Giacomo Behar - Lawyer in San Diego, CA

Giacomo Jacques Behar

Immigration Attorney at San Diego, CA

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Quick response time...everytime !

Brillient and kind

About Giacomo

Learn Giacomo’s areas of practice.

Practice area

Immigration

100%

Since 1993 I earned a solid reputation for creative advocacy. Taking time to fully grasp each client’s unique situation, am personally available to clients 24/7. Q’s are handled by an attorney speaking your own language (I am truly FLUENT in 7 languages!) & not by a secretary, as is often the case in other firms. Whether a family-based application, complicated business/employment visa, asylum or deportation case, I believe ea. client deserves the best of my personal, legal & creativ
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30 years, 3,700 cases

FLUENT IN 7 LANGUAGES. CA BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN US IMMIGRATION LAW. CALL FOR IN-DEPTH CONSULTATION 7 DAYS/WK. NO FREE CONSULTATIONS. PHONE/GOOGLE MEET/SKYPE/ZOOM CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK.

Fluent in 7 languages, Giacomo Jacques Behar is a Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law, The State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. We are a full service immigration law firm headquartered in San Diego, California, with a second location in the Westwood area of West Los Angeles. Our firm specializes in U.S. immigration and Naturalization Law and has assisted clients in different U.S. states and from more than 40 countries around the world since 1993.

We offer a full range of family-based immigrant and non-immigrant visa and consular application services including K-1, R-1, H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-1, as well as our "house specialty", Treaty Investor (E-2) and Treaty Trader (E-1) visas and also specialize in employment-based permanent residence through Labor Certification ("PERM"). We also assist our clients with their political asylum applications and appear with clients at asylum interviews. In addition, our firm is also ideally equipped to speedily and efficiently process your and your family's citizenship applications. Last, but not least, we also offer to our clients expert personalized assistance on a full range of non-immigrant and work visa applications at U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide.

Meet your lawyer: Giacomo Jacques BEHAR

LICENCED BY THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA SINCE 1993 - CERTIFIED SPECIALIST, IMMIGRATION & NATIONALITY LAW - THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA, BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION.

With now 27 years of practicing experience, I dedicate my practice exclusively to U.S. Immigration and Nationality law. Immigration Law is Federal & therefore uniform throughout the U.S. A world traveled multilingual polyglot, I am FLUENT in seven (7) languages: Spanish, French, Italian, Turkish, Hebrew, German and of course, English. For the last 26 years I take pride in having assisted clients in most of these languages, on an almost daily basis. I am myself an immigrant who arrived in San Diego 38 years ago from Switzerland to get my Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree in the USA.

Awards

Top Contributor

2023 2022 2021 + 9 ...

Client's Choice

2022 2021 2020 + 8 ...

Licensed for 29 years

State CA

Status Active

Acquired 1993

Updated 12/04/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Giacomo

Behar International Counsel, PLC

(619) 377-4202 Office

(619) 231-1775 Fax

402 West Broadway

Suite 770

San Diego, CA, 92101

immigratingtousa.com

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Behar International Counsel

(619) 377-4202 Office

1158 26th Street

Santa Monica, CA, 90403

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Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0

222 customer reviews

3 Star

Client's Choice

Giacomo received a significant number of 4+ stars in 2022

Posted by KK | February 1, 2023

Quick response time...everytime !

Quick and clear response every time. Explains the rules very well and makes it easy to understand. Excellent service and helpfulness.

Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2023

Brillient and kind

Mr. Baher is brilliant, knowledgeable, responsive, and kind. I asked him a couple of questions and sent private messages, and his knowledge helped in reducing my anxiety about some issues. I highly recommend Mr. Baher.

Posted by anonymous | January 7, 2023

Brilliant Attorney

Brilliant attorney who goes above and beyond when consulting. Extremely high level of insight, real world experience and incredibly friendly and understanding.

Posted by Bulent Kemal | December 30, 2022

He is the man with the plan!

I am honored to be accepted by Mr. Giacomo Jacques Behar as a client. From the very first consultation, Mr. Behar was on top of everything. Not only he foresaw exactly how the whole process would play out, he reminded me at each step what to expect, and how to respond to it. He played the good cop, and the bad cop for me, for we both knew my case came with baggage, and it begged great attention. Yet Mr. Behar was confident, he told me that he could guarantee success as long as I put the effort into what he needed from me, and listen and not skip on any of his suggestions. He was right about everything, and I owe him (and his team) my current peace and happiness.

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Posted by Kelly | December 28, 2022

Knowledgeable lawyer

Answered all my questions and helped me with all the concerns I had. He seems very honest, not trying to make the case look complicated to charge extra like other lawyers do. It's great to have people like him in that field.

