Skip to main content

Giacomo Jacques Behar

Open for Business
Virtual Consultation
also known as Giacomo Behar, Giacomo Jacques Behar
  Save
Not rated
Avvo Rating10

Legal guides written by Giacomo Behar

Giacomo Jacques Behar
Giacomo Jacques Behar
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Giacomo

Fluent In 7 Languages. CA Board Certified Specialist In US Immigration Law. Call For In-Depth Consultation 7 days/wk. No free consultations. Phone/Skype/Zoom Consultations available 24/7.

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. 
Read More

Practice areas

Immigration
  1. 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

    28 years, 3,700 cases

Languages spoken

French, Italian, Turkish, Hebrew, German, Spanish

Contact

Behar International Counsel, PLC

402 West Broadway
Suite 770
San Diego, CA, 92101

Website
http://www.immigratingtousa.com 

      Berhar International Counsel

      1158 26th Street
      Santa Monica, CA, 90403

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      CAActive199302/04/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers91772
      Legal guides1
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      ListedWho's Who Legal2014
      Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality LawThe State Bar of California, Board Of Legal Specialization2014
      ListedWho's Who Legal2013
      Semi- Finalist - Top Attorneys in Immigration PracticeSan Diego Daily Transcript2012
      Valuable Speaker/ContributorJewish Community Center Paris2009
      Guest Columnist AwardSalom Quarterly Newsletter2009
      Registry Of Outstanding Professionals, 2009 - presentAmerica's Registry Of Outstanding Professionals, 2009- present2009
      Top Contestant - Business Law ProjectUnited States International University1983
      Top Volunteer AwardSwiss Confederation - Federal Office for Migration & Refugee Absorption1980
      Top writer - German Literature Essay ContestInterpreters School, Zurich, Switzerland1979
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Lead AttorneyBehar International Counsel, PLC1999 - Present
      Associate AttorneyMcEntyre and Mitchell1993 - 1999
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      The State Bar of California, Board Of Legal SpecializationCertified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law2015 - Present
      The U.S. Court Of Appeals For The Ninth CircuitN/A2010 - Present
      National Lawyers Guild, National Immigration ProjectParticipating Lawyer2001 - Present
      American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)Chair1993 - Present
      State Bar of CaliforniaActive Member1993 - Present
      The Supreme Court of CaliforniaActive Member1993 - Present
      Westwood Ambassador Home Owners AssociationBoard of Directors2010 - 2012
      American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)Chair-CSC Liaison Committee2004 - 2005
      American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)Chair - Consular Affairs Liaison Committee2003 - 2004
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      Salom Quarterly Newsletter"Neither Black nor White, But Shades of Grey": Business Visa Opportunities in the U.S.2010
      Salom Quarterly NewsletterCareer & Business Opportunities for Immigrant Professionals in the U.S.2008
      Salom Quarterly NewsletterU.S. Non-immigrant Visa Categories Leading to Green Cards2007
      Union des francais a l'etranger NewsletterE-2 Investor Visas: How "Substantial" must the investment be?1999
      Uniion des francais a l'etranger newsletterDiversity visa/ green card lottery application process1998
      Union des francais a l'etranger newsletterNo longer worth to overstay visa - the 3 & 10 year bars to readmission1997
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      California Western School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1993
      United States International UniversityMBA - Master of Business Administration1984
      United States International UniversityBachelor's of Science - Business Administration1983
      Interpreters School, Zurich, SwitzerlandForeign Languages Translator; Conference Interpreter1980
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      Istanbul Investment Expo/SummitEB-5 and E-2 Investment Visas2016
      KUSI News Channel Television NewscastAsylum or Refugee Status: Two Options For Immigrants2014
      Upcoming Immigration ReformImmigration Law2013
      Upcoming Immigration ReformImmigration Law2013
      Radio NewscastU.S. Immigration Reform Update2013
      Radio NewscastEB-5 Investment Program in U.S.2013
      Opportunities for Settling in the U.S.Through Work or InvestmentObtaining 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, 20122012
      Monthly MeetingImmigration Law2012
      Special Immigration Law MeetingImmigration Law2012
      Radio NewscastDACA: Pitfalls in Processing2012
      Radio NewscastDifficult Aspects Of Immigrating To USA2012
      Radio NewscastResponding to Immigrant community questions re. Deferred Action (DACA)2012
      Radio NewscastDeportation Defense In Immigration Court2012
      Radio NewscastTypes Of U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas2012
      Radio NewscastObtaining A Green Card In the U.S.2012
      Radio NewscastVAWA Eligibility For Adjustment Of Status2012
      Radio NewscastPolitical Asylum In The U.S.2012
      Radio NewscastU.S. Citizenship Laws2012
      Business opportunities in the U.S.U.S. Visa Laws2010
      Settling and working abroadU.S. Immigration & Visa Laws2010
      Monthly MeetingImmigration Law2009
      E-2 Treaty Investor Visas & L-1 Multinational ExecutivesU.S. Immigration and Visa Laws2009
      Special Immigration Law MeetingImmigration Law2008
      Business Opportunities in the U.S.U.S. Visa Laws2008
      Settling and Working AbroadU.S. Immigration & Visa Laws2008
      U.S. Business Law SeminarU.S. Business Law Seminar2005
      Investment and Work Opportunities in America and U.S. Visa LawsU.S. Immigration and Visa Laws2005
      Monthly Chapter MeetingAmerican Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence2004
      U.S. Business Law SeminarBusiness & Contracts Law2003
      Monthly Chapter MeetingAmerican Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence2003
      Monthly meetingAmerican Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence2002
      U.S. Business Law SeminarBusiness & Contracts Law1995
      Radio NewscastFiancee Visa K-1N/A
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      Extremely Complex Diversity Visa CaseDiversity Visas Ultimately Granted by USCIS over DOS objections
      National Interest Waiver (NIW) Approval for Research ScientistApproval
      Treaty Investor (E-2) Visa ApprovalApproval - 5 year visas granted
      E-1 Treaty Trader Application CaseE-1 visa for 5 years granted
      Complex Employment-Based Green Card - Labor Certif. w/Substitution of AlienPermanent Residence Granted

