Ghassan Marwan Shihab

PRO

Ghassan Marwan Shihab

also known as Gus M. Shihab

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 32 years

Immigration Lawyer at Fairfax, VA
Practice Areas: Immigration

8500 Executive Park Avenue, Suite 206, Fairfax, VA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Ghassan

Biography

Competent. Responsive. Ethical. Affordable. Reliable. Innovative Representation, Proven Results.

Affordable. Competent. Responsive. Ethical. Reliable. Peer Reviewed as Super Lawyer

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Immigration 100%

H-1B, Green Cards, PERM, Intra-company Transferee, L-1A, L-1B, O-1, F-1 Students, EB-1 Aliens of Extraordinary Abilities, EB-2, EB-3, Family immigration, Fiancé Visas, permanent residence, spouses to US Citizens, Immigration Appeals, H-1 Audits.

33 years | 6,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 150-560 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2020 2019
...
+ 9
Silver Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Ohio for 32 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 1993

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates, Co., LPA

8500 Executive Park Avenue, Suite 206, Fairfax, VA, 22031

shihabimmigrationfirm.com/

The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates, Co., LPA

65 East State Street, Suite 1550, Columbus, OH, 43215

shihabimmigrationfirm.com/

The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates, Co., LPA

1725 I St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20006

shihabimmigrationfirm.com/

The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates, Co., LPA

2000 Town Center Drive, Suite 1930, Southfield, MI, 48075

shihabimmigrationfirm.com/

The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates, Co., LPA

600 Superior Ave. East, Suite 1300, Cleveland, OH, 44114

shihabimmigrationfirm.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Ghassan online.

Ghassan Marwan Shihab's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

208 Client Reviews

Showing 21 - 25 of 48 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Joany | May 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

The best lawyers for J-1 visas

My experience with The Law Firm of Shihab and Associates has been nothing short of outstanding. Even though my case was primarily handled by Attorneys Kozyra and Shihab, everybody that I interacted with (from the receptionist to their accountant) were exceptionally nice and professional. I found ...out about Attorney Shihab’s firm through a common acquaintance that used their services in the past. I was in a very desperate situation, with my J-1 visa expiring within a year and subject to the Two-Year Foreign Residence Requirement 212(e). My plan was to request a waiver to the two-year rule and later apply for a Green Card since I am married to a US citizen. At the time, I had already met with a different immigration lawyer. However, I felt very uncertain with the counseling I was receiving. After talking with Attorney Shihab for 15-20 minutes I realized how oblivious my first lawyer was, at least regarding my case in particular. Needless to say, I switched law firms that very same day and my journey with Shihab and Associates started. The next couple of meetings, Attorney Shihab introduced me to Attorney Kozyra and together we designed the best action plan based on my situation/needs. Something that I really appreciate is that since the beginning they were always very honest, straightforward and patient. They covered the pros and cons of every possible route and answered all my questions while we were trying to come up with the plan. In addition, they were very kind; our meetings will always start with some small talk and they always gave me reassurance when necessary. They also worked super fast; the time that it takes them to create and submit a case depends almost completely on how long it takes the client to submit the necessary paperwork. There are specific requirements (e.g. medical/physical exams, physiological opinions, among others) that might delay your submission time, since it will depend on how fast you can request an appointment. But as soon as I gave them everything that was requested, they called me within days to sign the forms and submit the case. Even after submission, they always stayed in touch with me either following the status of the case or answering questions. Finally, actions speak louder than words. My first lawyer told me my chances of obtaining the waiver were close to zero, and he even went to the extend of telling me that I was “lying to the US government” since I got married and planned to stay in the US. Today, I can say that my waiver was GRANTED thanks to the time and expertise Attorneys Shihab and Kozyra dedicated to my case. We just finished working on my Green Card application and I am 100% confident my case is in the best hands.

Posted by Megan | May 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Highly recommend!

After years of consulting with multiple attorneys in the Columbus area in regards to filing for a Provisional Waiver, my husband and I are extremely thankful to have found Attorney Shihab and his team. When other attorneys told us that filing for this would not be possible, Attorney Shihab confidentl...y assured us that he could assist us in the approval of the Provisional Waiver. Attorney Shihab's experience and expertise in immigration law was always displayed to us whenever we had questions or concerns. He made sure to keep us up to date every step of the way in the process of filing and has always worked efficiently and tirelessly to ensure that our case was a priority. Thanks to Attorney Shihab's detailed preparation and more than sufficient supporting documents, the processing time in filing was always very fast. Not only is he very knowledgeable and professional, he has treated us more like family than his clients. We always felt that he genuinely cared about our case. He is highly ethical and honest. He will tell you if there is any path to solve your immigration status and will work hard to ensure that the process is successful. He is definitely the person to go to for any immigration matter. If others have failed or told you it's not possible, don't give up. The solution lies in attorney Shihab's decades of experience. Thank you to Attorney Shihab and his team for the approval of our case and we would highly recommend his immigration services to anyone in need.

Posted by DrDennis | December 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Business

World Class

First and foremost, Gus is an excellent attorney. His expertise, guidance and knowledge allowed for me to have comfort and confidence during a very stressful process. I had lost my business and was separated from my family, Mr. Shihab knew exactly what to do and how to proceed. I've been back in t...he country I love for the last 5 years, working, thriving and enjoying my family. Definitively, Gus helped My American Dream come true!!