Posted by Fabio | December 22, 2022

10yrs renewal green card

Best immigration Lawyer in San Diego!!! Behar was raccomend to me by a dear friend. Absolutely first class from start to finish. Can’t believe it, in a just four months Behar was able to renew my 10 years green card .I sincerely recommend Mr Behar law firm as the best place to discuss anything immigration or business.First and only choice i also had different immigration lawyers in my past nobody like him.Thank you for changing my life.

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Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2022

Very helpful answers

I ask a couple of immigration questIons on this app and his answer is really helpful Thankyou

Posted by Lily | November 2, 2022

Best Lawyer!

Very responsible. Will straight away reply your inquiries. Have friendly and accommodating office staff.

Posted by Lynn | October 22, 2022

I-751 Waiver Approved fast without RFE and without Interview!

Yesterday I received my 10 years green card and I can’t thank Mr. Giacomo Behar and Mrs. Tatyana Edwards-Behar enough for the effort and the dedication they put into my case! I had a complicated case since I had divorced before applying for my petition to remove the 2 years condition of residency. Since the very first consultation I had with Giacomo and Tatyana I felt they were the right choice and I was so right! Giacomo and Tatyana analized my case with attention and care and they took their time to select the best and strongest evidences to put together with my case. They help me to write a personalized declaration letter and put all the facts in order and highlighted what was more important. Before finalizing it, they made sure that everything was grammatically correct and that every details they asked me to write were included. Mrs. Tatyana reviewed my declaration letter at least four times and each time she sent it back to me pointing out the mistakes and what was missing and they did not submit the case until everything was perfect! They are amazing and I will be always grateful to have found two attorneys who really care about their clients cases and want the best outcome for everyone! Also, I have to mention that most of the people in my situation are usually called in for an interview or are asked to provide extra evidences. I did not have an interview or a request for evidences, my case was simply approved and my green card was sent to Mr. And Mrs.’s Behar office! Again I can’t thank them enough and I will definitely choose them as my attorneys in the future. Grazie infinite!!!!!!!!

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Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2022

H1b transfer consultation

I would highly recommend Mr. Behar's legal services. I consulted Mr. Behar last month for my H1b visa transfer queries and he guided me very well, explaining even many additional scenarios and options, of which I was not aware. He is a good listener and provides clear guidance about the next steps. I even followed up with him a month after my initial consultation and he gracefully answered all my queries. It was also very easy to coordinate with his front office and the lady managing it make it very seamless. Thanks.

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Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2022

H-1B Petition and Visas approved in two months without RFE!

mr behar and his team did an excellent job. the h1b petition was approved by uscis within 2 months without rfe. mr behar was always responsive and made me and my wife feel comfortable. he and his team are very professional and have a sound knowledge. I highly recommend mr behar and his team. 25 years of experience and his great personality pay off.

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Posted by Harjeet | August 31, 2022

Appointment in US Consulate Vancouver for H4 stamping

Thanks to Giacomo for his guidance and suggestions. Everything went well as per his suggestions and I received my Visa today. Thank you again :)

Posted by Rachel | August 17, 2022

my daughter's I94 renewed another 24 months because of the lawyer Giacomo

I sent two questions in the past 2 years because my daughter's I94 expired ( more than 16 months). She is 15 years old. Lawyer Giacomo replied that's how i found him. After the first consultation, i decided to take Giacomo's advice and hire him. He suggested us to go to Mexico and come back. He went there to talk to the supervisor of CBP first and then asked me to fly to his office and went to the Mexico land port. I am so happy i made such a great decision hiring the lawyer Giacomo. He is so knowledgeable and knows exactly what he is doing, and at the same time, he didn't over-promise but telling me the whole picture. My daughter came back from Mexico and got her I94 renewed another 24 months. Such a huge relief ! If you have any immigration issues, Lawyer Giacomo is your BEST CHOICE!!!

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Posted by anonymous | August 15, 2022

Citizenship interview

He certainly gave very explanatory information about my citizenship interview. Thank you.

Posted by anonymous | August 7, 2022

Dream come true lawyer. Best in USA.

Mr. Behar and his team helped me so much with my case and kept me updated throughout the process until everything was taken care of. AGAINST ALL ODDS MY MALE PETITION FOR VAWA CASE WAS APPROVED. My adjustment of status interview was difficult but because of Mr. Behar’s dedication and creative thinking my interview went great. My interview went over for an hour, but Mr. Behar’s presence made a lot of difference and gave me confidence. He is very thorough and demonstrates professionalism and personal attention to your case. He made a scary interview process very comfortable for me. He prepared me well for my interview. I can’t thank him enough, it’s hard to describe in words how after an hour of my interview my case was approved. Mr. Behar is an attorney that will not only provide you with the best possible service, but he will also make you feel like you are getting the best possible advice. He is very knowledgeable and has a great ability to respond quickly to any situation. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants their American Dream to come true.