      Reviews

      (184)
      5 Star
      		96%
      4 Star
      		1%
      3 Star
      		1%
      2 Star
      		1%
      1 Star
      		2%
      Review Giacomo Behar

      Best Lawyer ever!!!

      Posted by

      Mr. Behar helped me with my marriage-based petition today I had my interview and my Green Card was approved! I am really grateful to Mr. Behar
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Fast reply and very helpful

      Posted by

      He is the best and helped me with my questions. I had really helpful answers in return. Great service. Thank you!
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Great Problem Solver With his deep knowledge and Prowess!! Invaluable Resource !

      Posted by

      I am a non-immigrant ( was in f-1 visa) working in USA . Giacomo is one of the best attorney I have ever seen. He knows ins and outs of immigration laws . As a student and non-immigrant it's really scary if we violate any law unwillingly. I was sleepless for a while which was affecting my works. Giacomo helped me answering lots of questions in avvo that helped me to relax and make a good decision for myself. He gives the answer exactly what you need and what your hidden concern is . The true magician ! May Allah protect you and give you good health and success !!!
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      COMPLEX E-2 VISA WAS APPROVED AT THE CONSULATE!

      Posted by

      I had a very complex E-2 Visa application with the U.S. Consulate Vienna. Mr. Behar worked very hard in putting together our business project which is hard to describe and comprehend and present my case after a big effort. Finally today my E-2 Visa got approved after 5 years. I am very grateful to Mr. Behar. He is the best Immigration Lawyer in San Diego, California.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      BEST IMMIGRATION LAWYER ONE COULD HAVE!

      Posted by

      Mr. Behar helped me with my marriage-based petition he gave a solution when our Immigration Situation was about to change. I really want to thank Mr. Behar for all his great work, if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have my green card. There are no words to thank him and tell you what a great attorney he is and is worth to mention his staff members are always there for me to answer always with a quick response. He is a great attorney but also, honest and he really cared for me when I thought everything was lost!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Remarkable Immigration Lawyer!

      Posted by

      My employer’s Labors Certification Application was denied and the situation was hard. Mr. Behar acted and after many attempts, he resuscitated the Labor Certification Application. My employer received an audit from the Department Of Labor, nevertheless, Mr. Behar acted with successful intervention, and the Labor Certificate was proficiently granted. Mr. Behar is not only an excellent Attorney but a Miracle Worker! I am from Mexico and the Attorney's proficiency in the Spanish language helped me a lot. I strongly suggest Mr. Behar and his team from the bottom of my heart.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Number 1

      Posted by

      My I-751 Waiver petition was denied. Mr. Behar then refile it and was able to obtain the approval of my case against all odds I can't ever be grateful enough to Mr. Behar, his partner Tatyana and members of their staff for the incredible creativity, time, and effort spent on my case.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Best Immigration Attorney in California!

      Posted by

      My situation was impossible. I had no hope but Mr. Behar and his staff prepared a perfect waiver and now I am coming back to the USA. I am very happy with his services; he and his staff were always available when I had questions. I highly recommend Giacomo Behar as an immigration attorney who is up to speed with all government changes in immigration law. Forever grateful.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      I90 Green Card delayed. 18 month waiting

      Posted by

      Mr. Giacomo is right about the huge backlog of the delay of the I90 application. In my case it took 18 months long wait before I finally got it in hand. Thanks for your advise to ask me remain patient. At that time, It really helped to chill thing down. Be hopeful was what it was needed at those difficult time. Thanks for your advise.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Stellar service

      Posted by

      He provided tranquility in my life. His legal advice is unmatched by any immigration attorneys I have spoken to.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (419)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Alexandria Jaquay, Immigration Attorney on Jan 20, 2021
      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 on May 19, 2020
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

      Shawn Malachovsky, Immigration Attorney on Feb 3, 2020
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      David Anderson, Immigration Attorney on Jan 3, 2020
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

      Zachary Wall

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Derek Jacques, Immigration Attorney on Nov 12, 2018
      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 on Oct 9, 2018
      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 on May 15, 2018
      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 on Feb 20, 2018
      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 on Jan 25, 2018
      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 on Dec 2, 2017
      Relationship: Other

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Gevork Arutunian, Immigration Attorney on Sep 13, 2017
      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 on Aug 16, 2017
      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 on Aug 15, 2017
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Stephen Black, Immigration Attorney on Aug 7, 2017
      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 on Jun 8, 2017
      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

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Gary Anderson, Immigration Attorney on Apr 11, 2017
      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 on Apr 2, 2017
      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.

      Joseph Franco, Immigration Attorney on Apr 2, 2017
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse Mr. Behar. He is an advocate that is committed to his immigration clients.

      Legal guides written by Giacomo Behar