Giacomo Jacques Behar

PRO

Giacomo Jacques Behar

also known as Giacomo Behar

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 32 years

Immigration Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Immigration

402 West Broadway, Suite 1520, San Diego, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Giacomo

Biography

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. CA Board Certified Specialist in U.S. Immigration. Call for in-depth consult 7 days/wk. No free consultations. Phone/Google Meet/Skype/Zoom Consultations available 7 days a week.

Practice Areas

1

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

33 years | 3,700 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2026 2025 2024
...
+ 12
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2026 2025 2024
...
+ 12

Licenses

Licensed in California for 32 years

State: California

Acquired: 1993

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Behar International Counsel, PLC

402 West Broadway, Suite 1520, San Diego, CA, 92101

immigratingtousa.com

Giacomo Jacques Behar's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

295 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Punctuality

Posted by Keith | July 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Successful marriage-based green card application

Mr. Behar and Rebeca Perez expertly handled my green card application, and I can confidently say they are top-tier legal representatives for US immigration. I found Mr. Behar’s services while researching immigration questions online. I was impressed by the thousands of responses he provided on Avv...o, offering hours of free legal advice on a range of issues. His depth of knowledge and clear, practical guidance made it easy to assess his expertise and decide he was the right lawyer for me. I appreciated his transparency and commitment to his practice. From the start, his firm was flexible, responsive, and efficient. Mr. Behar offers consultations almost daily, even on weekends, which is perfect for working professionals. I recall being able to schedule a consultation late on a Friday evening. The following week, after submitting the necessary documents and fees, his team filed our application promptly. Throughout the process, responses to any questions were quick and clear, which alleviated any concerns. I also appreciated Ms. Perez for her timely follow-ups on important dates and submissions, which made the process feel more personal and urgent. What truly sets Mr. Behar apart is his deep expertise. He provides not just legal advice, but clear reasoning and examples to back it up. His guidance was consistently accurate, and it made a significant difference in the success of our application. I highly recommend him and his firm for any US immigration needs – schedule a consultation if you have any doubts.

Posted by alma | July 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

E-2 VISA ISSUED IN ROME TO A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR

I recently had a very enjoyable experience with a wonderful, highly knowledgeable San Diego lawyer, Giacomo Behar, who assisted me in obtaining a very difficult Investor visa application in Rome, Italy. The process was complicated by the fact that I didn’t work for many years, but it was necessar...y to convince the US consul in Rome, that despite my gap in running a business I was still highly capable to it, and was therefore eligible to receive the visa. Mr. Behar succeeded in accomplishing this goal brilliantly. He custom-prepared my application, including very detailed and comprehensive business plan and supported me in my life-long dream of establishing an Art-caffe in the beautiful Gaslamp district in San Diego. Coming from Italy and appreciating the beauty and peacefulness of San Diego I always felt that synergy and thought it would be a wonderful project to bring to life. But, it was only the wisdom and creativity of lawyer Behar that helped me to realize my dream and bring it to fruition. Giacomo even agreed to fly to Rome to personally prepare me, in Italian, for the entire day before my interview at the US embassy. He then accompanied me to the embassy. My visa was instantly approved, despite some challenges that my case presented, i.e. a relatively small amount of investment, and a many year gap in running a business. None of this was unsurmountable for Giacomo Behar. He is a genius who brilliantly mastered my case and brought it to the desired result. I am now enjoying my life with my family, my grandson in San Diego and running a business I love. Who can ask for more? Thanking you for everything, dear Giacomo!

Posted by Esra | May 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Thankful forever

Mr. Behar helped first my husband for his citizenship. Then we came back to him to help me through the long and sometimes daunting immigration process to adjust my status for Permanent Residency first, then most recently my US citizenship. His experience, knowledge, professionalism and attention to d...etail is unmatched! His back office support has always been on time, ready with all the documentation necessary which made everything go much smoother. I am forever thankful and highly recommend Mr. Behar as the best immigration attorney you can work with.