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Posted by anonymous | July 15, 2022

The best Lawyer ever

Mr. Behar is an amazing lawyer. He is very smart and knowledgeable about several topics: immigration, employment, contracts, etc. The consultation with him was the most helpful conversation I‘ve ever had. I highly would recommend him. It was a pleasure and an amazing experience to get in touch with him. Thank you for everything!

Posted by Sam | July 6, 2022

Knowledgeable

prompt and correct response! He knows the application process for employment authorization at USCIS pretty well.

Posted by Iman | June 25, 2022

Risk Dirctor

He was clear about all complications and how to avoid and clear them . Him and his staff Was available for any inquiries . Thank you

Posted by Xiuping C | June 8, 2022

Great Consultation Experience

Mr. Behar is 100% THE expert on immigration issues. He was able to answer all of my questions and concerns during the consultation. I was very glad I found the right lawyer for my situation. I have decided to file on my own to save some fees but I will definitely seek assistance from him if I need help!

Posted by Amr | June 5, 2022

Best of the best

So creative and supportive and knowledgeable every attorney can speak law , but not every attorney can be creative and help you with smart plan and make you feel comfortable like MR.Behar

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Lead Attorney
Behar International Counsel, PLC
1999 - Present

Associate Attorney
McEntyre and Mitchell
1993 - 1999

Education

California Western School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1993

United States International University
MBA - Master of Business Administration
1984

United States International University
Bachelor's of Science - Business Administration
1983

Interpreters School, Zurich, Switzerland
Foreign Languages Translator; Conference Interpreter
1980

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Legal Cases

Extremely Complex Diversity Visa Case
Diversity Visas Ultimately Granted by USCIS over DOS objections

National Interest Waiver (NIW) Approval for Research Scientist
Approval

Treaty Investor (E-2) Visa Approval
Approval - 5 year visas granted

View all legal cases

Associations

The State Bar of California, Board Of Legal Specialization
Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law
2015 - Present

The U.S. Court Of Appeals For The Ninth Circuit
2010 - Present

National Lawyers Guild, National Immigration Project
Participating Lawyer
2001 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)
Chair
1993 - Present

State Bar of California
Active Member
1993 - Present

The Supreme Court of California
Active Member
1993 - Present

Westwood Ambassador Home Owners Association
Board of Directors
2010 - 2012

American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)
Chair-CSC Liaison Committee
2004 - 2005

American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)
Chair - Consular Affairs Liaison Committee
2003 - 2004

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Languages Spoken

French

Italian

Turkish

Hebrew

German

Spanish

English

View all languages

Honors and Awards

Listed
Who's Who Legal
2014

Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law
The State Bar of California, Board Of Legal Specialization
2014

Listed
Who's Who Legal
2013

Semi- Finalist - Top Attorneys in Immigration Practice
San Diego Daily Transcript
2012

Valuable Speaker/Contributor
Jewish Community Center Paris
2009

Guest Columnist Award
Salom Quarterly Newsletter
2009

Registry Of Outstanding Professionals, 2009 - present
America's Registry Of Outstanding Professionals, 2009- present
2009

Top Contestant - Business Law Project
United States International University
1983

Top Volunteer Award
Swiss Confederation - Federal Office for Migration & Refugee Absorption
1980

Top writer - German Literature Essay Contest
Interpreters School, Zurich, Switzerland
1979

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Publications

Salom Quarterly Newsletter
"Neither Black nor White, But Shades of Grey": Business Visa Opportunities in the U.S.
2010

Salom Quarterly Newsletter
Career & Business Opportunities for Immigrant Professionals in the U.S.
2008

Salom Quarterly Newsletter
U.S. Non-immigrant Visa Categories Leading to Green Cards
2007

Union des francais a l'etranger Newsletter
E-2 Investor Visas: How "Substantial" must the investment be?
1999

Uniion des francais a l'etranger newsletter
Diversity visa/ green card lottery application process
1998

Union des francais a l'etranger newsletter
No longer worth to overstay visa - the 3 & 10 year bars to readmission
1997

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Istanbul Investment Expo/Summit
EB-5 and E-2 Investment Visas
2016

KUSI News Channel Television Newscast
Asylum or Refugee Status: Two Options For Immigrants
2014

Upcoming Immigration Reform
Immigration Law
2013

Upcoming Immigration Reform
Immigration Law
2013

Radio Newscast
U.S. Immigration Reform Update
2013

Radio Newscast
EB-5 Investment Program in U.S.
2013

Opportunities for Settling in the U.S.Through Work or Investment
Obtaining a Green Card Through Investment in the U.S.
2012

