My wife and my I-485 (Adjustment of Status applications through employment-based petition) were stuck by my name check with the FBI for almost four years without any progress. With desperation and frustration, I tried to find an attorney to file a writ of mandamus for me. I talked to a dozen of immigration attorneys but they did not want to file the lawsuit against the government. Finally I found Mr. Carpenter from internet and it seemed to be a piece of cake for him to file a mandamus action against USCIS. A few months later, my background check was cleared and our green cards were approved. I think Mr. Carpenter is an experienced immigration attorney. I’ve been especially impressed of his extensive experience in mandamus actions against the USCIS. I highly recommend Mr. Carpenter to you for any immigration needs.  Mr. X, China Mandamus Suit Against the U.S. CIS for Delayed Employment-Based Visa Immigration Application, Filed in the Eastern District of Michigan Federal District Court, Resolved June 2007, Detroit, Michigan

Robert Carpenter was referred to me by a friend of mine who had a very complicated immigration case and got it resolved with Robert’s help. I needed a lawyer to help me with the H1B visa and started working with Robert Carpenter in 2003. During the initial consultation, Robert spent over an hour with me and thoroughly explained the whole process. When I decided to work with him, he did all the paperwork for my H1B accurately and in a timely manner.

Later, when I decided to apply for my permanent residency, Robert thoroughly explained my options (I could apply through my employer after doing the labor certification; or, I could apply through my mother, who is a permanent resident), and gave me accurate timelines for both of them. We both decided that the quicker way would be to apply through my employer. It is a long and complicated process that involves multiple steps and applications, and I would have never succeeded without Robert's help.

I received my permanent residency card several days ago and can't thank Robert and his staff enough for all the help and support! He and his office staff are extremely helpful, organized, and were always responsive to all my questions (and I had plenty of them!). They definitely made this whole process much less stressful for me, and, most importantly - did it all accurately, which ensured my success in acquiring permanent residency status in the U.S. Thank you! - DJ, Lithuania Labor Certification & Employment-Based Visa Immigration Application Chicago, Illinois, 2007

"The Equal Access to Justice Act provides that a fee award...shall be based on prevailing market rates for the kind and quality of the services furnished...Petitioners' counsel is experienced, the services rendered were necessary and proper, and the time spent was kept to a minimum. Respondents (referring to the United States of America and the U.S. INS) acknowledge that Petitioners were persistent and "hired an extremely competent immigration practitioner (referring to Robert Carpenter) in order to guide this petition through the process and was ultimately successful in being approved for permanent resident in the United States""
-Judge Morton Denslow, U.S. Magistrate Judge, in his fee Order in the case of Kobzev v. U.S. INS, 00 C 4576, heard by then Chief Judge Marvin Aspen. The case involved a DV adjustment applicant who could not get the local INS officer to close his file before the end of the fiscal year. Carpenter & Capt filed suit, uncovered errors on the Services' part, including the interviewing Officer faxing information requests to an abandoned U.S. Naval Base instead of to the U.S. Embassy. Judge Aspen granted the relief sought, the client and his family procured their permanent residency, and the full amount of attorney's fees sought under the EAJA were ordered by Judge Denslow.

"Hi Rob,
I don't think I can explain to you in words how much Bill & I and everyone appreciate
everything you have done. You did an awesome job today, we all felt that. I will never
forget how you changed the lives of so many of us, especially for the kids, which are
the most important in this whole situation. You gave them their father and you gave
me my husband, I will always be grateful for that....you are an exceptional attorney
and human being, I can tell over the last few months you just want to do what's right
and fair in helping people and it must be a great feeling knowing how you affect so many
lives. Thanks again for everything!" - EA & BA, Canada, who wrote after a contentious deportation hearing, which along with two federal court suits against the government during the deportation proceedings, resulting in his being awarded his permanent residency. If deported, he would have been barred from re-entering the U.S. for life. Mandamus & Declaratory Action in the Northern District of Illinois Federal District Court & Removal Proceedings in front of EOIR Chicago, Judge Vinikoor Seeking Marriage-Based Visa Approval & Adjustment of Status, Chicago, IL 2005.

We were referred to Carpenter and Capt, by a family member who had used their services.  We had problems with a past attorney and were very nervous about going to our first appointment at Carpenter and Capt.  From our first meeting, Mr. Carpenter calmed our nerves.  He always made us feel welcome in the office, and when speaking to anyone over the telephone we were always very comfortable.  Anytime we had a question everyone was always very helpful.  Step by step they let us know what was going to happen or what we needed to do next.  They were always very prompt, when receiving notices from the USCIS, at calling us and telling what was going on in our case .  We always felt up to date and never in the dark. 