Posted by Wafaa | April 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Best Immigration Attorney

Mr. Behar has been our family immigration lawyer for 20 years for that it`s so hard for me to know from where to start to describe how grateful my family and myself to Jacque. Mr. Behar the best immigration lawyer ever his working attitude is extremely professional and incredibly helpful and highly ...knowledgeable lawyer that cares about what your goals are With his highly experienced he made a very difficult experience seem so easy and taken care of the smallest details. Jaques as a person he is very kind and caring with his lovely wife Tatiana. I live in Orange county and I do not drive, freeway and always his work has been tiring less he will travel world wide to be sure the things went well. When I called his office the knowledge and friendly staff they are ready to help with any question and Mr. Behar his time are limitless any time I call he is ready to answer any question. I do appreciate the efforts that Mr. Behar has offered to my sister during the procedures for obtaining the Green card despite the longest time because her case was one of the difficult and extremely hard Mr. Behar always was supported by words, work and continuous meeting money never were his target his target was to find the safety net to obtain the citizenship In the last year during her interview for the citizenship Mr. Behar was out of state and his promise he is going to be with her on that day, and he did call my sister while his flight landing to tell her he arrived and he is ready to go with here the next day. I'm so glad he went with her because her interview was hard with the person does not have any experience or any knowledge he was strong and knowledge to defends and help her. One year passes without receiving the oath ceremony letter and again, Jacque does not stop he always called and he did info pass to find out what is going on. Until she did receive her oath ceremony letter and she became a US citizen on March 2016 Thank you so much Jacque the word thank you is not enough how much my sister and myself we do appreciate you because you did work hard to make our dreams come true. Thank you so much Jacque the word thank you is not enough how much my sister and myself we do appreciate you because you did work hard to make our dreams come true. All my family Trust Mr. Behar as we do and we are highly recommend.

Posted by Andy & Maria | October 15, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Adjustment of Status

Mr. Behar is a highly professional lawyer, prompt and knowledgable! He was a good listener who offered accurate and comforting advice. Our experience with him was truly great: the whole adjustment of status process was very smooth & fast. Mr. Behar attended the adjustment of status interview with us ...and it only took 22 minutes to get an approval! We will definitely recommend Mr. Behar to anyone who is seeking solid immigration attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Giacomo Jacques Behar's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Giacomo
Charles Christopher Adkins headshot
Charles Adkins

Immigration lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Giacomo Jacques Behar consistently provides insightful, accurate, and compassionate answers in Avvo’s Immigration Law Q&A forum. His responses reflect a deep knowledge of U.S. immigration law and extensive experience helping clients in San Diego and beyond navigate complex visa, asylum, and citizenship matters. He offers clear, practical advice with genuine empathy for those facing immigration challenges. I’m pleased to endorse Mr. Behar as a highly skilled and dedicated San Diego immigration attorney."

Alicia Khoo headshot
Alicia Khoo

Immigration lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Giacomo Jacques Behar. His extensive experience, expertise, and diligence is highly sought after. He serves the community to the best of his ability and is one of the best minds in the field of immigration law."

Syed Ali Hussain Lahooti headshot
Syed Lahooti

Immigration lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Giacomo because of his polite way and informational replies to the general public for their help with immigration questions."

Poonam Minhas headshot
Poonam Minhas

Immigration lawyer | 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 headshot
Alexandria Jaquay

Immigration lawyer | 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 Neil Perrigo headshot
Steven Perrigo

Immigration lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Shawn Malachovsky headshot
Shawn Malachovsky

Immigration lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David E. Anderson headshot
David Anderson

Immigration lawyer | Jan 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Zachary Robert Wall headshot
Zachary Wall

Unknown lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Derek Jacques headshot
Derek Jacques

Immigration lawyer | 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 Adam Kotten headshot
Glen Kotten

Immigration lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Douglas Aaron Cowgill headshot
Douglas Cowgill

Immigration lawyer | 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 headshot
Rahul Aggarwal

Immigration lawyer | 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 Kelly Chandler headshot
Zebulon Chandler

