives you a range. A weak one promises approval.
How long will this take? Ask for an honest estimate with the assumptions stated.
Are there any risks in my history I should know about? Prior entries, criminal issues, or past filings can matter enormously.
How and how often will I hear from you? Set the communication expectation now, not later.
Do you or your staff speak my language? Clear communication is essential in immigration matters.
What happens if my case is denied? Ask about appeals, refiling, and how the firm handles next steps.
What's specific about Greenville
No local immigration court. Removal cases for Greenville residents are generally heard at the Charlotte Immigration Court in North Carolina. If your matter involves deportation, you want a firm comfortable appearing there and familiar with its practices.
A growing international employer base. The Upstate's manufacturing and corporate presence draws international talent, which makes employment-based immigration — H-1B, L-1, and PERM-based green cards — a steady part of the local practice. Firms like Nelson Mullins and Jackson Lewis maintain business-immigration teams for exactly this work.
Bilingual support is common. Several Greenville-area firms keep Spanish-speaking attorneys or paralegals on staff, reflecting the region's communities. If language access matters to you, ask about it directly.
Federal law, local convenience. Because immigration is federal, you are not limited to a local lawyer — but a nearby office makes document review, signatures, and in-person preparation far easier.
Your first steps this week
If you are dealing with this in Greenville right now, a few moves protect you while you take the time to choose the right lawyer.
Gather your documents. Passports, prior visas, I-94 records, any USCIS notices, marriage and birth certificates, and any court papers. The strength of an immigration case often comes down to what you can document.
Write down your timeline. Dates of entry, status changes, filings, and any contact with immigration authorities. A clear timeline makes your first consultation far more productive.
Do not sign or file anything under pressure. Whether it is a notario, a consultant, or a fast-talking intake person, you are allowed to say you want to speak with a licensed attorney first. A reputable Greenville firm respects that; anyone who does not is telling you something.
Book two consultations. Most firms above offer a free or low-cost first meeting. Talk to at least two before you commit, and choose the lawyer who explains your options clearly and answers your questions without rushing you.
Talk to a Greenville immigration lawyer — free, no obligation
Tell us what is going on. We'll match you with vetted Greenville firms from the list above. Most respond within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a South Carolina immigration lawyer if I live in Greenville?
Immigration is federal law, so a lawyer licensed in any state can handle your case. Many Greenville-area immigration lawyers serve clients across the Upstate and nationwide, and a local attorney is convenient for in-person document review and biometrics support.
Where is the immigration court for Greenville residents?
South Carolina has no immigration court of its own. Removal (deportation) cases for Greenville residents are generally heard at the Charlotte Immigration Court in North Carolina, part of the U.S. Department of Justice's EOIR system.
How long does a green card take?
It depends on the category. A marriage-based green card for the spouse of a U.S. citizen often takes roughly 12 to 24 months, while employment-based and other family categories can take longer depending on visa availability and processing times.
How do I become a U.S. citizen?
Most applicants qualify for naturalization after five years as a lawful permanent resident, or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen. You must show good moral character and pass the English and civics tests, with some exceptions.
What if I am in removal (deportation) proceedings?
Get counsel as soon as possible. A lawyer can identify defenses and relief such as cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status, and represent you at the Charlotte Immigration Court that hears South Carolina cases.
What is the difference between an immigrant and a nonimmigrant visa?
An immigrant visa leads to permanent residence (a green card), while a nonimmigrant visa is for a temporary purpose such as work, study, or a visit. A lawyer can advise which category fits your goals and eligibility.
Can I work while my green card application is pending?
In many cases you can apply for an employment authorization document (work permit) while adjustment of status is pending. Eligibility and timing vary, so confirm with your attorney before relying on it.
What is a notario, and why is that a problem?
In many Latin American countries a notario is a licensed attorney, but in the United States a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice. Using a notario or unlicensed consultant for immigration matters can lead to serious harm, including missed deadlines and damaging filings.
How much does an immigration lawyer in Greenville cost?
Most immigration work is billed as a flat fee per matter, with some firms charging hourly for complex litigation. Government filing fees are separate. Ask each firm for a written quote that lists what the fee covers and what costs are extra.
Do these firms offer free consultations?
Many of the firms above offer a free or low-cost initial consultation to review your situation and outline options. Confirm the consultation policy when you call, and bring your documents to make the meeting productive.
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Confirm the person is a licensed attorney, compare credentials, then call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one how many cases like yours they have handled in Greenville in the last three years. The answer tells you most of what you need to know. — The LawFirmSquare team
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