We had first applied for my husband’s visa back in 1997 and had been denied twice in Mexico.  We had almost given up hope and then heard about Robert Carpenter.  Our case was a difficult case; however, in April we received news that our application had been approved, and he received his visa only days after!  This was one of the most wonderful things that had happened to our family.  Our case was approved only months after working with Mr. Carpenter.  To be completely honest, I feel as though he has given me back my husband, given our chi ldren back their father, and given our family back its freedom.  We know that working with Mr. Carpenter was without a doubt the best decision that we have made.  There are not enough words in the language to describe how grateful we are to Robert Carpenter and his staff.   -L & J, U.S. & Mexico Marriage-Based Visa Adjustment of Status Immigration Application filed and granted in Chicago, Illinois 2007

Dear Robert & Patricia,
"'Namaste' is the traditional Nepali blessing which translates as 'I bless the divine in you' & is a reminder to us to always look & see the good and beautiful in all of us. We want to thank you for your hard work, dedication to our welfare & the creativity & professionalism you show in your calling to serve your clients to the best of your ability.
When you purchase a service, you agree to a contract & a set price. But your kindness, generosity with your time & knowledge, your patience, your promptness & your guidance through this difficult time is priceless. Your unwavering support and willingness to go the extra mile is so gratefully appreciated and far beyond what we could ever pay you. One day we hope to be able to return the kindness, for we will never forget it.
- AM & DS, Nepal, after hiring the firm when their marriage-based case was denied abroad. We submitted new evidence & a brief totaling 200+ pages, which resulted in an approval of his permanent residency. I-130 Marriage-Based Visa Petition Appeal at the Katmandu, Nepal Immigrant Visa Section, 2005

I was introduced to Robert Carpenter in late 1998 by a professional acquaintance of his, with whom I had been working with previously.

I was considering taking the National Interest Waiver path to my permanent residency and it was on this basis she thought of him as a worthy referral. Considering that the NIW path is one of most difficult routes to take, he took me on as a client after examining the details of my case. As he progressed along, there were several RFE’s (Request for Evidence) from the INS (which is normal in NIW cases), which were responded to in a timely and able manner by Mr. Carpenter. The case was ultimately approved as a result of the firm’s efforts.

Three vital qualities which I consider absolutely essential in an immigration lawyer are 1) good networking contacts in the local INS office 2) assertiveness and up-to-date knowledge in litigation matters 3) easy communication access during any business day. Needless to say Mr. Carpenter leads a group that serves to provide clients with all these needs. Of particular mention, was an incident that required me to leave for oversees on a family emergency. Mr. Carpenter obtained an Advanced Parole (a procedure which takes 10 days) in a matter of hours from the local INS office, an action which was truly commendable.

Most employers shy away from dealing with immigration matters especially after 9/11. Despite these odds, Mr. Carpenter’s letters and communication with my employer were simple and precise and very well coordinated to expedite matters. I would strongly recommend Mr. Carpenter to any of my friends and acquaintances that need any kind of help or consultancy with immigration issues.- SM, India National Interest Waiver, Employment-Based EB-2 Category Immigrant Visa Application 2004 Lincoln, NE & Chicago IL

My H1B1 visa and Permanent Residency story

The journey to this point had been long, but fruitful. It all started with my H1B1 when I was looking for an attorney to help me through all the process step by step. I came about finding Carpenter & Capt from the yellow pages in the phone book. It was like finding a needle in the haystack with all the advertised attorneys available to choose from.

I decided to pick Carpenter and Capt at that time because it seems to be the closest to where I was living, but apart from that I have no idea on how efficient their method and processes were.

I called them up and I was immediately directed to Robert Carpenter. We talked for a bit and after that we scheduled an appointment to sit down and go over the details regarding my H1B1 visa application. Being foreign to this whole new deal, he pretty much explained the whole process in a simple yet understandable manner and answered all my questions without hesitation. I felt comfortable with the whole explanation and decided to give this a shot. After I got my H1B1 visa approved, I decided to have Robert process my application to be a permanent resident. I knew time was an important factor, so without delay we went right ahead to do it.

Throughout the process there were a lot of paperwork to be filed and signed, but everything that was done by Robert Carpenter and his associates were very well thought out and organized. I particularly like those where to sign red/yellow stickers, especially when my boss didn’t have the patience to look for the sign column. We didn’t have any problems with any paperwork. That was when I couldn’t imagine that some people would risk doing it by themselves with so many legal paperwork and steps to go through.

Upon having my permanent residency status approved, I want to thank Robert and his associates on doing such a wonderful job and for their professional ethics in business practices. Sure there are many attorneys out there that claim that they can do the same thing, but one thing for sure in my case, Robert claimed what he can do and he delivered what he said professionally. - JC, China Labor Certification & Employment-Based Visa Immigration Application Lincoln, NE & Chicago, IL 2004

I met Robert in mid-1998 as I had received a job offer in Chicago and needed to initiate a new H1B1 process. I recall him being very helpful and professional, walking me through the process, and securing the visa in a short timeframe.

When the time came to request my Permanent Residency, I immediately contacted Robert. Although living in Chicago, my employer was Ohio based, which necessitated coordination with the Labor Department there. Throughout the entire process, Robert was extremely professional, quickly attentive, and clearly explained every step of the process.

The process entailed numerous EADs, Advance Parole documents, and waits at the immigration offices. Through it all, Robert personally, or one of the Firm’s associates, was at my side.

What struck me most about Robert and the Firm was the professionalism and honesty with which I was treated. At no time did Robert make a promise he could not keep, nor did he give me false hopes about how long the process would take. Make no mistake, it is a long process. However, I always felt protected and well represented by Carpenter & Capt.

