# Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC > Official Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC business agent. Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC is a New York City law firm that focuses on… ## Ask it a question Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC answers for itself at https://api.hailera.com/mcp/lawapj. A client that speaks MCP can connect to that address; the tool is ask_lawapj and the protocol is 2026-07-28. Where this file and the agent disagree, the agent is current. ## About Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC Firm overview Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC is a business immigration law firm located in the Financial District in New York City. The firm exclusively practices U.S. immigration law and has over 25 years of experience. The attorneys at the firm represent both large and small companies, diplomats, United Nations–affiliated nonprofit organizations and thousands of individual clients in complex immigration matters in the United States and at U.S. embassies around the world. Managing Partner Andrew P. Johnson has been invited to speak on U.S. immigration and the EB-5 program to groups of U.S. Ambassadors in Washington, D.C., United Nations Ambassadors in New York City and at conferences worldwide. He has authored articles for the American Bar Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association and has been quoted on immigration issues by major media outlets including the New York Times, USA Today, Fox News, CBS and the Washington Times. Primary practice areas The firm focuses on business and employment-based immigration, including: - Employment-based permanent residency applications, including EB-1 (extraordinary ability / outstanding achievements), EB-2 (advanced degree or exceptional ability) and EB-3 (skilled workers, professionals and other workers) - EB-5 immigrant investor petitions, including complex source-of-funds matters from countries with limited banking records and tax documentation - A wide range of non-immigrant business and work visas, including B-1/B-2, E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, H-4, J-1, L-1, L-2, O-1, Q-1, R visas, TN status and use of the Visa Waiver Program where available - Federal court litigation and other immigration-related matters as listed in the firm's practice areas Clients served Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC serves: - U.S. and multinational corporations across many industries - Small and mid-sized businesses - Investors and entrepreneurs - Professionals and skilled workers seeking employment-based immigration options - Diplomats and United Nations–affiliated organizations Approach The firm's philosophy emphasizes: - Putting the client's needs first - Taking time to understand each client's goals and circumstances - Providing practical guidance on short-term and long-term immigration strategies - Maintaining strong communication with employers who face staffing shortages and need immigration options - Handling each case with care, compassion and the benefit of decades of focused immigration law experience. Source: https://www.lawapj.com ## What Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC does Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC advises and prepares applications for a wide range of non-immigrant business and work visas. Below is a high-level overview of the categories described on the firm's website. This information is general in nature and is not legal advice for any particular situation. B-1 business visitor - For individuals who will visit the United States temporarily for legitimate business purposes. - Applicants must demonstrate they have no intention of abandoning their residence abroad and that the visit is temporary. - Typical stays are granted for the time needed to conduct business, often 3–6 months, with the possibility of extension when eligible. - B-1 visitors may not engage in productive employment in the U.S.; work performed in the U.S. must be for and paid by a foreign employer. B-2 visitor for pleasure - Primarily for tourism, but may also cover visits to friends or relatives, certain medical visits, participation in conferences, some incidental short courses of study and certain amateur events. - Applicants must show sufficient ties to their home country, the financial ability to pay for the trip and a residence abroad they do not intend to abandon. - Stays are commonly granted for up to 6 months, with an option to apply for a 6‑month extension in appropriate cases. - A change of status after entry is possible in some situations, but changes very soon after arrival may raise concerns about original intent. E-1 and E-2 treaty trader / investor visas - Available to nationals of countries that have qualifying treaties with the United States. - E-1 treaty trader visas are for companies or individuals engaged in substantial trade principally between the U.S. and the treaty country. - E-2 investor visas are for investors and certain employees of enterprises that have made a substantial investment in a real, operating U.S. business with job-creation potential. - E status may be renewed in multi‑year increments as long as the qualifying trade or investment and other requirements are maintained. E-3 specialty occupation visas (Australians only) - Available only to citizens of Australia coming to the U.S. temporarily to work in a specialty occupation. - Similar in many respects to H‑1B requirements, but with a separate annual numerical limit and certain procedural differences. - Granted in two‑year increments and may be renewed, and spouses may be eligible for work authorization. H-1B specialty occupation visas - For positions that require at least a bachelor's degree (or equivalent education and/or experience) in a specific specialty field. - Subject to annual numerical limits in most cases, with some nonprofit, government and higher‑education employers exempt from the cap. - Initial approval can be granted for up to three years, with a typical maximum of six years in H‑1B status, subject to certain exceptions. - Allows "dual intent," meaning the worker may also pursue permanent residency. H-2A temporary agricultural workers - For employers who anticipate a shortage of U.S. workers for temporary or seasonal agricultural labor. - The employer (or authorized agent) files to bring in foreign workers for the specific period and duties described. H-2B temporary non-agricultural workers - For certain temporary or seasonal non‑agricultural jobs (for example, peak‑load or intermittent needs) lasting less than one year. - Employers must demonstrate there are not enough qualified, willing and available U.S. workers for the positions. H-3 trainees - For individuals coming to the U.S. to receive training that is unavailable in their home country. - The training must not be primarily productive employment and must be designed to benefit the trainee's career outside the U.S. H-4 dependents - For qualifying dependents (spouse and children under 21) of certain H‑status principal applicants. J-1 exchange visitor visas - For participation in approved educational, training or cultural exchange programs. - May be used for activities such as teaching, lecturing, studying, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills or receiving training. - Some J‑1 programs carry a potential two‑year home‑residence requirement; waivers may be possible in certain circumstances. L-1 intracompany transferees and L-2 dependents - L-1 visas are for managers, executives (L‑1A) and specialized knowledge employees (L‑1B) transferring from a foreign company to a U.S. parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate. - The employee must have worked for the related entity abroad for at least one continuous year in the preceding three years. - L‑1 status is generally limited to five years for specialized knowledge workers and seven years for managers and executives. - L‑2 status is for eligible dependents; spouses may be eligible for work authorization, and children may attend school. L-1 blanket petitions - Certain large, qualifying employers can obtain an L‑1 blanket approval, allowing multiple qualifying employees to apply for L‑1 visas directly at U.S. consular posts, subject to the blanket criteria. O-1 extraordinary ability visas - For individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television. - Evidence can include major awards, press coverage, original contributions, high salary and other indicators of sustained acclaim. Q-1 international cultural exchange visas - For participation in an international cultural exchange program that combines practical training or employment with sharing the history, culture and traditions of the applicant's home country. - Granted for a limited duration tied to the specific program (up to a maximum set by regulation). R-1 religious workers and R-2 dependents - For certain religious workers coming to the U.S. to work for qualifying religious organizations or affiliates. - R‑2 status is available for eligible dependents; R‑2 holders are not authorized to work. TN professionals (Canada and Mexico) - Available under NAFTA/USMCA to certain Canadian and Mexican professionals listed in the regulations. - Requires proof of professional qualifications and a qualifying U.S. job offer. - Canadians can often apply directly at ports of entry or pre‑flight inspection; TN status can be renewed, but does not permit dual intent. Visa Waiver Program - Allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. for eligible business or tourism purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a B‑1/B‑2 visa. - There are strict limits on changing or extending status after entry under the Visa Waiver Program. For individualized advice about which category may be appropriate in a specific situation, prospective clients should contact the firm directly. Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC assists investors and businesses with E-2 treaty investor visas, as well as related E-1 and E-3 matters. E-1/E-2 treaty trader and investor visas - The United States maintains treaties with certain countries to promote trade and investment. - E-1 and E-2 visas are available only to nationals of treaty countries. - An investor can create a new business or purchase an existing business in the United States. If the business qualifies, the investor and eligible family members can live in the U.S. as long as the business remains active and the E status is maintained. - E visas can be used by businesses owned by a single investor or by larger multinational companies. - Once an E visa is approved, qualifying key foreign personnel may also obtain E status to work for the E company in executive, supervisory or essential skills positions. - E status can typically be renewed in multi‑year increments (for example, two or five years at a time) as long as the underlying trade or investment continues to qualify. E-1 treaty trader basics - Available when substantial trade occurs principally between the United States and the applicant's treaty country. - Trade must involve actual international exchange of qualifying items (goods, services, etc.) between the U.S. and the treaty country. - The majority of the trader's international trade must be between the U.S. and the treaty country. - The E-1 enterprise must be at least 50% owned by nationals of the treaty country. - If the applicant is not the principal trader, they must work in an executive or supervisory capacity, or have essential skills for the enterprise; they must share the nationality of the treaty country