Univision Newscast on Deferred Action (DACA)
Responding to Hispanic community questions re. Deferred Action Application which began August 15, 2012
2012

Monthly Meeting
Immigration Law
2012

Special Immigration Law Meeting
Immigration Law
2012

Radio Newscast
DACA: Pitfalls in Processing
2012

Radio Newscast
Difficult Aspects Of Immigrating To USA
2012

Radio Newscast
Responding to Immigrant community questions re. Deferred Action (DACA)
2012

Radio Newscast
Deportation Defense In Immigration Court
2012

Radio Newscast
Types Of U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas
2012

Radio Newscast
Obtaining A Green Card In the U.S.
2012

Radio Newscast
VAWA Eligibility For Adjustment Of Status
2012

Radio Newscast
Political Asylum In The U.S.
2012

Radio Newscast
U.S. Citizenship Laws
2012

Business opportunities in the U.S.
U.S. Visa Laws
2010

Settling and working abroad
U.S. Immigration & Visa Laws
2010

Monthly Meeting
Immigration Law
2009

E-2 Treaty Investor Visas & L-1 Multinational Executives
U.S. Immigration and Visa Laws
2009

Special Immigration Law Meeting
Immigration Law
2008

Business Opportunities in the U.S.
U.S. Visa Laws
2008

Settling and Working Abroad
U.S. Immigration & Visa Laws
2008

U.S. Business Law Seminar
U.S. Business Law Seminar
2005

Investment and Work Opportunities in America and U.S. Visa Laws
U.S. Immigration and Visa Laws
2005

Monthly Chapter Meeting
American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence
2004

U.S. Business Law Seminar
Business & Contracts Law
2003

Monthly Chapter Meeting
American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence
2003

Monthly meeting
American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence
2002

U.S. Business Law Seminar
Business & Contracts Law
1995

Radio Newscast
Fiancee Visa K-1
N/A

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Attorney endorsements

Received (420)

Given (596)

Endorse Giacomo

Poonam Minhas

Immigration Attorney | Jul 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Behar. He has a lot of knowledge in immigration law. His responses to queries on complicated immigration matters are straightforward and detailed; he provides alternative suggestions if needed."

Alexandria Jaquay

Immigration Attorney | Jan 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Behar provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediately legal answers."

Steven Perrigo

Immigration Attorney | May 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer based on his thorough and knowledgeable answers on this forum."

Shawn Malachovsky

Immigration Attorney | Feb 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Anderson

Immigration Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Incredibly knowledgeable and a valued part of the Avvo community, I endorse this lawyer."

Zachary Wall

Unknown Attorney | Dec 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Derek Jacques

Immigration Attorney | Nov 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Behar has provided invaluable resources to the Avvo community. I would not hesitate to recommend his services to any person in need."

Glen Kotten

Immigration Attorney | Oct 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Very experienced and exceptional lawyer. He will be able to handle any of your immigration needs."

Douglas Cowgill

Immigration Attorney | May 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Behar provides thoughtful and accurate information to people seeking legal advice in the field of immigration law"

Rahul Aggarwal

Immigration Attorney | Feb 20
Relationship: Other

"From one attorney to another, I endorse this lawyer. He has answered a large quantity of immigration questions posed by potential clients for their benefit at no charge. He is competent and sincere with all communications."

Zebulon Chandler

Immigration Attorney | Jan 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top Lawyer in the Immigration Field. Easily in the top 10 lawyers in the field globally."

Johnathon Hardaway

Business Attorney | Dec 02
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gevork Arutunian

Immigration Attorney | Sep 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Behar. He provides an exceptional service to the immigration community. His solutions to legal inquiries on this forum are well reasoned, clear and sincere."

George Munoz

Immigration Attorney | Aug 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible. I endorse this lawyer. - Anthony Munoz, Esq."

Christine Thurston

Immigration Attorney | Aug 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stephen Black

Immigration Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The Einstein of Immigration Law. Giacomo is an immigration law genius and this opinion is coming from a fellow immigration lawyer."

Colette Katz

Immigration Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Behar gets right to the point in his answers, and his reviews show him to be a pillar of the community."

Corey Kane

Unknown Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gary Anderson

Immigration Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have read many of the responses to inquiries given by this attorney. I can say that he gives solid advice. Giacomo Jacques Behar is very knowledgeable and an aggressive advocate for his clients."

Gail Barsky

Immigration Attorney | Apr 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He has answered an incredible amount of questions on avvo for the benefit of clients for no charge. He has an extremely impressive amount of client reviews who took the time to write about him."

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