I recently received my Permanent Resident Card, and thank Robert and his Firm for his unwavering support throughout the years.-RL, Venezuela Labor Certification & Employment-Based Visa Immigration Application Lincoln, NE & Chicago, IL 2004

"I have only very good things to say about the law offices of Carpenter and Capt.  I was very blessed to have found them in my time of need as they were very knowledgeable and experienced with the nature of my case.  I felt comforted and confident each and every time I spoke with my attorney... and I would recommend the law offices of Carpenter and Capt to anybody who needs honest and reliable legal representation.  These guys know what they're doing and I'll sign my name to that!!"  -Amy & Husband Roberto, Mexico Marriage-Based Visa & Adjustment of Status Immigration Application Adjudicated at the Minneapolis District Office, 2006

"Thank you both for your efforts in helping me to obtain my permanent Residence status in the United States. Working with the two of you ensured that the process ran smooth and all information was filled out correctly and delivered in a timely fashion. Along with that you both were there to answer any and all questions that we had throughout the 4 ½ month process. Your knowledge, attention to detail and guidance throughout entire process provided my family and I reassurance we made the right decision to work with Carpenter & Capt. Thanks again and I look forward to working with you in a few years to obtain my US Citizenship."
- MF, Canada

"Robert Carpenter is a great lawyer. His handling of my case was fast, extremely professional and focused on positive results. All our communications were perfect and at no time did I feel unassured that we will succeed. Surprisingly, Robert solved my case and got me an approval two months before the timeline we had fixed. I am very impressed by the results and the way our case got handled and will recommend to anybody in need of help to use Robert Carpenter's service.Thank you again Robert."
- JD, France Mandamus Suit Nothern District of Illinois Federal District Court for Delayed Marriage-Based Visa & Adjustment of Status Immigration Application Chicago, IL  2006

I have been a client of Mr. Robert Carpenter (CARPENTER & CAPT, CHARTERED) since early 1998. He provided me with exceptional and dedicated services through out the past 6 years. First, I went to him spring of 1998 for my First H1-B work visa and he was able to get it approved within 4 months beating a deadline that otherwise would have made me wait for months longer. Second, he was able to renew my H1-B1 visa with less than a month. After realizing how exceptional his service and dedication are, I contacted Robert to initiate my Green Card process through my employer and I couldn’t have made a better decision. He got my labor certification within 4 months through the RIR track, got my I-140 with 2 months and filed my I-1485 adjustment of status application on time and without a hitch. I am glad to say that I have received my approval for my green card and permanent residency last week and I could not have done it without the professional services of Mr. Robert Carpenter. Robert was with me all the way, going with me to every appointment and answering any question within minutes through e-mails and/or phone. He was accessible all the time and following up on every inquiry I make. I have been recommending Robert to friends, co-workers and family members and would not recommend anybody else.
YS, Jordan Labor Certification & Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Application 2003 Lincoln, NE & Chicago, IL.

I sought the counsel of Mr. Carpenter for my naturalization process. He was extremely thorough and accommodating. He bent backwards to provide me with appointment times suitable to my schedule. He kept me updated at each step of the process, and he was always available to answer my questions. I would most definitely retain his services again. It was an outstanding experience. LK, Brazil Naturalization Application for U.S. Citizenship, Chicago, IL 2003

My wife and I obtained the services of Carpenter and Capt during the winter of 2003. My wife's brother specifically recommended that we consult with Robert Carpenter. My wife and son were in need of assistance in order to obtain permanent residency in this country. During our initial consultation with Robert Carpenter we were highly impressed by his professionalism, courtesy and extensive knowledge relative to Immigration cases.

We could not have made a wiser decision. Robert Carpenter and staff addressed our concerns promptly via e-mail or phone calls. All pertinent forms and paperwork was spelled out clearly and legibly. On June 14, 2005 my wife and son became permanent residents. Robert Carpenter accompanied us during the final interview process. We are forever grateful for the flawless manner in which he handled our case. If ever the need does arise, or if I can recommend the services of Carpenter & Capt to others I would not hesitate to do so. AK, Guatemala Marriage-Based Visa & Adjustment of Status Immigrant Visa Application Chicago, IL  2003

Carpenter and Capt have represented me in various Visa matters (H1B1 & labor certification) over the last five years. Through Mr. Carpenter's efforts I was recently able to achieve my permanent resident status. He kept me updated throughout every step of the process and was always available to answer any questions. His responses were quick and thorough, just like all his work.

I will retain Mr. Carpenter's services again and would recommend him highly to anyone.
Dave, Germany Labor Certification and Employment-Based Visa Immigration Application, Lincoln, NE & Chicago, IL  2002

Your firm did an outstanding job. You are all extremely responsive and very organized which is so critical in this process. The process with the wrong attorney can be very painful; we learned this the hard way! Once we turned over our case to you, everything was processed in a timely fashion and we were kept up to date every step of the way. You did a great job!
A & M, Jordan Marriage-Based Immigrant Visa Petition & Application for Adjustment of Status Immigration Application Chicago, IL  2002