Canadian Investors

            You are a Canadian investor from Toronto.  You see a great investment opportunity in America and are ready to make transaction.  But before you can, you need to get the proper paperwork from the American government so you can engage in this activity legally. 

This process is very confusing without the proper expertize.  This is because there are so many types of visas out there.  There’s the B-1, E-1/E-2, H-2B, J-1, O-1, L-1, TN-1, and many others.  Which one is right for you?  Clearly it depends on he situation.  Let’s say you need an E-visa.  Still, there are multiple types of E-visas.  You are going to need an expert to handle this situation for you. 

Michael Serotte handles these cases all the time.  He has both the business background (Degree in Accounting) and the law expertize that are essential in accomplishing your goals.  Michael understands all aspects of an international investment and applies the highest degree of client satisfaction to each situation. 

Serotte, Scarborough & Associates understand what you need in order to accomplish your goals.  Since we began our firm in 1992, we have handled many investor situations. Each investor has a unique set of circumstances that we work with to provide you with the best solution to reach your objectives.  You have enough to worry about.  Let us worry about the immigration process.  

Serotte Scarborough & Associates

Immigration Lawyers

Your Bridge to America

Take a look at Michael Serotte's and Stephanie Scarborough's Avvo account.

Call us:

Buffalo office: 716-881-2600

Jacksonville office: 904-389-0055

Or email us by clicking here.

Check out our Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin pages.

Written by David Sarubbi.

Overseas Marriages

            The other day I was talking to Stephanie Scarborough.  She is the managing partner at our Jacksonville, FL location.  Since I have never been to Jacksonville I wanted to know more about it, especially the people.  We had an interesting discussion about a new trend of marriages in the area. 

            Stephanie told me there are many U.S. military personnel living there and they are marrying people from foreign countries, she mentioned specifically the Philippines.  She went on to say Tagalog, the language of the Philippines, is a widely used language among parts of the Jacksonville community. 

            This is no typical marriage.  There is more paperwork than a marriage that takes place between two U.S. citizens.  A visa is required for your finance to enter the United States.  And application process has many steps that separate you or your spouse from obtaining a visa. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) approves all requests for visas and citizenships in the United States.  A visa that is specifically designed for marriages and fiancées is the K-1.  This visa waiting list tends to be slightly shorter than other visa wait times.  Other perks include work eligibility and the ability to bring your or your spouse’s child to the United States (K-2 visa). 

            Many of these foreign fiancées are entitled to K-1 visas and after the marriage, permanent residency and citizenship.  The process is tricky however, and can be problematic without the proper guidance and experience in the procedure.   

            Accuracy is absolutely essential to avoid snags and problems with the acceptance of your petition.  Serotte, Scarborough, & Associates has had many successful stories that fall into this category.  Stephanie Scarborough is an expert in each step of the process. 

            Since being established in 1992, we have had successes in all areas of immigration law, from corporate procedures to individual-based immigration issues.  You have enough to worry about.  Let us worry about the immigration process.   

Serotte Scarborough & Associates

Immigration Lawyers

Your Bridge to America

Take a look at Michael Serotte's and Stephanie Scarborough's Avvo account.

Call us:

Buffalo office: 716-881-2600

Jacksonville office: 904-389-0055

Or email us by clicking here.

Check out our Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin pages.

Written by David Sarubbi.

Illegal Immigration Options

            There are people in this country that do not have the proper paperwork to be here.  Illegal immigrants can be found in most, if not all, states in the country.  The feelings of American are mixed on this very controversial issue. 

            If you are an illegal immigrant what can you do to become a legal resident of the United States?  And there is more to worry about than just your status.  What about the status of your family members? Will you lose your job? Can you you’re your house or apartment? There are hundreds of scenarios in which these questions can appear.  It is important to know which rules apply to you given your set of circumstances. 