Posted by Bassema | September 01, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

#1 Immigration Lawyer in America - Ghassan is the go-to guy if you're seeking a smooth and effortless transition into the US!

It is not only my pleasure but also my obligation to recommend Ghassan (Gus) as one of the top immigration lawyers in the US. Gus and his team of excellent lawyers helped my husband and me through what would have otherwise been a nearly impossible, miserably painstaking immigration process. His inval...uable expertise and generous compassion make him the perfect resource for couples and families seeking to immigrate with ease. Let’s face it: immigrating to the US is NO easy task. The amount of paperwork, applications, and documentation involved is not only nerve-racking and exhaustive, but can sometimes make you feel like giving up! This is exactly how my husband and I felt after we began our application for permanent residency. After completing the first steps of the application process, we were stumped by the instructions provided for the Affidavit of Support. We contacted the NVC time and again, but to no avail. After months of frustration, we finally gave up. Months later, my mom contacted us recommending an immigration lawyer (Gus) she had heard of through a friend. All it took was one simple email stating our case and need for help, and we were swept off our feet by Gus and his group of highly professional and efficient lawyers. We were immediately impressed by their promptness and the transparency of their fees (all fees were stated up front and there were no hidden legal charges.) After receiving the information necessary, Gus and his team took over the entire application process and completed it within no time. Today, my husband is the grateful owner of his very first immigration visa to the US, and we could not be happier! We thank God for His blessings and for giving us the gift of comfort through Gus and his law firm. Gus: thank you to you and your lovely team for helping us through a stressful time of uncertainty and insecurity. We wish you all the best and hope you continue the great work you are doing in providing families better opportunities for the future. Thank you!

Posted by anonymous | August 03, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Excellent Service!

I would highly recommend Mr. Shihab for any immigration related cases. I was looking for an attorney to help me with applying for a green card through marriage. Mr. Shihab, along with all the staff, handled the case very professionally. I was impressed by how the entire process of paperwork collectio...n and submission was organized. Almost all of the work was done online very conveniently and securely. Mr. Shihab's responses to all my questions were all timely and accurate as well. Everything was submitted correctly, and we went for the interview very well prepared by the attorney. I could not ask for anything more!

See All Client Reviews

Ghassan Marwan Shihab's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Ghassan
Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Immigration lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I'm pleased to endorse Ghassan. He is a top-notch immigration attorney and zealous advocate for his clients. Highly respected in the legal community."

Azin Arbab headshot
Azin Arbab

Immigration lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Other

"I endorse Mr. Shihab. He demonstrates an impressive knowledge of the law based on his accurate legal answers on Avvo. He is an asset to the legal field and respected by colleagues."

Joseph T Ostrowski headshot
Joseph Ostrowski

Immigration lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Shihab as a valuable member our profession and of this forum. Attorneys who participate in this forum are providing useful information for those in need and should be commended. Further, the type of information conveyed is in the true spirit of professionalism where information is provided to help those in need which is the underpinning of the legal profession. Often the users of this forum are given second opinions that expand on information or provide contradictory information. Providing information empowers the uninformed to go forward with confronting their legal problems. I recommend and endorse this attorney for all listed areas of practice in his profile."

Anne Zeitoun-Sedki headshot
Anne Zeitoun-Sedki

Immigration lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity of working with Gus Shihab and I have come to know him as an exceptionally intelligent and professional attorney who has contributed greatly to the field of Immigration. I endorse him for his work and dedication to helping his clients."

Jalal Jamil Dallo headshot
Jalal Dallo

Unknown lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Attorney Ghassan Shihab based on the quality of his legal work and the answers he provides to the community through Avvo. Attorney Shihab is a a passionate immigration advocate who really cares about his clients."

Luis Alberto Guerra headshot
Luis Guerra

Immigration lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse this attorney based on the quality of his work and his vast experience. Attorney Ghassan Marwan Shihab is a passionate immigration advocate who really cares about his clients."

Rosa H Soberal-Vigh headshot
Rosa Soberal-Vigh

Immigration lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Khaja M. Din headshot
Khaja Din

Immigration lawyer | Nov 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a fierce and unrelenting advocate. -Khaja"

Ryan Matthew Stubenrauch headshot
Ryan Stubenrauch

Immigration lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Early in my legal career, I had the opportunity to work for Gus Shihab. In my brief time there, I learned that Gus is second to none in immigration law. On top of that expertise, Gus is a Professional Engineer and speaks several languages fluently. You'd be hard pressed to find a smarter lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Azin Arbab headshot
Azin Arbab

Immigration lawyer

Farhad Bomi Sethna headshot
Farhad Sethna

Immigration lawyer

Khaja M. Din headshot
Khaja Din

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2007

Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Work Experience

1996 - Present

Attorney, The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates, Co.,LPA

1985 - 1996

Project Engineer, Ohio Department of Transportation

Associations

2009 - 2011

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Ohio Chapter Chair & Member of the Board of Governors

Sample of Legal Cases

Gordon Proctor v. French Hardware

Prevailed on appeal for the property owners.

Frankllin County Convention Facilities Authority v. CP Maple Street, LLC

$8,000,000

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

Capital University Law School

Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2011

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Imperfect Naturalization

2009

Immigration Law Update

Immigration

2009

7th Annual Ohio AILA Conference

Immigration Law

2007

5th Annual Ohio AILA Immigration Law Update

Alternatives to H-1B Visas

Publications

2011

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Imperfect Naturalzation

Languages

French

Spanish

Arabic

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution