About Steven A.

Biography

The primary focus of my professional legal career of over 20 years is the practice of U.S. Immigration Law.

What can I do for YOU?

My mission is to ensure each client secures the most suitable visa or immigration benefit with clarity, efficiency, and confidence. I place great importance on helping clients fully understand their immigration options, empowering them to make informed decisions that align with their personal and professional goals.

Since 2003, I have focused almost exclusively on U.S. immigration law and am a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). With over two decades of experience, I offer seasoned guidance and trusted counsel to navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration with precision and care.

(Last Revision: June 2025)

How am I qualified?

I have been a licensed attorney in the State of Florida since April 2002, authorized to practice before Florida’s highest courts as well as across the entire federal landscape of U.S. immigration law. This federal scope allows me to represent individuals and businesses worldwide, regardless of location, in all matters involving U.S. immigration agencies, including USCIS, and at U.S. Embassies and Consulates globally.

My practice spans a broad range of immigration matters, involving nearly all USCIS field offices throughout the United States and consular posts abroad. Whether the case is family-based, employment-based, or investment-related, I bring personalized and strategic legal guidance to every client I serve.

Sharing knowledge is a central part of my professional philosophy. I regularly mentor fellow immigration attorneys, contribute actively to professional forums and Facebook communities, and author practice toolkits designed specifically for licensed attorneys navigating complex visa categories.

In addition to my practice, I have also served as an Adjunct Professor at St. Petersburg College, where I taught immigration law as part of the Bachelor’s Degree program in Paralegal Studies, helping prepare the next generation of legal professionals.

Whom do I represent?

My legal practice is rooted in St. Petersburg, Florida, serving the greater Tampa Bay metropolitan area — but my reach extends far beyond. I represent clients around the world in securing a wide range of U.S. immigration benefits, with a particular focus on business and employment-based immigration.

The core of my work involves helping professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations navigate the U.S. immigration system. I regularly advise and represent:

Business owners
Entrepreneurs
Investors
Managers and executives
Scientists and researchers
Academics and degreed professionals
Individuals with specialized skills
Inventors and innovators
Artists, musicians, and performers
Professional and competitive athletes

In addition, I frequently assist:

Tourists and prospective visitors to the U.S.
International students
Interns, trainees, and exchange visitors
Short-term business travelers

With over two decades of focused experience, I guide clients through various visa categories and permanent residence pathways tailored to their professional backgrounds and goals. From investor and talent-based visas to employment-sponsored green cards, I deliver strategic counsel with efficiency and integrity.

I proudly offer reduced legal fees for qualifying non-profit organizations. For details, please refer to my fee structurepage.

Although based in Florida, my immigration practice is fully federal in scope, enabling me to represent clients across the United States and globally.

To request a consultation, please email me using the information provided on the Contact page.

Stay informed on the latest developments in U.S. immigration law by subscribing to my email updates and following my law firm’s Facebook page.

In addition to my legal work, I hold several cybersecurity certifications, including CompTIA Security+, EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH), and ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). I offer technology consulting services to solo and small law firms seeking to improve their digital infrastructure, privacy, and security.

(Last Revision: June 2025)

Your U.S. immigration journey starts here — with trusted legal guidance you can rely on.

With over two decades of high-level legal experience, I offer strategic, personalized legal guidance to individuals and businesses seeking to live, work, invest, or grow in the United States. Since founding my practice in St. Petersburg, Florida, I have represented clients across the globe.

Practice Areas

Immigration 95%

As an experienced immigration attorney, his cases revolve primarily around business- and employment-based immigration, assisting clients with living, working and conducting business in the United States.

24 years | 720 cases

95%

Business 5%

The immigration practice is supplemented with business-related issues and matters, surrounding virtually all types of issues of running and operating a business in the United States.

24 years

Fees and Rates

Cost

Pro bono

10 %

Retainer

Sometimes

Payment Methods

Cash
Check
Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 23 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2002

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

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Location

Law Offices of Steven A. Culbreath, P.A.

(727) 289-5897

Fax

(727) 865-5109

Fax

Immigration Law Tampa Bay, 701 - 49th Street North, Saint Petersburg, FL, 33710

immigrationlawtampabay.com/

Message Get Directions

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Gallery

Online Presence

Other places you can find Steven A. online.

Steven A. Culbreath's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

97 Client Reviews

Showing 96 - 97 of 97 reviews

Posted by Tim | February 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Abysmal Experience

I won't hire Seven Culbreath again. I think client experience has two parts: 1. legal knowledge. Steven was solid here. 2. client care, such as replying in a timely fashion. Steve was truly abysmal here. I had to babysit him every step along the way. Over and over again he'd go 7+... days without replying to my requests for updates, sometimes failing to reply altogether. I tried being friendly, lighthearted, compassionate. Absolutely nothing made this man work any more quickly or responsively until I threatened to report him to the Florida Bar and the BBB. His book on Amazon is an amazing first-stop for anyone keen to understand the visa-application process. Go and read his book there, but do not hire him unless you want an exhausting, frustrating, barely-productive experience. Normally I wouldn't leave reviews like this. He explicitly quotes this lawyer-review site all over his own website, though, and cites all the amazing 5-star reviews he's gotten on here, so I thought it was only fair that my experience be included for anyone else considering his services. Along the way, I had one live phone call with Steven, and he was incredibly kind and inspiring to speak with. I sincerely hope he cleans up his act on client-care. He could have a great business here.

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Steven A. Culbreath

Replied last February 13, 2024

Hi Tim, thanks for your feedback. I'm sorry you feel you didn't have an optimal experience. I will consider your comments and look for possible improvements in the process, for the benefit of other clients. Ultimately, you got the Visa renewal you hired me to handle for you. So although the road there was bumpy, we got this one approved and in the "win" column.

Posted by Edgar | May 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY MY HONEST REVIEW !!

This is a list of the events that happen working with Mr. Steven I'm a software engineer with a IT company in Dominican Republic for 18 years now. 1) Date : June 2016 (First Contact) I contacted Mr. Steven through his website in 2015 explaining him that i'm interested in opening a subsidiar...y of my company in the USA trying to expand my software business. Software developed by my company (Accounting, Point of sale, payroll, etc) We talked about L1 Visa for me and L2 for my family. He answer this email right away (same day) 2) Date : January 2017 (Meeting) I emailed Mr. Steven for a personal meeting, knowing that YOU need to know your lawyer and have a first impression with him. He Set the meeting in a Coffee Shop ( and charge a consultation fee of $150 Cash (No receipt). In here i started to doubt and ask him : "where is your Office ?", he hesitate reasoning... is around the conner. In here is said a lot of clever things and one of them was : "I'm going to create a CASE FILE sooo BIG that the people at USCIS won't have time to check it all of this in 2 weeks. 3) Date : June 2017 (Papers) The result of that BIG Case File : 7 (SEVEN) pages. The worst of everything it was a COPY-PASTE with another COMPANY NAME everywhere in the DOCUMENT. That's an INSULT for a "PROFESSIONAL LAWYER", not to stop for even check all of that. i Have a copy of this document as well. All of this after almost 3 month after i PAID IN FULL the honoraries fot the CASE. In this 3 month i asked Mr Steven for all the appropiate documents and moves in order to get the case Aproveed. I ask how much do i need in the bacnk account ?, Office Rent?, Do i need to hire the employees alredy ?... EVERYTHING !. Remember i run a company with 10+ employees for 18 years. 4) JULY 2017 USCIS as for more information and acclarations. Mr. Steven seens here like he knows this will happens, but i doesn't have the abbility of what to do next. I said to Mr. Steven to ask me for everything he think i need because i want this to get approved. 5) AUG 2017 (Letter from USCIS, CASE DENIED) In here i asked Mr. Steven for a meeting and he set the meeting in his office at 3:00pm i Went to the office ON TIME and i asked for MR. Steven with the secretary. Her response : "ohh he does not have an office here, he is a VIRTUAL !". Imagine in this moment how i felt. i called Mr. Steven to his cel phone the one that the secretary gave me, and as always he did not picked it up. i left a message and after 15 minutes he called me back. he said he was sorry that he was there... bla bla bla. i went to the office AGAIN and in this meeting he said to me he will apply for another case with NO LEGAL FEES, but i just need to pay for the TAX for the USCIS 6) MAY 2018 i have emailed, called, let messages in the voice inbox, and mr. steven decided by himself to finish the case with no answer, replies OR explanation at all. MAYBE HE WILL HAVE A RESPONSE TO THIS ONE i made this the short version. I Have a copy of EVERYTHING IN THIS REVIEW.

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Steven A. Culbreath's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Steven A.

Karen Nast

Immigration lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Steven in an experienced and a generous mentor to other lawyers."

Joanne Fakhre

Immigration lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Steven. He is a dedicated attorney who is very thorough. He is also very knowledgeable in immigration law, specifically business immigration. Steven is very willing to help. I have consulted with him many times for his advice on difficult business cases and he has helped willingly."

Sidney Kilgore

Immigration lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A highly competent, caring, and zealous advocate, Steve Culbreath is a superlative immigration lawyer. Having practiced immigration law myself, I know full well how challenging this legal specialty can be, and I have known no practitioner better than Steve. In fact, when I am asked for a referral to an immigration lawyer, Steve is at the top of my list. I have known him for many years, and I commend his services to you without reservation."

Maribeth Wetzel

Immigration lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Steven is an excellent attorney, well versed in all facets of immigration law. Whenever my clients have immigration issues, I reach out to Steven for his advice."

Jessica Mahoney

Immigration lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steven is a sharp and consummate professional with extensive experience in his practice areas. Both personally and professionally, Steven is dedicated to achieving excellence."

Brittany Maxey-Fisher

Immigration lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steven is a tireless advocate for his clients. He always works extremely hard to produce results in the best interest of his clients. I strongly recommend Steven."

Marshall Deason

Unknown lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is my go-to guy for all immigration issues."

Phyllis Towzey

Immigration lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andriy Semotiuk

Immigration lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Steven is one of the most thoughtful and diligent immigration attorneys I have come across in my work over the last 40 years as an attorney. He is smart, hard working and thorough. I would not hesitate to refer any client to Steven. He ranks among the best I have met."

Kathryn Everlove-Stone

Immigration lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steve Culbreath is a very knowledgeable lawyer and I highly recommend him for any immigration issue. I regularly contact him for assistance on cases. He is great!"

Ama Appiah

Immigration lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Steve Culbreath in the area of immigration because of his vast knowledge and experience, as well as his creative problem-solving."

Mayra Calo

Immigration lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Very well respected for his knowledge and professional approach to his practice."

Clifford Wells

Immigration lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Martin Lester

Immigration lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am happy to endorse Steven. He is highly knowledgeable about business immigration matters. I have consulted with him in the past about difficult business immigration issue. I respect his intelligence and competence."

Noelle Sharp

Unknown lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Charles Gallagher

Immigration lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Steven is a superb attorney with a truly unique client centered approach. He is a tireless worker with unique expertise in immigration matters. Without hesitation I endorse and recommend Steven to anyone in need of counsel."

H. Smith

Immigration lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Steven is thorough, knowlegeable, careful and personable. He is quite considerate to his clients, and is comfortable in his skills, allowing him to bring in special counsel to assist with other needed areas of law."

Amy Bellhorn

Unknown lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the pleasure of attending Stetson University College of Law with Attorney Culbreath. He truly enjoys being a lawyer, especially in relation to immigration law. I highly recommend him, and I refer client's to him in that area of law."

Summer Goldman

Immigration lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Steven both as a law student and as a practicing attorney. He was well regarded by his professors and administrators at Stetson Univeristy and that same regard has carried over to the legal community. Steven is incredibly knowledgeable on all immigration matters and I often count on his expertise to help assist my clients."

Nancy Parker

Immigration lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have know Steven for several years and have found him to be an ethical, well informed and contentious attorney. I have confidence in his legal expertise and have relied on his advice on consular processing issues in the past."

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Yael Brudner

Immigration lawyer

Joanne Fakhre

Immigration lawyer

Mayra Calo

Immigration lawyer

Neil Lewis

Immigration lawyer

Byron Kennedy

Car accident lawyer

Kathryn Everlove-Stone

Tax lawyer

H. Smith

Business lawyer

Amy Bellhorn

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Nancy Parker

Immigration lawyer

Kelly Spegon

Child support lawyer

Scott Petersen

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating: 10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2000

ProBono Service Award, William Blews, Stetson Univ. College of Law

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Work Experience

2017 - Present

Committee Member, Florida Bar Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) Committee

2014 - Present

Adjunct Professor, St. Petersburg College

2004 - Present

Partner / Sole Practitioner, Steven A. Culbreath, PA

2015 - 2015

Realtor© Associate, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

2003 - 2008

Associate Attorney, Jaensch Immigration Law Firm

2003 - 2003

Asst. State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney -- 12th Jud.Cir.

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Associations

2020 - Present

CompTIA

Security+

2020 - Present

EC-Council

CEH

2006 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association, (Central Florida chapter)

Member

2004 - Present

Florida Notary Public

2014 - 2016

Florida Division of Real Estate

Sales Associate

2011 - 2012

St. Petersburg Rainmakers

Member

2007 - 2010

St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce

Member

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Sample of Legal Cases

Adjustment of Status of EB-4 Relig. Worker

Approved

Pool Service Company (E-2)

Approved

Commercial Refrigeration (L-1)

Approved

DV-Lottery Based Adjustment of Status

Approved

Foreign Resident DV-Lottery based Immigrant

Approved

Travel Tour Operator/Manager (L-1)

Approved

Wine Bar (B-1 with subsequent change to E-2)

Approved

Recapture of Time (L-1)

Approved

DV-Lottery based Adjustment for Family

Approved

Computer & Information Systems Manager (H-1B)

Approved

Marketing & Operations Manager (L-1)

Approved

Int'l Student w/ Prior Overstay (F-1)

Approved

Removal of Conditional Status w/Waiver

Approved

Travel Agency (E-2)

Approved

Food Processing Machinery Company (L-1)

Approved

Marketing Manager (H-1B)

Approved

Chief Executive Officer (L-1 ext.)

Approved

Tour Operator - Event Coordinator (E-1)

Approved

Operations Manager (L-1)

Approved

Hair Salon Owner/Operator (E-2)

Approved

Real Estate Business (E-2)

Approved

Coffee Import Business (E-2)

Approved

Car Export Business (E-2)

Approved

Multinational Executive (EB-1)

Approved

Traditional Folk Band (P-3)

Approved

Personal Watercraft Repair Business (E-2)

Approved

Deferred Action (DACA)

Approved

Management Analyst (H-1B)

Approved

Commercial Cleaning Company (E-2)

Approved

IT Company Start-up (L-1)

Approved

Possible Claim to U.S. Citizenship

Approved

Solar Power Technology Firm (L-1)

Approved

Pre-School Franchise (E-2)

Approved

Fusion Restaurant (L-1)

Approved

Science Teacher (H-1B)

Approved

Medical Technology (L-1)

Approved

Coffee Vending Machine Service (E-2)

Approved

Wholesale European Tile Sales (E-1)

Approved

Construction & Remodeling Company (E-2)

Approved

Sprayfoam Insulation Company (E-2)

Approved

Real Estate Company Franchise (E-2)

Approved

Marketing Manager (H-1B)

Approved

Restaurant Purchase (E-2)

Approved

Database Manager / Systems Engineer (H-1B)

Approved

Business Management Consultant (L-1)

Approved

Residential Construction Company (E-2)

Approved

Teacher with Focus on Autism-spectrum programs (EB-2/NIW)

Approved

Professional Dog Breeder (E-1)

Approved

Luxury RV Resort (B-1 / E-2)

Approved

Webhosting and IT Services (B-1)

Approved

Investment in Existing Hair Salon (E-2)

Approved

Tax Services and Accounting Firm (E-2)

Approved

Software Engineer - Programmer (H-1B)

Approved

Property Management Company (L-1)

Approved

Commercial Trucking Company (E-2)

Approved

Choir Group (P-3)

Approved

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Education

2000

Stetson University College of Law

Juris Doctor / Dr.iur.

1998

University of South Florida

B.A. cum laude

1994

Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium (Germany)

Abitur

N/A

University of Florida

Master Beekeeper Program

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Speaking Engagements

2017

Latinos United Club Know Your Rights as an Immigrant

2013

Seminar Series -- Germany 2013

Immigration Options for Managers, Executives, Entrepreneurs and Investors

2011

Webinars (ongoing)

Business Immigration Options

2009

International Real Estate Panel

Immigration Issues of Int'l Home Buyers

2009

International Council Update on Immigration Issues for Realtors

Immigration Issues for Realtors

2008

Update on U.S. Immigration Law

Update on U.S. Immigration Law

2007

United Kingdom Real Estate Investment Options Mission

Investment options for would-be immigrants

See All Speaking Engagements See Less Speaking Engagements

Publications

2019

Amazon.com Comprehensive Introduction to U.S. Immigration Law (2019-2020 ed.): Revised and Updated

2018

Amazon.com Playing Chess with Honeybees

2017

Amazon.com The United States of TRUMP

2016

Amazon.com Comprehensive Introduction to U.S. Immigration Law (2016 Ed.)

2016

Florida Bar News The more Bees, the Better

2011

EB5info.com (online) A Victory for Transparency? EB-5 Visa Attorneys Comment on the Release of Adjudicator Training Materials

2009

The Consular Posts Book Guidelines to Consular Processing in FRANKFURT , Germany

2008

Florida Sun Magazine In German.

2008

Siete Dias - Spanish Newspaper Update on Immigration Reform in light of upcoming elections

2008

German-American Florida Pages (2008) Comparison of different ways to obtain Lawful Permanent Residence

2007

Florida Sun Magazine In German.

2007

Florida Sun Magazine In German.

2006

Florida Sun Magazine In German.

2004

Florida Sun Magazine In German.

N/A

ezinearticles.com Misc Immigration Articles

N/A

Florida Sun Magazin (German) Various Articles

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Languages

German

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Activity

Legal Answers

Legal Guides

Legal Answers

Q&A

Can my citizenship be denied if I was arrested and charged with grand theft 3rd degree?

15 Jun 2018

Q&A

How to prove the fulfillment of the 2yr home residency requirement to the us consular? Besides entry/exit passprt stamps(ready)

27 Aug 2011

Q&A

Do I need to change visa when I change role within the same company?

24 Aug 2011

See More Legal Answers

Legal Guides

Legal Guide

Don't let FIRPTA de-rail your real estate transaction!

02 Feb 2013

Legal Guide

Some Pointers on "Deferred Action"

06 Aug 2012

Legal Guide

Recent Presidential Order on "DEFERRED ACTION" Explained

20 Jun 2012

See More Legal Guides