owners. E-2 investor visa basics - Designed for investors, executives, supervisors and certain essential employees of a qualifying enterprise. - The investor must have invested, or be actively in the process of investing, a substantial amount of capital in a real, operating U.S. business. - Passive investments such as simply owning stock, bonds or undeveloped land do not qualify. - The investor must generally own at least 50% of the enterprise and must direct and develop the business. - The business must have the capacity to generate more than minimal living income for the investor and their family or must have a significant economic impact (for example, through job creation). - The investor must be a national of a country that has a qualifying treaty with the United States. - E-2 cases may be filed directly at certain U.S. consulates or embassies abroad, or (for eligible applicants in the U.S.) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. - Premium processing may be available for certain E-2 filings with USCIS. - The spouse of an E-2 principal may obtain work authorization in the United States, and qualifying children may attend school. - E-2 status is often granted in multi‑year increments (commonly up to five years at a time, depending on the treaty) and can be renewed as long as the business continues to qualify. Employees of E-2 investors - Employees must hold the same nationality as the E-2 investor. - They must either: - Work in an executive or supervisory capacity, or - Possess highly specialized skills that are essential to the operations of the business. Related E-3 category (Australians only) - The firm also advises on E-3 specialty occupation visas for Australian citizens. - E-3 status is for qualifying professionals coming to the United States to perform services in a specialty occupation. - E-3 status is generally granted in two‑year increments and can be renewed; spouses may be eligible for work authorization. For a detailed evaluation of whether a specific investment or business plan may qualify for E-1 or E-2 status, prospective clients should contact the firm directly. Source: https://www.lawapj.com ## Where Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC works Lists Lawton, New York City, Marina, and Financial District as a location. Names New York, Washington, and United States as a service area. Areas beyond these are not published. ## Hours and contact Law firm name Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC Office location - Address: 11 Broadway, Suite 1005, New York, NY 10004 - Located in the Financial District of New York City. Telephone and fax - Main telephone: (212) 693-3355 - Fax: (212) 430-6797 Email and online contact - Email: info@lawcila.com - Skype: lawcila - The firm also provides a contact form on its website where prospective clients can submit basic information about their matter. Office hours - Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Office hours listed above are taken from the firm's website and may occasionally change; callers should confirm current hours when scheduling. Important notices - Initial questions or contact through the firm's website, email, phone or Skype do not by themselves create an attorney–client relationship. - The information on the firm's website is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney about a specific situation. Prospective clients should contact the firm directly to discuss their particular immigration needs and to determine whether the firm can represent them. Source: https://www.lawapj.com ## Attorneys and team Attorneys and professional team Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC has a team focused on U.S. business and employment-based immigration matters. Attorneys - Andrew P. Johnson – Managing Partner - Michael D. Morra – Senior Partner Senior leadership and paralegals - Ha Huynh – Executive Director and Senior Business Paralegal, with extensive experience in employment and immigration law, consular affairs, public diplomacy and strategic communication. - Birsen Yurdacan – Senior Managing Paralegal, with over 23 years of experience with the firm and in all aspects of immigration law, including supervision of paralegals and administrative staff. - Fahri Seker – Senior Business Paralegal, with substantial experience in business immigration, including E-1/E-2 visas and employment-based permanent residency applications. - Marina Lipkin – Business Immigration Paralegal with more than 12 years of experience in employment-based and family-based immigration matters. - Gulshan Mikayilova – Business Paralegal with several years of experience preparing and managing cases with the National Visa Center (NVC) and U.S. embassies worldwide, including serving as a primary liaison for embassy communications and document preparation. Team focus The team works collaboratively on: - Employment-based immigrant and non-immigrant visa matters - Investor and treaty trader cases - Consular and National Visa Center processing - Business immigration strategies for employers and individuals Prospective clients can contact the firm to learn more about the attorneys and staff who may work on their matter. Source: https://www.lawapj.com ## What Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC has not published yet These are things people ask Continental Immigration Law Associates, PC that its published information does not yet cover. - prices or legal fees - discounts or special offers - appointment availability or response times - guarantees of immigration outcomes - specific processing times or approval rates - terms of attorney-client representation - results of future law or policy changes - scope of services beyond what the firm publishes Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess. ## Where this comes from https://www.lawapj.com