            Understanding your options given your situation is vital in achieving your legal status. This matter is very complex and needs to be handled by professionals.  There are few options to consider if you are looking for the highest quality of immigration attorneys.

            Serotte Scarborough & Associates, professional immigration lawyers, understand that each situation is different.  We thrive on client satisfaction.

We know what rules the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service have in place and we know how to ensure you file the proper papers and attention you need.  Michael Serotte and Stephanie Scarborough are highly skilled immigration attorneys and have had countless successful cases in accomplishing successful legal statuses. 

            Since our inception in 1992, we have had numerous successes in every arena of immigration law.  We will sit down with you and hear any concerns you have regarding your status.   Whether you are applying for citizenship, a green card, a visa, or a work permit, Serotte Scarborough & Associates will handle your needs.  We have offices in Buffalo, NY, Jacksonville FL, and Toronto, ON.  We also have representatives in San Francisco, CA and Washington.  You have enough to worry about.  Let us worry about the immigration process. 

Serotte Scarborough & Associates

Immigration Lawyers

Your Bridge to America

Take a look at Michael Serotte's and Stephanie Scarborough's Avvo account.

Call us:

Buffalo office: 716-881-2600

Jacksonville office: 904-389-0055

Or email us by clicking here.

Check out our Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin pages.

Written by David Sarubbi.

Cross border business affairs

            You own a manufacturing plant in Canada.  Let’s also include that your business is doing well and you see an opportunity to double your profits by absorbing another facility in the U.S.A.  You begin talking to this American company and after much negotiation you strike a deal. 

            What is next?  You have the acquisition ready but this is no ordinary arrangement.  Not only do you have to prepare papers for the Canadian government but you have to fill out a completely different set of forms for the American government as well. 

You need work permits and visas so your employees can live in America and manage the new plant.

            This process is very complicated and accuracy is a must in order to avoid problems that can keep you from acquiring your goal.  This profitable endeavor can also distract you from running your original plant since you will need to devote your time making arrangements for this new asset.  Furthermore, what are the steps in obtaining visas and work permits, and filing the right papers?

            Serotte Scarborough & Associates is highly experienced in handling all of these situations.  Michael Serotte, founding partner of Serotte Scarborough & Associates, deals with you personally to ensure you get everything you need.  He stands by his work and handles every step of the process. 

            When we, Serotte Scarborough & Associates, were first founded in 1992, client satisfaction was and still is our number one goal.  We tell you what needs to be done and we do it keeping these high standards throughout the entire procedure.  You have enough to worry about.  Let us worry about the immigration process. 

Serotte Scarborough & Associates

Immigration Lawyers

Your Bridge to America

Take a look at Michael Serotte's and Stephanie Scarborough's Avvo account.

Call us:

Buffalo office: 716-881-2600

Jacksonville office: 904-389-0055

Or email us by clicking here.

Written by David Sarubbi.

International Students for Hire

            With 28,000+ students, the University at Buffalo has one of the most diverse student bodies in the country.  As one of its many students, I find it important to understand my fellow students and their post graduation plans.  Many of my domestic friends were looking in western New York for jobs or planning on attending graduate school.  I fall into this category as well. 

            I received a similar response from my international classmates as well.  Many students are interested in staying in America.  Some students were looking to go to graduate school and others are looking for jobs. 

            The problem they have is how to get the paper they need in order to stay in the U.S.A. legally.  One solution is to obtain a H-1B visa.  To be eligible for a H-1B visa, you need to be trained a “specialty occupation”.  A specialty occupation is a job you need a bachelor’s degree for.  All of my international classmates fall into this category. 

            But where do you start this process, especially since you are still in school and you don’t have the time to search the Internet for countless hours?  Serotte Scarborough & Associates was established in 1992, and since then it has been providing amazing service to hundreds of clients with this and many other immigration questions. 