Immigration lawyer | 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 III headshot
Johnathon Hardaway

Business lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gevork Arutunian headshot
Gevork Arutunian

Immigration lawyer | 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 Anthony Munoz headshot
George Munoz

Immigration lawyer | 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 A Thurston headshot
Christine Thurston

Immigration lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stephen Arnold Black headshot
Stephen Black

Immigration lawyer | 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 headshot
Colette Katz

Immigration lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
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Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Listed, Who's Who Legal

2014

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

2013

Listed, Who's Who Legal

2012

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

2009

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

1983

Top Contestant - Business Law Project, United States International University

1980

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

1979

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

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Lead Attorney, Behar International Counsel, PLC

1993 - 1999

Associate Attorney, McEntyre and Mitchell

Associations

2015 - Present

The State Bar of California, Board Of Legal Specialization

Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law

2010 - Present

The U.S. Court Of Appeals For The Ninth Circuit

2001 - Present

National Lawyers Guild, National Immigration Project

Participating Lawyer

1993 - 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

2010 - 2012

Westwood Ambassador Home Owners Association

Board of Directors

2004 - 2005

American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)

Chair-CSC Liaison Committee

2003 - 2004

American Immigration Lawyers Association (San Diego chapter)

Chair - Consular Affairs Liaison Committee

Sample of 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

E-1 Treaty Trader Application Case

E-1 visa for 5 years granted

Complex Employment-Based Green Card - Labor Certif. w/Substitution of Alien

Permanent Residence Granted

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

California Western School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1984

United States International University

MBA - Master of Business Administration

1983

United States International University

Bachelor's of Science - Business Administration

1980

Interpreters School, Zurich, Switzerland

Foreign Languages Translator; Conference Interpreter

Speaking Engagements

2016

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

2014

KUSI News Channel Television Newscast

Asylum or Refugee Status: Two Options For Immigrants

2013

Upcoming Immigration Reform

Immigration Law

2013

Upcoming Immigration Reform

Immigration Law

2013

Radio Newscast

EB-5 Investment Program in U.S.

2013

Radio Newscast

U.S. Immigration Reform Update

2012

Special Immigration Law Meeting

Immigration Law

2012

Radio Newscast

U.S. Citizenship Laws

2012

Radio Newscast

Political Asylum In The U.S.

2012

Radio Newscast

VAWA Eligibility For Adjustment Of Status

2012

Radio Newscast

Obtaining A Green Card In the U.S.

2012

Radio Newscast

Types Of U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas

2012

Radio Newscast

Deportation Defense In Immigration Court

2012

Radio Newscast

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

2012

Radio Newscast

Difficult Aspects Of Immigrating To USA

2012

Radio Newscast

DACA: Pitfalls in Processing

2012

Opportunities for Settling in the U.S.Through Work or Investment

Obtaining a Green Card Through Investment in the U.S.

2012

Monthly Meeting

Immigration Law

2010

Settling and working abroad

U.S. Immigration & Visa Laws

2010

Business opportunities in the U.S.

U.S. Visa Laws

2009

Monthly Meeting

Immigration Law

2009

E-2 Treaty Investor Visas & L-1 Multinational Executives

U.S. Immigration and Visa Laws

2008

Special Immigration Law Meeting

Immigration Law

2008

Settling and Working Abroad

U.S. Immigration & Visa Laws

2008

Business Opportunities in the U.S.

U.S. Visa Laws

2005

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

2004

Monthly Chapter Meeting

American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence

2003

U.S. Business Law Seminar

Business & Contracts Law

2003

Monthly Chapter Meeting

American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence

2002

Monthly meeting

American Contracts Law vs. European Jurisprudence

1995

U.S. Business Law Seminar

Business & Contracts Law

N/A

Radio Newscast

Fiancee Visa K-1

Publications

2007

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

1999

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

1998

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

1997

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

Languages

French

Italian

Turkish

Hebrew

German

Spanish

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Giacomo earned significant contribution points in 2026.

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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