FOR IRISH CITIZENS
U.S. immigration counsel for Irish citizens building a life in America.
From a J-1 summer to a green card, a marriage, or citizenship, or protecting the status and business you’ve already built, the path from Ireland to the U.S. is rarely a straight line. We help Irish citizens navigate it with clear, honest guidance, wherever you are in the journey.
U.S. immigration law only. For Irish visas or citizenship by descent, you’ll want an Irish solicitor.
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU
You're further along than you think
You came on a visa and want to stay
A summer or a year turned into something more, and now you’re wondering whether there’s a way to stay.
You've fallen for a U.S. citizen
You’re engaged or married to an American and want to build your life here together, without the process pulling you apart.
You overstayed, and you're worried
A visa lapsed or a J-1 condition went unmet, and you fear it’s too late to fix. It might not be.
You're have a business here
You’re investing, transferring with your company, or growing a venture in the U.S., and you need the right visa to match the move.
You have a green card but are travel often
You’re a permanent resident whose work or family keeps you crossing the Atlantic, and you want to be sure your travel never puts your status at risk.
You're ready to become a citizen
You’ve held your green card for years and want to make it official, and likely keep your Irish passport too.
The Path Forward
A clear path, start to finish
I
The consultation
A paid strategy session to map your options and the realistic path from where you are now.
II
Your plan
A written proposal: the strategy, what’s included, and the fee, so you can decide with clarity.
III
The journey
We prepare and file your case, then stay with you through processing and the decision
What working together looks like
Counsel that crosses the Atlantic
Clear fees, up front
Most matters are handled on a flat fee. Where a case calls for something different, the arrangement is just as clear, and agreed in writing first.
Virtual, Dublin to Boston
The whole process happens securely online, so we can begin whether you're still in Ireland or already stateside.
Honest counsel, every step
You'll get a straight answer about your options and the real risks, not a sales pitch, from the first conversation on.
Kim's family came from Ireland.
This corner of the practice is personal.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Common questions, answered.
Can an Irish citizen get a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Marriage to a U.S. citizen is one of the most direct routes to a green card. The process differs depending on whether you’re already in the United States or applying from Ireland, and I’ll map the right path for your situation during your consultation.
I overstayed my J-1. Can I still fix my status?
Sometimes, yes, though it depends on how the overstay happened and the terms of your J-1. Some J-1 holders also face a two-year home-residency requirement that may need a waiver first. These cases are very fact-specific, so the honest answer comes after we review yours together.
Does the J-1 two-year home residency rule apply to me?
It applies to some J-1 holders, depending on the program and its funding. Where it does, it can mean returning to Ireland for two years, or obtaining a waiver, before you pursue certain visas or a green card. We’ll confirm whether it affects you and what your options are.
Can I keep my Irish citizenship if I become a U.S. citizen?
Generally, yes. Ireland permits dual citizenship, and U.S. naturalization does not require you to formally renounce your Irish citizenship. Many of my Irish clients hold both passports. If you have specific concerns about how dual status affects you, we can talk them through in your consultation.
Is there a work visa specifically for Irish citizens?
Not a single dedicated one, the way some countries have. But Irish citizens have several routes, including the E-2 treaty investor visa (Ireland is a treaty country) and professional or talent-based visas. The right fit depends on your work, your goals, and your timeline.
I'm a green card holder who travels constantly. Can that put my status at risk?
Yes, it can. Long or frequent absences may raise questions about whether the U.S. is still your permanent home, and they can also delay citizenship eligibility. Depending on your travel, a re-entry permit or moving toward naturalization can protect you. We’ll review your pattern and find the safest path.
What's the best U.S. visa for an Irish citizen coming for business?
It depends on what you’re doing – investing, trading, transferring within a company, or visiting. Irish citizens can often use the E-2 treaty investor or E-1 treaty trader visa, or an L-1 intracompany transfer, among others. The right fit comes from a close look at your business and goals.
Is Ireland eligible for the Diversity Visa (green card) lottery?
In recent program years, Irish-born applicants have been eligible for the U.S. Diversity Visa program. Eligibility is set each year by the U.S. Department of State, so applicants should confirm against the current year’s official instructions.
I'm an Irish American. Can you help me sponsor family in Ireland?
Often, yes. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for certain family members abroad. Which relatives qualify and the timeline for each category depends on the petitioner’s status and the family relationship.
Ready to move onward?
Every journey begins with a conversation. Let’s talk about where you’re headed,
and how to get you there.