            Serotte Scarborough & Associates, professional immigration lawyers, have been solving this problem as well as other immigration problems as well.  Our offices are in Buffalo, Jacksonville, and Toronto, in addition to representatives in San Francisco and Washington.   We will find the best method for your entry into America.  You have enough to worry about.  Let us worry about the immigration process.

Serotte Scarborough & Associates

Immigration Lawyers

Your Bridge to America


Take a look at Michael Serotte's and Stephanie Scarborough's Avvo account.

Call us:

Buffalo office: 716-881-2600

Jacksonville office: 904-389-0055

Or email us by clicking here.

Written by David Sarubbi.

Professional Athletes

             Professional athletes are always on the move.  They constantly are traveling from place to place and many times these locations are across international borders.  The lives of athletes are very hectic and there is so much to worry about: practice, stats, critics, contracts, teammates, coaches, fans, and of course games.           

            Another big factor of playing a professional sport is being traded.  Sports like hockey, baseball, football, lacrosse and soccer are played around the globe.  Athletes need to be ready to move at a moment’s notice.  There are many legal items that need to be taken care of when you are traded.  One major item is obtaining a visa or work permit. While most professional teams handle the P-1 or O-1 visas, what about the spouses, children, or significant others?

            Serotte, Scarborough & Associates is an experienced U.S. immigration law firm with offices in Buffalo, Jacksonville, and Toronto, with representation in San Francisco and Washington. We have clients all over the world.  Since 1992, we have been providing countless clients with thehighest degree of satisfaction, we know the visa issues facing athletes can be difficult, particularly helping family members and friends. 

            We at Serotte, Scarborough & Associates, professional immigration lawyers, are not strangers to immigration process.  Since 1992, our U.S. immigration lawyers have been providing the highest degree of satisfaction to our clients. Whether you need a temporary work permit, Green Card, or just advise on immigration to the U.S. we will ensure a smooth transition to where you and your family members need to be.  You will have enough to worry about. Let us worry about the immigration process.  

Serotte Scarborough & Associates

Immigration Lawyers

Your Bridge to America


Take a look at Michael Serotte's and Stephanie Scarborough's Avvo account.

Contact our offices:

Buffalo, NY : (716) 881-2600

Jacksonville, FL: (904) 389-0055

Or contact by email, click here.

Written by David Sarubbi and Michael Serotte

Moving Across Borders

           You are a Canadian citizen working on Toronto. And one day you get into work and are called into your boss’ office.  Your boss sits you down and explains how you have been a wonderful employee and wants you to do an intracompany transfer to a different branch that would be a perfect fit for you.  He tells you that you will receive a pay raise and a promotion but there is a catch.   The new job involves a transfer to the United States, so you can’t commute everyday.  Moving there is the only option you have. 

You don’t want to turn down the opportunity you have been waiting for your whole career.  But, the visa and work permit process is complicated and needs to be handled in a quick and timely manner. Between work and preparing yourself for the move to the U.S. you won’t find the time to have all your paperwork done before you need to be at your new job. 

This is something you have always wanted to do and experience.  But do you know what you will need or even how to start the immigration process to secure a U.S. work permit or visa?

            We here at Serotte, Scarborough & Associates, professional immigration attorneys, are not strangers to immigration process.  Since 1992, our U.S. immigration lawyers have been providing the highest degree of satisfaction to our clients. Whether you need a L-1 Intracompany Transfer,  B-1/ Business visitor, E-1/E-2 Treaty Trader/Investor , H-1B/ H-2B Professional, J-1 Training, O-1  Outstanding Ability, or TN-1 Work permits; we will ensure a smooth transition to where you need to be.  You will have enough to worry about. Let us worry about the immigration process.   

Serotte Scarborough & Associates

Immigration Lawyers

Your Bridge to America


Take a look at Michael Serotte's and Stephanie Scarborough's Avvo account.

Call us with your questions or concerns:

Buffalo office: 716-881-2600

Jacksonville office: 904-389-0055

Or contact us by email, click here.

Written by David Sarubbi and Michael Serotte